bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Primary apical periodontitis correlates to elevated levels of interleukin‐8 in a Swedish population: A report from the PAROKRANK study
Authors: Sebring Dan , Kvist Thomas , Lund Henrik , Jonasson Peter , Lira‐Junior Ronaldo , Norhammar Anna , Rydén Lars , Buhlin Kåre ,   EndoReCo
Published: October 2023

AbstractAimTo explore associations between root filled teeth, primary and secondary apical periodontitis, and levels of inflammatory markers in blood from patients with a first myocardial infarction and matched controls.MethodologyBetween May 2010 and February 2014, 805 patients with a first myocardial infarction and 805 controls, matched for sex, age, and postal code area, were recruited to the multicentre case–control study PAROKRANK (periodontitis and its relation to coronary artery disease). All participants underwent a physical and oral examination, as well as blood sampling. Using panoramic radiography, root filled teeth, primary apical periodontitis, and secondary apical periodontitis were assessed by three independent observers. Blood samples were analysed with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method for the following inflammatory markers: interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐12p70, tumour necrosis factor‐α, and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP). Additionally, white blood cell count and plasma‐fibrinogen were analysed. Associations between endodontic variables and the levels of inflammatory markers were statistically analysed with Mann–Whitney U‐test and Spearman correlation, adjusted for confounding effects of baseline factors (sex, age, myocardial infarction, current smoking, diabetes, family history of cardiovascular disease, education, marital status, and periodontal disease).ResultsMean age of the cohort was 62 years, and 81% were males. Root fillings were present in 8.4% of the 39 978 examined teeth and were associated with higher levels of hsCRP, fibrinogen, and leukocyte count, but lower levels of IL‐2 and IL‐12p70. After adjusting for confounders, root filled teeth remained associated with higher levels of fibrinogen, but lower levels of IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐6, and IL‐12p70. Primary apical periodontitis was found in 1.2% of non‐root filled teeth and associated with higher levels of IL‐8 (correlation 0.06, p = .025). Secondary apical periodontitis was found in 29.6% of root filled teeth but did not relate to the levels of any of the inflammatory markers.ConclusionsThis study supports the notion that inflammation at the periapex is more than a local process and that systemic influences cannot be disregarded. Whether the observed alterations in plasma levels of inflammatory markers have any dismal effects on systemic health is presently unknown but, considering the present results, in demand of further investigation.
Opsin diversity and evolution in the Elateroidea superfamily: Insights from transcriptome data
Authors: Amaral Danilo T. , Bonatelli Isabel A. S. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractVision plays a vital biological role in organisms, which depends on the visual pigment molecules (opsin plus chromophore). The expansion or reduction of spectral channels in the organisms is determined by distinct opsin classes and copy numbers resulting from duplication or loss. Within Coleoptera, the superfamily Elateroidea exhibits a great diversity of morphological and physiological characteristics, such as bioluminescence, making this group an important model for opsin studies. While molecular and physiological studies have been conducted in Lampyridae and Elateridae, other families remain unexplored. Here, we reused transcriptome datasets from Elateroidea species, including members of Elateridae, Lampyridae, Phengodidae, Rhagophthalmidae, Cantharidae, and Lycidae, to detect the diversity of putative opsin genes in this superfamily. In addition, we tested the signature of sites under positive selection in both ultraviolet (UV)‐ and long‐wavelength (LW)‐opsin classes. Although the visual system in Elateroidea is considered simple, we observed events of duplication in LW‐ and UV‐opsin, as well as the absence of UV‐opsin in distinct families, such as larval Phengodidae individuals. We detected different copies of LW‐opsins that were highly expressed in the eyes of distinct tribes of fireflies, indicating the possible selection of each copy during the evolution of the sexual mating to avoid spectrum overlapping. In Elateridae, we found that the bioluminescent species had a distinct LW‐opsin copy compared with the non‐bioluminescent species, suggesting events of duplication and loss. The signature of positive selection showed only one residue associated with the chromophore binding site in the Elateroidea, which may produce a bathochromic shift in the wavelength absorption spectra in this family. Overall, this study brings important content and fills gaps regarding opsin evolution in Elateroidea.
