bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between periodontitis and chronic kidney disease by functional atherosclerosis status among older Japanese individuals: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Shimizu Yuji , Yamanashi Hirotomo , Kitamura Masayasu , Miyata Jun , Nonaka Fumiaki , Nakamichi Seiko , Saito Toshiyuki , Nagata Yasuhiro , Maeda Takahiro 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAimThis study aimed to clarify the influence of functional atherosclerosis on the association between periodontitis and chronic kidney disease (CKD).Materials and MethodsA cross‐sectional study of 998 older Japanese individuals aged 60–99 years who participated in an oral health check‐up was conducted. Early and advanced periodontitis were defined as periodontal pocket depth of 4.0–5.9 mm and ≥6.0 mm, respectively. Functional atherosclerosis was defined as cardio‐ankle vascular index ≥9.0.ResultsOf the 998 study participants, 238 (23.8%) had CKD. No significant associations between periodontitis and CKD were observed in participants without functional atherosclerosis. After adjusting for known cardiovascular risk factors, the odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) was 1.31 (0.81–2.11) for early periodontitis and 0.74 (0.41–1.34) for advanced periodontitis. Significant positive associations were observed for participants with functional atherosclerosis; the adjusted ORs (95% CIs) were 1.76 (1.04–3.01) for early periodontitis and 1.95 (1.05–3.63) for advanced periodontitis.ConclusionsA significant positive association between periodontitis and CKD was established for older participants with functional atherosclerosis. No significant associations were observed for those without functional atherosclerosis. These results can help clarify the influence of periodontitis on systemic circulation.
Anatomical study of the red flour beetle using synchrotron radiation X‐ray phase‐contrast micro‐tomography
Authors: Vommaro Maria Luigia , Donato Sandro , Lo Lai Ka , Brandmayr Pietro , Giglio Anita 
Published: November 2022

AbstractSynchrotron X‐ray phase‐contrast microtomography (SR‐PhC micro‐CT) is well established, fast and non‐destructive imaging technique for data acquisition that is currently being used to obtain new insights into insect anatomy and function in physiological, morphological and phylogenetic studies. In this study, we described in situ the internal organs of the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum Herbst 1797, a widespread pest of cereals and stored food causing serious damage to the human economy. Two‐dimensional virtual sections and volumetric reconstructions of the nervous, alimentary and reproductive systems were carried out in both sexes. The results provided a comprehensive overview of the morphological characteristics of this species, such as the different maturation stages of ovarioles and the realistic location, size and shape of internal organs. Given the great interest in this model species in experimental biology and forensic entomology, complete knowledge of the general anatomy is required for future functional applications in pest control and experimental studies. In addition, this study confirms SR‐PhC micro‐CT as a powerful and innovative tool in entomology, particularly suitable for small species and chitinized structures that are difficult to analyse using conventional dissection and histological methods.
‘All we've ever known is Covid’: A follow‐up study with newly qualified nurses who worked as student nurses during the pandemic
Authors: Godbold Rosemary , Whiting Lisa , Adams Claire , Chokeepermal‐Naidu Yogini 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAims and ObjectivesTo explore the experiences of nursing students in England who had worked through the first wave and transitioned to qualification in the ongoing pandemic.BackgroundExperiences of health professionals and student nurses during the pandemic are now well documented, but the transition of students to qualification is less well understood. In Summer 2020, we interviewed 16 student nurses who had worked as health care assistants on paid extended placements as part of the COVID‐19 response in the East of England, finding surprisingly positive experiences, including perceived heightened preparedness for qualification. A year later, we re‐interviewed 12 participants from the original study to hear about transitioning to qualification during the ongoing pandemic. This study provides novel insights into their experiences.DesignA qualitative study design was used.MethodsTwelve newly qualified nurses who had participated in the original study took part in qualitative, online interviews where they shared their experiences of working and transitioning to qualification during the ongoing pandemic since we spoke to them a year earlier. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. COREQ guidelines were used in developing and reporting this study.ResultsThree themes were identified. Constant change: in the clinical environment and arising out of the transition to newly qualified nurse, mental health and well‐being and reflecting on the past to learn for the future.ConclusionsParticipants experienced a unique transition to qualification. The perceived heightened preparedness for qualification that participants who had worked as students during the first wave of the pandemic had become a reality, ameliorating some of the known effects of transition. However, increased expectations and added responsibilities in extremely busy, fluctuating clinical environments with minimal support add weight to calls for mandatory preceptorship programmes. While heightened resilience was evident, provision of ongoing mental health and well‐being support is strongly recommended.Relevance to Clinical PracticeWe need a partnership approach with nurse educators and practice colleagues which ensures preparation for qualified practice is appropriate. If we do not effectively prepare students for qualified nurse posts, patient care will almost certainly be compromised.
