bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First detection and biological characterization of an avian metaavulavirus 8 isolated from a migratory swan goose in Qinghai Lake, Northwest China
Authors: Wang Sijie , Liu Xinxin , Chen Jianjun , Yan Weiwen , Li Hongjin , Chi Weiwei , Luo Rui , Lin Xianwen , Yin Yue , Dong Chuanrong , Wang Huihui , Zheng Bowen , Li Hongli , Liu Yifei , Stoeger Tobias , Wajid Abdul , Dodovski Aleksandar , Gao Chao , Mingala Claro N. , Andreychuk Dmitry B. , Yin Renfu
Published: October 2024

Avian metaavulavirus 8 (AMAV‐8), formerly known as avian paramyxovirus 8 (APMV‐8), has been detected sporadically in wild birds worldwide since it was first identified in a Canadian goose in 1976. However, the presence of AMAV‐8 in birds has never been reported in China. To understand the epidemiological situation of AMAV‐8 and its ability to infect chickens, we conducted a surveillance study and in vivo analysis of the AMAV‐8 isolate identified in total of 14,909 clinical samples collected from wild and domestic birds from 2014 to 2022 in China. However, in 2017, only one AMAV‐8 virus (Y7) was successful isolated from the fresh droppings of a migratory swan goose in Qinghai Lake in Northwest China. Thereafter, we report the complete genome sequence of the Y7 strain with a genome length of 15,342 nucleotides and the Y7 isolate was genetically closely‐related to wild bird‐origin AMAV‐8 viruses previously circulated in the United States, Japan, and Kazakhstan. Furthermore, AMAV‐8 infections of one‐day‐old specific pathogen‐free (SPF) chicks did not induce any clinical signs over the entire observation period but was associated with viral shedding for up to 8 days. Interestingly, although all birds infected with the Y7 strain seroconverted within the first week of infection, virus replication was only detected in the trachea but not in other tissues such as the brain, lung, or heart. Here, we report the complete genome, genetic and biological characterization, replication and pathogenicity analysis in vivo and first detection of AMAV‐8 in China.
CRE redevelopment options and the use of mortgage financing
Authors: Glancy David , Kurtzman Robert , Loewenstein Lara
Published: October 2024

A significant share of commercial real estate (CRE) investment properties—about half by our estimates—are purchased without a mortgage. Using comprehensive microdata on transactions in the US CRE market, we analyze which types of properties are purchased without a mortgage, highlighting the important role of renovation or redevelopment options. We show that mortgage‐financed properties are less likely to be subsequently redeveloped, and that owners anticipate these redevelopment frictions and avoid mortgage financing for properties with greater redevelopment options. These effects were even stronger during the COVID‐19 pandemic, when uncertainty increased redevelopment option values.
Differences in survival of patients with multiple myeloma in rural versus metropolitan regions: Analysis of population data of an Australian local health district
Authors: Ai Sylvia , Thind Amarinder , Parmar Gurdeep
Published: October 2024

Objective

The objective of this study is to determine if there are differences in outcome for patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma in a rural setting compared to a metropolitan setting and which factors influence these outcomes.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District.

Participants

A total of 391 patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma between 2000 and 2022.

Main outcome measures

Treatment and survival outcomes of these patients.

Results

Patients being treated in a rural cancer care centre had lower overall survival compared to those treated at a metropolitan cancer care centre (median OS = 44.4 months vs. 80.2 months, p = 0.002), despite access to similar treatments by the same group of haematologists. There was a significantly higher rate of upfront autologous transplantation (38% vs. 20%, p = 0.001) and higher rate of inclusion in clinical trials (16% vs. 7%, p = 0.021) in patients treated at a metropolitan cancer care centre compared to the rural cancer care centre.

Conclusions

Multiple myeloma patients treated at a rural centre had shorter survival compared to patients treated at a metropolitan centre, and this may be related to lower rates of autologous transplantation and inclusion in clinical trials.
Psychosocial determinants of handwashing and physical distancing behaviour during the COVID‐19 pandemic in the Netherlands: A longitudinal analysis
Authors: Bussemakers Carlijn , Stappers Nicole , Kroese Floor , van den Putte Bas , de Bruin Marijn
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Physical distancing and handwashing can be important infection prevention measures during an infectious disease outbreak such as the COVID‐19 pandemic. To stimulate these behaviours, knowledge of psychosocial determinants as well as contextual factors is vital. We present longitudinal, within‐person analyses of the impact of contextual and psychosocial factors on handwashing and distancing behaviour.

Design

We used individual‐level data (186,490 participants completing 971,899 surveys) from the Corona Behavioural Unit COVID‐19 Cohort, a dynamic cohort study conducted during 26 months of the COVID‐19 pandemic in the Netherlands.

Methods

Fixed‐effects models were employed to estimate within‐person associations between psychosocial factors and behaviour, combined with main and moderating effects of contextual factors.

Results

Pandemic severity was associated with more handwashing and distancing behaviour, while the duration of the pandemic had little effect. Within‐person changes in response efficacy were most relevant for changes in both handwashing and distancing behaviour, while self‐efficacy, descriptive norms and perceived severity of infecting others affected behaviour indirectly. These effects were stable over time. Associations were larger in cross‐sectional models, indicating that such models tend to overestimate effects.

