bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of inhaled corticosteroids on healthy airways
Authors: Marchi Emanuele , Hinks Timothy S. C. , Richardson Matthew , Khalfaoui Latifa , Symon Fiona A. , Rajasekar Poojitha , Clifford Rachel , Hargadon Beverley , Austin Cary D. , MacIsaac Julia L. , Kobor Michael S. , Siddiqui Salman , Mar Jordan S. , Arron Joseph R. , Choy David F. , Bradding Peter
Published: April 2024

Background

The effects of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) on healthy airways are poorly defined.

Objectives

To delineate the effects of ICS on gene expression in healthy airways, without confounding caused by changes in disease‐related genes and disease‐related alterations in ICS responsiveness.

Methods

Randomized open‐label bronchoscopy study of high‐dose ICS therapy in 30 healthy adult volunteers randomized 2:1 to (i) fluticasone propionate 500 mcg bd daily or (ii) no treatment, for 4 weeks. Laboratory staff were blinded to allocation. Biopsies and brushings were analysed by immunohistochemistry, bulk RNA sequencing, DNA methylation array and metagenomics.

Results

ICS induced small between‐group differences in blood and lamina propria eosinophil numbers, but not in other immunopathological features, blood neutrophils, FeNO, FEV1, microbiome or DNA methylation. ICS treatment upregulated 72 genes in brushings and 53 genes in biopsies, and downregulated 82 genes in brushings and 416 genes in biopsies. The most downregulated genes in both tissues were canonical markers of type‐2 inflammation (FCER1A, CPA3, IL33, CLEC10A, SERPINB10 and CCR5), T cell‐mediated adaptive immunity (TARP, TRBC1, TRBC2, PTPN22, TRAC, CD2, CD8A, HLA‐DQB2, CD96, PTPN7), B‐cell immunity (CD20, immunoglobulin heavy and light chains) and innate immunity, including CD48, Hobit, RANTES, Langerin and GFI1. An IL‐17‐dependent gene signature was not upregulated by ICS.

Conclusions

In healthy airways, 4‐week ICS exposure reduces gene expression related to both innate and adaptive immunity, and reduces markers of type‐2 inflammation. This implies that homeostasis in health involves tonic type‐2 signalling in the airway mucosa, which is exquisitely sensitive to ICS.
Advancing Front Surface Mapping
Authors: Livesu M.
Published: April 2024

We present Advancing Front Mapping (AFM), a novel algorithm for the computation of injective maps to simple planar domains. AFM is inspired by the advancing front meshing paradigm, which is here revisited to operate on two embeddings at once, becoming a tool for compatible mesh generation. AFM extends the capabilities of existing robust approaches, supporting a broader set of embeddings (star‐shaped polygons) with a direct approach, without resorting to intermediate constructions. Our method only relies on two topological operators (split and flip) and on the computation of segment intersections, thus permitting to compute a valid embedding without solving any numerical problem. AFM is therefore easy to implement, debug and deploy. This article is mainly focused on the presentation of the compatible advancing front idea and on the demonstration that the algorithm provably converges to an injective map. We also complement our theoretical analysis with an extensive practical validation, executing more than one billion advancing front moves on 36K mapping tasks.
Practical Methods to Estimate Fabric Mechanics from Metadata
Authors: Dominguez‐Elvira H. , Nicas A. , Cirio G. , Rodriguez A. , Garces E.
Published: April 2024

Estimating fabric mechanical properties is crucial to create realistic digital twins. Existing methods typically require testing physical fabric samples with expensive devices or cumbersome capture setups. In this work, we propose a method to estimate fabric mechanics just from known manufacturer metadata such as the fabric family, the density, the composition, and the thickness. Further, to alleviate the need to know the fabric family –which might be ambiguous or unknown for nonspecialists–we propose an end‐to‐end neural method that works with planar images of the textile as input. We evaluate our methods using extensive tests that include the industry standard Cusick and demonstrate that both of them produce drapes that strongly correlate with the ground truth estimates provided by lab equipment. Our method is the first to propose such a simple capture method for mechanical properties outperforming other methods that require testing the fabric in specific setups.
A Survey on Realistic Virtual Human Animations: Definitions, Features and Evaluations
Authors: Rekik Rim , Wuhrer Stefanie , Hoyet Ludovic , Zibrek Katja , Olivier Anne‐Hélène
Published: April 2024

Generating realistic animated virtual humans is a problem that has been extensively studied with many applications in different types of virtual environments. However, the creation process of such realistic animations is challenging, especially because of the number and variety of influencing factors, that should then be identified and evaluated. In this paper, we attempt to provide a clearer understanding of how the multiple factors that have been studied in the literature impact the level of realism of animated virtual humans, by providing a survey of studies assessing their realism. This includes a review of features that have been manipulated to increase the realism of virtual humans, as well as evaluation approaches that have been developed. As the challenges of evaluating animated virtual humans in a way that agrees with human perception are still active research problems, this survey further identifies important open problems and directions for future research.
Features and behaviours for weight loss in the Chilean cohort with obesity from the ACTION study
Authors: Cuevas Ada , Pardo Fabián , Alonso Rodrigo , Barros Eric , Rendón Adriana
Published: April 2024

