bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel single‐port robot for total gastrectomy to treat gastric cancer: A case report (with video)
Authors: Luo Yuncheng , Yang Zhangwei , Bao Dandan , Wang Pengwei , Li Min , Wu Bo , Zheng Huachao , Hu Yiren
Published: February 2024

Multiport robots are now widely used for total gastrectomy for gastric cancer, while there is almost a void of research on whether single‐port (SP) robots can be used for total gastrectomy. Here, we report a case of a 75‐year‐old female patient who was diagnosed with gastric cardia adenocarcinoma by gastroscopy and underwent total gastrectomy assisted by the SHURUI SP robot. We successfully accomplished total gastrectomy and D2 lymph node dissection using the novel SP robotic platform. The patient was discharged from the hospital successfully with no complications during or after the surgery. Pathologic diagnosis showed adenocarcinoma of the gastric mucosa with partial signet‐ring cell carcinoma, and no metastasis was found in the 29 cleared lymph nodes. The use of the SHURUI SP robot for total gastrectomy in treating gastric cancer is both technically feasible and safe.
IGF2BP3 loss inhibits cell progression by upregulating has_circRNA_103820, and hsa_circRNA_103820‐encoded peptide inhibits cell progression by inactivating the AKT pathway in lung cancer
Authors: Zhou Jinrong , Yao Lixia , Su Yuan , Tian Lili
Published: February 2024

N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) modification and m6A‐related RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) play vital roles in various aspects of circRNA metabolism. Hsa_circRNA_103820 is implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple cancers, including lung cancer (LC). Moreover, bioinformatics analysis has suggested that hsa_circRNA_103820 possesses potential peptide‐coding ability. Thus, we aimed to investigate the function and peptide‐coding potential of hsa_circRNA_103820 in this study. Cell viability, apoptosis rate, and migratory and invasive abilities were assessed using CCK‐8, flow cytometry, and transwell assays, respectively. Hsa_circRNA_103820 level was measured using RT‐qPCR assay, and the interaction between hsa_circRNA_103820 and IGF2BP3 was examined through RIP and RT‐qPCR assays. The coding ability of hsa_circRNA_103820 and protein levels were determined through western blot assay. The results showed that hsa_circRNA_103820 reduced cell viability, attenuated cell migratory and invasive abilities, and promoted cell apoptosis in LC. IGF2BP3 negatively regulated hsa_circRNA_103820 expression and interacted with it. Hsa_circRNA_103820 knockdown alleviated si‐IGF2BP3‐mediated anti‐viability, anti‐migration, anti‐invasion, and pro‐apoptosis effects in LC cells. Moreover, a 188‐amino acid (aa) peptide encoded by hsa_circRNA_103820 decreased cell viability, facilitated cell apoptosis, and inhibited cell migration and invasion in LC. Collectively, hsa_circRNA_103820, regulated by IGF2BP3, encodes a 188‐aa peptide and inhibits the malignant progression of LC cells by inhibiting the AKT pathway.
Causes and management of sight threatening complications of dermal filler injections: A review
Authors: Botha Verona E. , Insull Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2024

Injectable dermal fillers continue to increase in popularity in aesthetic medicine. Although rare, vision loss secondary to filler injections is a devastating complication associated with a poor visual prognosis. The mechanism for vision loss is thought to be related to retrograde embolization of the dermal filler from peripheral vessels in the face into the ophthalmic arterial system. Early recognition and prompt management are essential if vision is to be salvaged. The use of retrobulbar hyaluronidase is still contentious, however when administered by a specialist, this treatment gives the best chance at visual recovery and should be considered for all cases.
Evaluation of buccal bone resorption in immediate implant placement in thin versus thick buccal bone plates: An 18‐month follow‐up prospective cohort study
Authors: ElNahass Hani , Tawfik Omnia K. , Naiem Suzy N. , Zazou Nada , Moussa Mahmoud
Published: February 2024

Objectives

The current guidelines recommend that immediate implants be placed in patients with thick (>1 mm) buccal bone due to the inevitable tissue remodeling that follows tooth extraction. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of buccal bone thickness on bone resorption in immediate implant placement and compare two measuring techniques of the aforementioned resorption.

Materials

The present study was designed as a prospective nonrandomized, controlled clinical trial. A total of 30 implants were split between the two study arms, thin buccal bone and thick buccal bone. The primary outcome was to assess vertical bone changes radiographically by cone beam scans preoperatively, at 2 months and 18 months after implant placement in patients with thin and thick buccal plate. Secondary outcomes included the change in the thickness of the buccal bony plate, marginal bone loss, and pink esthetic score.

