bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Of popsicles and crackers: when spatio-temporal memory is not integrated into children’s decision-making
Authors: Coughlin Christine , Karjack Sabrina , Pospisil Jacqueline , Lee Joshua K. , Ghetti Simona
Published: September 2024

Prior research has used innovative paradigms to show that some non-human animal species demonstrate behavioural choices (i.e. foraging for a food item at a specific location, and at a time that guarantees it has not yet decayed), reflecting episodic-like or ‘WWW’ memory (memory for ‘what’ happened, ‘where’ and ‘when’). These results raised the question of whether similar approaches could be used to examine memory in young children in order to reduce verbal demands. The present research examines the extent to which children’s WWW memory aligns with memory-based choices in 3- to 5-year-olds (
n
= 95; study 1) and in 7- to 11-year-olds and adults (
n
= 168; study 2). Results indicate that preschoolers’ struggle with choice-based tasks probably reflects difficulty integrating their WWW memory with an understanding that certain items decay over time. Moreover, a convergence between verbal recall measures and choice-based measures is observable in 7-year-olds and beyond, reflecting a stronger integration of memory signals, understanding of state transformation, and decision-making.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Elements of episodic memory: lessons from 40 years of research’.
Schema-driven prediction effects on episodic memory across the lifespan
Authors: Ortiz-Tudela Javier , Turan Gözem , Vilas Martina , Melloni Lucia , Shing Yee Lee
Published: September 2024

The predictive processing framework posits that one of the main functions of the brain is to anticipate the incoming information. Internal models facilitate interactions with the world by predicting future states against which actual evidence is compared. The difference between predicted and actual states, the prediction error (PE), signals novel information. However, how PE affects cognitive processing downstream is not fully understood: one such aspect pertains to how PE influences episodic memories, and whether those effect on memory differ across the lifespan. We examine the relationship between PE and episodic memory in children, young and older adults. We use a novel paradigm whereby rich visual narratives are used to build action schemas that enable probing different mnemonic aspects. To create different levels of PE, we manipulate the story endings to be either expected, neutral or unexpected with respect to the unfolded action. We show that (i) expected endings are better encoded than neutral endings and (ii) unexpected endings improve the encoding of mismatching events and other aspects of the narrative. These effects are differentially modulated across the lifespan with PE-driven encoding being more prominent in children and young adults and with schema integration playing a larger role on memory encoding in older adults. These results highlight the role of predictions by enriching past experiences and informing future anticipations.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Elements of episodic memory: lessons from 40 years of research’.
A short natural history of mental time travels: a journey still travelled?
Authors: Osvath Mathias , Johansson Mikael
Published: September 2024

Tulving’s introduction of episodic memory and the metaphor of mental time travel has immensely enriched our understanding of human cognition. However, his focus on human psychology, with limited consideration of evolutionary perspectives, led to the entrenched notion that mental time travel is uniquely human. We contend that adopting a phylogenetic perspective offers a deeper insight into cognition, revealing it as a continuous evolutionary process. Adherence to the uniqueness of pre-defined psychological concepts obstructs a more complete understanding. We offer a concise natural history to elucidate how events that occurred hundreds of millions of years ago have been pivotal for our ability to mentally time travel. We discuss how the human brain, utilizing parts with ancient origins in a networked manner, enables mental time travel. This underscores that episodic memories and mental time travel are not isolated mental constructs but integral to our perception and representation of the world. We conclude by examining recent evidence of neuroanatomical correlates found only in great apes, which show great variability, indicating the ongoing evolution of mental time travel in humans.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Elements of episodic memory: lessons from 40 years of research’.
The function of episodic memory in animals
Authors: Healy Susan D. , Hurly T. Andrew , Godard Jeanne , Tello-Ramos Maria
Published: September 2024

The best-known example of episodic memory in animals came from food-storing birds. One of the beauties of the food-storing system was that inherent in the behaviour were the elements that (at the time) made up episodic memory: what, where and when. While there were then already plenty of data on animals’ ability to put together what and where, the addition of the time element in animals’ memory and its testing was one that was both new and experimentally challenging. It has, however, led to an increasing variety of examples showing that animals can put together all three informational components. If episodic memories can be described as those memories that make any one of us who we are, why should non-human animals have such memories? Here, we argue that episodic memories play a significant functional role in the lives of real animals, in particular, enabling them to make decisions about how they might or should act in their future. We support our argument with data from a range of examples, focussing on data from the field.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Elements of episodic memory: lessons from 40 years of research’.
Mental time travel in the rat
Authors: Crystal Jonathon D.
Published: September 2024

