bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pedagogical agent positioning in external videos improves English academic presentation proficiency in desktop virtual reality settings
Authors: Li Xiaofei , Lan Yu‐Ju , Pi Zhongling , Qi Grace Yue , Grant Scott , Sun Jinmei 
Published: October 2024

AbstractEnglish academic presentation (EAP) is an indispensable skill set of academic communication for university students. With the rapid development of desktop virtual reality (DVR), its application in language learning is worth exploring. The present study aimed to examine whether there is an improvement and difference in students' EAP by learning from the DVR with an in‐video pedagogical agent (PA) or an out‐of‐video PA. Adopting a between‐subject experimental design, a total of 64 students were randomly assigned to one of two group conditions depending on whether the PA was inside or outside the lecture video embedded in DVR. Participants' EAP performance, attention allocation and behavioural patterns were measured and analysed. As hypothesized, t‐tests, repeated ANOVA and lag sequence analysis showed that the participants who learned from the DVR with an out‐of‐video PA showed better learning performance, less attention allocation on content and more frequent behavioural patterns than those with an in‐video PA. Overall, our findings suggest that in a VR educational environment of video lectures, instructors should consider using an out‐of‐video PA to increase their social presence and improve students' learning experience.
Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic

EAP is an indispensable skill set of academic communication for university students.
PA is an effective social cue in video lectures to promote learning.
VR has been widely applied in language learning.
What this paper adds

Reveals the relationship between the PA's positioning and the learners' EAP performance and deepens the understanding of the PA's positioning in video lectures of a DVR learning environment.
Provides empirical analysis of natural eye‐tracking during the video learning in DVR scene and EAP data during the experimental condition.
Students who learned from the DVR with an out‐of‐video PA showed better learning performance, less attention allocation on content and more frequent behavioural patterns than those with an in‐video PA.
Implications for practice and/or policy

Designers are encouraged to use DVR with an out‐of‐video PA to enhance students' social presence and learning experience.
Exploring the developmental changes in and the relationship between resilience and anxiety and depression in older gastric cancer survivors: A latent growth mixture model and random intercept cross‐lagged panel model analysis
Authors: Guo Yinning , Wang Ting , Miao Xueyi , Ding Lingyu , Zhu Hanfei , Zhao Kang , Xu Ting , Tang Chulei , Xu Xinyi , Xu Qin 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObjectivesThis study aims to investigate the independent and joint trajectories of resilience, anxiety, and depression symptoms and research the interaction between older gastric cancer survivors' resilience and anxiety–depression during the period of 1 year after surgery.MethodsThe participants were 381 older gastric cancer survivors, with a mean age of 69 years. Resilience, anxiety, and depression symptoms were assessed immediately after surgery, and at 3, 6, and 12 months post‐surgery, respectively. A longitudinal design was employed to capture the dynamic changes in resilience, anxiety, and depression levels among older gastric cancer survivors post‐surgery. Latent growth mixture model and random intercept cross‐lagged panel model were used to analyse the trajectories of resilience and anxiety–depression and the interaction between them.ResultsTwo latent trajectories were identified for the resilience, four latent trajectories were identified for the anxiety, and five latent trajectories were identified for the depression, respectively, with three joint trajectories identified: gradual‐increasing resilience, gradual‐decreasing anxiety, and depression group (10.0%); gradual‐decreasing resilience, gradual‐increasing anxiety, and depression group (21.2%); and rapid‐growth resilience, rapid‐decline anxiety, and depression group (68.8%). Resilience among older gastric cancer survivors exhibits significant bidirectional and negative predictive effects on anxiety and depression.ConclusionsIndividual differences in resilience, anxiety, and depression trajectories exist among older gastric cancer survivors, with heterogeneous joint progression patterns, and the relationship between resilience and anxiety–depression appears bidirectional. More sophisticated intervention programmes tailored to the unique characteristics of the relevant trajectories are necessary to enhance resilience and mitigate the risk of anxiety and depression.
