bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of localised prostate cancer treatment in renal transplant patients: A systematic review
Authors: Dat Anthony , Wei Gavin , Knight Simon , Ranasinghe Weranja
Published: August 2023

Objective

To systematically review and critically appraise all treatment options for localised prostate cancer in renal transplant candidates and recipients.

Method

A systematic review was conducted adhering to PRISMA guidelines. Searches were performed in the Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, the Transplant Library and Trip database for studies published up to September 2022. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias in Non‐Randomised Studies of Interventions for non‐randomised studies tool.

Results

A total of 60 studies were identified describing 525 patients. The majority of studies were either retrospective non‐randomised comparative or case series/reports of poor quality. The vast majority of studies were focussed on prostate cancer after renal transplantation. Overall, 410 (78%) patients underwent surgery, 93 (18%) patients underwent radiation therapy or brachytherapy, one patient underwent focal therapy (high‐intensity frequency ultrasound) and 21 patients were placed on active surveillance. The mean age was 61 years old, the mean PSA level at diagnosis was 9.6 ng/mL and the mean follow‐up time was 31 months. The majority of patients had low‐risk disease with 261 patients having Gleason 6 prostate cancer (50%), followed by 220 Gleason 7 patients (42%). All prostate cancer mortality cases were in high‐risk prostate cancer (≥Gleason 8). The cancer‐specific survival results were similar between surgery and radiotherapy at 1 and 3 years.

Conclusion

Localised prostate cancer treatment in renal transplant patients should be risk stratified. Surgery and radiation treatment for localised prostate cancer in renal transplant patients appear equally efficacious. Given the limitations of this study, future research should concentrate on developing a multicentre RCT with long‐term registry follow‐up.
The development of host language achievement gaps by migration background during primary school: A path model of educational inequalities
Authors: Sprong Stefanie , Skopek Jan
Published: August 2023

Education is key to the structural integration of immigrants and their children. While research indicates that educational inequalities by migration background are a serious issue, relatively little is known about when, how and why they develop. The current paper adds to the literature by investigating to what extent achievement gaps by migration background develop during the primary school period. Drawing on data from a national longitudinal study of children in Ireland (N = 7577) and using structural equation modelling, it presents a path model of host language achievement. The results indicate that a large part of the disadvantages in English language achievement by migration background during primary school could be attributed to achievement gaps that already existed before school. Moreover, given earlier achievement, the effect of having a migration background was often insignificant or even positive, suggesting that disparities remain relatively stable or even decrease during the period of formal schooling.
Synthesis of copper nanoclusters from Bacopa monnieri leaves for fluorescence sensing of dichlorvos
Authors: Sadhu Vibhuti Atulbhai , Jha Sanjay , Park Tae Jung , Kailasa Suresh Kumar
Published: August 2023

In this work, a facile one‐step green synthesis was developed for the fabrication of blue fluorescent copper nanocluster (Brahmi‐CuNCs) from the extract of Bacopa monnieri (common name is Brahmi) via a microwave method. The as‐prepared Brahmi‐CuNCs emitted blue fluorescence at 452 nm when excited at 352 nm and showed a quantum yield of 31.32%. Brahmi‐derived blue fluorescent CuNCs acted as a probe for fluorescence sensing of dichlorvos. Upon the addition of dichlorvos, the blue emission for Brahmi‐CuNCs was gradually turned off, favouring establishment of a calibration graph in the range 0.5–100 μM with a detection limit of 0.23 μM. The as‐synthesized Brahmi‐CuNCs exhibited marked sensitivity and selectivity towards dichlorvos, favourable for assaying dichlorvos in various samples (cabbage, apple juice, and rice).
“Not wanting to see it is hypocrisy, it's denying what is obvious”: Far‐right discriminatory discourses mobilised as common sense
Authors: Garcia‐Jaramillo Daniel , Santos Tânia R. , Fernandes‐Jesus Maria
Published: August 2023

