bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical outcomes of hypomethylating agents and venetoclax in newly diagnosed unfit and relapsed/refractory paediatric, adolescent and young adult acute myeloid leukaemia patients
Authors: LeBlanc Francis R. , Breese Erin H. , Burns Karen C. , Chang Ellen K. , Jones LaQuita M. , Lee Lynn , Mizukawa Benjamin , Norris Robin E. , O'Brien Maureen M. , Phillips Christine L. , Perentesis John P. , Rubinstein Jeremy , Pommert Lauren
Published: July 2024

Venetoclax (VEN) combined with hypomethylating agents (HMA) decitabine or azacitidine is used for adult acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), but its application in paediatric, adolescent and young adult (AYA) AML lacks prospective studies. We performed a retrospective chart review of paediatric and AYA AML patients treated with HMA + VEN at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre. Twenty‐seven patients received 30 HMA + VEN treatment courses for relapsed/refractory (R/R, n = 21) or newly diagnosed (n = 9) AML due to ineligibility for intensive chemotherapy. The R/R cohort had high‐risk cytomolecular genetic alterations and prior extensive treatments, with 50% (n = 9) of relapse patients (n = 18) having undergone haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Venetoclax treatment using the 400 mg adult exposure‐equivelant dosing (AED) had a median duration of 21 days (range 7–30 days). Grade 3–4 toxicities included neutropenia (90%), anaemia (64%), thrombocytopenia (64%) and febrile neutropenia (44%). The overall complete remission (CR)/CR with incomplete blood count recovery (CRi) rate was 73% (77% minimal residual disease [MRD] negativity <0.1%), with 60% undergoing HSCT. Among newly diagnosed patients (n = 9), 89% achieved CR/CRi (78% MRD negativity) and 78% proceeded to HSCT. The R/R cohort (n = 21) showed a 67% CR/CRi rate (71% MRD negativity), with 52% undergoing HSCT. These findings support the safety and efficacy of HMA + VEN in paediatric/AYA AML, indicating it as a viable option for patients unfit for intensive chemotherapy. Further studies are necessary to determine optimal venetoclax dosing, chemotherapy combinations and pharmacokinetics in this population.
Prognostic role of the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in high‐risk BCG‐naïve non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer treated with intravesical gemcitabine/docetaxel
Authors: Chakra Mohamad Abou , Lassila Riitta , El Beayni Nancy , Mott Sarah L. , O'Donnell Michael A.
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To investigate the role of pretreatment neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in the prediction of response to sequential intravesical therapy, gemcitabine and docetaxel (Gem/Doce), given to patients with bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG)‐ naïve high‐risk non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

Patients and Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 115 patients who received intravesical Gem/Doce for high‐risk NMIBC between January 2011 and December 2021. Data were computed as the median (interquartile range [IQR]) or mean (standard deviation [sd]). Cox regression analysis was performed to determine if neutrophilia, NLR, platelet counts, and PLR before instillation therapy were predictive of recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Predictive performance was estimated using Uno's C‐statistic.

Results

The median (IQR) follow‐up for the overall cohort was 23 (13–36) months. The mean (sd) values for NLR, PLR and platelet counts were 3.4 (2.3), 142.2 (85.5), and 225.2 (75.1) × 109/L, respectively. NLR was associated with RFS, with a hazard ratio of 1.32 (95% confidence interval CI 1.19–1.46). Concordance analysis showed that NLR had a good ability to predict RFS (C‐index: 0.7, P < 0.01). The PLR and platelet count were not associated with RFS and did not predict recurrence. In terms of OS, none of these cellular inflammatory markers showed any prediction value.

Conclusion

Pre‐treatment NLR provides some predictive accuracy for RFS in high‐risk BCG‐naïve patients receiving Gem/Doce. Further prospective trials are needed to validate this finding.
Optimized Dual‐Volumes for Tetrahedral Meshes
Authors: Jacobson Alec
Published: July 2024

Constructing well‐behaved Laplacian and mass matrices is essential for tetrahedral mesh processing. Unfortunately, the de facto standard linear finite elements exhibit bias on tetrahedralized regular grids, motivating the development of finite‐volume methods. In this paper, we place existing methods into a common construction, showing how their differences amount to the choice of simplex centers. These choices lead to satisfaction or breakdown of important properties: continuity with respect to vertex positions, positive semi‐definiteness of the implied Dirichlet energy, positivity of the mass matrix, and unbiased‐ness on regular grids. Based on this analysis, we propose a new method for constructing dual‐volumes which explicitly satisfy all of these properties via convex optimization.
Search Me Knot, Render Me Knot: Embedding Search and Differentiable Rendering of Knots in 3D
Authors: Gangopadhyay Aalok , Gupta Paras , Sharma Tarun , Singh Prajwal , Raman Shanmuganathan
Published: July 2024

