bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alemtuzumab versus anti‐thymocyte globulin in kidney transplant recipients receiving a rapid steroid withdrawal regimen
Authors: Rikard Rachel A. , Chargualaf Laura M. , Coulter Carolyn , Weimer Eric T. , Schmitz John L. , Kotzen Elizabeth S. , Prom Alyson , Toledo Alexander H. , Szempruch Kristen R.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

In kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), steroid‐free maintenance regimens are used to minimize the negative impact of steroid use. Studies comparing alemtuzumab (ALZ) and anti‐thymocyte globulin (ATG) with rapid steroid withdrawal are limited. The aim of this study was to assess a composite outcome of incidence of de novo donor specific antibodies (dnDSAs), biopsy proven rejection (BPAR), graft failure, or death in KTRs receiving ALZ or ATG with a steroid‐free maintenance regimen.

Methods

A single‐center, retrospective cohort study was conducted in adult KTRs who underwent rapid steroid withdrawal. There were two cohorts, KTRs who received induction with ALZ compared to ATG. The primary composite outcome was incidence of dnDSAs, BPAR, graft failure, or death. Secondary outcomes included renal function, cytomegalovirus (CMV) and BK viremia, and leukopenia.

Results

Two hundred twenty‐five KTRs were included where 146 received ALZ and 79 received ATG. The Cox proportional hazard of the primary composite outcome in the ALZ compared to ATG group was not significant (unadjusted model HR 1.37, 95% CI .74–2.55). Individual incidences of composite outcome were similar. There was a difference in estimated glomerular filtration rate at 12 months post‐transplant (55.7 vs. 62.3 mL/min/1.73m2, p = .03) and leukopenia at 3 months (3.7 vs. 4.2 × 109/L, p = .03). Other secondary outcomes were similar.

Conclusions

There was no difference in composite outcome for dnDSAs, BPAR, graft failure, and death.
Asymptomatic lymphogranuloma venereum is commonly found among men who have sex with men in Austria
Authors: Chromy David , Sadoghi Birgit , Gasslitter Irina , Skocic Mattias , Okoro Anthony , Grabmeier‐Pfistershammer Katharina , Willinger Birgit , Weninger Wolfgang , Öllinger Angela , Sarcletti Mario , Stary Georg , Bauer Wolfgang Michael
Published: February 2024

Background and Objectives

Serovar L1–L3 of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) causes lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV). A surge in LGV‐cases has been observed among HIV‐positive men who have sex with men (MSM). Discrimination between LGV and non‐LGV is pivotal since it has major treatment implications. Here, we aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of LGV among CT‐infections.

Patients and Methods

All CT‐positive results from 04/2014–12/2021 at the four largest Austrian HIV and STI clinics were evaluated. Disease characteristics and patient demographics were analyzed.

Results

Overall, n  =  2,083 infections of CT were documented in n  =  1,479 individual patients: median age was 31.4 years, 81% were male, 59% MSM, 44% HIV‐positive, 13% on HIV pre‐exposure‐prophylaxis. Available serovar analyses (61% [1,258/2,083]) showed L1–L3 in 15% (192/1,258). Considering only MSM with rectal CT‐infection, LGV accounted for 23% (101/439). Cases of LGV vs. other CT‐infections were primarily MSM (92% [177/192] vs. 62% [1,179/1,891], p < 0.001), more often HIV‐positive (64% [116/180] vs. 46% [631/1,376]; p < 0.001) and had frequently concomitant syphilis infection (18% [32/180] vs. 7% [52/749]; p < 0.001). LGV commonly manifested as proctitis (38% [72/192]) whereas 45% (87/192) were asymptomatic.

Conclusions

Lymphogranuloma venereum accounted for 23% of rectal CT‐infections in MSM. Furthermore, 45% of all LGV‐cases were asymptomatic. In the absence of CT‐serovar analysis, a high LGV prevalence should be considered in risk‐populations and guide empiric treatment selection.
Coordination schemes for resource reallocation and patient transfer in hospital alliance models
Authors: Li Zhong‐Ping , Chang Jasmine , Shi Jim , Wang Jian‐Jun
Published: February 2024

In many countries, healthcare systems encounter the issue of imbalance between supply and demand in a hierarchical structure. The comprehensive hospitals, which possess more high‐quality resources, are often overwhelmed, while their counterparts, community hospitals, are often idle. To address this imbalance issue, certain payment schemes are generally considered effective in motivating comprehensive hospitals to divert patients downstream via resource transfer. In addition to two particular payment schemes, namely, patient payment (PP) and fee‐for‐capacity (FFC), this study also considers two hospital alliance models, the government‐led (GL‐type) and the hospital‐forged (HF‐type) alliance, for effectively overcoming the imbalance issue. Compared to the HF‐type alliance, in which each community hospital determines the price paid to the comprehensive hospital for transferring resources, the GL‐type alliance requires the payment price to be set by the regulator. Methodologically, this study devises a three‐stage sequential game to characterize the dynamics among the various entities, such as the regulator, the comprehensive hospital, the community hospitals, and the patients. Equilibrium results, in terms of the capacity sinking rate and patient transfer rate, are derived, and scheme and alliance performances are evaluated using various measurements, such as patient utility, and hospital and social welfare. We find that a direct payment scheme (FFC) under a centralized alliance model (GL‐type alliance) is more effective for both making decisions (about the patient transfer rate, capacity sinking rate, and payment price) and the performances (of each hospital's welfare, patient welfare, the waiting time per patient, and social welfare). Furthermore, our study examines the impacts of the alliance scale and finds that social welfare is first decreasing and then increasing with alliance scale. Therefore, it is suggested to establish either a one‐to‐one hospital alliance (consisting of a comprehensive and a community hospital) or a large‐scale (e.g., a comprehensive and 10 community hospitals) hospital alliance.
Utility of apical four‐chamber longitudinal strain in the assessment of childhood cancer survivors: A multicenter study
Authors: Mosgrove Matthew J. , Sachdeva Ritu , Stratton Kayla L. , Armenian Saro H. , Bhat Aarti , Leger Kasey J. , Yang Christina , Leisenring Wendy M. , Meacham Lillian R. , Sadak Karim T. , Narasimhan Shanti L. , Nathan Paul C. , Chow Eric J. , Border William L.
Published: February 2024

