bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An assessment framework to evaluate the critical success factors to Quality 4.0 transition in developing countries: a case experience of sustainable performance of Indian manufacturers
Authors: Joshi Sudhanshu , Sharma Manu , Luthra Sunil , Garza-Reyes Jose Arturo , Anbanandam Ramesh
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The research aims to develop an assessment framework that evaluates critical success factors (CSFs) for the Quality 4.0 (Q 4.0) transition among Indian firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the fuzzy-Delphi method to validate the results of a systematic literature review (SLR) that explores critical aspects. Further, the fuzzy decision-making trial and laboratory (DEMATEL) method determines the cause-and-effect link. The findings indicate that developing a Q 4.0 framework is essential for the long-term success of manufacturing companies. Utilizing the power of digital technology, data analytics and automation, manufacturing companies can benefit from the Q 4.0 framework. Product quality, operational effectiveness and overall business performance may all be enhanced by implementing the Q 4.0 transition framework.

Findings

The study highlights significant awareness of Q 4.0 in the Indian manufacturing sector that is acquired through various means such as training, experience, learning and research. However, most manufacturing industries in India still follow older quality paradigms. On the other hand, Indian manufacturing industries seem well-equipped to adopt Q 4.0, given practitioners' firm grasp of its concepts and anticipated benefits, including improved customer satisfaction, product refinement, continuous process enhancement, waste reduction and informed decision-making. Adoption hurdles involve challenges including reliable electricity access, high-speed Internet, infrastructure, a skilled workforce and financial support. The study also introduces a transition framework facilitating the shift from conventional methods to Q 4.0, aligned with the principles of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR).

Research limitations/implications

This research exclusively examines the manufacturing sector, neglecting other fields such as medical, service, mining and construction. Additionally, there needs to be more emphasis on the Q 4.0 implementation frameworks within the scope of the study.

Originality/value

This may be the inaugural framework for transitioning to Q 4.0 in India's manufacturing sectors and, conceivably, other developing nations.
EMBODIED URBANIZATIONS AND AMEFRICAN FUTURITIES: Lucia's Epistemology
Authors: Veillette Anne‐Marie
Published: March 2024

In this article, I examine the definition of resistance given by a favela woman from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil—Lucia Cabral—and its epistemological potential for urban theory. From a feminist, postcolonial and decolonial point of view, I argue that Lucia's definition of resistance entails an insightful framework to understand urban transformations, because she shifts the question of ‘what they are’ to ‘where they stream from’. I build on my situated position and inter‐relationality with Lucia to argue that, first, urban transformations, which I here refer to as forms of urbanization, can and often do come from the favela; secondly, that these forms of urbanization derive from situated and translocated‐ing Amefrican epistemologies; and thirdly, that women's bodies constitute, in many cases, the very basis of urban futurities in the favelas. I look into embodied forms of urbanization to conclude that it is possible to see, feel, sense and nurture forms of future‐thinking and ‐building that I here call Amefrican futurities, for they emerge from the specific subjectivities and praxis of women living in the favelas.
The association of prehospital systemic corticosteroids with emergency department and in‐hospital outcomes for patients with asthma exacerbations
Authors: Ramgopal Sriram , Naik Vishal V. , Komukai Sho , Owusu‐Ansah Sylvia , Crowe Remle P. , Okubo Masashi , Martin‐Gill Christian
Published: March 2024

Background

Timely administration of systemic corticosteroids is a cornerstone of asthma exacerbation treatment, yet little is known regarding potential benefits of prehospital administration by emergency medical services (EMS) clinicians. We examined factors associated with prehospital corticosteroid administration with hospitalization and hospital length of stay (LOS).

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of EMS encounters for patients 2–50 years of age with suspected asthma exacerbation from a national data set. We evaluated factors associated with systemic corticosteroid administration using generalized estimating equations. We performed propensity matching based on service level, age, encounter duration, vital signs, and treatments to evaluate the association of prehospital corticosteroid administration with hospitalization and LOS using weighted logistic regression. We evaluated the association of prehospital corticosteroid administration with admission using Bayesian models.

Results

Of 15,834 encounters, 4731 (29.9%) received prehospital systemic corticosteroids. Administration of corticosteroids was associated with older age; sex; urbanicity; advanced life support provider; vital sign instability; increasing doses of albuterol; and provision of ipratropium bromide, magnesium, epinephrine, and supplementary oxygen. Within the matched sample, prehospital corticosteroids were not associated with hospitalization (odds ratio [OR] 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.73–1.01) or LOS (multiplier 0.76, 95% CI 0.56–1.05). Administration of corticosteroids was associated with lower odds of admission and shorter LOS in longer EMS encounters (>34 min), lower admission odds in patients with documented wheezing, and shorter LOS among patients treated with albuterol. In a Bayesian model with noninformative priors, the OR for admission among encounters given corticosteroids was 0.86 (95% credible interval 0.77–0.96).