Conclusions

Our study highlights the importance of longitudinal data and within‐person models to detect possible causal associations. The results suggest that during an outbreak, government and public health professionals should clearly communicate the severity of the pandemic (e.g., hospitalization rates) and the effectiveness of recommended prevention measures in reducing that risk; and seek to improve people's capabilities and opportunities to adhere to guidelines, for example, by modifying the environment.
Chronic ethanol exposure in mice evokes pre‐ and postsynaptic deficits in GABAergic transmission in ventral tegmental area GABA neurons
Authors: Mitten Eric H. , Souders Anna , Marron Fernandez de Velasco Ezequiel , Aguado Carolina , Luján Rafael , Wickman Kevin
Published: October 2024

Background and purpose

GABAergic neurons in mouse ventral tegmental area (VTA) exhibit elevated activity during withdrawal following chronic ethanol exposure. While increased glutamatergic input and decreased GABAA receptor sensitivity have been implicated, the impact of inhibitory signaling in VTA GABA neurons has not been fully addressed.

Experimental approach

We used electrophysiological and ultrastructural approaches to assess the impact of chronic intermittent ethanol vapour exposure in mice on GABAergic transmission in VTA GABA neurons during withdrawal. We used CRISPR/Cas9 ablation to mimic a somatodendritic adaptation involving the GABAB receptor (GABABR) in ethanol‐naïve mice to investigate its impact on anxiety‐related behaviour.

Key results

The frequency of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents was reduced in VTA GABA neurons following chronic ethanol treatment and this was reversed by GABABR inhibition, suggesting chronic ethanol strengthens the GABABR‐dependent suppression of GABAergic input to VTA GABA neurons. Similarly, paired‐pulse depression of GABAA receptor‐dependent responses evoked by optogenetic stimulation of nucleus accumbens inputs from ethanol‐treated mice was reversed by GABABR inhibition. Somatodendritic currents evoked in VTA GABA neurons by GABABR activation were reduced following ethanol exposure, attributable to the suppression of GIRK (Kir3) channel activity. Mimicking this adaptation enhanced anxiety‐related behaviour in ethanol‐naïve mice.

Conclusions and implications

Chronic ethanol weakens the GABAergic regulation of VTA GABA neurons in mice via pre‐ and postsynaptic mechanisms, likely contributing to their elevated activity during withdrawal and expression of anxiety‐related behaviour. As anxiety can promote relapse during abstinence, interventions targeting VTA GABA neuron excitability could represent new therapeutic strategies for treatment of alcohol use disorder.
Diminished nuclear‐localized β‐adrenoceptor signalling activates YAP to promote kidney fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Xiang Wenjing , Li Lei , Qin Manman , Li Lei , Yu Hualong , Wang Fangyuan , Ni Siyuan , Shen Ao , Lu Haocheng , Ni Haibo , Wang Ying
Published: October 2024

Background and Purpose

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is characterized by mesangial matrix expansion that involves dysfunctional mesangial cells (MCs). However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to delineate the spatiotemporal contribution of adrenergic signalling in diabetic kidney fibrosis to reveal potential therapeutic targets.

Experimental Approach

A model of diabetic nephropathy was induced by in db/db mice. Gene expression in kidneys was profiled by RNA‐seq analyses, western blot and immunostaining. Subcellular‐localized fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensors determined adrenergic signalling microdomains in MCs. Effects of oral rolipram, a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, on the model were measured.

Key Results

Our model exhibited impaired kidney function with elevated expression of adrenergic and fibrotic genes, including Adrb1, PDEs, Acta2 and Tgfβ. RNA‐seq analysis revealed that MCs with dysregulated YAP pathway were crucial to the extracellular matrix secretion in kidneys from diabetic nephropathy patients. In cultured MCs, TGF‐β promoted profibrotic gene transcription, which was regulated by nuclear‐localized β‐adrenoceptor signalling. Mechanistically, TGF‐β treatment diminished nuclear‐specific cAMP signalling in MCs and reduced PKA‐dependent phosphorylation of YAP, leading to its activation. In parallel, db/db mouse kidneys showed increased expressions of PDE4B and PDE4D. Treatment with oral rolipram alleviated kidney fibrosis in db/db mice.

Conclusion and Implications

Diabetic nephropathy impaired nuclear‐localized β1‐adrenoceptor‐cAMP signalling microdomain through upregulating PDE4 expression, promoting fibrosis in MCs via PKA dephosphorylation‐dependent YAP activation. Our results suggest PDE4 inhibition as a promising strategy for alleviating kidney fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy.
The Metabolic Programming of Pubertal Onset
Authors: Roddick Clinton , Harris Mark , Hofman Paul L.
Published: October 2024

Background

There is increasing evidence that maternal factors such as nutritional status (both under and over‐nutrition) and diabetes, alongside prenatal exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), are associated with early pubertal onset in offspring. Such children are also at increased risk of the metabolic syndrome during adolescence and young adulthood.

Aim

This literature review focuses on the role of the prenatal environment in programming pubertal onset, and the impact of prenatal metabolic stressors on the declining average age of puberty.

Method

A review of all relevant literature was conducted in PubMed by the authors.

