bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Socio‐Economic Development Performance and Convergence Among Metropolitan Municipal and District Assemblies in Ghana
Authors: Iddrisu Zurikanen , Thill Jean‐Claude 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTEquitable development is one of the conditions for achieving a stable and just society. This assertion is corroborated by the numerous global and regional efforts to minimize inequality and ensure balanced development. By this recognition, decentralization, a system of governance where power cascades from centralized, remote structures to accessible local bodies, has long been floated as a tool for achieving development equity. In Ghana, decentralized units are unequally endowed, resulting in differing capacities for resource mobilization and service delivery. This study sought to accomplish two fundamental objectives, first to understand the nature of socioeconomic development performance dynamics among Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and whether spatial spillovers exist and mediate these dynamics. Second was to investigate whether socioeconomic development performance is converging over time. Using performance on the District League Table (DLT) as a proxy for socioeconomic development, global and local Moran's I analysis revealed statistically significant clustering of development performance, hinting at the presence of spatial spillovers. Leveraging spatially explicit Markov chains, findings indicated that most MMDAs were more likely to stay in their performance classes than transition to a different cohort, with this probability being the highest in the upper and lower classes. Nonetheless, MMDAs located within high performing neighborhoods were more likely to improve in their performance than their counterparts located in low performing neighborhoods. Further analysis also revealed a high degree of cohesion, where MMDAs' development performance tend to assume the direction of their neighborhoods. In the second objective, decomposed Theil index analysis revealed processes of convergence overall and within decomposed groups while between groups convergence appeared to have saturated. The study advocates for collective as opposed to piecemeal strategies for achieving equitable development.
Geological and Geomorphological Causes of Two Historical Deep‐Seated Catastrophic Landslides Induced by the 1892 Heavy Rainfall Event in the Shimanto Accretionary Complex, Tokushima, Japan
Authors: Arai Noriyuki 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThe catastrophic Hose and Ogawatuetui landslides occurred coincidentally in 1892 following heavy rainfall in the upper reaches of the Kaifu River, Tokushima, Japan. The area is underlain by a steeply dipping coherent formation with many faults, and lies in the Shimanto Belt where deep‐seated catastrophic landslides are known to occur following heavy rainfall and large subduction zone earthquakes. The main geological and geomorphological causes of the landslides were found to include local relief ≥ 350 m (1200‐m‐diameter analysis windows); knickpoints and slope breaks at 90–150 m above sea level, competent massive and thick‐bedded sandstone with open fractures on the upper slope, and alternating thin beds of incompetent fine sandstone and shale beds of high deformability and low permeability on the lower slope.
Regulatory issues related to the use of sodium hypochlorite solutions in endodontics
Authors: Peters Ove A. , Ballal Nidambur V. , Abe Shu , De‐Deus Gustavo , Gündogar Mustafa , Camilleri Josette , Chen Zhi , Zehnder Matthias 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAimTo assess the regulation of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solutions for endodontic usage in some of the world's main dental markets, in view of the European Union's recent move to classify antimicrobial root canal irrigants as high‐risk devices under their Medical Device Regulation (MDR).MethodologyThe authors consulted legal texts available online and communicated with local health authorities wherever necessary to assess into which medical device category NaOCl solutions intended for endodontic application were subsumed. Furthermore, it was investigated whether there were sources outside the dental market to obtain NaOCl solutions for root canal treatments.ResultsUpon completion of this text (mid 2024), NaOCl solutions for root canal irrigation had not been classified in the US and Canada, whilst in the European Union, they had just been upgraded to high‐risk medical devices, with all the consequences for the dental supply market. This MDR rule was adopted by the EU's close trading partners, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Turkey. In Japan, the legal hurdles were already high for manufacturers and importers of endodontic NaOCl solutions. Conversely, in China, these solutions were down‐graded from a high‐risk to a medium‐risk status in 2017. A low‐medium risk category was applied in the other countries under investigation, that is, Australia, India and Brazil. In some countries there was a possibility for dentists to procure plain NaOCl solutions from pharmacies. An alternative route to avoid buying NaOCl from dental suppliers was to use (household) bleach solutions for root canal irrigation wherever this practice was not prohibited explicitly.ConclusionsThe legal situation to produce, import and use NaOCl solutions for root canal irrigation differs vastly around the globe. A sensible approach to regulate (yet not over‐regulate) endodontic NaOCl solutions appears to be timely and necessary.