In Latin America, obesity rates are among the highest in the world. Currently, people with obesity (PWO) receive suboptimal care due to several challenges and barriers. The international ACTION‐IO study aimed to identify perceptions, attitudes and behaviours of PWO and healthcare providers (HCP), and to assess potential barriers to effective obesity care. The aim of this subanalysis of the Chilean cohort was to compare their characteristics, perceptions, attitudes and behaviours according to the percentage of weight loss (lower weight loss [LWL; ≤10%] or higher weight loss [HWL; >10%] of basal weight). The ACTION‐IO survey was completed by 1000 Chilean PWO and 200 HCPs. Mean age of PWO was 38 years (range 18–75); 62% were female. The majority had class I obesity. HWL subgroup represented 17.2% of all Chilean subset. Specific characteristics of patients with HWL were identified (higher educational level, lower proportion of class III obesity, preference for consulting obesity specialists, considering conversations with HCP as very helpful). HWL patients reported higher rates of favourable outcomes following HCP advice and a higher probability of attending scheduled follow‐up visits. Certain demographic and behavioural variables (educational level, consultation to obesity specialists, adherence to HCP advice, follow‐up scheduled visits and becoming aware of the obesity state) may identify PWO with a higher probability of a greater weight loss.
Expanding the access to kidney transplantation: Strategies for kidney transplant programs
Authors: Nishio Lucar Angie G. , Patel Ankita , Mehta Shikha , Yadav Anju , Doshi Mona , Urbanski Megan A. , Concepcion Beatrice P. , Singh Neeraj , Sanders M. Lee , Basu Arpita , Harding Jessica L. , Rossi Ana , Adebiyi Oluwafisayo O. , Samaniego‐Picota Milagros , Woodside Kenneth J. , Parsons Ronald F.
Published: April 2024

Kidney transplantation is the most successful kidney replacement therapy available, resulting in improved recipient survival and societal cost savings. Yet, nearly 70 years after the first successful kidney transplant, there are still numerous barriers and untapped opportunities that constrain the access to transplant. The literature describing these barriers is extensive, but the practices and processes to solve them are less clear. Solutions must be multidisciplinary and be the product of strong partnerships among patients, their networks, health care providers, and transplant programs. Transparency in the referral, evaluation, and listing process as well as organ selection are paramount to build such partnerships. Providing early culturally congruent and patient‐centered education as well as maximizing the use of local resources to facilitate the transplant work up should be prioritized. Every opportunity to facilitate pre‐emptive kidney transplantation and living donation must be taken. Promoting the use of telemedicine and kidney paired donation as standards of care can positively impact the work up completion and maximize the chances of a living donor kidney transplant.
Life history and overwintering in multi‐ and univoltine species of family Tephritidae in a subtropical region of northwestern Argentina
Authors: Moyano Andrea , Van Nieuwenhove Guido , Diaz Viviana , Abraham Solana , Ovruski Sergio , Rull Juan
Published: April 2024

Among phytophagous insects, life history often evolves as a strategy to cope with seasonality in host plant availability. Whereas specialization often leads to dormancy, aestivation, or longevity, polyphagous species bridge between periods of host availability by exploiting alternative host plants. The aim of the present work was to characterize the life histories of four species of specialist and generalist uni‐ and multivoltine frugivorous fruit flies – Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann, Anastrepha fraterculus Wiedemann, Rhagoletis blanchardi Aczel, and Rhagoletotrypeta pastranai Aczel (all Diptera: Tephritidae) – inhabiting in sympatry in Las Yungas phytogeographical province in Tucumán (northwestern Argentina). For this purpose, infested host plant fruits were sequentially collected during two consecutive years, and flies recovered from these fruits were subjected to demographic experiments to establish longevity and overwintering mechanisms. The results indicated that life cycles were tightly related to host fruit availability, where multivoltine species sequentially exploit different host plants over the year, whereas univoltine species must undergo pupal dormancy to reach the next host fructification period and may extend the duration of dormancy when climatic conditions are acyclic and unpredictable. The present study may broaden knowledge about diapausing Tephritidae in subtropical regions and may contribute to an increased conceptual basis for the improvement of pest control strategies, such as the sterile insect technique (SIT).
Clinical and neuroimaging characteristics of primary lateral sclerosis with overlapping features of progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Badihian Negin , Gatto Rodolfo G. , Satoh Ryota , Ali Farwa , Clark Heather M. , Pham Nha Trang Thu , Whitwell Jennifer L. , Josephs Keith A.
Published: April 2024

Background and purpose

Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects the central motor system. In rare cases, clinical features of PLS may overlap with those of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). We investigate neuroimaging features that can help distinguish PLS with overlapping features of PSP (PLS‐PSP) from PSP.

