bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A nation‐wide analysis of socioeconomic and geographical disparities in the prevalence of obesity and excess weight in children and adolescents in Spain: Results from the ENE‐COVID study
Authors: Gutiérrez‐González Enrique , García‐Solano Marta , Pastor‐Barriuso Roberto , Fernández de Larrea‐Baz Nerea , Rollán‐Gordo Almudena , Peñalver‐Argüeso Belén , Peña‐Rey Isabel , Pollán Marina , Pérez‐Gómez Beatriz ,   the ENE‐COVID Study Group
Published: November 2023

Objective

To estimate national and provincial prevalence of obesity and excess weight in the child and adolescent population in Spain by sex and sociodemographic characteristics, and to explore sources of inequalities in their distribution, and their geographical patterns.

Methods

ENE‐COVID is a nationwide representative seroepidemiological survey (68 287 participants) stratified by province and municipality size (April–June 2020). Participants answered a questionnaire which collected self‐reported weight and height, that allowed estimating crude and model‐based standardized prevalences of obesity and excess weight in the 10 543 child and adolescent participants aged 2–17 years.

Results

Crude prevalences (WHO growth reference) were higher in boys than in girls (obesity: 13.4% vs. 7.9%; excess weight: 33.7% vs. 26.0%; severe obesity: 2.9% vs. 1.2%). These prevalences varied with age, increased with the presence of any adult with excess weight in the household, while they decreased with higher adult educational and census tract average income levels.

Obesity by province ranged 1.8%–30.5% in boys and 0%–17.6% in girls; excess weight ranged 15.2%–49.9% in boys and 10.8%–40.8% in girls. The lowest prevalences of obesity and excess weight were found in provinces in the northern half of Spain. Sociodemographic characteristics only partially explained the observed geographical variability (33.6% obesity; 44.2% excess weight).

Conclusions

Childhood and adolescent obesity and excess weight are highly prevalent in Spain, with relevant sex, sociodemographic and geographical differences. The geographic variability explained by sociodemographic variables indicates that there are other potentially modifiable factors on which to focus interventions at different geographic levels to fight this problem.
Macrophage‐like rapid uptake and toxicity of tattoo ink in human monocytes
Authors: Lin Cheng , Marquardt Yvonne , Rütten Stefan , Liao Liangliang , Rahimi Khosrow , Haraszti Tamas , Baron Jens Malte , Bartneck Matthias
Published: November 2023

Macrophages play a critical role for the persistence of tattoo ink in human skin. However, a comparison to other skin‐resident and blood circulating immune cells and a profound analysis of REACH‐compliant tattoo ink are unmet medical needs. We hence characterized the size distribution of ink particles using physicochemical methods. We studied the uptake of tattoo ink by key human skin cells and blood‐derived immune cells using optical and electron microscopy as well as flow cytometry. Scanning electron microscopy of ink revealed its crystalline structure, and a tendency towards aggregations was indicated by size changes upon diluting it. Flow cytometric analyses of skin and immune cells after incubation with tattoo ink demonstrated an increase in cellular granularity upon uptake and red ink additionally evoked fluorescent signals. Human macrophages were most potent in internalizing ink in full thickness 3D skin models. Macrophage cultures demonstrated that the ink did not lead to elevated inflammatory mediators, and showed no indications for toxicity, even after nice days. Strikingly, monocytes were most efficient in ink uptake, but displayed reduced viability, whereas granulocytes and lymphocytes showed only temporary ink uptake with flow cytometric signals declining after 1 day. Mechanistic studies on ink retention by corticosteroids or dexpanthenol in macrophage cultures demonstrated that these compounds do not lead to ink excretion, but even slightly increase the ink load in macrophages. The highly motile monocytes, precursors of macrophages, may play an underrated role for tattoo ink translocation from dermal blood vessels into internal organs.
Comparison of surgical excision followed by adjuvant radiotherapy and laser combined with steroids for the treatment of keloids: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Fu Siqi , Duan Liu , Zhong Yan , Zeng Yu
Published: November 2023

This meta‐analysis aims to evaluate and compare the effect of surgical excision followed by adjuvant radiotherapy and laser combined with steroids on keloids. Relevant studies reporting the recurrence rate or incidence of adverse events (AEs) were retrieved from the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library databases through August 2023. The quality of noncomparative single‐arm clinical trials was evaluated using the methodological index for nonrandomised studies (MINORS) Methodological items. This meta‐analysis was conducted utilizing Stata 12.0 statistical software. 26 studies involving 989 patients were included in the analysis. The recurrence rate in the laser combined with steroids therapy group (12.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.9%–18.5%) was lower than that of the surgical excision combined with radiotherapy group (13.5%, 95% CI: 6.6%–22.2%). For the incidence of AEs, relatively low incidence of atrophy (0.0%, 95% CI: 0.0%–1.2%), telangiectasia (3.2%, 95% CI: 0.4%–7.6%), erythema (2.3%, 95% CI: 0.0%–10.6%), infection (0.2%, 95% CI: 0.0%–1.6%) and high hyperpigmentation rate (8.3%, 95% CI: 4.2%–13.4%) were obtained in the surgical excision combined with radiotherapy group. Compared with surgical resection followed by radiotherapy, the combination of laser and steroids for keloids showed a lower hyperpigmentation rate (6.5%), as well as a higher incidence of atrophy (22.7%), telangiectasia (6.4%), erythema (3.3%) and infection (3.3%). Only a hypopigmentation rate of 2.9% was obtained in patients treated with surgical excision plus radiotherapy. Current evidence revealed that surgical excision followed by adjuvant radiotherapy and laser combined with steroids therapy were effective and safe treatments for keloids, with relatively low recurrence rate and complication rate. Comparative studies are needed to further compare the effects of these two combination therapies on keloids.
Evaluation of a Nutrition Education and Skills Training programme in vulnerable adults who are at high risk of food insecurity
Authors: Kearsey Jade L. , West Elisha , Vairinhos Nelia , Constable Nicole , Chu Angelica , Douglas Nigel , Charlton Karen
Published: November 2023