Results

Only 26 implants were statistically analyzed as one early failure was observed in each group. Furthermore, 2 patients of the thick group withdrew from the study. Cone beam computed tomography measurements revealed that at 2 months the vertical bone loss was 1.09 for the thin group and 0.85 for the thick group. The buccal bone plate resorption of the thin group was 0.39 mm while it was 0.52 mm for the thick group. The buccal bone plate was 1.25 mm in the thin group and 1.88 mm in the thick group. The PES did not show any significant difference with very good esthetic results.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of the current study, the amount of buccal bone plate resorption and the subsequent thickness obtained after implantation in both groups suggest successful long‐term results. The two measuring techniques have proven to be comparable and reliable in the measurement of buccal bony plate changes.

https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?cond=&term=NCT04731545&cntry=EG&state=&city=&dist=
Advancing stroke therapy: A deep dive into early phase of ischemic stroke and recanalization
Authors: He Qianyan , Wang Yueqing , Fang Cheng , Feng Ziying , Yin Meifang , Huang Juyang , Ma Yinzhong , Mo Zhizhun
Published: February 2024

Ischemic stroke, accounting for the majority of stroke events, significantly contributes to global morbidity and mortality. Vascular recanalization therapies, namely intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy, have emerged as critical interventions, yet their success hinges on timely application and patient‐specific factors. This review focuses on the early phase pathophysiological mechanisms of ischemic stroke and the nuances of recanalization. It highlights the dual role of neutrophils in tissue damage and repair, and the critical involvement of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in stroke outcomes. Special emphasis is placed on ischemia–reperfusion injury, characterized by oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction, which paradoxically exacerbates cerebral damage post‐revascularization. The review also explores the potential of targeting molecular pathways involved in BBB integrity and inflammation to enhance the efficacy of recanalization therapies. By synthesizing current research, this paper aims to provide insights into optimizing treatment protocols and developing adjuvant neuroprotective strategies, thereby advancing stroke therapy and improving patient outcomes.
Alleviating sleep disturbances and modulating neuronal activity after ischemia: Evidence for the benefits of zolpidem in stroke recovery
Authors: Zhong Zhi‐Gang , Tao Gui‐Jin , Hao Shu‐Mei , Ben Hui , Qu Wei‐Min , Sun Feng‐Yan , Huang Zhi‐Li , Qiu Mei‐Hong
Published: February 2024

Aims

Sleep disorders are prevalent among stroke survivors and impede stroke recovery, yet they are still insufficiently considered in the management of stroke patients, and the mechanisms by which they occur remain unclear. There is evidence that boosting phasic GABA signaling with zolpidem during the repair phase improves stroke recovery by enhancing neural plasticity; however, as a non‐benzodiazepine hypnotic, the effects of zolpidem on post‐stroke sleep disorders remain unclear.

Method

Transient ischemic stroke in male rats was induced with a 30‐minute middle cerebral artery occlusion. Zolpidem or vehicle was intraperitoneally delivered once daily from 2 to 7 days after the stroke, and the electroencephalogram and electromyogram were recorded simultaneously. At 24 h after ischemia, c‐Fos immunostaining was used to assess the effect of transient ischemic stroke and acute zolpidem treatment on neuronal activity.

Results

In addition to the effects on reducing brain damage and mitigating behavioral deficits, repeated zolpidem treatment during the subacute phase of stroke quickly ameliorated circadian rhythm disruption, alleviated sleep fragmentation, and increased sleep depth in ischemic rats. Immunohistochemical staining showed that in contrast to robust activation in para‐infarct and some remote areas by 24 h after the onset of focal ischemia, the activity of the ipsilateral suprachiasmatic nucleus, the biological rhythm center, was strongly suppressed. A single dose of zolpidem significantly upregulated c‐Fos expression in the ipsilateral suprachiasmatic nucleus to levels comparable to the contralateral side.

Conclusion

Stroke leads to suprachiasmatic nucleus dysfunction. Zolpidem restores suprachiasmatic nucleus activity and effectively alleviates post‐stroke sleep disturbances, indicating its potential to promote stroke recovery.
Clinical relevance of doubtful reactions in patch testing: A single‐centre retrospective study
Authors: Arora Puneet , Brumley Caroline , Hylwa Sara
Published: February 2024

Background

Doubtful reactions in patch testing are infrequently reported in the literature; however, recent reports have suggested they be assessed with the same scrutiny as stronger reactions.

Objective

Assess the clinical relevance of doubtful reactions in patch testing.

Methods

Retrospective study of 1514 patients comprehensively patch tested via the NACDG standard series and additional allergens based on history. The clinical relevance of each reaction was graded based on the NACDG scale: definite, probable, possible, past, unknown and irritant. Reactions were considered ‘unique’ if an additional mild‐to‐strong reaction to the same chemical at a different concentration was not observed.

Results

68.9% (1043) of patients demonstrated at least 1 doubtful reaction. Of 4453 total doubtful reactions, 92.2% (4106) were unique. Only 3.3% (137) and 12.2% (500) of these were determined to be of definite or probable clinical relevance respectively. ‘Fragrance’ was the most common allergen family present among the unique definite doubtful reactions (37). However, 24 (64.9%) of these also had a stronger reaction to another fragrance. Cocamidopropyl betaine was the second most frequent allergen demonstrating definite doubtful reactions (27) and unique in 85.2% (23) of cases. Methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) was most prevalent (36) but less frequently unique (58.3%, 21).