Outcome

The mechanism for this appears to be mediated through metabolic signals, such as leptin and insulin, on the kisspeptin‐neuronal nitric oxide‐gonadotropin releasing hormone (KiNG) axis. Exposed children have an elevated risk of childhood obesity and display a phenotype of hyperinsunlinaemia and hyperleptinaemia. These metabolic changes permit an earlier attainment of the nutritional “threshold” for puberty. Unfortunately, this cycle may be amplified across subsequent generations, however early intervention may help “rescue” progression of this programming.
Quality of life and functional outcome of rectal cancer patients: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Pennings Alexander J. , Vink Geraldine R. , van Kuijk Sander , Melenhorst Jarno , Beets Geerard L. , May Anne M. , Breukink Stephanie O.
Published: October 2024

Aim

In the last decade, the Netherlands has implemented various diagnostic and treatment strategies to enhance rectal cancer outcomes. This study, using data from the Prospective Dutch ColoRectal Cancer (PLCRC) cohort, investigates whether these multidisciplinary advancements have translated into improved health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and functional outcomes for the general Dutch rectal cancer population.

Methods

Patients with Stage I–III rectal cancer enrolled in the PLCRC cohort were included. HRQoL and functional outcomes were assessed 1 and 2 years after diagnosis using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ‐C30), EORTC QLQ Colorectal Cancer 29 and the Low Anterior Resection Syndrome score. HRQoL and functional outcomes were compared based on year of diagnosis (2014–2019).

Results

A total of 1294 patients were included. Two years after diagnosis, patients diagnosed in 2019 (n = 392) had a clinically relevant higher score on physical (8.2, 95% CI 4.1–12.3), role (13.5, 95% CI 7.3–19.7) and social functioning (5.8, 95% CI 0.3–11.2) compared to those diagnosed in 2014 (n = 65). Additionally, patients diagnosed in 2019 experienced less fatigue 2 years after diagnosis compared to those diagnosed in 2014 (−8.6, 95% CI −14.1 to −3.0). The Low Anterior Resection Syndrome score showed no differences.

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that over the past decade rectal cancer patients in the Netherlands have witnessed improvements in HRQoL across various domains. Most probably, the improvement is due to a combination of implementation of population screening, a more restrictive neoadjuvant radiotherapy policy and advances in minimally invasive surgery and organ preserving treatment options.
Short‐term morbidity and mortality after right hemicolectomy: an update of national performance in the Netherlands
Authors: Sijmons J. M. L. , Grüter A. A. J. , Toorenvliet B. R. , Tollenaar R. A. E. M. , Dekker J. W. T. , Tanis P. J. , Tuynman J. B.
Published: October 2024

Aim

The purpose of this Dutch retrospective population‐based study was to evaluate how short‐term outcomes and inter‐hospital variability after right hemicolectomy for colon cancer have evolved between 2012 and 2020.

Method

Patients who underwent right hemicolectomy for primary solitary colon cancer between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2020 and were registered in the Dutch Colorectal Audit were included. Surgical characteristics and outcomes were assessed during three time periods (2012–2014, 2015–2017, 2018–2020). Complications and mortality were the primary outcomes, and reintervention, readmission and length of stay secondary outcomes.

Results

In total, 29 274 patients were included. Significant increase in minimally invasive surgery (51.1% 2012–2014, 73.2% 2015–2017, 85.0% 2018–2020), increase in conversion (6.6%, 7.8%, 9.1%, P < 0.001) and decrease in acute/urgent resections (15.9%, 11.7%, 10.9%, P < 0.001) were found. The overall complication rate was slightly lower in the third period (30.9%, 30.6%, 28.8%, P = 0.004), primarily because of decreasing non‐surgical complications (19.7%, 20.6%, 17.6%, P < 0.001), while surgical complications remained unchanged (17.5%, 18.3%, 18.2%, P = 0.277). Postoperative mortality was 3.4%, 2.3% and 3.5%, respectively. Reintervention rate slightly decreased (9.4%, 8.3%, 8.6%, P < 0.001). The proportion of patients admitted for more than 6 days decreased over time (54.3%, 42.4%, 34.3%, P < 0.001), with an increase in readmission rate (7.4%, 6.8%, 9.3%, P < 0.001). Inter‐hospital variability decreased over time for complications, length of stay and conversion.

Conclusion

This study shows a national decreasing inter‐hospital variability in clinical outcomes after right hemicolectomy and a decrease in postoperative complications. Despite increasing use of laparoscopy, surgical complications and mortality remained stable over time.
KDM2B and its peptides promote the stem cells from apical papilla mediated nerve injury repair in rats by intervening EZH2 function
Authors: Cao Yangyang , Wang Yantong , Xia Dengsheng , Fan Zhipeng
Published: October 2024