Background

In Australia, the prevalence of food insecurity increased by 1.5% between 2014 and 2016 and 2018 and 2020 due to effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic. OzHarvest offers a 6‐week Nutrition Education and Skills Training (NEST) programme to adults at risk of food insecurity. NEST provides 2.5‐h weekly cooking workshops on simple, healthy and affordable meals. This study aimed to determine the immediate (post) and longer‐term (6 months) impacts of participation in NEST.

Methods

A quasi‐experimental study with pre–post surveys (n = 258) and 6‐month follow‐up surveys (n = 20) was conducted from June 2019 to July 2022. Survey results were obtained from NEST programme participants (≥18 years) from six major Australian cities.

Results

Participants demonstrated immediate improvement in nutrition knowledge (p < 0.001), food preparation behaviours (p < 0.001) and confidence and self‐efficacy (n = 222; p < 0.001). Intake of discretionary foods decreased (p < 0.001), whereas fruit, vegetable and water intake increased (p < 0.001). Food security improved from 57% to 68% immediately after the completion of the programme (p < 0.001). Participants demonstrated longer‐term improvements in nutrition knowledge (p < 0.001), cooking confidence (n = 8; p = 0.03), food preparation behaviours (p = 0.003) and increased vegetable (p = 0.03) and fruit intake (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Participation in OzHarvest's NEST programme results in short‐term improvements in food security levels and dietary behaviours. Over the longer term, these changes were sustained but to a lesser degree, indicating that systemic changes are required to address underlying socio‐economic disadvantages.
Optimal Exit Policy with Uncertain Demand*
Authors: Bisceglia Michele , Padilla Jorge , Perkins Joe , Piccolo Salvatore
Published: November 2023

In a framework where entrants must make sunk investment decisions with uncertain returns and have private demand information, we show that the relationship between innovation and exit value is non‐monotone and features an inverted U‐shaped pattern. Consumer surplus is maximised at the lowest exit value that incentivises the investment. These insights are applied to optimal merger policy. An entrant is more willing to innovate to be acquired afterwards, even if it has no bargaining power. This innovation‐for‐buyout effect implies that an entrant is less likely to leave the market under a lenient than a strict merger policy.
Chewing difficulties mediated association between edentulism and depressive symptoms among middle aged and older population
Authors: Qu Xing , Wang Qingyu , Zhang Jian , He Wenbo , Zhang Fan , Zhang Wei
Published: November 2023

Background

Depression is a major health condition among the aging population. Previous studies indicated that edentulism was a risk factor for depression. The link between edentulism and depression has not been fully clarified.

Objectives

This study aimed to estimate whether chewing difficulties play a mediating role in the association between edentulism and depression among middle‐aged and older populations with national cross‐sectional data.

Methods

Data were obtained from the latest fourth wave of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The outcome variable was set as depression, which was measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D‐10). Independent and mediated variables were separately set as self‐assessed edentulism and chewing difficulties. The nearest neighbour propensity score matching (PSM) method was used to construct a matching group to balance the basic characteristics of individuals with and without edentulism with minimised bias in the estimation. Causal mediation analysis was performed to estimate the degree of contribution of chewing difficulties to the association between edentulism and depression. Several sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the robustness of the primary result.

Results

A total of 15 853 individuals remained for analysis. After PSM, 809 individuals with edentulism and 2628 without edentulism remained for analysis. Among the matched individuals, the mean age was 66.3 ± 9.2 years, 58.5% were female, 78.8% lived in rural areas, 23.5% had edentulism, 51.1% had depressive symptoms, and 50.1% had chewing difficulties. Logistic regression results showed that a higher incidence of edentulism was associated with a higher rate of depression (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.19–1.63) in the matching group. Causal mediation analysis results indicated that the average mediation effect of chewing difficulties on the association between edentulism and depression was 0.010 (95% CI: 0.005–0.015), and the average direct effect was 0.072 (95% CI: 0.036–0.11). The mediation proportion of chewing difficulties was 11.7% (95% CI: 0.079–0.21).