Conclusions

Doubtful reactions may not be as impactful to clinical decision making as theorised in the literature. Few demonstrate definite clinical significance, and many have related stronger reactions that capture them for clinical purposes. Identification of doubtful reactions to cocamidopropyl betaine and MCI/MI may be of greatest significance as they most frequently were not supported by stronger reactions.
Effectiveness of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided choledochoduodenostomy vs. EUS‐guided gallbladder drainage for jaundice in patients with malignant distal biliary obstruction after failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: Retrospective, multicenter study (GALLBLADEUS Study)
Authors: Debourdeau Antoine , Daniel Jules , Caillo Ludovic , Assenat Eric , Bertrand Martin , Bardol Thomas , Souche François‐Régis , Pouderoux Philippe , Gerard Romain , Lorenzo Diane , Bourgaux Jean‐François
Published: February 2024

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare endoscopic ultrasound‐guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS‐CDS) vs. EUS‐gallbladder drainage (EUS‐GBD) in cases of failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for jaundice resulting from malignant distal biliary obstruction (MDBO).

Methods

This multicenter retrospective study included patients with obstructive jaundice secondary to MDBO who underwent EUS‐GBD or EUS‐CDS with lumen‐apposing metal stents after failed ERCP. The primary end‐point was clinical success rate. Secondary end‐points were technical success, periprocedural adverse events rate (<24 h), late adverse events rate (>24 h), overall survival, and time to recurrent biliary obstruction.

Results

A total of 78 patients were included: 41 underwent EUS‐GBD and 37 underwent EUS‐CDS. MDBO was mainly the result of pancreatic cancer (n = 63/78, 80.7%). Clinical success rate was similar for both procedures: 87.8% for EUS‐GBD and 89.2% for EUS‐CDS (P = 0.8). Technical success rate was 100% for EUS‐GBD and 94.6% for EUS‐CDS (P = 0.132). Periprocedural morbidity (<24 h) rates were similar between both groups: 4/41 (9.8%) for EUS‐GBD and 5/37 (13.5%) for EUS‐CDS (P = 0.368). There was a significantly higher rate of late morbidity (>24 h) among patients in the EUS‐CDS group (8/37 [21.6%]) than in the EUS‐GBD group (3/41 [7.3%]) (P = 0.042). The median follow‐up duration was 4.7 months. Overall survival and time to recurrent biliary obstruction did not significantly differ between the groups.

Discussion

After failed ERCP for MDBO, EUS‐GBD and EUS‐CDS show comparable clinical success rates and technical success. EUS‐GBD appears to be a promising alternative for MDBO, even as a second‐line treatment after failed ERCP. Further studies are needed to validate these findings and compare the long‐term outcomes of EUS‐GBD and EUS‐CDS.
A cognitive behavioural model of the bidirectional relationship between disordered eating and diabetes self care in adult men with Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Harrison Amy , Konstantara Emmanouela , Zaremba Natalie , Brown Jennie , Allan Jacqueline , Pillay Divina , Hopkins David , Treasure Janet , Ismail Khalida , Stadler Marietta
Published: February 2024

Aims

This qualitative study aimed to develop the first cognitive behavioural (CBT) model outlining the development and maintenance of disordered eating in adult men living with Type 1 diabetes to improve on previous theoretical models of Type 1 diabetes and disordered eating and to draw comparisons to women with Type 1 diabetes and disordered eating.

Methods

Twenty‐seven men (n = 16 with Type 1 diabetes and disordered eating, n = 11 with Type 1 diabetes without disordered eating) participated in semi‐structured interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and individual CBT formulations were developed for each participant to inform the model.

Results

Men with Type 1 diabetes and disordered eating experience negative thoughts about food, insulin, weight/shape and diabetes itself, which cause negative emotions such as fear and vulnerability and difficulties with diabetes self care such as problems with hyper and hypoglycaemia and problems accessing structured education and technology result in men feeling more dissatisfied about their body weight/shape.

Conclusions

This CBT model of disordered eating in men with Type 1 diabetes can guide new interventions.
Glycaemic control and macrovascular and microvascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes: Systematic review and meta‐analysis of cardiovascular outcome trials of novel glucose‐lowering agents
Authors: Kunutsor Setor K. , Zaccardi Francesco , Balasubramanian Victoria G. , Gillies Clare L. , Aroda Vanita R. , Seidu Samuel , Davies Melanie J. , Khunti Kamlesh
Published: February 2024

Aim

Using a systematic review and meta‐analysis of placebo‐controlled cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) of newer glucose‐lowering agents [sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT‐2is), glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs), and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (DPP‐4is)] in type 2 diabetes (T2D), we aimed to determine the macrovascular and microvascular outcomes of these agents and clarify the relationships between glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) reduction and risk of these outcomes.

Materials and Methods

Randomized controlled trials were identified from MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library until September 2023. Study‐specific hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled, and meta‐regression was used to assess the relationships between outcomes and between trial arm HbA1c reductions.