Micro‐CT evaluation of a nanodiamond irrigant for hard‐tissue debris removal during sonic agitation
Authors: Wang Ning , Lin Po‐Yen , Yang Jen‐Chang , Gutmann James L. , Chang Huan‐Cheng , Huang Haw‐Ming , Hsieh Sung‐Chih 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAimTo investigate the efficacy of nanodiamond irrigation solution with sonic agitation for removing of hard‐tissue debris (HTD) within the isthmus‐containing mesial roots of human mandibular molars using micro‐CT analysis.MethodologyForty mesial roots of extracted human mandibular molars were selected based on micro‐computed tomography scans (9‐μm resolution). The mesial canals were mechanically prepared using ProTaper® Gold nickel–titanium rotary instruments and divided into four groups (n = 10 each) according to the final irrigation protocol: sonic agitation with nanodiamond irrigation solution for three 20‐s cycles, sonic agitation with 17% EDTA for three 20‐s cycles, sonic agitation with 3% NaOCl for three 20‐s cycles and manual syringe irrigation with NaOCl using a 30‐G needle syringe for 60 s. The samples were scanned again after canal preparation and the use of the final irrigation protocols. Data were collected to evaluate the percentage of HTD removed. Statistical comparisons were made using the anova post hoc Tukey test (p < .05).ResultsNone of the irrigation protocols was able to completely eliminate HTD from the isthmus‐containing mesial canals of mandibular molars. However, sonic agitation with the nanodiamond irrigant and sonic agitation with 17% EDTA irrigation solutions showed higher mean reductions of HTD (68.0% and 68.9%, respectively) compared to sonic agitation with 3% NaOCl and manual syringe irrigation with 3% NaOCl (43.4% and 13.7%, respectively) (p < .05).ConclusionsThe effectiveness of sonic agitation in removing HTD from the entire root canal was superior to that of manual syringe irrigation. When employing sonic agitation, the addition of nanodiamonds to NaOCl demonstrated enhanced HTD removal capabilities compared to using NaOCl alone and was comparable to that of EDTA. These results suggest that sonic agitation with a nanodiamond irrigation solution may serve as an effective alternative approach for HTD removal in root canal treatment.
Is It Benefiting Me or the Environment? How Context Nudges Green Product Choices
Authors: Bharti Megha , Suneja Vivek 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTGreen attribute trade‐offs have been identified as one of the significant antecedents of the green gap phenomenon (i.e., the discrepancy between pro‐green attitudes and purchase behavior of green products) in literature. This paper focuses on the strategic role of trade‐off‐related context effects (i.e., compromise effect and asymmetric dominance effect) as behavioral nudges in green marketing. We suggest that the benefit association of green attributes can influence the scope of these two context effects. We use three studies with experimental design to illustrate the said effect across three trade‐off scenarios, a range of product categories, and a diverse set of samples. Study 1 (307 participants), Study 2 (312 participants), and Study 3 (259 participants) investigated the hypotheses for trade‐offs between green attributes and other conventional product attributes, particularly price, functional performance, and usage/procurement convenience, respectively. The results reveal that when green attributes are associated with user‐benefit, the target green option performs better as a compromise option than as an asymmetrically dominant option, whereas when the green attributes are associated with environmental‐benefit, the target green option performs better as an asymmetrically dominant option than as a compromise option. Further, this difference in efficacy under environmental‐benefit association is less pronounced for individuals high on interdependent self‐construal. Additionally, we find that under the environmental‐benefit association, an independent self‐construal attenuates the efficacy of the compromise effect.