Conclusion

A higher prevalence of edentulism was associated with a higher rate of depression among middle‐aged and elderly populations. Chewing difficulties moderately mediated the association between edentulism and depression. Fundamental oral function should not be neglected to improve mental health among the aging population.
Effect of silicone‐based sealers on fiber post retention: An in vitro study
Authors: Alqarni Hatem , Khan Sulthan , Alzaid Abdulaziz A. , Alfaifi Mohammed , Alsayed Hussain , Alshahrani Nasser , Alassaf Mohammed , Alamro Mohammed , Alameer Abdulelah
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The effect of a silicone‐based sealer on fiber post retention has not been the subject of research and remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the impact of a silicone‐based sealer and an epoxy resin sealer on fiber post retention.

Material and Methods

Forty extracted human mandibular premolars that were caries‐free, single‐rooted, and possessed straight single canals were the specimens of the present study. Teeth were randomly divided into two groups (n = 20 each). All specimens were prepared using gutta‐percha. The sealer used in the first group was Guttaflow 2, while AH26 was used in the second group. Post spaces were prepared immediately after obturation for each specimen. Prefabricated fiber posts were luted in both groups using a self‐adhesive resin cement (RelyX‐U200). Each specimen was vertically secured using a universal testing machine (Instron Corp.) and a constant pull‐out force at a loading rate of 0.5 mm/min was applied until the point of dislodgement. Data were analyzed using t‐tests.

Results

A significant difference was found between the mean of maximum loads of the silicone‐based sealer and epoxy resin sealer groups (p = 0.0001). The mean maximum load for the epoxy resin sealer group was 194.62 N, while that for the silicone‐based sealer group was 111.64 N.

Conclusion

Fiber post retention in teeth obturated using silicone‐based sealer was inferior to that in teeth obturated with epoxy resin sealer. Therefore, the sealer used during obturation can significantly affect fiber post retention.
Feeling Companionship: Hansen's Disease and Moral Authority in Japanese Shin Buddhism
Authors: Starling Jessica
Published: November 2023

This article draws on ethnographic fieldwork among Japanese Shin Buddhists who have an enduring commitment to volunteering with Hansen's disease patients in Japan and its former colonies. I trace the negotiation of emotions in this Jōdo Shinshū ethical context, identifying the Buddhist, Japanese, and global liberal vocabularies that ascribe moral value to various emotional responses to suffering and injustice. I argue that for these Buddhists, companionship rather than compassion serves as both an ethical ideal and a focal point of emotional practice.
Salivary miR‐150‐5p as an indicator of periodontitis severity and regulator of human periodontal ligament fibroblast behavior by targeting AIFM2
Authors: Huang Jing , Xu Yuejing , Huang Pengcheng
Published: November 2023

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the role of miR‐150‐5p in the onset and progression of periodontitis, and reveal the potential molecular mechanism underlying its function and to explore a novel biomarker for periodontitis.

Background

Periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, emphasizing the need for a biomarker to improve its early detection and prevention. The association of miR‐150‐5p with diseases related to Fuscobacterium nucleatum implies its potential involvement in periodontitis.

Methods

The expression of miR‐150‐5p in the saliva of patients with periodontitis (n = 77) and healthy individuals (n = 43) was assessed by PCR. Human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were induced with an osteogenic culture medium. The regulatory effect of miR‐150‐5p on the proliferation and migration of HGFs was assessed by CCK8 and transwell assays. Osteogenic differentiation was estimated based on the expression of corresponding factors through western blotting, and the inflammatory response was evaluated by measuring the levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines using ELISA.

Results

Significant upregulation of miR‐150‐5p was observed in patients with periodontitis, which sensitively distinguished them and was closely associated with the severity and periodontal index of the condition. In HGFs, osteogenic induction (OI) resulted in increased miR‐150‐5p levels, which negatively regulated the expression of AIFM2. Silencing miR‐150‐5p significantly attenuated OI‐induced suppression of proliferation and migration of HGFs. The silencing also alleviated inflammation and osteogenic differentiation, which was reversed upon AIFM2 knockdown.

Conclusion

Upregulated miR‐150‐5p in periodontitis served as a diagnostic biomarker, indicating the occurrence and aggravation of disease condition. Silencing miR‐150‐5p inhibited the osteogenic differentiation and inflammation of HGFs by negatively modulating AIFM2.
Structural and functional multilayer network analysis in restless legs syndrome patients
Authors: Park Kang Min , Kim Keun Tae , Lee Dong Ah. , Motamedi Gholam K. , Cho Yong Won
Published: November 2023

The combination of brain structural and functional connectivity offers complementary insights into its organisation. Multilayer network analysis explores various relationships across different layers within a single system. We aimed to investigate changes in the structural and functional multilayer network in 69 patients with primary restless legs syndrome (RLS) compared with 50 healthy controls. Participants underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting state‐functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI) using a three‐tesla MRI scanner. We constructed a structural connectivity matrix derived from DTI using a DSI program and made a functional connectivity matrix based on rs‐fMRI using an SPM program and CONN toolbox. A multilayer network analysis, using BRAPH program, was then conducted to assess the connectivity patterns in both groups. At the global level, significant differences there were between the patients with RLS and healthy controls. The average multiplex participation was lower in patients with RLS than in healthy controls (0.804 vs. 0.821, p = 0.042). Additionally, several regions showed significant differences in the nodal level in multiplex participation between patients with RLS and healthy controls, particularly the frontal and temporal lobes. The regions affected included the inferior frontal gyrus, medial orbital gyrus, precentral gyrus, rectus gyrus, insula, superior and inferior temporal gyrus, medial and lateral occipitotemporal gyrus, and temporal pole. These results represent evidence of diversity in interactions between structural and functional connectivity in patients with RLS, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the brain network in RLS. This may contribute to a precise diagnosis of RLS, and aid the development of a biomarker to track treatment effectiveness.
“Like Little Knives, Stabbing Me”: The Impact of Microaggressions on LGBTQ+ Teens and Their Parents in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‐Day Saints
Authors: Sorrell Sydney A. , Lefevor G. Tyler , Berg Connor O.
Published: November 2023

