bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioral economics indices predict alcohol use and consequences in young men at 4‐year follow‐up
Authors: Gaume Jacques , Murphy James G. , Studer Joseph , Daeppen Jean‐Bernard , Gmel Gerhard , Bertholet Nicolas
Published: June 2022

Background and Aims

The alcohol purchase task (APT), which presents a scenario and asks participants how many drinks they would purchase and consume at different prices, generates indices of alcohol reward value that have shown robust associations with alcohol‐related outcomes in numerous studies. The aim was to test its prospective validity at 4‐year follow‐up.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

General population sample of young Swiss men.

Participants

A total of 4594 Swiss young men (median age = 21, 25th ‐ 75th quartiles = 20.5 ‐ 21.5) completed baseline questionnaires; among those, 4214 (91.7%) were successfully followed‐up 4 years later.

Measurements

Alcohol reward value parameters (i.e. intensity, the planned consumption when drinks are free; breakpoint, the price at which consumption would be suppressed; Omax, the maximum alcohol expenditure; Pmax, the price associated with Omax; and elasticity, the relative change in alcohol consumption as a function of the relative change in price) were derived from the APT at baseline and used to predict self‐reported weekly drinking amount, monthly binge drinking, alcohol‐related consequences and DSM‐5 alcohol use disorder criteria.

Findings

Regression analyses, adjusting for the baseline alcohol measure, age, linguistic region and socio‐economic indicators showed that intensity, breakpoint, Omax and elasticity significantly predicted all tested outcomes in the expected direction (e.g. standardized incidence rate ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.11 [1.07–1.15], 1.07 [1.03–1.10], 1.08 [1.04–1.11], and 0.92 [0.89–0.95], respectively, for weekly drinking amount, all P < 0.001). Pmax did not significantly predict any outcomes. Non‐adjusted correlations, baseline adjusted regression and ancillary analyses using (1) latent alcohol variables, (2) multiple imputation for missing data and (3) replications in training and testing subsamples to evaluate predictive accuracy provided consistent findings.

Conclusions

The alcohol purchase task demand curve measures of alcohol reward value are useful in characterizing alcohol‐related risk in young men and have long‐term predictive utility.
Endodontic management of a double‐type IIIB dens invaginatus in a vital maxillary central incisor aided by CBCT: A case report
Authors: Kalogeropoulos Konstantinos , Solomonidou Sophia , Xiropotamou Alexandra , Eyuboglu Tan Firat
Published: June 2022

Type IIIB dens invaginatus presents with diagnostic and treatment related challenges when in need of endodontic management as a consequence of its complex anatomy, especially when presented in a vital tooth with a periapical lesion. Apical periodontitis associated with two type IIIB invaginations in a central maxillary incisor of a 10‐year‐old patient was diagnosed. A cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan provided essential diagnostic information and steered the treatment plan. The two invaginations were separate, with no communication between them and the pulp. The pulp appeared vital and non‐inflamed. Endodontic treatment of the invaginations was carried out without intervention in the pulp. A 4‐month follow‐up periapical radiograph showed significant shrinkage of the lesion and a 2‐year follow‐up CBCT scan confirmed its complete healing. The pulp remains vital, responding normally to sensitivity tests. This outcome indicates that preserving the pulp's vitality is achievable through timely diagnosis.
Is each horse unique and unrepeatable? An explanation through morphometric and statistical analysis of the limb bones
Authors: Möller Richard , Graglia Florencia , Pizzigatti Dietrich , van Lier Elize
Published: June 2022

Horses went through functional differentiation during their evolutionary and reproductive development, however, some body parts continued to improve their specificity for speed. Regarding this, we evaluated by morphometric analysis the relationship between limb section (LS) differences in the appendicular structures of horses. Two hundred and seven (n = 207) adult horses of different breeds and sex were selected. The limb section was measured by identification of topographic palpable skeleton landmarks with a measurement tape (centimetres). Quantitative variables (limb section) were analysed with PAST Paleontological Statistics Version 3.16. Spearman's ordinal or non‐parametric correlation coefficient was used to study the relationship between the limb section of each variable (p < 0.05), with a low coefficient of variation (<30%). In 45 analysed correlations, 35 were statistically significant and 10 were discarded becausep > 0.05. These results show that most variables were correlated with each other. As a result, we can imply that someLSof the horse's limbs are correlated with each other, positively or negatively and to a different degree. In conclusion, the correlations betweenLSlengths determine the size and shape of each horse, making individual horses unique and unrepeatable.
Feeding strategy and diet overlap in major fish stocks of Ayima and Gelegu Rivers, northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Eyayu Alamrew , Getahun Abebe
Published: June 2022