How to improve the neurogenic potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and develop biological agent based on the underlying epigenetic mechanism remains a challenge. Here, we investigated the effect of histone demethylase Lysine (K)‐specific demethylase 2B (KDM2B) on neurogenic differentiation and nerve injury repair by using MSCs from dental apical papilla (SCAP). We found that KDM2B promoted the neurogenic indicators expression and neural spheres formation in SCAP, and modified the Histone H3K4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) methylation on neurogenesis‐related genes. KDM2B improved the SCAP mediated recovery of motor ability at the early healing stage of spinal cord injury rats. Meanwhile, KDM2B acted as a negative regulator to its partner EZH2 during neurogenic differentiation, enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2) suppressed the neurogenic ability of SCAP. Further, the protein interaction between KDM2B and EZH2 was identified which decreased during neurogenic differentiation. On this basis, we revealed seven key protein binding sequences of KDM2B to EZH2, and synthesized KDM2B‐peptides based on these sequences. By the usage of KDM2B‐peptides, EZH2 function was effectively intervened and the neurogenic ability of SCAP was promoted. More, KDM2B‐peptides significantly improved the SCAP mediated functional recovery at SCI early phase. Our study revealed that KDM2B acted as a promotor to neurogenic differentiation ability of dental MSCs through binding and negatively regulating EZH2, and provided the KDM2B‐peptides as candidate agents for improving the neurogenic ability of MSCs and nerve injury repair.
Dorsomedial striatal AMPA receptor antagonism increases alcohol binge drinking in selectively bred crossed high alcohol preferring mice
Authors: Bauer Meredith R. , McVey Megan M. , Zhang Yanping , Boehm Stephen L.
Published: October 2024

Crossed high alcohol preferring (cHAP) mice have been selectively bred to consume considerable amounts of alcohol resulting in binge drinking. The dorsomedial striatum (DMS) is a brain region involved in goal‐directed action selection, and dorsolateral striatum (DLS) is a brain region involved in habitual action selection. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) may involve a disruption in the balance between the DMS and DLS. While the DLS is involved in binge drinking, the reliance on the DMS and DLS in binge drinking has not been investigated in cHAP mice. We have previously demonstrated that glutamatergic activity in the DLS is necessary for binge‐like alcohol drinking in C57BL/6J mice, another high drinking mouse. Because of this, we hypothesised that DLS glutamatergic activity would gate binge‐like alcohol drinking in cHAP mice. cHAP mice underwent bilateral cannulation into the DMS or DLS and were allowed free‐access to 20% alcohol for 2 h each day for 11 days. Mice were microinjected with the α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) antagonist, NBQX, into the DMS or DLS immediately prior to alcohol access. AMPAR protein expression was also assessed in a separate group of animals in the DMS and DLS following an 11‐day drinking history. We found that intra‐DMS (but not intra‐DLS) NBQX alters binge alcohol drinking, with intra‐DMS NBQX increasing alcohol consumption. We also found that the ratio of GluA1 to GluA2 differs across dorsal striatal subregions. Together, these findings suggest that glutamatergic activity in the DMS may serve to limit binge drinking in cHAP mice.
Cholinergic dysfunction in isolated rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder links to impending phenoconversion
Authors: Terkelsen Miriam H. , Iranzo Alex , Serradell Mónica , Baun Andreas M. , Stokholm Morten G. , Danielsen Erik Hvid , Østergaard Karen , Otto Marit , Svendsen Kristina B. , Møller Mette , Johnsen Erik L. , Garrido Alicia , Vilas Dolores , Santamaria Joan , Møller Arne , Gaig Carles , Brooks David J. , Borghammer Per , Tolosa Eduardo , Pavese Nicola
Published: October 2024

Background and purpose

Most patients with isolated rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder (iRBD) progress to a parkinsonian alpha‐synucleinopathy. However, time to phenoconversion shows great variation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether cholinergic and dopaminergic dysfunction in iRBD patients was associated with impending phenoconversion.

Methods

Twenty‐one polysomnography‐confirmed iRBD patients underwent baseline 11C‐donepezil and 6‐Fluoro‐(18F)‐l‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (18F‐DOPA) positron emission tomography (PET). Potential phenoconversion was monitored for up to 8 years. PET images were analysed according to patients' diagnoses after 3 and 8 years using linear regression. Time‐to‐event analysis was made with Cox regression, dividing patients into low and high tracer uptake groups.

Results

Follow‐up was accomplished in 17 patients. Eight patients progressed to either Parkinson's disease (n = 4) or dementia with Lewy bodies (n = 4), while nine remained non‐phenoconverters. Compared with non‐phenoconverters, 8‐year phenoconverters had lower mean 11C‐donepezil uptake in the parietal (p = 0.032) and frontal cortex (p = 0.042), whereas mean 11C‐donepezil uptake in 3‐year phenoconverters was lower in the parietal cortex (p = 0.005), frontal cortex (p = 0.025), thalamus (p = 0.043) and putamen (p = 0.049). Phenoconverters within 3 years and 8 years had lower 18F‐DOPA uptake in the putamen (p < 0.001). iRBD patients with low parietal 11C‐donepezil uptake had a 13.46 (95% confidence interval 1.42;127.21) times higher rate of phenoconversion compared with those with higher uptake (p = 0.023). iRBD patients with low 18F‐DOPA uptake in the most affected putamen were all phenoconverters with higher rate of phenoconversion (p = 0.0002).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that cortical cholinergic dysfunction, particularly within the parietal cortex, could be a biomarker candidate for predicting short‐term phenoconversion in iRBD patients. This study aligns with previous reports suggesting dopaminergic dysfunction is associated with forthcoming phenoconversion.
Supportive Care Needs of Young Adults With Endometriosis: An Open‐Ended Online Survey and Exploration of Unmet Needs
Authors: Taffs Louis , Waters Niamh , Marino Jennifer , Rapsey Charlene , Peate Michelle , Girling Jane E.
Published: October 2024

Objective

The aim of this study is to identify and explore the unmet needs of adolescents and young adults living with endometriosis.