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) teens raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‐Day Saints (CJCLDS) experience microaggressions in their religious contexts. Active Latter‐Day Saint parents of LGBTQ+ teens also face microaggressions in their religious environments, despite not holding an LGBTQ+ identity. We examined the impacts of microaggressions and the coping strategies used by 19 dyads of LGBTQ+ teens and their Latter‐Day Saints (LDS) parents to understand how current microaggression and minority stress theories map on to their experiences. Participants described feelings of anger, sadness, fear, disgust, and surprise as well as increases in relationship conflict due to microaggressions. Both parents and teens described religious doubt, disengagement from religion, and feelings of dis‐belonging and disillusionment because of microaggressions. These findings may provide insight into the ways that minority stressors threaten the health and faith of LGBTQ+ teens and their families. Finally, participants reported using a range of coping strategies to buffer against the effects microaggressions, including social support, emotion‐focused, problem‐focused, meaning‐making, and faith‐based approaches to coping. Overall, parents and teens reported similar impacts and ways of coping with microaggressions, demonstrating how minority stress process may be at play on a family‐systems level in the CJCLDS.
Everything, everywhere, but not all at once? Time, contingency and the open future
Authors: Morgan Jamie
Published: November 2023

The subject of this special forum is contingency and the openness of the future, and in this essay we take a route not often travelled in regard of these and focus first on philosophy of time. We contrast static and dynamic theory of time in order to (eventually) acquire some traction on the meaning of both contingency and the open future. We suggest critical realism presupposes dynamic theory and that critical realism provides various conceptualizations that might contribute to dynamic theory.
Epidemiology of hepatitis D virus infection in Europe: Is it vanishing?
Authors: Demirel Aslıhan , Uraz Suleyman , Deniz Zeynep , Daglilar Ebubekir , Basar Omer , Tahan Veysel , Ozaras Resat
Published: November 2023

Co‐infection with hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a challenging health care problem worldwide, estimated to occur in approximately 5%–10% of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. While HBV prevalence is decreasing globally, the prevalence of HDV infection is rising in some parts mainly due to injection drug use, sexual transmission and immigration from high endemicity areas. Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean are among the regions with high rates of endemicity for HDV and the immigration from high endemicity areas to Central and Western Europe has changed the HDV epidemiology. We aimed to review the prevalence of HDV infection in Europe. A paucity of publication appears in many European countries. Prevalence studies from some countries are old dated and some other countries did not report any prevalence studies. The studies are accumulated in few countries. Anti‐HDV prevalence is high in Greenland, Norway, Romania, Sweden and Italy. Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey and United Kingdom reported decreasing prevalences. Among cirrhotic HBV patients, Germany, Italy and Turkey reported higher rates of HDV. The studies including centres across the Europe reported that HIV‐HBV coinfected individuals have higher prevalence of HDV infection. The immigrants contribute the HDV infection burden in Greece, Italy, and Spain in an increasing rate. Previous studies revealed extremely high rates of HDV infection in Germany, Greece, Italy and Sweden. The studies report a remarkably high prevalence of hepatitis delta among HIV/HBV‐coinfected individuals, individuals who inject drugs, immigrants and severe HBV infected patients across Europe. The HDV infection burden still appears to be significant. In the lack of an effective HDV therapy, prevention strategies and active screening of HBV/HDV appear as the most critical interventions for reducing the burden of liver disease related to HDV infection in Europe.
Nondestructive determination of the physical properties of Antarctic meteorites: Importance for the meteorite—parent body connection
Authors: Harvey T. A. , MacArthur J. L. , Joy K. H. , Sykes D. , Almeida N. V. , Jones R. H.
Published: November 2023

Photogrammetry is a low‐cost, nondestructive approach for producing 3‐D models of meteorites for the purpose of determining sample bulk density. Coupled with the use of a nondestructive magnetic susceptibility/electrical conductivity field probe, we present measurements for the interrogation of several physical properties, on a set of Antarctic meteorites. Photogrammetry is an effective technique over a range of sample sizes, with meteorite bulk density results that are closely comparable with literature values, determined using Archimedean glass bead or laser scanning techniques. The technique is completely noncontaminating and suitable for the analysis of rare or fragile samples, although there are limitations for analyzing reflective samples. It is also flexible, and, with variations in equipment setup, may be appropriate for samples of a wide range of sizes. X‐ray computed tomography analyses of the same meteorite samples yielded slightly different bulk density results, predominantly for samples below 10 g, although the reason for this is unclear. Such analyses are expensive and potentially damaging to certain features of the sample (e.g., organic compounds), but may be useful in expanding the measurements to accommodate an understanding of internal voids within the sample, lending itself to measurement of grain density. Measurements of bulk density are valuable for comparisons with estimates of the bulk densities of asteroids that are suggested as meteorite parent bodies.
An imperative for transforming health professions education
Authors: Dubé Tim V.
Published: November 2023