Methods

Six patients with PLS‐PSP were enrolled between 2019 and 2023. We compared their clinical and neuroimaging characteristics with 18 PSP–Richardson syndrome (PSP‐RS) patients and 20 healthy controls. Magnetic resonance imaging, 18F‐flortaucipir positron emission tomography (PET), quantitative susceptibility mapping, and diffusion tensor imaging tractography (DTI) were performed to evaluate eight brain regions of interest. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was calculated.

Results

Five of the six PLS‐PSP patients (83.3%) were male. Median age at symptom onset was 61.5 (52.5–63) years, and all had mixed features of PLS and PSP. Volumes of the pallidum, caudate, midbrain, and cerebellar dentate were smaller in PSP‐RS than PLS‐PSP, providing good discrimination (AUROC = 0.75 for all). The susceptibilities in pallidum, midbrain, and cerebellar dentate were greater in PSP‐RS compared to PLS‐PSP, providing excellent discrimination (AUROC ≥ 0.90 for all). On DTI, fractional anisotropy (FA) in the posterior limb of the internal capsule from the corticospinal tract was lower in PLS‐PSP compared to PSP‐RS (AUROC = 0.86), but FA in the superior cerebellar peduncle was lower in PSP‐RS (AUROC = 0.95). Pallidum flortaucipir PET uptake was greater in PSP‐RS compared to PLS‐PSP (AUROC = 0.74).

Conclusions

Regional brain volume, tractography, and magnetic susceptibility, but not tau‐PET, are useful in distinguishing PLS‐PSP from PSP.
Emerging roles of long non‐coding RNAs in human epilepsy
Authors: Yazarlou Fatemeh , Lipovich Leonard , Loeb Jeffrey A.
Published: April 2024

Genome‐scale biological studies conducted in the post‐genomic era have revealed that two‐thirds of human genes do not encode proteins. Most functional non‐coding RNA transcripts in humans are products of long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) genes, an abundant but still poorly understood class of human genes. As a result of their fundamental and multitasking regulatory roles, lncRNAs are associated with a wide range of human diseases, including neurological disorders. Approximately 40% of lncRNAs are specifically expressed in the brain, and many of them exhibit distinct spatiotemporal patterns of expression. Comparative genomics approaches have determined that 65%–75% of human lncRNA genes are primate‐specific and hence can be posited as a contributing potential cause of the higher‐order complexity of primates, including human, brains relative to those of other mammals. Although lncRNAs present important mechanistic examples of epileptogenic functions, the human/primate specificity of lncRNAs questions their relevance in rodent models. Here, we present an in‐depth review that supports the contention that human lncRNAs are direct contributors to the etiology and pathogenesis of human epilepsy, as a means to accelerate the integration of lncRNAs into clinical practice as potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Meta‐analytically, the major finding of our review is the commonality of lncRNAs in epilepsy and cancer pathogenesis through mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)‐related pathways. In addition, neuroinflammation may be a relevant part of the common pathophysiology of cancer and epilepsy. LncRNAs affect neuroinflammation‐related signaling pathways such as nuclear factor kappa‐ light‐ chain‐ enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB), Notch, and phosphatidylinositol 3‐ kinase/ protein kinase B (Akt) (PI3K/AKT), with the NF‐κB pathway being the most common. Besides the controversy over lncRNA research in non‐primate models, whether neuroinflammation is triggered by injury and/or central nervous system (CNS) toxicity during epilepsy modeling in animals or is a direct consequence of epilepsy pathophysiology needs to be considered meticulously in future studies.
Formulating new types of rice husk biochar‐based fertilizers for the simultaneous slow‐release of nutrients and immobilization of cadmium
Authors: Tan Tiansu , Xu Yi , Liao Xionghui , Yi Zili , Xue Shuai
Published: April 2024

China, as a significant global consumer of chemical fertilizers and a leading producer of rice, faces challenges associated with low fertilizer efficiency and fewer utilization options of rice husks. The development of rice husk biochar‐based fertilizers (RHBF) offers a strategic solution to address these issues. In this study, diverse biochar fertilizer production techniques were used to develop four types of fertilizers: blended RHBF, soaked RHBF, high‐pressure soaked RHBF, and pure rice husk biochar coated fertilizer. The nutrients slow‐releasing performance of these four RHBF were compared by hydrostatic and soil column intermittent leaching methods. Effects of their application on rice growth, yield, and cadmium reduction potential were analyzed and compared by the pot trial. Results demonstrated that nutrients of the four RHBF were generally released slower in the soil compared with the conventional compound fertilizer (CK). The slow nutrient release effect was more pronounced under high‐pressure soaked RHBF. Notably, in the soil column leaching experiment, the cumulative leaching rates of nitrogen and K2O for RHBF3 (12.0% and 13.9%) were greatly lower than those of CK (42.3% and 51.3%). Moreover, the application of RHBF induced a marked enhancement in the nutrient use efficiency, grain yield, harvest index, and photosynthetic characteristics compared to CK. The average agronomic efficiency of P2O5 for the four RHBF increased by 102.8% compared with CK, while the average grain yield of the four RHBF increased by 20.6%. In addition, RHBF showed a significant reduction in Cd mobilization by an average of 80.1% compared to CK. This study offers a promising model for enhancing the comprehensive performance of RHBF and optimizing traditional fertilizer application practices.
Shared decision‐making related to treatment of haemophilia: A scoping review of influential factors and available support tools
Authors: Sun Haowei (Linda) , Klaassen Robert J. , Anger Dana L. , Mendell Ari L. , Olatunde Shade
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Treatment selection in haemophilia is increasingly challenging given evolving therapeutic options and the need for individualization. Shared decision‐making (SDM) approaches have recently gained interest, though a synthesis of available studies is lacking.