I outline the perspective that searching the contents of memory is a form of mental time travel (MTT) in non-humans that is relatively tractable because it focuses on the contents of memory. I propose that an animal model of MTT requires three elements: (i) the animal remembers multiple events using episodic memory, (ii) the order of events in time is included in the representation, and (iii) the sequence of events can be searched to find a target that occurred at a particular time. I review experiments suggesting that rats represent multiple items in episodic memory (element 1) in order of occurrence (element 2) and engage in memory replay to search representations in episodic memory in sequential order to find information at particular points in the sequence (element 3). The cognitive building blocks needed for MTT may be quite old in the evolutionary timescale.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Elements of episodic memory: lessons from 40 years of research’.
The constructive nature of memories in insects: bumblebees as a case study
Authors: Martin-Ordas Gema
Published: September 2024

The view that human memory is constructive implies that recollections are not necessarily an accurate reproduction of past events. An approach to study this constructive nature of memory is by examining memory errors. In this regard, conjunction errors—i.e. incorrect recollection of new stimuli integrated by components from two previously studied stimuli—have attracted important attention in human memory research. Do animals other than humans make conjunction errors? To investigate this issue, a choice task in which training was not involved was used. Bees experienced two to-be-remembered stimuli. At the test, they were presented with four stimuli: one of the original items (i.e. old), an item made by combining two features of the original items (i.e. conjunction), an item containing a previously presented feature and a new one (i.e. feature), and an item integrated solely by new features (i.e. new). Bumblebees remembered the old items. Importantly, when making memory errors, bumblebees selected conjunction and feature lures more often than new items. These results indicate that bumblebees, like humans, spontaneously make memory conjunction errors and suggest that invertebrates’ memories might also be constructive in nature. I suggest that focusing on memory errors is a solid avenue to investigate episodic (like) memory in animals.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Elements of episodic memory: lessons from 40 years of research’.
Measuring episodic memory and mental time travel: crossing the species gap
Authors: Collaro Eli , Barton Robert A. , Ainge James A. , Easton Alexander
Published: September 2024

Mental time travel is the projection of the mind into the past or future, and relates to experiential aspects of episodic memory, and episodic future thinking. Framing episodic memory and future thinking in this way causes a challenge when studying memory in animals, where demonstration of this mental projection is prevented by the absence of language. However, there is good evidence that non-human animals pass tests of episodic memory that are based on behavioural criteria, meaning a better understanding needs to be had of the relationship between episodic memory and mental time travel. We argue that mental time travel and episodic memory are not synonymous, and that mental time travel is neither a requirement of, nor an irrelevance to, episodic memory. Mental time travel can allow improved behavioural choices based on episodic memory, and work in all species (including humans) should include careful consideration of the behavioural outputs being measured.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Elements of episodic memory: lessons from 40 years of research’.
Transitional gradation and the distinction between episodic and semantic memory
Authors: Gentry Hunter , Buckner Cameron
Published: September 2024

In this article, we explore various arguments against the traditional distinction between episodic and semantic memory based on the metaphysical phenomenon of transitional gradation. Transitional gradation occurs when two candidate kinds A and B grade into one another along a continuum according to their characteristic properties. We review two kinds of arguments—from the gradual semanticization of episodic memories as they are consolidated, and from the composition of episodic memories during storage and recall from semantic memories—that predict the proliferation of such transitional forms. We further explain why the distinction cannot be saved from the challenges of transitional gradation by appealing to distinct underlying memory structures and applying our perspective to the impasse over research into ‘episodic-like’ memory in non-human animals. On the whole, we recommend replacing the distinction with a dynamic life cycle of memory in which a variety of transitional forms will proliferate, and illustrate the utility of this perspective by tying together recent trends in animal episodic memory research and recommending productive future directions.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Elements of episodic memory: lessons from 40 years of research’.
Beyond the episodic–semantic continuum: the multidimensional model of mental representations
Authors: Addis Donna Rose , Szpunar Karl K.
Published: September 2024

Tulving’s concept of mental time travel (MTT), and the related distinction of episodic and semantic memory, have been highly influential contributions to memory research, resulting in a wealth of findings and a deeper understanding of the neurocognitive correlates of memory and future thinking. Many models have conceptualized episodic and semantic representations as existing on a continuum that can help to account for various hybrid forms. Nevertheless, in most theories, MTT remains distinctly associated with episodic representations. In this article, we review existing models of memory and future thinking, and critically evaluate whether episodic representations are distinct from other types of explicit representations, including whether MTT as a neurocognitive capacity is uniquely episodic. We conclude by proposing a new framework, the Multidimensional Model of Mental Representations (MMMR), which can parsimoniously account for the range of past, present and future representations the human mind is capable of creating.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Elements of episodic memory: lessons from 40 years of research’.
Episodic recombination and the role of time in mental travel
Authors: Mahr Johannes B. , Schacter Daniel L.
Published: September 2024