Background

A previous multicenter study showed that longitudinal changes in standard cardiac functional parameters were associated with the development of cardiomyopathy in childhood cancer survivors (CCS). Evaluation of the relationship between global longitudinal strain (GLS) changes and cardiomyopathy risk was limited, largely due to lack of quality apical 2‐ and 3‐chamber views in addition to 4‐chamber view. We sought to determine whether apical 4‐chamber longitudinal strain (A4LS) alone can serve as a suitable surrogate for GLS in this population.

Methods

A4LS and GLS were measured in echocardiograms with acceptable apical 2‐, 3‐, and 4‐chamber views. Correlation was evaluated using Pearson and Spearman coefficients, and agreement was evaluated with Bland–Altman plots. The ability of A4LS to identify normal and abnormal values compared to GLS as the reference was evaluated.

Results

Among a total of 632 reviewed echocardiograms, we identified 130 echocardiograms from 56 patients with adequate views (38% female; mean age at cancer diagnosis 8.3 years; mean follow‐up 9.4 years). Correlation coefficients between A4LS and GLS were .89 (Pearson) and .85 (Spearman), with Bland–Altman plot of GLS—A4LS showing a mean difference of −.71 ± 1.8. Compared with GLS as the gold standard, A4LS had a sensitivity of 86% (95% CI 79%–93%) and specificity of 82% (69%–95%) when using normal range cutoffs and 90% (82%–97%) and 70% (58%–81%) when using ±2 standard deviations.

Conclusion

A4LS performs well when compared with GLS in this population. Given the more recent adoption of apical 2‐ and 3‐chamber views in most pediatric echocardiography laboratories, A4LS is a reasonable stand‐alone measurement in retrospective analyses of older study cohorts and echocardiogram biorepositories.
Altered left atrial metrics in patients with cryptogenic stroke: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Clark Amy , Ferkh Aaisha , Vandenberg Jamie , Elhindi James , Thomas Liza
Published: February 2024

Background

There is no defined cause for cryptogenic stroke/embolic stroke of undetermined source (CS‐ESUS). As atrial fibrillation (AF) develops in a significant proportion of these patients, it has been suggested that left atrial (LA) myopathy may predispose to CS‐ESUS. We investigated alterations in echocardiographic measures of LA size and function in patients with CS‐ESUS.

Methods

A systematic literature review and meta‐analysis was performed. PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and SCOPUS were searched for articles published between 1 January 1990 and 10 February 2023. All observational studies of adult CS‐ESUS patients with LA volume or function measurements performed by transthoracic echocardiogram were included. Individual random effects meta‐analyses were performed on LA measurements in the CS‐ESUS patients using subgroup analysis of comparator groups.

Results

We included 29 articles with 3927 CS‐ESUS patients. Analysis of weighted mean differences showed CS‐ESUS patients had altered LA structure and function parameters, with a larger maximum indexed LA volume, reduced LA emptying fraction and/or LA reservoir strain, compared to healthy controls and noncardioembolic stroke patients. Conversely, CS‐ESUS patients had a smaller left atrium with better function, compared to cardioembolic stroke patients and CS‐ESUS patients who subsequently developed atrial fibrillation.

Conclusions

LA volume and function are altered in CS‐ESUS patients compared to healthy controls and other stroke aetiologies. An underlying atrial myopathy in a subset of CS‐ESUS patients may be involved in both thrombogenesis and dysrhythmia (specifically AF). While LA functional assessment is not currently recommended following stroke, it may offer an opportunity for recurrent stroke risk stratification.
No major effect of dopamine receptor 1/5 antagonist SCH‐23390 on epileptic activity in the Tg2576 mouse model of amyloidosis
Authors: B. Szabo Anna , Sayegh Farès , Gauzin Sèbastien , Lejards Camille , Guiard Bruno , Valton Luc , Verret Laure , Rampon Claire , Dahan Lionel
Published: February 2024

