bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovering generation Z's level of principled moral reasoning and assessing demographic variations
Authors: Weber James
Published: May 2024

Framed by social identity and cognitive moral reasoning theories, this paper assessed Gen Zs' level of principled moral reasoning, discovered during their undergraduate college years, and influences revealed by demographic variations using the Moral Reasoning Inventory. We discovered that Gen Zs' principled moral reasoning was lower than research reporting on Millennials, but not as dramatic a decline as scholars reported when investigating Baby Boomers, Generation Xers, and Millennials' Pscores. We found some differences within our sample based on business discipline (academic major), the most powerful influence on Gen Zs' principled moral reasoning, followed by gender, work experience, and academic intelligence (GPA). Years in an academic program were not seen as influencing Gen Zs' principled moral reasoning. Overall, we conclude that Gen Zs may not exhibit a homogenous ethical identity as measured by their level of principled moral reasoning. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Specificity of cost and probability biases in social anxiety: Comparing status and belongingness threats
Authors: Azoulay Roy , Gilboa‐Schechtman Eva
Published: May 2024

Background

Social anxiety (SA) is characterized by concerns about the expected occurrence (probability) and anticipated distress (cost) of social threats. Unclear is whether SA correlates specifically with biased expectations of belongingness or status threats.

Aims

We aimed to discern if SA is uniquely tied to biased expectancies of either belongingness or status threats.

Materials and Methods

We assessed 757 participants' perceptions of exclusion and put‐down scenarios, analysing associations between SA and threat perceptions.

Discussion

Our findings support the status‐sensitivity hypothesis, suggesting individuals with high SA are particularly attuned to the perceived cost of status threats, potentially informing treatment approaches.

Conclusion

Understanding SA's link to status concerns enhances therapeutic strategies, emphasizing the need to address status‐related situations, cognitions, and emotions in interventions.
Bridging large language model disparities: Skill tagging of multilingual educational content
Authors: Kwak Yerin , Pardos Zachary A.
Published: May 2024

The adoption of large language models (LLMs) in education holds much promise. However, like many technological innovations before them, adoption and access can often be inequitable from the outset, creating more divides than they bridge. In this paper, we explore the magnitude of the country and language divide in the leading open‐source and proprietary LLMs with respect to knowledge of K‐12 taxonomies in a variety of countries and their performance on tagging problem content with the appropriate skill from a taxonomy, an important task for aligning open educational resources and tutoring content with state curricula. We also experiment with approaches to narrowing the performance divide by enhancing LLM skill tagging performance across four countries (the USA, Ireland, South Korea and India–Maharashtra) for more equitable outcomes. We observe considerable performance disparities not only with non‐English languages but with English and non‐US taxonomies. Our findings demonstrate that fine‐tuning GPT‐3.5 with a few labelled examples can improve its proficiency in tagging problems with relevant skills or standards, even for countries and languages that are underrepresented during training. Furthermore, the fine‐tuning results show the potential viability of GPT as a multilingual skill classifier. Using both an open‐source model, Llama2‐13B, and a closed‐source model, GPT‐3.5, we also observe large disparities in tagging performance between the two and find that fine‐tuning and skill information in the prompt improve both, but the closed‐source model improves to a much greater extent. Our study contributes to the first empirical results on mitigating disparities across countries and languages with LLMs in an educational context.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Recent advances in generative AI have led to increased applications of LLMs in education, offering diverse opportunities.

LLMs excel predominantly in English and exhibit a bias towards the US context.

Automated content tagging has been studied using English‐language content and taxonomies.

What this paper adds

Investigates the country and language disparities in LLMs concerning knowledge of educational taxonomies and their performance in tagging content.

Presents the first empirical findings on addressing disparities in LLM performance across countries and languages within an educational context.

Improves GPT‐3.5's tagging accuracy through fine‐tuning, even for non‐US countries, starting from zero accuracy.

Extends automated content tagging to non‐English languages using both open‐source and closed‐source LLMs.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Underscores the importance of considering the performance generalizability of LLMs to languages other than English.

Highlights the potential viability of ChatGPT as a skill tagging classifier across countries.
HER2 mutation as an emerging target in advanced breast cancer
Authors: Bon Giulia , Di Lisa Francesca Sofia , Filomeno Lorena , Arcuri Teresa , Krasniqi Eriseld , Pizzuti Laura , Barba Maddalena , Messina Beatrice , Schiavoni Giulia , Sanguineti Giuseppe , Botti Claudio , Cappelli Sonia , Pelle Fabio , Cavicchi Flavia , Puccica Ilaria , Costantini Maurizio , Perracchio Letizia , Maugeri‐Saccà Marcello , Ciliberto Gennaro , Vici Patrizia
Published: May 2024

