bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One‐dimensional nanomaterials for nerve tissue engineering to repair spinal cord injury
Authors: Shi Bingqi , Lu Shan , Yang Hongru , Mahmood Shahid , Sun Chunhui , Malek Nik Ahmad Nizam Nik , Kamaruddin Wan Hairul Anuar , Saidin Syafiqah , Zhang Congcong
Published: August 2024

In recent years, tissue engineering has emerged as a cutting‐edge approach for the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI) owing to its remarkable capabilities. It can create living tissues with robust vitality, achieve maximal tissue repair with minimal cell usage, and facilitate seamless reconstruction with unmatched plasticity, all while addressing immune rejection issues. Among these advancements, one‐dimensional (1D) materials have garnered significant attention. Their morphology closely resembles the extracellular matrix environment, thereby fostering the elongation of dendrites and axons on neurons and greatly enhancing the prospects for SCI repair. With a keen focus on the latest advancements in the application of 1D nanomaterials in nerve tissue engineering for spinal nerve repair, this review delves into several key aspects. Firstly, it explores the “bottom‐up” approach to synthesizing 1D nanomaterials. Secondly, it examines the mechanisms by which these nanomaterials influence neural tissue engineering. Thirdly, it presents various cutting‐edge strategies aimed at optimizing the morphology and performance of 1D materials, thereby enhancing the efficiency of nerve tissue injury repair. Lastly, it discusses the current challenges and future prospects facing this fascinating field. We aspire that this comprehensive review will provide a profound understanding of the development of 1D materials in neural tissue engineering and inspire a wider audience with its potential.
Enhancing board of director decision‐making: The impact of government support on risk management and nonfinancial performance
Authors: Escandon‐Barbosa Diana , Salas‐Paramo Jairo
Published: August 2024

The substantial influence of the board of directors on company performance is a key area of focus in global business management. This study examines the moderating effect of government support on the board of director's role in the relationship between perceived risks and the nonfinancial performance of firms. A survey was conducted among 480 Colombian exporting companies from August to December 2023 to achieve this aim. The data were analyzed using a structural equation model. One significant gap in the literature is the need to identify specific actions and behaviors of companies across various economic sectors, such as exporting Small and Medium Enterprises, to develop strategies for managing risks associated with nonfinancial performance. Additionally, examining the moderating role of government support in achieving business sustainability standards is critical. The findings reveal that human risk (psychological and social) does not significantly affect nonfinancial performance when government support directly influences board decision‐making. However, operational risk impacts nonfinancial performance when board directors possess extensive environmental information and leverage government support to implement necessary actions. This understanding enables firms to navigate their operational context more effectively and seize available opportunities.
Sperm quality analyzer: A portable LED array microscope with dark‐field imaging
Authors: Shao Meng , Li Changxu , Ma Xiaohao , Pan Haoyu , Ke Zeyu , Liu Rui , Zhang Zhiguo , Zhong Min‐Cheng , Wang Yi , Zhong Zhensheng , Lu Fengya , Wei Xunbin , Zhou Jinhua
Published: August 2024

Sperm quality analysis plays an important role in diagnosing infertility, which is widely implemented by computer‐assisted sperm analysis (CASA) of sperm‐swimming imaging from commercial phase‐contrast microscopy. A well‐equipped microscope comes with a high cost, increasing the burden of assessment, and it also occupies a large volume. For point‐of‐care testing (POCT) of sperm quality, these factors are confronted with the challenges of low‐cost and portable instruments. In this study, an encoded light‐emitting diode (LED) array illumination is employed to achieve a portable microscope with multicontrast imaging for sperm quality analysis. This microscopy has dimensions of 16.5 × 14.0 × 25.0 cm, and its dark‐field (DF) imaging provides high‐contrast sperm image data which is suitable for CASA. According to DF imaging, we developed a software of LabCASA, which can used to assess the motility characteristics of sperm. Compared with TrackMate, the difference in motility parameters from our software was less than 10% in the coefficient of variation (CV). The sperm motility parameters vary with the chamber temperature, which further confirms the reliability of our system with DF imaging. The DF imaging provides strong robustness for tracking sperm's motion under different microscopes. For assessment of the motility parameters, our system can work at a lower cost with a plastic structure. This system with DF imaging is suitable for portable POCT of sperm quality analysis, which is highly cost‐effective in resource‐constrained circumstances.
Ubiquitous processes strengthening neighbourhood communities: How neighbourhood‐related social media can foster the active involvement of citizens and build resilient communities
Authors: Gatti Flora , Procentese Fortuna
Published: August 2024

Modern local communities are undergoing deep changes due to modern social and cultural processes and to the widespread use of ubiquitous, neighbourhood‐related social media. Indeed, the latter shape citizens' experiences in terms of both local relationships and opportunities for shared aims and behaviours. Therefore, this study endeavours to unravel the impact of neighbourhood‐related social media on users' sense of community (SoC), sense of responsible togetherness (SoRT), and perceptions of community resilience via their potential in enhancing their informal neighbouring behaviours and civic engagement. Nine hundred and sixty‐five Italian citizens (30.1% males; Mage = 22.80; SDage = 4.88) answered an online questionnaire; Structural Equation Modelling was used to run a multiple sequential mediation model having community resilience as the final outcome. The results confirm the positive relationship of such social media with users' informal neighbouring behaviours and civic engagement but show that only civic engagement mediates its relationships with SoC, SoRT, and perceptions of community resilience. Altogether, this opens interesting venues for future developments in both research and intervention fields, with reference to (a) further unravelling the intertwinement between online and local social dynamics and environments, and (b) better understanding how such intertwinement and this kind of social media could represent tools for the promotion of community building processes and of local resilience in community interventions.
Modulation of Selectivity and Activity of Ni/TiO2 Catalysts by Metal Dispersion in Photothermal CO2 Hydrogenation
Authors: Alfonso‐González Elena , Iglesias‐Juez Ana , Fresno Fernando , Coronado Juan M.
Published: August 2024

