bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indicators of academic readiness for college: Evaluating an advanced Spanish language program
Authors: Landes‐Lee Jill , Watzinger‐Tharp Johanna
Published: August 2023

Students who participate in advanced coursework in high school are more likely to enroll and persist in college. This study measured college readiness indicators of high school seniors enrolled in the Utah Spanish Bridge Program and analyzed whether performance differed based on race/ethnicity or on parent college completion. Findings show that race/ethnicity played a role in inequitable distribution of college readiness indicators to a larger extent than parent college completion. Hispanic students, although enrolled in advanced coursework at a higher rate than the school overall, were still at a disadvantage compared with their White peers. Findings can inform programs to improve educational outcomes and may suggest areas for future research.
Mitochondrial metabolism related markers GDF‐15, FGF‐21, and HIF‐1α are elevated in pediatric migraine attacks
Authors: Kilinc Yasemin Baranoglu , Kilinc Erkan , Danis Aysegul , Hanci Fatma , Turay Sevim , Ozge Aynur , Bolay Hayrunnisa
Published: August 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the serum levels of mitochondrial metabolism/reactive oxygen species (ROS)–related peptides (hypoxia inducible factor‐1α [HIF‐1α], fibroblast growth factor‐21 [FGF‐21], growth differentiation factor‐15 [GDF‐15]) and key migraine‐related neuropeptides (calcitonin gene–related peptide [CGRP], pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating peptide‐38 [PACAP‐38], substance P [SP], and vasoactive intestinal peptide [VIP]) during migraine attacks and to evaluate their diagnostic value in pediatric migraine.

Background

There is increasing evidence for the important role of impairment in oxidative mitochondrial metabolism in the pathophysiology of migraine. Potential biomarkers that may reflect the relationship between migraine and mitochondrial dysfunction are unclear.

Methods

A total of 68 female pediatric migraine patients without aura and 20 female healthy controls aged 8–18 years, admitted to the hospital, were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study. Serum concentrations of these molecules were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays, and clinical features and their possible diagnostic value were analyzed.

Results

Serum levels of HIF‐1α (252.4 ± 51.9 [mean ± standard deviation]) pg/mL), GDF‐15 (233.7 ± 24.7 pg/mL), FGF‐21 (96.1 ± 13.1 pg/mL), CGRP (44.5 ± 11.3), and PACAP‐38 (504.7 ± 128.9) were significantly higher in migraine patients compared to healthy controls (199.8 ± 26.8, 192.8 ± 20.7, 79.3 ± 4.1, 34.1 ± 3.5 and 361.2 ± 86.3 pg/mL, respectively). The serum levels of these peptides were also higher in patients with chronic migraine than in patients with episodic migraine, and higher in the ictal period than in the interictal period. A positive correlation was found between attack frequency and both HIF‐1α and FGF‐21 levels in migraine patients. Serum levels of VIP and SP were not different between the migraine patients and healthy controls.

Conclusion

Migraine attacks are accompanied by elevated HIF‐1α, FGF‐21, GDF‐15, CGRP, and PACAP‐38 in medication‐naive pediatric patients with migraine. Elevated circulating mitochondrial metabolism/ROS‐related peptides suggest a mitochondrial stress in pediatric migraine attacks and may have potential diagnostic value in monitoring disease progression and treatment response in children. Novel approaches intervening with mitochondrial metabolism need to be investigated.
Psychosocial aspects associated with self‐reported oral health in Brazilians older adults
Authors: Manica Laura Ramos , do Amaral Júnior Orlando Luiz , Fagundes Maria Laura Braccini , Menegazzo Gabriele Rissotto , do Amaral Giordani Jessye Melgarejo
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Oral health conditions can be determined by a series of factors that include psychosocial aspects. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between psychosocial aspects and self‐reported oral health in Brazilian older adults.

Methods

The Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSI‐Brazil) baseline data was analysed to develop this cross‐sectional study. The outcome was self‐reported oral health, and the psychosocial aspects included neighbourhood trust, life satisfaction and depressive symptoms. The associations were determined through Poisson regression models, controlling for socioeconomic, demographic and behavioural characteristics.

Results

A total of 9365 individuals with aged 50 years or over were included in this study. Individuals with good life satisfaction had 16% (PR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.78–0.90) lower prevalence of having poor self‐reported oral health. Individuals who have depressive symptoms and do not trust in the neighbourhood presented 17% (PR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.09–1.25) and 12% (PR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.04–1.21) higher prevalence of poor self‐report oral health compared to those who did not show depressive symptoms and trust the neighbourhood.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that positive psychosocial aspects are moderately associated with better self‐reported oral health. Therefore, we suggest that psychological health and social interaction should be present in public health policy actions.
To flat or not to flat? Exploring the impact of flat‐side design on rotary instruments using a comprehensive multimethod investigation
Authors: Silva Emmanuel J. N. L. , Alcalde Murilo P. , Martins Jorge N. R. , Vieira Victor T. L. , Vivan Rodrigo R. , Duarte Marco A. H. , Belladonna Felipe G. , Braz‐Fernandes Francisco Manuel , Versiani Marco A.
Published: August 2023

Aim

To assess the influence of a flat‐side design on the geometry, metallurgy, mechanical performance and shaping ability of a novel nickel‐titanium rotary instrument.