Conclusions

Prehospital systemic corticosteroid administration was not associated with hospitalization or LOS in the overall cohort of asthma patients treated by EMS, though they had a lower probability of admission within Bayesian models. Improved outcomes were noted among subgroups of longer EMS encounters, documented wheezing, and receipt of albuterol.
Should tobacco sales be restricted to state‐run alcohol outlets? Perspectives from 10 US alcohol control states
Authors: Smith Elizabeth A. , McDaniel Patricia A. , Malone Ruth E.
Published: March 2024

Background and aims

The ubiquity of tobacco retailers helps to sustain the tobacco epidemic. A tobacco retail reduction approach that has not been tried is transitioning tobacco sales to state‐controlled alcohol stores (TTS), which are limited in number and operate under some restrictions, e.g. regarding opening hours or marketing materials. This study summarizes policy experts' and advocates’ views of TTS, including (1) advantages and disadvantages; (2) feasibility; and (3) potential implementation obstacles.

Design

This study was a qualitative content analysis of semi‐structured interviews.

Setting

Ten US states with alcoholic beverage control systems were included.

Participants

The participants comprised a total of 103 tobacco control advocates and professionals, public health officials, alcohol policy experts and alcohol control system representatives, including two tribal community representatives.

Measurements

Interviewees’ perspectives on their state's alcoholic beverage control agency (ABC, the agency that oversees or operates a state alcohol monopoly) and on TTS were assessed.

Findings

Interviewees thought TTS offered potential advantages, including reduced access to tobacco products, less exposure to tobacco advertising and a greater likelihood of successful smoking cessation. Some saw potential long‐term health benefits for communities of color, due to the smaller number of state alcohol stores in those communities. Interviewees also raised concerns regarding TTS, including ABCs’ limited focus on public health and emphasis on revenue generation, which could conflict with tobacco use reduction efforts. Some interviewees thought TTS could enhance the power of the tobacco and alcohol industries, increase calls for alcohol system privatization or create difficulties for those in recovery.

Conclusions

In the United States, transitioning tobacco sales to state‐controlled alcohol stores (TTS) could have a positive public health impact by reducing tobacco availability, marketing exposure and, ultimately, tobacco use. However, tensions exist between alcohol control system goals of providing revenue to the state and protecting public health. Should a state decide to pursue TTS, several guardrails should be established, including building into the legislation an explicit goal of reducing tobacco consumption.
Soluble MICA in endometriosis pathophysiology: Impairs NK cell degranulation and effector functions
Authors: Marin Maria Lucia Carnevale , Rached Marici Rached , Monteiro Sandra Maria , Kalil Jorge , Abrao Mauricio Simoes , Coelho Verônica
Published: March 2024

Problem

Endometriosis exhibits several immune dysfunctions, including deficient natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity. MICA (MHC class I chain‐related molecule A) is induced by biological stress and soluble MICA (sMICA) negatively modulates the expression of the activating receptor, NKG2D, reducing NK cells activities. We investigated the involvement of soluble MICA in NK cell‐deficient activity in endometriosis.

Methods of study

sMICA levels (serum and peritoneal fluid—PF) were evaluated by ELISA. Circulating NK cell subsets quantification and its NKG2D receptor expression, NK cell cytotoxicity and CD107a, IFN‐γ and IL‐10 expressions by NK cells stimulated with K562 cells were determined by flow cytometry.

Results

We found higher sMICA levels (serum and PF) in endometriosis, especially in advanced and deep endometriosis. Endometriosis presented lower percentages of CD56dimCD16+ cytotoxic cells and impaired NK cell responses upon stimulation, resulting in lower CD107a and IFN‐γ expressions, and deficient NK cell cytotoxicity. NK cell stimulation in the MICA‐blocked condition (mimicking the effect of sMICA) showed decreased cytotoxicity in initial endometriosis stages and the emergence of a negative correlation between CD107a expression and sMICA levels.

Conclusions

We suggest that soluble MICA is a potential player in endometriosis pathophysiology with involvement in disease progression and severity, contributing to NK cell impaired IFN‐γ response and degranulation. NK cell compartment exhibits multiple perturbations, including quantitative deficiency and impaired cytotoxicity, contributing to inadequate elimination of ectopic endometrial tissue.
Anatomy of muscle connections in the male urethra and anorectal canal
Authors: Muro Satoru , Shoji Sunao , Suriyut Janyaruk , Akita Keiichi
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To elucidate the male urethral muscular structure and its relationship with the anorectal canal muscles, as establishing an anatomical foundation for urethral function will contribute to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of urinary incontinence.

Methods

Eight male cadavers were used. Using a multifaceted approach, we performed macroscopic anatomical examination, histological analysis of wide‐range serial sectioning and immunostaining, and three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction from histological sections. In the macroscopic anatomical examination, pelvic halves were meticulously dissected in layers from the medial aspect. In the histological analysis, the tissue, including the urethra and anorectal canal, was serially sectioned in the horizontal plane. The muscular structures were reconstructed and visualised in 3D.