Nursing and midwifery research priorities for Kenya: Results from a national Delphi survey
Authors: Mutisya Albanus , Wagoro Miriam , Nzengya Daniel , Edwards Joan , Secor‐Turner Molly 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe International Council of Nurses and the World Health Organization have prioritized evidence‐based nursing and midwifery practice derived from nurse‐led research. However, in a low‐resource country like Kenya, there is a need to identify research priorities to optimize utilization of limited existing research infrastructure and funding. Kenya lacks a nursing and midwifery research strategy to guide research prioritization.IntroductionThe goal of this study was to identify and describe nursing and midwifery research priorities for Kenya.MethodsA cross‐sectional Delphi survey using two iterative rounds of electronic data collection was used to reach a consensus about priorities for nursing and midwifery research in Kenya. NVivo‐12 was used to analyze the qualitative data to identify categories, sub‐themes, and themes; descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data.ResultsParticipants included 159 nurse managers, administrators, and educators representing regional, county, and national referral, private, and faith‐based hospitals, nurse training schools, research institutions, and nursing organizations in Kenya. Staffing challenges, motivation, remuneration, and funding for higher education were ranked as the top critically important issues using a cutoff point of ≥ 70% agreement.ConclusionThere is a need for the development of a National Framework for Nursing and Midwifery Research Priorities in Kenya to guide research that builds excellence in meeting nursing and midwifery human resource concerns and ultimately improves patient care practices and outcomes.Implications for nursing and nursing policyThe objective of Kenya's health goals delineated within three key national health documents cannot be attained without adequate numbers of nursing and midwifery professionals and policies that address nursing and midwifery staffing challenges, remuneration for employment, and improved funding for higher education.
Using interpretive structural modeling (ISM) to detect and define initiatives that facilitate hemodynamic laboratory management
Authors: Çipi Amali , Ferreira Alexandra C. , Ferreira Fernando A. F. , Ferreira Neuza C. M. Q. F. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractHealthcare organizations are constantly changing—as are many companies in other business sectors—and the quest for ways to improve requires these organizations to examine continuously the processes involved in their daily activities. This study sought to analyze hemodynamic laboratories’ operating activities using problem structuring methods. The main aims were to understand underlying processes more fully and to delineate initiatives that can facilitate better management (e.g., the use of cutting‐edge technology based on artificial intelligence). The data analysis focused on the particular case of the Laboratório de Hemodinâmica do Hospital de Santa Marta (LHHSM) (Santa Marta Hospital Hemodynamic Laboratory) and relied on interpretive structural modeling. The data were collected during a brainstorming session with a panel of experts in the selected area and combined with the key concepts identified by a literature review of hemodynamic laboratory management studies. The results provide a better understanding of the relationships between variables that influence the dynamics of these laboratories, thereby providing the LHHSM with the information needed to select appropriate improvement initiatives. A follow‐up session with the LHHSM service director was held to consolidate the findings. This study's contributions and limitations were also defined.
Research and application of biomimetic modified ceramics and ceramic composites: A review
Authors: Li Xuefei , Guo Zhiwei , Huang Qiren , Yuan Chengqing 
Published: October 2023

AbstractCeramic materials are widely used in engineering field because of their good physical and chemical properties. The poor mechanical properties of traditional ceramics seriously limit the development of ceramic materials and have attracted extensive attention since its birth. The development of high toughness, light weight, and functional ceramic materials has long been the pursuit of materials scientists. Since ancient times, nature has been the source of all kinds of human technological ideas, engineering principles, and major inventions. The functional structure of biology provides a good research object for the bionic design and preparation of ceramic materials. Therefore, it is necessary to summarize the functional structures and mechanisms in nature and biomimetic preparation technology. The purpose of this review is to provide guidance for the functionalized biomimetic design and efficient preparation of ceramic materials. Some typical functional examples in nature are introduced in detail, and several representative biomimetic preparation methods are listed. Finally, the performance and application status of biomimetic ceramics are summarized, and the future development direction of biomimetic ceramic materials is prospected.