Ni/TiO2 catalysts are efficient and cost‐effective for photothermal CO2 hydrogenation. However, the achieved CO/CH4 ratio strongly depends on the specific characteristics of these catalysts. To further ascertain the role of metal dispersion and photoactivation on selectivity, in this work we investigate the impact of Ni loading over high surface area anatase on the photothermal performance. Catalysts with 3 and 10 wt. % of Ni prepared by incipient wetness impregnation show initial good dispersion of the metal, although after activation in H2 metallic Ni nanoparticles are observed for 10 %Ni/TiO2. This last catalyst demonstrates superior CO2 hydrogenation activity at high temperature, but below 200 °C it is overpassed by the catalyst with 3 wt % Ni/TiO2. The selectivity varies remarkably with Ni loadings. Thus, at 350 °C about 93 % of methane is obtained over 10 wt.% Ni/TiO2, while 3 %Ni/TiO2 yields about 97 % of CO. Low‐intensity UV irradiation enhances performance, particularly at temperatures below 200 °C, where an increment in the production of methane of up to 75 % is observed for 3 wt.% Ni/TiO2 at 200 °C. These results highlight the influence of metal dispersion, along with irradiation on modulating the selectivity of the photothermal CO2 hydrogenation.
Isoflavone Derivatives as Potential Anticancer Agents: Synthesis and Bioactivity Studies
Authors: Selepe Mamoalosi A.
Published: August 2024

Isoflavones are phenolic natural compounds with a C6C3C6 framework. They possess a plethora of biological activities that are associated with putative benefits to human health. In particular, the cancer chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic potential of isoflavones has attracted the interest of researchers. Several isoflavone derivatives have been synthesised and probed for their anticancer activities. The isoflavone analogues are mainly synthesised by molecular hybridisation and other strategies that enable diversification through early or late‐stage functionalisation of A‐, B‐ and C‐rings of the isoflavones. This has resulted in the discovery of isoflavone analogues with improved antiproliferative activities against several cancer cells and different mechanisms of action. In this review, the synthesis of isoflavone derivatives and their anticancer activity studies are discussed.
Inotuzumab ozogamicin in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Development, current status, and future directions
Authors: Kantarjian Hagop M. , Boissel Nicolas , Papayannidis Cristina , Luskin Marlise R. , Stelljes Matthias , Advani Anjali S. , Jabbour Elias J. , Ribera Josep‐Maria , Marks David I.
Published: August 2024

Inotuzumab ozogamicin (InO) is an antibody‐drug conjugate approved for the treatment of relapsed/refractory B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Several clinical trials are investigating InO in combination with low‐intensity chemotherapy or other anti‐ALL–targeted therapies in the salvage and frontline settings, notably in older adults who often cannot tolerate intensive chemotherapy and tend to have higher‐risk disease. InO is also increasingly used to bridge patients to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), in sequence with chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy, to eliminate measurable residual disease and to prevent post‐HSCT relapse. Veno‐occlusive disease/sinusoidal obstruction syndrome is a potential complication of InO treatment, particularly when followed by HSCT. Herein, the authors review the historical development and current status of InO, strategies for mitigating the risk of InO‐related veno‐occlusive disease/sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, and future directions for InO research and clinical use.
Intrinsically Conductive and Cu‐Functionalized Polymer‐Composite Membranes as Gas Diffusion Electrodes for CO2 Electroreduction
Authors: Sanjuán Ignacio , Kumbhar Vaibhav , Prymak Oleg , Ulbricht Mathias , Andronescu Corina , Fischer Lukas
Published: August 2024

We introduced a new class of gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) with adjustable pore morphology. We fabricated intrinsically conductive polymer‐composite membranes containing carbon filler, enabling a pore structure variation through film casting cum phase separation protocols. We further selectively functionalized specific pore regions of the membranes with Cu by a NaBH4‐facilitated coating strategy. The as‐obtained GDEs can facilitate the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) at Cu active sites that are presented inside a defined and electrically conductive pore system. When employing them as free‐standing cathodes in a CO2 flow electrolyzer, we achieved >70 % Faradaic efficiencies for CO2RR products at up to 200 mA/cm2. We further demonstrated that deposition of a dense Cu layer on top of the membrane leads to obstruction of the underlying pore openings, inhibiting an excessive wetting of the pore pathways that transport gaseous CO2. However, the presentation of Cu inside the pore system of our novel membrane electrodes increased the C2H4/CO selectivity by a factor of up to 3 compared to Cu presented in the dense layer on top of the membrane. Additionally, we found that gaseous CO2 could still access Cu in macropores after wetting with electrolyte, while CO2RR was completely suppressed in wetted nm‐scale pores.
A first look into moss living tardigrades in boreal peatlands
Authors: Mäenpää Hennariikka , Elo Merja , Calhim Sara
Published: August 2024