Results

The membranous portion of the urethra had three muscle layers: the longitudinal and circular muscles (smooth muscle) and the external urethral sphincter (skeletal muscle). The circular muscle was connected posteriorly to the longitudinal rectal muscle. The external urethral sphincter had a horseshoe shape, with its posterior ends continuing to the external anal sphincter, forming a 3D ring‐like sphincter.

Conclusion

This study revealed skeletal and smooth muscle connections between the male urethra and anorectal canal, enabling urethral compression and closure. These anatomical muscle connections suggest a functional linkage between them.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel quinoxaline aryl ethers as anticancer agents
Authors: Nakka Srinuvasu , Raza Asif , Chaitanya Kosana Sai , Bandaru Naga Venkata Madhusudhan Rao , Chandu Ala , Murugesan Sankaranarayanan , Devunuri Nagaraju , Sharma Arun K. , Chandrasekhar Kondapalli Venkata Gowri
Published: March 2024

We designed and synthesized thirty novel quinoxaline aryl ethers as anticancer agents, and the structures of final compounds were confirmed with various analytical techniques like Mass, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FTIR, and elemental analyses. The compounds were tested against three cancer cell lines: colon cancer (HCT‐116), breast cancer (MDA‐MB‐231), prostate cancer (DU‐145), and one normal cell line: human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK‐293). The obtained results indicate that two compounds, FQ and MQ, with IC50 values < 16 μM, were the most active compounds. Molecular docking studies revealed the binding of FQ and MQ molecules in the active site of the c‐Met kinase (PDB ID: 3F66, 1.40 Å). Furthermore, QikProp ADME prediction and the MDS analysis preserved those critical docking data of both compounds, FQ and MQ. Western blotting was used to confirm the impact of the compounds FQ and MQ on the inhibition of the c‐Met kinase receptor. The apoptosis assays were performed to investigate the mechanism of cell death for the most active compounds, FQ and MQ. The Annexin V/7‐AAD assay indicated apoptosis in MDA‐MB‐231 cells treated with FQ and MQ, with FQ (21.4%) showing a higher efficacy in killing MDA‐MB‐231 cells than MQ (14.25%). The Caspase 3/7 7‐AAD assay further supported these findings, revealing higher percentages of apoptotic cells for FQ‐treated MDA‐MB‐231 cells (41.8%). The results obtained from the apoptosis assay conclude that FQ exhibits better anticancer activity against MDA‐MB‐231 cells than MQ.
Corporate taxes, leverage, and investment: Evidence from Nazi‐occupied Netherlands
Authors: Fliers Philip T. , de Jong Abe , Stiphout‐Kramer Bert S. van
Published: March 2024

We examine the Netherlands around the Second World War, where the occupying Nazi regime overhauled the country's corporate tax regime and introduced a profit tax of 55 per cent. We estimate that the new tax regime cost investors at least 300 million guilders, an amount equivalent to 5 per cent of Dutch GDP in 1940. We demonstrate that the tax introduction changed the financing of Dutch businesses. In particular, we find strong evidence that debt financing increased because it provides a tax shelter. The changes in taxation also led to an after‐tax reduction in the cost of debt, which had large real effects on firm investment. After the end of the war, firms with more leverage had higher capital expenditures.
Coherent long‐term body‐size responses across all Northwest Atlantic herring populations to warming and environmental change despite contrasting harvest and ecological factors
Authors: Beaudry‐Sylvestre Manuelle , Benoît Hugues P. , Hutchings Jeffrey A.
Published: March 2024

Body size is a key component of individual fitness and an important factor in the structure and functioning of populations and ecosystems. Disentangling the effects of environmental change, harvest and intra‐ and inter‐specific trophic effects on body size remains challenging for populations in the wild. Herring in the Northwest Atlantic provide a strong basis for evaluating hypotheses related to these drivers given that they have experienced significant warming and harvest over the past century, while also having been exposed to a wide range of other selective constraints across their range. Using data on mean length‐at‐age 4 for the sixteen principal populations over a period of 53 cohorts (1962–2014), we fitted a series of empirical models for temporal and between‐population variation in the response to changes in sea surface temperature. We find evidence for a unified cross‐population response in the form of a parabolic function according to which populations in naturally warmer environments have responded more negatively to increasing temperature compared with those in colder locations. Temporal variation in residuals from this function was highly coherent among populations, further suggesting a common response to a large‐scale environmental driver. The synchrony observed in this study system, despite strong differences in harvest and ecological histories among populations and over time, clearly indicates a dominant role of environmental change on size‐at‐age in wild populations, in contrast to commonly reported effects of fishing. This finding has important implications for the management of fisheries as it indicates that a key trait associated with population productivity may be under considerably less short‐term management control than currently assumed. Our study, overall, illustrates the need for a comparative approach within species for inferences concerning the many possible effects on body size of natural and anthropogenic drivers in the wild.
Bureaucratic sludge: Bureaucratic tasks and procedures leading to experiences of strain
Authors: Stenderup Rasmus
Published: March 2024