HER2 activating mutations have emerged as oncogenic drivers and therapeutic targets in a variety of human tumors. In breast cancer, these deregulations occur at low frequency, and are mostly detected in HER2‐nonamplified, metastatic disease. Preclinical evidence has clarified the role of hotspot mutations in HER2 constitutive activation, defining them as an alternative mechanism to HER2 gene amplification. Furthermore, recent clinical studies have indicated the emergence of newly acquired HER2 deregulations in significant proportions of breast cancer patients who experience disease progression following both endocrine and HER2‐targeted therapies. As the involvement of HER2 mutation in therapy resistance may profoundly impact patient outcomes on successive therapies, several clinical trials are currently investigating the efficacy of various HER2‐targeted drugs in HER2‐mutant breast cancer. In this review, we firstly summarize the structural organization of the HER2 oncogene and its historical impact on breast cancer prognosis and therapeutic advancement. Then, we provide an overview of the frequencies and functional relevance of clinically recurrent HER2 mutations in breast cancer with a special focus on their role in therapeutic resistance. Finally, we provide a collection of the clinical trials that are currently exploring novel therapeutic approaches for this patient subset and discuss the related perspectives and challenges.
Trends in patterns of treatment and survival of colorectal cancer patients using cancer registry data in Japan: 1995–2015
Authors: Ota Masato , Taniguchi Kohei , Hori Megumi , Katanoda Kota , Nakata Kayo , Miyashiro Isao , Matsuda Tomohiro , Lee Sang‐Woong , Ito Yuri
Published: May 2024

Recent advances in treating colorectal cancer (CRC) have increased the importance of multidisciplinary treatment. This study aimed to clarify trends in the treatment and survival of CRC using population‐based cancer registry data in Japan. We analyzed the survival of CRC cases diagnosed from 1995 through 2015 from a population‐based cancer registry of six prefectures. The year of diagnosis was classified into five periods, and the trends in the detailed categorization of treatments and survival were identified. We calculated net survival and excess hazard of death from cancer using data on 256,590 CRC patients. The use of laparoscopic surgery has been increasing since 2005 and accounts for the largest proportion of treatment types in the most recent period. Net survival of CRC patients diagnosed after 2005 remained high for laparoscopic surgery and endoscopic surgery (endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection). There was an upward trend in treatment with chemotherapy in addition to open and laparoscopic surgery. Using the excess hazard ratio at the regional stage since 2005, there has been a significant improvement in survival in the younger age group and the rectum cancer group. By type of treatment, there was a tendency toward significant improvement in the open surgery + chemotherapy group. We clarified the trends in treating CRC and the associated trends in survival. Continuous survey based on population‐based data helps monitor the impact of developments in treatment.
Astrocytes in preoptic area regulate acute nociception‐induced hypothermia through adenosine receptors
Authors: Jia Junke , Chen Ting , Chen Chang , Si Tengxiao , Gao Chenyi , Fang Yuanyuan , Sun Jiahui , Wang Jie , Zhang Zongze
Published: May 2024

Aims

The preoptic area (POA) of the hypothalamus, crucial in thermoregulation, has long been implicated in the pain process. However, whether nociceptive stimulation affects body temperature and its mechanism remains poorly studied.

Methods

We used capsaicin, formalin, and surgery to induce acute nociceptive stimulation and monitored rectal temperature. Optical fiber recording, chemical genetics, confocal imaging, and pharmacology assays were employed to confirm the role and interaction of POA astrocytes and extracellular adenosine. Immunofluorescence was utilized for further validation.

Results

Acute nociception could activate POA astrocytes and induce a decrease in body temperature. Manipulation of astrocytes allowed bidirectional control of body temperature. Furthermore, acute nociception and astrocyte activation led to increased extracellular adenosine concentration within the POA. Activation of adenosine A1 or A2A receptors contributed to decreased body temperature, while inhibition of these receptors mitigated the thermo‐lowering effect of astrocytes.

Conclusion

Our results elucidate the interplay between acute nociception and thermoregulation, specifically highlighting POA astrocyte activation. This enriches our understanding of physiological responses to painful stimuli and contributes to the analysis of the anatomical basis involved in the process.
Baicalin and baicalein from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi alleviate aberrant neuronal suppression mediated by GABA from reactive astrocytes
Authors: Cho Juyeong , Hong Eun‐Bin , Kim Young‐Sik , Song Jungbin , Ju Yeon Ha , Kim Hyunjin , Lee Hyowon , Kim Hocheol , Nam Min‐Ho
Published: May 2024

Aims

γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) from reactive astrocytes is critical for the dysregulation of neuronal activity in various neuroinflammatory conditions. While Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (S. baicalensis) is known for its efficacy in addressing neurological symptoms, its potential to reduce GABA synthesis in reactive astrocytes and the associated neuronal suppression remains unclear. This study focuses on the inhibitory action of monoamine oxidase B (MAO‐B), the key enzyme for astrocytic GABA synthesis.

Methods

Using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced neuroinflammation mouse model, we conducted immunohistochemistry to assess the effect of S. baicalensis on astrocyte reactivity and its GABA synthesis. High‐performance liquid chromatography was performed to reveal the major compounds of S. baicalensis, the effects of which on MAO‐B inhibition, astrocyte reactivity, and tonic inhibition in hippocampal neurons were validated by MAO‐B activity assay, qRT‐PCR, and whole‐cell patch‐clamp.