Orchid Mycorrhizal Communities Associated With Orchis italica Are Shaped by Ecological Factors and Geographical Gradients
Authors: Balducci Marco G. , Calevo Jacopo , Duffy Karl J. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTAimThe influence of mutualists on plant distributions is only beginning to be understood. Orchids depend on orchid mycorrhizal (OrM) fungi to germinate, yet the distribution of OrM fungi and how they vary according to both abiotic and biotic factors is unclear. We investigated the abundance and diversity of OrM fungal communities associated with the Mediterranean orchid Orchis italica and quantified how they vary according to both geographical and ecological factors.LocationMediterranean basin.TaxonOrchis italica Poir. (Orchidaceae).MethodsWe used metabarcoding of the ITS2 region to identify OrM fungi associated with adult individuals in 23 populations of O. italica across latitudinal and longitudinal gradients in the Mediterranean region. We used both multivariate analyses and Joint Species Distribution Models (JSDMs) based on geographical, climate, and soil variables to test how both common OrM fungi and their communities vary according to geographical and ecological factors.ResultsEighty OrM fungal Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) were found associating with O. italica. However, five Tulasnellaceae OTUs and one Ceratobasidiaceae OTU were found in every population. Abundance of these taxa, as measured by number of reads, increased from west to east and decreased from South to North, indicating OrM fungal abundance may be determined by geographical gradients. OrM fungal community composition varied according to precipitation, annual mean temperature, and soil phosphorous content. JSDMs revealed there were both positive and negative co‐occurrences among these ubiquitous OrM fungal OTUs.Main ConclusionsDespite associating with many OrM fungi across its range, only six OTUs were widespread, indicating that O. italica may be an apparent generalist in its association with OrM fungi. Abundance of OrM fungi is determined by geographical gradients and their community composition determined by ecological factors. This highlights the importance of quantifying the distribution of belowground mutualists in understanding the limits to plant distributions.
The interplay of EBV virus and cell metabolism in lung cancer
Authors: Wang Hongwei 
Published: November 2024

AbstractEpstein–Barr virus infection has been implicated in various cancers, including lung cancer, where it influences cellular metabolism to promote tumorigenesis. This review examines the complex interplay between Epstein–Barr virus and cell metabolism in lung cancer, highlighting viral mechanisms of metabolic reprogramming and their implications for therapeutic strategies. Key viral proteins such as LMP1 and LMP2A manipulate glycolysis, glutaminolysis and lipid metabolism to support viral replication and immune evasion within the tumour microenvironment. Understanding these interactions provides insights into novel therapeutic approaches targeting viral‐induced metabolic vulnerabilities in Epstein–Barr virus‐associated lung cancer.
Interleukin 15: A new intermediary in the effects of exercise and training on skeletal muscle and bone function
Authors: Duan Ziqiang , Yang Yang , Qin Mianhong , Yi Xuejie 
Published: November 2024

AbstractInterleukin‐15 (IL‐15), a pro‐inflammatory cytokine, is produced mainly by skeletal muscle cells, macrophages and epithelial cells. Recent research has demonstrated that IL‐15 is closely related to the functions of bone and skeletal muscle in the locomotor system. There is growing evidence that exercise, an important means to regulate the immune and locomotor systems, influences IL‐15 content in various tissues, thereby indirectly affecting the function of bones and muscles. Furthermore, the form, intensity, and duration of exercise determine the degree of change in IL‐15 and downstream effects. This paper reviews the structure, synthesis and secretion of IL‐15, the role of IL‐15 in regulating the metabolism of bone tissue cells and myofibers through binding to the IL‐15 receptor‐α (IL‐15Rα), and the response of IL‐15 to different types of exercise. This review provides a reference for further analyses of the role and mechanism of action of IL‐15 in the regulation of metabolism during exercise.