In light of the recent conceptual debate about the administrative burdens framework, this article introduces the ‘bureaucratic sludge framework’ as a complementary theoretical approach for social policy and public administration research. The framework enable researchers to pursue novel research questions about for instance the interplay between administrative procedures, informal bureaucratic practices and public employees' experiences of strain and thus addresses a conceptual gap in the field. The article presents a non‐normative conceptualisation, proposing a typology of bureaucratic tasks—information seeking, assessment, implementation, and emotional labour—that may impose cognitive‐affective strain. Finally, a research agenda is outlined, and the bureaucratic task typology is proposed as a conceptual point of departure for researchers to empirically explore and audit practical instances of bureaucratic sludge in their contexts to further theorise and advance our understanding of the phenomenon. Social welfare is considered as an especially fruitful context within which to pursue this research agenda.
Cancer biology in diabetes update: Focusing on antidiabetic drugs
Authors: Kawakita Emi , Kanasaki Keizo
Published: March 2024

The association of type 2 diabetes with certain cancer risk has been of great interest for years. However, the effect of diabetic medications on cancer development is not fully understood. Prospective clinical trials have not elucidated the long‐term influence of hypoglycemic drugs on cancer incidence and the safety for cancer‐bearing patients with diabetes, whereas numerous preclinical studies have shown that antidiabetic drugs could have an impact on carcinogenesis processes beyond the glycemic control effect. Because there is no evidence of the safety profile of antidiabetic agents on cancer biology, careful consideration would be required when prescribing any medicines to patients with diabetes and existing tumor. In this review, we discuss the potential influence of each diabetes therapy in cancer ‘initiation’, ‘promotion’ and ‘progression’.
Health impacts of new‐onset diabetes in women post‐gestational diabetes mellitus: Insights from Hong Kong's territory‐wide data
Authors: Zhang Xinge , Wu Hongjiang , Lau Eric SH , Fan Baoqi , Tsoi Kit Ying , Tam Claudia HT , Yang Aimin , Shi Mai , Chow Elaine , Kong Alice PS , Chan Juliana CN , Tam Wing Hung , Luk Andrea OY , Ma Ronald CW
Published: March 2024

Aims/Introduction

To determine the population health burden attributable to the development of diabetes among women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of women with a history of GDM attending the Hong Kong Hospital Authority between 2000 and 2019. The time‐varying population attributable fraction was calculated.

Results

A total of 76,181 women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus were included, 6,606 of them developed diabetes during a median follow‐up of 8.6 years. The respective hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) among women with GDM who developed diabetes vs those with GDM only were 2.8 (2.2, 3.7) for cardiovascular disease (CVD), 4.8 (3.0, 7.7) for end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD), 2.2 (1.9, 2.6) for infection‐related hospitalization, and 1.8 (1.3, 2.4) for all‐cause mortality. The development of diabetes was associated with 1.3 (0.8, 1.7), 0.6 (0.3, 0.8), 3.2 (2.4, 4.0), and 0.5 (0.2, 0.9) additional incident cases per 1,000 person‐years, accounting for 24.0% (13.2%, 35.9%), 42.0% (22.5%, 58.8%), 10.8% (7.1%, 14.9%), and 6.0% (−3.1%, 16.1%) of absolute number of CVD, ESKD, infection‐related hospitalization, and all‐cause mortality over 20 years after GDM, respectively.

Conclusions

Diabetes is a significant contributor to the population health burden of some clinical outcomes in women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus, but other risk factors need to be considered.
Post‐load glucose is a stronger predictor of adverse pregnancy outcomes than first‐trimester HbA1c in women without gestational diabetes
Authors: Rajabi Shahin Keshtkar , Toghraee Elham , Nejatipour Golnoosh
Published: March 2024

Aims/Introduction

A debate exists on the relation of adverse pregnancy outcomes with glycemic levels in early pregnancy. We aimed to investigate the association of maternal characteristics including post‐load glucose and first‐trimester HbA1c test results with adverse pregnancy outcomes in women without gestational diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

A dataset (January 2011 and September 2017) from a hospital prenatal clinic was explored to find the important predictors of adverse pregnancy outcomes using maternal characteristics and glucose assessments in mothers without gestational diabetes. We used two machine learning algorithms to capture nonlinearity in selecting important maternal characteristics and developed predictive models for each outcome. In total, 1,618 pregnant women were included in the analytic dataset with a mean (SD) age of 26.8 (3.5) years and gravida of 1.7 (0.9).

Results

Important associations were detected between maternal features and primary cesarean section, fetal distress, premature rupture of membranes, macrosomia, small or large for gestational age, APGAR <7 at 1 or 5 min, hyperbilirubinemia, and poly‐ or oligo‐hydramnios. Overall, the predictive models showed good performance and large areas under the curves (0.732, 0.765, 0.646, 0.651, 0.730, 0.646, 0.684, 0.716, and 0.678, respectively). Specifically, they had high positive likelihood ratios.

