bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Objective assessment of intra‐oral suturing for certification of competency
Authors: Shah Neha P. , Lalli Anand , Palmer Julia , Jones Judith 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIntroductionSuturing is an essential skill for dental surgeons, yet there is limited evidence for objective measures of competence in this field, which can be applied to licensing or certification processes for dental surgeons to ensure patient safety.MethodsIn an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), participants placed two simple interrupted sutures across a lower molar socket in different suturing environments: [A] commercial simulator, [B] suturing sponge mounted in a 3D printed model, [C] suturing sponge and [D] pig's jaw. Simulators [A] and [B] were mounted into phantom heads in dental chairs, and [C] and [D] were placed on bench tops. Performance indicators, overall task success, quality of sutures placed, length of suture remaining and time taken, were analysed against participants' characteristics such as previous suturing experience.ResultsParticipants (n = 38) took significantly longer to successfully complete the sutures on models mounted in a phantom head. Time points at which each model differentiated between competent (n = 11) and novice (n = 27) participants were as follows: model A (3:26 min), B (2:41), C (2:05) and D (2:06). Model A showed a significant association between task completion and previous suturing experience (p = .006).ConclusionSuturing simulators can be used to objectively differentiate between novice and competent dental surgeons. Model A demonstrated construct validity, as it reliably identified competence using time and task completion as objectively measurable parameters. Utilising model A, the candidate of unknown ability could be identified as appropriately skilled at intra‐oral suturing. To ensure patient safety, further research is needed to identify other objective measures of competence in simulation environments.
Therapeutic effects of carvacrol on beta‐amyloid‐induced impairments in in vitro and in vivo models of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Celik Topkara Kubra , Kilinc Erkan , Cetinkaya Ayhan , Saylan Aslıhan , Demir Serif 
Published: December 2021

AbstractDue to the complex nature of Alzheimer's disease (AD), it is important to investigate agents with multiple effects in the treatment of AD. Carvacrol possesses anti‐acetylcholinesterase, anti‐oxidant, and neuroprotective properties. We therefore investigated therapeutic effects of carvacrol on cell viability, oxidative stress, and cognitive impairment in Aβ1–42‐induced in vitro and in vivo models of AD. SH‐SY5Y cells differentiated into neurons by retinoic acid were pretreated with carvacrol or galantamine before Aβ1–42 administration. For in vivo experiments, a rat model of AD was established by bilateral intrahippocampal injection of Aβ1–42. The groups received 1% DMSO, carvacrol, or galantamine intraperitoneally twice a day (morning and afternoon) for 6 days. Cell viability was determined using MTT and LDH tests. Learning and memory functions were assessed using a passive‐avoidance test. Oxidant–antioxidant parameters (MDA, H2O2, SOD, and CAT) and Tau, Aβ1–40, and Aβ1–42 peptide levels in in vitro supernatant or in vivo serum and hippocampal samples were measured using ELISA. Carvacrol increased cell viability and exhibited a protective effect against oxidative stress by preventing Aβ1–42‐induced cytotoxicity, LDH release, and increments in MDA and H2O2 levels in vitro. Additionally, it improved memory impairment by reversing Aβ1–42‐induced changes on passive‐avoidance test. Carvacrol ameliorated Aβ1–42‐induced increments in MDA and H2O2 levels in in vitro supernatant and in vivo hippocampal samples. However, none of the treatments changed in vitro SOD and Tau‐peptide levels, or in vivo serum levels of MDA, H2O2, SOD, CAT, Tau peptide, Aβ1–40, or Aβ1–42. Our results suggest that multi‐target pharmacological agent carvacrol may be promising in treatment of AD by preventing beta‐amyloid‐induced neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, and memory deficits.