We introduce the problem of knot‐based inverse perceptual art. Given multiple target images and their corresponding viewing configurations, the objective is to find a 3D knot‐based tubular structure whose appearance resembles the target images when viewed from the specified viewing configurations. To solve this problem, we first design a differentiable rendering algorithm for rendering tubular knots embedded in 3D for arbitrary perspective camera configurations. Utilizing this differentiable rendering algorithm, we search over the space of knot configurations to find the ideal knot embedding. We represent the knot embeddings via homeomorphisms of the desired template knot, where the weights of an invertible neural network parametrize the homeomorphisms. Our approach is fully differentiable, making it possible to find the ideal 3D tubular structure for the desired perceptual art using gradient‐based optimization. We propose several loss functions that impose additional physical constraints, enforcing that the tube is free of self‐intersection, lies within a predefined region in space, satisfies the physical bending limits of the tube material, and the material cost is within a specified budget. We demonstrate through results that our knot representation is highly expressive and gives impressive results even for challenging target images in both single‐view and multiple‐view constraints. Through extensive ablation study, we show that each proposed loss function effectively ensures physical realizability. We construct a real‐world 3D‐printed object to demonstrate the practical utility of our approach.
Stability for Inference with Persistent Homology Rank Functions
Authors: Wang Qiquan , García‐Redondo Inés , Faugère Pierre , Henselman‐Petrusek Gregory , Monod Anthea
Published: July 2024

Persistent homology barcodes and diagrams are a cornerstone of topological data analysis that capture the “shape” of a wide range of complex data structures, such as point clouds, networks, and functions. However, their use in statistical settings is challenging due to their complex geometric structure. In this paper, we revisit the persistent homology rank function, which is mathematically equivalent to a barcode and persistence diagram, as a tool for statistics and machine learning. Rank functions, being functions, enable the direct application of the statistical theory of functional data analysis (FDA)—a domain of statistics adapted for data in the form of functions. A key challenge they present over barcodes in practice, however, is their lack of stability—a property that is crucial to validate their use as a faithful representation of the data and therefore a viable summary statistic. In this paper, we fill this gap by deriving two stability results for persistent homology rank functions under a suitable metric for FDA integration. We then study the performance of rank functions in functional inferential statistics and machine learning on real data applications, in both single and multiparameter persistent homology. We find that the use of persistent homology captured by rank functions offers a clear improvement over existing non‐persistence‐based approaches.
Nutritional self‐management in colorectal cancer patients and survivors: A scoping review
Authors: Abedin Khadijah , Lean Qi Ying , Wheelwright Sally
Published: July 2024

Aim

Colorectal cancer (CRC) patients need CRC‐specific dietary guidance, but often lack access to adequate nutritional information and support. This scoping review identified study interventions, online resources, which have been produced to support nutritional care self‐management for CRC patients from diagnosis, through treatment and into survivorship and guidelines to underpin these.

Methods

The review was carried out in accordance with the JBI method for Scoping Reviews. Study interventions, online resources that support the self‐management of nutrition and diet in CRC patients were eligible for inclusion, along with CRC‐specific guidelines. Searches up to February 2023, were carried out via MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Embase, and Web of Science for published literature and ProQuest Dissertations, Theses Global, TRIP Medical Database, and Google search engines for grey literature. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts, and relevant full texts for inclusion. Data were analysed descriptively.

Results

Eight study interventions, 74 online resources and three guidelines specifically aimed at CRC patients were included in the review. Study interventions were heterogenous with respect to duration, whether it was personalized, who supported delivery and which guidelines underpinned the intervention. Three study interventions resulted in improved quality of life and one lengthened survival. A total of 36 (48.6%) online resources were produced by UK charity organizations. Most of the included information was for patients after completing treatment. Specific advice for patients with a stoma was lacking. Some of the online resources provided conflicting advice. The three guidelines explained how dietary adjustments can help address symptoms related to cancer or treatment and two provided more specific guidance on making dietary changes, with specific examples of how to tailor dietary advice to patient needs.

Conclusion

This scoping review of study interventions, online resources, and guidelines highlighted the need for reliable, detailed, and personalized information to help CRC patients to self‐manage their nutritional care.
Gross Motor Family Report: Refinement and evaluation of psychometric properties
Authors: Magalhães Elton D. D. , Rosenbaum Peter , Wright Marilyn , Wright F. Virginia , Pritchard Lesley , Ayupe Kennea M. A. , de Campos Ana Carolina , Morais Rosane S. , Leite Hercules R. , Chagas Paula S. C.
Published: July 2024

Aim

To refine the Gross Motor Family Report (GM‐FR) using parents' input and to evaluate its psychometric properties.

Method

In this measurement study, 12 parents of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP), aged 2 to 18 years, classified in all levels of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), were interviewed about their experience completing the GM‐FR (content validity). Parents' feedback was used to refine the measure which was then completed by 146 families to evaluate internal consistency, and discriminative and concurrent validity. Forty‐six parents completed the GM‐FR again, 7 to 30 days later, to evaluate test–retest reliability.

Results

GM‐FR scoring, pictures, descriptions, and the total number of items were revised based on parents' feedback. The GM‐FR version 2.0 demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.99), no floor/ceiling effects, and excellent test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.99). GM‐FR scores discriminated between GMFCS levels (p < 0.05) and were strongly negatively correlated with GMFCS level (r = −0.92; p < 0.001). GM‐FR scores correlated positively and strongly with the Gross Motor Function Measure‐66 (r = 0.94; p < 0.001) and the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory – Computer Adaptive Test mobility domain (r = 0.93; p < 0.001).