Riverine ecosystems contribute considerable fisheries production. However, in Ethiopia, there is a lack of comprehensive biological studies on such ecosystems. This study assessed the feeding habits of commercially important fishes of the Ayima and Gelegu Rivers. Fishes' guts were sampled seasonally from April 2017 to November 2018 using gill nets, cast nets and electrofishing. Four hundred and forty‐nine stomachs were analysed. Niche breadth and overlap indices were estimated using Levin and Schoener indices, respectively. The data indicated that Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822), Bagrus docmak (Forsskål, 1775) and Hydrocynus forskahlii (Cuvier, 1819) mostly preyed on fish, whereas Heterotis niloticus (Cuvier, 1829) and Labeobarbus bynni (Forsskål, 1775) consumed detritus and macrophytes. H. niloticus, L. bynni and H. forskahlii were generalist feeders. There was a slight ontogenetic dietary shift observed in some predator fishes. In smaller sized L. bynni (6–20 cm, TL), insects and ostracods were important preys and their contribution differed significantly (p < 0.05). In H. forskahlii, the volumetric contribution of bivalves and detritus differed significantly amongst the different size classes. Generally, resource availability had little effect on the feeding behaviour of most fishes. This implies that fishes in floodplain rivers can forage any available prey without preference and accustom to a general feeding strategy to form biologically insignificant dietary overlap.
The evaluation of some serum immunochemical markers in early onset pre‐eclamptic women from Algeria
Authors: Kerboua Kheir eddine , Laasla Saadia
Published: June 2022

Problem

Progress in understanding the underlying mechanism responsible for the syndrome pre‐eclampsia should reconfigure antenatal clinical care and minimize human and financial costs, yet at present there is no accurate theory that permits development of reliable predictive tests and prophylactic intervention to mitigate disease. To contribute to this ongoing effort, we aimed to assess various circulating markers pertaining to different theories.

Method of study

Serum samples from thirty‐four women with established early onset preeclampsia (ePE) were assessed in terms of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde‐ MDA), angiogenic status (PlGF & sFLT‐1), complement system (The alternative pathway‐ AP50 and complement factor H‐ CFH) and circulating inflammatory markers (Interleukin 6‐ IL‐6 & Procalcitonin‐ PCT). Control groups of gestational age matched patients included 20 gestational hypertensive (GH) and six normotensive pregnant women (NPW).

Results

Our work shows that PlGF is the only serum marker who does exhibit a continued decrease from NPW to GH to ePE (rpearson = ‐.428, p = .002). The ePE group had a profound impairment in circulating PlGF (66.93 ± 20.62 pg/ml) compared to GH (142.67 ± 39.79 pg/ml; p = .069) and NPW (636.83 ± 392.66 pg/ml; p = .002). Then, PlGF >71.29 pg/ml pg/ml is the cut‐off that has the highest negative predictive value enabling exclusion of ePE (Sp 78%, Se 70%, p = .000). No such interesting results could be obtained with the other markers.

Conclusion

Our data confirm that the angiogenic factor PlGF may be highly relevant in biological mechanisms underlying the development of ePE.
Morality, religious authority, and the digital edge
Authors: HEFNER CLAIRE‐MARIE
Published: June 2022

In Indonesian Islamic boarding schools (pesantren), access to digital media is strictly regulated, if allowed at all. Young women students are viewed as particularly susceptible to the perceived moral dangers of uncensored internet content and the unmonitored communication of social media and cell phones. At the same time, digital literacy is seen as integral to social advancement and higher education. Some young women students and recent alumnae successfully cultivate a “digital edge”—the social agility to navigate the moral challenges, scrutiny, and social surveillance they encounter online while adhering to key gender norms. This “digital edge,” paired with religious training, creates new online spaces for young women to claim religious authority over peers and even parents. These microlevel efforts have potential macrolevel effects on the changing landscape of Indonesian Islam. Young women's online practices require an analysis that moves anthropological debates about Islam, women, and morality beyond narrow questions of resistance. [digital media, morality, women, religious authority, education, Islam, Indonesia]
Outcomes of pregnancies complicated by haemoglobin H‐constant spring and deletional haemoglobin H disease: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ake‐sittipaisarn Srimeunwai , Sirichotiyakul Supatra , Srisupundit Kasemsri , Luewan Suchaya , Traisrisilp Kuntharee , Tongsong Theera
Published: June 2022

The objective of the study was to compare the maternal and foetal outcomes of pregnancies complicated by Hb H‐constant spring (HbH‐CS) disease/deletional HbH (HbH‐del) disease and low‐risk pregnancies. A retrospective cohort research was undertaken on singleton pregnancies with Hb H‐CS and Hb H‐del diseases. The controls were randomly selected with a control‐to‐case ratio of 10:1. A total of 55 cases of HbH‐CS disease, 231 cases of HbH‐del disease and 2860 controls were compared. The mean gestational age at delivery and birthweight were significantly lower in the HbH‐CS group than in the HbH‐del and control groups. The clinical course of Hb H‐CS was more severe than that of HbH‐del disease. The rates of preterm birth, foetal growth restriction and low birthweight were significantly increased in the HbH‐CS and Hb H‐del groups. These rates were significantly greater in the HbH‐CS group than in the H‐del group. The maternal outcomes were not significantly different among the three groups. In conclusion, pregnancy worsens the course of HbH disease, more noticeably in HbH‐CS disease. Hb H disease significantly increases the risk of adverse foetal outcomes, more noticeably in the HbH‐CS group. Pregnancy is relatively safe for women with HbH disease.
Heads nods and boat bobs: Behavior of Iguana iguana is affected by environment and boat traffic in riparian tropical forest
Authors: Rice Elizabeth A. , Lewis Todd R. , Griffin Rowland K. , Grant Paul B. C.
Published: June 2022