The far‐right recently entered the Portuguese parliament with the election of André Ventura, leader of the political party Chega. Since 2019, Chega has grown exponentially and has become the third political force. This study aimed to explore how Ventura represents different members of Portuguese society. We examine what meanings are reproduced to configure social representations about different category groups, adopting Critical Discourse Analysis tools to explore how they were mobilised as legitimate. We analysed 253 posts shared by Ventura on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram from the 22nd of December 2020 to the 22nd of January 2021, a month before the 2021 presidential elections. Our analysis suggests that Ventura represents a reality in which only he can save the “good Portuguese” from the threats of three main enemies: Roma people, Black people, and so‐called “antifascist” activists. We discuss how those representations relate to what has been found in other contexts and their implications for the promotion of discrimination and marginalisation of these groups in Portugal. We also point out the potential benefits of integrating Critical Discourse Analysis methodological tools for the development of the Theory of Social Representations. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Know how to comply with new NIL rules issued by NCAA
Authors: O’Brien Timothy
Published: August 2023

Against the backdrop of a number of states passing their own name, image, and likeness laws, member institutions posed numerous questions to the NCAA about the permissibility of conduct allowed under those states but otherwise prohibited by the NCAA.
Other schools’ recent major infractions offer lessons to help you steer clear of violations
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: August 2023

ORLANDO, FLORIDA — Just hearing about another school getting into trouble for a major infraction can make you cringe as you hope your athletics department doesn’t suffer the same fate down the line. You can help your school steer clear of violations by reviewing the lessons learned from recent major infractions, as discussed by a panel of compliance experts at the annual convention for the National Association for Athletics Compliance. Alex Breske, Assistant Athletics Director for Risk Management and Policy at Michigan State University, moderated the panel, which included Christian Dennie, Esq., Partner with Fox Rothschild LLP; Dee Kennedy, Associate Director at the NCAA; Matt Mikrut, Managing Director of the Office of the Committee on Infractions at the NCAA; and Michael Sheridan, Esq., Senior Counsel with Bond, Schoeneck & King, LLP, and a former member of the NCAA enforcement staff. The following excerpt of their discussion was edited for space and clarity.
Effectively communicate, implement compliance changes
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: August 2023

ORLANDO, FLORIDA — As if it isn’t hard enough to keep up with the many changes to NCAA legislation and policies, you must also effectively communicate the changes to constituents while also overseeing implementation.
Discover how a shared vision can become a guiding star
Authors: Freebairn‐Smith Laura , Kitayama Jason
Published: August 2023

Visionary leaders, leaders for the 21st century, for the millennium, need to change their own organizations, activating the energy of their internal cultures to achieve big promises for the 4 Ps (planet, people, profit, and purpose).
Did court dismiss Title IX hostile environment claim?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: August 2023

A member of the Penn State University women's fencing team met with the university's athletics integrity officer to report her coach for sexual harassment. She reported that the coach made sexist comments towards members of the women's fencing team and forced them to compete while they were injured. The integrity officer responded that the athletics department had already received numerous reports of sexism about the coach. However, he asked the student‐ athlete to meet with him again in a few weeks to avoid “rocking the boat” before an upcoming national tournament.
Find ways to take chances that can change perceptions
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: August 2023

Beth Paretta has a challenge for college athletics administrators: What can you change in six seconds? If you think six seconds isn’t enough time to do much of anything, Paretta has proven that's just not true, and so she wants to see others follow suit and make a difference.
The influence of targeted digital advertising on consumers' purchase intention: Comparative analysis based on the perspective of ads content source
Authors: Han Zhao , Du Gang
Published: August 2023