Results

Twenty unique CVOTs (six SGLT‐2is, nine GLP‐1RAs, five DPP‐4is), based on 169 513 participants with T2D, were eligible. Comparing SGLT‐2is, GLP‐1RAs and DPP‐4is with placebo, the hazard ratios (95% CIs) for 3‐point major adverse cardiovascular events were 0.88 (0.82‐0.94), 0.85 (0.79‐0.92) and 1.00 (0.94‐1.06), respectively. SGLT‐2is and GLP‐1RAs consistently reduced the risk of several macrovascular and microvascular complications, particularly kidney events. DPP‐4is showed no macrovascular benefits. There was potential evidence of an inverse linear relationship between HbA1c reduction and 3‐point major adverse cardiovascular event risk (estimated risk per 1% reduction in HbA1c: 0.84, 95% CI 0.67‐1.06; p = .14; R2 = 14.2%), which was driven by the component of non‐fatal stroke (R2 = 100.0%; p = .094). There were non‐significant inverse linear relationships between HbA1c reduction and the risk of several vascular outcomes.

Conclusions

SGLT‐2is and GLP‐1RAs showed consistent risk reductions in macrovascular and microvascular outcomes. The vascular benefits of SGLT‐2is and GLP‐1RAs in patients with T2D extend beyond mere glycaemic control.
Diastology in the intensive care unit: Challenges for the assessment and future directions
Authors: Gonzalez Filipe A. , Santonocito Cristina , Maybauer Marc O. , Lopes Luís Rocha , Almeida Ana G. , Sanfilippo Filippo
Published: February 2024

Myocardial dysfunction is common in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Septic disease frequently results in cardiac dysfunction, and sepsis represents the most common cause of admission and death in the ICU. The association between left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction and mortality is not clear for critically ill patients. Conversely, LV diastolic dysfunction (DD) seems increasingly recognized as a factor associated with poor outcomes, not only in sepsis but also more generally in critically ill patients. Despite recent attempts to simplify the diagnosis and grading of DD, this remains relatively complex, with the need to use several echocardiographic parameters. Furthermore, the current guidelines have several intrinsic limitations when applied to the ICU setting. In this manuscript, we discuss the challenges in DD classification when applied to critically ill patients, the importance of left atrial pressure estimates for the management of patients in ICU, and whether the study of cardiac dysfunction spectrum during critical illness may benefit from the integration of left ventricular and left atrial strain data to improve diagnostic accuracy and implications for the treatment and prognosis.
Premature gray hair development in the interbrow region owing to the loss of maxillary first molars in young mice
Authors: Furukawa Masae , Yokoi Haruna , Wang Jingshu , Ikuyo Yoriko , Tada Hirobumi , Yamada Mitsuyoshi , Shikama Yosuke , Matsushita Kenji
Published: February 2024

The exact sites of premature hair graying and whether tooth loss causes this condition remain unknown. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of reduced mastication on premature hair graying. Maxillary first molars were extracted from young mice, and the mice were observed for 3 months, along with non‐extraction control group mice. After 3 months, gray hair emerged in the interbrow region of mice in the tooth extraction group but not in the control group. The expression of tyrosinase‐related protein‐2 (TRP‐2) mRNA was lower in the interbrow tissues of young mice without maxillary molars than in those with maxillary molars. Tooth loss leads to interbrow gray hair growth, possibly because of weakened trigeminal nerve input, suggesting that reduced mastication causes premature graying. Thus, prompt prosthetic treatment after molar loss is highly recommended.
Regulatory focus as a mediator in the relationship between nurses' organizational silence and professional identity
Authors: Zhang Wenxia , Zhu Quanli , Yu Renhe , He Taotao , Huang Jing
Published: February 2024

Aims

This work aims to analyse the current state of the professional identity of Chinese nurses; examine the relationship amongst regulatory focus, organizational silence and professional identity and determine how regulatory focus affects the relationship between professional identity and organizational silence.

Design

This study conducted a cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

From June to August 2023, 420 nurses from six hospitals in Hunan Province, China, were selected through convenience sampling and surveyed by using a general information questionnaire, the regulatory focus scale, the organizational silence scale and the professional identity scale. The relationship amongst the regulatory focus, organizational silence and professional identity of nurses was examined by utilizing SPSS 25.0 and the mediating role of regulatory focus between organizational silence and nurses' professional identity was examined by applying AMOS 24.0.

Results

Nurses had a moderate level of professional identity. Professional identity was positively correlated with regulatory focus and negatively correlated with organizational silence. Regulatory focus was negatively correlated with organizational silence. Mediation effect studies revealed that organizational silence and professional identity were partially mediated by regulatory focus.

Conclusion

In accordance with research showing that nurses' organizational silence can indirectly affect professional identity via regulatory focus, clinical nursing managers should concentrate on the interaction amongst these three variables to strengthen professional identity.