Design

An open‐ended online survey was conducted, with questions derived from prior research looking at areas of unmet need in healthcare, career and work, financial, information, psychological, social and cultural domains.

Setting and Population

Self‐selecting 18‐25 year olds with surgically diagnosed endometriosis (self‐reported) currently living in Australia were included as participants.

Methods

Invitation to participate in an open‐ended online survey was shared through the social media of Australian endometriosis organisations and the Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne. Surveys were analysed qualitatively through template analysis.

Main Outcome Measures

Recording of the unmet supportive care needs of this population was carried out.

Results

One hundred and thirty‐one respondents fit the eligibility criteria of being aged 18–25 years (median age 23 years). Most were born in Australia (94%), university‐educated (54%) and lived in a metropolitan setting (69%). There was a range of unmet needs that were presented across education, work, healthcare and relationships. Group‐specific challenges were identified: doctors either over‐ or underemphasising future fertility; disrupted sexual and romantic life due to painful sex; managing pain in the classroom and workplace where periods are taboo; and being gender‐queer in gynaecological medical spaces.

Conclusions

The increasingly young age at which patients are receiving an endometriosis diagnosis precipitates a shift in patient care. The treatment decisions that are being made must be reflective of the unique needs of the adolescents who carry the burden of the disease. Clinicians are advised to be aware of and discuss needs with their patients.

Patient or Public Contribution

The nine open‐ended questions in this survey were developed from data from a preliminary series of interviews with endometriosis patients in a tertiary women's healthcare centre. In asking these data‐informed questions to the online endometriosis community, patients across broader sociocultural demographics and disease states (including less symptomatic endometriosis) have provided a broader understanding of their supportive care needs.
TRUTHFUL IS MORAL: PRACTICING ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITY IN CHINESE HISTORIOGRAPHY
Authors: Wang Q. Edward
Published: October 2024

In recent years, efforts have been made to reevaluate the tradition of Chinese historical thought and writing. This article seeks to further these efforts and offer a new understanding of the characteristics of historical writing in traditional China. It argues that, at the level of practice, traditional Chinese historians, like their counterparts in the rest of the world, were deeply concerned with establishing and communicating facts in historical writing. Their separation of commentary and narrative in order to practice “straight writing” of the latter is a telling example, one that evolved into an enshrined tradition over the long span of imperial China. At the theoretical level, Chinese historians also consciously explored the ways in which truthfulness in history could be reconciled with the ethical responsibilities they perceived and sought to assume in and for their time. This quest did not stop at the level of “praise and blame” for past personalities and events. Rather, their practice amounted to an effort, epitomized by the historical practice of the Song period (960–1279), to search for the metaphysics of historical morality, or the immanent and overarching principles that guide human society.
Evaluation of steel ladle refractories lining designs aiming energy savings using open‐source finite element tools
Authors: Santos Julianne Alice , Santos Matheus Felipe , Moreira Murilo Henrique , Angélico Ricardo Afonso , Pandolfelli Victor Carlos
Published: October 2024

This research aimed to implement a finite element heat transfer model to simulate the thermal cycle of steel ladles using an open‐source tool. FEniCS was selected, as it can solve partial derivative equations such as the heat transfer ones, which describes the thermal state of the steel ladle via finite element method. For this, each step of the steel ladle cycle (preheating, waiting steps, and holding) had its own model, comprising specific combinations of boundary conditions. An energy consumption analysis was carried out based on the calculation of the heat flux for each stage of the ladle cycle according to three selected configurations of the refractory lining chosen for the simulation. The results showed that the solutions obtained by both the open‐source method and by the commercial tool (Abaqus) were equivalent. The comparison of different lining configurations, especially using insulators, presented several advantages from the energy point of view. The attained conclusions can be of great interest to the refractory engineers who seek novel solutions to improve the insulating performance of the steel ladle. The present framework makes it possible to test a multitude of different designs and processing operation conditions, making the proposed tool a cost‐effective solution to aid the required improvements to reduce the carbon footprint of critical industrial processes such as steelmaking.
Distinguishing characteristics of out‐of‐school adolescents in South Korea: A machine learning approach
Authors: Han Yoonsun , Park Jisu , Song Juyoung , Kang Deborah Minjee
Published: October 2024