Oncologic outcome in patients with 2018 FIGO stage IB cervical cancer: Is tumor size important?
Authors: Tokalioglu Abdurrahman A. , Kilic Cigdem , Oktar Okan , Kilic Fatih , Cakir Caner , Yuksel Dilek , Comert Gunsu K. , Korkmaz Vakkas , Turan Taner 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundTo evaluate the prognostic factors and oncologic outcome in patients with 2018 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IB cervical cancer (CC) after radical hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy.Materials and MethodsThis study included 290 patients with type II or III radical hysterectomy + pelvic ± para‐aortic lymphadenectomy and 2018 FIGO stage IB1‐3 epithelial CC. Disease‐free survival (DFS) estimates were determinate by using the Kaplan–Meier method. Survival curves were compared using the log‐rank test. Multivariate analysis was performed using a Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsThe mean age of study cohort was 52 ± 10.25 years. Five‐year DFS was 93% in entire cohort. On univariate analysis, surgical border involvement (p = 0.007), lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) (p = 0.040), uterine involvement (p = 0.040), and depth of cervical stromal invasion (p = 0.007) were found to have statistical significance for DFS. However, none of them were independent prognostic factors for the risk of recurrence. Tumor size according to 2018 FIGO staging criteria was not related with recurrence.ConclusionsSurgical border involvement, LVSI, depth of cervical stromal invasion, and uterine involvement were predictors for DFS on univariate analysis. Tumor size was not predicting to recurrence in patient with 2018 FIGO stage IB1‐3 CC.
The Impact of COVID‐19 on Education Experiences of High School Students in Semi‐Rural Georgia
Authors: Ashta Jasleen K. , Weingart Rachel , Gazmararian Julie A. 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDThis study examines the consequences of COVID‐19 pandemic on academic and career concerns of high school students; relationship between attendance and grades with educational concerns; and association between student perception of the pandemic and decision to attend school virtually or in‐person.METHODSDiverse students in grades 9‐12 from two public high schools in semi‐rural Georgia (n = 666) completed a survey shortly after school closures. Survey results were linked to academic and demographic data. Analyses were examined for differences by demographic and education measures.RESULTSOverall, 60% expressed academic worry and reported obstacles to virtual learning. Hispanic students expressed more worry and less confidence while black students reported less worry than peers. Females indicated more worry than males. Grade 12 students reported greater academic and career worry than younger students. Students eligible for free and reduced lunch expressed more worry and obstacles than peers. Non‐honors and low‐attendance students reported more worry about grades and graduation than their counterparts.CONCLUSIONSResults can inform targeted multi‐level interventions to reduce the pandemic's effects on learning and ensure healthy trajectories for development across demographics. Stakeholders must take proactive measures to recover from academic loss to ensure our youth's healthy development.