Conclusions

High glucose levels were associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Post‐load glucose was the most reliable test for predicting the outcomes. Overall, fasting blood sugar was of more predictive value than HbA1c. Our study showed that further research should account for the nonlinearity and interactions inherent in the data.
Metamorphic evolution and geological significance of Early Palaeozoic high‐pressure granulites from the East Kunlun (NW China)
Authors: Chen An‐Ping , Zhang Hong‐Fu , Zhang Ming‐Jie , Zhang Xiao‐Qi
Published: March 2024

Granulites and eclogites are useful for revealing the thermal and tectonic evolution of orogens. Early Palaeozoic granulites and associated eclogites in the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt (EKOB) display contrasting metamorphic age. Such asynchronous granulite–eclogite associations have rarely been reported, and the geological significance of their existence remains to be further explored. In this study, petrological and geochronological techniques were used to investigate two felsic and two mafic granulites collected from the Qingshuiquan area in the eastern section of the EKOB. These rocks record similar P–T paths, which are characterized by a peak stage within suprasolidus and high‐pressure (HP) granulite facies conditions (750–832°C and 10.1–12.0 kbar), followed by an initial decompression and cooling stage to subsolidus conditions (600–748°C and 6.5–8.6 kbar), and then a stage of further retrogression under greenschist facies conditions. The protoliths to these granulites are of volcanic and sedimentary origin and suggested to be a component of the continental basement unit. Metamorphic P–T paths indicate that these rocks experienced peak metamorphism at a depth of ~40 km, then cooling and uplift to a depth of ~25 km, and eventually experienced low‐grade retrogression at shallow crustal levels. Cathodoluminescence images and compositional data demonstrate that the zircons in these rocks are of metamorphic origin and they crystallized at or near peak conditions. SIMS U–Pb dating of representative zircon grains yield concordant metamorphic ages of c. 490–520 Ma, with a peak value of 505 Ma on the probability density curve. These ages are similar to other 480–530 Ma ages typically retrieved from EKOB granulites and associated rocks, and are markedly older than the 400–450 Ma ages retrieved from eclogites and their host rocks. The HP granulites and eclogites of the EKOB do not show overprinting relationships. Such asynchronous characteristics imply that the two rock types formed in distinct tectonic settings and at different stages of a protracted subduction–collision process. The studied granulites are suggested to have formed in the root of a continental arc during a stage of Proto‐Tethys Ocean subduction. The formation of the eclogites could be attributed to subsequent deep continental subduction.
Efficacy and safety of the combination of oral tranexamic acid and intense pulsed light versus oral tranexamic acid alone in the treatment of refractory Riehl's melanosis: A prospective, comparative study
Authors: Xu Zhongyi , Wang Chen , Xing Xiaoxue , Zhang Chengfeng , Xiang Leihong Flora
Published: March 2024

Background

There is no standardized and effective treatment modality for Riehl's melanosis.

Aims

To compare the efficacy and safety of oral tranexamic acid (TXA) combined with intense pulsed light (IPL) versus TXA alone in the treatment of refractory Riehl's melanosis.

Methods

A prospective study of 28 subjects with refractory Riehl's melanosis and Fitzpatrick Skin Types III or IV was conducted. All subjects received oral TXA 500 mg daily and 11 of them were treated in combination with monthly IPL therapy for 6 months. The primary outcome measure was mean melanin index (MI), erythema index (EI) and acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation area and severity index (DPASI). The Physician Global Assessment (PGA) and patient satisfaction scale were documented.

Results

After treatment, DPASI, mean MI, and EI were significantly reduced in both groups. The group treated with combination therapy showed better improvement according to MI (p = 0.0032) and DPASI (p = 0.00468). PGA and patient satisfaction scale showed superior efficacy in the combination group. No significant difference was observed in treatment‐related side effects.

Conclusion

The combination of oral TXA and IPL proves to be a safe and satisfactory treatment strategy for refractory Riehl's melanosis.
The effectiveness of cervical rehabilitation interventions for pain in adults with myogenic temporomandibular disorders: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bednarczyk Victoria , Proulx François , Paez Arsenio
Published: March 2024

Objective

Little evidence exists for the most effective conservative treatment approach for adults with myogenic temporomandibular disorders (MTMD). We aim to assess the effectiveness of cervical rehabilitation interventions on pain intensity and sensitivity in adults with MTMD compared to comparison intervention such as placebo, sham treatment, education or no intervention.

Methods

For this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we searched PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, PEDro databases, forward and backward citations and grey literature studies through PROSPERO, clinical trials and data registries without language or date restrictions between inception and 1 December 2021. We selected randomised controlled trials (RCTs) based on adult populations with MTMD who had a cervical rehabilitation intervention which was defined as any conservative intervention targeting the anatomical structures of the cervical spine. The primary outcome measures for pain were self‐reported pain intensity and pain sensitivity through the pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the masseter and temporalis muscles. Secondary outcome measures of maximal mouth opening (on MMO) were included. Included studies were assessed for bias with the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomised trials. Evidence from RCTs was synthesised to determine treatment effect size as differences between standardised mean difference (SMD) for changes in pain intensity, PPT and MMO comparing adults with MTMD who were treated with cervical rehabilitation interventions compared to a control group. This study is registered on Prospero, number CRD 42021289299.