Methodology

Sixty‐five new 25‐mm flat‐side rotary instruments (size 25, taper 0.04) and their nonflat‐side prototypes (n = 65) were assessed for major deformations and examined regarding macroscopic and microscopic design, determination of nickel and titanium elements ratio, measurement of phase transformation temperature and evaluation of mechanical performance parameters including time/cycles to fracture, maximum torque, angle of rotation, maximum bending and buckling strengths and cutting ability. Additionally, unprepared canal areas, volume of hard tissue debris and percentage reduction of dentine thickness were calculated for each tested instrument after preparing mesial canals of mandibular molars (n = 12), using micro‐CT imaging. Statistical analyses were performed using the U‐Mann–Whitney test and independent Student t‐test (α = 5%).

Results

The number of spirals (n = 8) and blade direction (clockwise) were similar between both flat and nonflat instruments, whilst the helical angles were equivalent (⁓25°). Flat‐instruments showed inconsistencies in the homogeneity of the gold colour on the flat‐side surface, blade discontinuity, and incomplete and variable S‐shaped cross‐sections. The titanium‐to‐nickel ratios were equivalent, but significant differences in the R‐phase finish and austenitic start phase transformation temperatures were observed between the flat and nonflat‐side instruments. The flat‐side instruments demonstrated superior cutting ability compared to the nonflat instruments, as well as, significantly lower values for time to fracture, rotation to fracture and maximum torque to fracture (p < .001). No statistical difference was observed between tested instruments regarding angle of rotation (p = .437), maximum bending (p = .152) and buckling load (p = .411). Preparation protocols using flat and nonflat instruments did not show any statistically significant differences (p > .05). All flat‐side instruments exhibited deformation after shaping procedures.

Conclusions

The flat‐side instrument showcased enhanced cutting ability compared to its nonflat counterpart. However, it exhibited inferior performance in terms of time, rotation and maximum torque to fracture, along with distinct phase transformation temperatures. No differences were observed in the titanium‐to‐nickel ratios, angle of rotation, maximum bending, buckling load, preparation time, percentage of untouched canal walls, volume of hard tissue debris and percentage reduction of dentine thickness.
Clinical features and diagnostic challenges of mpox (monkeypox) outbreak in Malta: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Valentino Matthew , Muscat Katya , Gauci Alexandra , Gamoudi Donia , Padovese Valeska
Published: August 2023

Background

In May of 2022, an mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) outbreak was reported from countries where the disease is not endemic, rising worldwide concern. Malta, the smallest European Union member state, faced unique challenges, with high infection rates compared to the rest of Europe. The aim of the study is to describe the clinical characteristics, diagnostic challenges, and unique demographics of mpox patients diagnosed in Malta.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of medical records of all mpox cases recorded from May to September 2022. Demographic data, sexual behaviors and practices, travel history, comorbidities, and HIV status were investigated.

Results

In the study period, we recorded 33 mpox cases, 97% of them were male, in the age group 30–39 (39%). Ninety percent were gay or bisexual men and 76% non‐Maltese. The most common clinical presentations included skin rash (78%), lymphadenopathy (71%), anogenital lesions (67%), and fever (67%). Twenty‐seven percent of the patients were people living with HIV. In terms of coinfection with STIs, 27% of patients tested positive for gonorrhea, 12% for syphilis, 15% for chlamydia, 9% for herpes simplex virus, and 3% for hepatitis C virus.

Conclusion

The results shed light on unique challenges faced by the local sexual health clinic and call for more resources in response to the global emerging of infectious diseases.
Understanding the diversity and dynamics of in vivo efferocytosis: Insights from the fly embryo
Authors: Heron Rosalind , Amato Clelia , Wood Will , Davidson Andrew J.
Published: August 2023

The clearance of dead and dying cells, termed efferocytosis, is a rapid and efficient process and one that is critical for organismal health. The extraordinary speed and efficiency with which dead cells are detected and engulfed by immune cells within tissues presents a challenge to researchers who wish to unravel this fascinating process, since these fleeting moments of uptake are almost impossible to catch in vivo. In recent years, the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster)embryo has emerged as a powerful model to circumvent this problem. With its abundance of dying cells, specialist phagocytes and relative ease of live imaging, the humble fly embryo provides a unique opportunity to catch and study the moment of cell engulfment in real‐time within a living animal. In this review, we explore the recent advances that have come from studies in the fly, and how live imaging and genetics have revealed a previously unappreciated level of diversity in the efferocytic program. A variety of efferocytic strategies across the phagocytic cell population ensure efficient and rapid clearance of corpses wherever death is encountered within the varied and complex setting of a multicellular living organism.
Psilocybin‐assisted psychotherapy for treatment‐resistant depression: Which psychotherapy?
Authors: Crowe Marie , Manuel Jenni , Carlyle Dave , Lacey Cameron
Published: August 2023