Tardigrades (Tardigrada) are a phylum of micrometazoans found in all biomes on Earth, but their ecology and habitat preferences remain vastly understudied. Boreal peatlands include a diversity of habitat types and high structural heterogeneity that represents an interesting system to study some of the poorly known habitat preferences of tardigrades. Here, we investigate for the first time tardigrade communities in peatland mosses and the latter's potential associations with key environmental variables. We collected 116 moss samples from 13 sites representing different peatland types and management histories. We found that tardigrades are common and diverse in boreal peatlands, as tardigrades were present in 72% of the collected samples and we identified 14 tardigrade genera. Tardigrade abundance seemed to increase alongside the increasing tree basal area and the density was higher in the microtopographic level further from the water table level, that is, hummocks (mean 117/moss gram) than in lawns/hollows (mean 84/moss gram). Furthermore, the highest tardigrade density was found in the moss taxa that are associated with forested peatland types (i.e., feather mosses) (321 mean/moss gram). Finally, we found interesting patterns regarding tardigrade functional diversity, as carnivorous tardigrades were found only in peatlands with tree basal area > 20 m2 and mostly in hummocks. Our study demonstrates that the habitat heterogeneity of peatlands (e.g., variation in moisture and vegetation cover) represents an interesting system to study tardigrade ecology and habitat preferences. However, since we found variation in tardigrade abundance and communities across peatland types and microhabitats within peatlands, our results highlight that such studies should be conducted with numerous replicate samples and a systematic study design that properly addresses the habitat heterogeneity between and within different peatland types.
Impacts of management practices on habitat selection during juvenile mountain lion dispersal
Authors: Randolph John F. , Young Julie K. , Stoner David C. , Garcelon David K.
Published: August 2024

Dispersal is a complex series of movements before an individual establishes a home range. Animals must travel and forage in unfamiliar landscapes that include anthropogenic risks such as road crossings, harvest, and urban landscapes. We compare dispersal behavior of juvenile mountain lions (Puma concolor) from two geographically distinct populations in California and Nevada, USA. These two sites are ecologically similar but have different management practices; hunting is permitted in Nevada, whereas mountain lions are protected in California. We used GPS‐collar data and net‐squared displacement analysis to identify three dispersal states: exploratory, departure, and transient home range. We then compared each dispersal state of the two mountain lion populations using an integrated step selection analysis (iSSA). The model included explanatory variables hypothesized to influence one or more dispersal states, including distance to forest, shrub, water, hay and crop, developed lands, and four‐wheel drive roads, as well as elevation and terrain ruggedness. Results revealed consistent habitat selection between sites across most landscape variables, with one notable exception: anthropogenic covariates, including distance to developed land, distance to hay and crop, and distance to four‐wheeled drive roads, were only statistically significant on modeled habitat selection during dispersal in the population subject to hunting (i.e., Nevada). Results suggest that hunting (pursuit with hounds resulting in harvest) and non‐lethal pursuit (pursuit with hounds but no harvest allowed) increase avoidance of anthropogenic landscapes during dispersal for juvenile mountain lions. By comparing populations, we provided valuable insights into the role of management in shaping dispersal behavior.
Phylogenetic climatic niche evolution and diversification of the Neurergus species (Salamandridae) in the Irano‐Anatolian biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Khoshnamvand Hadi , Vaissi Somaye , Azimi Maryam , Ahmadzadeh Faraham
Published: August 2024

This study explores how climate variables influenced the evolution and diversification of Neurergus newts within the Irano‐Anatolian biodiversity hotspot. We use a dated phylogenetic tree and climatic niche models to analyze their evolutionary history and ecological preferences. Using genetic data from nuclear (KIAA) and mitochondrial (16s and 12s) genes, we estimate divergence times and identify four major Neurergus clades. The initial speciation event occurred approximately 11.3 million years ago, coinciding with the uplift of the Zagros and Anatolian mountains. This geological transformation isolated newt populations, likely triggering the first speciation event. By integrating potential geographic distribution with climate variables, we reconstruct ancestral niche occupancy profiles. This highlights the critical roles of temperature and precipitation in shaping Neurergus habitat preferences and distribution. We observe both phylogenetic niche conservatism and divergence, with niche divergence playing a dominant role in diversification. This research emphasizes the complex interplay of geography, climate, and ecology in speciation and the vulnerability of isolated mountain newt populations to environmental changes.
First record of a mixed species association between Hatinh langur (Trachypithecus hatinhensis) and red‐shanked douc (Pygathrix nemaeus)
Authors: Nguyen Anh Tuan , Le Minh , Tilker Andrew
Published: August 2024

In primates, mixed species associations are not common occurrences, and have been linked to both ecological and anthropogenic factors. We present camera‐trapping records of a mixed association between two primates, the Hatinh langur (Trachypithecus hatinhensis) and red‐shanked douc (Pygathrix nemaeus) and discuss possible hypotheses for this occurrence. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence of such an association in the wild of these two threatened primates, and thus contributes to our limited ecological knowledge of the species.
Importance of fourth heart sound and preserved left atrial function in wild‐type transthyretin amyloidosis
Authors: Ochi Yuri , Yamasaki Naohito , Kubo Toru , Baba Yuichi , Miyagawa Kazuya , Noguchi Tatsuya , Hirota Takayoshi , Hamada Tomoyuki , Kitaoka Hiroaki
Published: August 2024

Aims

A fourth heart sound (S4) was reported to be almost never present in patients with amyloid light‐chain cardiomyopathy. There have been no reports on S4 in patients with wild‐type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTRwt‐CM). This study aimed to clarify the clinical implications of S4 in patients with ATTRwt‐CM.