Recently in South Korea the increasing prevalence of school dropouts and the declining age at which students leave school have drawn renewed attention to this issue. In line with preventive efforts and recognizing early signs of leaving school, the current study aims to identify a set of variables that are most important for understanding the experience of school dropout among South Korean adolescents. Data from two independent panel studies collected by the National Youth Policy Institute in South Korea were merged and analyzed in this study: Korean Children and Youth Panel Study (N = 1646, age = 15.90, girls = 50.73%) and Dropout Youth Panel Study (N = 609, age = 16.84, girls = 56.16%). We applied machine learning algorithms to classify the experience of school dropout using two analytic methods: random forest and decision tree. A total of 36 features from personal, family, school, peer, and community domains were used in the analyses. Specifically, adolescent behavioral characteristics (truancy, smoking, drinking, media use), family structure, teacher relationship, group bullying victimization, and collective efficacy, were consistently identified as significant features of school dropout in random forest and decision tree models. Such information, which highlights a broad spectrum of important factors within adolescents' ecological systems, may provide a scientific knowledge base for school‐level prevention efforts. By identifying these features, social workers and educators may develop early warning systems against school dropouts and accurately screen adolescents with high risk.
Linking training with competitive strategy: the mediating role of human capital
Authors: Osorio‐Londoño Andres A. , Naranjo‐Valencia Julia C. , Calderón‐Hernandez Gregorio
Published: October 2024

This study evaluates the mediating role of human capital in the relationship between training and competitive strategy implementation. It provides a novel contribution to strategic human resource management literature by exploring mechanisms linking training with competitive strategies. The Resource‐Based View of the firm and Miles and Snow's opposite strategies are used herein to connect training, human capital, and competitive strategy. Hypotheses about human capital's mediating role in the relationships between training and prospector and defender strategies, respectively, were proposed and empirically tested in 245 large Colombian industrial companies by structural equation modeling. This study found that human capital mediates the relationship between training and competitive strategies. In practical terms, training facilitates competitive strategy implementation via human capital improvement.
Recurrence rates after healing in patients with neuroischemic diabetic foot ulcers healed with and without sucrose octasulfate‐impregnated dressings: A 1‐year comparative prospective study
Authors: Lázaro‐Martínez José Luis , García‐Madrid Marta , Bohbot Serge , López‐Moral Mateo , Molines‐Barroso Raúl J. , García‐Álvarez Yolanda
Published: October 2024

To compare recurrence rates after a 1‐year follow‐up period of healed neuroischemic diabetic foot ulcers after treatment with or without sucrose octasulfate impregnated dressing. A 1‐year prospective study with two arms was conducted between April 2021 and April 2023 on 92 patients with healed neuroischemic diabetic foot ulcers. Patients were divided into two groups; the treatment group, that includes patients healed with a sucrose octasulfate‐impregnated dressing, and the control group, which includes patients treated with other local treatments different from sucrose octasulfate‐impregnated dressings. After healing, patients were prospectively followed up during 1‐year and assessed monthly in the specialised outpatient clinics. The main outcome of the study was ulcer recurrence after wound healing within 1 year follow‐up. Secondary outcomes were minor or major amputation and all causes of death. Fifty patients in the treatment group and 42 patients in the control group were included. Fourteen (28%) patients suffered from a reulceration event in the treatment group compared to 28 (66.7%) in the control group, p < 0.001. Time to recurrence in the treatment group was 10 (16.26–2.75) and 11.50 (30.75–5.25) weeks in the control group, p = 0.464. There were no observed differences in the minor amputation rates between the two groups: 15.2% (n = 7) in the treatment group and 7.1% (n = 3) in the control group (p = 0.362). Major amputations and death outcomes were exclusively observed in the treatment group. Specifically, four major amputations (8.7%) in the treatment group were complications arising from recurring events complicated by infection during the SARS‐CoV‐2 period. Seven patients died due to complications not related with local therapy. The relative risk of recurrence was 20.18 times higher in the control group compared with those treated with octasulfate dressing (p < 0.001). Treatment with sucrose octasulfate‐impregnated dressings can decrease recurrence rates of neuroischaemic diabetic foot ulcers more effectively than neutral dressings. Besides, it may enhance the foot's clinical properties in patients with poor microcirculation, which could aid in preventing future recurrences.
Strong hybrid cellular/lamellar ceramic/polymer composites via emulsification freeze casting
Authors: Li Guanjin , Li Yushu , Yang Likai , Hong Lingyi , Dong Xinyu , Tan Vincent Beng Chye , Zhai Wei
Published: October 2024

Despite their unremarkable constituents, natural materials, with their hybrid hierarchical structure, possess exceptional mechanical properties. The hybrid hierarchical structure typically comprises two or more distinct phases such as lamellar, gradient, tubular, and cellular form. An oil‐in‐water emulsion freeze casting method is devised to create composite materials with a bio‐inspired hybrid cellular/lamellar structure. The impact of two types of binders on the microstructure, namely, polyvinyl alcohol and F127, and their correlation with the mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. Samples fabricated with a 5 wt.% F127 emulsification slurry exhibited an “H”‐shaped cellular/lamellar structure and achieved compressive strength and specific energy absorption of about 360 MPa and 37 kJ/kg, which are noteworthy considering their ceramic and epoxy composition. Finite element analyses were then conducted to reveal how mechanical load distribution between the different phases of the composites and the influence of microstructure on fracture paths can lead to enhancement in mechanical properties.
Low‐carbohydrate diets in East Asians with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Hironaka Junya , Hamaguchi Masahide , Ichikawa Takahiro , Nakajima Hanako , Okamura Takuro , Majima Saori , Senmaru Takafumi , Okada Hiroshi , Ushigome Emi , Nakanishi Naoko , Joo Erina , Shide Kenichiro , Fukui Michiaki
Published: October 2024

Aims

Despite the reported success of low‐carbohydrate diets in improving glycemic control in the Western countries, no studies have investigated the effects of such diets in Asians. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials to examine the effects of low‐carbohydrate diets on glycemic control in East Asian adults.