Aim

A scoping review was conducted to summarize literature reporting on factors impacting treatment SDM in haemophilia and tools or models available to support such decisions.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science and grey literature were searched for studies published through August 2023. Original studies reporting on facilitators and barriers to haemophilia SDM and SDM tools were included and analyzed for themes, characteristics and gaps.

Results

A total of 625 records were identified and 14 unique studies were selected (factors influencing treatment SDM, n = 7; SDM tools, n = 7). The studies typically included input from persons with haemophilia, caregivers and healthcare practitioners (HCPs). Thematic organization of factors influencing SDM revealed three main categories: knowledge, patient characteristics and HCP‐patient interactions. Availability of information was a commonly reported facilitator of SDM, while poor HCP‐patient engagement was a commonly reported barrier. Tools varied in focus, with some facilitating general treatment SDM while others supported selection of certain therapy types. The studies underscored additional factors critical for SDM, such as alignment of HCP‐patient perceptions, shared language and tailoring of tools to specific subpopulations.

Conclusion

Few studies report on treatment SDM factors and tools in haemophilia; available tools vary considerably. It remains unclear whether published tools have been successfully implemented into clinical practice. Additional research is warranted.
Evaluation of the usefulness and understandability of information leaflets on fall prevention from the perspective of hospital patients and their relatives
Authors: Pock Eva Maria Lissa , Lohrmann Christa , Hoffmann Magdalena , Schwarz Christine Maria , Schoberer Daniela
Published: April 2024

Background

Falls are a major problem among adults over 60 years. Multiple preventive measures must be taken. Written information leaflets can support the knowledge transfer and positively influence recall of the information provided.

Objective

The aim was to ensure usefulness and understandability of the information leaflets on home fall prevention from the target groups' perspective.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey study with a feedback questionnaire for patients and relatives was conducted at a university hospital in Austria. Quantitative data analysis and qualitative content analysis according to Schreier were performed.

Results

The majority (63.9%) of patients rated the overall impression as “very good”. 44.2% of the relatives rated it as “very good” and 23% as “good”. The question “appealing design” was the only one with a statistically significant difference between patients and relatives. Subgroup analysis has shown a statistically significant difference between educational groups regarding the questions “easy to read” and “easy to understand”.

Conclusion

It could be shown that the information leaflets were already well tailored to the target group. The few comments regarding understandability were considered to improve the content of the information leaflets. A further evaluation regarding the benefit of the fall prevention leaflets in discharge management should be performed.
Drought response modelling of leaf photosynthetic parameters in two Gossypium species
Authors: Chastain Daryl R. , Snider John L. , Singh Bhupinder , Virk Gurpreet
Published: April 2024

Cotton is well adapted to dry areas, but progressive water deficits can lead to declines in net photosynthesis (A), ultimately reducing yield. However, the exact mechanism responsible for this decline in net photosynthesis (stomatal or non‐stomatal) is not fully understood under field conditions, partially due to limitations in the ability to collect critical data. To our knowledge, no other study has compared the drought responses of Pima and upland cotton using both CO2 response and chlorophyll fluorescence under field conditions. To this end, a field study was conducted to quantify the impact of progressive mild drought, as measured by midday stomatal conductance to water vapour (gs), on cotton leaf metabolism in Pima and upland cotton. Survey gas exchange and rapid photosynthetic CO2 response (RACiR) were conducted during flowering on the same leaf. The study observed decline in A as gs declined for both species. Correlation analysis indicated typical relationships with A and parameters associated with stomatal limitations such as decreased CO2 inside the leaf and at the site of carboxylation; however, it was found that while Pima exhibited a strong relationship between maximum electron transport rate (Jmax) and electron transport rate (ETR), upland cotton did not. Furthermore, when ETR is broken down into proportions contributing to net photosynthesis and photorespiration (ETRA, ETRP, respectively), we found that a greater proportion of ETR is being shuttled to the photorespiratory pathway in upland, relative to Pima as gs decreases. Our results fill critical knowledge gaps that can be useful for modellers and breeders when preparing for future climate change scenarios.
Habitat characteristics and the rate of decline in a threatened farmland bird, the ortolan bunting Emberiza hortulana
Authors: Piirainen Sirke , Seimola Tuomas , Lindén Andreas , Tiainen Juha , Piha Markus
Published: April 2024

Farmland habitats witness steep declines in biodiversity. One rapidly declining farmland species is the ortolan bunting Emberiza hortulana. In Finland, a staggering 99% of the population has been lost during the past 30 years. Changes in the breeding habitats have been proposed as a reason for the decline, although hazards during migration and wintering may also play a role.