Minimally Invasive Sinus Augmentation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sirinirund Benyapha , Rodriguez Betancourt Amanda B. , Scaini Riccardo , Wu Yu‐Chang , Chan Hsun‐Liang 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTAimTechnology improvement and a better understanding of sinus anatomy and wound healing in the past decade have allowed the development of minimally invasive surgical techniques. This systematic review focused on identifying and describing these techniques for vertical and lateral sinus augmentation (VSA and LSA).Materials and MethodsElectronic and hand search were conducted to screen the literature published from January 2003 to May 2024. The selected studies had to include detailed techniques for minimally invasive SA. Data extraction included the study types, sample size, technique/instrument details, and outcome measurements.ResultsA total of 36 articles (27 VSA, 8 LSA with an additional 1 article included both procedures) with 2732 sinus augmentation met the inclusion criteria. Minimally invasive VSA includes the use of modified rotary instruments with stopper, balloon, hydraulic pressure, digital planning, endoscope, and operating microscope. These techniques aim for conservative flap reflection, precise sinus window preparation, and/or controlled sinus membrane elevation. Most of the selected studies (n = 15) did not report the incidence of sinus membrane perforation.ConclusionWithin the limitations of this review, minimally invasive VSA and LSA achieved sufficient sinus augmentation and implant success with the potential advantages of reduced surgical complications and morbidity. Comparative studies with defined outcomes are encouraged to further validate these useful minimally invasive techniques for SA.
An audit and feedback‐based intervention to improve diabetes management in the year after transfer to adult type 1 diabetes care: A multi‐center quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Shulman Rayzel , Zenlea Ian , Ivers Noah , Austin Peter C. , Li Ping , Clarson Cheril , Landry Alanna , Harrington Jennifer , Mukerji Geetha , Palmert Mark R. , Parsons Janet , Punthakee Zubin , Shah Baiju R. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAimTo test whether an audit and feedback‐based intervention improved HbA1c 12 months after transfer to type 1 diabetes adult care.MethodsMulti‐centre, quasi‐experimental pre‐post study of an AF‐based intervention targeting paediatric diabetes teams, which encouraged the implementation of an evidence‐informed structured transition process at five paediatric diabetes centres in Ontario, Canada. Participants entered the study at their final paediatric visit. A parallel control cohort was ascertained using population‐based administrative datasets. The primary outcome was HbA1c 12 months after transfer. The main exposure was the study period: pre‐implementation (June 2018–May 2019); early‐implementation (June 2019–September 2020); and late‐implementation (October 2020–September 2021). Multivariable linear regression models were fit separately in each cohort.ResultsThere were 449 and 2844 individuals in the intervention and control cohorts, respectively. Twelve months after transfer, participants in the late‐implementation intervention cohort had an HbA1c that was, on average, 0.41% lower than participants in the pre‐implementation period (p = 0.016). Among the control cohort, there was no significant difference in the HbA1c 12 months after transfer between study periods.ConclusionsWe found an effect of the intervention on glycaemic management one year following transfer to adult care. Future work will focus on refining and testing the effectiveness of the intervention in an expanded number of study sites and in collaboration with adult diabetes care providers.