Mental time travel is often presented as a singular mechanism, but theoretical and empirical considerations suggest that it is composed of component processes. What are these components? Three hypotheses about the major components of mental time travel are commonly considered: (i) remembering and imagining might, respectively, rely on different processes, (ii) past- and future-directed forms of mental time travel might, respectively, rely on different processes, and (iii) the creation of episodic representations and the determination of their temporal orientation might, respectively, rely on different processes. Here, we flesh out the last of these proposals. First, we argue for ‘representational continuism’: the view that different forms of mental travel are continuous with regard to their core representational contents. Next, we propose an updated account of episodic recombination (the mechanism generating these episodic contents) and review evidence in its support. On this view, episodic recombination is a natural kind best viewed as a form of compositional computation. Finally, we argue that episodic recombination should be distinguished from mechanisms determining the temporal orientation of episodic representations. Thus, we suggest that mental travel is a singular capacity, while mental
time
travel has at least two major components: episodic representations and their temporal orientation.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Elements of episodic memory: lessons from 40 years of research’.
Episodic memory without autonoetic consciousness
Authors: De Brigard Felipe
Published: September 2024

Ever since Tulving’s influential 1985 article ‘Memory and consciousness’, it has become traditional to think of autonoetic consciousness as necessary for episodic memory. This paper questions this claim. Specifically, it argues that the construct of autonoetic consciousness lacks validity and that, even if it was valid, it would still not be necessary for episodic memory. The paper ends with a proposal to go back to a functional/computational characterization of episodic memory in which its characteristic phenomenology is a contingent feature of the retrieval process and, as a result, open to empirical scrutiny. The proposal also dovetails with recent taxonomies of memory that are independent of conscious awareness and suggests strategies to evaluate within- and between-individual variability in the conscious experience of episodic memories in human and non-human agents.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Elements of episodic memory: lessons from 40 years of research’.
Distinct mechanisms and functions of episodic memory
Authors: Cheng Sen
Published: September 2024

The concept of episodic memory (EM) faces significant challenges by two claims: EM might not be a distinct memory system, and EM might be an epiphenomenon of a more general capacity for mental time travel (MTT). Nevertheless, the observations leading to these arguments do not preclude the existence of a mechanically and functionally distinct EM system. First, modular systems, like cognition, can have distinct subsystems that may not be distinguishable in the system’s final output. EM could be such a subsystem, even though its effects may be difficult to distinguish from those of other subsystems. Second, EM could have a distinct and consistent low-level function, which is used in diverse high-level functions such as MTT. This article introduces the scenario construction framework, proposing that EM crucially rests on memory traces containing the gist of an episodic experience. During retrieval, EM traces trigger the reconstruction of semantic representations, which were active during the remembered episode, and are further enriched with semantic information, to generate a scenario of the past experience. This conceptualization of EM is consistent with studies on the neural basis of EM and resolves the two challenges while retaining the key properties associated with EM.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Elements of episodic memory: lessons from 40 years of research’.
The recursive grammar of mental time travel
Authors: Redshaw Jonathan
Published: September 2024

One apparent feature of mental time travel is the ability to recursively embed temporal perspectives across different times: humans can remember how we anticipated the future and anticipate how we will remember the past. This recursive structure of mental time travel might be formalized in terms of a ‘grammar’ that is reflective of but more general than linguistic notions of absolute and relative tense. Here, I provide a foundation for this grammatical framework, emphasizing a bounded (rather than unbounded) recursive function that supports mental time travel to a limited temporal depth and to actual and possible scenarios. Anticipated counterfactual thinking, for instance, entails three levels of mental time travel to a possible scenario (‘in the future, I will reflect on how my past self could have taken a different future action’) and is centrally implicated in complex human decision-making. This perspective calls for further research into the mechanisms, ontogeny, functions and phylogeny of recursive mental time travel, and revives the question of links with other recursive forms of thinking such as theory of mind.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Elements of episodic memory: lessons from 40 years of research’.
Eliminating episodic memory?
Authors: Andonovski Nikola , Sutton John , McCarroll Christopher Jude
Published: September 2024

In Tulving’s initial characterization, episodic memory was one of multiple memory systems. It was postulated, in pursuit of explanatory depth, as displaying proprietary operations, representations and substrates such as to explain a range of cognitive, behavioural and experiential phenomena. Yet the subsequent development of this research programme has, paradoxically, introduced surprising doubts about the nature, and indeed existence, of episodic memory. On dominant versions of the ‘common system’ view, on which a single simulation system underlies both remembering and imagining, there are no processes unique to memory to support robust generalizations with inductive potential. Eliminativism about episodic memory seems to follow from the claim that it has no dedicated neurocognitive system of its own. After identifying this under-noticed threat, we push back against modern eliminativists by surveying recent evidence that still indicates specialized mechanisms, computations and representations that are distinctly mnemic in character. We argue that contemporary realists about episodic memory can retain lessons of the common system approach while resisting the further move to eliminativism.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Elements of episodic memory: lessons from 40 years of research’.
Travelling beyond time: shared brain system for self-projection in the temporal, political and moral domains
Authors: Dafni-Merom Amnon , Monsa Rotem , Benbaji Meitar , Klein Adi , Arzy Shahar
Published: September 2024