Results

The ethanolic extract of S. baicalensis ameliorated astrocyte reactivity and reduced excessive astrocytic GABA content in the CA1 hippocampus. Baicalin and baicalein exhibited significant MAO‐B inhibition potential. These two compounds downregulate the mRNA levels of genes associated with reactive astrogliosis or astrocytic GABA synthesis. Additionally, LPS‐induced aberrant tonic inhibition was reversed by both S. baicalensis extract and its key compounds.

Conclusions

In summary, baicalin and baicalein isolated from S. baicalensis reduce astrocyte reactivity and alleviate aberrant tonic inhibition of hippocampal neurons during neuroinflammation.
Inhibition of ADORA3 promotes microglial phagocytosis and alleviates chronic ischemic white matter injury
Authors: Xu Yuhao , Tang Limoran , Zhou Chao , Sun Liang , Hu Yujie , Zhang Zhi , Xia Shengnan , Bao Xinyu , Yang Haiyan , Xu Yun
Published: May 2024

Background

Adenosine A3 receptor (ADORA3) belongs to the adenosine receptor families and the role of ADORA3 in vascular dementia (VaD) is largely unexplored. The present study sought to determine the therapeutic role of ADORA3 antagonist in a mouse model of VaD.

Methods

The GSE122063 dataset was selected to screen the differential expression genes and pathways between VaD patients and controls. A mouse model of bilateral carotid artery stenosis (BCAS) was established. The cognitive functions were examined by the novel object recognition test, Y maze test, and fear of conditioning test. The white matter injury (WMI) was examined by 9.4 T MRI, western blot, and immunofluorescence staining. The mechanisms of ADORA3‐regulated phagocytosis by microglia were examined using qPCR, western blot, dual immunofluorescence staining, and flow cytometry.

Results

The expression of ADORA3 was elevated in brain tissues of VaD patients and ADORA3 was indicated as a key gene for VaD in the GSE122063. In BCAS mice, the expression of ADORA3 was predominantly elevated in microglia in the corpus callosum. ADORA3 antagonist promotes microglial phagocytosis to myelin debris by facilitating cAMP/PKA/p‐CREB pathway and thereby ameliorates WMI and cognitive impairment in BCAS mice. The therapeutic effect of ADORA3 antagonist was partially reversed by the inhibition of the cAMP/PKA pathway.

Conclusions

ADORA3 antagonist alleviates chronic ischemic WMI by modulating myelin clearance of microglia, which may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of VaD.
Re‐discover the value of protein binding assessments in hepatic and renal impairment studies and its contributions in drug labels and dose decisions
Authors: Courville Jocelyn , Roupe Kathryn , Arold Gerhard
Published: May 2024

One of the key pharmacokinetic properties of most small molecule drugs is their ability to bind to serum proteins. Unbound or free drug is responsible for pharmacological activity while the balance between free and bound drug can impact drug distribution, elimination, and other safety parameters. In the hepatic impairment (HI) and renal impairment (RI) clinical studies, unbound drug concentration is often assessed; however, the relevance and impact of the protein binding (PB) results is largely limited. We analyzed published clinical safety and pharmacokinetic studies in subjects with HI or RI with PB assessment up to October 2022 and summarized the contribution of PB results on their label dose recommendations. Among drugs with HI publication, 32% (17/53) associated product labels include PB results in HI section. Of these, the majority (9/17, 53%) recommend dose adjustments consistent with observed PB change. Among drugs with RI publication, 27% (12/44) of associated product labels include PB results in RI section with the majority (7/12, 58%) recommending no dose adjustment, consistent with the reported absence of PB change. PB results were found to be consistent with a tailored dose recommendation in 53% and 58% of the approved labels for HI and RI section, respectively. We further discussed the interpretation challenges of PB results, explored treatment decision factors including total drug concentration, exposure–response relationships, and safety considerations in these case examples. Collectively, comprehending the alterations in free drug levels in HI and RI informs treatment decision through a risk‐based approach.
Exercise in newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma: A randomized controlled trial of effects on physical function, physical activity, lean body mass, bone mineral density, pain, and quality of life
Authors: Larsen Rikke F. , Jarden Mary , Minet Lisbeth R. , Frølund Ulf Christian , Hermann Anne Pernille , Breum Leif , Möller Sören , Abildgaard Niels
Published: May 2024