Impact

The results of this study serve as a reminder to nurses to select a preventive or promotive focus based on their career objectives and to effectively express their views to enhance their professional identity. This also reminds nursing managers assess nurse‐led regulatory focus, identify their underlying qualities and understand their professional aspirations and career orientation, create a good atmosphere for advice and encourage nurses to express their views, so as to improve nurses ‘professional identity.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Making Markets Through Coalitions: The European Union and the Debate Over Ukraine's National Resources
Authors: Buzogány Aron , Varga Mihai
Published: February 2024

This article studies how the European Union (EU) influences the dynamics between supporters and opponents of market liberalization in partner countries. We focus on Ukraine's attempts to safeguard timber trade and agricultural land sales from international markets through moratoria before 2022. We find that the EU intervenes in domestic debates both directly and through domestic pro‐market coalitions to frame these moratoria as expressions of ‘vested interests’ and instances of state weakness. The EU effectively linked the free trade argument with protecting the environment (as the moratorium tolerated illegal logging) and human rights (as the land moratorium denied landowners their property rights). The EU thus fostered discourses and coalitions prioritizing liberalization over protectionist interests and environmental concerns. This article implies that the EU should encourage debates around market liberalization rather than de‐legitimize opponents, as reconstruction in Ukraine following Russian aggression will require both EU assistance and broader internal coalitions.
Supporting active engagement of adults with intellectual disabilities in lifestyle modification interventions: a realist evidence synthesis of what works, for whom, in what context and why
Authors: Westrop S. C. , Rana D. , Jaiswal N. , Wu O. , McGarty A. M. , Melville C. , Ells L. , Lally P. , McEwan M. , Harris L. , Germeni E.
Published: February 2024

Background

Lifestyle modification interventions for adults with intellectual disabilities have had, to date, mixed effectiveness. This study aimed to understand how lifestyle modification interventions for adults with intellectual disabilities work, for whom they work and in what circumstances.

Methods

A realist evidence synthesis was conducted that incorporated input from adults with intellectual disabilities and expert researchers. Following the development of an initial programme theory based on key literature and input from people with lived experience and academics working in this field, five major databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and ASSIA) and clinical trial repositories were systematically searched. Data from 79 studies were synthesised to develop context, mechanism and outcome configurations (CMOCs).

Results

The contexts and mechanisms identified related to the ability of adults with intellectual disabilities to actively take part in the intervention, which in turn contributes to what works, for whom and in what circumstances. The included CMOCs related to support involvement, negotiating the balance between autonomy and behaviour change, fostering social connectedness and fun, accessibility and suitability of intervention strategies and delivery and broader behavioural pathways to lifestyle change. It is also essential to work with people with lived experiences when developing and evaluating interventions.

Conclusions

Future lifestyle interventions research should be participatory in nature, and accessible data collection methods should also be explored as a way of including people with severe and profound intellectual disabilities in research. More emphasis should be given to the broader benefits of lifestyle change, such as opportunities for social interaction and connectedness.
Ultrahigh thermal gradient granulites in the Narryer Terrane, Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia, provide a window into the composition and formation of Archean lower crust
Authors: Tucker Naomi M. , Hammerli Johannes , Kemp Anthony I. S. , Rowe Matthew L. , Gray Chris M. , Jeon Heejin , Whitehouse Martin J. , Roberts Malcolm P.
Published: February 2024

Granulites from the Narryer Terrane in the northern Yilgarn Craton, Australia, record evidence for high to ultrahigh thermal gradients during the Meso–Neoarchean. U–Pb zircon ages reflect a complex history of high‐grade, prolonged and poly‐phase metamorphism, with evidence for several thermal pulses at ca. 2745–2725, ca. 2690–2660, and ca. 2650–2610 Ma. Forward phase equilibrium modeling on rocks with varying bulk compositions and mineral assemblages suggests that peak temperatures reached 880–920°C at pressures of 5.5–6 kbar at ca. 2690–2665 Ma, followed by near‐isobaric cooling. These new P–T results also indicate that these rocks experienced some of the hottest thermal gradient regimes in the metamorphic record (≥150°C/kbar). Based on P–T models, U–Pb ages, and geochemical constraints, our data suggest that the geodynamic setting for the formation of this unusual thermal regime is ultimately tied to cratonization of the Yilgarn Craton. Previous models have inferred that ultrahigh thermal gradients and coeval large‐scale anatexis in the Narryer Terrane were primarily generated by mantle‐driven processes, despite most of the lithological, isotopic, and geochemical observations being at odds with the expected geological expression of large‐scale mantle upwelling. We re‐evaluate the mechanisms for high‐grade metamorphism in the Narryer terrane and propose that long‐lived high crustal temperatures between ca. 2690 Ma and 2610 Ma were instead facilitated by elevated radiogenic heat production in thickened, highly differentiated ancient crust. Mantle‐derived magma input and new crustal addition may not be the only drivers for high‐ to ultrahigh‐temperature metamorphism and stabilization of ancient crustal blocks.
Vernal growth of vocal control nucleus Area X, but not HVC, precedes gonadal recrudescence in wild black‐capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus)
Authors: Parks Broderick M. B. , McVea Kyle , Phillmore Leslie S.
Published: February 2024