Activation of spinal ephrin‐B3/EphBs signaling induces hyperalgesia through a PLP‐mediated mechanism
Authors: Zhang Pei , Qiao Zhen , Pan Shu , Yang Ping , Zha Zhengxia , Sun Suya , Xu Qiongming , Liu Xingjun , Xu Nanjie , Liu Yanli 
Published: December 2021

AbstractEphrin B/EphB signaling pathway is involved in the regulation of pain caused by spinal cord injury. However, the role of ephrin‐B3/EphBs signaling in regulation of nociceptive information is poorly understood. In the present study, formalin‐induced inflammatory pain, mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, was measured using Efnb3 mutant mice (Efnb3−/−) and wild‐type (Efnb3+/+) mice. The spinal cord (L4–6) was selected for molecular and cellular identification by western blotting and immunofluorescence. Efnb3 mutant mice showed a significant increased the thermal and mechanical threshold, followed by aberrant thin myelin sheath. Furthermore, expression of proteolipid protein (PLP) was significantly lower in L4–6 spinal cord of Efnb3−/− mice. These morphological and behavioral abnormalities in mutant mice were rescued by conditional knock‐in of wild‐type ephrin‐B3. Intrathecal administration of specific PLP siRNA significantly increased the thermal and mechanical threshold hyperalgesia in wild‐type mice. However, overexpressing PLP protein by AAV9‐PLP could decrease the sensitivity of mice to thermal and mechanical stimuli in Efnb3−/− mice, compared with scrabble Efnb3−/− mice. Further, Efnb3lacz mice, which have activities to initiate forward signaling, but transduce reverse signals by ephrin‐B3, shows normal acute pain behavior, compared with wild type mice. These findings indicate that a key molecule Efnb3 act as a prominent contributor to hyperalgesia and essential roles of ephrin‐B3/EphBs in nociception through a myelin‐mediated mechanism.
The influence of aboveground and belowground species composition on spatial turnover in nutrient pools in alpine grasslands
Authors: Jing Xin , Prager Case M. , Chen Litong , Chu Haiyan , Gotelli Nicholas J. , He Jin‐Sheng , Shi Yu , Yang Teng , Zhu Biao , Classen Aimée T. , Sanders Nathan J. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAimAn important research question in ecology is how climate and the biodiversity of aboveground plants and belowground microbiomes affect ecosystem functions such as nutrient pools. However, little is studied on the concurrent role of above‐ and belowground species composition in shaping the spatial distribution patterns of ecosystem functions across environmental gradients. Here, we investigated the relationships between the taxonomic composition of plants, soil bacteria and soil fungi and spatial turnover in nutrient pools, and assessed how species composition–nutrient pool relationships were mediated by contemporary climatic conditions.LocationQinghai‐Tibetan Plateau.Time periodCurrent.Major taxa studiedPlants, soil bacteria and soil fungi.MethodsWe surveyed plant assemblages, sampled the taxonomic composition of soil bacteria and soil fungi, and measured plant‐ and soil‐mediated nutrient pools at 60 alpine grasslands on the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau. Using Mantel tests, structural equation models and general linear models, we investigated the relative importance of the taxonomic composition of plant, soil bacterial, and soil fungal communities on the spatial turnover of alpine grassland nutrient pools.ResultsWe found that the taxonomic composition of plant, soil bacterial, and soil fungal communities was associated with local climate. However, the effects of local climate on the spatial turnover of plant‐ and soil‐mediated nutrient pools were mainly indirect and mediated through plant and soil bacterial species composition, but not through soil fungal species composition. We further found that the replacement component of soil bacterial β‐diversity and the richness difference of plant β‐diversity were the direct predictors of nutrient pools in the alpine grasslands.Main conclusionsThese results highlight that belowground bacterial composition together with aboveground plant species composition are related to spatial turnover in nutrient pools, perhaps even driving it. Conserving above‐ and belowground biodiversity may therefore safeguard against the impacts of local climate on the functions of climate‐sensitive alpine grasslands.