Although frequently studied in captivity, less is known about wild Iguana iguana. Herein behavior of riparian I. iguana was collected alongside climate, vigilance, and boat traffic data. Observations showed boat tourism potentially affects I. iguana negatively. We recommend minor changes by the ecotourism industry to alleviate visitor pressure on I. iguana.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Contrapuntal histories of war resistance: Mapping US war resister migrations, questioning Canada as safe haven
Authors: Mountz Alison , Micieli‐Voutsinas Jacque , Mohan Shiva S.
Published: June 2022

This paper frames two generations of war resister migration from the United States to Canada and the social movements that supported them as contrapuntal histories, disparate yet woven together, and entangled across space and time. We argue that Canada has functioned at key historical moments as safe haven for war resisters from and others fleeing conflict led by the United States, but that this role was always provisional, historically contingent, and never guaranteed. It is therefore crucial to understand the social movements that arose to support the search for safe haven at different points in geopolitical relations and histories. We develop this argument with empirical research about people who migrated to Canada during wars led by the United States in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. In documenting both generations of resister migration, we move across scales to understand the highly embodied geopolitics of these journeys, which run parallel and diverge in key ways. Our analysis thus maps the shifting history of Canada as a safe haven for those seeking refuge from the violence of war and militarism in the United States.
The cumulative effect of error in the digital workflow for complete‐arch implant‐supported frameworks: An in vitro study
Authors: Pan Yu , Tsoi James Kit Hon , Lam Walter Y. H. , Zhao Ke , Pow Edmond H. N.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To investigate the error accumulation and distribution through various stages of the digital workflow for complete‐arch implant‐supported framework fabrication.

Materials and methods

A resin model of edentulous maxilla with 6 dental implants was scanned using an intraoral scanner for 10 times (Complete‐digital group). Ten conventional gypsum casts were made and digitized by a laboratory scanner (Analogue‐digital group). Five implant frameworks were designed and milled using CAD‐CAM technique for each workflow. Inter‐implant distances and angles of the resin model (reference) and frameworks were measured by a coordinate measuring machine, while the scans and virtual frameworks were examined by an inspection software. Effect of type of workflow and the individual stage on the accuracy of the frameworks were analysed by Two‐way ANOVA.

Results

The expanded uncertainty of both workflows was ~150 μm and ~ 0.8°. The accuracy of the CAD stage was the highest. In the complete‐digital workflow, the greatest distortion was found in the data acquisition stage, while in the analogue‐digital workflow, it was found in the CAM stage. Compared with the analogue‐digital group, the complete‐digital group showed a significant higher precision in the first quadrant, but lower trueness in the second quadrant in data acquisition, and a significantly lower precision in the second quadrant at the CAD stage.

Conclusions

Linear distortions of the complete‐digital and analogue‐digital workflows were clinically acceptable, while angular distortions were not. Distortions were generally derived from data acquisition and CAM stage. The CAD precision depended on the distortions derived from data acquisition. The complete‐digital workflow was not as accurate as the analogue‐digital in complete‐arch implant rehabilitation.
Kynurenine pathway metabolites and therapeutic response to olanzapine in female patients with schizophrenia: A longitudinal study
Authors: Guan Xiaoni , Xu Jing , Xiu Meihong , Li Xirong , Liu Haixia , Wu Fengchun
Published: June 2022

Aim

A metabolomics approach has recently been used to identify metabolites associated with response to antipsychotic treatment. This study was designed to identify the predictive biomarkers of response to olanzapine monotherapy using a metabolomics‐based strategy.

Methods

Twenty‐five first‐episode and drug‐naïve female patients with schizophrenia were recruited and treated with olanzapine for 4 weeks. Psychiatric symptoms were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) at baseline and 4‐week follow‐up.

Results

Positive subscore, general psychopathology subscore, and PANSS total score were significantly decreased after treatment. An ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS)‐based metabolomics approach identified 72 differential metabolites after treatment. In addition, the baseline levels of methyl n‐formylanthranilate (MNFT) were correlated with the rate of reduction in the positive subscore or PANSS total score. However, increase in MNFT after treatment was not associated with the rate of reduction in the PANSS total score or its subscores. Subsequent regression analysis revealed that the baseline MNFT levels predicted the treatment outcomes after olanzapine monotherapy for 4 weeks in patients with schizophrenia.

Conclusions

Our study results suggest that the baseline MNFT levels in the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism may be predictive of the treatment response to olanzapine in schizophrenia.
Are species more harmful in their native, neonative or alien range? Insights from a global analysis of bark beetles
Authors: Forgione Laura , Bacher Sven , Vimercati Giovanni
Published: June 2022

Aim

Anthropogenic environmental modifications such as climate or land‐use change are causing species to move on their own beyond their native ranges. As this phenomenon will increase in the near future, it is crucial to determine whether range‐expanding species, or neonatives, are more or less likely than native and alien species to impact their recipient ecosystems. Here, we compared impact magnitudes of bark beetle species from their native, neonative and alien ranges, simultaneously.

Location

Global.

Methods

We formulated four general scenarios about the magnitude of environmental impacts in different ranges (native, neonative and alien) based on hypotheses commonly used in invasion biology. We tested these scenarios globally on Dendroctonus bark beetles, asking whether they have the most harmful impacts in their native, neonative or alien ranges. Impacts reported in the literature were assessed with the IUCN Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa (EICAT).