Reduced physical function caused by bone destruction, pain, anemia, infections, and weight loss is common in multiple myeloma (MM). Myeloma bone disease challenges physical exercise. Knowledge on the effects and safety of physical exercise in newly diagnosed patients with MM is limited. In a randomized, controlled trial, we studied the effect of a 10‐week individualized physical exercise program on physical function, physical activity, lean body mass (LBM), bone mineral density (BMD), quality of life (QoL), and pain in patients newly diagnosed with MM. Lytic bone disease was assessed, and exercise was adjusted accordingly. Primary outcome: knee extension strength. Secondary outcomes: Six‐Minute‐Walk‐Test, 30‐s Sit‐to‐Stand‐Test (SST), grip strength, level of physical activity, LBM, BMD, QoL, and pain. Measurements were conducted pre‐ and post‐intervention, and after 6 and 12 months. We included 100 patients, 86 were evaluable; 44 in the intervention group (IG) and 42 in the control group (CG). No statistically significant differences between groups were observed. Knee extension strength declined in the IG (p = .02). SST, aerobic capacity, and global QoL improved in both groups. Pain decreased consistently in the IG regardless of pain outcome. No significant safety concerns of physical exercise in newly diagnosed patients with MM were observed.
Overcoming therapeutic challenges: Successful management of a supposedly triple seronegative, refractory generalized myasthenia gravis patient with efgartigimod
Authors: Sorrenti Benedetta , Laurini Christian , Bosco Luca , Strano Camilla Mirella Maria , Scarlato Marina , Gastaldi Matteo , Filippi Massimo , Previtali Stefano Carlo , Falzone Yuri Matteo
Published: May 2024

Background and purpose

This study was undertaken to highlight neonatal Fc receptor inhibition (efgartigimod) as a valuable therapeutic option for patients with refractory seronegative myasthenia gravis (MG) and to emphasize the concept that seronegative MG is greatly constrained by the limitations of currently available diagnostic methods and therapeutic measures.

Methods

We describe the first refractory, generalized MG (gMG) patient successfully treated with efgartigimod after testing negative on standard autoantibody detection tests.

Results

Our patient presented with severe fluctuating bulbar and generalized weakness, resulting in multiple myasthenic crises requiring intubation. After a 28‐year medical history of multiple failed lines of treatment, our patient was started on efgartigimod. Over five treatment cycles, a definite improvement in her clinical condition was observed (Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America class: IIIb to IIb; MG‐Activities of Daily Living score: 11 to 0; MG‐Quality of Life 15 score: 30 to 0; Quantitative MG score: 28 to 6). Standard autoantibody detection tests failed to detect known pathogenic autoantibodies, but cell‐based assay (CBA) identified autoantibodies against clustered adult acetylcholine receptor (AChR).

Conclusions

In light of recent approvals of efgartigimod by the European Medicines Agency and US Food and Drug Administration exclusively for AChR‐positive gMG forms, our case highlights evidence suggesting that such an approach might be shortsighted and could limit therapeutic options for patients with refractory seronegative gMG. Additionally, introducing more sensitive analytical techniques, exemplified by CBA, may help bridge the gap between seronegative and seropositive patients. This represents an urgent unmet need for gMG patients, as the antibody profile dramatically influences the therapeutic approach.
Taxonomic inflation as a conservation trap for inbred populations
Authors: Clavero Miguel , Naves Javier , Lucena‐Perez María , Revilla Eloy
Published: May 2024

Conservation is prioritized based on accepted taxa. As a consequence, a conservation incentive exists to emphasize inter‐population differences to define taxa, potentially leading to taxonomic inflation. But stressing the uniqueness of threatened populations has the side effect of hindering conservation actions that promote inter‐population gene flow, such as genetic rescue. These actions may be of critical importance for severely inbred populations involved in extinction vortices, for which an inflated taxonomy can become a conservation trap. Here, we exemplify this scenario with the western capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus, Phasianidae) population in the Cantabrian Mountains, described and legally listed as a subspecies not supported by recent molecular data. The Cantabrian capercaillie population is Critically Endangered after a long‐lasting decline and a recent demographic collapse. It shows clear signs of inbreeding depression, including striking clutch size decreases as well as reduced hatchability and chick survival. This critical situation could be alleviated through a genetic rescue, but this possibility is hindered by inertias rooted in the putative uniqueness of the Cantabrian capercaillie. It had been previously argued that poor taxonomy could hamper conservation, through the oblivion of populations deserving, but not having, a taxonomic status. We show that taxonomic inflation can also become an obstacle for effective conservation.
Comparative imaging of septic navicular osteomyelitis caused by a solar penetration injury in a 15‐day‐old Shire foal
Authors: Bowkett‐Pritchard Constance , Baldwin Christopher M.
Published: May 2024

A 15‐day‐old female Shire foal presented for acute lameness after sustaining a solar penetration injury, due to a nail, to the right hind sole 4 days previously. The foal was moderately lame at walk; all vital parameters were within normal limits. Clinical examination of the foot found a 2 mm long slit‐like defect in the plantar third of the lateral body of the frog. Radiographs revealed an ill‐defined rounded radiolucency within the navicular spongiosa that was surrounded by a halo of increased radiopacity. Transcuneal ultrasound corroborated the findings and found the navicular bone lesion to be closely associated with a hypoechogenic region within the lateral lobe of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) all of which was continuous with a hypoechogenic tract extending from the sole. Computed tomographic examination confirmed a tract extending from the solar surface into the lateral portion of the navicular bone and confirmed a suspected impacted bone fragment. A diagnosis of septic navicular osteomyelitis and bursitis was made. The tract, navicular bone and DDFT were surgically debrided and navicular bursa lavage performed. The foal initially recovered well but navicular bursal sepsis recurred 6 days post‐operatively and the foal was euthanised. This report provides comprehensive comparative imaging of septic navicular osteomyelitis and bursitis secondary to a solar penetration in a 15‐day‐old foal and highlights the importance of different imaging modalities in case assessment and management.
Experimental investigations on the fatigue behavior of hybrid basalt/glass fiber epoxy composites
Authors: Agrawal Mayank , Durai Prabhakaran R. T. , Mahajan Puneet
Published: May 2024