Qualitative investigation of factors impacting pre‐exposure prophylaxis initiation and adherence in sexual minority men
Authors: Alt Marcus , Rotert Paul , Conover Kate , Dashwood Sarah , Schramm Andrew T. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIntroductionMen who have sex with men continue to account for the majority of new HIV infections in the United States. Many of those with new infections are unaware that they have HIV. Preventative measures continue to be essential in reducing new infections, with pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) being widely recommended.ObjectivesThe overall aim of this qualitative study is to explore the impact of stigma, patient–provider dynamics and patient perception of PrEP on men's engagement with PrEP in a primary care setting.MethodsThe Consensual Qualitative Research Methodology (Hill, 2012) was used to explore the experiences of 14 men receiving care for PrEP at a Family Medicine clinic in the Midwest. Semistructured interviews were conducted to allow for depth of understanding of individuals' experience.ResultsFour major domains were identified: motivation to pursue PrEP, barriers and adherence to care, beliefs about how PrEP is perceived by others and experiences discussing sexual health and PrEP with providers.ConclusionIt is important to better understand factors contributing to the pursuit of and adherence to HIV prevention measures and HIV care. Further, health systems and providers are encouraged to consider opportunities in terms of how their practice can destigmatize PrEP use and offer a welcoming environment for those pursuing HIV prevention.Patient or Public ContributionPatients were involved in the study through their participation in semistructured interviews, which provided the data analysed for this study. There was no additional participation beyond the one‐time interview or follow‐up poststudy. Their interviews helped contribute to our better understanding of the needs and experiences of those receiving PrEP‐related care.
Experiences, perceptions and expectations of health services amongst marginalized populations in urban Australia: A meta‐ethnographic review of the literature
Authors: Baker Kirsten , Adams Jon , Steel Amie 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundPoor health outcomes amongst marginalized groups result in part from health inequities related to social and structural determinants of health. Marginalized people report higher incidences of comorbidities, chronic disease and adverse health behaviours than their nondisadvantaged peers. The objective of this review is to examine marginalized Australians' experiences of and access to community‐based primary health services in urban locations.MethodsA systematic search incorporating related MeSH terms and synonyms pertaining to marginalized Australian populations and their health‐seeking was conducted across seven databases. We included qualitative studies that reported experiences of health‐seeking within community‐based primary health care in metropolitan Australia. Participant populations experiencing marginalization due to social stigma and isolation, early‐life disadvantage, poor health and/or financial hardship were included. A meta‐ethnographic framework was used to synthesize themes across selected studies and researcher triangulation was employed to develop higher‐order themes.ResultsSearch results revealed 26 studies included for critical appraisal and synthesis. Seven higher‐order themes were developed describing experiences of health service engagement amongst marginalized groups: (1) Understanding the patient within the context of family and community, (2) Health and cultural beliefs influence health‐seeking, (3) Lack of information and poor cultural competence limit utilization of services, (4) Motivation for treatment influences health service engagement, (5) Accessing services, a spectrum of experience—from discrimination to validation, (6) Navigating a complex system in a complex society, (7) Preferences for health care and expectations for systemic change.ConclusionMarginalized Australians experience health disadvantage across micro, meso and macro levels of health system navigation and commonalities in health‐seeking were identified across each of the distinct marginalized groups in our analysis. This review outlines important areas of consideration for health care provision and policy development essential to helping address health inequities for a diversity of marginalized populations.Patient or Public ContributionWhilst patient voices were reported across all studies included within this review, no further patient or public contribution applies to this study.
The languages of Indian Ocean studies: Models, methods and sources
Authors: Green Nile 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis introductory survey offers a critical reflection on the development of Indian Ocean studies over the past three decades. It pays particular attention to the gaps in our understanding left by adopting foundational paradigms from elsewhere (particularly the Mediterranean) rather than developing “tailor‐made” models based on primary sources in the languages of the Indian Ocean itself. Looking back over previous scholarship, the critical part of the essay focuses on the influential model of a holistic, environmentally determined maritime “world” of enduring and persistent interactions, and the longstanding focus on trade as a sufficient enabling mechanism for “cosmopolitan” cultural interactions. Looking forward to future avenues of research, the constructive part of the essay then turns to the importance of written source materials in Indian Ocean languages, and the new methods and insights suggested by this evidentiary corpus.