Results

We found that bark beetles cause the most harmful impacts in their native ranges, followed by the neonative ranges, while impacts in their alien ranges are the lowest. This indicates that the more dissimilar the environment is from that in the native range, the lower the probability of high‐impact magnitudes. Our results align with several non‐exclusive hypotheses, e.g. pre‐adaptation and habitat filtering, while they do not support others, e.g. enemy release or Darwin’s naturalization. The results are also in contrast with previous studies on vertebrates and plants, which found no or mixed differences in impact magnitudes with biogeographic origin.

Main conclusions

Our analysis suggests that bark beetles, like other species that are keystone and abundant in their native ranges, have generally lower impacts when introduced to novel environments due to biotic resistance or lack of pre‐adaptation. Research and management implications regarding the impacts of neonative and alien populations are also discussed.
Cross‐country disparities in skill premium and skill acquisition
Authors: Banerjee Anurag , Basu Parantap , Keller Elisa
Published: June 2022

Skilled individuals are rewarded more in poor than in rich countries. Why aren't more individuals acquiring skills in poor countries? We document that the unemployment rate of the skilled net of that of the unskilled decreases with a country's level of development. Using a matching model of occupational choice and skill acquisition, we quantify the role of barriers to enter entrepreneurship for these unemployment rates, skill premium and acquisition. The cross‐country correlation between skill premium and acquisition decreases by 45% when each country's gap to the US in the entrepreneurship barrier is decreased enough to even the unemployment differential.
HECTD3 enhances cell radiation resistance and migration by regulating LKB1 mediated ZEB1 in glioma
Authors: Yuan Jinjin , Liu Junqi , Fan Ruitai , Liu Zongwen
Published: June 2022

Homologous to the E6‐associated protein carboxyl terminus domain containing 3 (HECTD3) has been reported to play a role in carcinogenesis. Here, we explored the role of HECTD3 in regulating the radiation resistance of glioma, and the underlying mechanism. HECTD3 expressions in glioma tissues were assessed using Western blotting, quantitative reverse transcription (qRT)‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry. Glioma cells were exposed to 2‐, 4‐, 6‐ or 8‐Gy X‐ray to mimic the radiation treatment. Cell count kit‐8 (CCK‐8), clone formation assay, flow cytometry assay, transwell chambers and animal assay were used to test cell viability, apoptosis, migration, invasiveness and tumourigenesis, respectively. HECTD3 expression was increased in glioma tissues, especially from patients with radiation resistance. Knockdown of HECTD3 promoted cell apoptosis and inhibited cell viability under the condition of 8‐Gy X‐ray, as well as suppressed cell migration and invasiveness. In mechanism, HECTD3 positively regulated ZEB1 (zinc finger E‐box binding hemeobox 1) expression through regulating the ubiquitination of liver kinase B1 (LKB1) protein. Overexpression of ZEB1 significantly abolished the effects of HECTD3 downregulation in inhibiting the radiation resistance and migration of glioma cells. Moreover, downregulation of HECTD3 further enhanced the anti‐tumour effect of X‐ray on glioma growth in vivo. In conclusion, HECTD3 was overexpressed in glioma patients with radiation resistance. Knockdown of HECTD3 sensitized glioma cells to radiation and inhibited cell migration by downregulating ZEB1 expression via regulating the ubiquitination of LKB1 protein. This study reveals that HECTD3 might be a potent target to enhance the radiation sensitivity of glioma.
Altered amyloid precursor protein, tau‐regulatory proteins, neuronal numbers and behaviour, but no tau pathology, synaptic and inflammatory changes or memory deficits, at 1 month following repetitive mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Juan Sydney M. A. , Daglas Maria , Adlard Paul A.
Published: June 2022

Repetitive mild traumatic brain injury, commonly experienced following sports injuries, results in various secondary injury processes and is increasingly recognised as a risk factor for the development of neurodegenerative conditions such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy, which is characterised by tau pathology. We aimed to characterise the underlying pathological mechanisms that might contribute to the onset of neurodegeneration and behavioural changes in the less‐explored subacute (1‐month) period following single or repetitive controlled cortical impact injury (five impacts, 48 h apart) in 12‐week‐old male and female C57Bl6 mice. We conducted motor and cognitive testing, extensively characterised the status of tau and its regulatory proteins via western blot and quantified neuronal populations using stereology. We report that r‐mTBI resulted in neurobehavioural deficits, gait impairments and anxiety‐like behaviour at 1 month post‐injury, effects not seen following a single injury. R‐mTBI caused a significant increase in amyloid precursor protein, an increased trend towards tau phosphorylation and significant changes in kinase/phosphatase proteins that may promote a downstream increase in tau phosphorylation, but no changes in synaptic or neuroinflammatory markers. Lastly, we report neuronal loss in various brain regions following both single and repeat injuries. We demonstrate herein that repeated impacts are required to promote the initiation of a cascade of biochemical events that are consistent with the onset of neurodegeneration subacutely post‐injury. Identifying the timeframe in which these changes occur and the pathological mechanisms involved will be crucial for the development of future therapeutics to prevent the onset or mitigate the progression of neurodegeneration following r‐mTBI.
Effects of mucopolysaccharide polysulphate on tight junction barrier in human epidermal keratinocytes
Authors: Fujikawa Mika , Sugimoto Hiroko , Tamura Rie , Fujikawa Koki , Yamagishi Ami , Ueda Yuhki
Published: June 2022