The excitation‐inhibition imbalance manifesting as epileptic activities in Alzheimer's disease is gaining more and more attention, and several potentially involved cellular and molecular pathways are currently under investigation. Based on in vitro studies, dopamine D1‐type receptors in the anterior cingulate cortex and the hippocampus have been proposed to participate in this peculiar co‐morbidity in mouse models of amyloidosis. Here, we tested the implication of dopaminergic transmission in vivo in the Tg2576 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease by monitoring epileptic activities via intracranial EEG before and after treatment with dopamine antagonists. Our results show that neither the D1‐like dopamine receptor antagonist SCH23390 nor the D2‐like dopamine receptor antagonist haloperidol reduces the frequency of epileptic activities. While requiring further investigation, our results indicate that on a systemic level, dopamine receptors are not significantly contributing to epilepsy observed in vivo in this mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.
Cognitive outcomes in Susac syndrome: A 2‐year neuropsychological follow‐up study
Authors: Van Vrekhem Tineke , Miatton Marijke , Hemelsoet Dimitri , Van Hijfte Liesbeth , Dekeyser Cathérine , De Zaeytijd Julie , Van Driessche Veroniek , Van Hoecke Helen , Maes Leen , Laureys Guy
Published: February 2024

Background and purpose

Susac syndrome (SuS) is a rare, autoimmune, neurological disease characterized by a clinical triad of branch retinal artery occlusion, sensorineural hearing loss and encephalopathy. Neuropsychological functioning in SuS is little researched and the prevalence, nature, and evolution over time of cognitive deficits in SuS remain unclear. This study aimed to better understand the long‐term neuropsychological outcomes of patients with SuS.

Methods

Thirteen patients with SuS (mean [SD] age 39.5 [11.1] years) were enrolled at the Ghent University Hospital by their treating neurologist. The cognitive functioning and emotional well‐being of each patient was evaluated by means of a thorough neuropsychological test battery at baseline and after 2 years. Follow‐up testing after 2 years was performed in 11 patients (mean [SD] age 42.2 [11.5] years).

Results

Patients showed normal neuropsychological test results at a group level, both at baseline and follow‐up testing. Significant improvements over time were found for information processing speed, verbal recognition, and semantic and phonological fluency. Individual test results showed interindividual variability at baseline, with most impairments being in attention, executive functioning and language, which improved after a 2‐year period. In addition, patients reported significantly lower mental and physical well‐being, both at baseline and follow‐up testing.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that neuropsychological dysfunction in SuS is limited at a group level and improves over time. Nonetheless, individual test results reveal interindividual variability, making cognitive screening essential. Furthermore, a high psycho‐emotional burden of the disease was reported, for which screening and follow‐up are necessary.
Evolution of confrontation and cooperation in simple organisms as a function of environmental resources and cost of a conflict
Authors: Chassy Philippe , Cole Jon , Brennan Chloe
Published: February 2024

The root cause of human conflict needs to be understood but it is currently unknown whether the decision to engage in conflict is an inherited or acquired trait. This article reports two experimental simulations which demonstrate that the level of confrontation in a population of simple organisms can be explained by the evolution of a simulated gene pool. Game theory and evolutionary algorithms were combined in a novel way to examine how six variables influenced the decision to confront in the competition for resources. The main variable was how the genetically determined rate of confrontation evolved as a function of environmental resources and cost of a conflict. The additional modulatory effects of four other variables were also considered in the first round of simulations. Two variables were responsive to the difference between resources and cost. Two other variables were responsive to the organism's health status. Taking a systematic approach, we examined how a population of 1000 organisms were evolving in environments with different levels of reward and punishment. During each cycle, each organism was paired with another organism and thus needed to decide whether to confront or cooperate. We used a genetic algorithm to simulate the evolution of the gene pool over 500 cycles. The first series of simulations demonstrated that the baseline rate of confrontation was very responsive to environmental conditions. Our results also indicate that the decision to confront or cooperate depended not only upon the immediate competitive conditions, in which the organisms evolved, but were also responsive to their own health status. The second series of simulations used zero‐sum games to explore how risk levels varied as a function of the potential cost of engaging in a confrontation. In the second round of simulations, a simple form of memory was implemented. The results indicated that memory had a limited, but significant effect, while the cost of a conflict was highly predictive of the level of risk taken by the organisms. Our two series of simulations show that AI could contribute to answering psychological and societal questions. Our unique combination of techniques has brought to light several new insights into the mechanisms that drive the population towards cooperation and confrontation. The degree of generalizability of our results and future avenues for deepening our understanding of these evolutionary dynamics are discussed.
O‐SCDR: Optimal cluster with attention based shared‐account cross‐domain sequential recommendation using deep reinforcement learning technique
Authors: Nanthini M. , Kumar K. Pradeep Mohan
Published: February 2024

Sequential recommendation involves suggesting subsequent items in a series of user activities. When recommending relevant items to users within the same account, the challenge lies in discerning diverse user behaviours to provide tailored recommendations based on individual preferences and timing. Cross‐domain sequential recommendation (CDSR) focuses on accurately extracting cross‐domain user preferences from both within‐sequence and between‐sequence interactions among items. Current approaches typically concentrate on learning preferences within a single domain using intra‐sequence item interactions, followed by a transfer module for cross‐domain preferences. However, this sequential process and implicit method are constrained by the effectiveness of the transfer module and may overlook inter‐sequence item associations. In this study, we propose an optimal cluster with attention‐based shared‐account cross‐domain sequential recommendation (O‐SCSR) system using deep reinforcement learning techniques. Our approach commences by formulating a modified hummingbird optimization (MHO) algorithm for clustering, effectively identifying latent users who share the same account to enhance the understanding of user interactions within shared‐account scenarios. Additionally, we design a domain filter based on quantum classic deep reinforcement learning (QCDRL), intelligently selecting interactions contributing to O‐SCSR. By quantifying rewards from transferred domain knowledge, the QCDRL‐based filter retains only valuable interactions for the task of SCDR. Finally, we validate the efficacy of our proposed O‐SCDR method using real‐world datasets, namely HVIDEO and HAMAZON. Through simulation results comparing the O‐SCDR system with existing state‐of‐the‐art systems, we demonstrate its effectiveness and legitimacy.
Ataxin‐2 sequesters Raptor into aggregates and impairs cellular mTORC1 signaling
Authors: Liu Ya‐Jun , Wang Jian‐Yang , Zhang Xiang‐Le , Jiang Lei‐Lei , Hu Hong‐Yu
Published: February 2024