Targeted digital advertising (TDA) is immensely popular among marketing practitioners; investigating its effects is increasingly becoming a subject of academic research. Brands can push advertisements of the same product from different sources to consumers in a targeted manner; however, the differences in the impact on consumers of TDA with different content sources are surprisingly understudied. Therefore, this study analyzes the consumers' purchase intentions in the context of TDA with different content sources (stars vs. bloggers vs. top e‐commerce streamers), and the perceived differences between consumers with different thinking styles. Through two experimental studies, this study finds that TDA with top e‐commerce streamers' recommendation source can better improve consumers' purchase intentions more than TDA with a star endorsement and TDA with a blogger evaluation. For consumers who prefer the rational thinking style, TDA with a star endorsement and TDA with top e‐commerce streamers recommendation can be better; For consumers who prefer the empirical thinking style, TDA recommended by bloggers and TDA with top e‐commerce streamers recommendation can be better. Furthermore, this study finds that consumers' mental simulation and perceived usefulness can mediate the relationships described above, and that the two play a chain mediation role. The findings contribute to the precision marketing literature by enriching the understanding of the psychological mechanism underlying consumers' perceptions of and decision factors toward the TDA.
The miR‐302/367 cluster: Aging, inflammation, and cancer
Authors: Li Zhou , Duan Yan , Yan Shaofu , Zhang Yao , Wu Yunxia
Published: August 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of noncoding RNAs that occupy a significant role in biological processes as important regulators of intracellular homeostasis. First, we will discuss the biological genesis and functions of the miR‐302/367 cluster, including miR‐302a, miR‐302b, miR‐302c, miR‐302d, and miR‐367, as well as their roles in physiologically healthy tissues. The second section of this study reviews the progress of the miR‐302/367 cluster in the treatment of cancer, inflammation, and diseases associated with aging. This cluster's aberrant expression in cells and/or tissues exhibits similar or different effects in various diseases through molecular mechanisms such as proliferation, apoptosis, cycling, drug resistance, and invasion. This article also discusses the upstream and downstream regulatory networks of miR‐302/367 clusters and their related mechanisms. Particularly because studies on the upstream regulatory molecules of miR‐302/367 clusters, which include age‐related macular degeneration, myocardial infarction, and cancer, have become more prevalent in recent years. MiR‐302/367 cluster can be an important therapeutic target and the use of miRNAs in combination with other molecular markers may improve diagnostic or therapeutic capabilities, providing unique insights and a more dynamic view of various diseases. It is noted that miRNAs can be an important bio‐diagnostic target and offer a promising method for illness diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.
On the Role of Temperature in the Depolymerization of PET by FAST‐PETase: An Atomistic Point of View on Possible Active Site Pre‐Organization and Substrate‐Destabilization Effects
Authors: Orlando Carla , Prejanò Mario , Russo Nino , Marino Tiziana
Published: August 2023

Enzyme FAST‐PETase, recently obtained by a machine learning approach, can depolymerize poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), a synthetic resin employed in plastics and in clothing fibers. Therefore it represents a promising solution for the recycling of PET‐based materials. In this study, a model of PET was adopted to describe the substrate, and all‐atoms classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on apo‐ and substrate‐bound FAST‐PETase were carried out at 30 and 50 °C to provide atomistic details on the binding step of the catalytic cycle. Comparative analysis shed light on the interactions occurring between the FAST‐PETase and 4PET at 50 °C, the optimal working conditions of the enzyme. Pre‐organization of the enzyme active and binding sites has been highlighted, while MD simulations of FAST‐PETase:4PET pointed out the occurrence of solvent‐inaccessible conformations of the substrate promoted by the enzyme. Indeed, neither of these conformations was observed during MD simulations of the substrate alone in solution performed at 30, 50 and 150 °C. The analysis led us to propose that, at 50 °C, the FAST‐PETase is pre‐organized to bind the PET and that the interactions occurring in the binding site can promote a more reactive conformation of PET substrate, thus enhancing the catalytic activity of the enzyme.
Improved Cytotoxicity and Induced Apoptosis in HeLa Cells by Co‐loading Vitamin E Succinate and Curcumin in Nano‐MIL‐88B‐NH2
Authors: Alavijeh Roya Karimi , Akhbari Kamran
Published: August 2023

One of the strategies for improved therapeutic effects in cancer therapy is combination chemotherapy. In this study, a flexible nano‐MOF (Fe‐MIL‐88B‐NH2) was synthesized in a sonochemical process, then co‐loaded with α‐tocopheryl succinate (TOS) and curcumin (CCM). The anticancer activity of co‐loaded Fe‐MIL‐88B‐NH2 (Fe‐MIL‐88B‐NH2/TOS@CCM) against the HeLa cells was compared with that of the single‐loaded counterpart (Fe‐MIL‐88B‐NH2@CCM). MTT analysis indicates improved cytotoxicity of Fe‐MIL‐88B‐NH2/TOS@CCM. The data from the cell apoptosis assay indicated more apoptosis in the case of the co‐loaded nano‐MOF. This study indicates the positive effect of the presence of TOS on enhancing the anticancer effect of Fe‐MIL‐88B‐NH2@CCM to prepare a more efficient drug delivery nanosystem.
A comprehensive analysis of cell‐autonomous and non‐cell‐autonomous regulation of myeloid leukemic cells: The prospect of developing novel niche‐targeting therapies
Authors: Pendse Shalmali , Chavan Sayali , Kale Vaijayanti , Vaidya Anuradha
Published: August 2023