Interpretation

Active participation of families in the GM‐FR's development facilitated creation of a family‐friendly instrument. This study provides strong evidence of reliability and validity to support GM‐FR use in clinical practice and research for assessing gross motor performance of children and adolescents with CP.
The prognostic value of mean platelet volume in patients with coronary artery disease: An updated systematic review with meta‐analyses
Authors: Galimzhanov Akhmetzhan , Tun Han Naung , Sabitov Yersyn , Perone Francesco , Kursat Tigen Mustafa , Tenekecioglu Erhan , Mamas Mamas A.
Published: July 2024

Background

Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a widely available laboratory index, however its prognostic significance in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) is still unclear. We intended to investigate and pool the evidence on the prognostic utility of admission MPV in predicting clinical outcomes in patients with CAD.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were the major databases used for literature search. The risk of bias was assessed using the quality in prognostic factor studies. We used random‐effects pairwise analysis with the Knapp and Hartung approach supported further with permutation tests and prediction intervals (PIs).

Results

We identified 52 studies with 47,066 patients. A meta‐analysis of nine studies with 14,864 patients demonstrated that one femtoliter increase in MPV values was associated with a rise of 29% in the risk of long‐term mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22–1.37) in CAD as a whole. The results were further supported with PIs, permutation tests and leave‐one‐out sensitivity analyses. MPV also demonstrated its stable and significant prognostic utility in predicting long‐term mortality as a linear variable in patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and presented with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) (HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.20–1.39, and 1.29, 95% CI 1.19–1.39, respectively).

Conclusion

The meta‐analysis found robust evidence on the link between admission MPV and the increased risk of long‐term mortality in patients with CAD patients, as well as in patients who underwent PCI and patients presented with ACS.
Cholinergic interneurons in the nucleus accumbens are a site of cellular convergence for corticotropin‐releasing factor and estrogen regulation in male and female mice
Authors: Olson Kendra L. , Ingebretson Anna E. , Vogiatzoglou Eleftheria , Mermelstein Paul G. , Lemos Julia C.
Published: July 2024

Cholinergic interneurons (ChIs) act as master regulators of striatal output, finely tuning neurotransmission to control motivated behaviours. ChIs are a cellular target of many peptide and hormonal neuromodulators, including corticotropin‐releasing factor, opioids, insulin and leptin, which can influence an animal's behaviour by signalling stress, pleasure, pain and nutritional status. However, little is known about how sex hormones via estrogen receptors influence the function of these other neuromodulators. Here, we performed in situ hybridisation on mouse striatal tissue to characterise the effect of sex and sex hormones on choline acetyltransferase (Chat), estrogen receptor alpha (Esr1) and corticotropin‐releasing factor type 1 receptor (Crhr1) expression. Although we did not detect sex differences in ChAT protein levels in the dorsal striatum or nucleus accumbens, we found that female mice have more Chat mRNA‐expressing neurons than males in both the dorsal striatum and nucleus accumbens. At the population level, we observed a sexually dimorphic distribution of Esr1‐ and Crhr1‐expressing ChIs in the ventral striatum that was negatively correlated in intact females, which was abolished by ovariectomy and not present in males. Only in the NAc did we find a significant population of ChIs that co‐express Crhr1 and Esr1 in females and to a lesser extent in males. At the cellular level, Crhr1 and Esr1 transcript levels were negatively correlated only during the estrus phase in females, indicating that changes in sex hormone levels can modulate the interaction between Crhr1 and Esr1 mRNA levels.
Do banks adjust their capital when they face liquidity shortages? Evidence from U.S. commercial banks
Authors: Barry Thierno Amadou , Diabaté Alassane , Tarazi Amine
Published: July 2024

We investigate how small and large banks behave when they face liquidity shortages. Our findings reveal that only small banks increase their capital ratios during episodes of liquidity shortages. They do so by downsizing but also by holding less risky assets and by reducing their lending. Furthermore, the increase in capital ratios is higher for small banks which are more reliant on market liquidity and small banks operating below their target capital ratio. On the whole, our findings show that small banks operate prudently whereas large banks are less concerned. Our work has strong implications for bank regulation and supervision.
Assessing Accuracy of ChatGPT on Addressing Helicobacter pylori Infection‐Related Questions: A National Survey and Comparative Study
Authors: Hu Yi , Lai Yongkang , Liao Foqiang , Shu Xu , Zhu Yin , Du Yi‐Qi , Lu Nong‐Hua ,   National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases (Shanghai)
Published: July 2024

Background

ChatGPT is a novel and online large‐scale language model used as a source providing up‐to‐date and useful health‐related knowledges to patients and clinicians. However, its performance on Helicobacter pylori infection‐related questions remain unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of ChatGPT's responses on H. pylori‐related questions compared with that of gastroenterologists during the same period.