Results

Our general search yielded 2647 studies where seven RCTs met eligibility criteria with low to some concerns in their risk of bias. Pain intensity (five studies, n = 223, SMD −0.98, 95% CI −1.67 to −0.28, I2 = 79%), PPT of the masseter muscle (six studies, n = 395, SMD 0.64, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.86, I2 = 90%) and the temporalis muscles (five studies, n = 295, SMD 0.76, 95% CI 0.07 to 1.45, I2 = 84%) showed large treatment effect estimates favouring cervical rehabilitation interventions compared to no treatment, sham cervical treatment, patient education or non‐cervical neuromuscular techniques. Compared to control interventions, one type of cervical rehabilitation intervention, cervical manual therapy alone or in combination with a neck exercise program was associated with statistically significant, large treatment effect estimates on pain intensity (four studies, n = 203, SMD −1.52, 95% CI −2.50 to −0.55).

Conclusions

This review found that in the short‐term, cervical rehabilitation interventions especially upper cervical MT alone or in combination with a neck exercise program are effective in improving multiple pain outcomes in adults with MTMD. However, further research is needed to measure the long‐term effects of this type of intervention.
Variability in spectral absorption within cryptophyte phycobiliprotein types
Authors: Merritt Kristiaän A. , Richardson Tammi L.
Published: March 2024

Cryptophytes are known to vary widely in coloration among species. These differences in color arise primarily from the presence of phycobiliprotein accessory pigments. There are nine defined cryptophyte phycobiliprotein (Cr‐PBP) types, named for their wavelength of maximal absorbance. Because Cr‐PBP type has traditionally been regarded as a categorical trait, there is a paucity of information about how spectral absorption characteristics of Cr‐PBPs vary among species. We investigated variability in primary and secondary peak absorbance wavelengths and full width at half max (FWHM) values of spectra of Cr‐PBPs extracted from 75 cryptophyte strains (55 species) grown under full spectrum irradiance. We show that there may be substantial differences in spectral shapes within Cr‐PBP types, with Cr‐Phycoerythrin (Cr‐PE) 545 showing the greatest variability with two, possibly three, subtypes, while Cr‐PE 566 spectra were the least variable, with only ±1 nm of variance around the mean absorbance maximum of 565 nm. We provide additional criteria for classification in cases where the wavelength of maximum absorbance alone is not definitive. Variations in spectral characteristics among strains containing the same presumed Cr‐PBP type may indicate differing chromophore composition and/or the presence of more than one Cr‐PBP in a single cryptophyte species.
Phylogenomics of Puya (Bromeliaceae): Evolution in the Andean slopes and sky island ecosystems
Authors: Aguirre‐Santoro Julián , Zuluaga Alejandro , Stonesmyth Emma , Betancur Julio , Jabaily Rachel S.
Published: March 2024

Phylogenomics enhances our understanding of plant radiations in the biodiverse Andes. Our study focuses on Puya, primarily Andean and a part of the Bromeliaceae family. Using a phylogenomic framework based on the Angiosperms353 probe set for 80 species, we explored Puya′s phenotypic evolution and biogeography. Divergence time analyses and ancestral area estimations suggested that Puya originated in Central Coastal Chile around 9 million years ago (Ma). Subsequently, it dispersed to the dry valleys of the Central Andes and Puna regions between 5–8 Ma, leading to the emergence of major lineages. Key events in the last 2–4 million years include the recolonization of Chilean lowlands and dispersal to the northern Andes via Peru's Jalcas, facilitating passage through the Huancabamba depression. This event gave rise to the high‐elevation Northern Andes clade. Using phylogenetic comparative methods, we tested the hypothesis that adaptation to the Andes' island‐like high‐elevation ecosystems was facilitated by unique leaf and floral traits, life history, and inflorescence morphology. Our findings suggest correlations between inflorescence axis compression, protective bract overlap, and high‐elevation living, potentially preventing reproductive structure freezing. Semelparity evolved exclusively at high elevations, although its precise adaptive value remains uncertain. Our framework offers insights into Andean evolution, highlighting that lineages adapted to life in dry ecosystems can easily transition to high‐elevation biomes. It also underscores how the island‐like nature of high‐elevation ecosystems influences phenotypic evolution rates. Moreover, it opens avenues to explore genetic mechanisms underlying adaptation to extreme mountain conditions.
Ecological indicator values of understorey plants perform poorly to infer forest microclimate temperature
Authors: Gril Eva , Spicher Fabien , Vanderpoorten Alain , Vital Germain , Brasseur Boris , Gallet‐Moron Emilie , Le Roux Vincent , Decocq Guillaume , Lenoir Jonathan , Marrec Ronan
Published: March 2024

Question

Ecological indicator values (EIVs) reflect species‘ optimal conditions on an environmental gradient, such as temperature. Averaged over a community, they are used to quantify thermophilization stemming from climate change, i.e. the reshuffling of communities toward more warm‐adapted species. In forests, understorey plant communities do not keep up with global warming and accumulate a climatic debt. Although the causes are still debated, this thermal lag may be partly explained by forest microclimate buffering. For the first time, we test whether community means of EIVs are able to capture microclimate (here, under forest canopies) temperature across, or also within forests.