Transformations in health professions education are presented as a lever to achieve meaningful societal change and generate reforms that are more authentically aligned with evolving health needs.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inhibit necrotrophic, but not biotrophic, aboveground plant pathogens: a meta‐analysis and experimental study
Authors: Liu Mu , Wang Hongqian , Lin Ziyuan , Ke Junsheng , Zhang Peng , Zhang Feng , Ru Dafu , Zhang Li , Xiao Yao , Liu Xiang
Published: November 2023

Microbial mutualists can profoundly modify host species ecology and evolution, by extension altering interactions with other microbial species, including pathogens. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) may moderate infections by pathogens, but the direction and strength of these effects can be idiosyncratic.

To assess how the introduction of AMF impacts the incidence and severity of aboveground plant diseases (i.e. ‘disease impact’), we conducted a meta‐analysis of 130 comparisons derived from 69 published studies. To elucidate the potential mechanisms underlying the influence of AMF on pathogens, we conducted three glasshouse experiments involving six non‐woody plant species, yielded crucial data on leaf nutrient composition, plant defense compounds, and transcriptomes.

Our meta‐analysis revealed that the inoculation of AMF lead to a reduction in disease impact. More precisely, AMF inoculation was associated with a decrease in necrotrophic diseases, while no significant impact on biotrophic diseases. Chemical and transcriptome analyses suggested that these effects may be driven by AMF regulation of jasmonic acid and salicylic acid signaling pathways in glasshouse experiments. However, changes in plant nutritional status and secondary chemicals may also regulate disease impact.

These results emphasize the importance of incorporating pathogen life history when predicting how microbial mutualisms affect disease impact.
The role of liver transplantation in COACH syndrome (Joubert syndrome with congenital hepatic fibrosis): A review of the literature
Authors: Chen Lijian , Uchida Hajime , Komine Ryuji , Kodama Tasuku , Nakao Toshimasa , Okada Noriki , Yanagi Yusuke , Shimizu Seiichi , Abbas Syed , Fukuda Akinari , Sakamoto Seisuke , Kasahara Mureo
Published: November 2023

Background

COACH syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disease characterized by liver fibrosis, which leads to severe complications related to portal hypertension. However, only a few patients with COACH syndrome undergoing liver transplantation (LT) have been reported.

Materials and Methods

We herein report the outcomes of four children who underwent LT for COACH syndrome at our institute and review three previously reported cases to elucidate the role of LT in COACH syndrome.

Results

All four patients in our institute were female, and three received living donors LT. All patients were diagnosed with COACH syndrome by genetic testing. LT was performed in these patients at 3, 7, 9, and 14 years old. The indication for LT was varices related to portal hypertension in all patients. One showed an intrapulmonary shunt. Blood tests revealed renal impairment due to nephronophthisis in three patients, and one developed renal insufficiency after LT. The liver function was maintained in all patients. A literature review revealed detailed information for three more patients. The indication for LT in these three cases was portal hypertension, such as bleeding from esophageal varices. One patient had chronic renal failure on hemodialysis at LT and underwent combined liver and kidney transplantation. Of these three previous patients, one died from hepatic failure due to de novo HCV infection 3 years after LT.

Conclusions

LT should be considered an effective treatment for COACH syndrome in patients with severe portal hypertension. However, a detailed follow‐up of the renal function is necessary.
Deformities in fish: A barrier for responsible aquaculture and sustainable fisheries
Authors: Chandra Gyan , Saini V. P. , Kumar Shailesh , Fopp‐Bayat Dorota
Published: November 2023

Fish deformities are detrimental to aquaculture and conservation initiatives; it is also an ethical problem and causes substantial financial losses to the aquaculture industry. The exact mechanism of deformities is still a mystery. Several factors cause deformities in fish; it seems that the deformations are inevitable but can be minimised by adopting good aquaculture practices such as proper broodstock husbandry, standard breeding and larval rearing protocol, management of water quality parameters, and providing nutritionally balanced feed, especially to the broodstock and developing larvae. In addition, it can be minimised by early detection of deformities, especially at the embryonic and larval stages. Monitoring of stocking materials should be an essential part of responsible aquaculture and conservation programmes; stocking materials should be free from any types of deformities as it affects not only aquaculture production, profitability and success of conservation programmes but also the reoccurrence of deformities in nature. The mechanism behind deformities and the development of low‐cost, robust methods/tools for detecting deformities in fish remain a challenge. Still, the opportunity exists to develop a robust marker that can predict deformities even at early embryonic and larval stages.
Communicating scientific uncertainty in the early stages of the COVID‐19 pandemic: A message experiment
Authors: Adams Dallin R. , Ratcliff Chelsea L. , Pokharel Manusheela , Jensen Jakob D. , Liao Yi
Published: November 2023