To expand the applications of hybrid fiber composites in structural engineering applications, it is essential to study their fatigue behavior. The tensile and fatigue performance of unidirectional hybrid basalt/glass epoxy composites made with vacuum‐assisted resin infusion molding are investigated in this research. The sequencing influence on tensile properties was assessed using the two configurations of basalt/glass fiber epoxy hybrid fiber composites, namely GBBBG and BGBGB, having nearly equal volume fractions. According to the test results, hybrid fiber composites showed a positive hybrid effect on their tensile strength. Both hybrid layups showed higher tensile strengths (3.5% to 10.5%) than GFRPs and BFRPs. The GBBBG laminate has slightly higher fatigue resistance than BGBGB laminate under tension–tension (T–T) fatigue. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images verify the fatigue failure modes, which include fiber, matrix cracking, delamination, and debonding. The DMA analysis showed the lower adhesion efficiency of hybrid fiber composites, signifying lower damping properties.
Phytochemical profile, in vitro anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐xanthine oxidase activity of durian fruit rind fractions (Durio zibethinus)
Authors: Nguyen Thi Cam Vi , Huynh Thanh Tuyen , Huynh Thi Van An , Vo Ngoc Minh Thu , Le Hoai Oanh , Nguyen Thuy Thuy Trang , Le Ngoc Phuong Nghi , Dang Van‐Son , Tran Hoai Khang , Truong Dieu‐Hien , Barrow Colin J. , Nguyen Hoang Chinh
Published: May 2024

Durian fruit rinds (Durio zibethinus) have increasingly attracted scientific interest due to their potent bioactive metabolites. In the present study, a comprehensive approach combining chromatographic techniques and bioassays was employed to elucidate the phytochemical constituents present in durian fruit rinds and their corresponding bioactivities. The crude ethanolic extract (CEE) and its fractions obtained through silica gel column chromatography (F1, F2, F3, and F4) were qualitatively and quantitatively analysed for their flavonoid profiles using thin‐layer chromatography, high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Among the tested samples, fraction F2 exhibited the highest total flavonoid content (179.55 mg QE/g DW). TLC and HPLC analyses showed the presence of quercetin in all tested samples, with its content ranking in the order of F2 > F3 > F1 > F4 > CEE. The fractions exhibited inhibitory effects on albumin denaturation, protease activity, lipoxygenase (LOX), heat‐induced haemolysis, and xanthine oxidase (XO), surpassing those of the crude extract. These observed bioactivities correlated with the distribution of flavonoids and quercetin content in the samples. LC/MS analysis further showed the presence of flavonoids‐chalcone, flavonols, terpenoids, stilbene glycosides, anthocyanins, phenolics, and amino acids in fraction F2. These results determine the phytochemical profiles, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐XO activities of bioactive fraction obtained from durian fruit rinds.
Welfare conditionality in Latin America's conditional cash transfers: Models and trends
Authors: Antía Florencia , Rossel Cecilia , Karsaclian Sofía
Published: May 2024

To what extent have Latin America's Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programs adopted different forms of conditionality? What are the main features of this variation, if any? In this article, we show that conditionalities vary across Latin America's CCTs and across time within programs. Drawing on existing conceptualizations of welfare conditionality and a novel, purpose‐built dataset covering 16 countries from 1997 to 2019, we analyze the evolution and variation in the design of welfare conditionality in the region. We find that conditionalities among Latin America's CCTs exhibit many different types and also vary significantly in how the program's main attributes—behavioral requirements, monitoring, and sanctioning rules—combine and evolve across time in each program. These combinations show that governments do not consistently produce “pure” CCT models but instead use conditionality features in many different ways and also adjust them over time, frequently to make more explicit what they expect from CCT recipients.
Older people's experiences of participation in mindfulness‐based intervention programmes: A qualitative systematic review
Authors: Hmwe Nant Thin Thin , Chan Chong Mei , Shayamalie Thalwaththe Gedara Nadeeka
Published: May 2024