Mental time travel (MTT), a cornerstone of human cognition, enables individuals to mentally project themselves into their past or future. It was shown that this self-projection may extend beyond the temporal domain to the spatial and social domains. What about higher cognitive domains? Twenty-eight participants underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while self-projecting to different political, moral and temporal perspectives. For each domain, participants were asked to judge their relationship to various people (politicians, moral figures, personal acquaintances) from their actual or projected self-location. Findings showed slower, less accurate responses during self-projection across all domains. fMRI analysis revealed self-projection elicited brain activity at the precuneus, medial and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, temporoparietal junction and anterior insula, bilaterally and right lateral temporal cortex. Notably, 23.5% of active voxels responded to all three domains and 27% to two domains, suggesting a shared brain system for self-projection. For ordinality judgement (self-reference), 52.5% of active voxels corresponded to the temporal domain specifically. Self-projection activity overlapped mostly with the frontoparietal control network, followed by the default mode network, while self-reference showed a reversed pattern, demonstrating MTT’s implication in spontaneous brain activity. MTT may thus be regarded as a ‘mental-experiential travel’, with self-projection as a domain-general construct and self-reference related mostly to time.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Elements of episodic memory: lessons from 40 years of research’.
Synthesizing the temporal self: robotic models of episodic and autobiographical memory
Authors: Prescott Tony J. , Dominey Peter F.
Published: September 2024

Episodic memories are experienced as belonging to a self that persists in time. We review evidence concerning the nature of human episodic memory and of the sense of self and how these emerge during development, proposing that the younger child experiences a persistent self that supports a subjective experience of remembering. We then explore recent research in cognitive architectures for robotics that has investigated the possibility of forms of synthetic episodic and autobiographical memory. We show that recent advances in generative modeling can support an understanding of the emergence of self and of episodic memory, and that cognitive architectures which include a language capacity are showing progress towards the construction of a narrative self with autobiographical memory capabilities for robots. We conclude by considering the prospects for a more complete model of mental time travel in robotics and the implications of this modeling work for understanding human episodic memory and the self in time.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Elements of episodic memory: lessons from 40 years of research’.
Elements of episodic memory: insights from artificial agents
Authors: Boyle Alexandria , Blomkvist Andrea
Published: September 2024

Many recent artificial intelligence (AI) systems take inspiration from biological episodic memory. Here, we ask how these ‘episodic-inspired’ AI systems might inform our understanding of biological episodic memory. We discuss work showing that these systems implement some key features of episodic memory while differing in important respects and appear to enjoy behavioural advantages in the domains of strategic decision-making, fast learning, navigation, exploration and acting over temporal distance. We propose that these systems could be used to evaluate competing theories of episodic memory’s operations and function. However, further work is needed to validate them as models of episodic memory and isolate the contributions of their memory systems to their behaviour. More immediately, we propose that these systems have a role to play in directing episodic memory research by highlighting novel or neglected hypotheses as pursuit-worthy. In this vein, we propose that the evidence reviewed here highlights two pursuit-worthy hypotheses about episodic memory’s function: that it plays a role in planning that is independent of future-oriented simulation, and that it is adaptive in virtue of its contributions to fast learning in novel, sparse-reward environments.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Elements of episodic memory: lessons from 40 years of research’.
Mediterranean octocoral populations exposed to marine heatwaves are less resilient to disturbances
Authors: Capdevila Pol , Zentner Yanis , Rovira Graciel·la , Garrabou Joaquim , Medrano Alba , Linares Cristina
Published: September 2024

The effects of climate change are now more pervasive than ever. Marine ecosystems have been particularly impacted by climate change, with marine heatwaves (MHWs) being a strong driver of mass mortality events. Even in the most optimistic greenhouse gas emission scenarios, MHWs will continue to increase in frequency, intensity and duration. For this reason, understanding the resilience of marine species to the increase of MHWs is crucial to predicting their viability under future climatic conditions.

In this study, we explored the consequences of MHWs on the resilience (the ability of a population to resist and recover after a disturbance) of a Mediterranean key octocoral species, Paramuricea clavata, to further disturbances to their population structure. To quantify P. clavata's capacity to resist and recover from future disturbances, we used demographic information collected from 1999 to 2022, from two different sites in the NW Mediterranean Sea to calculate the transient dynamics of their populations.