Methods

Twenty‐five H. pylori‐related questions from five domains: Indication, Diagnostics, Treatment, Gastric cancer and prevention, and Gut Microbiota were selected based on the Maastricht VI Consensus report. Each question was tested three times with ChatGPT3.5 and ChatGPT4. Two independent H. pylori experts assessed the responses from ChatGPT, with discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer. Simultaneously, a nationwide survey with the same questions was conducted among 1279 gastroenterologists and 154 medical students. The accuracy of responses from ChatGPT3.5 and ChatGPT4 was compared with that of gastroenterologists.

Results

Overall, both ChatGPT3.5 and ChatGPT4 demonstrated high accuracy, with median accuracy rates of 92% for each of the three responses, surpassing the accuracy of nationwide gastroenterologists (median: 80%) and equivalent to that of senior gastroenterologists. Compared with ChatGPT3.5, ChatGPT4 provided more concise responses with the same accuracy. ChatGPT3.5 performed well in the Indication, Treatment, and Gut Microbiota domains, whereas ChatGPT4 excelled in Diagnostics, Gastric cancer and prevention, and Gut Microbiota domains.

Conclusion

ChatGPT exhibited high accuracy and reproducibility in addressing H. pylori‐related questions except the decision for H. pylori treatment, performing at the level of senior gastroenterologists and could serve as an auxiliary information tool for assisting patients and clinicians.
Finite element software for forming processes of glass containers
Authors: Martins Bruno
Published: July 2024

A two‐dimensional (2D) axisymmetric numerical model, based on the finite element method, for glass containers forming processes is presented. Glass forming processes involve coupled thermomechanical phenomena in which heat transfer and viscous flow are dependent, as glass viscosity is highly dependent on temperature. During the overall process glass changes from a molten state to a solid state. Therefore, adequate cooling conditions must be set appropriately. From the numerical point of view, the modeling must be robust so as to adjust to the different sequenced stages. Remeshing techniques requiring adequate data transfer, as well as, different thermal and mechanical contact conditions between glass and molds must be taken into account. Also, effective treatment of the incompressible conditions associated with glass flow must be dealt with. The aim is to set the better process parameters so that the final containers have the required geometrical shape and thickness distribution. A numerical model was conducted addressing all these issues and a thickness distribution comparison with real industrial products was performed.
Emotional valence promotes free recall of foreign language words after video exposure
Authors: Arriagada‐Mödinger Francia , Ferreira Roberto A.
Published: July 2024

The effect of emotional valence in word retrieval is well‐established in native languages, but findings in a foreign language remain inconsistent. This study investigated the impact of emotional valence on free word recall in English as a foreign language after video exposure. Participants were upper‐intermediate English speakers with Spanish as their mother tongue who watched eight emotionally valenced and four neutral videos, followed by an immediate free recall task and a delayed recall task after 2 weeks. Generalized linear mixed models showed that word valence influenced recall, with neutral words being less easily recalled than negative words, and a decline in recall between sessions. These findings support the Motivated Attention Account, which suggests that motivationally significant stimuli capture more attention than neutral stimuli, regardless of their polarity. Furthermore, the results align with previous evidence in native language research and some studies in foreign language contexts. This study highlights the robust effect of emotional valence on word recall at different time intervals, using authentic input with upper‐intermediate English speakers who have Spanish as their mother tongue and who learned English later in life.
Characterisation of aroma‐active compounds in wheat flour by molecular sensory science
Authors: Sun Huijuan , Wang Baosong , Gao Haina , Song Huanlu , Huang Xu , Qiang Wanli , Wang Xinyu , Zhang Ruixue , Li Yan
Published: July 2024

Four different extraction methods were used to extract aroma compounds from flour. It was found that dynamic headspace sampling (DHS) was a better method for extracting aroma‐active compounds in flour. Hexanal, decanal, butanoic acid, 2,3‐pentanedione, 2‐acetyl‐1‐pyrrolinoline, and 3‐octen‐2‐one were found to be the important aroma‐active compounds in flour by olfaction (O) in two‐dimensional gas chromatography–olfactometry–mass spectrometry (GC×GC‐O‐MS). Dynamic headspace dilution analysis (DHDA), odour activity value (OAV), recombination and omission experiment further verified that these compounds can roughly simulate the overall aroma profile of flour. In this study, we determined the aroma‐active compounds in flour by molecular sensory science to improve the sensory preference of flour and enhance the quality of flour aroma, which will provide analytical ideas for future research on flour aroma and improve the production process.
Radio frequency regulates the multi‐scale structure and functional properties of starch from different genotypes of corn
Authors: Ren Liuyang , Zheng Zhaohui , Yang Pei , Fu Hanyu , Xu Jingshen , Xie Weijun , Yang Deyong
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate the multi‐scale structures, thermal, pasting, and textural properties of starch from different genotypes (dent and flint) of corn with varying moisture content (MC) (0.20, 0.25, and 0.30 kg kg−1 in dry basis) following radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields. As the MC increased, the amylose content in dent and flint corn starch rose from 14.60% to 19.70% and 14.80% to 24.63%, respectively, after the hot air (HA)‐RF treatment. With the increase in MC, the enhancement of starch–protein interaction and the change in starch molecule structure caused decreases in the crystallinity, short–range order structure, and enthalpy, while there were increases in the gelatinisation temperature, pasting viscosity, and textural properties of starch. The results showed that the RF treatment is an effective method for improving the processing performance of starch. Our data provide a foundation to expand the application of radio frequency in the food industry.
Right‐wing authoritarianism, social dominance orientation, and attitudes toward peace and war: The role of symbolic and realistic threat
Authors: Voca Shpend , Telaku Naim , Van Assche Jasper
Published: July 2024