We gathered a 19‐year data set of Finnish ortolan buntings and studied which spatial characteristics, habitat features, and climate factors might explain the population growth rate at the singing‐group level. As explanatory variables we used region, density of small‐scale structures, proportion of agricultural area in the landscape, diversity of crop types, proportion of bare ground, and temperature and precipitation of previous breeding season.

Higher population growth rates were associated with higher crop type diversity and higher proportion of bare ground. The mosaic of various crop plants and bare ground may provide a wider array of feeding, hiding and nesting places, and an easier access to food. Higher growth rates were also associated with landscapes dominated by interconnected agricultural land, which may reflect the species' sociability and avoidance of forested areas. The North Ostrobothnia region had higher growth rates compared to other regions.

We suggest that northern populations of ortolan bunting should be targeted for further studies on feeding and breeding ecology as well as for urgent conservation actions, such as increasing crop type diversity and bare ground.
Detecting T‐cell receptor clonality in patients with severe atopic dermatitis refractory to dupilumab
Authors: Kook Hyungdon , Gwag Ho Eun , Park So Yun , Hong Narang , Lee Jung‐Ho , Jung Hye Jung , Park Mi Youn , Choi Yu Sung , Kim Hyun Je , Weidinger Stephan , Ahn Jiyoung
Published: April 2024

Background

Trials and real‐life studies demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements of disease activity in the majority of patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) treated with the anti‐IL‐4RA‐antibody dupilumab. However, misdiagnosis or confounding skin diseases in particular cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) may lead to inadequate response.

Objective

To investigate the clinical and pathological features of patients with AD who showed insufficient response to dupilumab.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of 371 patients treated with dupilumab for severe AD. Insufficient response was defined as failure to achieve an improvement of the eczema area severity index (EASI) of at least 50% (EASI‐50) at Week 16 and of 75% (EASI‐75) at Week 52. Among 46 patients with insufficient response, 35 patients consented to a re‐evaluation including a full physical exam, biopsies and laboratory assessments including immunohistochemistry and T‐cell receptor gene rearrangement analysis to differentiate CTCL.

Results

Of the 371 patients treated with dupilumab, 46 (12.3%) patients showed insufficient response to dupilumab. Of these, 35 underwent further evaluation, and 19 (54.2% of inadequate responders) were finally diagnosed with mycosis fungoides (MF). In these patients, transition to or addition of conventional MF treatment led to clinical improvements.

Conclusions

Insufficient response to dupilumab treatment may help uncover early MF on an existing AD background.
Job and off‐job crafting profiles: Time‐lagged relationships with job, home and personal resources and well‐being outcomes
Authors: Ho Kang Leng , Mäkikangas Anne , Kerksieck Philipp , Morstatt Anja Isabel , de Bloom Jessica , Bauer Georg F.
Published: April 2024

Crafting research has often focused solely on the work domain or examined work and non‐work life domains separately, using a variable‐centered approach. Little is known about the interactions of crafting processes in the work and non‐work domain. In this time‐lagged study, we examined (1) the relationship between job and off‐job crafting behaviours using a person‐centered approach to identify crafting profiles, (2) whether job, home and personal resources differentially predicted these profiles and (3) whether these profiles differed in relation to outcomes, that is work engagement and mental well‐being. We conducted a three‐wave, time‐lagged survey with 3‐month intervals among 2125 employees. The results revealed three profiles of active (18.0%), average (48.2%) and least active (33.9%) crafters. Analyses of predictors showed that active crafters had higher levels of home developmental possibilities and self‐efficacy than average and least active crafters, likewise for average crafters compared with least active crafters. Furthermore, active crafters had higher levels of social support at home than least active crafters. Regarding well‐being outcomes, active crafters experienced significantly higher mental well‐being than average and least active crafters and higher work engagement than least active crafters. Interventions to enhance employee's resources could stimulate crafting behaviours, ultimately improving well‐being.
Efficacy of rehabilitative therapies on otologic symptoms in patients with temporomandibular disorders: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Ferrillo Martina , Marotta Nicola , Viola Pasquale , Chiarella Giuseppe , Fortunato Leonzio , Ammendolia Antonio , Giudice Amerigo , de Sire Alessandro
Published: April 2024

Background

The term temporomandibular disorder (TMD) indicates a set of musculoskeletal conditions involving temporomandibular joint (TMJ), masticatory musculature, and related anatomical structures. Pain is the most common clinical manifestation of TMD, and the auditory system might be involved and affected, through tinnitus, dizziness, otalgia and ear fullness sensation.

Objectives

The aim of this systematic review of randomised controlled trails (RCTs) was to evaluate the efficacy of rehabilitative approaches on otologic symptoms in patients with TMD.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were systematically searched from the inception until 8th October 2023 to identify RCTs presenting participants with a diagnosis of TMD associated with otologic signs and symptoms, rehabilitative approaches as interventions, and modification of the otological symptoms as outcome.