Our results showed that the differences in the dynamics of populations exposed and those not exposed to MHWs were driven mostly by differences in mean survivorship and growth. We also showed that after MHWs P. clavata populations had lower resistance and slower rates of recovery than those not exposed to MHWs. Populations exposed to MHWs had lower resistance elasticity to most demographic processes compared to unexposed populations. In contrast, the only demographic process showing some differences when comparing the speed of recovery elasticity values between populations exposed and unexposed to MHWs was stasis. Finally, under scenarios of increasing frequency of MHWs, the extinction of P. clavata populations will accelerate and their capacity to resist and recover after further disturbances will be hampered.

Overall, these findings confirm that future climatic conditions will make octocoral populations even more vulnerable to further disturbances. These results highlight the importance of limiting local impacts on marine ecosystems to dampen the consequences of climate change.
Using AI to Mitigate the Employee Misclassification Problem
Authors: Davidov Guy
Published: September 2024

Misclassification of employees as independent contractors is widespread. This article aims to make two contributions. My first goal is to sharpen the explanation of why misclassifications persist; I argue that three well‐known problems – the indeterminacy of employee status tests, the barriers to self‐enforcement, and the inequality of bargaining power – together combine to give employers de facto power to set the default legal status. Putting the burden on the worker to initiate legal proceedings and challenge their classification as an independent contractor is the ultimate reason for persistent misclassifications. The second and main contribution is to propose a solution that relies on new AI capabilities. Thanks to technological advancements it is now possible to require employers to seek pre‐authorisation before engaging with someone as an independent contractor. The authorisation would be granted (or refused) by a state‐run automated system, based on an AI prediction about the law. Both parties would still be able to bring the case before a court of law; but the power to set the default legal status would be taken away from employers. The article considers the difficulties with relying on AI predictions, and argues that those difficulties can be addressed, proposing a model that can be justified.
Turkish validity and reliability of the screening scale for indirect trauma caused by media exposure to social disasters (SITMES)
Authors: Güzel Aysun , İnfal Kesim Selma
Published: September 2024

The present study aimed to address the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Screening Scale for Indirect Trauma Caused by Media Exposure to Social Disasters (SITMES). This study was a methodological research. The data was collected between July 17 and September 18, 2023. The sample consisted of individuals aged 18 and older residing in any province across Turkiye. The data of 530 participants were collected through online (Google Forms) and face‐to‐face (for test–retest purposes) methods (405 through Google Forms and 125 face‐to‐face participants in Burdur province). The data were collected using a demographic information form (six questions), the SITMES (24 items), the 6‐item Brief Resilience Scale, and the 22‐item Impact of Event Scale‐Revised. All analyses were performed on the SPSS 25.0 and LISREL programmes. Cronbach's α values were calculated to be .91 for the “psychological, physical, and behavioural responses to social disasters” subscale, 0.89 for the “moral resentment due to social disasters” subscale, 0.86 for the “a sense of threat to life due to social disasters” subscale, and 0.92 for the SITMES total score. The replicated confirmatory factor analysis with the mentioned modifications yielded the following goodness‐of‐fit indices: p < .05, χ2/df = 4.1, RMSEA = 0.07, RMR = 0.08, SRMR = 0.06, NFI = 0.88, NNFI = 0.90, CFI = 0.91, IFI = 0.91, and ECVI = 2.13. The findings revealed that the scale consisting of 24 items within three subscales can validly and reliably utilized in the Turkish context.
Stone products of the Roman municipium of Neviodunum, Pannonia (modern Drnovo, Slovenia)
Authors: Zanier Katharina , Brajkovič Rok , Gale Luka , Novak Matevž
Published: September 2024

The paper presents the lithologies used in the stone products of Neviodunum (modern Drnovo in Slovenia), a Roman municipium in south‐western Pannonia. For this purpose, 95 stone monuments were assessed. Petrographic and biostratigraphic analyses were carried out on 56 archaeological and 57 geological samples. Our research shows that, besides some rare exceptions, most stone products refer to three lithostratigraphic units: the Middle Miocene ‘Lithothamnium’ Limestone Member of the Laško Formation, the Upper Cretaceous Krško Formation and the Early Jurassic Krka Limestone Member of the Podbukovje Formation.
An initial report of robotic‐assisted anatomical liver resection with indocyanine green fluorescence navigation using the ultrasound‐guided preoperative positive staining technique
Authors: Kusano Tomokazu , Aoki Takeshi , Saito Kazuhiko , Tashiro Yoshihiko , Matsuda Kazuhiro
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Robotic‐assisted surgery has become increasingly popular because of its potential benefits. Anatomical liver resection (ALR) is a valuable strategy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) management. ALR with indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence navigation was reported as an effective solution for segment identification. We reported a simple and convenient “preoperative positive staining technique” for laparoscopic ALR to overcome some limitations. To our knowledge, this is the first report of robotic‐assisted surgery in which ALR was performed using this technique.