Tight junctions (TJs) play important roles in epidermal barrier function and their dysfunction is involved in the pathogenesis of various skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis (AD). Mucopolysaccharide polysulphate (MPS) is the active ingredient of a moisturizing agent used to treat xerosis in patients with AD; however, its mechanism of action on TJ barrier function remains unclear. To elucidate the effects of MPS on TJs, adult human epidermal keratinocyte (HEKa) cells were exposed to MPS, subjected to Western blotting and quantitative PCR analyses for the investigation of TJ‐related factors. MPS treatment significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression of claudin‐1 (CLDN1) and zonula occludens‐1, and significantly increased transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), which indicates TJ integrity. Conversely, the sulphated and non‐sulphated glycosaminoglycans, chondroitin sulphate and hyaluronic acid, respectively, had little effect on TEER or the expression of mRNAs or TJ‐related proteins. Interestingly, MPS treatment also inactivated the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase signalling pathway, which is known to negatively regulate CLDN1 expression. Furthermore, MPS notably improved the reduction in CLDN1 expression and TEER caused by histamine, which is upregulated in the skin of patients with AD and is known to disrupt the TJ barrier function. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that treatment with the moisturizing agent, MPS, can repair TJ dysfunction and could therefore represent a new therapeutic option for treating patients with AD.
Feedback in tropical forests of the Anthropocene
Authors: Flores Bernardo M. , Staal Arie
Published: June 2022

Tropical forests are complex systems containing myriad interactions and feedbacks with their biotic and abiotic environments, but as the world changes fast, the future of these ecosystems becomes increasingly uncertain. In particular, global stressors may unbalance the feedbacks that stabilize tropical forests, allowing other feedbacks to propel undesired changes in the whole ecosystem. Here, we review the scientific literature across various fields, compiling known interactions of tropical forests with their environment, including the global climate, rainfall, aerosols, fire, soils, fauna, and human activities. We identify 170 individual interactions among 32 elements that we present as a global tropical forest network, including countless feedback loops that may emerge from different combinations of interactions. We illustrate our findings with three cases involving urgent sustainability issues: (1) wildfires in wetlands of South America; (2) forest encroachment in African savanna landscapes; and (3) synergistic threats to the peatland forests of Borneo. Our findings reveal an unexplored world of feedbacks that shape the dynamics of tropical forests. The interactions and feedbacks identified here can guide future qualitative and quantitative research on the complexities of tropical forests, allowing societies to manage the nonlinear responses of these ecosystems in the Anthropocene.
Impact of access cavity cleaning on the seal of postendodontic composite restorations in vitro
Authors: Scholz Konstantin J. , Sim Woocheol , Bopp Silvio , Hiller Karl‐Anton , Galler Kerstin M. , Buchalla Wolfgang , Widbiller Matthias
Published: June 2022

Aim

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of cavity cleaning and conditioning on marginal integrity of directly placed post‐endodontic composite class‐I‐restorations in vitro.

Methodology

A total of 168 fully intact teeth without caries or fillings received pre‐endodontic composite restorations (class‐II) after their extraction. Occlusal endodontic access‐cavities were prepared, and root canals were instrumented and filled with gutta‐percha and an epoxy resin‐based sealer. Prior to post‐endodontic class‐I‐restoration, access cavities were completely contaminated with sealer, cleaned with alcohol and pre‐treated as follows: cleaner only (alcohol), glycine‐polishing, Al2O3 sandblasting, carbide bur (immediate as well as delayed restoration). A positive control (not contaminated with sealer and adhesive used) and negative control (cleaner used but no adhesive) were established. Half of the teeth from each group were subjected to thermocycling and mechanical loading (TCML). Marginal integrity of post‐endodontic restoration was evaluated in oro‐vestibular or mesio‐distal sections after AgNO3 dye penetration (DP) by standardized photomacroscopic imaging and expressed in per cent of margin length along all segments and separately for enamel, dentine and composite, respectively. Results were analysed non‐parametrically (α = .05).

Results

No restorations or teeth fractured or debonded completely. Without TCML, the median DP of all segments was significantly higher for the negative control compared with all other groups in oro‐vestibular cutting direction (53%; p = .002) and in mesio‐distal cutting direction (51%; p ≤ .041). The other groups without TCML revealed 16%–24% DP (oro‐vestibular) and 12%–24% DP (mesio‐distal). With TCML, the median DP in oro‐vestibular cutting direction for all segments ranged between 48% and 62% for all groups, a significant difference was only observed between glycine‐polishing and carbide bur (p = .041). In mesio‐distal cutting direction, the median DP in negative control was 69% with TCML and significantly higher compared with all other groups (p = .002). For all other groups, the median DP of all segments ranged between 28% and 40% with TCML without significant differences. Error rates method (k = 7) revealed a significant influence of TCML in general on penetration of all segments in both oro‐vestibular and mesio‐distal cutting directions.