Ultrastructural Perspectives on the Biology and Taphonomy of Tonian Microfossils From the Draken Formation, Spitsbergen
Authors: Fadel Alexandre , Lepot Kevin , Bernard Sylvain , Addad Ahmed , Riboulleau Armelle , Knoll Andrew H. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTSilicified peritidal carbonates of the Tonian Draken Formation, Spitsbergen, contain highly diverse and well‐preserved microfossil assemblages dominated by filamentous microbial mats, but also including diverse benthic and/or allochthonous (possibly planktonic) microorganisms. Here, we characterize eight morphospecies in focused ion beam (FIB) ultrathin sections using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) spectromicroscopy. Raman and XANES spectroscopies show the highly aromatic molecular structure of preserved organic matter. Despite this apparently poor molecular preservation, nano‐quartz crystallization allowed for the preservation of various ultrastructures distinguished in TEM. In some filamentous microfossils (Siphonophycus) as well as in all cyanobacterial coccoids, extracellular polysaccharide sheaths appear as bands of dispersed organic nanoparticles. Synodophycus microfossils, made up of pluricellular colonies of coccoids, contain organic walls similar to the F‐layers of pleurocapsalean cyanobacteria. In some fossils, internal content occurs as particulate organic matter, forming dense networks throughout ghosts of the intracellular space (e.g., in Salome svalbardensis filaments), or scarce granules (in some Chroococcales). In some chroococcalean microfossils (Gloeodiniopsis mikros, and also possibly Polybessurus), we find layered internal contents that are more continuous than nanoparticulate bands defining the sheaths, and with a shape that can be contracted, folded, or invaginated. We interpret these internal layers as the remains of cell envelope substructures and/or photosynthetic membranes thickened by additional cellular material. Some Myxococccoides show a thick (up to ~ 0.9 μm) wall ultrastructure displaying organic pillars that is best reconciled with a eukaryotic affinity. Finally, a large spheroid with ruptured wall, of uncertain affinity, displays a bi‐layered envelope. Altogether, our nanoscale investigations provide unprecedented insights into the taphonomy and taxonomy of this well‐preserved assemblage, which can help to assess the nature of organic microstructures in older rocks.
Redox Gradient Shapes the Chemical Composition of Peatland Microbial Communities
Authors: Milesi Vincent P. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe response of soil carbon to climate change and anthropogenic forcing depends on the relationship between the physicochemical variables of the environment and microbial communities. In anoxic soils that store large amounts of organic carbon, it can be hypothesized that the low amount of catabolic energy available leads microbial organisms to minimize the energy costs of biosynthesis, which may shape the composition of microbial communities. To test this hypothesis, thermodynamic modeling was used to assess the link between redox gradients in the ombrotrophic peatland of the Marcell Experimental Forest (Minnesota, USA) and the chemical and taxonomic composition of microbial communities. The average amino acid composition of community‐level proteins, called hereafter model proteins, was calculated from shotgun metagenomic sequencing. The carbon oxidation state of model proteins decreases linearly from −0.14 at 10 cm depth to −0.17 at 150 cm depth. Calculating equilibrium activities of model proteins for a wide range of chemical conditions allows identification of the redox potential of maximum chemical activity. Consistent with redox measurements across peat soils, this model Eh decreases logarithmically from an average value of 300 mV at 10 cm depth, close to the stability domain of goethite relative to Fe2+, to an average value of −200 mV at 150 cm, within the stability domain of CH4 relative to CO2. The correlation identified between the taxonomic abundance and the carbon oxidation state of model proteins enables predicting the evolution of taxonomic abundance as a function of model Eh. The model taxonomic abundance is consistent with the measured gene and taxonomic abundance, which evolves from aerobic bacteria at the surface including Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Verrumicrobia, to anaerobes at depth dominated by Crenarchaeota. These results indicate that the thermodynamic forcing imposed by redox gradient across peat soils shapes both the chemical and taxonomic composition of microbial communities. By providing a mechanistic understanding of the relationship between microbial community and environmental conditions, this work sheds new light on the mechanisms that govern soil microbial life and opens up prospects for predicting geochemical and microbial evolution in changing environments.