In postconflict Kosovo and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, we investigated the relationships of right‐wing authoritarianism (RWA), social dominance orientation (SDO), symbolic and realistic threat with attitudes toward peace and war. We also examined the mediating role of symbolic and realistic threat in the links between RWA, SDO, and attitudes toward peace and war. In Study 1, we focused on Kosovo Albanians (N = 415) and their relationship with Serbs, and in Study 2, we focused on the relationship between Russians (N = 132) and Ukrainians (N = 102). In both studies, we found that SDO was negatively associated with positive attitudes toward peace and positively with positive attitudes toward war. RWA was positively associated with positive attitudes toward war in Study 1. Symbolic threat was negatively related to positive attitudes toward peace, and realistic threat was positively related to positive attitudes toward war in both studies. The relationship between RWA and attitudes toward peace was mediated by symbolic threat, and the relationship between RWA and attitudes toward war was mediated by realistic threat. These findings attest to the negative role of RWA, SDO, symbolic and realistic threat on attitudes toward peace and war in conflict‐related contexts. We discuss potential implications for interventions that challenge negative attitudes toward peace and positive attitudes toward war in (former) adversary groups.
Clinical presentation and genetic characterization of early‐onset atrial fibrillation in patients affected by long QT syndrome: A single‐center experience
Authors: Sarubbi Berardo , Ciriello Giovanni Domenico , Barretta Ferdinando , Sorice Davide , Orlando Antonio , Correra Anna , Colonna Diego , Uomo Fabiana , Mazzaccara Cristina , D'Argenio Valeria , Romeo Emanuele , Frisso Giulia
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Early‐onset atrial fibrillation (AF) has already been observed in approximately 2% of patients with genetically proven long QT syndrome (LQTS). This frequency is higher than population‐based estimates of early‐onset AF. However, the concomitant expression of AF in LQTS is likely underestimated. The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical presentation, genetic background, and outcomes of a cohort of patients with LQTS and early‐onset AF referred to a single tertiary center.

Methods

Twenty‐seven patients diagnosed with congenital LQTS were included in the study based on the documentation of early‐onset (age ≤50 years) clinical or subclinical AF episodes in all available medical records, including standard electrocardiograms, wearable monitor or cardiac implantable electronic devices.

Results

Seventeen patients experienced clinical AF during the follow‐up period. Subclinical AF was detected in 10 patients through insertable or wearable cardiac monitors. In our series, the mean heart rate during AF episodes was found to be relatively low despite the patients' young age and the low or minimal effective doses of beta‐blockers used for QTc interval control. All patients exhibiting LQTS and early‐onset AF were genotype positive, carrying mutations in the KCNQ1 (66%), KCNH2, KCNE1, and SCN5A genes. Notably, most of these patients carried the same p.(R231C) mutation in the KCNQ1 gene (59%) and were from the same families, suggesting concurrent expression of familial AF and LQTS.

Conclusion

LQTS patients are prone to developing clinical and subclinical AF, even at a younger age. The occurrence of early‐onset AF in the LQTS population could be more frequent than previously assumed. AF should be considered as a potential dysrhythmia related to LQTS. Our study emphasizes the importance of carefully researching clinical and/or subclinical episodes of AF through strict heart rhythm monitoring in the LQTS population.
Incidence and economics of transvenous ICD lead complications: Implications for tricuspid valve function and interventions
Authors: Mason Pamela K. , Schloss Edward J. , Holbrook Reece , Chiddarwar Tanvi , Zhou Jiani , Crossley George H.
Published: July 2024

Background

Implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators are used globally and are reliable, but complications related to transvenous leads remain a concern. Evidence related to the incidence and costs of those complications is heterogeneous with respect to scope and healthcare system. This analysis aims to create estimates of the incidence and costs of tricuspid valve (TV) complications, lead failures, and lead extractions from a single large real‐world data set.

Methods and Results

This retrospective longitudinal cohort study used the deidentified Medicare Fee for Service administrative claims database. A total of 116 036 patients with de novo transvenous ICD implant were analyzed. Mean hospital costs were $26 903 for tricuspid valve complications, $20 851 for lead failures, and $22 278 for lead extractions.