In temperate‐zone songbirds, the neuroanatomical changes which occur in advance of breeding, including the growth of nuclei of the vocal control system, are believed to occur downstream of gonadal recrudescence. However, evidence from wild birds is mixed. Here, we captured black‐capped chickadees from the wild in early spring (March–April), summer (August–September), and winter (December–January); in addition to measuring the volumes of two vocal control nuclei (Area X and HVC), we also quantified two indicators of reproductive state (gonads and circulating gonadal steroids). Most birds captured in early spring had regressed gonads and low levels of circulating gonadal steroids, indicating these birds were not yet in full breeding condition. However, these early spring birds still had a significantly larger Area X than winter birds, while HVC did not differ in size across groups. Using data from a previously published seasonal study of black‐capped chickadees (Phillmore et al., Developmental Neurobiology, 2015;75:203–216), we then compared Area X and HVC volumes from our early spring group to a breeding group of chickadees captured 3–4 weeks later in the spring. While Area X volume did not differ between the studies, breeding males in Phillmore et al. (2015) had a significantly larger HVC. Taken together, this suggests that the vernal growth of Area X occurs ahead of HVC in black‐capped chickadees, and that the overall vernal changes in the vocal control system occur at least partially in advance of the breeding‐associated upregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis.
Trabecular architecture of the distal femur in extant hominids
Authors: Lukova Andrea , Dunmore Christopher J. , Bachmann Sebastian , Synek Alexander , Pahr Dieter H. , Kivell Tracy L. , Skinner Matthew M.
Published: February 2024

Extant great apes are characterized by a wide range of locomotor, postural and manipulative behaviours that each require the limbs to be used in different ways. In addition to external bone morphology, comparative investigation of trabecular bone, which (re‐)models to reflect loads incurred during life, can provide novel insights into bone functional adaptation. Here, we use canonical holistic morphometric analysis (cHMA) to analyse the trabecular morphology in the distal femoral epiphysis of Homo sapiens (n = 26), Gorilla gorilla (n = 14), Pan troglodytes (n = 15) and Pongo sp. (n = 9). We test two predictions: (1) that differing locomotor behaviours will be reflected in differing trabecular architecture of the distal femur across Homo, Pan, Gorilla and Pongo; (2) that trabecular architecture will significantly differ between male and female Gorilla due to their different levels of arboreality but not between male and female Pan or Homo based on previous studies of locomotor behaviours. Results indicate that trabecular architecture differs among extant great apes based on their locomotor repertoires. The relative bone volume and degree of anisotropy patterns found reflect habitual use of extended knee postures during bipedalism in Homo, and habitual use of flexed knee posture during terrestrial and arboreal locomotion in Pan and Gorilla. Trabecular architecture in Pongo is consistent with a highly mobile knee joint that may vary in posture from extension to full flexion. Within Gorilla, trabecular architecture suggests a different loading of knee in extension/flexion between females and males, but no sex differences were found in Pan or Homo, supporting our predictions. Inter‐ and intra‐specific variation in trabecular architecture of distal femur provides a comparative context to interpret knee postures and, in turn, locomotor behaviours in fossil hominins.
Development of a nomogram for predicting acute pain among patients after abdominal surgery: A prospective observational study
Authors: Wang Ling , Qin Fang , Zhen Li , Li Ruihua , Tao Siqi , Li Guoxin
Published: February 2024

Aims

To develop a nomogram to provide a screening tool for recognising patients at risk of post‐operative pain undergoing abdominal operations.

Background

Risk prediction models for acute post‐operative pain can allow initiating prevention strategies, which are valuable for post‐operative pain management and recovery. Despite the increasing number of studies on risk factors, there were inconsistent findings across different studies. In addition, few studies have comprehensively explored predictors of post‐operative acute pain and built prediction models.

Design

A prospective observational study.

Methods

A total of 352 patients undergoing abdominal operations from June 2022 to December 2022 participated in this investigation. A nomogram was developed for predicting the probability of acute pain after abdominal surgery according to the results of binary logistic regression. The nomogram's predictive performance was assessed by discrimination and calibration. Internal validation was performed via Bootstrap with 1000 re‐samplings.

Results

A total of 139 patients experienced acute post‐operative pain following abdominal surgery, with an incidence of 39.49%. Age <60, marital status (unmarried, divorced, or widowed), consumption of intraoperative remifentanil >2 mg, indwelling of drainage tubes, poor quality sleep, high pain catastrophizing, low pain self‐efficacy, and PCIA not used were predictors of inadequate pain control in patients after abdominal surgery. Using these variables, we developed a nomogram model. All tested indicators showed that the model has reliable discrimination and calibration.

Conclusions

This study established an online dynamic predictive model that can offer an individualised risk assessment of acute pain after abdominal surgery. Our model had good differentiation and calibration and was verified internally as a useful tool for risk assessment.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The constructed nomogram model could be a practical tool for predicting the risk of experiencing acute post‐operative pain in patients undergoing abdominal operations, which would be helpful to realise personalised management and prevention strategies for post‐operative pain.

Reporting Method

The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines were adopted in this study.