Results

Out of 931 papers suitable for title/abstract screening, 627 articles were assessed for eligibility. Five studies were included reporting the efficacy of occlusal splint therapy, low‐level laser therapies, and physical therapy in patients diagnosed whit secondary otalgia or tinnitus associated with TMD. No RCTs evaluating other otologic symptoms, ear fullness, dizziness or vertigo were found.

Conclusions

Results of this systematic review suggested that rehabilitative approaches might be effective in improving secondary otalgia and tinnitus in TMD patients. Thus, further RCTs with a higher level of evidence and more representative samples should be conducted to better understand the effects of TMD therapy on otologic complains.
School‐Family Partnerships to Support Attendance: Advancing an Equity‐Centered Theoretical Framework
Authors: Lindstrom Johnson Sarah , Kulkarni Nita , Rodríguez De Jesús Sue A. , Cottam Stephanie , Fillhouer Marianne , Guevara Ana M. M.
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Since returning to in‐person instruction after the emergence of COVID‐19 schools have seen a dramatic increase in the number of students chronically absent, with data indicating a greater increase for low‐income, Black, and Hispanic students. Given the role of school attendance in both promoting positive educational outcomes as well as providing students with physical and mental health supports, it is critical to identify ways to re‐engage families in a manner that is culturally responsive and equitable.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THEORY

Current attendance interventions focus primarily on school‐based academic and behavioral supports for students while excluding the family. Additionally, traditional family engagement models do not address the sociocultural realities of low‐income and/or minoritized families. We present a strengths‐based model of family engagement to support attendance.

IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY

Along with our model, we provide concrete supports that schools can provide, including example measurement items. In this way, schools and districts can self‐assess as well as identify action steps to promote positive school‐family partnerships for equitable family engagement.

CONCLUSIONS

Without consistent attendance, schools cannot support positive educational outcomes nor provide important safety net services for students. Attendance is a family engagement challenge, which addressing holistically can reduce racial and socioeconomic educational and health disparities.
Can Complexity add anything to Critical Realism and the Morphogenetic Approach?
Authors: Archer Margaret S.
Published: April 2024

Complexity is not ‘the same as simply complicated’. This is because its advocates present it as a theoretical approach to explaining major aspects of the social order, usually at the macro level, whereas many social phenomena, at any level, can be full of complications (such as the incidence of road accidents) without a unifying theoretical key. Thus, the latter have a strong tendency to remain at the level of events and their study to be confined to a ‘variables’ approach, statistically combining the most variable of potentially contributory factors, without being troubled by the absence, in particular cases of one or more common contributors to accidents (such as drivers’ alcohol consumption). But ‘the Complexity Turn’ does much more than leaving empiricism behind, like Critical Realism from its earliest beginnings, and in some hands is seen as the senior partner of these two approaches.
Thromboelastometry for assessment of hemostasis and disease severity in 42 dogs with naturally‐occurring heatstroke
Authors: Yanai Michal , Klainbart Sigal , Dafna Gal , Segev Gilad , Aroch Itamar , Kelmer Efrat
Published: April 2024

Background

Thromboelastometry (TEM) provides a comprehensive overview of the entire coagulation process and has not been evaluated in heatstroke‐induced coagulopathies in dogs.

Objectives

To determine the diagnostic and prognostic utility of TEM in dogs with heatstroke.

Animals

Forty‐two client‐owned dogs with heatstroke.

Methods

Prospective observational study. Blood samples for intrinsic and extrinsic TEM (INTEM and EXTEM, respectively) were collected at presentation and every 12 to 24 hours for 48 hours. Coagulation phenotype (hypo‐, normo‐, or hypercoagulable) was defined based on TEM area under the 1st derivative curve (AUC).

Results

Case fatality rate was 31%. Median TEM variables associated with death (P < .05 for all) included longer INTEM clotting time, lower AUC at presentation and at 12 to 24 hours postpresentation (PP), lower INTEM alpha angle, maximum clot firmness, and maximum lysis (ML) at 12 to 24 hours PP, and lower EXTEM ML at 12 to 24 hours PP. Most dogs were normo‐coagulable on presentation (66% and 63% on EXTEM and INTEM, respectively), but hypo‐coagulable 12 to 24 PP (63% for both EXTEM and INTEM). A hypo‐coagulable INTEM phenotype was more frequent at presentation and 12 to 24 PP among nonsurvivors compared to survivors (55% vs 15% and 100% vs 50%,P = .045 and .026, respectively). AKI was more frequent (P = .015) in dogs with hypo‐coagulable INTEM tracings at 12 to 24 hours. Disseminated intravascular coagulation was more frequent (P < .05) in dogs with a hypo‐coagulable INTEM phenotype and in nonsurvivors at all timepoints.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Hypocoagulability, based on INTEM AUC, is predictive of worse prognosis and occurrence of secondary complications.
The Impact of Factional Discourse On the Palestinian National Cause
Authors: Saeedi Munther , Jabali Oqab , Ishtaiyeh Muath , Esa Abed Alkhaleq , Dabous Mohammad
Published: April 2024