Conclusions

Transvenous ICD lead complications incur significant costs to patients, hospitals, and payers when they occur. Advancements in lead technology that reduce these complications could bring significant clinical and economic value.
A systematic review on the emergence of terbinafine‐resistant Trichophyton indotineae in Europe: Time to act?
Authors: Ferreira Carolina B. , Lisboa Carmen
Published: July 2024

Background

There is a recent growing global concern regarding the rise in antifungal resistance of dermatophytosis. The emergence of terbinafine‐resistant Trichophyton indotineae (T. indotineae), previously known as Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VIII, is particularly alarming given that terbinafine is considered the treatment of choice for dermatophyte infections and the limited number of available antimycotics. This strain surfaced in the Indian subcontinent in the mid‐2010s and more recently there have been reports of its arrival in Europe.

Objective

The objective of this review is to document the presence of terbinafine‐resistant T. indotineae in Europe with the aim to guide antifungal stewardship and ultimately prevent the spread of resistance.

Methods

This study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases.

Results

We extracted information from 16 studies published between 2019 and 2023 that described a total of 63 cases of antifungal‐resistant dermatophytosis caused by T. indotineae in Europe. Antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) revealed a wide range of terbinafine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), varying from 0.014 to ≥16 μg/mL. However, these values are hard to interpret due to variations among used methodologies as well as the lack of clinical breakpoints. In all cases included in this study, elevated terbinafine MICs were associated with mutations in the squalene epoxidase (SQLE) gene. Itraconazole was the most frequently used alternative to terbinafine in this study and complete remission of tinea lesions after treatment switch was shown. Nevertheless, relapse rates are concerningly high.

Conclusions

We propose the implementation of surveillance programmes for a fast identification through sequencing of T. indotineae (and SQLE mutations) and standardization of procedures for AFST to facilitate the establishment of clinical breakpoints and enable guidance on the appropriate use of antifungals.
The first record of ants as potential pollinators of a Neotropical tree species (Lomatia hirsuta Diels ex J.F.Macbr., Proteaceae)
Authors: Pereyra Mariana , Probst Rodolfo S. , Cocucci Andrea A.
Published: July 2024

We provide evidence that Camponotus chilensis (Spinola) visit flowers of the Radal tree (Lomatia hirsuta Diels ex J.F.Macbr.), possibly acting as pollinators of this important tree of the Proteaceae family in the Andean Patagonian forests of Argentina. We found several ant workers transporting pollen from different trees during the blooming season. Pollen transported by workers varied in amount, with some individuals observed fully coated with pollen grains. This note constitutes the first observation of ant activity on the flowers of this plant species and also the first potential example of a tree pollinated by ants in the Neotropics. This note highlights the importance of natural history data in the emergent study field of ant‐pollination.
Remineralization efficiency of three different agents on artificially produced enamel lesions: A micro‐CT study
Authors: İlisulu Sabiha Ceren , Gürcan Aliye Tuğçe , Şişmanoğlu Soner
Published: July 2024

Objective

This study aimed to assess the remineralization efficacy of casein phosphopeptide‐amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP‐ACP), silver diamine fluoride/potassium iodide (SDF/KI), and sodium fluoride with functionalized tricalcium phosphate (NaF/fTCP) on artificial early enamel lesion using laser fluorescence and micro‐CT analysis.

Methodology

On extracted impacted third molars, artificial enamel lesions were prepared. Twenty‐eight specimens were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 7 per group): a control group (artificial saliva), CPP‐ACP (GC Tooth Mousse), SDF/KI (Riva Star), and NaF/fTCP (Clinpro White varnish). Following the manufacturer's instructions, the remineralization agents were applied to demineralized surfaces. Laser fluorescence and micro‐CT were used to evaluate the remineralization efficacy of the agents and analyzes were performed during four stages: before demineralization, after demineralization, 1st day of remineralization and 30th day of remineralization. Shapiro–Wilk test, repeated measures two‐way ANOVA, and Spearman correlation tests were used for statistical analysis. A significant level of p < 0.05 was established.

Results

SDF/KI significantly reduced the lesion area and lesion volume on the demineralized enamel surface after 30 days of remineralization. In the T3 period, SDF/KI increased the mineral density statistically significantly compared to the T1 period. The laser fluorescence values for all three remineralizing agents exhibited a linear decrease. A significant correlation between the fluorescence values and the mineral density was found (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

All three investigated agents were showed positive remineralization efficacy on artificial enamel lesion. However, SDF/KI, containing silver diamine fluoride and potassium iodide exhibited superior than other agents in promoting remineralization.

Clinical Significance

Although all three remineralization agents showed positive remineralization efficacy on artificial enamel lesions, SDF had higher remineralization performance over the other two agents. SDF has potential to prevent progression of demineralization in treating children with high caries risk in the long‐term.
Schistura sonarengaensis, a new species of cave‐dwelling loach (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae) from Meghalaya, northeast India
Authors: Mukhim Dran Khlur B. , Sarma Kangkan , Choudhury Hrishikesh , Chandran Rejani , Das Rajdeep , Singh Rajeev K. , Warbah Deisakee P. , Sarkar Uttam Kumar , Sarma Dandadhar
Published: July 2024