EDNRA regulates the tumour immune environment and predicts the efficacy and prognosis of cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Wang Mengxue , Wang Long , Li Xunjia , Dai Meng , Sheng Bo 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe potential role of endothelin receptor A (EDNRA) in cancer immunotherapy has been demonstrated; however, the mechanism of its therapeutic value remains to be investigated. This study aimed to reveal the potential link between cancer immunotherapy and EDNRA in human tumours. Clinical characteristics and gene expression information were acquired from the Cancer Genome Atlas database. The correlation between EDNRA expression and immune infiltration was analysed by tumour immune estimation resource (TIMER) and tumour‐immune system interaction database (TISIDB). EDNRA expression in different cancer types were performed via qPCR. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the relationships between EDNRA protein and immune checkpoints. The results have founded that EDNRA was differentially expressed in various tumours, and highly associated with patient's age and tumour stage. It is also of high potential prognostic value in predicting patient survival. It has been verified that the EDNRA, JAK–STAT, and TGF‐β signalling pathways are involved in cancers. In general, EDNRA positively correlated with immunomodulatory agents, immune cell infiltration, and immunotherapy markers. Immunohistochemical analysis of breast cancer tissues showed that EDNRA was positively correlated with NRP1 expression. Furthermore, patients with low EDNRA levels showed a superior response to immunotherapy. The functional study found that EDNRA expression is upregulated in MDA‐MB‐231 and HepG2 cells, and knockdown of EDNRA inhibits proliferation and migration of cells. In conclusion, the immunotherapeutic function of EDNRA was elucidated in this study. EDNRA may be an important target in tumour immunotherapy and provide new insights for tumour immunotherapy.
Hydrogen Protects Mitochondrial Function by Increasing the Expression of PGC‐1α and Ameliorating Myocardial Ischaemia–Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Zuo Yue , Wang Jiawei , Gong Zhexuan , Wang Yulong , Wang Qiang , Yang Xueyang , Liu Fulin , Liu Tongtong 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTTo investigate the application of H2 to alleviate cardiac ischaemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury in a PGC‐1α‐dependent manner. A rat in vitro myocardial I/R injury model was used, Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of apoptosis markers (Bax, cleaved caspase‐3, Bcl2), inflammatory factors (IL‐1β, TNF‐α), mitochondrial fission (DRP1, MFF) and mitochondrial fusion (MFN1, MFN2, OPA1). HE staining was used to observe the effect of H2 on the myocardial tissue structure injured by I/R. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the changes in the mitochondrial structure of myocardial tissue after I/R injury. Real‐time quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to detect the expression of PGC‐1α in the myocardial tissue of rats after I/R injury and H2 treatment. H2 increases the expression level of PGC‐1α, while the deletion of PGC‐1α inhibited the therapeutic effect of H2. H2 can improve the changes of the myocardial tissue and mitochondrial structure caused by I/R injury. H2 treatment effectively inhibited the inflammatory response, and the loss of PGC‐1α could inhibit the therapeutic effect of H2. The application of H2 can alleviate myocardial I/R injury, and the loss of PGC‐1α weakens the protective effect of H2 on the I/R heart.
TaGPAT6 enhances salt tolerance in wheat by synthesizing cutin and suberin monomers to form a diffusion barrier
Authors: Wang Wenlong , Chi Menghan , Liu Shupeng , Zhang Ying , Song Jiawang , Xia Guangmin , Liu Shuwei 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTOne mechanism plants use to tolerate high salinity is the deposition of cutin and suberin to form apoplastic barriers that limit the influx of ions. However, the mechanism underlying barrier formation under salt stress is unclear. Here, we characterized the glycerol‐3‐phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) family gene TaGPAT6, encoding a protein involved in cutin and suberin biosynthesis for apoplastic barrier formation in wheat (Triticum aestivum). TaGPAT6 has both acyltransferase and phosphatase activities, which are responsible for the synthesis of sn‐2‐monoacylglycerol (sn‐2 MAG), the precursor of cutin and suberin. Overexpressing TaGPAT6 promoted the deposition of cutin and suberin in the seed coat and the outside layers of root tip cells and enhanced salt tolerance by reducing sodium ion accumulation within cells. By contrast, TaGPAT6 knockout mutants showed increased sensitivity to salt stress due to reduced cutin and suberin deposition and enhanced sodium ion accumulation. Yeast‐one‐hybrid and electrophoretic mobility shift assays identified TaABI5 as the upstream regulator of TaGPAT6. TaABI5 knockout mutants showed suppressed expression of TaGPAT6 and decreased barrier formation in the seed coat. These results indicate that TaGPAT6 is involved in cutin and suberin biosynthesis and the resulting formation of an apoplastic barrier that enhances salt tolerance in wheat.