This perspective paper explores the choice of psychotherapy for psilocybin‐assisted psychotherapy for treatment‐resistant depression. There is evidence to support the use of some psychotherapies in treating ‘treatment‐resistant’ depression, and emerging evidence for the efficacy of psilocybin. The next step which is the focus of this paper is to identify psychotherapies that are both effective and congruent with the psilocybin experience. The evidence for the efficacy of the psychotherapies is drawn from a Cochrane review and the analysis of their congruence with the psilocybin experience is drawn from a qualitative meta‐synthesis of the experience of psilocybin. The paper will examine whether three one‐to‐one psychotherapies identified as effective in the treatment of treatment‐resistant depression are compatible with the psilocybin experience. Each psychotherapy will be examined in relation to its congruence with the qualitative evidence that suggests the choice of psychotherapy needs to give priority to the subjective experience, facilitate emotional processing, support connectedness with others, acceptance of the self as emotional and support change based on the person's insights into their relationships with others and the world in which they live. We conclude that interpersonal psychotherapy and intensive short‐term dynamic psychotherapy align with that experience, although others are currently being trialled.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress induced by turbulence of mitochondrial fusion and fission was involved in stressed cardiomyocyte injury
Authors: Zhang Shengnan , Li Yingmin , Zhu Weihao , Zhang Lihua , Lei Lei , Tian Xiaofei , Chen Ke , Shi Weibo , Cong Bin
Published: August 2023

Mitochondria are sensitive organelles that sense intrinsic and extrinsic stressors and maintain cellular physiological functions through the dynamic homeostasis of mitochondrial fusion and fission. Numerous pathological processes are associated with mitochondrial fusion and fission disorders. However, the molecular mechanism by which stress induces cardiac pathophysiological changes through destabilising mitochondrial fusion and fission is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether the endoplasmic reticulum stress signalling pathway initiated by the turbulence of mitochondrial fusion and fission under stressful circumstances is involved in cardiomyocyte damage. Based on the successful establishment of the classical stress rat model of restraint plus ice water swimming, we measured the content of serum lactate dehydrogenase. We used haematoxylin–eosin staining, special histochemical staining, RT‐qPCR and western blotting to clarify the cardiac pathology, ultrastructural changes and expression patterns of mitochondrial fusion and fission marker proteins and endoplasmic reticulum stress signalling pathway proteins. The results indicated that mitochondrial fusion and fission markers and proteins of the endoplasmic reticulum stress JNK signalling pathway showed significant abnormal dynamic changes with the prolongation of stress, and stabilisation of mitochondrial fusion and fission using Mdivi‐1 could effectively improve these abnormal expressions and ameliorate cardiomyocyte injury. These findings suggest that stress could contribute to pathological cardiac injury, closely linked to the endoplasmic reticulum stress JNK signalling pathway induced by mitochondrial fusion and fission turbulence.
Increased serum α‐tocopherol acetate mediated by gut microbiota ameliorates alveolar bone loss through the STAT3 signalling pathway in diabetic periodontitis
Authors: Lu Miao , Zhang Yanan , Yuan Xulei , Zhang Yang , Zhou Mengjiao , Zhang Tingwei , Song Jinlin
Published: August 2023

Aim

To evaluate whether and how gut microbiota‐meditated metabolites regulate alveolar bone homeostasis in diabetic periodontitis (DP).

Materials and Methods

Lactobacillus casei (L. casei) was employed as a positive modulator of gut microbiota in DP mice. The destruction of alveolar bone was evaluated. Untargeted metabolomics was conducted to screen out the pivotal metabolites. A co‐housing experiment was conducted to determine the connection between the gut microbiota and alpha‐tocopherol acetate (α‐TA). α‐TA was applied to DP mice to investigate its effect against alveolar bone loss. Human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) and human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were extracted for the in vitro experiment. Transcriptomic analysis and immunohistochemistry were performed to detect the major affected signalling pathways.

Results

Positive regulation of the gut microbiota significantly attenuated alveolar bone loss and increased the serum α‐TA level. The alteration in gut microbiota composition could affect the serum α‐T (the hydrolysates of α‐TA) level. α‐TA could alleviate alveolar bone destruction in DP mice and α‐T exert beneficial effects on hPDLCs and HGFs. Mechanistically, the STAT3 signalling pathway was the pivotal pathway involved in the protective role of α‐TA.

Conclusions

The gut microbiota–α‐TA–STAT3 axis plays an important role in the regulation of diabetic alveolar bone homeostasis.
Treatment of deep single RT2 and RT3 antero‐mandibular gingival recessions with a combination of surgical techniques: A case series study
Authors: Fernández‐Jiménez A. , García‐De‐La‐Fuente A. M. , Marichalar‐Mendia X. , Aguirre‐Zorzano L. A. , Estefanía‐Fresco R.
Published: August 2023

Objective

To evaluate root coverage (RC) in deep single antero‐mandibular RT2 and RT3 gingival recessions (GR) and to investigate the influence of several factors in RC.

Materials and Methods

Fifteen single antero‐mandibular GR with a minimum depth of 3 mm were consecutively treated with a new one‐stage technique (laterally positioned flap with a tunnel access and a connective tissue graft). At baseline and at 12‐month follow‐up, the percentage of mean root coverage (%MRC), the recession reduction (RecRed), complete root coverage (CRC) and the gain of keratinized tissue width (KTW) were assessed. Descriptive, intergroup comparative and correlation analyses were performed.