Conclusion

Additional access cavity pre‐treatment after alcohol cleaning did not improve the marginal integrity of post‐endodontic composite restorations. Thorough cleaning of the access cavity with alcohol seems to assure an acceptable marginal integrity to the tooth and restorative composite.
The effectiveness of information interventions to improve domestic food safety among rural consumers
Authors: Zhang Meng , Lu Xi , Bai Junfei
Published: June 2022

Consumer education on food handling behavior is regarded as an effective method to improve domestic food safety and prevent foodborne illness, but is usually overlooked in rural areas. Using a presurvey and two rounds of postsurveys targeted at rural consumers from China included in a randomized controlled trial, this study investigated the effectiveness of two information interventions—a leaflet with tips for best practices and the leaflet plus consumer education sessions conveyed by phone—and compared them with a control group. Cloth use behavior was the target in the trial and five specific aspects were evaluated: (1) whether the cloth was made of old clothes, (2) whether the one used to clean kitchen tables was also used to wash dishes, (3) whether it was hung to dry, (4) how it was disinfected, and (5) how long the cloth was used before being discarded. Firstly, consumers' behavior was scored by summing the above‐mentioned five behaviors. The results estimated using the difference‐in‐difference model showed that respondents in the leaflet‐only group improved to a greater extent than those in the control group, but their difference in progress was not statistically significant until the second round of the postsurvey. Respondents in the leaflet‐plus‐phone group were quicker to adopt suggested practices and made discernible improvements compared with those in the leaflet‐only group in the first round of the postsurvey, but the gap between these groups narrowed to statistically insignificant in the second round of the postsurvey. It was concluded that one consumer education session was effective and made a difference in the long term, whereas more education sessions produced normative behavior at faster rates, showing a significant improvement in the short term. Then, the study estimated the effectiveness of interventions on the five specific behaviors separately. The results were estimated using a probit difference‐in‐difference model and showed that the suggested behaviors with lower costs or a greater difference from past behaviors were more likely to be adopted by consumers. Consumer education facilitates proper food handling practices among rural households, which should be considered by policy makers.
Challenges and lessons in establishing human immune profiling cohort studies for pandemic response*
Authors: Logue Jennifer K. , Chu Helen Y.
Published: June 2022

Pandemics have devastating effects that can be mitigated with the existence of global infrastructure for pandemic preparedness along with the adaptation of existing research studies and establishment of biorepositories early in an outbreak. Observational cohort studies in place prior to a pandemic, that are rapidly scalable in response to emerging infectious diseases, are essential for both the early pandemic response and evaluation of its long‐term effects. The ability to quickly collect and share samples from convalescent individuals is also critical for the development of vaccines and therapeutics. We provide a reflection on key lessons learned from establishing a longitudinal observational cohort study during the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic in order to provide guidance for future pandemic preparedness.
Empathy, psychometrics, cut‐off points in nursing students from Latin America
Authors: Díaz‐Narváez Víctor P. , Calzadilla‐Núñez Aracelis , Reyes‐Reyes Alejandro , Lastre Amell Gloria , Castellón‐Montenegro Herminia , Andrade Valles Irma , Fernández‐Aragón Shirley , Fajardo‐Ramos Elizabeth , Santander Díaz Karina , Torres‐Martínez Pilar , Muñoz Gámbaro Gina , Borja González Juana , Arispe‐Alburqueque Claudia
Published: June 2022

Background

Currently, there are no cut‐off points for levels of empathy, making it difficult to assess the change experienced in its development or as a result of its intervention. It is an unsolved problem.

Introduction

Empathy is a cognitive‐affective attribute that enables nursing staff to maintain a professional relationship that entails various benefits for the patient. Its strengthening and development during university education is desirable. Empathy studies in Latin American nursing students are based on the direct scores obtained on an empathy test, based on which the variable is described and groups are compared. Statistical comparisons are not enough to discriminate substantive changes since two statistical values can show differences without implying that the post‐intervention levels may correspond to a higher category in relation to those of pre‐intervention or that two compared groups are qualitatively different. The above applies to empathic behaviour and is valid for students and professionals of health. This study aimed to establish cut‐off points that allow defining ordinal categories in empathy.

Methods

In this multicenter and cross‐sectional study, 3712 students from 11 Latin American nursing schools participated. The Jefferson Empathy Scale (JES) was applied; the psychometric properties were confirmed by Factor Analysis Confirmatory and Invariance.

Results

The JSE empathy scale is a measure with adequate reliability and construct validity. Examined cut‐offs determined a structure of five empathy intervals that allowed them to be classified as empathy values in very high, high, medium, low and very low.

Discussion

The sequence of statistical tests carried out allowed us to determine ranges of categorical values in the empathy levels of groups of students. However, the determined categories may constitute a specific characteristic of them. It is not possible to extrapolate these results to regions other than those of Latin America.

Conclusion

The estimated rankings allow comparing levels of empathy between groups of nursing students and the real effect of empathic interventions.

Implications for nursing

To contribute with strategies to evaluate changes in the empathic skills of nursing students, resulting in a well‐valued skill in health services.

Implications for nursing policy

The cut‐off points define evaluative categories (very low, low, medium, high and very high) that allow objective classification of levels of empathy achieved after (for example) an empathic intervention. This allows assessment of substantive changes experienced by nursing students (and professionals).
Isolation and identification of flavonoid-producing endophytic fungi from Loranthus tanakae Franch. & Sav that exhibit antioxidant and antibacterial activities
Authors: Zheng Ziyun , Chai Shutong , Chen Jie , Yang Hong , Chang Jiayu , Yang Guan'e
Published: June 2022

Aims

Loranthus tanakae Franch. & Sav is a medicinal plant that has a variety of pharmacological properties. However, its study is currently limited because of its relative shortage of natural abundance. The objective of this work was to find an alternative resource from this plant that could produce its bioactive ingredients.