Methods and results

Seventy‐six patients with ATTRwt‐CM (mean age: 80.4 ± 5.4 years, 68 males) who had undergone phonocardiography (PCG) were retrospectively assessed. We measured S4 amplitude on digitally recorded PCG. S4 was considered to be present when its amplitude was 1.0 mm or greater on the PCG. Distinct S4 was defined as S4 with an amplitude of 2.0 mm or greater, which is usually recognizable by auscultation. According to the rhythm and presence or absence of S4, the patients were divided into three groups, namely, sinus rhythm (SR) with S4, SR without S4, and non‐SR. Non‐SR consisted of atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and atrial tachycardia. Thirty‐six patients were in SR and the remaining 40 patients were in non‐SR. In the 36 patients in SR, S4 was shown by PCG to be present in 17 patients (47%), and distinct S4 was recognized in 7 patients (19%) by auscultation. In patients who were in SR, those with S4 had higher systolic blood pressure (124 ± 15 vs. 99 ± 8 mmHg, P < 0.001), lower level of plasma B‐type natriuretic peptide (308 [interquartile range (IQR): 165, 354] vs. 508 [389, 765] pg/mL, P = 0.034) and lower level of high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (0.068 [0.046, 0.089] vs. 0.109 [0.063, 0.148] ng/mL, P = 0.042) than those without S4. There was no significant difference in left atrium (LA) volume index or LA reservoir strain between patients with S4 and without S4. Patients with S4 had more preserved LA systolic function than those without S4 (peak atrial filling velocity: 53 ± 25 vs. 34 ± 9 cm/s, P = 0.033; LA contractile strain: 4.1 ± 2.1 vs. 1.6 ± 2.0%, P = 0.012). Patients in SR without S4 had worse short‐term prognosis compared with the other two groups (generalized Wilcoxon test, P = 0.033).

Conclusions

S4 was present in 47% of the patients in SR with ATTRwt‐CM. Patients in SR without S4 had more impaired LA systolic function than those in SR with S4. The absence of S4 portends a poor short‐term prognosis in patients with ATTRwt‐CM.
Biomarkers at the Individual and Biochemical Level: Effects of Pure and Formulated Lambda-Cyhalothrin in Boana pulchella Tadpoles (Duméril and Bibron, 1841)
Authors: Barreto Evelina , Villanova Jorgelina , Parra Carolina , Flores Manuel , Salgado Costa Carolina , Lascano Cecilia , Natale Guillermo , Venturino Andrés
Published: August 2024

We compared the effects of lambda-cyhalothrin as the pure active ingredient and as a formulated product (Zero®), on the larval stage of the autochthonous species Boana pulchella. We evaluated ecotoxicological endpoints, behavioral and developmental alterations, and the biochemical detoxifying, neurotoxic, and oxidative stress responses, covering a wide concentration range from environmental to high application levels. Both pyrethroid preparations displayed similar ecotoxicity (median lethal concentration of ~0.5 mg/L), with the lethal effect of Zero® being more pronounced than that of the active ingredient. Sublethal behavioral alterations in natatory activity were observed at 1000 times lower concentrations, indicating the ecological hazard of tadpole exposure to this pyrethroid at environmentally relevant concentrations. Biochemical endpoints in B. pulchella larvae showed significant responses to lambda-cyhalothrin in the ng/L range; these responses were different for the pure or the formulated product, and they were variable at higher concentrations. Principal components analysis confirmed the prevalence of biochemical responses as early endpoints at the lowest lambda-cyhalothrin concentrations; the Integrated Biomarker Response Index proportionally increased with pyrethroid concentration in a similar way for the pure and the formulated products. We conclude that lambda-cyhalothrin is of concern from an environmental perspective, with particular emphasis on autochthonous anuran development. The battery of biochemical biomarkers included in our study showed a consistent integrated biomarker response, indicating that this is a potent tool for monitoring impacts on amphibians. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:2134–2144. © 2024 SETAC

Lambda-Cyhalothrin affects exposed Boana pulchella larvae in a wide range of concentrations in water, ranging from environmental to field application levels. These effects are gradually elicited, comprising biochemical responses at the very low lambda-cyhalothrin levels, summating behavioral responses at the intermediate range, and including lethal damage at the high level. Given the variability of all the responses individually observed for the pure and the formulated product, an Integrated Biomarker Response with a proportional increase with the exposure concentrations is a good way to analyze environmental risks. EC50 = median effective concentration; LC50 = median lethal concentration; LOLC = lowest-observed lethal concentration; NOLC = no-observed lethal concentration.
Early nuclear phenotypes and reactive transformation in human iPSC‐derived astrocytes from ALS patients with SOD1 mutations
Authors: Soubannier Vincent , Chaineau Mathilde , Gursu Lale , Lépine Sarah , Kalaydjian David , Sirois Julien , Haghi Ghazal , Rouleau Guy , Durcan Thomas M. , Stifani Stefano
Published: August 2024