Leukemic cells (LCs) arise from the hematopoietic stem/and progenitor cells (HSCs/HSPCs) and utilize cues from the bone marrow microenvironment (BMM) for their regulation in the same way as their normal HSC counterparts. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), a vital component of the BMM promote leukemogenesis by creating a protective and immune‐tolerant microenvironment that can support the survival of LCs, helping them escape chemotherapy, thereby resulting in the relapse of leukemia. Conversely, MSCs also induce apoptosis in the LCs and inhibit their proliferation by interfering with their self‐renewal potential. This review discusses the work done so far on cell‐autonomous (intrinsic) and MSCs‐mediated non‐cell‐autonomous (extrinsic) regulation of myeloid leukemia with a special focus on the need to investigate the extrinsic regulation of myeloid leukemia to understand the contrasting role of MSCs in leukemogenesis. These mechanisms could be exploited to formulate novel therapeutic strategies that specifically target the leukemic microenvironment.
Acute coronary syndrome in an anomalous mid‐LAD right coronary artery: Don't forget to look twice before turning left
Authors: Miklin Daniel J. , Garcia‐Bengochea Youssef , Meraj Perwaiz
Published: August 2023

A 68‐year‐old female with past medical history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, multiple sclerosis, diverticulitis, and tobacco use presented with 1 day of atypical chest pain after a recent diverticulitis flare. Initial workup was notable for a normal electrocardiogram but elevated high sensitivity troponin T (616 ng/L). Due to persistent symptoms, the patient was given antiplatelet therapy and taken urgently to the catheterization lab where she was found to have complete occlusion of an anomalous right coronary artery branching off the mid‐left anterior descending artery. Angioplasty was performed with a drug‐eluting stent and her symptoms resolved. The patient recovered well and was discharged on appropriate medical therapy. This case demonstrates a case of acute coronary syndrome in an extremely rare coronary congenital abnormality. Further research is needed on when to be suspicious for coronary anomalies on patients presenting with myocardial infarction.
Solid variant of odontogenic keratocyst in a 22‐year‐old man: Report of a case
Authors: Aminishakib Pouyan , Jafari Azadeh , Padeganeh Tahereh
Published: August 2023

Key Clinical Message

In conclusion, we can focus on histologic features such as stellate reticulum, reverse polarization of basal cell layer nuclei, and luminal lamellated keratinization as distinguishing factors of ameloblastoma and SKCO. If there is any clinically doubt, molecular testing could be helpful.

“Solid odontogenic keratocyst” is a rare variant of odontogenic keratocyst, which usually involves mandible. This case was presented as a unique variant of odontogenic keratocyst in an unusual site of left maxilla with extension to the maxillary sinus.
Single Crystal Layered Oxide Cathodes: The Relationship between Particle Size, Rate Capability, and Stability
Authors: van den Bergh Wessel , Karger Leonhard , Murugan Saravanakumar , Janek Jürgen , Kondrakov Aleksandr , Brezesinski Torsten
Published: August 2023

With the increasing demand for safer, more stable, and energy dense batteries, investigations into single crystal layered oxide cathodes have gained momentum. However, translating considerations from polycrystalline to single‐crystalline particles and their ensembles is not one‐to‐one. Lithium diffusion path length, surface, dopants and coatings, as well as the synthetic methods used take on different dimensions for single‐crystalline particles. In this concept article, we review key considerations that must be made when developing well‐performing single crystal layered oxide cathodes. We discuss how diffusion limitations can affect material stability in addition to how improvements to diffusivity can act as a method to simultaneously improve rate capability and surface stability. In addition, we briefly discuss how the unique feature of faceting and the synthetic design space for single‐crystalline particles should be conceptualized.
Mechanochemical Nickel‐Catalyzed Carbon‐Sulfur Bond Formation between Aryl Iodides and Aromatic Sulfur Surrogates
Authors: Hao Xiujia , Feng Daming , Chen Hongguang , Huang Peng , Guo Fang
Published: August 2023

The formation of aromatic thioethers from C−S coupling is of great importance in synthetic chemistry. Traditional solution strategies through transition‐metal catalysis generally require bulk solution, heat, and longer reaction time. Herein, a mechano‐promoted sulfenylation of aryl iodides with nickel catalysis is described. The active aromatic sulfide agents are in‐situ generated from aromatic thiol or disulfide and subsequently adapted in the nickel catalytic cycle, with a tolerance of broad substituted groups under optimized conditions. In addition to the gram‐scale synthesis that reveals the application potential of the method, the radical trapping and competitive experiments are also conducted for the mechanistic study, thus providing a plausible mechanism rationally. Furthermore, the proposed methodology is certificated as being versatile and following the green principles with ideal calculated values of green chemistry metrics, and the comparison with other approaches for C−S bond formation is also demonstrated.
Electrosynthesis of Metal–Organic Framework Films with Well‐Defined Facets
Authors: Guo Wei , Zhang Wei , Han Ning , Xie Sijie , Zhou Zhenyu , Monnens Wouter , Martinez Mora Omar , Xue Zhenhong , Zhang Xueliang , Zhang Xuan , Fransaer Jan
Published: August 2023