Methods and Results

We isolated endophytic fungi from the twigs of Loranthus tanakae Franch. & Sav and eight flavonoid-producing endophytic fungi were selected. The eight endophytic fungi meeting the criteria were identified as Alternaria tenuissima, Dothiorella gregaria, Penicillium aethiopicum, Nothophoma quercina and Hypoxylon perforatum by morphological and molecular methods. The antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the flavonoid-producing endophytic fungi were investigated in vitro, where Alternaria tenuissima ZP28 and ZM148 demonstrated greater activities than the other six strains. Flavonoids of ZP28 and ZM148 were preliminarily identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS).

Conclusion

After screening the flavonoid-producing endophytic fungi, Alternaria tenuissima ZP28 and ZM148 were found to have good antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Overall, this study provided new direction and resources for the acquisition of flavonoids.

Significance and impact of the study

Endophytic fungi are a promising alternative approach for the large-scale production of flavonoids from Loranthus tanakae Franch. & Sav.
Metabolic effects of the left atrial appendage exclusion (the heart hormone study)
Authors: Bartus Krzysztof , Elbey Mehmet A. , Kanuri Sri Harsha , Lee Randall , Litwinowicz Radoslaw , Natorska Joanna , Zabczyk Michal , Bartus Magdalena , Kapelak Boguslaw , Malecki Maciej T. , Lakkireddy Dhanunjaya
Published: June 2022

Introduction

The effect of epicardial left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion therapy on lipid and glucose metabolism in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients over the long‐term follow‐up are unclear.

Methods

In a single‐center prospective observational study, 60 patients with longstanding persistent AF with cardiovascular risk factors had undergone an epicardial exclusion procedure. Anthropometric parameters and glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin, leptin, adiponectin, free fatty acids, beta‐hydroxybutyrate, and total cholesterol levels were evaluated on fasting at baseline before the procedure and compared with levels at 24 h, 7 days, 1, 3, 6, and 24 months follow the procedure.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 67.5 ± 8.1. Insulin levels significantly increased at 7 days, 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months follow‐up. The leptin levels showed a significant increase in 6, 12, and 24 months when compared to baseline. Whereas the adiponectin levels showed a significant decrease at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months when compared to baseline levels. In patients with the epicardial procedure, when compared to baseline, glucose, glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, and beta‐hydroxybutyrate levels did not show any significant changes at baseline and 24 months follow‐up.

Conclusion

The epicardial exclusion ligation in AF patients was associated with significant changes in insulin, leptin, and adiponectin over long follow‐up.
Pbrm1 intrinsically controls the development and effector differentiation of iNKT cells
Authors: Wang Xin , Lei Lei , Su Yanhong , Liu Jun , Yuan Ning , Gao Yang , Yang Xiaofeng , Sun Chenming , Ning Bin , Zhang Baojun
Published: June 2022

Under static condition, the pool size of peripheral invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells is determined by their homeostatic proliferation, survival and thymic input. However, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. In the present study, we found that the percentage and number of iNKT cells were significantly reduced in the spleen, but not in the thymus of mice with deletion of polybromo‐1 (Pbrm1) compared to wild type (WT) mice. Pbrm1 deletion did not affect iNKT cell proliferation and survival, instead significantly impaired their development from stage 1 to stage 2. Importantly, loss of Pbrm1 led to a dysfunction of RORγt expression and iNKT17 cell differentiation, but not iNKT1 and iNKT2 proportion. Collectively, our study reveals a novel mechanism of Pbrm1 controlling the peripheral size of iNKT cells through regulating their development and differentiation.
circRNA: Regulatory factors and potential therapeutic targets in inflammatory dermatoses
Authors: Liu Ruifeng , Zhang Luyao , Zhao Xincheng , Liu Jia , Chang Wenjuan , Zhou Ling , Zhang Kaiming
Published: June 2022

The skin is the largest organ of the human body and acts as the first line of defence against injury and infection. Skin diseases are among the most common health problems and are associated with a considerable burden that encompasses financial, physical and mental consequences for patients. Exploring the pathogenesis of skin diseases can provide insights into new treatment strategies. Inflammatory dermatoses account for a large proportion of dermatoses and have a great impact on the patients' body and quality of life. Therefore, it is important to study their pathogenesis and explore effective treatment. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a special type of RNA molecules that play important regulatory roles in several diseases and are involved in skin pathophysiological processes. This review summarizes the biogenesis, properties and functions of circRNAs as well as their roles in the pathogenesis of inflammatory dermatoses, including psoriasis, lupus erythematosus, atopic dermatitis, lichen planus and severe acne and their potential as therapeutic targets.
Immune responses to Vibrio vulnificus formalin‐killed vaccine and ghost vaccine in Scophthalmus maximus
Authors: Zhou Shun , Li Ying , Yi Jingyuan , Zheng Xujia , Huang Qing , Su Lin , Guo Baoshan , Yang Zongrui , Xiu Yunji
Published: June 2022