This systematic review aimed to synthesise the qualitative evidence of mindfulness‐based interventions and focused on the perceptions and experience of older people. A literature search was conducted using electronic databases including CINAHL, EMBASE, EMCare, and MEDLINE. The inclusion criteria for the review were an original study that includes qualitative data on experience and perceptions of mindfulness interventions, a study population involving older people aged 60 years and above, and articles published in English. Eleven articles are included in this review. Four major descriptive themes were generated from the data synthesis: benefits on physical health, improved psychosocial well‐being, development of new perspectives, and motivators and challenges of mindfulness practice. Mindfulness practice provided health benefits for pain management, promoting sleep quality, psychosocial well‐being, and development of positive strategies such as a new way of coping in negative situations, acceptance, and a sense of freedom. Health benefits and positive reinforcement were reported as motivators, whereas time commitment and an easily distracted mind were barriers to continued mindfulness practice. In addition to the descriptive themes, two analytical themes were derived: inner peace and well‐being through mindfulness and development of acceptance‐based coping. The positive outcomes indicated in this review suggest that mindfulness‐based interventions could be an effective therapeutic tool for the well‐being of older people.
ODC and ROC Curves, Comparison Curves and Stochastic Dominance
Authors: Ledwina Teresa , Zagdański Adam
Published: May 2024

We discuss two novel approaches to inter‐distributional comparisons in the classical two‐sample problem. Our starting point is properly standardised and combined, very popular in several areas of statistics and data analysis, ordinal dominance and receiver characteristic curves, denoted by ODC and ROC, respectively. The proposed new curves are termed the comparison curves. Their estimates, being weighted rank processes on (0,1), form the basis of inference. These weighted processes are intuitive, well‐suited for visual inspection of data at hand and are also useful for constructing some formal inferential procedures. They can be applied to several variants of two‐sample problem. Their use can help improve some existing procedures both in terms of power and the ability to identify the sources of departures from the postulated model. To simplify interpretation of finite sample results, we restrict attention to values of the processes on a finite grid of points. This results in the so‐called bar plots (B‐plots), which readably summarise the information contained in the data. What is more, we show that B‐plots along with adjusted simultaneous acceptance regions provide principled information about where the model departs from the data. This leads to a framework that facilitates identification of regions with locally significant differences.

We show an implementation of the considered techniques to a standard stochastic dominance testing problem. Some min‐type statistics are introduced and investigated. A simulation study compares two tests pertinent to the comparison curves to well‐established tests in the literature and demonstrates the strong and competitive performance of the former in many typical situations. Some real data applications illustrate simplicity and practical usefulness of the proposed approaches. A range of other applications of considered weighted processes is briefly discussed too.
Gender and sustainable entrepreneurship intention: Insights from Malaysian undergraduates
Authors: Latip Malisah , Yusuf Aidatul Ashya
Published: May 2024

Sustainable entrepreneurship is believed to be the solution to the detrimental impact of entrepreneurial activities. The concept underscores the necessity to discover, create and utilise business activities that positively contribute to environmental and societal sustainability. This article seeks evidence of which factors influence sustainable entrepreneurship intention (SEI) and how gender moderates the relationship among sustainability attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control and SEI. The survey was administered to 390 undergraduate students at Malaysian public universities. By performing structural equation modelling analysis, results showed that SEI is influenced by sustainability attitude and perceived behavioural control, whereas subjective norms do not have such an impact. The moderation analysis further discovered that gender only moderates the relationship between sustainable attitude and SEI; the strength of the relationship is stronger among female students. The results of this study offer practical guidance for policymakers and industry stakeholders. Policymakers can use these findings to craft focused initiatives and educational programmes to nurture sustainable entrepreneurship among students, cultivating a future workforce dedicated to ethical business conduct. Industry leaders can draw on the understanding of gender differences in the link between sustainability attitudes and SEI to formulate strategies for attracting and retaining talent inclined towards sustainable practices in their entrepreneurial pursuits.
Esthetic outcomes in orthodontics through digital customization with a lingual appliance system
Authors: Weissheimer Andre , Pham John , Tong Hongsheng , Akyalcin Sercan
Published: May 2024

Background

Contemporary fixed orthodontic appliances are shifting from non‐customized pre‐adjusted appliances to custom‐designed and printed appliances with novel digital setup systems. We are one step closer to precision dentistry and orthodontics using personalized mechanics and custom appliances. However, despite the evidential enhancement and other improvements to fixed appliances, tooth movement is still limited to five degrees of freedom. Opening or closing spaces still requires manually placing elastomeric chains or coil springs.

Aim

In this article, we aimed to demonstrate how advancements in CAD/CAM technology, reverse engineering, and digital customization are helping orthodontics constantly evolve, enabling treatment with enhanced esthetics and minimal compliance. The clinical system (InBrace®, Irvine, CA) described in this article uses a patient‐specific, digitally designed multiloop NITI wire that delivers friction‐free, light, and continuous forces and activates automatically whenever the malocclusion deviates from the digital setup.

Conclusion

Through digital customization, InBrace allows for automated tooth movement in all six degrees of freedom, including space opening or closure, via programmed non‐sliding mechanics.

Clinical Significance

Precision orthodontics and personalized treatment have been significant developments in orthodontics recently. This article focuses on how a technologically advanced lingual appliance system could achieve targeted cosmetic results methodically via automation and personalization.
Surface roughness and optical characteristics evaluations after chairside adjustment of different zirconia types
Authors: Abdulmajeed Awab , Sulaiman Taiseer A. , Suliman Abdulhaq A. , Abdulmajeed Aous A. , Närhi Timo O.
Published: May 2024

Statement of Problem

Limited evidence is available for the effect of chairside adjustment using rotary cutting instruments on the surface roughness and optical properties of different zirconia types.