With the Israeli war on Gaza raging, the Palestinian national movement must overcome divides that have weakened the cause. This study delves into the ramifications of divisive discourse on factionalism in Palestine, focusing on the dynamic between Hamas and Fatah. To do so, it investigates the effects of polarization on the sense of collective consciousness among university students in the occupied territories. Through a questionnaire designed to elicit the perspectives of these young adults, this research sheds light on the extent to which rhetoric employed to provoke or incite aggressive behavior has affected cohesion in Palestinian politics and society, as well as individuals’ beliefs in the possibility of a national movement. The article finds that in all of these facets, young adults have a high degree of cynicism and see divisive discourse reducing faith in institutions and leaders, causing rifts among friends and neighbors, and even leading them to think about emigrating. While the study was conducted before the Israel‐Hamas war that began in October 2023, which may force some compromise between factions, the survey results indicate the immense amount of work required to unify the movement.
A defense of back‐end doxastic voluntarism
Authors: Soter Laura K.
Published: April 2024

Doxastic involuntarism—the thesis that we lack direct voluntary control (in response to non‐evidential reasons) over our belief states—is often touted as philosophical orthodoxy. I here offer a novel defense of doxastic voluntarism, centered around three key moves. First, I point out that belief has two central functional roles, but that discussions of voluntarism have largely ignored questions of control over belief's guidance function. Second, I propose that we can learn much about doxastic control by looking to cognitive scientific research on control over other relevantly similar mental states. I draw on a mechanistic account of control of the guidance function for “emotion‐type states,” and argue that these same cognitive control mechanisms can used to block doxastic guidance. This gives us an account of “back‐end” doxastic control which can be deployed for reasons which are not the right kinds of reasons to support “front‐end” belief formation—i.e., non‐evidential reasons. Third, I argue that comprehensive, self‐directed exercises of this kind of control can amount to an underappreciated kind of voluntarism. This form of voluntarism is available to any account of belief that takes guidance‐instantiation to be at least partly constitutive of believing. Finally, I discuss objections to, and upshots of, the view.
Special issue.: The role of whole genome duplication in evolutionary ecology
Authors: Segraves Kari A. , Anneberg Thomas J.
Published: April 2024

Polyploid organisms are common and can be found across the tree of life. A key question is to understand how and why these polyploid lineages become established and persist in populations, particularly since they are predicted to have a low probability of success. While the collection of papers in this special issue addresses broad questions on the evolutionary ecology of polyploids, ultimately, these studies also highlight the myriad ways that we are examining what drives the success of polyploid lineages. In this paper we consider where we've been and the challenges that we face, and then propose several directions that will allow us to continue to propel the field towards our ultimate goal of understanding the rules that govern the establishment and persistence of polyploid populations. We conclude that developing this rule set will require a combination of model systems for which we have detailed knowledge of the phylogenetic and population genetic history, expanding our perspective beyond plants to include greater taxonomic breadth, and conducting studies in ecologically relevant settings. Additionally, we argue that future research on the evolutionary ecology of polyploidy should focus on integrating theory and empirical research, providing mechanistic linkages between the effects of whole genome duplication and population demography, and build a predictive framework to understand how anthropogenic change will impact polyploid organisms.
Recent empirical work on religious experience: New directions
Authors: Skolits Wes
Published: April 2024

Novel developments in neuroscience, psychology, and anthropology have spawned a thriving empirical literature on religious experience. Previous literature in the cognitive science of religion has largely ignored empirical results from these fields, focusing narrowly on results from evolutionary psychology. Additionally, it has ignored the epistemological relevance of non‐paradigmatic cases of religious experience discussed in the literature from these subspecialties. In this article I submit that philosophical research on religious experience should take empirical work outside of evolutionary psychology as its primary foci towards uncovering fresh perspectives. I focus on three different literatures from neuroscience, psychology, and anthropology as case studies for generating novel philosophical research. I show that empirically‐discovered factors related to non‐paradigmatic religious experiences raise crucial and unique epistemological questions.
Cloprostenol effect with and without male stimulation on oestrus synchronization in Peru guinea pigs
Authors: Roldan‐Juárez Jesús , Pinares Rubén , Lozano Franklin , Machaca Virgilio , Quispe‐Gutiérrez Ulises S. , Pizarro Dante M.
Published: April 2024