Ataxin‐2 (Atx2) is a polyglutamine (polyQ) protein, in which abnormal expansion of the polyQ tract can trigger protein aggregation and consequently cause spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2), but the mechanism underlying how Atx2 aggregation leads to proteinopathy remains elusive. Here, we investigate the molecular mechanism and cellular consequences of Atx2 aggregation by molecular cell biology approaches. We have revealed that either normal or polyQ‐expanded Atx2 can sequester Raptor, a component of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), into aggregates based on their specific interaction. Further research indicates that the polyQ tract and the N‐terminal region (residues 1–784) of Atx2 are responsible for the specific sequestration. Moreover, this sequestration leads to suppression of the mTORC1 activity as represented by down‐regulation of phosphorylated P70S6K, which can be reversed by overexpression of Raptor. As mTORC1 is a key regulator of autophagy, Atx2 aggregation and sequestration also induces autophagy by upregulating LC3‐II and reducing phosphorylated ULK1 levels. This study proposes that Atx2 sequesters Raptor into aggregates, thereby impairing cellular mTORC1 signaling and inducing autophagy, and will be beneficial for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of SCA2 and other polyQ diseases.
Molecular and mineral responses of corals grown under artificial Calcite Sea conditions
Authors: Conci Nicola , Griesshaber Erika , Rivera‐Vicéns Ramón E. , Schmahl Wolfgang W. , Vargas Sergio , Wörheide Gert
Published: February 2024

The formation of skeletal structures composed of different calcium carbonate polymorphs (e.g. aragonite and calcite) appears to be both biologically and environmentally regulated. Among environmental factors influencing aragonite and calcite precipitation, changes in seawater conditions—primarily in the molar ratio of magnesium and calcium during so‐called ‘Calcite’ (mMg:mCa below 2) or ‘Aragonite’ seas (mMg:mCa above 2)—have had profound impacts on the distribution and performance of marine calcifiers throughout Earth's history. Nonetheless, the fossil record shows that some species appear to have counteracted such changes and kept their skeleton polymorph unaltered. Here, the aragonitic octocoral Heliopora coerulea and the aragonitic scleractinian Montipora digitata were exposed to Calcite Sea‐like mMg:mCa with various levels of magnesium and calcium concentration, and changes in both the mineralogy (i.e. CaCO3 polymorph) and gene expression were monitored. Both species maintained aragonite deposition at lower mMg:mCa ratios, while concurrent calcite presence was only detected in M. digitata. Despite a strong variability between independent experimental replicates for both species, the expression for a set of putative calcification‐related genes, including known components of the M. digitata skeleton organic matrix (SkOM), was found to consistently change at lower mMg:mCa. These results support the previously proposed involvements of the SkOM in counteracting decreases in seawater mMg:mCa. Although no consistent expression changes in calcium and magnesium transporters were observed, down‐regulation calcium channels in H. coerulea in one experimental replicate and at an mMg:mCa of 2.5, pointing to a possible active calcium uptake regulation by the corals under altered mMg:mCa.
Catalytic pyrolysis of biomass to produce bio‐oil using layered double hydroxides (LDH)‐derived materials
Authors: Sankaranarayanan Sivashunmugam , Won Wangyun
Published: February 2024

Owing to the enormous consumption of petroleum products and their environmental polluting nature, attention has been given to seeking alternative resources for the development of sustainable products. Biomass is a renewable source that can be converted to a variety of fuels and chemicals by different approaches, which are the best replacements for traditional petroleum‐derived products. Pyrolysis is a process in which chemical bonds of biomass macromolecules such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, are fractured into small molecular intermediates under high pressure, and results bio‐oil, biochar, and fuel gases as desired products. Of these pyrolysis products, bio‐oil is the primary product that usually contains large amounts of oxygen and nitrogen compounds that hinder its application potential. Catalytic pyrolysis is a beneficial method that is reported to alter the constituents and quality of bio‐oil and to upgrade them for diverse applications. Catalytic hydropyrolysis and copyrolysis of biomass are an alternative approaches to overcome the drawbacks raised toward product formation in the pyrolysis process. Layered double hydroxides (LDH) and their derived forms are well‐known catalytic/catalytic support materials for various chemical reactions due to their superior properties, such as easy preparation, thermal stability, and tuneable acid/base properties. This review summarizes the progress in the utilization of as‐synthesized LDH and their modified forms such as mixed metal oxides and functionalized/composite materials as active catalysts for the pyrolysis of various biomass sources.
Asymmetric patterns in territorial cooperation between core and periphery: The participation of Central and Eastern Europe in transnational and interregional cooperation programmes
Authors: Péti Márton , Salamin Géza , Nemes Zsófia , Pörzse Gábor , Csicsmann László
Published: February 2024