Severe rail wear detection with rail running band images
Authors: Wang Qihang , Gao Tianci , He Qing , Liu Yong , Wu Jun , Wang Ping 
Published: November 2022

AbstractRail wear occurs continuously owing to the rolling contact load of trains and is fundamental for railway operational safety. A point‐based manual rail wear inspection cannot satisfy the increasing demand for rapid, low‐cost, and continuous monitoring. This paper proposes a depth‐plus‐region fusion network for detecting rail wear on a running band, which is a collection of wheel–rail interaction traces. The following steps are involved in the proposed method. (i) A depth map estimated by a modified MiDaS model is utilized as guidance for exploiting the depth information of the running band for rail wear detection. (ii) The running band of a rail is segmented and extracted from images using an improved mask region‐based convolutional neural network that uses the scale and ratio information to perform instance segmentation of the running band images. (iii) A two‐channel attention–fusion network that classifies rail wear is constructed. In this study, we collected real‐world running band images and rail wear‐related data to validate our approach using a high‐accuracy rail‐profile measurement tool. The case‐study results demonstrated that the proposed method can rapidly and accurately detect rail wear under different ambient light conditions. Moreover, the recall rate of severe wear detection was 84.21%.
Binding immunoglobulin 2 functions as a proviral factor for potyvirus infections in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Widyasari Kristin , Bwalya John , Kim Kook‐Hyung 
Published: November 2022

AbstractInfection of viruses from the genera Bromovirus, Potyvirus, and Potexvirus in Nicotiana benthamiana induces significant up‐regulation of the genes that encode the HSP70 family, including binding immunoglobulin protein 2 (BiP2). Three up‐regulated genes were knocked down and infection assays with these knockdown lines demonstrated the importance of the BiP2 gene for potyvirus infection but not for infection by the other tested viruses. Distinct symptoms of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and potato virus X (PVX) were observed in the BiP2 knockdown line at 10 days postagroinfiltration. Interestingly, following inoculation with either soybean mosaic virus (SMV) or pepper mottle virus (PepMoV) co‐expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP), neither crinkle symptoms nor GFP signals were observed in the BiP2 knockdown line. Subsequent reverse transcription‐quantitative PCR analysis demonstrated that knockdown of BiP2 resulted in a significant decrease of SMV and PepMoV RNA accumulation but not PVX or CMV RNA accumulation. Further yeast two‐hybrid and co‐immunoprecipitation analyses validated the interaction between BiP2 and nuclear inclusion protein b (NIb) of SMV. Together, our findings suggest the crucial role of BiP2 as a proviral host factor necessary for potyvirus infection. The interaction between BiP2 and NIb may be the critical factor determining susceptibility in N. benthamiana, but further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanism.
High sampling resolution optical coherence tomography reveals potential concurrent reductions in ganglion cell‐inner plexiform and inner nuclear layer thickness but not in outer retinal thickness in glaucoma
Authors: Tong Janelle , Phu Jack , Alonso‐Caneiro David , Khuu Sieu K. , Kalloniatis Michael 
Published: November 2022

AbstractPurposeTo analyse optical coherence tomography (OCT)‐derived inner nuclear layer (INL) and outer retinal complex (ORC) measurements relative to ganglion cell‐inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) measurements in glaucoma.MethodsGlaucoma participants (n = 271) were categorised by 10‐2 visual field defect type. Differences in GCIPL, INL and ORC thickness were calculated between glaucoma and matched healthy eyes (n = 548). Hierarchical cluster algorithms were applied to generate topographic patterns of retinal thickness change, with agreement between layers assessed using Cohen's kappa (κ). Differences in GCIPL, INL and ORC thickness within and outside GCIPL regions showing the greatest reductions and Spearman's correlations between layer pairs were compared with 10‐2 mean deviation (MD) and pattern standard deviation (PSD) to determine trends with glaucoma severity.ResultsGlaucoma participants with inferior and superior defects presented with concordant GCIPL and INL defects demonstrating mostly fair‐to‐moderate agreement (κ = 0.145–0.540), which was not observed in eyes with no or ring defects (κ = −0.067–0.230). Correlations (r) with MD and PSD were moderate and weak in GCIPL and INL thickness differences, respectively (GCIPL vs. MD r = 0.479, GCIPL vs. PSD r = −0.583, INL vs. MD r = 0.259, INL vs. PSD r = −0.187, p = <0.0001–0.002), and weak in GCIPL‐INL correlations (MD r = 0.175, p = 0.004 and PSD r = 0.154, p = 0.01). No consistent patterns in ORC thickness or correlations were observed.ConclusionsIn glaucoma, concordant reductions in macular INL and GCIPL thickness can be observed, but reductions in ORC thickness appear unlikely. These findings suggest that trans‐synaptic retrograde degeneration may occur in glaucoma and could indicate the usefulness of INL thickness in evaluating glaucomatous damage.