Results

At 12 months, a %MRC of 77.29 ± 21.48% with a mean RecRed of 4.10 ± 1.51 mm was achieved. The %MRC was 84.71 ± 21.08% in RT2, and 62.43 ± 14.17% in RT3. The mean gain of KTW was 2.10 ± 0.89 mm, with a mean gain of 2.0 ± 1.03 mm for RT2 and 2.3 ± 0.57 mm for RT3. CRC was observed in six cases, all of them being RT2. A positive association was found between the %MRC and the initial position of the tooth and of both papillae.

Conclusions

This technique might be a valuable approach for the treatment of deep single antero‐mandibular RT2 and RT3 recessions, even in malpositioned teeth.

Clinical Significance

A combination of different surgical techniques could provide greater vascularization to the CTG especially in malpositioned teeth in sextant V with a large avascular area to be covered.
Utility of body and otolith morphometry to discriminate cryptic juveniles of two sympatric red snappers (Perciformes: Lutjanidae)
Authors: Takahashi Miwa , Wakefield Corey B. , Newman Stephen J. , Hillcoat Kyle B. , Saunders Benjamin J. , Harvey Euan S.
Published: August 2023

The sympatric red snappers, Lutjanus erythropterus and Lutjanus malabaricus, are highly valued by commercial and recreational fishers along the tropical northern coasts of Australia and throughout their distribution. Studies on the life history and ecology of these congeners are confounded by difficulties in distinguishing the cryptic juveniles of each species (i.e., < 200 mm total length). This study aimed to validate a robust and cost‐effective method to discriminate these juveniles using body and/or otolith morphometric data in a multivariate analysis. Juvenile samples were collected from the northwest (n = 71) and northeast (n = 19) coasts of Australia, and species identification was confirmed using DNA barcoding. The most parsimonious multivariate models achieved accurate species prediction rates of 98.8%, which consisted of just three body variables (dorsal fin length, the distance from the snout to the anterior edge of the eye, and either jaw length or distance from the snout to the preoperculum). The high level of discrimination for these cryptic juveniles highlights the robustness of this morphometric approach. The slightly lower rate of discrimination using otolith morphology (84.9%) was associated with greater regional variation in L. malabaricus between the northwest and northeast coasts. Slight variations in otolith shape are typically used to determine stock structure, which highlights the potential need to collect samples over a broader area of a species geographic range when using an otolith morphometric discrimination model. The method outlined in this study could be applied to distinguish other cryptic congeneric fish species, including from archived otolith collections. Moreover, this method has the potential to be utilized in assessing species compositions using body measurements from in situ stereo‐video.
Unraveling the pathogenesis of non‐alcoholic fatty liver diseases through genome‐wide association studies
Authors: Tian Ye , Wang Bo
Published: August 2023

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a significant health burden around the world, affecting approximately 25% of the population. Recent advances in human genetic databases have allowed for the identification of various single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with NAFLD‐related traits. Investigating the functions of these genetic factors provides insight into the pathogenesis of NAFLD and potentially identifies novel therapeutic targets for NAFLD. In this review, we summarized current research on genes with NAFLD‐associated mutations, highlighting phospholipid remodeling and spatially clustered loci as common pathological and genetic features of these mutations. These features suggest a complex yet intriguing mechanism of dissociated steatosis and insulin resistance, which is observed in a subset of patients and may lead to more precise therapy against NAFLD in the future.
Reply to: Comment on: Antiepileptic prescribing to persons living with dementia residing in nursing homes: A tale of two indications
Authors: Candon Molly , Strominger Julie , Gerlach Lauren B. , Maust Donovan T.
Published: August 2023

See the related comment by Fauchon et al.
Self‐perception of aging and perceived medical discrimination
Authors: Sun Na , Xu Ziyao , Hua Cassandra L. , Qiu Xiao , Pittman Amelia , Abdou Basel , Brown J. Scott
Published: August 2023

Background

Individuals who perceive medical discrimination often face adverse consequences. How individuals perceive their own aging experiences may influence perceived medical discrimination due to age by generating expectations that they will receive poor treatment from clinicians, which may be amplified for individuals who also perceive discrimination because of race. This study explored the relationship between self‐perceptions of aging (SPA) and perceived medical discrimination due to age, race, and other reasons.

Methods

We used three waves (2008, 2012, 2016) from the nationally representative Health and Retirement Study (HRS) data. Our sample included 10,188 community‐residing individuals aged 51 and over. SPA were measured by two domains: positive SPA and negative SPA. Multinomial logistic regression that adjusted for demographic, health characteristics, and year‐fixed effects was conducted to estimate the relationship between SPA and categories of perceived medical discrimination (age, race, age and race, and other).