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive death of motor neurons (MNs). Glial cells play roles in MN degeneration in ALS. More specifically, astrocytes with mutations in the ALS‐associated gene Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) promote MN death. The mechanisms by which SOD1‐mutated astrocytes reduce MN survival are incompletely understood. To characterize the impact of SOD1 mutations on astrocyte physiology, we generated astrocytes from human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived from ALS patients carrying SOD1 mutations, together with control isogenic iPSCs. We report that astrocytes harboring SOD1(A4V) and SOD1(D90A) mutations exhibit molecular and morphological changes indicative of reactive astrogliosis when compared to isogenic astrocytes. We show further that a number of nuclear phenotypes precede, or coincide with, reactive transformation. These include increased nuclear oxidative stress and DNA damage, and accumulation of the SOD1 protein in the nucleus. These findings reveal early cell‐autonomous phenotypes in SOD1‐mutated astrocytes that may contribute to the acquisition of a reactive phenotype involved in alterations of astrocyte‐MN communication in ALS.
Radiologic findings of occult nodal metastasis during clinically‐N0 salvage total laryngectomy
Authors: Chan Tyler G. , Wicks Jaime , Sethi Ila , Becker Jennifer , Brandon David , Schmitt Nicole C. , Kaka Azeem , Boyce Brian , Baddour Harry Michael , El‐Deiry Mark W. , Patel Mihir R. , Gross Jennifer H.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Occult nodal disease (OND) during clinically‐N0 salvage total laryngectomy (TL) can be detected with the Neck‐Imaging‐Reporting‐and‐Data‐Systems (NI‐RADS). However, some patients will still have OND revealed on final pathology.

Methods

A retrospective study on all patients who had OND during salvage TL with elective neck dissection (END) between 2009 and 2021 was performed. Repeat CT and PET scan interpretation was performed to evaluate their preoperative imaging for suspicious features.

Results

Among 81 salvage TL patients undergoing END, 12 (16%) had OND and a total of 26 occult nodes were identified. On pathology, the average node length [SD] was 0.6 cm [0.3]. On CT, 31% (8 of 26) had rounded morphology. On PET, most had SUVmax below blood pool. One patient scored NI‐RADS 2; the rest scored 1.

Conclusions

On re‐review of preoperative imaging, occult nodes were subtle and challenging to identify. Despite no clear impact on survival, performing an END may provide prognostic information.
Adopting a stance of vulnerability in healthcare evaluation: Amplifying the patient voice
Authors: Gulati Steve , Shrimpton Christiane , Stosic Josip
Published: August 2024

This paper argues that one aspect of re‐imagining evaluation in health planning and management is for leaders and clinicians to develop comfort with vulnerability when engaging in service evaluations. Starting with an exploration of how the service user voice is traditionally expressed in healthcare evaluation, the paper then proceeds to explore the particular role and challenges faced by clinician‐evaluators, including their role as ‘privileged interlocutors’ in conversations with service users. The tensions in reconciling the role of the clinician as an expert, with the related but different skills needed for effective discourse in qualitative evaluation are explored, and it is asserted that it is important for clinicians and leaders to be comfortable in showing and working with vulnerability when evaluating healthcare interventions. Clinicians are already skilled in holding discourse with service users, and extending the communication repertoire to include the management of emotion and expression of vulnerability is achievable and rewarding. The paper concludes that the ability to hold a vulnerable stance when conducting evaluation can have benefits in reducing defensiveness, encouraging a truer sense of enquiry and amplifying the service user voice.
Phase III randomized trial comparing palliative systemic therapy to best supportive care in advanced esophageal/GEJ cancer
Authors: Noronha Vanita , Patil Vijay Maruti , Menon Nandini , Goud Supriya , Singh Ajaykumar , Shah Minit , More Sucheta , Shah Srushti , Yadav Akanksha , Sonawane Sonali , Nawale Kavita , Chowdhury Oindrila Roy , Kaushal Rajiv Kumar , Ghosh‐Laskar Sarbani , Agarwal Jai Prakash , Yadav Subhash , Pai Trupti , Janu Amit , Mahajan Abhishek , Purandare Nilendu , Banavali Shripad , Badwe Rajendra , Prabhash Kumar
Published: August 2024