Congruent Long‐Term Declines in Carbon and Biodiversity Are a Signature of Forest Degradation
Authors: Betts Matthew G. , Yang Zhiqiang , Gunn John S. , Healey Sean P. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTRecent global policy initiatives aimed at reducing forest degradation require practical definitions of degradation that are readily monitored. However, consistent approaches for monitoring forest degradation over the long term and at broad scales are lacking. We quantified the long‐term effects of intensive wood harvest on above‐ground carbon and biodiversity at fine resolutions (30 m2) and broad scales (New Brunswick, Canada; 72,908 km2). Model predictions for above‐ground biomass were highly correlated with independent data (r = 0.77). After accounting for carbon stored in wood products, net CO2 emissions from forests for the region from 1985 to 2020 were 141 CO2e Tg (4.02 TgCO2e year−1; 32% of all reported emissions). We found strong positive correlations between locations with declines in above‐ground carbon and habitats for old‐forest bird species, which have lost > 20% habitat over 35 years. High congruence between biodiversity and forest carbon offers potential for policy incentives to conserve both objectives simultaneously and slow rates of forest degradation. These methods could be used to track forest degradation for managed forest regions worldwide.
Evaluation of a Question Prompt List About Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Prevention After Hypertensive Pregnancy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Dhakal Smita , Rankin Bethany , Assaf Taryn , Baker Jane , Chisick Laura , Colella Tracey , Dayan Natalie , Dobbins Maureen , Grace Sherry , Gundy Serena , McCarthy Sheila O'Keefe , Meng Ziran , Murray‐Davis Beth , Neil‐Sztramko Sarah , Nerenberg Kara , Sia Winnie , Smith Graeme , Timofeeva Maria , Gagliardi Anna R. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe aim of this study was to pilot test a question prompt list (QPL) about cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reduction after hypertensive pregnancy (HDP).MethodsIn a prospective cohort study of adult women who had HDP given the QPL before and surveyed after a physician visit, we assessed perceived person‐centred care, self‐efficacy for self‐management, perceived self‐management and QPL feasibility.ResultsTwenty‐three women participated: 57% of diverse ethno‐cultural groups, 65% < 40 years of age and 48% immigrants. Most scored high for person‐centred care (mean 4.1 ± 0.2/5); and moderately for self‐efficacy (mean 7.4 ± 0.6/10) and self‐management (mean 3.1 ± 0.3/5). Most appreciated QPL design and reported QPL benefits: helped them to prepare for the visit and know what to ask; increased confidence to ask questions, knowledge of the link between HDP and CVD and lifestyle behaviours to reduce CVD risk. Most reported that physicians were receptive to discussing QPL questions.ConclusionWomen appreciated the QPL and knowledge about self‐management was high but self‐efficacy for or perceived self‐management was moderate. It appears feasible to share a QPL with ethno‐culturally diverse women who can share it with physicians to facilitate discussions about post‐pregnancy HDP‐related CVD risk.Patient or Public ContributionThis study involved women who experienced HDP and engaged ethno‐culturally diverse women with lived experience of HDP as study advisors in all stages of the research.
Fluoride Concentrations in Different Brands of Toothpaste Marketed in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Vellappally Sajith , Naik Sachin , Al Kheraif Abdulaziz Abdulah , Alayadi Haya , Alageel Omar , Alsarani Majed M. , Ramadoss Ramya , Thomas Nebu George , Alateek Mohammed , Anil Sukumaran 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the concentrations of total fluoride (TF), total soluble fluoride (TSF) and ionic fluoride (IF) in various toothpaste brands marketed in Saudi Arabia and compare them with the labelled values.MethodsTwenty toothpaste brands were randomly selected from supermarkets and hypermarkets in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. For each brand, two samples from different production batches were purchased and labelled as sample 1 and sample 2. TF and TSF were determined chemically, while IF was measured with fluoride electrodes. The measured fluoride concentrations were compared with the labelled values and the recommended 1000–1500 ppm range for effective caries prevention.ResultsIn total, 40 toothpaste samples were analysed (20 from each of two batches). For TF, six toothpastes in sample 1 exceeded the standard limit of 1500 ppm, with a range of 2102–2462 ppm, while nine in sample 2 surpassed the limit, ranging from 1538 to 1846 ppm. Conversely, eight toothpastes in sample 1 and two in sample 2 were below the minimum recommended level of 1000 ppm, with ranges of 308–923 ppm and 615–923 ppm, respectively. The TSF ranged from 924 to 2157 ppm in sample 1 and 923–2154 ppm in sample 2. The IF varied from 615 to 2462 ppm in sample 1 and 308–2154 ppm in sample 2.ConclusionsMost toothpaste brands had fluoride levels within the recommended concentration range. However, a significant number exhibited fluoride levels either below the minimum effective dose or exceeding the maximum recommended limit. Fluoride variance in toothpaste demands awareness for dentists and public health to guide optimal caries prevention.