The deposition of metal–organic framework (MOF) films with defined exposed facets is important to enhance the performance of these films for, for example, catalysis or separations. In this work, MOF films with specific exposed facets are electrodeposited anodically on various substrates (e. g. on copper‐sputtered Si wafers, copper meshes, copper foams, and polypropylene membranes). The influence of the deposition parameters, including the pH of the solution, current density, concentration of linker, and solvent, on the exposed facets of the deposited MOFs was investigated. The results suggest that precise control over the supersaturation during anodic deposition is a possible strategy for synthesizing MOF crystals with well‐defined exposed facets. This approach provides a powerful toolbox for various applications requiring crystal facet control of MOF films.
Probing Water Diffusion Inside Crystals of AlPO‐5 by PFG NMR and IRM for Heat Storage Applications
Authors: Dvoyashkin Muslim , Chmelik Christian , Nonnen Thomas , Hermann Ralph , Russina Margarita , Gläser Roger
Published: August 2023

Diffusion of water in the aluminophosphates AlPO‐5 is studied using a combination of pulsed field gradient NMR and IR microimaging. The concentration profiles measured by the latter allowed to visualize the process of water sorption and propagation into the crystals of AlPO‐5. The self‐diffusion coefficients obtained by NMR were one order of magnitude higher values compared to corrected ones from the IR microimaging study. The concentration profiles allowed to visualize the process of water sorption and propagation into the crystals of AlPO‐5. The obtained results are compared with experimental and simulation data for the water/AlPO‐5 system for the literature and discussed in the context of its potential use for heat storage applications.
Identifiability constraints in generalized additive models
Authors: Stringer Alex
Published: August 2023

Identifiability constraints are necessary for parameter estimation when fitting models with nonlinear covariate associations. The choice of constraint affects standard errors of the estimated curve. Centring constraints are often applied by default because they are thought to yield lowest standard errors out of any constraint, but this claim has not been investigated. We show that whether centring constraints are optimal depends on the response distribution and parameterization, and that for natural exponential family responses under the canonical parametrization, centring constraints are optimal only for Gaussian response.
Combination therapy may create a practice change for advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer
Authors: Nierengarten Mary Beth
Published: August 2023

This news section offers Cancer readers timely information on events, public policy analysis, topical issues, and personalities. In this issue, two new studies show the value of adding immunotherapy to standard‐of‐care chemotherapy to improve progression‐free survival in endometrial cancer. In addition, mirvetuximab soravtansine is confirmed as a new standard of care for platinum‐resistant ovarian cancer, and leaving ovaries during benign hysterectomies may have benefits that outweigh the potential risks of removing them.
Topography of inputs into the hippocampal formation of a food‐caching bird
Authors: Applegate Marissa C. , Gutnichenko Konstantin S. , Aronov Dmitriy
Published: August 2023

The mammalian hippocampal formation (HF) is organized into domains associated with different functions. These differences are driven in part by the pattern of input along the hippocampal long axis, such as visual input to the septal hippocampus and amygdalar input to the temporal hippocampus. HF is also organized along the transverse axis, with different patterns of neural activity in the hippocampus and the entorhinal cortex. In some birds, a similar organization has been observed along both of these axes. However, it is not known what role inputs play in this organization. We used retrograde tracing to map inputs into HF of a food‐caching bird, the black‐capped chickadee. We first compared two locations along the transverse axis: the hippocampus and the dorsolateral hippocampal area (DL), which is analogous to the entorhinal cortex. We found that pallial regions predominantly targeted DL, while some subcortical regions like the lateral hypothalamus (LHy) preferentially targeted the hippocampus. We then examined the hippocampal long axis and found that almost all inputs were topographic along this direction. For example, the anterior hippocampus was preferentially innervated by thalamic regions, while the posterior hippocampus received more amygdalar input. Some of the topographies we found bear a resemblance to those described in the mammalian brain, revealing a remarkable anatomical similarity of phylogenetically distant animals. More generally, our work establishes the pattern of inputs to HF in chickadees. Some of these patterns may be unique to chickadees, laying the groundwork for studying the anatomical basis of these birds’ exceptional hippocampal memory.
Interfacial Coupling of Graphene with Nickel Nanoparticles for Water Splitting and Urea Oxidation: A Spectroelectrochemical Investigation
Authors: Saha Sanjit , Mohan Das Gour
Published: August 2023