The study deals with the issue of core–periphery relations in the European Union, investigating its patterns in relation to the participation of Central and Eastern European (CEE) member states in European Territorial Cooperation (ETC) programmes between 2007 and 2020. Core–periphery patterns do exist in the European space, where besides the North‐Western core (‘Core’), there are two distinct peripheries, CEE and Southern Europe. The peripheral position is reflected in the weak performance of CEE in European‐wide RDI networks subsidised by the EU. On the basis of the KEEP database, the study analyses the signs of core–periphery relations by identifying whether there is asymmetry in the participation of CEE and Core countries in cooperation projects under the transnational (INTERREG B) and interregional (INTERREG C) strands (together, TI) of ETC. The findings of the study show that there is a significant difference in the forms of involvement of actors from North‐Western Europe and CEE in the TI programmes. Actors from CEE countries are very motivated to become involved in TI projects. However, they are significantly underrepresented in lead partner positions, especially in funding. The study's results suggest that participation activity patterns are significantly asymmetric in TI programmes, showing signs of a core–periphery dynamic even in such place‐based, cohesion‐oriented programmes. The consequence is that the articulation of geographic characteristics, special needs and issues associated with CEE is limited as they play a rather adaptive and imitating role in those territorial cooperation programmes that are influential in discourses and policies about territorial development in the European arena.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the number and short‐term outcomes in hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma: Results from the Japanese National Clinical Database, 2018–2021
Authors: Takemura Yusuke , Endo Hideki , Hibi Taizo , Nakano Yutaka , Seishima Ryo , Takeuchi Masashi , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Maeda Hiromichi , Hanazaki Kazuhiro , Taketomi Akinobu , Kakeji Yoshihiro , Seto Yasuyuki , Ueno Hideki , Mori Masaki , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: February 2024

Aim

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has significantly impacted the allocation of medical resources, including cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. We aimed to investigate the effects of the pandemic on morbidity and mortality following hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

We identified patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCC between 2018 and 2021 from the Japanese National Clinical Database (NCD). The number of surgical cases, the use of intensive care units, and the incidence of morbidity were assessed. The standardized morbidity / mortality ratio (SMR) was used to evaluate the rates of morbidity (bile leakage and pneumonia) and mortality in each month, which compares the observed incidence to the expected incidence calculated by the NCD's risk calculator.

Results

The study included a total of 10 647 cases. The number of patients undergoing hepatectomy for HCC gradually decreased. The proportion of patients aged 80 years or older increased and that of cases with T1 stage decreased. The proportion of patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit did not change between the pre‐ and postpandemic period. The mean actual incidence rates of bile leakage, pneumonia, 30‐day mortality, and surgical mortality were 9.2%, 2.3%, 1.4%, and 2.1%, respectively. The SMR for the mortalities and morbidities in each month did not increase mostly throughout the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Conclusions

The present study showed the decreasing number of resected cases for HCC, while the surgical safety for hepatectomy was enough to be maintained by managing medical resources in Japan.
Leveraging historical field notebooks to uncover continental‐scale patterns in the diversity of Australian grasshoppers
Authors: Hossain Md Anwar , Lahoz‐Monfort José J. , Mokany Karel , Kearney Michael R.
Published: February 2024

An understanding of how biodiversity is distributed across the broad spatial scales can resolve pure questions about ecological and historical processes and solve applied problems in conservation planning. Invertebrates such as insects make up much of biodiversity yet are rarely a focus in studies of regional‐scale diversity patterns, partly due to data deficiency.

We took advantage of historical field notebooks to investigate the richness and compositional pattern of grasshoppers across a vast area of Australia (Western Australia, 2.6 million km2). We extracted grasshopper occurrence records from historical surveys of 1328 locations spanning 1947 to 1985. We developed generalised dissimilarity models to identify species compositional turnover across families and modelled species richness with regression analyses.

Species composition was most distinct in mesic south‐west, north and north‐west regions and was most uniform through the arid interior region with the exception of the topographically complex Pilbara region. Species richness was highest in the arid interior and north and lowest in the cool and wet south‐west.

The patterns of grasshopper species diversity and endemism were like patterns previously reported for lizards and this may reflect their common independence from water and their phylogenetic bias towards warm environments.

Although high species richness was predicted in the Pilbara region, the area remains underrepresented in the national reserve system, with <10% of its area protected. High levels of short‐range endemism were found in general, with only ~1/4 of short‐range endemics being located in the national reserve system.

Our analyses demonstrate that field notebooks can be a valuable resource for biogeographic analyses and for planning invertebrate conservation.
Development of dairy‐free soybean‐based yoghurt by active dry starter culture from kombucha: an investigation into microencapsulation, curd formation, protein and texture profiles during storage
Authors: Nguyen Nhu‐Ngoc , Do Anh Duy , Phan Van Thach , Nguyen Vinh‐Lam , Tran Minh‐Thoai , Nguyen Quoc‐Duy
Published: February 2024