Relationship between work‐related psychosocial factors and self‐leadership in advanced nurse practitioners: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Duignan Martin , Drennan Jonathan , Mc Carthy Vera J. C. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between advanced nurse practitioners' self‐leadership and commitment to the workplace, work engagement and influence at work.BackgroundThe concept of self‐leadership is particularly suited to ANPs, who are required to take responsibility for their work roles. An optimum balance between the ANPs' psychosocial work environment and self‐leadership may positively impact work ability in this group and can be compromised by interactions between and among these variables.DesignA cross‐sectional correlational study was conducted from July 2020 to August 2020 on 153 ANPs across a national health service.MethodsThe survey was distributed to respondents online. The revised self‐leadership questionnaire was used to measure self‐leadership, and three scales from the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire were used to measure commitment to the workplace, work engagement and influence at work. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the association between self‐leadership and the psychosocial variables.ResultsANPs with high levels of self‐leadership reported high levels of work engagement and commitment to the workplace. No relationship was found between self‐leadership and influence at work.ConclusionImproving self‐leadership among ANPs by involving them in strategic leadership activities at an organizational level could be an effective strategy for optimizing the role and facilitating ANPs to contribute at an organizational level beyond the clinical interface. However, organizational support is required to ensure that ANPs practise to the full potential of their training and capability.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution.ImpactThis study provided new evidence of a relationship between ANPs' self‐leadership and psychosocial factors. This study found that ANPs with high levels of self‐leadership reported high levels of work engagement and commitment to the workplace. Policymakers and organizational leaders can optimize the ANP role and facilitate ANPs to contribute strategically to improve care systems. This study identifies a relationship between ANPs' self‐leadership and specific psychosocial variables.
CircularRNA Hsa_circ_0093335 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression via sponging miR‐338‐5p
Authors: Qin Xiangyu , Zhou Lingyu , Shen Yaojie , Gu Yuwei , Tang Jia , Qian Junwei , Cui An , Chen Mingquan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractCircular RNAs play an important role in the development of various malignancies, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nevertheless, the role of Hsa_circ_0093335 (circ0093335) in HCC has not yet been explored. To investigate the biological effects and molecular mechanisms of circ0093335 on HCC. Circ0093335 expression was detected in HCC cells and clinical specimens using qRT‐PCR. The association between circ0093335 expression and HCC patients' clinical characteristics was determined using SPSS. The role of circ0093335 in HCC was estimated by overexpression and knockdown experiments in vitro and in vivo. qRT‐PCR, nucleoplasma separation assay, FISH assay, RIP, dual luciferase reporter assay and rescue assay were used to validate the regulatory effect of circ0093335 on miR‐338‐5p. The study findings showed that circ0093335 was upregulated in HCC. High circ0093335 expression was linked with the tumour‐node‐metastasis stage and microvascular tumour invasion. circ0093335 is greatly involved in HCC cell proliferation, aggressive ability and mouse tumour growth, according to many in vitro and in vivo tests. Mechanistically, circ0093335 downregulated miR‐338‐5p expression by sponging, consequently promoting HCC progression. Our research indicated that circ0093335 might be a target for HCC therapy since it promotes tumour progression by acting as a miR‐338‐5p ‘sponge’.
Periodontitis is associated with airflow obstruction in the Malmö Offspring Dental Study
Authors: Røsland Anders , Bertelsen Randi J. , Bunæs Dagmar F. , Drengenes Christine , Engström Gunnar , Klinge Bjørn , Lie Stein‐Atle , Nilsson Peter M. , Jönsson Daniel , Malinovschi Andrei 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAimTo investigate the association between periodontitis and lung function in the Malmö Offspring Dental Study.Materials and MethodsIn all 1001 individuals (49.9% female, mean age: 44.6) from Malmö Offspring Dental Study were included. Periodontitis was assessed by a full‐mouth examination protocol including bleeding on probing and classified according to the American Academy of Periodontology/Center for Disease Control definitions. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were expressed as absolute values and %predicted according to Global Lung Function Initiative reference values. FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC were analysed in relation to periodontal status using linear regression.ResultsSevere periodontitis was found in 7% of the population. Adjusted regression models showed significant associations between lung function and severe periodontitis with 2.1 unit lower FEV1/FVC ratio (95% CI: −3.91, –0.23) and odds ratio (adjusted) of 2.56 (95% CI: 1.40, 4.75, p = .003) for airflow obstruction (FEV1/FVC less than the lower limit of normal) if having severe periodontitis. Lower values of %predicted FEV1 and %predicted FVC, but not FEV1/FVC, were found in individuals with >25% bleeding on probing.ConclusionsSevere periodontitis was associated with lower FEV1/FVC ratio and airflow obstruction in the present cohort. More large‐scale prospective studies and intervention studies are required for a comprehensive evaluation.