The World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared COVID‐19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020. It was a time of significant uncertainty as experts were not yet certain whether social distancing behaviors were necessary to slow the spread of the virus. Some public communicators opted to acknowledge uncertainty based on the limited evidence, whereas others downplayed uncertainty. This situation provided researchers with an opportunity to advance theory by explicating and testing cognitive responses to message uncertainty. Immediately following the WHO declaration (March 13–19, 2020), U.S. adults (N = 1186) were randomly assigned to one of six conditions in a 2 (message uncertainty: low, high) × 3 (argument support: expert, threat, precedent) between‐participants experiment. Overall, perceived uncertainty negatively mediated the impact of message uncertainty on intentions. However, participant education was a key moderator. For those with more than a high school education, uncertain messages were related to higher intentions to social distance through increased critical reflection. For those with a high school education or less, uncertain messages were related to lower intentions through decreased message credibility.
Inequality in multidimensional well‐being in the United States
Authors: Dhongde Shatakshee , Pattanaik Prasanta K. , Xu Yongsheng
Published: November 2023

In this paper we provide a framework to measure an individual's multidimensional well‐being and discuss two approaches to measuring inequality in multidimensional well‐being. The framework is used to study inequality in multidimensional well‐being in the United States in the last decade. Using data from the Current Population Survey on three well‐being indicators, namely, income, health, and education, we first compute a multidimensional well‐being index for every individual in the sample and then study inequality of well‐being thus obtained. We find that inequality in well‐being increased between 2010 and 2014 and decreased between 2014 and 2019. We test the sensitivity of our results by using alternative measures of inequality and attaching alternative weights to well‐being indicators.
The implications of oral health education interventions in providing oral hygiene care for individuals with visual impairment: A systematic review
Authors: Khan Afsary Jahan , Ahmad Mas Suryalis , Sabri Budi Aslinie Md
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Individuals with visual impairment (VI) are doubly disadvantaged by their lack of vision and poor oral hygiene (OH). Implementing oral health education (OHE) interventions should be set as goals to improve OH status and prevent oral diseases. However, few studies have examined the specific teaching method of OH skills. This study aimed to identify the most influential OHE interventions enabling individuals with VI worldwide, especially those in countries where VI is most frequent, to maintain OH and improve knowledge and practices.

Methods

An extensive literature review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis method. This study systematically searched electronic databases (PubMed via Medline, Cochrane, Embase, and Google Scholar) using expert‐validated keywords, complemented by manual searches, to identify relevant articles published between April 1, 2012, and September 30, 2022.

Result

PICOS criteria were formulated for study inclusion. The bibliographical search identified 1485 articles, which were subsequently filtered. Two researchers separately screened the articles for eligibility and to reduce the risk of bias in the included studies. Finally, the most pertinent 21 articles were scrutinized for data synthesis.

Conclusion

Most studies identified combination methods, including customized educational demonstrations, as the best at improving OH status, knowledge, and practices. However, long‐term, rigorously designed, and effective patient‐centered communication trials, including those on innovative methods, are still needed for individuals with VI.
Ambiguity in Linguistics1
Authors: Fortuny Jordi , Payrató Lluís
Published: November 2023

Ambiguity is conventionally defined in Linguistics as a property of a word or an utterance that has two meanings or two interpretations, and is usually classified as lexical, morphological, syntactic (or structural), and pragmatic.

Giving an adequate definition of linguistic ambiguity is not trivial, nor is there unanimity in accepting it. Most researchers tend to agree that ambiguity should be distinguished from related concepts such as vagueness, context sensitivity, reference transfer, and underdetermination or generality of meaning. The distinction between these concepts is also related to the divergences or connections between the perspectives of analysis of ambiguity, and the aim of each work.

In this introduction, we define the limits of ambiguity with respect to related concepts and summarize the studies contained within this special issue. These studies do not cover all possible approaches to linguistic ambiguity, but provide a broad overview that can be useful in different fields. We trust that they will contribute to deepening into a phenomenon that is not yet well described and that seems to be consubstantial with the use of language.
Biochar modification methods and mechanisms for salt‐affected soil and saline‐alkali soil improvement: A review
Authors: Lin Yuchen , Yu Cailian , Zhang Yuanbo , Lu Liu , Xu Dan , Peng Xianlong
Published: November 2023

The continuous growth of the world's population has led to an increased demand for food. Biochar (BC) contains valuable functional groups and nutrients, which have been demonstrated to enhance soil properties and boost crop yield. Nonetheless, unmodified BC exhibits significant alkalinity and a large salt concentration; thus, its efficacy in improving saline‐alkali soil remains a matter of contention. Therefore, scholars aim to address the aforementioned limitations by adapting BC. In this paper, a summary is given of the methods used to modify BC and the effects of modified BC on salt‐affected soil and saline‐alkali soil properties, including pH, nutrients and microbial activity. The effects and principles of different modifiers and modification methods on BC's physicochemical properties (porosity and functional group content and type, etc.) were revealed. Furthermore, the principle of soil improvement by modified BC varies depending on the modification method. Although modified BC can effectively enhance salt‐affected soil, its excessive application and improper selection of modifiers can aggravate Na+ toxicity or introduce other pollutants into salt‐affected soil. Therefore, using modified BC with care is imperative according to the actual situation. In this review, we provide a detailed introduction to the methods and principles of BC modification for saline‐alkali soil. Furthermore, we identify the shortcomings and future research directions in this field. These insights are valuable when choosing proper BC modification methods for salt‐affected soil.
Suitability of microbial and organic matter indicators for on‐farm soil health monitoring
Authors: Huber Sabine , Bernardini Luca Giuliano , Bennett Alexandra , Fohrafellner Julia , Dohnke Katharina , Bieber Magdalena , Vuolo Francesco , Mentler Axel , Bodner Gernot , Keiblinger Katharina
Published: November 2023