Using machine learning to model trace behavioral data from a game‐based assessment
Authors: Auer Elena M. , Mersy Gabriel , Marin Sebastian , Blaik Jason , Landers Richard N. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn the context of game‐based assessments (GBAs), we examined the potential of trace data modeling to supplement or replace an existing GBA's scoring approach. We used data science tools and “big data” practices, such as feature engineering and a series of machine learning algorithms, to predict traditionally measured cognitive ability and conscientiousness scores from the copious trace data generated by a theory‐driven GBA designed to measure cognitive ability. Several types of predictors were developed from the raw trace data from 621 participants, including counts of game objects that the player interacted with, the amount of time spent doing so, and mouse movement data across a variety of meaningful intervals. Broadly, we found promising evidence for trace data modeling of cognitive ability, including incremental contribution to the prediction of a criterion grade point average (GPA), but less promising evidence for trace data modeling of conscientiousness, suggesting that trace data modeling like this may be more valuable for assessing traits in games that were developed to target those traits.
Impacts of saline stress on the physiology of Saccharum complex genotypes
Authors: Simões Welson Lima , Oliveira Anderson Ramos de , Tardin Flávio Dessaune , Oliveira Cíntia Patrícia Martins de , Morais Lizz Kezzy de , Teodoro Larissa Pereira Ribeiro , Teodoro Paulo Eduardo 
Published: December 2021

AbstractKnowledge of the physiological mechanisms in saline environment may boost sugarcane breeding programmes targeting abiotic stresses. Our hypothesis is that the physiology of Saccharum genotypes responds differently under salt stress. Thus, the objective of the study was to evaluate the physiological performance of Saccharum complex genotypes grown under presence and absence of saline stress. The experimental design used was randomized blocks arranged in a 32 × 2 factorial scheme (32 genotypes × 2 salinity levels). The presence of salinity provided higher mean values for photosynthetic rate in genotypes G4, G18, G22, G25 and G29 compared with the environment without salinity, with mean values (17.26, 21.49, 24.22 and 26.19 µmol CO2m−2s−1), respectively, for internal CO2 concentration in G2, G6, G9, G14, G17, G19, G23 and G29, with mean values (323.45, 399.64, 386.88, 412.14, 366.31, 250.48, 379.10 and 380.75 µmol CO2 mol air−1), respectively, for transpiration in G18, G24, G25 and G29, with mean values (5.05, 3.30, 4.39 and 4.01 mmol H2O m−2s−1), respectively, and for chlorophyll content in G3, G5, G6, G8, G10, G13, G20, G22, G23, G25, G31 and G32, with mean values (34.18, 43.01, 38.08, 32.38, 37.09, 37.18, 32.47, 38.38, 38.04, 36.95 and 33.32 SPAD units) respectively. Genotypes that under salt stress increase their physiological performance demonstrate superiority over others and should be considered in breeding programmes. Photosynthesis and transpiration is the most adequate combination for screening, but the spad index is the most viable tool because of its ease of determination and cost.
Effectiveness of automated writing evaluation systems in school settings: A systematic review of studies from 2000 to 2020
Authors: Nunes Andreia , Cordeiro Carolina , Limpo Teresa , Castro São Luís 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundAutomated Writing Evaluation (AWE) systems to aid writing learning and instruction in primary and secondary education are growing increasingly popular. However, their effectiveness is hardly known. We conducted a systematic review focusing on the effects of these systems providing writing feedback to students in school settings.ObjectivesOur goal was to identify and characterize AWE systems tested in the last 20 years for Grades 1–12 and examine their impact on text quality and other writing‐related outcomes.MethodsThe review followed PRISMA guidelines. We identified eight studies reporting the effects on writing of six AWE systems on 1659 students 11–17 years of age.Results and conclusionsOur review supported the usefulness of AWE systems for writing learning and instruction. Except for one, all studies showed a positive effect of automated feedback in at least one writing‐related measure. The integration of AWE systems into more extensive instructional programs, the amount of writing practice provided to students, the type of the control groups, and the role of teachers are factors influencing their impact on students' writing outcomes.RelevanceOur review generally supported the value of AWE systems in the teaching/learning process of writing. A closer look into the conditions in which AWE systems are put to practice suggested that they are particularly effective when embedded into comprehensive instructional programs providing ample writing opportunities. Findings from this review expand knowledge on AWE systems as valuable tools to enhance writing in school settings.