Increasing demand for the production and use of non‐dairy products has resulted from the rapid increase of vegetarian and lactose‐intolerant populations. In this study, non‐dairy yoghurt was developed from soybeans using microencapsulated starter culture consisting of Levilactobacillus brevis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolated from kombucha based on spray drying and freeze drying techniques using 20% maltodextrin (MD) and gum Arabic‐maltodextrin mixture (GA‐MD) as carriers. Scanning electron microscopy revealed high integrity and effective microbial protection within the carrier matrices, especially for freeze‐dried samples with L. brevis density being in the range of 6.1–6.4 log CFU/g. During 21‐day storage of microcapsules at 4 °C, L. brevis density decreased to 4.4–5.1 log CFU/g for all carriers while GA‐MD was incapable of preserving its viability at 30 °C. Meanwhile, the soybean‐based yoghurt was produced using these four microcapsules as active dry starter culture for the investigation of warm incubation/curd formation and subsequent refrigeration. Regarding warm incubation, in contrast to conventional yoghurt, there was no drop in pH or total acidity over the first 7–8 h of storage, followed by their sudden decline which led to the curd formation in the next hour at pH and total acidity of 5.42–5.75 and 2.29–3.06 g lactic acid/L respectively. Furthermore, GA‐MD samples exhibited more severe syneresis and surface cracks than MD during refrigeration in which the hardness and gumminess of yoghurt increased over time. Electrophoresis results also confirmed the proteolytic activity of lactic acid bacteria and yeast on β‐conglycinin and glycinin fractions of soy proteins.
Turkish nurses' psychological resilience and burnout levels during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A correlational study
Authors: Yildirim Deniz , Şenyuva Emine , Kaya Ender
Published: February 2024

Aims

To investigate the relationship between the psychological resilience and burnout of nurses caring for COVID‐19 patients and to determine the factors that affect their psychological resilience and burnout.

Background

In pandemic diseases such as COVID‐19, nurses experience burnout due to long working hours, decreased quality of life and anxiety/fear about their own/families' health. Psychological resilience helps to control burnout in nurses and prevent the development of a global nurse shortage.

Design

This was a descriptive, correlational study.

Methods

The sample of this study included 201 nurses in a Training and Research Hospital. The study used the Brief Resilience Scale and the Burnout Measure Short Version. Data were collected between 4 May and 1 June 2020. Statistical analysis was made with Pearson/Spearman, independent sample t test, one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test.

Results

Nurses reported moderate burnout and psychological resilience, with a negative and highly significant correlation between psychological resilience and burnout levels.

Conclusions

In order to increase the quality of patient care/treatment, nurse managers need to reduce nurses' burnout and increase their psychological resilience. Nurses are recommended to adopt a healthy lifestyle, organize training programmes and implement psychological resilience interventions to prevent sleep disorders. Giving nurses the tools to understand what they need to manage within their locus of control will allow them to find a new sense of resilience, preventing potential burnout.
The respiratory syncytial virus prefusion F protein vaccine attenuates the severity of respiratory syncytial virus‐associated disease in breakthrough infections in adults ≥60 years of age
Authors: Curran Desmond , Matthews Sean , Cabrera Eliazar Sabater , Pérez Silvia Narejos , Breva Lina Pérez , Rämet Mika , Helman Laura , Park Dae Won , Schwarz Tino F. , Melendez Isabel Maria Galan , Schaefer Axel , Roy Nathalie , Stephan Brigitte , Molnar Daniel , Kostanyan Lusine , Powers John H. , Hulstrøm Veronica ,   Members of the AReSVi‐006 Study Group
Published: February 2024

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a contagious pathogen causing acute respiratory infections (ARIs). Symptoms range from mild upper respiratory tract infections to potentially life‐threatening lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD). In adults ≥60 years old, vaccine efficacy of a candidate vaccine for older adults (RSVPreF3 OA) was 71.7% against RSV‐ARI and 82.6% against RSV‐LRTD (AReSVi‐006/NCT04886596). We present the patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) from the same trial at the end of the first RSV season in the northern hemisphere (April 2022).

Methods

In this phase 3 trial, adults aged ≥60 years were randomized (1:1) to receive one dose of RSVPreF3 OA vaccine or placebo. PROs were assessed using InFLUenza Patient‐Reported Outcome (FLU‐PRO), Short Form‐12 (SF‐12), and EuroQol‐5 Dimension (EQ‐5D) questionnaires. Peak FLU‐PRO Chest/Respiratory scores during the first 7 days from ARI episode onset were compared using a Wilcoxon test. Least squares mean (LSMean) of SF‐12 physical functioning (PF) and EQ‐5D health utility scores were estimated using mixed effects models.

Results

In the RSVPreF3 OA group (N = 12,466), 27 first RSV‐ARI episodes were observed versus 95 in the Placebo group (N = 12,494). Median peak FLU‐PRO Chest/Respiratory scores were lower in RSVPreF3 OA (1.07) versus Placebo group (1.86); p = 0.0258. LSMean group differences for the PF and EQ‐5D health utility score were 7.00 (95% confidence interval [CI]: −9.86, 23.85; p = 0.4125) and 0.0786 (95% CI: −0.0340, 0.1913; p = 0.1695).

Conclusions

The RSVPreF3 OA vaccine, in addition to preventing infection, attenuated the severity of RSV‐associated symptoms in breakthrough infections, with trends of reduced impact on PF and health utility.
Detection of clade 2.3.4.4 highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 viruses in healthy wild birds in the Hadeji‐Nguru wetland, Nigeria 2022
Authors: Olawuyi Kayode , Orole Olukayode , Meseko Clement , Monne Isabella , Shittu Ismaila , Bianca Zecchin , Fusaro Alice , Inuwa Bitrus , Akintola Ruth , Ibrahim Josiah , Muhammad Maryam
Published: February 2024

Background

The introduction of multiple avian influenza virus (AIV) subtypes into Nigeria has resulted in several poultry outbreaks purportedly linked to trade and wild birds. The role of wild birds in perpetuating AIV in Nigeria was, therefore, elucidated.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among wild aquatic bird species at the Hadejia‐Nguru wetlands in Northeastern Nigeria between March and April 2022. A total of 452 swabs (226 cloacae and 226 oropharyngeal) were collected using a mist net to capture the birds. These samples were tested by RT‐qPCR, followed by sequencing.