Results

Approximately 11% of the population perceived discrimination because of age or race in the medical setting from 2008 to 2016. Older adults who had a positive SPA were 15% [Adjusted relative risk ratio (ARR): 0.85, 95% CI: 0.79–0.91], 13% [ARRR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.76–1.00], and 20% [ARRR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.74–0.88] less likely to experience perceived medical discrimination due to age, race, and the intersection of age and race, respectively, than those who did not, holding other factors constant. Those who held a negative SPA were 38% [ARRR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.28–1.48] more likely to report perceived medical discrimination due to age and 12% [ARRR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.03–1.21] more likely to report perceived medical discrimination due to other reasons.

Conclusions

Holding a positive perception of aging may help reduce perceived medical discrimination because of age and race, which may in turn improve communication and lead to timely and appropriate treatment.
Ketamine improves neuronal recovery following spreading depolarization in peri‐infarct tissues
Authors: Reinhart Katelyn M. , Morton Russell A. , Brennan K. C. , Carlson Andrew P. , Shuttleworth C. William
Published: August 2023

Spreading depolarization (SD) has emerged as an important contributor to the enlargement of acute brain injuries. We previously showed that the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor antagonist ketamine was able to prevent deleterious consequences of SD in brain slices, under conditions of metabolic compromise. The current study aimed to extend these observations into an in vivo stroke model, to test whether gradients of metabolic capacity lead to differential accumulation of calcium (Ca2+) following SD. In addition, we tested whether ketamine protects vulnerable tissuewhile allowing SD to propagate through surrounding undamaged tissue. Focal lesions were generated using a distal middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice, and clusters of SD were generated at 20 min intervals with remote microinjection of potassium chloride. SDs invading peri‐infarct regions had significantly different consequences, depending on the distance from the infarct core. Proximal to the lesion, Ca2+ transients were extended, as compared with responses in better‐perfused tissue more remote from the lesion. Extracellular potential shifts were also longer and hyperemia responses were reduced in proximal regions following SDs. Consistent with in vitro studies, ketamine, at concentrations that did not abolish the propagation of SD, reduced the accumulation of intracellular Ca2+ in proximal regions following an SD wave. These findings suggest that deleterious consequences of SD can be targeted in vivo, without requiring outright block of SD initiation and propagation.

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Progression of reactive gliosis and astroglial phenotypic changes following stab wound‐induced traumatic brain injury in mice
Authors: Cieri Maria Belen , Villarreal Alejandro , Gomez‐Cuautle Dante Daniel , Mailing Ingrid , Ramos Alberto Javier
Published: August 2023

Astrocytes are the main homeostatic cells in the central nervous system (CNS) and they have an essential role in preserving neuronal physiology. After brain injury, astrocytes become reactive, and that involves a profound change in the astroglial gene expression program as well as intense cytoskeleton remodeling that has been classically shown by the up‐regulation of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), a pan‐reactive gene over‐expressed in reactive astrocytes, independently of the type of injury. Using the stab wound rodent model of penetrating traumatic injury in the cortex, we here studied the reactive astroglial morphology and reactive microgliosis in detail at 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 days post‐injury (dpi). By combining immunohistochemistry, morphometrical parameters, and Sholl analysis, we segmented the astroglial cell population into clusters of reactive astrocytes that were localized in the core, penumbra, and distal regions of the stab wound. Specifically, highly reactive clusters with more complex morphology, increased C3, decreased aquaporin‐4 (AQP4), and glutamine synthetase (GS) expression, were enriched at 7 dpi when behavioral alterations, microgliosis, and neuronal alterations in injured mice were most significant. While pro‐inflammatory gain of function with peripheral lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration immediately after a stab wound expanded these highly reactive astroglial clusters, the treatment with the NF‐κB inhibitor sulfasalazine reduced the abundance of this highly reactive cluster. Increased neuronal loss and exacerbated reactive microgliosis at 7 dpi were associated with the expansion of the highly reactive astroglial cluster. We conclude that highly reactive astrocytes found in stab wound injury, but expanded in pro‐inflammatory conditions, are a population of astrocytes that become engaged in pathological remodeling with a pro‐inflammatory gain of function and loss of homeostatic capacity. Controlling this astroglial population may be a tempting strategy to reduce neuronal loss and neuroinflammation in the injured brain.

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Biostimulating fillers and induction of inflammatory pathways: A preclinical investigation of macrophage response to calcium hydroxylapatite and poly‐L lactic acid
Authors: Nowag Bartosch , Schäfer Daniela , Hengl Thomas , Corduff Niamh , Goldie Kate
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Initial macrophage response to biostimulatory substances is key in determining the subsequent behavior of fibroblasts and the organization of newly synthesized collagen. Though histological studies suggest that calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) filler initiates a regenerative healing response with collagen and elastin deposition similar to natural, healthy tissue rather than an inflammatory response with fibrosis, the relative activity of macrophages stimulated by CaHA, as well as how this activity compares to that induced by other biostimulatory fillers, has not been explored. The aim of the study is to characterize the in vitro macrophage response to two biostimulory fillers, CaHA and PLLA (poly‐L lactic acid), and to evaluate their inflammatory potential.

Methods

Primary human macrophages were incubated with two dilutions (1:50 and 1:100) of commercially available CaHA or PLLA. After 24 h incubation, an inflammation array was used to screen for the expression of 40 cytokines, released by macrophages. ELISA was used to confirm array results.