Nutritional assessment and management in acute pancreatitis: Ongoing lessons of the NCEPOD report
Authors: Phillips Mary E. , Smith Neil , McPherson Simon , O'Reilly Derek A. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIntroductionAcute pancreatitis (AP) is a medical emergency that is common, poorly understood and carries a significant risk of death. The National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD) undertook a comprehensive report into the current management of AP in the UK. The study aimed to provide a more detailed analysis of the findings related to nutritional assessment and support.MethodsThe data presented here were analysed from the core dataset used in the NCEPOD study. Adult patients admitted between January and June 2014 with a coded diagnosis of AP were included. A clinical and organisational questionnaire was used to collect data and submitted case notes subjected to peer review. Nutritional data, including assessment and provision of support, were analysed.ResultsOne hundred and forty‐seven out of 168 (87.5%) hospitals had a nutrition team in place. A screening nutritional assessment was performed in only 67.4% (368/546) of patients. Subsequent referral to a dietitian and nutrition team input occurred in 39% (201/521) and 25% (143/572) of patients, respectively. Supplemental nutrition was considered and used in 240/555 (43.2%) patients. Overall management of the patients' nutrition was considered adequate by the case reviewers in only 281/332 (85%) of cases and by the clinicians in 77% (421/555) of cases.ConclusionsMany patients do not receive adequate nutritional assessment and, in up to 23% of cases, nutritional intervention is not adequate. Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency is likely under recognised and undertreated. Nutritional strategies to support early intervention and to support clinicians outside of tertiary pancreatic centres are warranted.
Introduction to the special issue on the efficacy and effectiveness of couple and family interventions: Evidence base update 2010–2019
Authors: Wittenborn Andrea K. , Holtrop Kendal 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis is the fourth Journal of Marital and Family Therapy (JMFT) special issue on the efficacy and effectiveness of couple and family therapy. Articles in this issue review studies published from 2010 to 2019 on couple and family interventions for prevalent mental and behavioral disorders and health conditions. The final article on mental health disparities tracks progress in the field and emphasizes the need for additional attention. In the current article, we provide a description of our methodological approach for the special issue and an overview of the state of the evidence for couple and family interventions across the conditions reviewed. We also offer recommendations to inspire researchers to further expand the empirical support for couple and family interventions to address pressing public health needs.
Inhibitors of ectonucleotidases have paradoxical effects on synaptic transmission in the mouse cortex
Authors: Gleizes Marie , Fonta Caroline , Nowak Lionel G. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractExtracellular adenosine plays prominent roles in the brain in both physiological and pathological conditions. Adenosine can be generated following the degradation of extracellular nucleotides by various types of ectonucleotidases. Several ectonucleotidases are present in the brain parenchyma: ecto‐nucleotide triphosphate diphosphohydrolases 1 and 3 (NTPDase 1 and 3), ecto‐nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (NPP 1), ecto‐5’‐nucleotidase (eN), and tissue non‐specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP, whose function in the brain has received little attention). Here we examined, in a living brain preparation, the role of these ectonucleotidases in generating extracellular adenosine. We recorded local field potentials evoked by electrical stimulation of the lateral olfactory tract in the mouse piriform cortex in vitro. Variations in adenosine level were evaluated by measuring changes in presynaptic inhibition generated by adenosine A1 receptors (A1Rs) activation. A1R‐mediated presynaptic inhibition was present endogenously and was enhanced by bath‐applied AMP and ATP. We hypothesized that inhibiting ectonucleotidases would reduce extracellular adenosine concentration, which would result in a weakening of presynaptic inhibition. However, inhibiting TNAP had no effect in controlling endogenous adenosine action and no effect on presynaptic inhibition induced by bath‐applied AMP. Furthermore, contrary to our expectation, inhibiting TNAP reinforced, rather than reduced, presynaptic inhibition induced by bath‐applied ATP. Similarly, inhibition of NTPDase 1 and 3, NPP1, and eN induced stronger, rather than weaker, presynaptic inhibition, both in endogenous condition and with bath‐applied ATP and AMP. Consequently, attempts to suppress the functions of extracellular adenosine by blocking its extracellular synthesis in living brain tissue could have functional impacts opposite to those anticipated.
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