No study has unequivocally proven that chemotherapy prolongs overall survival (OS) in advanced esophageal cancer. We conducted a Phase III randomized study in first‐line advanced unresectable/metastatic esophageal/GEJ cancer. Patients aged 18–70 years, with performance status 0–2, were randomized to best supportive care (BSC) alone, or BSC with weekly paclitaxel 80 mg/m2. BSC comprised, as indicated, education, counselling, radiation, stenting, feeding tube placement, nutritional supplementation, medications like analgesics, and referral to a support group and palliative care. The primary endpoint was OS; secondary endpoints included progression free survival (PFS), response, toxicity, and QoL. Between May 2016–December 2020, we recruited 281 patients: 143 to chemotherapy and 138 to BSC. Histopathology was squamous in 269 (95.7%) patients. Median number of paclitaxel doses was 12 (IQR, 7–23). Median OS was 4.2 months (95% CI, 3.42–5.32) in BSC, and 9.2 months (95% CI, 8.02–10.48) in chemotherapy; HR, 0.49 (95% CI, 0.39–0.64); p < .001. As compared to BSC, chemotherapy increased response (2.9% to 39%), median PFS (2.1 to 4.2 months), 1‐year OS (11% to 32%), 2‐year OS (0 to 9%), median dysphagia‐free survival (2.9 to 14.8 months), and global and esophagus‐specific QoL, without significantly increasing all‐grade or grade ≥3 toxicities. Using ESMO clinical benefit scale and ASCO Value Framework, palliative chemotherapy scored as having “substantial value.” Our study provides the first level 1 evidence that chemotherapy prolongs survival in advanced esophageal/GEJ carcinoma. BSC alone is no longer appropriate. Weekly paclitaxel is an attractive option, especially in LMICs with limited access to immunotherapy.
Predictive value of neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio on admission for intrapartum maternal fever in parturients undergoing epidural analgesia: A retrospective cohort study using propensity score‐matched analysis
Authors: Li Kunyue , Deng Chunyun , Sun Daqi , Wang Yuxia , Li Genxia , Jiang Lihua , Wang Tao
Published: August 2024

Objective

To identify the predictive value of the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) on admission for intrapartum maternal fever in parturients undergoing epidural analgesia (EA).

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to address covariates. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were implemented in sequence to find out the factors influencing intrapartum fever. The receiver operating characteristics curve was applied to determine the area under the curve (AUC) of NLR for intrapartum fever.

Results

NLR and duration of EA were independent risk factors for intrapartum fever. The AUC of the combined indicator (NLR + duration of EA) was higher than that of NLR (AUC = 0.583, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.53–0.64) and duration of EA (AUC = 0.702, 95% CI 0.66–0.75), reaching 0.715 (95% CI 0.67–0.76; p < 0.001). NLR increased predictive performance for intrapartum fever when added to the duration of EA (net reclassification index 0.076, p = 0.022; integrated discrimination improvement 0.020, p = 0.002).

Conclusion

NLR has limited predictive power for intrapartum fever. The combination of NLR and duration of epidural analgesia may be considered a promising predictor for intrapartum maternal fever in parturients undergoing epidural analgesia.

Synopsis

The neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio is an accessible predictor for the early identification of parturients at risk of intrapartum fever.
Genetic Counselors' attitudes & perceptions regarding suicide risk assessment and identification in practice
Authors: Hershman Emily , Fernandes Sara , Ceulemans Sophia , Platt Dylan
Published: August 2024

While the heritability of suicidal tendencies is debated, receipt of various genetic diagnoses has shown an increased risk of suicidal ideation and behavior while simultaneously conferring risk to mental health concerns that may further increase this risk. However, the role of genetic counselors (GCs) in assessing and addressing suicide risk remains underutilized. A 15‐item recruitment survey was distributed via the National Society of Genetic Counselors Student Research Survey Listserv, and interested individuals could opt to be contacted for an interview after completion. The data analysis included 107 survey responses and 15 semi‐structured interviews, which were conducted to explore whether GCs feel that formal suicide risk assessment (SRA) falls within their scope of practice and the frequency with which it is employed during counseling sessions. Additionally, the study examined GCs' experiences, comfort levels, and training in assessing for suicide risk. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and independently coded by two researchers. The coding scheme was systematically constructed, integrating both deductive and inductive coding methods to inform the authors' interpretive description of SRA in the clinic, with four major themes identified by content analysis. Most respondents reported that they had worried about a patient harming themselves or having suicidal thoughts. Most respondents agreed or strongly agreed that SRA is within a GC's scope of practice. Lack of training emerged as the primary barrier to assessing suicide risk and conducting risk assessments. Other barriers included low self‐efficacy, societal stigma, and personal discomfort, while access to social workers, natural inclination, and standardized screening tools served as facilitators. Despite encountering patients at risk of self‐harm and suicide, most GCs do not utilize SRA tools. Furthermore, GCs expressed a strong desire for additional training to enhance their skills in identifying and managing at‐risk patients. A multifocal approach to suicide risk reduction and education is required.
Performance analysis of mathematical methods used to forecast the 2022 New York City Mpox outbreak
Authors: Kaftan David , Kim Hae‐Young , Ko Charles , Howard James S. , Dalal Prachi , Yamamoto Nao , Braithwaite R. Scott , Bershteyn Anna
Published: August 2024

In mid‐2022, New York City (NYC) became the epicenter of the US mpox outbreak. We provided real‐time mpox case forecasts to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to aid in outbreak response. Forecasting methodologies evolved as the epidemic progressed. Initially, lacking knowledge of at‐risk population size, we used exponential growth models to forecast cases. Once exponential growth slowed, we used a Susceptible‐Exposed‐Infectious‐Recovered (SEIR) model. Retrospectively, we explored if forecasts could have been improved using an SEIR model in place of our early exponential growth model, with or without knowing the case detection rate. Early forecasts from exponential growth models performed poorly, as 2‐week mean absolute error (MAE) grew from 53 cases/week (July 1–14) to 457 cases/week (July 15–28). However, when exponential growth slowed, providing insight into susceptible population size, an SEIR model was able to accurately predict the remainder of the outbreak (7‐week MAE: 13.4 cases/week). Retrospectively, we found there was not enough known about the epidemiological characteristics of the outbreak to parameterize an SEIR model early on. However, if the at‐risk population and case detection rate were known, an SEIR model could have improved accuracy over exponential growth models early in the outbreak.
Identification of the Asian summer monsoon anticyclone based on tropical easterly and subtropical westerly jets during active and break phases
Authors: Musaid Padinhare Peediyekkal , Mehta Sanjay Kumar , Tegtmeier Susann , Fujiwara Masatomo , Purushotham Pooja , Kakkanattu Sachin Philip , Betsy Karaikkattu Benzigar , Seetha Chengannikkattu Jayakrishnan
Published: August 2024