Results

Four cytokines were significantly upregulated in M1 macrophages incubated with PLLA compared to both unstimulated controls and CaHA: CCL1 (p < 0.001), TNFRII (p < 0.01), MIP‐1α (p < 0.05), and IL‐8 (p < 0.001). In M2 macrophages, MIP‐1α (p < 0.01) and MIP‐1β (p < 0.01) were significantly upregulated by PLLA compared to CaHA and unstimulated controls.

Conclusion

Together, these findings indicate that the CaHA mode of action is a non‐inflammatory response while PLLA initiates expression of several cytokines known to play a role in inflammation. Our study supports the concept that these two “biostimulatory” fillers follow distinct pathways and should be considered individually with regard to mechanism of action.
What is the value of data? A review of empirical methods
Authors: Coyle Diane , Manley Annabel
Published: August 2023

With the growing use of digital technologies, data have become core to many organizations’ decisions, with its value widely acknowledged across public and private sectors. Yet few comprehensive empirical approaches to establishing the value of data exist, and there is no consensus about which methods should be applied to specific data types or purposes. This paper examines a range of data valuation methodologies proposed in the existing literature. We propose a typology linking methods to different data types and purposes.
Local Energy Markets*
Authors: Baake Pio , Schwenen Sebastian , von Hirschhausen Christian
Published: August 2023

In current power markets, the bulk of electricity is sold wholesale and transported to consumers via long‐distance transmission lines. Recently, decentralized local energy markets have evolved, often as isolated networks based on solar generation. We analyze strategic pricing, investment, and welfare in local energy markets. We show that local energy markets yield competitive equilibrium prices and provide efficient investment incentives. Yet, we find that strategic behavior leads to allocative inefficiency. We propose a clearing mechanism that induces truth‐telling behavior and restores first‐best welfare.
Bruxism and dental implants: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Häggman‐Henrikson Birgitta , Ali David , Aljamal Mustafa , Chrcanovic Bruno Ramos
Published: August 2023

Background

Overload from bruxism may affect survival of dental implants.

Objectives

To evaluate implant failure and marginal bone loss (MBL) in patients presenting with probable bruxism compared to non‐bruxers. The study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021238397).

Methods

An electronic search September 2022 in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science and Science Direct was combined with a hand search. Two independent reviewers carried out abstract screening, full‐text assessment, quality assessment (National Institutes of Health tool) and data extraction. Only studies that provided information on self‐report and clinical examination needed for the diagnosis of at least ‘probable’ bruxism were included. A pairwise random‐effect meta‐analysis was carried out.

Results

In total 1338 studies were identified, and after screening and full‐text assessment 27 studies that presented data on 2105 implants in probable bruxers and 10 264 implants in non‐bruxers were included, with 138 and 352 implant failures in respective groups. the meta‐analysis showed that implants placed in probable bruxers had a higher risk of failure than in non‐bruxers (OR 2.189; 95% CI 1.337, 3.583, p = .002). A meta‐regression showed that follow‐up time did not affect this OR. Eighteen studies provided general data on MBL but did not report results separated between bruxers and non‐bruxers. Therefore, an analysis of MBL was not possible.

Conclusion

The results of the present systematic review show that implants placed in probable bruxers present a significantly higher risk of failure than implants placed in non‐bruxers. This should be considered in treatment planning and management of implant patients.
A randomized controlled crossover trial of acute intermittent and continuous hypoxia exposure in mild–moderate obstructive sleep apnea: A feasibility study
Authors: Zha Shiqian , Liu Xu , Chen Hao , Hao Yueying , Zhang Jingyi , Zhang Qingfeng , Hu Ke
Published: August 2023

In a prospective, randomized, controlled crossover study, we explored the effects of acute intermittent hypoxia and acute continuous hypoxia on patients with mild–moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Over three single‐night sessions, subjects were alternately exposed to normoxia, acute continuous hypoxia and acute intermittent hypoxia before sleep. The apnea–hypopnea index and oxygen desaturation index were used to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea and evaluate efficacy. A responder was defined as a participant with a ≥ 50% reduction in apnea–hypopnea index between normoxia and hypoxia exposure. Sixteen participants with mild–moderate obstructive sleep apnea completed the study. Compared with normoxia, the mean apnea–hypopnea index decreased by 8.9 events per hr (95% confidence interval, 4.2–13.6, p = 0.001) with acute intermittent hypoxia and by 4.1 events per hr (95% confidence interval, 0.5–8.8, p = 0.082) with acute continuous hypoxia, equating to a mean decrease in apnea–hypopnea index of 4.8 events per hr (95% confidence interval, 0.1–9.5, p = 0.046) with acute intermittent hypoxia compared with acute continuous hypoxia. Compared with normoxia, the mean oxygen desaturation index decreased by 9.8 events per hr (95% confidence interval, 4.4–15.1, p = 0.001) with acute intermittent hypoxia but did not significantly decrease with acute continuous hypoxia; the mean oxygen desaturation index decreased by 7.2 events per hr (95% confidence interval, 1.8–12.6, p = 0.010) with acute intermittent hypoxia compared with acute continuous hypoxia. Of the 16 participants, 11 responded to acute intermittent hypoxia and four responded to acute continuous hypoxia (p = 0.032), of whom eight of 11 cases and all four cases had oxygen desaturation indexes <5 events per hr, respectively (p = 0.273). All participants tolerated acute intermittent hypoxia and there were no obvious adverse events during acute intermittent hypoxia exposure. In conclusion, acute intermittent hypoxia exposure improved apnea–hypopnea index and oxygen desaturation index in patients with mild–moderate obstructive sleep apnea, suggesting that further prospective validation of intermittent hypoxia exposure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea is needed to establish its clinical feasibility as a therapeutic modality.
Precision medicine using whole genome sequencing in a cat identifies a novel COL5A1 variant for classical Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome
Authors: McElroy Abigail , Gray‐Edwards Heather , Coghill Lyndon M. , Lyons Leslie A.
Published: August 2023