Predicting community traits along an alpine grassland transect using field imaging spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Feng , Wu Wenjuan , Li Lang , Liu Xiaodi , Zhou Guangsheng , Xu Zhenzhu 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAssessing plant community traits is important for understanding how terrestrial ecosystems respond and adapt to global climate change. Field hyperspectral remote sensing is effective for quantitatively estimating vegetation properties in most terrestrial ecosystems, although it remains to be tested in areas with dwarf and sparse vegetation, such as the Tibetan Plateau. We measured canopy reflectance in the Tibetan Plateau using a handheld imaging spectrometer and conducted plant community investigations along an alpine grassland transect. We estimated community structural and functional traits, as well as community function based on a field survey and laboratory analysis using 14 spectral vegetation indices (VIs) derived from hyperspectral images. We quantified the contributions of environmental drivers, VIs, and community traits to community function by structural equation modelling (SEM). Univariate linear regression analysis showed that plant community traits are best predicted by the normalized difference vegetation index, enhanced vegetation index, and simple ratio. Structural equation modelling showed that VIs and community traits positively affected community function, whereas environmental drivers and specific leaf area had the opposite effect. Additionally, VIs integrated with environmental drivers were indirectly linked to community function by characterizing the variations in community structural and functional traits. This study demonstrates that community‐level spectral reflectance will help scale plant trait information measured at the leaf level to larger‐scale ecological processes. Field imaging spectroscopy represents a promising tool to predict the responses of alpine grassland communities to climate change.
Book Review: Alzheimer's Disease Research: What has guided research so far and why it is high time for a paradigm shift (Christian Behl. Springer Nature, Switzerland, 2023) 661 pp.
Authors: Turner Anthony J. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis is a review of a recently published book entitled ‘Alzheimer's Disease Research: What has guided research so far and why it is high time for a paradigm shift’ by Christian Behl, a leading contributor to the field of Alzheimer disease over the last three decades. It presents a personal viewpoint on the historical developments in dementia research and therapeutics from its early beginnings through to the current day. The conflicting hypotheses, the therapeutic trials, the successes and the failures of the vast research infrastructure devoted to dissecting the aberrant pathways underlying the inexorable progression of this ultimately fatal neurodegenerative disease are discussed. It is based, among others, on numerous personal discussions of the author with other leading researchers in the field, and thus gives this (hi)story of Alzheimer research a personal touch and spotlight on controversies that distinguishes it from other books in the field.image
The autobiographical fluency task: Validity and reliability of a tool to assess episodic autobiographical memory and experience‐near personal semantics
Authors: Conti Matilde , Teghil Alice , Boccia Maddalena 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe assessment of autobiographical memory is challenging in clinical settings. The Autobiographical Fluency Task (AFT) – that is designed to test both Episodic Autobiographical Memory (EAM) and experience‐near Personal Semantics (enPS) – may represent a feasible and rapid method to test access to autobiographical memories. Here we tested the reliability and the construct validity of the AFT. A total number of 51 individuals participated in the present study, with 24 included in Experiment 1 and 27 in Experiment 2. In Experiment 1, participants performed both the AFT and the Survey of Autobiographical Memory (SAM). In Experiment 2, participants completed the AFT and the Autobiographical Interview (AI). The AFT showed a moderate‐to‐high reliability. Also, EAM and enPS scores significantly correlated with the episodic subscale of the SAM. Results of Experiment 1 were replicated and expanded in Experiment 2. Again, the AFT showed a high reliability. Both EAM and enPS showed a significant correlation with the number of internal details produced during the AI; enPS also correlated with the number of external details. Overall, the present results show that the AFT may be a feasible instrument to assess autobiographical memory, especially for testing episodic autobiographical memory and experience‐near personal semantics in clinical settings.
Stepfamily variation in parent–child relationship quality in later life
Authors: Lin I‐Fen , Seltzer Judith A. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectiveWe use a family systems approach to examine how stepfamily structure is associated with both positive and negative parent–child relationships while considering mothers' and fathers' discrepant reports.BackgroundTwo in five older couples with children are in stepfamilies. Past research on later‐life stepfamily dynamics has focused mainly on positive aspects of relationships and compared reports of mothers and fathers from different families.MethodUsing the U.S. Health and Retirement Study, we estimated multilevel models with data from married couples in which both spouses reported living children and answered all questions about positive and negative parent–child relationships (N = 2150).ResultsCouples in stepfamilies reported less positive and more negative relationships with their children than did couples in non‐stepfamilies. Mothers reported more positive relationships than fathers, but there was no gender difference in reports of negative relationships. The patterns of perceived parent–child relationships and divergent reports between mothers and fathers also varied by stepfamily structure. Structural complexity was not consistently related to positive or negative relationships.ConclusionThis study underscores the importance of considering mothers' and fathers' different points of view in the same family and examining both positive and negative parent–child interactions as negative relationships are not merely the reverse of positive relationships.