Materials and Methods

We systematically searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases from inception to June 28, 2023, to identify randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of low‐carbohydrate diets in patients with type 2 diabetes (PROSPERO number CRD 42023453007). The primary outcome was the difference in glycated hemoglobin levels between the low‐carbohydrate diet and control groups. The secondary outcome was the difference in body mass index, fasting blood glucose level, blood pressure, and lipid profile.

Results

Six randomized controlled trials met the eligibility criteria. The study duration ranged from 3 to 18 months, with five studies conducted within 6 months. The results showed that low‐carbohydrate diets were more beneficial in lowering glycated hemoglobin levels and body mass index than control diets. The risk of bias for the six studies was minimal for two and moderate for four. The heterogeneity among the studies was low.

Conclusions

Low‐carbohydrate diets improved glycated hemoglobin levels and body mass index in East Asians compared with control diets. Therefore, carbohydrate restriction may be effective for glycemic management in East Asians with type 2 diabetes for at least 6 months.
Bee Diversity and Abundance During Peach Bloom in South Carolina, United States
Authors: Tayal Mandeep , Wilson Christopher , de la Plata Zoe Marquez , Cieniewicz Elizabeth
Published: October 2024

Peach (Prunus persica [L.] Batsch) is an important speciality fruit crop in the United States. Peach is self‐compatible, but bee pollination enhances fruit sets and diverse populations improve pollination efficiency. However, the bee diversity and abundance in peach orchards in South Carolina are unknown. To understand this, we sampled bees during peach tree bloom at two locations in South Carolina—the Clemson University Musser Fruit Research Center (MFRC) and a peach farm in Ridge Spring, South Carolina. Overall, a total of 651 bees were collected from peach orchards, of which Bombus (37%) and Apis (32%) were the most dominant genera, followed by Eucera (14%), Andrena (8%) and Habropoda (5%). Diversity indices indicate higher species richness and diversity at the Ridge Spring farm than at MFRC. Dominant species at the MFRC were Apis mellifera (36.77%), Bombus bimaculatus (29.1%), B. griseocolis (12%) and Eucera hamata (8%). In contrast, the Ridge Spring farm was dominated by A. mellifera (24.17%), Habropoda laboriosa (12%), Andrena barbara (12%), E. atriventris (11.72%) and B. bimaculatus (11.35%). In comparing the effectiveness of sampling methods, blue vane traps (BVTs) captured more bees than aerial sweep netting. Furthermore, BVTs predominantly captured larger‐sized bees, while smaller‐sized bees were more frequently collected using sweep netting. Throughout peach bloom, differences in bee abundance were observed over time as well. Our study sheds light on the bee diversity and abundance in South Carolina peach orchards, revealing variations between locations. This knowledge of bee diversity and abundance will provide baseline information on bee communities in peach orchards and will help develop suitable pollinator conservation programs.
‘Let's Go to the Land Instead’: Indigenous Perspectives on Biodiversity and the Possibilities of Regenerative Capital
Authors: Arjaliès Diane‐Laure , Banerjee Subhabrata Bobby
Published: October 2024

The land has been a source of capital accumulation since colonization through extractive activities like mining and industrial agriculture. Indigenous peoples have profoundly different relationships with the land, which are more relational than extractive. However, their knowledge has been subjugated by and systematically excluded from Western conservation policies, which are based on colonial modes of control. We begin to address this issue by elaborating on a community‐based participatory project, namely a Conservation Impact Bond (CIB), developed in Canada with Deshkan Ziibiing. This CIB was unique since it combined Indigenous and Western knowledges and aimed at restoring ecosystems by building relationships of kinship between peoples and the land. Based on our findings, we propose a Two‐Eyed Seeing relationship‐building process model – a multi‐stakeholder initiative (MSI) incorporating Indigenous and Western knowledges. We discuss the implications of our findings for mobilizing capital to serve collective rather than private interests while promoting Indigenous resurgence and land regeneration. We suggest shifting from extractive to regenerative capital is necessary to address the climate and biodiversity loss crises. This transformation could be achieved by embracing a relational ontology through Two‐Eyed Seeing.
Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Liver Enzyme Elevation After Hepatitis C Virologic Cure
Authors: Zhang Helen L. , Nemeth Hayley , Woodhouse E. Wilbur , Davenport Clemontina A. , Chan Cliburn , Okeke Nwora Lance , Naggie Susanna
Published: October 2024