Background

Ehlers‐Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a heterogeneous group of heritable connective tissue disorders occurring in both human and veterinary patients. The genetics of these disorders are poorly described in small animal patients.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Define the clinical manifestations and genetic cause of a suspected form of EDS in a cat.

Animals

A 14‐week‐old male domestic medium hair cat was presented with skin hyperextensibility and fragility. The classic tragic facial expression was observed as well as chronic pruritus and mild hyperesthesia.

Methods

Blood samples and a skin biopsy sample were collected from the affected cat. Clinical examinations, histology, electron microscopy and whole genome sequencing were conducted to characterize the clinical presentation and identify possible pathogenic DNA variants to support a diagnosis. Criteria defining variant pathogenicity were examined including human disease variant databases.

Results

Histology showed sparse, disorganized collagen and an increase in cutaneous mast cells. Electron microscopy identified ultrastructural defects commonly seen in collagen type V alpha 1 chain (COL5A1) variants including flower‐like collagen fibrils in cross‐section. Whole genome sequencing and comparison with 413 cats in the 99 Lives Cat Genome Sequencing Consortium database identified a novel splice acceptor site variant at exon 4 in COL5A1 (c.501‐2A>C).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Our report broadens the current understanding of EDS in veterinary patients and supports the use of precision medicine techniques in clinical veterinary practice. The classification of variants for pathogenicity should be considered in companion animals.
Expanding the donor pool: Kidney transplantation from serum HBV DNA or HBeAg‐positive donors to HBsAg‐negative recipients
Authors: Yin Saifu , Wu Lijuan , Zhang Fan , Huang Xinyi , Wu Jiapei , Wang Xianding , Lin Tao
Published: August 2023

Background & Aims

HBsAg‐positive (HBsAg[+]) donors are rarely accepted for kidney transplantation (KT), especially when the donor is also HBV DNA‐positive (HBV DNA[+]) or HBeAg‐positive (HBeAg[+]) serologically. This study aimed to report kidney transplant outcomes from HBsAg(+) donors to HBsAg(−) recipients.

Methods

Consecutive cases were retrospectively identified from 1 July 2017 to 31 December 2020. KTs from HBsAg(−)/HBcAb‐positive (HBcAb[+]) donors to HBcAb(−) recipients were selected as the control group. The primary outcomes were de novo HBV infection (DNH), graft and patient survival.

Results

We identified 105 HBsAg(−) recipients who received HBsAg(+) kidneys and 516 HBcAb(−) recipients who received HBcAb(+) kidneys. A higher DNH rate was observed after receiving HBsAg(+) kidneys than after receiving HBcAb(+) kidneys after a median follow‐up of 23.0 months (4/105[3.8%] vs. 2/516[0.4%], p = .009). All four infected recipients receiving HBsAg(+) kidneys had HBsAg clearance after treatment. Graft and patient survival were comparable between the groups (p = .630, p = .910). The DNH rates were 0/22(0%), 3/70(4.3%) and 1/13(7.7%) after receiving HBsAg(+), HBV DNA(+) and HBeAg(+) kidneys, respectively (p = .455). The DNH rate was lower if the donor had received antiviral treatment (4/42[9.5%] vs. 0/63[0%], p = .023). HBsAb(−) recipients had a higher DNH incidence than HBsAb(+) recipients (3/25[12.0%] vs. 1/80[1.3%], p = .041).

Conclusions

The use of HBsAg(+) donors contributed to comparable graft and patient survival, but HBV DNA(+) or HBeAg(+) donors and HBsAb(−) recipients maybe associated with a higher risk of HBV infection. These findings help expand the donor pool and emphasize the role of donor antiviral treatment and recipient HBV immunity in establishing optimal prophylactic regimens.
Practical reasons to believe, epistemic reasons to act, and the baffled action theorist
Authors: Arpaly Nomy
Published: August 2023

I argue that unless belief is voluntary in a very strict sense – that is, unless credence is simply under our direct control – there can be no practical reasons to believe. I defend this view against recent work by Susanna Rinard. I then argue that for very similar reasons, barring the truth of strict doxastic voluntarism, there cannot be epistemic reasons to act, only purely practical reasons possessed by those whose goal is attaining knowledge or justified belief.
Financial inclusion and healthcare in Africa: Examining the moderating role of education
Authors: Wirajing Muhamadu Awal Kindzeka , Haruna Ali , Nchofoung Tii N.
Published: August 2023