A new species of nemacheilid loach, Schistura sonarengaensis sp. nov., is described from three cave‐dwelling populations (Barak–Surma–Meghna drainage) in the South Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, India. The new species possesses prominent eyes but is easily distinguished from all the congeners of the genus Schistura from Barak–Surma–Meghna and adjacent rivers drainages of northeast Indian (except S. syngkai) in having 13–26 vertically elongated to circular mid‐lateral black blotches (brownish in life) overlayered on a grayish‐black mid‐lateral stripe on a dull white or pale‐beige (golden brown in life) body. However, it can be easily distinguished from S. syngkai in having a complete (vs. incomplete) lateral line with more 72–89 (vs. 19–42) lateral‐line pored scales, greater pre‐dorsal length (48.5–53.1 vs. 41.9–44.1 %SL), a wider body at dorsal‐fin origin (11.3–16.7 vs. 9.4–10.3 %SL), greater dorsal (18.1–21.1 vs. 15.1–17.0 %SL) and lateral (20.9–24.1 vs. 17.4–18.9 %SL) head length, a wider head (14.5–18.5 vs. 11.6–13.3 %SL), and moderately forked (vs. emarginated) caudal fin. Further, molecular analysis confirms the distinctiveness of S. sonarengaensis sp. nov. from its congeners found in northeast India by significant divergences with uncorrected genetic distance ranging from 3.7% to 17.3% in the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene dataset. The phylogenetic position of the new species with its sister species was evaluated using maximum likelihood and Bayesian analysis. The species delimitation approaches assemble species by automatic partitioning (ASAP) and Poisson tree processes (PTP) utilized for testing species assignments consistently identified our test group as a distinct species from its sister species. Although the new species lacks typical morphological adaptations usually associated with a subterranean life, such as complete absence (or vestigial presence) of eyes and pigmentation, it exhibits a reduction of pigmentation when compared to the epigean congeners.
Ex‐post evaluation of fishery management policies on wild fisheries production in northern Cabo Verde: An example of mackerel scad (Decapterus macarellus, Carangidae)
Authors: da Cruz Delgado Katelene , Osemwegie Isimemen , Medina Anibal Delgado , Nascimento da Luz Alciany , Kubik Zaneta , Kouamelan Essetchi Paul
Published: July 2024

Government policies for marine fisheries have been implemented in Cabo Verde since its independence in 1975, with the aim to prevent overexploitation of wild fish species and promote sustainable fishing practices. Nonetheless, only minor amendments have been made to the legal harvesting size, considering biological sciences. This study, therefore, adopted a transdisciplinary approach to assess the political, ecological, and social dimensions of current fishery policy interventions applicable to the commercially valuable pelagic species Decapterus macarellus (mackerel scad). An ex‐post analysis of relevant fishery management policies targeting D. macarellus was conducted. This was supplemented by strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis conducted by key fisheries stakeholders. Stocks assessment was conducted on catch data before (2003–2007) and after (2017–2021) the policy interventions. This was followed by a survey of 175 fishery sector actors to understand their perception of the policies, compliance challenges, and recommendations for reforms. Results showed that although the mackerel scad landing size comparably increased, landing catches were on the decline. Most fisheries stakeholders are aware of the policies implemented and acknowledge their favorable developmental outcomes. However, certain gaps exist in the national marine fisheries policies. For example, there is an absence of follow‐up research on implemented fishing policies and a lack of monitoring data on the ecology and distribution of the mackerel scad, which hinders our understanding of the exact causes of the reported continual decrease in catches. There is, therefore, a need for regular monitoring of the environmental health of coastal and marine habitats to inform prioritization and/or reformulation of policy intervention measures to achieve intended conservation outcomes.
Lessons from a geriatric clinical case from the 19th century: a bridge to modern geriatric medicine
Authors: Arisi Arianna , Salvi Marco , Corradi Domenico , Sandrini Francesca , Bruni Renato , Frasca Elena , Cattabiani Chiara , Zucchini Irene , La Porta Umberto , Testa Crescenzo , Niccoli Giampaolo , Lauretani Fulvio , Maggio Marcello
Published: July 2024

Count Neipperg (1775–1829), the morganatic husband of Maria Luigia of Habsburg, Napoleon's former wife, presented with typical heart failure symptoms and died of bilateral bronchopneumonia. Neipperg's case is an example of the conflict in the medical field, which led to the birth of modern evidence‐based medicine (EBM), and although Neipperg died almost 200 years ago, his case presents the same critical issues that more complex geriatric patients face today. First, the attending physicians provided divergent opinions without reaching an agreement. For example, Francesco Rossi correctly diagnosed heart disease by evaluating the patient's signs and symptoms, a clinical approach that is an early example of modern EBM. By contrast, Giacomo Tommasini made a misdiagnosis based on the philosophical principles of John Brown's vitalist theory, as reworded by Giovanni Rasori. Second, Tommasini's medical report also includes evidence of the Geriatric 5Ms for older patient care, such as multi‐complexity, multimorbidity, medication, mobility, and the mind. Moreover, both physicians considered “what matters most” for the patient and his family. Third, the Count's status and political role were identified as the social and structural determinants of health (SSDoH) and used to justify the exceptional intensity of the health care provided. Subsequently, the ante litteram application of EBM and a clinical evaluation based on Geriatrics 5Ms principles anticipate current multidisciplinary management focused on the patient rather than a single disease. The systematic revision of past clinical cases not examined before could open new windows in the dissemination of the geriatric methodology and discipline.
A QTL GN1.1, encoding FT‐L1, regulates grain number and yield by modulating polar auxin transport in rice
Authors: Zhao Huai‐Yu , Shan Jun‐Xiang , Ye Wang‐Wei , Dong Nai‐Qian , Kan Yi , Yang Yi‐Bing , Yu Hong‐Xiao , Lu Zi‐Qi , Guo Shuang‐Qin , Lei Jie‐Jie , Liao Ben , Lin Hong‐Xuan
Published: July 2024