Location

157 forest plots across three French deciduous forests covering a large macroclimatic gradient.

Methods

To assess whether EIVs can be used to infer the mean and range of microclimate temperature in forests, we measured understorey air temperature for ca. 1 year (10 months) with sensors located 1 m above the ground. We surveyed bryophytes and vascular plants within 400‐m2 plots, and computed floristic temperature from ordinal‐scale EIVs (Ellenberg, Julve) and degree‐scale EIVs (ClimPlant, Bryophytes of Europe Traits) for both temperature and continentality, i.e. temperature annual range. Finally, we fitted linear models to assess whether EIVs could explain the mean and range of microclimate temperature in forests.

Results

Vascular plant and bryophyte communities successfully reflected differences in mean annual temperatures across forests but largely failed to do so for microclimate variation within forests. Bryophytes did not perform better than vascular plants to infer microclimate conditions. The annual range of microclimate temperatures was poorly associated with ordinal‐scale EIVs for continentality but was positively correlated with degree‐scale EIVs for annual range within lowland forests, especially for vascular plant communities.

Conclusion

Overall, the capabilities of EIVs to infer microclimate was inconsistent. Refined EIVs for temperature are needed to capture forest microclimates experienced by understorey species.
Temporomandibular joint disc position and shape in patients submitted to two protocols of rapid maxillary expansion and face mask therapy: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Tagawa Daniella Torres , Wolosker Angela Maria Borri , Florez Bruna Maluza , Dominguez Gladys Cristina , Yamashita Helio Kiitiro , Aidar Luís Antônio de Arruda , Junior Henrique Carrete
Published: March 2024

Objective

The objective of this prospective study was to assess possible changes in the position and shape of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) articular disc in patients treated with two protocols of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and face mask (FM) therapy.

Methods

A sample of 88 patients with Class III or Class III subdivision malocclusions, aged between 6 and 13 years, were consecutively selected and divided into three groups (G): G1‐34 patients were treated with RME, followed by FM therapy; G2‐34 patients were treated using RME according to modified alternate rapid maxillary expansion and constriction (ALT‐RAMEC) protocol, followed by FM therapy. These treated groups were randomly (1:1 allocation ratio) distributed according to the two treatment protocols. G3 – Control Group – 20 untreated patients were followed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) TMJs were obtained before (T1) and after (T2) a treatment period or follow‐up. McNemar test, Fisher's exact test and intra‐ and inter‐observer concordance (K) were performed (p ≤ .05).

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in the baseline cephalometric variables at T1 between the groups. There were statistically significant differences between the groups (p < .001) in relation to the disc shape in T1, since G1 (8 TMJs −11.76%) presented higher occurrences of altered forms in comparison with G2 (no changes). No significant differences were observed in disc position CM and OM (G1 – p > .999; G2 – p = .063; G3 – p = .500) and shape (G1 – p > 0.999; G2 – p = .250; G3 – not calculable), between T1 × T2, in any of the groups studied.

Conclusion

The two treatment protocols did not have adverse effects on the position and shape of the TMJ disc, in a short‐term evaluation.
Plant, insect, and soil microbial communities vary across brome invasion gradients in northern mixed‐grass prairies
Authors: Frost Morgan D. T. , Komatsu Kimberly J. , Porensky Lauren M. , Reinhart Kurt O. , Wilcox Kevin R. , Bunch Zachary L. T. , Jolin Ashley D. , Johnston Katielyn A. , Trimas Gracen E. , Koerner Sally E.
Published: March 2024

Species interactions shape native plant communities, influencing both composition and ecosystem processes, with invasion by non‐native species threatening these dynamic relationships, native species, and function. The consequences of invasive plants in particular may stretch across taxa to impact plant, insect, and soil microbial communities directly and indirectly, with consequences for ecological functioning. In northern mixed‐grass prairies in the United States, invasion by two annual brome grasses, Bromus arvensis and B. tectorum, negatively impacts rangeland plants; however, the simultaneous effects on insects and soil microbes (bacteria and archaea), and the implications for ecological function, have received less attention. Here, using observational field studies conducted at two mixed‐grass prairie sites in Montana and Wyoming, we assessed the relationships between plants, insects, and soil microbes across gradients of invasion by B. arvensis and B. tectorum. Overall, we found differences in plant and insect communities and functional groups with increasing invasion abundance for both brome species. However, associations between invasion and the soil microbial community were species specific, as we only saw these relationships under B. tectorum invasion, implying B. tectorum may have more substantial consequences for rangeland management. While invasion by annual bromes may cause changes in certain plant and insect functional groups, such as C4 perennial grasses and certain insect herbivores, soil microbial functional groups may be less impacted, especially under B. arvensis invasion. This work sheds light on the need to explore changes in natural communities across taxa and to all invasive species, as ecosystem effects are likely to be contingent upon both.
Demographic Systems of Medieval Italy (6th–15th century AD)
Authors: Barbiera Irene , Dalla‐Zuanna Gianpiero
Published: March 2024