Materials and Surgical Technique

A 69‐year‐old man presented with a 12‐mm HCC in segment 8. Preoperative three‐dimensional simulation images showed that the fourth‐order branch of the portal vein was a tumor‐bearing portal pedicle. After anesthesia induction, 1 mL of 0.025 mg/mL ICG was injected percutaneously into this branch under B‐mode ultrasound guidance before pneumoperitoneum. A robotic laparoscope was inserted. The preoperative positive staining area was clearly stained on the liver surface with the Firefly mode on the da Vinci Xi system. Based on the demarcation line, the liver parenchymal resection was started. The ICG fluorescence staining area was checked frequently on the resected side of the liver transection plane. Subsequently, the fourth‐order portal branch was identified with the ICG fluorescence technique and ligated. Finally, the specimen was resected. The operation took 352 min, with 10 mL of blood loss, and was completed without any operative problems.

Discussion

Although many cases are required, the proposed preoperative positive staining technique appears useful for accurate and precise surgery given the increasing application of robotic‐assisted hepatectomy.
Durvalumab after chemoradiotherapy for locoregional recurrence of completely resected non–small‐cell lung cancer (NEJ056)
Authors: Furuta Megumi , Horinouchi Hidehito , Yokota Isao , Yamaguchi Teppei , Itoh Shoichi , Fukui Takafumi , Iwashima Akira , Sugisaka Jun , Miura Yu , Tanaka Hisashi , Miyawaki Taichi , Yokouchi Hiroshi , Miura Keita , Saito Ryota , Saito Go , Kamoshida Tatsuhiko , Uchinami Yusuke , Kato Tatsuya , Kobayashi Kunihiko , Asahina Hajime
Published: September 2024

Locoregional recurrence of non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after complete resection lacks standard treatment. Durvalumab after chemoradiotherapy (CRT) or CRT alone is often selected in daily clinical practice for patients with locoregional recurrence; however, the therapeutic efficacy of these treatments remains unclear, and we aimed to assess this. This retrospective observational study used data from patients with NSCLC diagnosed with locoregional recurrence after complete resection who subsequently underwent concurrent CRT followed by durvalumab (CRT‐D group) or CRT alone (CRT group). We employed propensity score analysis with inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) to adjust for various confounders and evaluate efficacy in the CRT‐D group. After IPTW adjustment, the CRT‐D group contained 119 patients (64.7% male; 69.7% adenocarcinoma), and the CRT group contained 111 patients (60.5% male; 73.4% adenocarcinoma). Their mean ages were 66 and 65 years, respectively. The IPTW‐adjusted median progression‐free survival was 25.4 and 11.5 months for the CRT‐D and CRT groups, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.30–0.64); the median overall survival was not reached in either group favoring CRT‐D (hazard ratio, 0.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.24–0.99). Grade 3 or 4 adverse events were observed in 48.8% of patients during CRT, 10.7% after initiating durvalumab maintenance therapy in the CRT‐D group, and 57.3% in the CRT group. Overall, the sequential approach of CRT followed by durvalumab is a promising treatment strategy for locoregional recurrence of NSCLC after complete resection.
Psoriasiform drug eruption: A case series with a review of the literature
Authors: Mori Miho , Kawakami Hiroshi , Tobita Rie , Arai Takashi , Satsuma Atsuko , Tsuboi Ryoji , Okubo Yukari
Published: September 2024

The present case series examined five instances of psoriasiform drug eruption diagnosed between 2014 and 2022 at the study site and 23 cases of drug eruption manifesting psoriasiform lesions which had been reported between 1986 and 2022. The causative drug, distribution of the skin eruptions, clinical latency to eruption, treatment course, and histopathological findings were investigated. The most common causative agents were calcium channel blockers (CCB) (64.5%). Of the 28 cases of psoriasiform drug eruption for which details of the eruption sites were reported, 46.4% occurred on the face, which was slightly higher than the usual distribution of psoriasis. CCB were responsible for 80.0% of the cases of facial skin rash. The mean time from the administration of the suspected drug to eruption onset was 25.0 months (range: 0.5–120 months; median: 13.0 months). In all the cases, the skin rash improved after the causative drug was discontinued. CCB were the most common causative agent, and the eruptions more commonly occurred on the face than in normal psoriasis, suggesting that it is especially important to confirm whether there is a history of CCB administration in psoriasis patients with extensive, facial skin eruptions.
Possibility of maintaining remission with topical therapy alone after withdrawal of dupilumab in Japanese patients with atopic dermatitis and their characteristics in the real world
Authors: Watanabe Ayu , Kamata Masahiro , Okada Yoshiki , Suzuki Shoya , Ito Makoto , Uchida Hideaki , Chijiwa Chika , Egawa Shota , Hiura Azusa , Fukaya Saki , Hayashi Kotaro , Fukuyasu Atsuko , Tanaka Takamitsu , Ishikawa Takeko , Tada Yayoi
Published: September 2024