The Asian summer monsoon anticyclone (ASMA) plays a vital role in the transport and redistribution of the tracers in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere during transient monsoon conditions. The ASMA can be identified using various diagnostics such as winds and divergence, potential vorticity, the Montgomery stream function or geopotential height. Its representation based on the commonly‐used existing method that takes a climatological range of the geopotential height (GPH) at a given pressure level is not robust and fails in several circumstances. In this study, we propose a new GPH method to define the ASMA for the active and break phases of the monsoon based on the GPH values at the tropical easterly jet (TEJ) and subtropical westerly jet (STJ) locations. The proposed method compares the GPH values at the locations corresponding to the wind speed maxima of TEJ and STJ at 100 hPa with the maximum GPH at 100 hPa and selects the one with the minimum difference to define the ASMA extent. The same procedures were applied to obtain the ASMA extent at 150 hPa. The ASMA extents are obtained using the method proposed here and the existing fixed GPH method for the 30 active and 27 break phases from 2005 to 2023. The fixed GPH method provides a larger ASMA extent for 24 active and 21 break phases, which appears to be an unrealistic estimation compared to the proposed method. Our proposed method identifies the ASMA extent that is larger and centred around the Iranian side during the active phases while it is smaller and centred around the Tibetan side during the break phases. Furthermore, the minimum concentration of ozone (O3), and maximum concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) and water vapour (H2O) are also found to be centred near the Iranian side during the active phases and on the Tibetan side during the break phases. The tracer concentrations are generally higher for CO, H2O and O3 during the active phase than in the break phase. Tracer concentrations within the ASMA extent using the fixed GPH method are higher for O3 while lesser for CO and H2O when compared to the proposed method.
The 2022 summer heat wave over China: An analysis of the severity and dominance from the frequency and intensity of high temperature
Authors: Liu Ruisi , Yuan Dian , Lu Emily Mengfei , Li Dengao , Li Huixin , Wang Hui , Lu Er
Published: August 2024

Summer high temperature is an important climate issue. Severe heat waves occurred over China during summer 2022. Using daily temperature, we examine the severity of the 2022 high‐temperature event, and explore the dominance of summer cumulative temperature from the frequency and intensity of high temperature, for both the interannual variation of the 63 years (1960–2022) and the year of 2022. Corresponding to different “high” temperature thresholds, the frequency (number of the days) of high temperature, the summer cumulative temperature, and the intensity of high temperature are obtained for each summer with the daily data. Statistical tests show that cumulative temperature can be linearly regressed to frequency and intensity, which can help find the dominance from the two factors. For interannual variation, the comparison of the normalized regression coefficients suggests that, in the variation of cumulative temperature, the relative importance can vary from “dominated by intensity”, which corresponds to low temperature threshold (28°C), to “dominated by frequency”, which corresponds to high threshold (36°C). For the year 2022, we compare the two terms in the regression, which uses the coefficients from multi‐year regression along with the normalized frequency and intensity of this year, to determine the relative importance. Results show that overall it also varies from “dominated by intensity” to “dominated by frequency”, with the increase in threshold. Note that, for the two cases, these are the overall situation for the whole country; however, for each specific station, whether frequency or intensity dominates needs to be determined with the measures. A moderate threshold of 32°C, which considers both frequency and intensity, is suggested for practical applications.
Electromembrane extraction of peptides based on charge, hydrophobicity, and size – A large‐scale fundamental study of the extraction window
Authors: Rye Torstein Kige , Lee Chien‐Yun , Zellner Andreas , Moen Sara Haglund , Dowlatshah Samira , Grønhaug Halvorsen Trine , Pedersen‐Bjergaard Stig , Hansen Frederik André
Published: August 2024

This study investigated the capability of electromembrane extraction (EME) as a general technique for peptides, by extracting complex pools of peptides comprising in total of 5953 different substances, varying in size from seven to 16 amino acids. Electromembrane extraction was conducted from a sample adjusted to pH 3.0 and utilized a liquid membrane consisting of 2‐nitrophenyl octyl ether and carvacrol (1:1 w/w), containing 2% (w/w) di(2‐ethylhexyl) phosphate. The acceptor phase was 50 mM phosphoric acid (pH 1.8), the extraction time was 45 min, and 10 V was used. High extraction efficiency, defined as a higher peptide signal in the acceptor than the sample after extraction, was achieved for 3706 different peptides. Extraction efficiencies were predominantly influenced by the hydrophobicity of the peptides and their net charge in the sample. Hydrophobic peptides were extracted with a net charge of +1, while hydrophilic peptides were extracted when the net charge was +2 or higher. A computational model based on machine learning was developed to predict the extractability of peptides based on peptide descriptors, including the grand average of hydropathy index and net charge at pH 3.0 (sample pH). This research shows that EME has general applicability for peptides and represents the first steps toward in silico prediction of extraction efficiency.
An evaluation of the associations among posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and complicated grief in active duty military personnel with traumatic loss
Authors: Jacoby Vanessa M. , Straud Casey L. , Tyler Hannah , Dondanville Katherine A. , Yarvis Jeffrey S. , Mintz Jim , Young‐McCaughan Stacey , Peterson Alan L. , Wachen Jennifer Schuster , Resick Patricia A. ,   for the STRONG STAR Consortium
Published: August 2024