Nickel nanoparticle and graphene interfaces of various stoichiometries were created through electrodeposition techniques. The catalytic behavior of the electrodeposited films was investigated through spectro‐electrochemical methodologies. UV‐vis absorbance spectra of the electrodeposited films are significantly different in the air and alkaline medium. Furthermore, UV‐vis and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the coupling of Ni nanoparticles (Ni‐NP) with the graphene framework, along with NiO and Ni(OH)2. A combination of Raman and impedance spectroscopy revealed that the surface adsorption and charge transfer properties of the electrodeposited films are entirely dependent on the defects on graphene structure as well as distribution of Ni‐NP on graphene. The electrodeposited films possess heterogeneous catalytic properties with a low overpotential of 50 mV (10 mA/cm−2) for hydrogen evolution reaction, as well as 601 mV and 391 mV (at 50 mA/cm−2) for the oxygen evolution reaction and urea oxidation reaction, respectively. In addition, eelectrodeposited samples show extraordinary overall water splitting performance by achieving a current density of 10 mA/cm2 at a very low applied potential of 1.38 V. This synergistic coupling of Ni and graphene renders the electrodeposited samples promising candidates as electrodes for overall water splitting in alkaline and urea‐supplemented solutions.
Assessment of antibodies in the upper and lower human respiratory tract at steady state and after respiratory viral infection
Authors: Koutsakos Marios , Turner Jackson S , Guillamet M Cristina Vazquez , Reynolds Daniel , Lei Tingting , Byers Derek E , Ellebedy Ali H , Mudd Philip A
Published: August 2023

Objectives

There is an increasing appreciation for the need to study mucosal antibody responses in humans. Our aim was to determine the utility of different types of samples from the human respiratory tract, specifically nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs obtained for diagnostic purposes and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) obtained in outpatient and inpatient settings.

Methods

We analysed antibody levels in plasma and NP swabs from 67 individuals with acute influenza as well as plasma and BAL from individuals undergoing bronchoscopy, including five control subjects as well as seven moderately and seven severely ill subjects with a respiratory viral infection. Levels of α2‐macroglobulin were determined in BAL and plasma to assess plasma exudation.

Results

IgG and IgA were readily detectable in BAL and NP swabs, albeit at different ratios, while IgM levels were low. The total amount of antibody recovered from NP swabs varied greatly between study participants. Accordingly, the levels of influenza HA‐specific antibodies varied, and individuals with lower amounts of total Ig in NP swabs had undetectable levels of HA‐specific Ig. Similarly, the total amount of antibody recovered from BAL varied between study participants. However, severely ill patients showed evidence of increased plasma exudation, which may confound analysis of their BAL samples for mucosal antibodies.

Conclusion

Nasopharyngeal swabs collected for diagnostic purposes may have utility in assessing antibodies from the human nasal mucosa, but variability in sampling should be accounted for. BAL samples can be utilised to study antibodies from the lower respiratory tract, but the possibility of plasma exudation should be excluded.
Clinical significance of end of induction measurable residual disease monitoring in B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A single center experience
Authors: Arunachalam Arun Kumar , Selvarajan Sushil , Mani Thenmozhi , Janet Nancy Beryl , Maddali Madhavi , Lionel Sharon Anbumalar , Kulkarni Uday , Korula Anu , Aboobacker Fouzia N. , Abraham Aby , George Biju , Balasubramanian Poonkuzhali , Mathews Vikram
Published: August 2023