In this research, Vibrio vulnificus formalin‐killed (FKCs) vaccine and ghost (VVGs) vaccine were successfully developed, and shown to prevent vibriosis of Scophthalmus maximus resulting from V. vulnificus. The antibody titre of FKCs and VVGs vaccine was 1: 28 and 1: 211. The RPS of FKCs and VVGs vaccine was 60% and 80%. In order to improve the understanding of vaccine protection mechanism, transcriptome data was used to analyse the immune response of S. maximus infected with V. vulnificus after vaccination with FKCs and VVGs vaccine. In the SmCon and SmIV groups, a series of innate immune‐related genes were upregulated (such as, TLR5, Tp12, AP‐1 and IL‐1β) or downregulated (such as, CASP6 and CASP8), which suggested that the immune protection mechanism induced by inactivated vaccine was similar to that of autoimmune response. In the SmIV and SmGho group, a number of innate and adaptive immune‐related genes (such as, STAT1, IFN‐γ and MHC Ia) were activated, in which the expression of these genes was higher in SmGho, and VVGs vaccine induced stronger innate and acquired immune responses. In conclusion, the results lay a foundation for further study on the molecular mechanisms of immune protection induced by VVGs vaccine and FKCs vaccine.
Efficacy of capnographic and bispectral index monitoring on trans‐oral therapeutic endoscopy: A prospective observational study
Authors: Hayashi Yukie , Hosoe Naoki , Takabayashi Kaoru , Limpias Kamiya Kenji J. L. , Tojo Anna , Sakurai Hinako , Kinoshita Satoshi , Sujino Tomohisa , Nakayama Atsushi , Kato Motohiko , Yahagi Naohisa , Ogata Haruhiko , Kanai Takanori
Published: June 2022

Background and Aim

Oral therapeutic and invasive endoscopy requires deep sedation to reduce patient distress due to prolonged examination and procedures. The usefulness of capnography and bispectral index (BIS) monitoring in the early hypoxia detection in oral therapeutic and invasive endoscopy has yet to be evaluated. This study aimed to investigate the clinical impact of capnography and BIS monitoring on hypoxic events during oral therapeutic and invasive endoscopic procedures.

Methods

This is a prospective observational study. Trans‐oral non‐intubated therapeutic and/or invasive endoscopic procedures were performed with conventional monitoring (pulse oximetry, pulse, and blood pressure) as well as additional monitoring (BIS and end‐tidal CO2 concentration). Hypoxia is defined as oxygen saturation of <90% that lasts >15 s. The clinical impact of capnography and BIS monitoring on hypoxic events during oral therapeutic and invasive endoscopic procedures were investigated with the risk factors for hypoxia in each patient.

Results

Patients with hypoxia had significantly more apneas detected using capnography than other patients. The multivariate analysis revealed the detected apnea by capnography as an independent risk factor for hypoxia (odds ratio: 3.48[95% confidence interval: 1.24–9.78], P = 0.02). The BIS was not significantly different as a risk factor for hypoxia; however, per‐event analysis revealed significantly decreased BIS values over time in 3 min before hypoxic events.

Conclusions

Apnea detected by capnography was an independent predictor of hypoxia. The BIS value was not associated with hypoxia events; however, it showed a significant downward trend before hypoxia events.
Clinicopathologic association and prognostic impact of microcystic, elongated and fragmented pattern invasion, combined with tumor budding in endometrioid endometrial cancer
Authors: Qi Xiqin , Zhu Lun , Zhang Bei
Published: June 2022

Aim

As a special invasive pattern seen in low‐grade endometrial carcinoma, microcystic, elongated and fragmented (MELF) pattern is related to lymph node metastasis. Tumor budding (TB) is another histological marker in many cancers associated with tumor aggressiveness. Herein, we evaluated the impact of MELF pattern combined with TB about clinicopathological features and prognosis in endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC). To verify the relationship between the two morphological markers and microsatellite status in EEC, the primary mismatch repair (MMR) proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry.

Methods

One hundred and seventy‐two cases of ECC diagnosed between 2011 and 2016 were reviewed with a median follow up of 47.5 months. MELF pattern and TB were examined on all H&E‐stained slides. Primary MMR proteins (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2) were also detected.

Results

Based on MELF pattern and TB, 172 patients were divided into the following four groups: MELF(−)/TB(+) (n = 41), MELF(+)/TB(−) (n = 15), MELF(+)/TB(+) (n = 20), and MELF(−)/TB(−) (n = 96). Adverse pathological features were observed in the MELF(+)/TB(+) group: 70% presented deep muscular infiltration, 65% were lymphovascular space invasion, and 25% suffered lymph node metastasis. The proportion of MMR deficient in MELF(+)/TB(−) group was the highest (66.7%). The progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) among the four groups were significantly different. MELF(+)/TB(+) group showed the worst PFS and OS. As univariate and multivariate survival analyses revealed, the combination of MELF pattern and TB was confirmed as an independent predictor of poor prognosis.

Conclusions

Our research demonstrates that MELF pattern combined with TB, as an independent predictor of adverse outcome, is associated with adverse pathological features, which facilitates better understanding of EEC tumor behavior and more precise prognosis without additional medical expense.