In this article, we bring together a variety of studies, both old and new, to examine continuity and change in population dynamics in Italy during the medieval millennium (476–1492 AD). Though the available data are often sporadic and should be interpreted with great caution, it is possible to clarify certain dynamics, which can be useful for guiding future research. First, population fluctuations were not impacted by migration into or out of Italy. Second, medieval Italy was characterized by a high‐pressure demographic regime: e0 was around 20 years, with high adult mortality, and the birth rate was around 50 per mill. Third, despite high mortality, the Italian population grew (+50 percent) from the ninth century to 1347, mainly—but not exclusively—due to the absence of plague. Fourth, the stagnant population of the periods between the sixth and the eighth centuries and the 14th and 16th centuries was determined by the recurrent outbreaks of plague. Fifth, the population stagnation during the first and the last medieval centuries is also partly related to the increase in age at first marriage, while the demographic growth between the ninth and mid‐14th century is possibly connected to the decrease in age at first marriage among women. Sixth, the vitality of the medieval Italian population was partly ensured by a high rate of remarriage among widows. Seventh, data on statures show that mortality levels were determined by epidemic factors, rather than living standards. Finally, when the plague ceased in Europe in the middle of the Early Modern Age, adult survival was significantly higher than in the ancient and medieval centuries, despite the fact that neither hygienic‐sanitary nor epidemiological conditions, and certainly not nutrition, were better than in the centuries preceding the Black Death.
The effectiveness of an education program based on healthcare transition in adolescents with asthma: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Dinç Fatma , Yıldız Dilek , Ercan Nazli
Published: March 2024

Background

Adolescents diagnosed with asthma make a transition to adult care when they reach a certain age. Besides, these adolescents need specialized education for them to become autonomous, competent, and adult patients and gain the necessary knowledge and skills related to their disease. In this study, by using a prospective randomized controlled trial design, we evaluated the effectiveness of an education program based on healthcare transition provided to adolescents diagnosed with asthma.

Methods

After obtaining the consent of adolescents and their parents, 52 adolescents aged between 14 and 18 years who were diagnosed with asthma were randomly assigned to the intervention group (individual four face‐to‐face and six online education sessions) or the control group (standard care). The primary outcome was the differences between the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ) scores of the two groups. The secondary outcomes included the differences between the Self‐Efficacy Scale for Children and Adolescents with Asthma and Mind the Gap scores of the two groups. The outcomes were measured at two different time points: baseline (first assessment; Week 0) and immediately after the intervention (last assessment; Week 12).

Results

In the initial evaluations, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the primary or secondary outcomes (p > .05). In the final assessments, the TRAQ (Z = −4.740, p < .001) and Self‐Efficacy Scale for Children and Adolescents with Asthma (t = 6.344, p < .001) scores of the intervention group were found to be significantly higher than the scores of the control group, while their Mind the Gap Scale scores were significantly lower (t = 6.146, p < .001).

Conclusion

It was determined that the educational intervention integrated with pediatric care based on readiness for transition from pediatric care to adult care was effective in increasing the transition readiness and self‐efficacy of the adolescents.

The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with the ID code NCT05550922.
Closing the gap: Enhancing quality pediatric dermatologic care through project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO)
Authors: Jackson Travis , Mosca Megan , Ge Bin , Dyer Jonathan , Braudis Kara , Edison Karen , Becevic Mirna
Published: March 2024

This study focused on evaluating Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) participating primary care clinician's (PCC's) diagnostic and treatment accuracy of pediatric dermatologic conditions. To evaluate this, pediatric cases presented to Dermatology ECHO by PCCs with questions regarding diagnosis, treatment regimen, or both were analyzed. After PCC case presentation, the hub team of dermatologists facilitated case‐based discussion and provided the presenter with mentorship and guidance regarding diagnosis and treatment of their patient.
Asymmetry in political polarization at multiple levels of bias
Authors: Kluge Annika , Adler Eli , Nir Lilach , Halperin Eran , Sams Mikko , Levy Jonathan
Published: March 2024

While some studies show ideological asymmetry in outgroup bias between rightists and leftists, those studies often target an ideologically biased outgroup. Here, we bypass this issue by targeting the ideological outgroups (rightists for leftists, and leftists for rightists). We rely on a magnetoencephalography‐based approach delineating function‐specific neural mechanisms to test for ideological asymmetries at multiple levels: explicit psychological self‐reports, implicit behavioral bias, and neural oscillations. Using a computational model balancing the stimuli and screening 81 rightists and leftist Israeli individuals, we find ideological asymmetry with rightists being more biased at all three levels. Furthermore, the neural results add important insights by uncovering two underlying mechanisms: The first (late beta‐band motor activity) is strongly associated with implicit behavior, while the second (early alpha‐band dorsal anterior cingulate activity) reveal an antileftist bias for both groups. We discuss implications of the findings on bias, ideological asymmetry, their neural underpinnings, and social norms.