Results

Highly pathogenic AIV of the H5N1 subtype was identified in clinically healthy wild bird species, namely, African jacana, ruff, spur‐winged goose, squared‐tailed nightjar, white‐faced whistling ducks, and white stork. A prevalence of 11.1% (25/226) was recorded. Phylogenetic analysis of the complete HA gene segment indicated the presence of clade 2.3.4.4b. However, these H5N1 viruses characterized from these wild birds cluster separately from the H5N1 viruses characterized in Nigerian poultry since early 2021. Specifically, the viruses form two distinct genetic groups both linked with the Eurasian H5N1 gene pool but likely resulting from two distinct introductions of the virus in the region. Whole‐genome characterization of the viruses reveals the presence of mammalian adaptive marker E627K in two Afro‐tropical resident aquatic ducks. This has zoonotic potential.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the key role of surveillance in wild birds to monitor the diversity of viruses in this area, provide the foundations of epidemiological understanding, and facilitate risk assessment.
Sex‐specific genetic parameter estimates of body weight in Mazandaran indigenous chickens
Authors: Esmaeili Mohammad , Gholizadeh Mohsen , Hafezian Hasan , Farhadi Ayoub
Published: February 2024

Body weight is an economically important trait in poultry that shows sexual dimorphism (SD). In the present study, variation in SD in Mazandaran native chickens was investigated in terms of the (Co) variance components and genetic parameters of body weight between males and females. Studied traits were body weights at hatch (BW1), 8 weeks (BW8) and 12 weeks of age (BW12). Also, for weight at sexual maturity (WSM) covariance components were only estimated in females. Cross‐sex direct and maternal correlations were also estimated for studied traits except for WSM. For this purpose, a deep 21‐generation pedigree and body weight data (57,576 BW1, 72,925 BW8, 62,727 BW12 and, 42,496 WSM) were used. Evaluation of SD of body weight was performed using six bivariate animal models with and without considering the genetic and permanent maternal environmental effects under the restricted maximum likelihood method in WOMBAT software. Model with direct additive genetic effects and maternal genetic effects without covariance between them was identified as the best model for BW1 and BW8. The Model including direct additive genetic effects and permanent maternal environmental effects was the best model for BW12 and WSM. Direct heritability (h2) estimates for BW1, BW8 and, BW12 were, respectively, 0.05 ± 0.013, 0.17 ± 0.02 and, 0.25 ± 0.03 in males and, 0.05 ± 0.012, 0.15 ± 0.01 and 0.21 ± 0.01 in females. Also, the direct heritability of WSM based on univariate analysis in females was estimated to be 0.40 ± 0.01. Maternal heritability () varied from 0.39 ± 0.01 (BW1) to 0.04 ± 0.009 (BW8) in males, and 0.36 ± 0.10 (BW1) to 0.04 ± 0.006 (BW8) in females. The correlation between direct genetic effects between males and females for BW1 was not significantly different from one. The direct genetic correlation between the two sexes for BW8 and BW12 was significantly different from 1 concluding that these traits are dimorphic in terms of direct genetic effects and therefore independent selection in both sexes is possible.
A shift in the host web occupancy of dew‐drop spiders associated with genetic divergence in the Southwest Pacific
Authors: Elias Noraya U. , Responte Mae A. , Wu Cheng‐Yu , Chiu Yi‐Fan , Peng Po , Liao Hauchuan , Brown Rafe M. , Su Yong‐Chao
Published: February 2024

Aim

We assessed the population genetic structure of the kleptoparasitic spider Argyrodes bonadea across the Southwestern Pacific islands. Our aim is to evaluate the impact of overseas distances and, in particular, the Kerama gap, as potential drivers of genetic differentiation. If no relationship exists, then we assume dispersal following adaptive change as alternative non‐vicariant mechanism that generates divergence.

Location

Southwestern Pacific Islands.

Taxon

Argyrodes bonadea.

Methods

We used mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase 1 (CO1) gene sequences and Restriction Site‐associated DNA Sequencing (RAD‐seq) for our analyses.

Results

Two strongly supported lineages, an Amami‐Okinawa Lineage (AOL) and an Austral‐Asia Lineage (AAL), correspond to two separate clades, roughly divided by the Kerama Gap, in phylogenetic trees estimated here. However, species delimitation led to the interpretation of only a single species present. The AOL exhibits complex, geographically structured host web spider species specificity, wherein the Amami population utilizes Cyrtophora, but AOL samples in Okinawa associate exclusively with Nephila—and yet all broadly distributed AAL populations show no evidence of host web spider species specificity.