A subset of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection demonstrate liver enzyme elevation (LEE) after achieving sustained virologic response (SVR). Risk factors for LEE are not well characterised. We conducted a single‐centre retrospective cohort study of adults with HCV infection in the Duke University Health System who received direct‐acting antiviral therapy and achieved SVR. We performed multivariable logistic regression to assess the relationship between potential risk factors and LEE. We used generalised linear mixed‐effects models to explore longitudinal relationships between HIV and LEE. Among 1356 patients, 556 (41.0%) had LEE after achieving SVR. Higher pretreatment alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.08 per 10 IU/L increase; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–1.11) and pretreatment cirrhosis (aOR 2.26, 95% CI 1.60–3.21) were associated with higher odds of LEE; male sex was associated with lower odds of LEE (aOR 0.28, 95% CI 0.21–0.38). There was insufficient evidence of an association between HIV and LEE (aOR 0.83, 95% CI 0.47–1.44). Pretreatment ALT, cirrhosis and female sex predicted LEE in this cohort of patients with HCV infection who achieved SVR. These findings can help to identify patients at greatest risk of post‐SVR liver injury.
When I say … multiculturalism
Authors: Khan Themrise
Published: October 2024

Multiculturalism should celebrate diversity, but history shows it often deepens divides. From colonial scars to modern immigration policies, Khan outines the risks of using it as a tool for division, not unity.
Impact of foreign remittances, disaggregated energy use, on environmental pollution in the top recipient countries for remittances
Authors: Rahaman Sk Habibur , Islam Md. Saiful
Published: October 2024

Foreign remittance has become an essential source of wealth in recent decades, with far‐reaching effects on various economic indices and CO2 emissions. This research examines the impact of remittances and disaggregated energy consumption on CO2 emissions in an ‘Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC)’ framework utilising a global sample of 46 top remittance‐receiving countries during 1996–2020. The study confirms the EKC proposition and demonstrates that a decline in CO2 emissions is connected to remittance, renewable energy use and financial development. Additionally, our results stand up to various robustness tests, ensuring the reliability of our findings. Our research suggests that to reduce the adverse effects of non‐renewable energy on environmental quality, governments, regulators and other stakeholders should implement rigorous market regulations and allocate substantial financial resources to R&D for innovating environmentally friendly production technologies. The government may also provide incentives for importing environmentally friendly production tech, such as tax rebates and subsidies. Lastly, foreign remittance and renewable energy are two tools governments may employ to cut CO2 emissions and improve environmental quality.
Calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumour with an atypical clinical presentation in a paediatric patient: A case report and literature review
Authors: Pereira Kelly dos Anjos Melo , Marlière Daniel Amaral Alves , Medeiros Yuri de Lima , de Oliveira Bruno Romano , Pires Fabio Ramôa
Published: October 2024

Aim

We report a rare case of a calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumour with atypical clinical presentation in an adolescent and present a literature review of this tumour in paediatric patients.

Materials and Methods

A 12‐year‐old female patient presented with a painless swelling of the left mandible, with a history of 6 months. Clinical examination revealed a sessile mass with a reddish‐pink colour and firm consistency. Tomographic images showed a hypodense, unilocular lesion involving unerupted tooth #34, with a hyperdense focus in contact with the tooth crown disrupting the buccal cortex.

Results

Enucleation, curettage and peripheral osteotomy of the lesion were performed, and the impacted tooth was removed, followed by the application of autologous leucocyte and platelet‐rich fibrin matrices to the region. The patient evolved favourably with good clinical healing and evidence of new bone formation.

Conclusions

Despite its aggressive potential, the conservative approach for CEOT in paediatric patients proved to be effective. Our review found reports of recurrence up to 13 years after surgery. Therefore, long‐term clinical and radiographical follow‐up is indicated.
Assessment of the trapezoidal miniplate with posterior extension for open management of condylar fractures: Can it be used instead of straight miniplates?
Authors: Brito Gabriel Conceição , de Assis Adriano Freitas , de Moraes Márcio
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study comparatively measures and evaluates the strength of five plating techniques for mandibular condylar fracture fixation when linear loading is applied.

Materials and Methods

The investigators designed and implemented a cross‐sectional in vitro study. The sample was composed of 60 polyurethane mandibles for the mechanical tests. For the photoelastic test, 10 photoelastic mandibles were used. The predictor variable is the plating technique, and it was categorized as groups G2P‐2.0: two 4‐hole 2.0 mm straight plates, G1TP‐2.0: 4‐hole 2.0 mm trapezoidal plate; G1TPPE‐2.0: 4‐hole 2.0 mm trapezoidal plate with posterior extension; G1TP‐1.5: 4‐hole 1.5 mm trapezoidal plate and G1TPPE‐1.5: 4‐hole 1.5 mm trapezoidal plate with posterior extension. The outcome variable is the strength of the plating techniques that was evaluated with the loading test: peak/ending load and peak/ending displacement measures collected. The photoelastic test was used to detect tension distribution throughout the structure helping to understand the material's behaviour. Values of the loading test were analysed using SAS (SAS Institute, Cary, NC, EUA). A p <0.5 (p = 0.05) was considered significant and means were compared using the Tukey test.

Results

The results indicated that the fixation with two plates presented a higher resistance in the anteroposterior direction and fixation with a trapezoidal plate with posterior extension is more resistant towards mediolateral. The photoelastic analysis showed that the strain lines were best distributed when trapezoidal plates were used.

Conclusion

According to the results, the posterior extension of the trapezoidal plates increased the strength of the fixation system, and the use of trapezoidal plates with or without posterior extension was favourable to a more balanced stress distribution. However, clinical studies must be done to confirm the biomechanical findings.