Patient or Public Contribution

Before the surgery, research group members visited the patients who met the inclusion criteria and explained the purpose and scope of the study to them. After informed consent, they completed the questionnaire. The patients' pain scores (VAS) were regularly assessed and documented by the bedside nurse for the first 3 days following surgery. Other information was obtained from medical records.
Effects of the Omicron variant of coronavirus disease 2019 on anaemia treatment for patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Yang Qinghua , Fang Xiaowan , Ren Xiaoying , Pan Yujing , Wang Mei , Ding Jiaxiang
Published: February 2024

Aim

Patients undergoing dialysis are at high risk for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Haemoglobin (Hb) levels may be changed in patients infected with the Omicron variant of COVID‐19 who are undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). Therefore, we aimed to explore the effect of anti‐anaemia treatment on such patients.

Methods

This study enrolled patients undergoing PD who were infected with the Omicron variant of COVID‐19 at our centre between November 2022 and February 2023. We retrospectively analysed changes in Hb levels and explored the effectiveness of roxadustat and recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) for patients infected with the Omicron variant of COVID‐19.

Results

Among 125 enrolled patients, 83 (66.4%) were infected with the Omicron variant and 75 (90.4%) patients mainly experienced mild or moderate disease. During infection, C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels were higher than those before infection (p < .001). Additionally, their CRP levels were negatively correlated with Hb levels (p = .002). However, Hb levels were decreased 1 month after infection (109.61 ± 10.64 g/L vs. 115.69 ± 12.04 g/L; p < .001). The roxadustat treatment group did not exhibit significantly decreased Hb levels 1 month after infection (114.57 ± 14.11 vs. 117.51 ± 10.74 g/L; p = .225). Conversely, the rhEPO treatment group experienced a mild decrease in Hb levels (108.69 ± 11.20 vs. 115.03 ± 12.23 g/L; p = .001). Ferritin levels increased in both groups during infection (p = .495). Two months after infection, ferritin levels (median, 205.0 ng/mL) were significantly decreased compared with during infection (median, 377.4 ng/mL) (p < .001) in the roxadustat treatment group.

Conclusion

Roxadustat was effective than rhEPO for treating anaemia in patients undergoing PD who were infected with the Omicron variant of COVID‐19.

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When dietary modification turns problematic in patients with esophageal conditions
Authors: Simons Madison , Zavala Sonia , Taft Tiffany
Published: February 2024

Background

Patients with chronic illness affecting the esophagus often modify their eating habits to manage symptoms. Although this begins as a protective strategy, anxiety around eating can become problematic, and lead to poor outcomes. We administered a survey to examine the factors associated with problematic eating behaviors in patients who have reflux and difficulty swallowing (esophageal dysphagia).

Methods

In total, 277 adult patients aged above 18 diagnosed with achalasia, eosinophilic esophagitis, and gastroesophageal reflux completed an online survey: (1) demographic and disease information; (2) reflux and dysphagia severity (3) eating behaviors, as measured by a study‐specific, modified version of the Eating Disorder Questionnaire (EDE‐Q) for patients with esophageal conditions; and (4) Food related quality of life (FRQOL). Descriptive statistics, one‐way ANOVA, and Pearson's correlations evaluated the sample data and a hierarchical linear regression evaluated predictors of problematic eating behaviors.

Key Results

Problematic eating behaviors were associated with reflux severity, dysphagia severity, symptom anxiety, and hypervigilance, and negatively associated with FRQOL. While reflux and dysphagia severity predicted greater problematic eating, symptom anxiety explained more of these behaviors. Although hypervigilance and anxiety also predicted poorer FRQOL, problematic eating was the largest predictor.

Conclusion & Inferences

Problematic eating behaviors are associated with increased symptom severity and symptom anxiety, and diminished FRQoL. Symptom anxiety, rather than symptom severity, appears to be a driving factor in problematic eating behaviors. Interventions aimed at diminishing symptom anxiety may be useful in reducing problematic eating behaviors in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms.
Resource availability and disturbance frequency shape evolution of plant life forms in Neotropical habitats
Authors: Prochazka Luana S. , Alcantara Suzana , Rando Juliana Gastaldello , Vasconcelos Thais , Pizzardo Raquel C. , Nogueira Anselmo
Published: February 2024

Organisms use diverse strategies to thrive in varying habitats. While life history theory partly explains these relationships, the combined impact of resource availability and disturbance frequency on life form strategy evolution has received limited attention.

We use Chamaecrista species, a legume plant lineage with a high diversity of plant life forms in the Neotropics, and employ ecological niche modeling and comparative phylogenetic methods to examine the correlated evolution of plant life forms and environmental niches.

Chamaephytes and phanerophytes have optima in environments characterized by moderate water and nutrient availability coupled with infrequent fire disturbances. By contrast, annual plants thrive in environments with scarce water and nutrients, alongside frequent fire disturbances. Similarly, geophyte species also show increased resistance to frequent fire disturbances, although they thrive in resource‐rich environments.

Our findings shed light on the evolution of plant strategies along environmental gradients, highlighting that annuals and geophytes respond differently to high incidences of fire disturbances, with one enduring it as seeds in a resource‐limited habitat and the other relying on reserves and root resprouting systems in resource‐abundant habitats. Furthermore, it deepens our understanding of how organisms evolve associated with their habitats, emphasizing a constraint posed by low‐resource and high‐disturbance environments.
Combined effect of changes in NO2, O3, PM2.5, SO2 and CO concentrations on small airway dysfunction
Authors: Lee Hyun Woo , Lee Hyo Jin , Oh Sohee , Lee Jung‐Kyu , Heo Eun Young , Kim Deog Kyeom
Published: February 2024

Background and Objective

When multiple complex air pollutants are combined in real‐world settings, the reliability of estimating the effect of a single pollutant is questionable. This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of changes in air pollutants on small airway dysfunction (SAD).