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of simulated adjustments on surface roughness and optical properties of different zirconia types.

Materials and Methods

Three Partially Stabilized Zirconia (PSZ) types based on mole percent yttria (Y) concentration from the same manufacturer (Katana; Kuraray) were used: 3Y‐PSZ, 4Y‐PSZ, and 5Y‐PSZ. Thirty disk‐shaped specimens (Ø14 × 1.2 mm) from different zirconia types (N = 90) were prepared. Specimens were either left without adjustment (NA), adjusted with Dialite ZR finishing and polishing system (Brasseler) (APol), or adjusted with course diamond instruments only (ADia). The specimens were distributed into 9 groups (n = 10): Group 3Y‐PSZ/NA, Group 3Y‐PSZ/APol, Group 3Y‐PSZ/ADia, Group 4Y‐PSZ/NA, Group 4Y‐PSZ/APol, Group 4Y‐PSZ/ADia, Group 5Y‐PSZ/NA, Group 5Y‐PSZ/APol, and Group 5Y‐PSZ/ADia. The surface roughness of specimen was analyzed using an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) (Bruker's Dimension Icon, Bruker) and Root Means Square (RMS) were recorded (nm). Surface Gloss (SG), Translucency Parameter (TP), and Contrast Ratio (CR) values of all groups were recorded using an integrating sphere spectrophotometer. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's multiple comparison tests for pairwise comparisons at p < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval.

Results

APol had no effect on the surface roughness (p = 0.88) while ADia had a significant negative effect (p < 0.05) despite the type of zirconia. Out of the three testes optical properties, only SG was negatively affected by ADia for all types of zirconia (p < 0.05). The two adjustment types did not affect the TP of all the tested zirconia (p = 0.91). The CR was not affected by the tested adjustments for all zirconia types (p = 0.726).

Conclusion

Proper zirconia adjustment following a sequence of burs and polishers can maintain acceptable roughness and optical properties. Adjustment of zirconia with rough diamond can lead to deleterious effects and should be avoided.

Clinical Significance

Chairside adjustment of zirconia could lead to rougher surface and unpredictable changes of surface gloss. Therefore, zirconia adjustment should be minimized to the greatest extent possible and a proper protocol should be followed if had to be done.
Assessment of dental and periodontal indices and Streptococcus mutans virulence in fragile X syndrome patients
Authors: do Amaral Cristhiane Olivia Ferreira , Kantovitiz Kamila Rosamilia , de Araújo V. C. , Marega T. , Teixeira L. N. , Martinez E. F.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common cause of hereditary genetic disorder in a single gene characterised by intellectual disability. Behavioural features such as autism, hyperactivity and anxiety disorder may be present. Biofilm development and pathogenicity of Streptococcus mutans may be altered because FXS renders the dental approach and oral hygiene more complex.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to compare the levels of transcripts for VicRK and CovR of S. mutans isolated from FXS patients with the levels of transcripts for VicRK and CovR of standard strain ATCC, using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

Methods

The caries experience index was assessed by the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS), Periodontal Condition Index (PCI) and Invasive Dental Treatment Need Index (INI).

Results

The clinical index findings revealed a high rate of caries cavities and bleeding on probing of FXS patients. When VicRK and CovR transcript levels were compared with the reference strain, Fragile X patients were found to have significantly higher values.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrated that FXS patients have more adverse clinical conditions, with increased biofilm accumulation and virulence. When combined with behavioural abnormalities, these patients become even more vulnerable to dental caries.
Setting up a light microscopy core facility: Facility design
Authors: Zimmermann Timo
Published: May 2024

The successful operation of a light microscopy core facility depends also on the initial setup of its infrastructure. This article covers the aspects of location selection and room planning and what environmental factors need to be considered. These include light, temperature, vibrations as well as the basic installations needed for microscope operation.
Infertility psychological distress in women undergoing assisted reproductive treatment: A grounded theory study
Authors: Jiang Lingjun , Zeng Tieying , Wu Meiliyang , Yang Liu , Zhao Meizhen , Yuan Mengmei , Zhu Zining , Lang Xi
Published: May 2024

Background

While there exists an ample body of research in international contexts focused on the characterization and quantification of infertility psychological distress, the level of scholarly scrutiny directed towards this phenomenon within the context of China remains scant.

Aims and Objectives

To investigate the formation and developmental processes of psychological distress associated with infertility and infertility treatment among women within the Chinese cultural context and to construct a theoretical framework that elucidates this phenomenon.

Design

Qualitative approach with grounded theory methodology.

Methods

This study was conducted within the reproductive medicine department of a tertiary‐level hospital located in central China from May to August 2023. Twenty‐seven women who experienced infertility and underwent assisted reproductive treatment (ART) were interviewed. The interview sessions spanned durations ranging from 20 min to 1 h and 35 min. Data analysis included open coding, axial coding and selective coding. The study is reported using the COREQ checklist.