Psossibility and appropriate timing of discontinuation of dupilumab for atopic dermatitis (AD) remain unclear. We explored the possibility of patients, who could maintain remission with topical therapy alone after withdrawing dupilumab in the real world. Furthermore, we identified their characteristics. All adult AD patients who initiated dupilumab from June 2018 to July 2022 and were treated with dupilumab for more than 3 months at our hospital were included in this study. The observation period was from June 2018 to July 2023. In 138 patients, 58 (42.0%) discontinued dupilumab at least once. Among them, 18 (13.0%) discontinued dupilumab but reinitiated dupilumab later due to exacerbation. Only seven patients (5.1%) could maintain remission with topical therapy alone after discontinuation of dupilumab, with characteristics of lower POEM, VAS of pruritus, serum levels of TARC and LDH, and neutrophil counts at baseline, and those of longer duration of dupilumab until its discontinuation (24.0 ± 13.3 vs. 12.8 ± 7.3 months) and lower EASI and affected BSA at the discontinuation of dupilumab. In 118 patients treated with dupilumab for at least 1 year, 38 patients (32.2%) discontinued at least once. Only four patients (3.4%) could maintain remission with topical therapy alone after discontinuation of dupilumab, with characteristics of lower POEM at baseline and lower EASI at the discontinuation of dupilumab. In conclusion, maintaining remission after withdrawing dupilumab is challenging. Discontinuation of dupilumab may be considered in patients with low baseline POEM, after more than 2 years of dupilumab treatment, with a substantial decrease in EASI.
The relationship between testicular cancer and beliefs about testicular self‐examination and health literacy
Authors: Çapuk Hüseyin , Fidan Hurşit , Akcan Kübra
Published: September 2024

Testicular cancer is one of the most common urogenital cancers in men. Early detection of this type of cancer through screening and self‐examination increases the chances of survival and reduces healthcare expenses. Nurses, physicians and patients have critical responsibilities in preventing testicular cancer. The results of this research will make a significant contribution to the development of preventive services by determining the health beliefs and general knowledge level of patients about testicular cancer and testicular self‐examination (TSE). Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the relationship between health beliefs and health literacy regarding testicular cancer and TSE of men who applied to the urology clinic. This descriptive study was conducted with male patients who applied to the urology outpatient clinic of a public hospital between March and June 2023. 337 volunteers participated in the study. Ethics committee and institutional permissions were obtained before starting the study. Data were collected using the socio‐demographic information form, ‘Champion Health Belief Model Scale’ and ‘Health Literacy Scale’ prepared by the researchers. In evaluating the data, frequency, percentage, average, Student's t‐test, one‐way ANOVA (post hoc Lsd) was used. Significance was evaluated at p < 0.05 level. It was determined that 94.7% of the participants did not know a method to detect testicular cancer by themselves, 84.0% of them had not heard of TSE, and 78% of them did not perform TSE because they did not know TSE. According to the findings of the study, Champion Health Belief Model Scale subscale mean scores were 12.91 ± 4.89 for sensitivity perception, 20.51 ± 6.75 for caring/seriousness perception, 9.20 ± 3.03 for benefit perception, 13.61 ± 4.77 for obstacle perception, and 17.34 ± 5.51 for self‐efficacy perception. Health literacy scale sub‐dimension mean scores were 17.13 ± 6.00 for access to information, 20.81 ± 7.04 for understanding information, 28.04 ± 8.59 for appraisal/evaluation, 17.55 ± 5.80 for application/usage, and 87.16 ± 26.39 for total mean scores. In the study, it was determined that susceptibility and benefits of TSE perception increased, and barrier perception decreased as health literacy increased. Accordingly, since it is observed that increasing health literacy will increase the frequency of performing TSE, it should be supported by health literacy‐enhancing training sessions.
Former Primary Caregivers of Patients With Glioblastoma Multiforme Evaluate the PATH (Preparedness Assessment for the Transition Home) Instrument
Authors: James Elizabeth A. , Wallace Marlee S. , Chard Megan P. , Camicia Michelle E. , Lutz Barbara J. , Minns Laurie A.
Published: September 2024

Aim

To evaluate whether Preparedness Assessment for the Transition Home (PATH), a validated instrument assessing gaps in caregiver commitment and capacity to care for a patient with a disabling condition, would be helpful to identify gaps in preparing primary caregivers of patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).

Design

A descriptive survey design with quantitative and qualitative data.

Methods

Former primary caregivers of patients with GBM were invited to complete a 17‐question online survey during February and March 2023. Former caregivers, each having completed their caregiver journeys, are able to offer a unique perspective across the illness trajectory. Participants reviewed a copy of the PATH instrument and (a) responded to questions rating PATH helpfulness at each stage of the illness trajectory and (b) provided open‐ended feedback on the instrument.