Rice grain number is a crucial agronomic trait impacting yield. In this study, we characterized a quantitative trait locus (QTL), GRAIN NUMBER 1.1 (GN1.1), which encodes a Flowering Locus T‐like1 (FT‐L1) protein and acts as a negative regulator of grain number in rice. The elite allele GN1.1B, derived from the Oryza indica variety, BF3‐104, exhibits a 14.6% increase in grain yield compared with the O. japonica variety, Nipponbare, based on plot yield tests. We demonstrated that GN1.1 interacted with and enhanced the stability of ADP‐ribosylation factor (Arf)‐GTPase‐activating protein (Gap), OsZAC. Loss of function of OsZAC results in increased grain number. Based on our data, we propose that GN1.1B facilitates the elevation of auxin content in young rice panicles by affecting polar auxin transport (PAT) through interaction with OsZAC. Our study unveils the pivotal role of the GN1.1 locus in rice panicle development and presents a novel, promising allele for enhancing rice grain yield through genetic improvement.
Habitual rapid eye movement sleep predicts changes in test‐anxiety levels weeks in advance
Authors: Larios Emerson , Lerner Itamar
Published: July 2024

Previous research has linked rapid eye movement sleep to emotional processing, particularly stress. Lab studies indicate that rapid eye movement sleep deprivation and fragmentation heighten emotional reactivity and stress response. This relationship extends to natural settings, where poor‐quality sleep among college students correlates with increased academic stress and lower academic performance. However, there is a lack of research into how specific sleep stages, like rapid eye movement, affect real‐life stress development. This study investigated whether habitual rapid eye movement sleep in college students can predict the future development of real‐life stress symptoms associated with final exams. Fifty‐two participants (mean age = 19 years, 62% females) monitored their sleep for a week during the academic semester using a mobile electroencephalogram device, and then completed self‐evaluations measuring test anxiety and other relevant factors. They completed the same evaluations again just prior to final exams. We found that rapid eye movement sleep was the most dominant factor predicting changes in participants' test anxiety. However, contrasting with our predictions, habitual rapid eye movement sleep was associated with an increase rather than decrease in anxiety. We discuss these results in terms of the rapid eye movement recalibration hypothesis, which suggests rapid eye movement sleep modulates activity in stress‐encoding areas in the brain, leading to both decreased sensitivity and increased selectivity of stress responses.
Data transparency and growth in developing economies during and after the global financial crisis
Authors: Islam Asif Mohammed , Lederman Daniel
Published: July 2024

The study explores the effects of data transparency on economic growth for developing economies over a unique time period ‐ at the onset of the 2007–2009 global financial crisis and thereafter. Data transparency is defined as the timely production of credible statistics as measured by the statistical capacity indicator. The paper finds that data transparency has a positive effect on real gross domestic product per capita during a period of considerable uncertainty. The estimates indicate an elasticity of the magnitude of 0.03 percent per year, which is much larger than the elasticity of trade openness and schooling in the estimation sample. The empirics employ a variety of econometric estimators, including dynamic panel and cross‐sectional instrumental variables estimators, with the latter approach yielding a higher estimated elasticity. The findings are robust to the inclusion of several factors in addition to political institutions and exogenous commodity‐price and external debt‐financing shocks.
Improving self‐regulated learning of speaking skills in foreign languages
Authors: De Vrind Esther , Janssen Fred J. J. M. , Van Driel Jan H. , De Jong Nivja H.
Published: July 2024

In foreign language learning, it is important that learners become autonomous and learn how to self‐regulate their learning to continue language development. This article presents a self‐evaluation procedure designed to promote self‐regulation in speaking skills in a foreign language. This self‐evaluation procedure was tested in a quasi‐experimental study among 329 secondary school students in the Netherlands to investigate to what extent changes occurred in students’ self‐regulation of their speaking skills and to what extent students perceived the self‐evaluation procedure as motivating and adaptive to their needs. The results showed that shifts were found in the focus of students’ diagnoses and improvement plans for their own speaking performances. It was also found that the perceived need for teachers’ assistance decreased. Moreover, students found support to be adaptive and appreciated the activities in the self‐evaluation procedure—especially producing and executing an improvement plan. In conclusion, this study contributes to the development of knowledge about guiding students’ self‐regulation of speaking skills by adding concrete design principles to realize such a learning process.