Results

The infertility psychological distress experienced by women undergoing ART is a socially constructed phenomenon influenced by a dynamic interplay of forces that construct and conciliate it. The formation and progression of infertility psychological distress are rooted in the process of self‐construction. A Middle‐Ranged Theory titled ‘self‐reconstruction under the dome of infertility and infertility treatment’ (SUDIT theory) was developed to explain this phenomenon. Within this framework, infertility psychological distress manifests across three distinct phases under the gambling of the constructive force and conciliative force: (1) distress of disrupting the former self; (2) distress linked to the struggling present self; and (3) the renewed‐self harmonized with distress.

Conclusions

It is imperative for healthcare professionals and policymakers to acknowledge the socially constructed nature of infertility psychological distress, and proactively implement measures aimed at ameliorating it.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
No safe time window in malrotation and volvulus: A consecutive cohort study
Authors: Gibson Aimee , Silva Hobia , Bajaj Mohit , McBride Craig , Choo Kelvin , Morrison Shannon
Published: May 2024

Background

Malrotation and volvulus classically present with bilious vomiting. It is more common earlier in life, but there are other causes of bile‐stained vomiting. This leads some clinicians to ‘watch and wait’. In the presence of a volvulus, this is potentially a fatal decision. It is not clear from the literature if there is a safe time window in which children can be observed in the hope of avoiding transfers or radiological investigations.

Aim

To determine whether time to identification and management of midgut volvulus correlated with morbidity and mortality; and whether there were patterns to transition of care.

Methods

Multicentre, retrospective review of all children with malrotation ± volvulus at two tertiary children's hospitals in Brisbane from 2000 to 2012. Data collected included age at presentation, timing between symptom onset and presentation, radiological findings, and definitive surgical management. Outcomes included patient length of stay (LOS), total parenteral nutrition (TPN) duration, re‐operations and death.

Results

There were 96 cases of malrotation identified, with 23 excluded (elective operation, insufficient data). Neonates made up 66% of included cases. Only 14% of cases were over 12 months old. Bilious vomiting or bile‐stained aspirates were the presenting symptoms in 71% (52). Overall mortality was 5.56%. Time from symptom onset to presentation or management was not significantly associated with morbidity or mortality. More than half (53%, 39/73) of patients received total parenteral nutrition; 20/39 for more than 10 days. Neonates and infants had a significantly higher rate of TPN compared with older children (P < 0.001). Those requiring TPN post‐operatively had a significantly higher mortality compared with those who did not (P = 0.02). Time from symptom onset to presentation or definitive management was not significantly associated with LOS, TPN duration, or need for re‐operation.

Conclusion

Malrotation remains a time‐critical diagnosis to secure and treat. Even a short duration of symptoms can be associated with high morbidity or mortality. There is no place for ‘watch and wait’ for such patients, and malrotation/volvulus should be emergently actively excluded with contrast studies.
Public infrastructure provision in the presence of terms‐of‐trade effects and tax competition
Authors: Zimmermann Karl J.
Published: May 2024

This paper analyses and compares the performance of resource taxes and capital taxes in financing public goods while considering the positive effects of public expenditure on firm productivity. It is motivated by Franks et al. (2017), who argue that the advantage of the resource tax consists in its potential to reap foreign resource rents. I employ an analytical general equilibrium framework of identical resource‐poor countries, where local firms use internationally mobile capital and a net imported resource in production as well as local public infrastructure. The latter is financed solely by either taxing the input of the resource or capital. The choice of the policy instrument is exogenous to policy makers and symmetric across countries. I find that expenditure on infrastructure renders the impact of fiscal policy on the terms of trade ambiguous under resource taxation and negative under capital taxation. Moreover, public expenditure weakens the outflow of factors moderating the deficit of public spending caused by tax competition. This holds for both policy scenarios. Considering both effects simultaneously, resource taxation cannot generally be identified as the policy to provide higher provision or efficiency. A numerical exercise shows cases for higher provision of either policy.
Potato black dot, a tricky disease caused by Colletotrichum coccodes in Inner Mongolia of China
Authors: Zhao Yuanzheng , Wang Dong , Zhang Chao , Zhang Jun , Xu Limin , Cheng Yuchen , He Xiaoyong , Zhou Hongyou
Published: May 2024

Potato black dot became an increasingly severe disease in Inner Mongolia, mainly infecting tubers, causing silvery to brown lesions on tuber skin with poorly defined margins and forming black sclerotia later as a sign of skin blemish diseases which significantly affected the yield and fresh market. The C11 and E21 strains isolated from symptomatic tubers of Harqin and Dalate counties were both identified as Colletotrichum coccodes by morphological and molecular identification. Tubers showing silver or brown scurf and black dot on skin were consistent with symptomatic samples collecting from the field in pathogenicity test. This study for pathogenic identification ascertained a tricky disease of potato in Inner Mongolia of China which will lay the foundation for subsequent studies on disease control.