Results

One hundred seventeen of the 124 participants reported the PATH instrument would be helpful across all stages of the illness trajectory. While there were no statistically significant differences across the illness phases, response trends indicated using the PATH instrument earlier in the illness trajectory would have been more helpful to them as caregivers. Qualitative thematic analysis feedback indicated the most significant gap caregivers faced was education on the effects of the illness and treatment.

Conclusion

It is vitally important to prepare and support caregivers. A validated instrument can identify unmet needs and inform care decisions.

Implications for the Profession

Patient discharge plans should be guided by the needs and preferences of patients and caregivers. Identifying gaps in education and preparedness early in the illness trajectory may inform the care team of unmet needs, allowing them to tailor resources and support to improve outcomes for patients with GBM and their caregivers.

Impact

Patient discharge plans should be guided by the needs and preferences of patients and caregivers. Identifying gaps in education and preparedness early in the illness trajectory may inform the care team of unmet needs, allowing them to tailor resources and support to improve outcomes for patients with GBM and their caregivers. PATH has the potential to inform healthcare professionals to develop customised care plans including education, resources and support for caregivers and patients with life‐threatening illness.

Reporting Method

Study adheres to the STROBE reporting method.

Patient or Public Contribution

Prior to deploying the survey to study participants, in addition to testing by study collaborators (authors), the survey was tested and feedback was received from graduate students and from administrators of the private Facebook group where the survey was promoted to study participants.
The Range‐Wide Genetic Structure of a High‐Elevation Conifer Species, Subalpine Larch
Authors: Vance Marie , Richardson Jean , Hawkins Barbara , von Aderkas Patrick
Published: September 2024

Aim

Subalpine larch is a long‐lived conifer with a restricted distribution at treeline in the mountains of western North America. Climate change is reducing the availability of this habitat and subalpine larch is unlikely to adapt to its changing environment due to its long generation time, relatively low levels of standing genetic variation and the high degree of habitat fragmentation across the species' range. This study seeks to elucidate the genetic structure of subalpine larch to inform future conservation and management efforts.

Location

Western North America.

Taxon

Subalpine larch (Larix lyallii Parl.).

Methods

Tissue was collected from high‐elevation populations across the entire species range. Restriction site associated DNA sequencing was used to generate single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data. Population genetic analyses identified genetic differentiation.

Results

Clustering analyses performed using 751 neutral SNPs identified three genetically differentiated regions: the Cascade Range, the southern Rocky Mountains and the northern Rocky Mountains. AMOVA confirmed significant genetic differentiation among regions. A discriminant analysis of principal components and a dendrogram of Provesti's genetic distance both supported the hypothesis that genetically distinct lineages arose after dispersal from a single Pleistocene refugium. Significant isolation by distance (IBD) supported the key role of dispersal in shaping modern patterns of genetic variation in subalpine larch.

Main Conclusions

Post‐Pleistocene dispersal resulted in genetic differentiation among groups of subalpine larch in the Cascade Range, the southern Rocky Mountains and the northern Rocky Mountains. These three regions should be prioritised for future management.
The Composition and Diversity of Soil Microbial Communities Associated With the Invasive Plant Solidago canadensis Vary Across Locations and Time Since Invasion
Authors: Oduor Ayub M. O. , Yuan Yongge , Li Jun‐Min
Published: September 2024

Aim

Previous local‐scale research (within plots or landscapes) has shown that invasive plants can alter the composition and diversity of soil microbial communities, with potential feedback effects on their own invasion success. However, the broader ecological patterns of these interactions across different invasion timescales and geographic regions remain poorly understood. This study investigated whether the composition and diversity of soil microbial communities associated with Solidago canadensis (Canada goldenrod) invasion vary across both population residence times and geographic locations.

Location

South‐eastern China.

Taxon

Soil fungal and bacterial communities and S. canadensis.

Methods

We collected rhizospheric soil of S. canadensis, nonrhizospheric soil and adjacent uninvaded soil from each of 36 populations of S. canadensis with varying residence times (8–89 years), totalling 108 samples. We extracted DNA from these samples and sequenced the V3–V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene and the ITS2 region of the fungal rDNA. We analysed the DNA sequences to assess whether variation in α‐diversity, β‐diversity, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) richness and the ratio of AMF to plant pathogens in the soil microbial communities varied with S. canadensis population residence time, latitude and longitude.

Results

The α‐diversity and β‐diversity of soil fungal and bacterial communities significantly varied with S. canadensis residence times, latitude and longitude. In locations where S. canadensis had been established for longer periods, there was an increase in AMF richness and a decrease in plant pathogens in the rhizospheric soil. Fungal diversity in rhizospheric soils was positively correlated with longitude, while bacterial diversity in rhizospheric and nonrhizospheric soils was positively correlated with both latitude and longitude.

Main Conclusions

These findings indicate that the time since invasion and geographical location can both significantly influence the composition and diversity of soil microbial communities associated with invasive plant species.