In addition to standard laboratory testing of soil samples, on‐farm soil health monitoring methods are needed to help farmers assess progress in adopting new management practices. However, there is currently a lack of studies evaluating the suitability of semi‐quantitative on‐farm indicators to accurately rank target soil properties according to laboratory results. Therefore, this study assessed methods with potential for field use compared to common laboratory approaches for the determination of (i) soil organic carbon (SOC), (ii) carbon (C) fractions and (iii) microbial activity. The comparison allowed the evaluation of the validity, practicality and cost‐effectiveness of the approaches. For this purpose, three sites in north‐eastern Austria with contrasting soil textures (light, medium, heavy) and two different management systems (namely ‘pioneer’ and ‘standard’) were selected. Pioneer soils are managed long‐term according to principles of soil health using conservation agricultural practices while neighbouring fields under standard management represent conventional practices. Beyond texture and site differences, both laboratory and field‐adapted approaches revealed differences between the pioneer and standard systems. Overall, management‐specific differences were most pronounced in the light and heavy textured soil. Although the laboratory methods provided more accurate results with less variability, the field‐based approaches still identified trends in soil health parameters in the pioneer system. Our study can thus serve as a guide for the selection of suitable parameters and methods for assessing soil health in different areas of research and practical application.
Risk of severe coronavirus disease 2019 despite vaccination in patients requiring treatment with immune‐suppressive drugs: A nationwide cohort study of US Veterans
Authors: Anand Sonia T. , Vo Austin D. , La Jennifer , Brophy Mary , Do Nhan V. , Fillmore Nathanael R. , Branch‐Elliman Westyn , Monach Paul A.
Published: November 2023

Background

Patients taking immune‐suppressive drugs are at increased risk of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), not fully ameliorated by vaccination. We assessed the contributions of clinical and demographic factors to the risk of severe disease despite vaccination in patients taking immune‐suppressive medications for solid organ transplantation (SOT), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or psoriasis.

Methods

Veterans Health Administration electronic health records were used to identify patients diagnosed with RA, IBD, psoriasis, or SOT who had been vaccinated against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, were subsequently infected, and had received immune‐suppressive drugs within 3 months before infection. The association of severe (defined as hypoxemia, mechanical ventilation, dexamethasone use, or death) versus non‐severe COVID‐19 with the use of immune‐suppressive and antiviral drugs and clinical covariates was assessed by multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Severe COVID‐19 was more common in patients with SOT (230/1011, 22.7%) than RA (173/1355, 12.8%), IBD (51/742, 6.9%), or psoriasis (82/1125, 7.3%). Age was strongly associated with severe COVID‐19, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 1.04 (CI 1.03–1.05) per year. Comorbidities indicating chronic brain, heart, lung, or kidney damage were also associated with severity, aOR 1.35–2.38. The use of glucocorticoids was associated with increased risk (aOR 1.66, CI 1.39–2.18). Treatment with antivirals was associated with reduced severity, for example, aOR 0.28 (CI 0.13–0.62) for nirmatrelvir/ritonavir.

Conclusion

The risk of severe COVID‐19 despite vaccination is substantial in patients taking immune‐suppressive drugs, more so in patients with SOT than in patients with inflammatory diseases. Age and severe comorbidities contribute to risk, as in the general population. Oral antivirals were very beneficial but not widely used.

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Chromosomal‐scale genomes of two Rosa species provide insights into genome evolution and ascorbate accumulation
Authors: Zong Dan , Liu Huan , Gan Peihua , Ma Shaojie , Liang Hongping , Yu Jinde , Li Peilin , Jiang Tao , Sahu Sunil Kumar , Yang Qingqing , Zhang Deguo , Li Laigeng , Qiu Xu , Shao Wenwen , Yang Jinlong , Li Yonghe , Guang Xuanmin , He Chengzhong
Published: November 2023