Main Conclusion

The population boundary between AOL and AAL likely results from local adaptation to novel hosts—instead of isolation by the Kerama Gap—following long‐distance dispersal and range expansion. Our results suggest kleptoparasitic spiders have the capacity to overcome permanent deep‐sea barriers and colonize distant landmasses. Whereas peripheral populations (AOL) demonstrate the capacity for specialization to a single host, which may have contributed to genetic differentiation and isolation, the broadly distributed AAL persists and has successfully expanded its geographical range as a host generalist, which may contribute to ongoing gene flow inferred in this study.
Real‐world data on the effectiveness of brodalumab in patients with moderate‐to severe plaque psoriasis in the Greek clinical setting (the BrIDGE study)
Authors: Rigopoulos Dimitrios , Tampouratzi Eleftheria , Angelakopoulos Charalampos , Apalla Zoe , Barkis Ioannis , Georgiou Sophia , Delli Florentina , Drosos Alexandros , Zafiriou Efterpi , Katsantonis John , Lazaridou Elisavet , Panagakis Pantelis , Papadavid Evangelia , Papakonstantis Markos , Roussaki‐Schulze Angeliki‐Viktoria , Sotiriou Elena , Anastasiadis Georgios , Chasapi Vasiliki , Sfaelos Konstantinos , Ioannides Dimitrios ,   the BrIDGE Study Group
Published: February 2024

Background

Despite that brodalumab's efficacy and safety have been assessed in randomized clinical trials, real‐life data remain scarce. BrIDGE was an observational, prospective, single‐cohort, multicentre study that recruited patients with moderate‐to severe plaque psoriasis in Greece.

Objectives

The primary objective was to assess the proportion of patients who achieved Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI)100 after 24 weeks. Other endpoints included: the maintenance of PASI90/100 through to 104 weeks, the short‐term response [PASI75/90/100 and static Physician's Global Assessment (sPGA) 0/1] to brodalumab at 12–16 weeks and time to complete clearance. Moreover, we explored the change in quality of life [Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) 0/1] and adherence to brodalumab.

Methods

Two hundred patients who were initiating treatment with or switching to brodalumab, were recruited. Analyses were conducted using the as observed data and three imputation approaches were also applied for the missing data (last observation carried forward, ‘worst case’ and ‘best case’ scenario). Continuous variables were reported using summary statistics, whereas categorical variables were reported in frequency tables.

Results

Based on the ‘as observed data’, 42.0% of patients achieved PASI100 at Week 24 after 25.9 ± 3.5 weeks and 65% of patients attained PASI100 at Week 104. In total, 70.2%, 47.5% and 32.0% achieved PASI75/90/100, respectively, whereas 72.6% of patients achieved sPGA 0/1, at Weeks 12–16. With respect to sPGA status 82.8%, 89.2% and 92.5% of patients achieved sPGA 0/1 at Weeks 24, 52 and 104, respectively. The time to achieve PASI100 at Weeks 12–16 was 13.7 ± 1.3, 52.1 ± 3.4 weeks at Week 52 and 105.5 ± 4.8 weeks at Week 104. Mean DLQI and Psoriasis Symptom Inventory (PSI) scores decreased by 11.4 ± 7.0 and 15.4 ± 6.5 points from baseline to Week 104, respectively. Adherence to treatment was equal to 98.9%.

Conclusions

Brodalumab confers rapid and durable responses, as well as improvements in the quality of life of moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis patients.
Effects of Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) density and loofah pollen on development and fecundity of Orius similis Zheng
Authors: Li Ding‐Yin , Zeng Guang , Zhi Jun‐Rui , Wang Yan
Published: February 2024

Orius similis Zheng, a predatory bug that feeds on Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), a pest that damages vegetables and ornamental plants by feeding and transforming plant viruses. O. similis is an omnivorous predator on thrips, as well as pollen. Our study investigated the impact of five different amount densities of thrips and abundant loofah pollen on the survival, development, fecundity, and consumption of O. similis. The performance of O. similis nymphs and adults was significantly affected by the density of thrips and loofah pollen on which they fed. The highest survival and shortest development period of O. similis nymphs after feeding on 40 thrips/d, while the lowest survival rate and longest period were observed after feeding on only 5 thrips. Feeding on loofah pollen alone also significantly increased survival and decreased the nymph development period compared with feeding on 20 thrips/d. The highest prey consumption occurred at densities of 30 and 40 thrips/d, while the lowest prey consumption occurred at a thrips density of 5, regardless of whether the O. similis were nymphs or female adults. However, adding loofah pollen decreased prey consumption of nymphs and adult females. In addition, O. similis showed higher fecundity and longevity when feeding on 40 thrips/d compared to other thrips densities and adding loofah pollen. Adding loofah pollen also increased fecundity and longevity compared to feeding on thrips alone at the same density, regardless of the thrips' density. Therefore, a high thrips abundant density daily was beneficial for the development, fecundity, and longevity of O. similis, and adding loofah pollen can enhance their performance.
A critical evaluation of choice negotiation for patient‐centred medicine and psychotherapy
Authors: Giorgi Franco , Fanali Annibale , Tramonti Francesco
Published: February 2024

Study Aims

The present paper aimed at discussing how the process of decision‐making should be taken care of in healthcare services.

Methods

This is a position paper based on a review of the relevant literature about meaning‐making processes in medical encounters and psychotherapy.

Discussion

Authors argued that choice options could be perceived as meaningful by patients if their uncertainties were taken into account and grounded on mutual understanding and reciprocal trust. To this end, any decision‐making process should satisfy the patient's legitimate expectations by making choices and habits compatible.

Conclusion

In depht analysis of meaning‐making processes is crucial for better refining good practices of shared decision‐making.