Between 44% and 87% of active duty service members and veterans who deployed following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks know someone who was killed or seriously injured in combat. Considering the high frequency and known impact of traumatic loss, it is important to understand if and how traumatic loss may impede posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment progress in military personnel. Additionally, experiencing a traumatic loss elevates the risk of developing prolonged grief disorder (PGD), which is associated with higher levels of PTSD symptoms, more functional impairment, and more lifetime suicide attempts among military personnel. Given what is known about the association between PGD and PTSD in treatment‐seeking service members and veterans, it is also important to understand whether grief‐related symptom severity negatively impacts PTSD treatment response. The current study examined associations among traumatic loss, complicated grief, depressive symptoms, and PTSD treatment response among military personnel (N = 127) who participated in variable‐length cognitive processing therapy (CPT). There was no direct, F(2, 125) = 0.77, p = .465, or indirect, β = .02, p = .677, association between a traumatic loss index event and PTSD treatment response compared with other trauma types. Prior assessments of depressive symptom severity were directly related to PTSD at later assessments across two models, ps < .001–p = .021 Participants with a traumatic loss index trauma demonstrated significant reductions in complicated grief, depressive symptoms, and PTSD following CPT, ps < .001, ds = −0.61–−0.83. Implications, study limitations, and suggestions for future research are presented.
A comprehensive analysis of spatial and temporal patterns of anthropogenic adult mortality of Bonelli's eagles in eastern Spain
Authors: López‐Peinado Andrés , Urios Vicente , López‐López Pascual
Published: August 2024

In eastern Spain, Bonelli's eagle (Aquila fasciata) abundance has declined almost 50% in the last 25 years and, consequently, the species is listed as regionally endangered. Therefore, the aim of this study is to report the mortality causes of territorial breeding Bonelli's eagles, including the spatial and temporal patterns, and to assess the effects on population dynamics. From 2015–2023, we tracked 60 Bonelli's eagles via global positioning system‐global system for mobile communications (GPS‐GSM) telemetry; 33 of the eagles died (median survival time = 1,519 days). Survival did not differ in relation to sex, age at capture (subadult vs. adult birds), breeding site (coastland vs. inland territories), or transmitter's model. One‐year probability of survival (95% CI) was 0.716 (0.607–0.845); 2‐year survival was 0.640 (0.524–0.781); and 3‐year survival was 0.581 (0.464–0.729). Anthropogenic mortality (66.7% of cases) prevailed over natural (27.3%) and unknown causes (6.0%). Causes of mortality were intra‐ and interspecific predation (24.2% of cases), electrocution (18.2%), poisoning (15.1%), collision with power lines (9.1%), shooting (9.1%), drowning (9.1%), collision with other man‐made infrastructure (6.1%), and disease (3.0%). Deaths were most frequent during the early breeding season. Only 2 (6.1%) of 33 deaths recorded occurred within a protected area. Natural causes of mortality were more frequent away from the Mediterranean coast. In contrast, anthropogenic deaths were more frequent near the Mediterranean coast, where human population density is high. We estimated that probability of extirpation of the species in our study area is 17.8% in the next 50 years and 99.2% in 100 years. Nonetheless, a small reduction in adult mortality by ≥15% could prevent extirpation in the next 50 years. Therefore, actions to reduce adult mortality are urgently needed to preserve the Bonelli's eagle in eastern Spain.
The regulatory fit effect on consumer preferences for price discounts and bonus packs
Authors: Yao Jun , Wang Di , Martin Brett A. S.
Published: August 2024

Although prior research suggests that a bonus pack is perceived as a pure gain and is thus preferred by consumers over a price discount which is perceived as a reduction in loss, the empirical evidence in the literature is mixed about whether consumers prefer price discounts or bonus packs. This research investigates how consumers' regulatory orientation influences their preferences for these two promotional tactics. The authors proposes that prevention‐oriented consumers prefer a price discount over a bonus pack, but promotion‐oriented consumers prefer a bonus pack over a price discount. This effect is due to the regulatory fit between the promotional tactic and consumers' regulatory orientation. A price discount aligns with a prevention orientation to minimize losses, while a bonus pack aligns with a promotion orientation to maximize gains. Furthermore, the authors propose that this regulatory fit effect on preferences is sequentially mediated by the experience of feeling right and perceived value of the promotional tactics. Four studies using different products and different operationalizations of regulatory orientation in both field and online settings provide converging and robust evidence for the proposed effect and underlying mechanism. Finally, the authors show that the proposed effect is attenuated when consumers' level of involvement increases.