The assessment of measurable residual disease (MRD) has emerged as a powerful prognostic tool for both pediatric and adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the prognostic relevance of the end of induction MRD in B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B ALL) patients. The study included 481 patients who underwent treatment for B ALL between August 2012 and March 2019 and had their MRD at the end of induction assessed by flow cytometry. Baseline demographic characteristics were collected from the patient's clinical records. Event free survival (EFS) and relapse free survival (RFS) were calculated using Kaplan–Meier analysis and survival estimates were compared using the log‐rank test. End of induction MRD and baseline karyotype were the strongest predictors of EFS and RFS on multivariate analysis. The EFS was inversely related to the MRD value and the outcomes were similar in patients without morphological remission at the end of induction and patients in remission with MRD ≥1.0%. Even within the subgroups of ALL based on age, karyotype, BCR::ABL1 translocation and the treatment protocol, end of induction MRD positive patients had poor outcomes compared to patients who were MRD negative. The study outcome would help draft end of induction MRD‐based treatment guidelines for the management of B ALL patients.
Fibroblast growth factor 23 is associated with the development of gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Hocher Carl‐Friedrich , Chen Xin , Zuo Jiao , Horvathova Katarina , Hocher Berthold , Krämer Bernhard K. , Chu Chang
Published: August 2023

Background

Besides its established impact on bone and mineral metabolism, it was suggested that fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) might play an important role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. The impact of FGF23 on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), however, is not well understood. iFGF23 ELISAs measure the intact FGF23 molecule, whereas cFGF23 assays measure intact FGF23 as well as degradation products of FGF23.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to compare the association of maternal and foetal cFGF23 and iFGF23 with GDM in a German birth cohort.

Methods

cFGF23 and iFGF23 were analysed in 826 random mother/child pairs from the Berlin Birth Cohort.

Results

Mothers who developed GDM had higher concentrations of iFGF‐23 compared to mothers who did not suffer from GDM (19.73 vs. 13.23 pg/mL, p < 0.0001), but not higher concentrations of cFGF‐23. Multivariant regression analyses showed that gestational diabetes is associated with iFGF23 independently of confounding factors such as age, BMI, ethnic background, family history of diabetes, smoking during pregnancy, and recurrent pregnancy loss. This, however, was only seen when using an iFGF23 ELISA measuring just the full length FGF23 and not in addition FGF23 fragments. No differences in both iFGF23 and cFGF23 concentrations between the GDM and non‐GDM groups were detected in cord blood samples of the offspring.

Conclusions

This study of a representative German birth cohort showed that maternal but not foetal iFGF23 is independently associated with GDM.
Gray wolf range in the western Great Lakes region under forecasted land use and climate change
Authors: van den Bosch Merijn , Kellner Kenneth F. , Beyer Dean E. , Erb John D. , MacFarland David M. , Norton D. Cody , Price Tack Jennifer L. , Roell Brian J. , Belant Jerrold L.
Published: August 2023

Land use and climate change alter species distributions worldwide, and detecting and understanding how species ranges shift can facilitate conservation planning and action. Following extirpation from most of the contiguous United States, gray wolves (Canis lupus) have partially recolonized former range in the western Great Lakes region, but it is unknown how land use and climate change may alter amounts of wolf habitat. Using wolf observation data collected during winters 2017–2020 in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, we created ensemble models to predict how land use and climate change may affect the amount of wolf habitat within these states. A projection model for the western Great Lakes region suggested three of four scenarios of land use and climate change will lead to 9%–35% increases in wolf habitat, while a solely climate‐based projection model supported our expectation that changes in climate, in isolation, will have limited effect on current wolf range. Our results support stable or increasing amounts of wolf habitat in the western Great Lakes region during the 21st century, suggesting limited or no adverse effects on the current distribution or further recolonization of wolves. Our findings can inform policy development regarding wolf conservation and identify areas where recolonization is plausible, thus where promoting human–wolf coexistence is most pertinent.
DFT Calculations and Synthesis Reveal: Key Intermediates, Omitted Mechanisms, and Unsymmetrical Bimane Products
Authors: Oded Bat‐El , Diskin‐Posner Yael , Marks Vered , Kornweitz Haya , Grynszpan Flavio
Published: August 2023

Theoretical and experimental mixed approaches are complementary and valuable. Our DFT calculations support the mechanism suggested by Kosower, adding to it a key diaziridine intermediate that determines the relative product distribution of this reaction. Our results are consistent with the formation of the diazoketene intermediate as the rate‐limiting step. Based on curve fittings, first or second‐order kinetics cannot be ruled out. This may indicate that more than one mechanism is simultaneously at play in this transformation. This unexpected outcome led us to study an alternative cyclopropenone intermediate. Although cyclopropenone is not likely to be formed under thermal conditions, adding it to the reaction mixture results in bimane structures. The most staggering finding from this investigation was the unanticipated generation of the unsymmetrical anti‐(Me,Me)(Ph,Ph)bimane. The optimization of this route towards unsymmetrical bimanes will require additional investigation.
The evaluation of aluminum and iron metal oxide settling behaviors for Hanford insoluble solids waste preprocessing
Authors: Williams Ashley N. , Peterson Reid A. , Burns Carolyne A. M. , Westesen Amy M.
Published: August 2023