The 2023 Sustainable Development Goal Report reveals that Africa is still struggling in its pursuit to achieve universal healthcare coverage. However, financial risk protection and human capital development could come to the rescue by facilitating the attainment of quality healthcare services. This study examines the effect of financial inclusion on healthcare in Africa, spanning from 2000 to 2021. Healthcare is proxied by life expectancy at birth, the immunisation rate, and the lifetime risk of maternal death. Financial inclusion is approached through access and usage of financial services. After controlling for the problem of potential endogeneity through the system generalised method of moment (GMM), the findings reveal that financial inclusion enhances healthcare in Africa, signifying that financially included individuals have a higher conditional probability of spending more on improving their health relative to the financially excluded individuals. Moreover, the findings indicate that education and technology diffusion are imperative in the quest for enhancing healthcare in Africa. In addition, after testing for sensitivity analysis by adopting different indicators of healthcare, the results remain consistent throughout the study, confirming the role of financial inclusion in enhancing healthcare in Africa. After computing the marginal effects, the findings depict that education and financial inclusion interact to produce positive synergy effects, signifying that the positive role of financial inclusion and education in enhancing healthcare outweighs the negative conditional effect. The results recommend policymakers establish a framework that promotes financial literacy for the enhancement of healthcare in Africa.
Divert when it does not hurt: The initiation of economic sanctions by US presidents from 1989 to 2015
Authors: Attia Hana
Published: August 2023

A dominant argument in the literature is that leaders tend to initiate military disputes in periods plagued by economic distress. This article revisits the diversionary theory and adapts it to the use of economic sanctions in the United States, contending that their use follows a similar diversionary logic. Using a novel dataset on US sanctions from 1989 to 2015, I find that presidents are more likely to use sanctions when unemployment is high and the president's party power in Congress is weak. I show that when doing so presidents opt for sanctions that inflict little harm on the US economy.
Hölder stability and uniqueness for the mean field games system via Carleman estimates
Authors: Klibanov Michael V. , Li Jingzhi , Liu Hongyu
Published: August 2023

We are concerned with the mathematical study of the mean field games system (MFGS). In the conventional setup, the MFGS is a system of two coupled nonlinear parabolic partial differential equation (PDE)s of the second order in a backward–forward manner, namely, one terminal and one initial condition are prescribed, respectively, for the value function and the population density . In this paper, we show that uniqueness of solutions to the MFGS can be guaranteed if, among all four possible terminal and initial conditions, either only two terminals or only two initial conditions are given. In both cases, Hölder stability estimates are proven. This means that the accuracies of the solutions are estimated in terms of the given data. Moreover, these estimates readily imply uniqueness of corresponding problems for the MFGS. The main mathematical apparatus to establish those results is two new Carleman estimates, which may find application in other contexts associated with coupled parabolic PDEs.
Frisch elasticities in a model of indivisible labor supply with endogenous workweek length
Authors: Yum Minchul
Published: August 2023

In this paper, I provide an extension of the classical indivisible labor supply model where a large macro Frisch elasticity is reconciled with a small micro counterpart. Households take as given state‐dependent hours per worker – shaped by a nonlinear mapping from hours worked to labor services and employment frictions – and make intertemporal labor supply decisions. In the standard indivisible labor supply model, aggregate fluctuations are independent of the individual preference parameter that governs the intensive‐margin elasticity. In my model, however, they are connected through the extensive margin whose elasticity is empirically reasonable and is shaped by the individual preference parameter.
Perceived discrimination and suicidal ideation among impoverished and nonimpoverished college students: Different mechanisms via social support, depressive symptoms, and nonsuicidal self‐injury
Authors: Liu Luming , Han Yuchen , Lian Yangyu , Wu Xinchun , Qiao Zhihong , Wang Wenchao
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Being discriminated against is a potential interpersonal factor leading to suicidal ideation. Compared to nonimpoverished students, impoverished students have disadvantages in different aspects, leading to high risks of negative psychological states. However, few studies have contrasted the mechanism of discrimination in suicidal ideation between impoverished and nonimpoverished college students. The present study aimed to contrast the mediating effects of social support, depressive symptoms, and nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) between perceived discrimination and suicidal ideation among impoverished and nonimpoverished college students.

Method

The convenience cluster sampling method was used. A total of 1897 Chinese college students (1084 female; Mage = 19.93, SD = 1.44) participated in the two‐wave survey with a six‐month interval.

Results

Perceived discrimination significantly predicted suicidal ideation. Social support, depressive symptoms, and NSSI acted as mediators. However, the structural weights were significantly different between impoverished and nonimpoverished students. Specifically, the role of social support was more significant among impoverished students, while the role of depressive symptoms was more significant among nonimpoverished students.

Conclusions

Discrimination is a risk factor leading to suicidal ideation for college students. To intervene in suicidal ideation caused by discrimination, school and social workers should pay extra attention to reduce stress and increase social support for impoverished students.