Association Between Intellectual Disability and Hair Cortisol Concentration in Adolescents in a Brazilian Population‐Based Birth Cohort
Authors: Sánchez‐Luquez Karen Y. , de Menezes Karam Simone , Barros Aluisio J. D. , Gonzalez Andrea , Murray Joseph , de Oliveira Isabel O. , Matijasevich Alicia , Santos Iná S. , Tovo‐Rodrigues Luciana 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveChildren with intellectual disability (ID) usually exhibit neuroendocrine functioning impairment, such as alterations in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) neuroendocrine axis, which can result in glucocorticoid cortisol release alterations. Indeed, many studies showed a positive association between ID and cortisol concentration. However, evidence is lacking on the relationship between child neurodevelopment and cortisol levels during adolescence in population‐based studies. We aimed to test the association between ID and hair cortisol concentration (HCC) during adolescence in a prospective population‐based cohort.MethodsData from 1770 individuals in the 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort were used. ID was diagnosed at age 6 through clinical examination. Hair cortisol was measured at age 15. Association was assessed using linear regression models adjusted for sex, socio‐economic factors, hair‐related variables and corticosteroid use.ResultsHigher HCC were observed in individuals with ID (β: 1.120; 95% CI: 1.012, 1.241) in the analysis adjusted for sex, hair‐related variables and corticosteroid use. Compared to the other aetiological groups, this was more evident in idiopathic ID. But this did not remain significant when demographics/socio‐economic variables were controlled for.ConclusionChildren with ID, particularly those with idiopathic ID, might exhibit dysfunction in the HPA axis or experience heightened stress levels during adolescence.
Center M Pilot Trial: Integrating Preventive Mental Health Care in Routine Prenatal Care
Authors: Tilden Ellen L. , Shank Taylor , Polan Orzech Catherine , Holmes Leah R. , Granados Ravyn , Moosavisahebozamani Sayehsadat , Starr David , Caughey Aaron B. , Graham Alice M. , Mackiewicz Seghete Kristen L. 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionPerinatal depression is a leading cause of preventable US maternal morbidity and mortality. Although Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy for Perinatal Depression (MBCT‐PD) is highly effective, it faces significant scalability challenges. Center M, a brief, group‐based, mindfulness‐based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention, is an adaptation of MBCT‐PD designed to overcome these challenges. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate Center M's preliminary acceptability, feasibility, mechanisms of action, and efficacy.MethodsIn this mixed‐methods pilot study, data were collected from 99 pregnant people at 3 time points: preintervention, postintervention, and 6‐weeks postpartum (Clinical Trials no. NCT06525922). Participants engaged in 4 one‐hour, weekly group telehealth Center M sessions facilitated by social workers. Participants strengthened mindfulness CBT skills using home practice materials between group sessions. Data included self‐report measures evaluating depressive symptoms, mindfulness skills, and emotion regulation. Satisfaction was assessed via focus groups or surveys.ResultsDepressive symptoms significantly decreased preintervention to postintervention (Patient Health Questionnaire‐8 score: preintervention mean [SD] 5.02 [3.52], postintervention mean [SD] 4.23 [2.84]; P = .03), and mindfulness capacity significantly increased preintervention to 6 weeks postpartum (Five Facets of Mindfulness Questionnaire score: preintervention mean [SD] 125.56 [18.68], 6 weeks postpartum mean [SD] 130.10 [17.15]; P = .004). Linear regression analyses indicate that higher mindfulness at 6 weeks postpartum significantly predicted fewer depression symptoms at 6 weeks postpartum (β, −0.07; 95% CI, −0.123 to −0.021, R2 = 0.22; P = .006). Reduction in the use of maladaptive emotion regulation was significantly associated with decreased depressive symptoms at 6 weeks postpartum (β, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.048 to 0.376, R2 = .21; P = .012). Qualitative themes indicated high Center M acceptability and appeal.DiscussionOur findings support the feasibility, acceptability, and appeal of Center M. Results suggest Center M may be effective in reducing depression and enhancing mindfulness skills. Future research must confirm these initial findings to more widely address Center M implementation capacity and sustainability.