Cloprostenol, a synthetic derivative of prostaglandin F2α, effectively triggers functional and morphological regression of the corpus luteum (luteolysis). In rural Peru, the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) holds significance within the local economy and serves as a valuable protein source. Enhancing reproductive efficiency is crucial to achieve uniformity in weight, age, and litter size across commercial systems. Thus, our study aimed to evaluate the effect of cloprostenol with and without male stimulation on the onset, duration, and intensity of oestrus in Peru guinea pigs. A total of 128 guinea pigs (120 females and eight males) between 8 and 12 months of age, weighing between 800 and 1200 g, were distributed in cages of 15 females per treatment. Cloprostenol sodium (0 [control], 0.20, 0.25, and 0.30 mg/animal) was IM administered to the groups with and without male stimulation. Four isolated males in individual cages, different from the one used for the treatment, were considered to detect oestrus. The oestrus intensity was assessed by observing sexual behaviour signs such as restlessness, moaning, attempts to mount, pelvic elevation, loin stretching, and vulvar inflammation. The oestrus was manifested 2 days after the administration of cloprostenol sodium. At a dose of 0.30 mg/animal and with male stimulation, the earliest oestrus was observed at 46.9 h. There was a reduction in the oestrus duration (p < .05) in guinea pigs that received the three doses of cloprostenol sodium compared to the control group. The highest percentages of frank oestrus intensity (66.7%) were strongly associated with the administered doses of cloprostenol sodium (p < .01). In conclusion, the cloprostenol sodium administration was proper for rapid oestrus induction in Peru guinea pigs.
Evaluating conflict in collaborative environmental governance: A study of environmental justice councils
Authors: Ambrose Graham , Kim Jangmin , Siddiki Saba
Published: April 2024

The formal engagement of diverse stakeholder groups in environmental policy design and implementation is increasingly common. While engaging diverse stakeholders in common fora can help address complex environmental dilemmas, insofar as different stakeholders have varying perspectives and resources to contribute, this same variance can lead to intractable conflicts. While policy scholars have developed various conceptual approaches to understanding conflict in the policy process, few scholars have applied conceptual approaches to understand how policy conflicts are reflected in interpersonal communications among diverse stakeholders. In this article, we draw on environmental justice council meeting minutes and use qualitative, computational, and statistical methods to analyze, over time: (i) the extent and severity of policy conflict observed among council actors; (ii) the association between actor‐level attributes and conflict, as conveyed in two‐way communication between actors; (iii) the association between actor's sector and change in conflict; and (iv) variation in conflict across council activities. By exploring the overtime association between policy conflict and attributes of policy actors (e.g., sectoral affiliation and interpersonal attributes), our analysis addresses not only the influence of the number of interactions for an actor at the meeting but also how they are interacting at the meeting by leveraging their position in the meeting communication network. Our article contributes to the study of the public policy process and collaborative governance, drawing attention to how conflict materializes in a collaborative forum engaged in policy making.
The role of pennation angle and architectural gearing to rate of force development in dynamic and isometric muscle contractions
Authors: Van Hooren Bas , Aagaard Per , Monte Andrea , Blazevich Anthony J.
Published: April 2024

Background

Associations between muscle architecture and rate of force development (RFD) have been largely studied during fixed‐end (isometric) contractions. Fixed‐end contractions may, however, limit muscle shape changes and thus alter the relationship between muscle architecture an RFD.

Aim

We compared the correlation between muscle architecture and architectural gearing and knee extensor RFD when assessed during dynamic versus fixed‐end contractions.

Methods

Twenty‐two recreationally active male runners performed dynamic knee extensions at constant acceleration (2000°s−2) and isometric contractions at a fixed knee joint angle (fixed‐end contractions). Torque, RFD, vastus lateralis muscle thickness, and fascicle dynamics were compared during 0–75 and 75–150 ms after contraction onset.

Results

Resting fascicle angle was moderately and positively correlated with RFD during fixed‐end contractions (r = 0.42 and 0.46 from 0–75 and 75–150 ms, respectively; p < 0.05), while more strongly (p < 0.05) correlated with RFD during dynamic contractions (r = 0.69 and 0.73 at 0–75 and 75–150 ms, respectively; p < 0.05). Resting fascicle angle was (very) strongly correlated with architectural gearing (r = 0.51 and 0.73 at 0–75 ms and 0.50 and 0.70 at 75–150 ms; p < 0.05), with gearing in turn also being moderately to strongly correlated with RFD in both contraction conditions (r = 0.38–0.68).

Conclusion

Resting fascicle angle was positively correlated with RFD, with a stronger relationship observed in dynamic than isometric contraction conditions. The stronger relationships observed during dynamic muscle actions likely result from different restrictions on the acute changes in muscle shape and architectural gearing imposed by isometric versus dynamic muscle contractions.
Intersectionality and feminist movements from a global perspective
Authors: Bonu Rosenkranz Giada
Published: April 2024

The review article explores the concept of intersectionality within feminist movements from a global perspective. First, it reconstructs the origins of the concept. Second, it summarizes the main critical debates. Third, it gives an overview on the new wave of feminist movements, by exploring the way several movements from the North to the Global South have actively engaged with the concept of intersectionality into action. Finally, the article discusses opportunity and threats in the diffusion of the concept, both in the academic debate and in the field of collective action. The main takeaways of the article are: the emergence of the concept of intersectionality within the activism of women of color and Black feminism; the role of intersectionality as a critical analysis of power structures; the intersectional character of the new wave of feminist movements; the risks associated with the diffusion of the concept of intersectionality; the bleaching of intersectionality; and the co‐opting and depowering of the concept in an increasingly aggressive neo‐liberal order.