Amount of Melanin Granules in Human Hair Defines the Absorption and Conversion to Heat of Light Energy in the Visible Spectrum
Authors: Roldan‐Kalil Joshua , Zueva Lidia , Alves Janaina , Tsytsarev Vassiliy , Sanabria Priscila , Inyushin Mikhail 
Published: November 2022

AbstractOne of the known important functions of hair is protection from extensive sunlight. This protection is accomplished in large part due to natural hair pigmentation which is known to reflect the number of melanin granules (melanosomes) in the hair shaft, and melanin variants. Melanin takes in excessive light energy and converts it to heat in a process called absorption; heat is then dissipated into the environment as infrared radiation, thereby protecting the underlying skin. We used transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to visualize the melanosome counts in samples of human hair, and used thermal microscopy to measure the temperature changes of the samples when exposed to green and blue light lasers. In our experiments green light conversion to heat was highly correlated to the number of melanosomes, whereas blue light conversion to heat was less correlated, which may be because the reddish melanosomes it contains are less effective in absorbing energy from the blue spectrum of light. Anyway, we have shown the metals accumulation in the melanin can be easily visualized with TEM. We confirmed that the amount of melanin granules in human hair defines the conversion to heat of light energy in the visible spectrum.
Investigating sustained attention in contextual threat using steady‐state VEPs evoked by flickering video stimuli
Authors: Stegmann Yannik , Andreatta Marta , Pauli Paul , Keil Andreas , Wieser Matthias J. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAnxiety is characterized by anxious anticipation and heightened vigilance to uncertain threat. However, if threat is not reliably indicated by a specific cue, the context in which threat was previously experienced becomes its best predictor, leading to anxiety. A suitable means to induce anxiety experimentally is context conditioning: In one context (CTX+), an unpredictable aversive stimulus (US) is repeatedly presented, in contrast to a second context (CTX−), in which no US is ever presented. In this EEG study, we investigated attentional mechanisms during acquisition and extinction learning in 38 participants, who underwent a context conditioning protocol. Flickering video stimuli (32 s clips depicting virtual offices representing CTX+/−) were used to evoke steady‐state visual evoked potentials (ssVEPs) as an index of visuocortical engagement with the contexts. Analyses of the electrocortical responses suggest a successful induction of the ssVEP signal by video presentation in flicker mode. Furthermore, we found clear indices of context conditioning and extinction learning on a subjective level, while cortical processing of the CTX+ was unexpectedly reduced during video presentation. The differences between CTX+ and CTX− diminished during extinction learning. Together, these results indicate that the dynamic sensory input of the video presentation leads to disruptions in the ssVEP signal, which is greater for motivationally significant, threatening contexts.