Adolescents' chronotype and its association with obesity‐related outcomes: The EHDLA study
Authors: Duarte Junior Miguel Angelo , Mesas Arthur Eumann , Chen Sitong , Mello Júlio B. , Olivares‐Arancibia Jorge , Memon Aamir Raoof , Yáñez‐Sepúlveda Rodrigo , Bao Ran , Smith Lee , López‐Gil José Francisco 
Published: October 2024

SummaryObjectiveThis study aimed to assess associations between chronotype and obesity‐related indicators in a sample of Spanish adolescents.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study used data from The Eating Healthy and Daily Life Activities (EHDLA) Study, which included a representative sample of adolescents from Spain. A total of 820 adolescents (54.7% girls) aged 12–17 years were included in the analyses. The adolescents' chronotype was determined using the Morningness/Eveningness Scale in Children. Obesity‐related indicators included body mass index, waist circumference, waist‐to‐height ratio, triceps and medial calf skinfolds, sum of skinfolds, and body fat percentage. Generalized linear models were used to examine the relationship between the Morningness‐Eveningness score and chronotype status and the above‐mentioned obesity‐related indicators in adolescents. All analyses were adjusted for sex, age, socioeconomic status, sleep duration, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and energy intake.ResultsThe morningness chronotype was associated with higher abdominal obesity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12 to 2.50; p = 0.001), waist‐to‐height ratio (unstandardized beta coefficient [B] = 0.01, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.05; p = 0.029) and skinfold calves (B = 1.04 95% CI 0.24 to 1.94; p = 0.011), compared with the intermediate chronotype.ConclusionAdolescents with a morningness chronotype may be more prone to abdominal obesity than their counterparts with an intermediate chronotype. Effective intervention‐related approaches can be applied to those with a morningness chronotype.
Recent advances in basic research on prostate cancer: Where we are heading?
Authors: Obinata Daisuke , Yamada Yasutaka , Sumiyoshi Takayuki , Tanegashima Tokiyoshi , Watanabe Ryuta , Kobayashi Hiroaki , Ito Daisuke , Urabe Fumihiko ,   the Japanese Young Urologist Basic Research Collaboration
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn the over 80 years since androgens were found to play a pivotal role in prostate cancer (PCa) progression, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has been a cornerstone in treating advanced PCa. Castration‐resistant PCa persists, however, with some of these tumors evolving to androgen receptor (AR)‐independent forms like neuroendocrine PCa. The development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to PCa is therefore crucial. This review provides an overview of recent basic research in PCa, focusing on two main areas: PCa cells and their tumor microenvironments. The first section describes current knowledge on the intricate mechanisms of AR signaling pathways, emphasizing the roles of coactivators and chromatin state alterations in gene regulation. Genomic analyses have revealed recurrent mutations and copy number alterations critical for precision medicine. Liquid biopsy has become a promising tool for real‐time tumor monitoring, identifying genetic alterations in circulating‐tumor DNA or extracellular vesicles. The second section describes the tumor microenvironment of PCa, highlighting its immunosuppressive landscape and the potential of combining ADT with immunotherapy. Advanced techniques, including single‐cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics offer insights into cellular heterogeneity and interactions within the tumor microenvironment, paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies. Integration of these diverse research areas will provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state and future directions of PCa research, underscoring the importance of personalized medicine and the dynamic nature of cancer treatment strategies.