Methods

We analysed Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) V–VIII database from 2010 to 2018 to elucidate the associations between annual changes in air pollutants over a previous 5‐year period and small airway function. We estimated the annual concentrations of five air pollutants: NO2, O3, PM2.5, SO2 and CO. Forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity (FEF25%–75%) <65% was defined as SAD. Using the quantile generalized‐Computation (g‐Computation) model, the combined effect of the annual changes in different air pollutants was estimated.

Results

A total of 29,115 individuals were included. We found significant associations between SAD and the quartiles of annual changes in NO2 (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.08–1.12), O3 (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.00–1.05), PM2.5 (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.00–1.05), SO2 (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.02–1.08) and CO (OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.12–1.19). The combined effect of the air pollutant changes was significantly associated with SAD independent of smoking (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.26–1.35, p‐value <0.001), and this trend was consistently observed across the entire study population and various subgroup populations. As the estimated risk of SAD, determined by individual‐specific combined effect models, increased and the log odds for SAD increased linearly.

Conclusion

The combined effect of annual changes in multiple air pollutant concentrations were associated with an increased risk of SAD.

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Exploring citizen perceptions and values for a responsible society
Authors: Zelenkovski Kiril , Prodanova Jana , Kocarev Ljupco
Published: February 2024

Aims

Citizens’ perceived values play a decisive role in shaping a responsive society, driving social and political attitudes and behaviors. Understanding these values, influenced by cultural, historical, and personal experiences, is essential for comprehending public perspectives on social, economic, and ecological aspects crucial for sustainable societies. This study investigates perceived values as indicators of citizens’ potential civic engagement, mainly contributing to societal development.

Materials and methods

For the purpose of this study, we analyzed 1012 cases from the European Value Survey/World Value Survey data set of the Republic of Macedonia. In addition to the exploratory factor analysis and cluster analysis, we employed XGBoost regression, coupled with SHAP analysis, offering a transparent exploration of the significance of citizens’ perceived values, while emphasizing their role in motivating social responsibility and duty.

Results

We identified 12 factors and categorized Macedonian citizens into 4 clusters. Through the SHAP feature importance method, we determined that perceptions of gender stereotypes, trust in people, civil rights, and job equality strongly influence the idea of social responsibility.

Conclusions

Our findings offer pathways to promote individual accountability and increased participation in societal actions, fostering greater advocacy and policy changes for a responsible, engaged, and sustainable society.
The Role of Gesture in Language Development for Neurotypical Children and Children With or at Increased Likelihood of Autism
Authors: Choi Boin , Rowe Meredith L.
Published: February 2024

For young children, gesture is found to precede and predict language development. However, we are still building a knowledge base about the specific nature of the relationship between gesture and speech. While much of the research on this topic has been conducted with neurotypical children, there is a growing body of work with children who have or are at increased likelihood of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here, we summarize the literature on relations between gesture and speech, including the role of child gesture production as well as that of gesture exposure (caregiver gesture). We include literature on both neurotypical children and children with or at likelihood of ASD, highlight the similarities and differences across populations, and offer implications for research as well as early identification and intervention.
The Interaction of Linguistic and Visual Cues for the Processing of Case in Russian by Russian‐German Bilinguals: An Eye Tracking Study
Authors: Minor Serge , Mitrofanova Natalia , Westergaard Marit
Published: February 2024

Modulation of visual attention in the Visual World Paradigm relies on parallel processing of linguistic and visual information. Previous studies have argued that the human linguistic capacity includes an aspect of anticipation of upcoming material. Such anticipation can be triggered by both lexical and grammatical/morphosyntactic cues. In this study, we investigated the relationship between comprehension and prediction by testing how subtle changes in visual representations can affect the processing of grammatical case cues in Russian by Russian‐German bilingual children (n = 49, age 8−13). The linguistic manipulation followed previous designs, contrasting SVO and OVS sentences, where the first NP (NP1) was marked with nominative or accusative case, respectively. Three types of visual displays were compared: (i) individual referents (potential agent/theme); (ii) pairs of referents (NP1 + potential agent/theme); and (iii) events (representing interactions between the referents). Participants were significantly more sensitive to the case manipulation when presented with events compared to the other two types of visual display. This suggests that they were able to quickly integrate the thematic role information signaled by grammatical case in the event representations. However, they were less likely to use the case information to anticipate upcoming arguments when the target pictures represented individual referents or pairs of noninteracting referents. We hypothesize that the process of argument anticipation is mediated by the activation of syntactic templates (SVO or OSV, depending on the case marking on NP1). The relatively weak anticipation effect observed may be attributed to the absence, or weak representation, of the noncanonical OVS template in the bilingual children's long‐term memory.