Temporal and spatial changes of soil erosion under land use and land cover change based on Chinese soil loss equation in the typical watershed on the Loess Plateau
Authors: Zhang Biao , Chen Ziyu , Shi Xuejin , Wu Shufang , Feng Hao , Gao Xiaodong , Siddique Kadambot H. M. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractLand use and land cover change (LULCC) directly affect the temporal and spatial change of soil erosion. As a typical governance watershed in the hilly and gully area of the Loess Plateau, the Jiuyuangou watershed has experienced significant LULCC in the past 10 years due to conversion of farmland to forests, economic construction, and cropland abandonment. However, the evolution process of soil erosion change and LULCC in the watershed is unclear, as is the relationship between the two. This study used satellite images to extract information on LULCC in the watershed and the Chinese soil loss equation (CSLE) model to evaluate the temporal and spatial evolution of soil erosion in the watershed from 2010 to 2020. The main results showed that (1) the continuous vegetation restoration project in the watershed reduced soil erosion from 2010 to 2015; however, the increased frequency of extreme rainfall events after 2015 reduced its impact. The annual average soil erosion modulus decreased from 10.85 t ha−1 year−1 in 2010 to 8.03 t ha−1 year−1 in 2015 but then increased to 10.57 t ha−1 year−1 in 2020; (2) the main land use and land cover (LULC) type in the Jiuyuangou watershed is grassland, accounting for 62% of the total area, followed by forestland, cropland, buildings, and water. Cropland has the largest multi‐year average soil erosion modulus, followed by grassland and buildings, with forestland having the smallest; (3) significant spatial correlations occurred between soil erosion change and LULCC for common ‘no change’ and common ‘gain’ in the settlements, roads, and areas near the human influences with good soil and water conservation, but not other regions due to the influence of climatic factors (heavy rain events). Thus, we should repair terraces, control dams in the watershed, and actively conserve water and soil. This study provides a scientific reference for planning and managing water and soil conservation and ecological environment construction in the watershed.
Nigeria and the AfCFTA as a two‐level game
Authors: Byiers Bruce Irving , Woolfrey Sean 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis paper makes the case for analysing the political economy of regional integration in Africa to help address the implementation gap that affects African economic integration. It builds on the “two‐level games” model of inter‐state negotiations developed by Putnam (International Organisation, 42, 1988, 427) and the “five lenses” approach to political economy analysis proposed by Byiers et al. (African Economic Brief, 6, 2015, 1). The paper then applies the approach to Nigeria's engagement with AfCFTA negotiations, and identifies potential constraints, challenges and opportunities in relation to the implementation of the AfCFTA by Nigeria. At the continental level, Nigeria's power and aspirations to continental leadership allowed and inspired it to play a prominent role in the AfCFTA negotiations. However, within‐country dynamics in Nigeria slowed the signing of the AfCFTA Agreement and the same may yet undermine its implementation. More broadly the Nigerian case study illustrates the kinds of actors and factors that will shape how other African states implement the AfCFTA. In this regard political economy analysis, and in particular, the methodological approach developed here, can help understand the interests, incentives and agency at play in domestic contexts.
Services trade policy and industry performance in African economies
Authors: Fiorini Matteo , Hoekman Bernard , Quinn Dennis 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis paper assesses the potential impacts of services trade liberalisation for a sample of African countries. The focus is on the relationship between labour productivity of manufacturing sectors and two types of services trade‐related policies – restrictions on foreign direct investment (FDI) in services and restrictions on international payments for invisibles. The analysis takes into account differences across manufacturing sectors in the intensity of use of different services as inputs into production as well as difference in the quality of economic governance across countries. We find that services trade liberalisation may have substantial positive impacts on the performance of manufacturing sectors, and increase with services input intensity and the quality of governance.
Linking Southern Africa to South Africa's exports: New opportunities for regional value chains
Authors: Banga Karishma , Balchin Neil 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis study explores the potential for South Africa to become an engine for intra‐regional trade and industrial development in Southern Africa. It focuses on new backward linkages that can be created from South African exports of final products to producers of intermediate inputs in other Southern African countries. We do so by identifying South Africa's lead products, where it has formed its own GVCs, and, in turn, earmarking intermediate inputs used in the production of these lead products. Using Revealed Comparative Advantage and Unit Cost analysis, we identify Southern African countries that could supply the identified imported intermediate inputs more competitively than South Africa's existing partners and kickstart regional integration. We explore issues around the nature of linkages, supplier capabilities and industrial policies in the region, with special reference to the identified product value chains. Focusing on the agricultural sector—a key regional priority with immense potential for industrial growth and large‐scale employment—we also identify existing agricultural lead products in South Africa, and the ‘new markets’ to which South Africa can export.