Rosa roxburghii and Rosa sterilis, two species belonging to the Rosaceae family, are widespread in the southwest of China. These species have gained recognition for their remarkable abundance of ascorbate in their fresh fruits, making them an ideal vitamin C resource. In this study, we generated two high‐quality chromosome‐scale genome assemblies for R. roxburghii and R. sterilis, with genome sizes of 504 and 981.2 Mb, respectively. Notably, we present a haplotype‐resolved, chromosome‐scale assembly for diploid R. sterilis. Our results indicated that R. sterilis originated from the hybridization of R. roxburghii and R. longicuspis. Genome analysis revealed the absence of recent whole‐genome duplications in both species and identified a series of duplicated genes that possibly contributing to the accumulation of flavonoids. We identified two genes in the ascorbate synthesis pathway, GGP and GalLDH, that show signs of positive selection, along with high expression levels of GDP‐d‐mannose 3′, 5′‐epimerase (GME) and GDP‐l‐galactose phosphorylase (GGP) during fruit development. Furthermore, through co‐expression network analysis, we identified key hub genes (MYB5 and bZIP) that likely regulate genes in the ascorbate synthesis pathway, promoting ascorbate biosynthesis. Additionally, we observed the expansion of terpene synthase genes in these two species and tissue expression patterns, suggesting their involvement in terpenoid biosynthesis. Our research provides valuable insights into genome evolution and the molecular basis of the high concentration of ascorbate in these two Rosa species.
Influence of nitrogen vacancies on the decomposition route and age hardening of wurtzite Ti1−xAlxNy thin films
Authors: Salamania J. , Farhadizadeh A. F. , Kwick K. M. Calamba , Schramm I. C. , Hsu T. W. , Johnson L. J. S. , Rogström L. , Odén M.
Published: November 2023

The wurtzite phase of TiAlN has been known to form in industrial grade coatings with high Al content; yet, a significant knowledge gap exists regarding its behavior at high temperatures and the impact of defects on its properties. Specifically, its response to high temperatures and the implications of defects on its characteristics are poorly understood. Here, the high-temperature decomposition of nitrogen-deficient epitaxial wurtzite Ti1−xAlxNy (x = 0.79–0.98, y = 0.82–0.86) films prepared by reactive magnetron sputtering was investigated using x-ray diffractometry and high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy. The results show that wurtzite Ti1−xAlxNy decomposes by forming intermediary MAX phases, which then segregate into pure c-TiN and w-AlN phases after high-temperature annealing and intermetallic TiAl nanoprecipitates. The semicoherent interfaces between the wurtzite phase and the precipitates cause age hardening of approximately 4−6 GPa, which remains even after annealing at 1200 °C. These findings provide insight into how nitrogen vacancies can influence the decomposition and mechanical properties of wurtzite TiAlN.
Understanding 3D anisotropic reactive ion etching of oxide-metal stacks
Authors: Golani Prafful , Tirukkonda Roshan J. , Fancher Aaron N. , Ross Stephen R. , Kraman Mark D. , Sharangpani Rahul , Nag Joyeeta , Sondhi Kartik , Bogdanov Alexei L. , Kanakamedala Senaka K.
Published: November 2023

Scaling semiconductor devices necessitates the fabrication of high-aspect-ratio narrow features through the precise etching of multiple layers comprising alternating materials, each with sub-20 nm thickness. However, etching dissimilar materials, such as alternating metal and oxide layers, pose significant challenges due to inherent discrepancies in vertical and lateral etch rates. This study demonstrates the feasibility of etching a stack comprising 10 layers of silicon dioxide (SiO2) and molybdenum (Mo) using an Oxford Instruments ICP RIE tool operating at a low power regime (bias < 250 V). We evaluated different etch chemistries, including Cl2/CHF3 and CF4/CHF3, and the role of CH4 as a passivation gas to control the lateral etch rates. Mask encapsulation with Ru was employed to protect the hardmask during the etching process, enabling successful etching of 10 layers without lateral recess. Experimental results were validated using Sentaurus™ TCAD software to investigate the impact of gas chemistry on the stack etch rate. Our findings provide valuable insights into the performance of various etch chemistries, demonstrating the effectiveness of the evaluated chemistries and the role of CH4 in improving profile characteristics. The integration of experimental and computational approaches facilitates the optimization of process parameters for advanced integrated circuit fabrication.
Quantitative osteoporosis diagnosis of porous cancellous bone using poroelastodynamic modal analysis
Authors: Hodaei Mohammad , Mandelis Andreas
Published: November 2023

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease characterized by reduced bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration, leading to increased fragility. This study presents a novel three-dimensional poroelastodynamic model for analyzing cancellous bone free vibration responses. The model incorporates the Navier-Stokes equations of linear elasticity and the Biot theory of porous media, allowing the investigation of osteoporosis-related changes. The analysis considers parameters like porosity, density, elasticity, Poisson ratio, and viscosity of bone marrow within the porous medium. Our findings indicate that natural frequencies of cancellous bone play a crucial role in osteoporosis prediction. By incorporating experimental data from 12 mouse femurs, we unveil insights into osteoporosis prediction. Increased porosity reduces bone stiffness, lowering natural frequencies. However, it also increases bone mass loss relative to stiffness, leading to higher frequencies. Therefore, the natural frequencies of osteoporotic bone are always higher than the natural frequencies of normal bone. Additionally, an increase in bone marrow within the pores, while increasing damping effects, also increases natural frequencies, which is another indication of osteoporosis growth in bone. The presence of bone marrow within the pores further influences natural frequencies, providing additional insights into osteoporosis growth. Thinner and smaller bones are found to be more susceptible to osteoporosis compared to larger and bigger bones due to their higher natural frequencies at equivalent porosity levels.