The Hanford site is currently one of the largest and most expensive cleanup sites for hazardous, radioactive waste. Over 20% of the waste found at the Hanford site is in the form of a high activity sludge. The insoluble solids in the sludge will need to be concentrated prior to vitrification in the high‐level waste (HLW) melter. This will minimize the amount of liquid that will be evaporated during the melting process and expedite the melter processing rate. One proposed option for concentrating the insoluble solids is gravity settling in the storage tanks. Metal oxide compounds containing aluminum and iron make up the majority of the insoluble solids in the sludge, therefore understanding the behavior of these compounds in various tank waste matrices can facilitate sludge pretreatment options. A study of non‐radioactive slurry solutions containing Al(OH)3 (gibbsite), AlO(OH) (boehmite), and Fe2O3 (iron (III) oxide) was conducted to determine the time dependent interface behavior and settling rates of these compounds. Variations in solids loading and sodium concentration were evaluated to represent waste processing conditions and the results of these settling studies were compared with prior tank waste settling tests. Information gathered from these studies can be used to inform future decisions on sludge treatment processes of the insoluble solids processed at the Hanford site.
‘Physically it was fine, I'd eat what normal people do. But it's never like this in my head’: A qualitative diary study of daily experiences of life in recovery from an eating disorder
Authors: McCombie Catherine , Ouzzane Hannah , Schmidt Ulrike , Lawrence Vanessa
Published: August 2023

Objective

High eating disorder (ED) relapse rates stress the need for clearer understanding around how recovery is experienced and maintained. Recent research endorses the concept of recovery as a process rather than an endpoint. This study aimed to investigate daily experiences of living in recovery from an ED.

Method

Fourteen participants who self‐identified as recovered from a formally diagnosed ED were recruited online. A qualitative diary app was used for data collection. Participants completed written or audio open‐ended diary entries every other day for 2 weeks describing their experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Diaries were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes were developed. ‘Ever‐present eating disordered thoughts’ highlights how pervasive these thoughts remain for participants. ‘Impact of social discourses’ unpacks the challenges of maintaining recovery while surrounded by unhelpful social discourses about food and body image. ‘Recovery is precarious’ highlights how a combination of stressors can build up to threaten recovery. ‘Finding balance in recovery’ illustrates the many ways participants try to manage their recovery each day.

Conclusions

The findings make it clear that living in recovery from an ED is a complex process that must be navigated daily. Recommendations for treatment and recovery support are discussed.
Real‐world evidence for oncological outcomes after radiotherapy or surgery for T1a‐T1b glottic squamous cell carcinoma: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Viani Gustavo Arruda , Moraes Fabio Ynoe , Marta Gustavo Nader , Kowalski Luiz Paulo , Gouveia Andre Guimaraes
Published: August 2023

Background

Compare outcomes after surgery (S) or radiotherapy (RT) for T1a‐T1b glottic squamous cell carcinoma (T1GSCC) in a population‐based cohort study.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with T1GSCC from 1999 to 2020 were identified from a public database. Clinical, demographic, and social data were extracted. Treatment and patient groups and subgroups were compared with log‐rank test, Cox proportional test, and propensity‐score matched (PSM).

Results

Eight hundred and eighty‐eight patients with T1GSCC were included in the study, with a median follow‐up of 61 months. The 5‐ and 10‐year overall survival (OS) S versus RT were 76% versus 71% and 60% versus 52% (p = 0.02), respectively. In the subgroup analysis, S was associated with better OS for T1b, male, and public service patients (p < 0.05). In the PSM cohort of S versus RT with 110 patients each, there was no significant difference in the OS, CSS, and LC.

Conclusions

T1GSCC has favorable outcomes with S or RT.
Effective of metastasis‐directed therapy for de novo metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A propensity score matched analysis
Authors: Liu Guo‐Ying , Li Zhuo , Chen Xiu‐Xing , Xia Wei‐Xiong , Yao He‐Rui , Xiang Yan‐Qun
Published: August 2023

Objective

Our objective was to establish a prognostic model for patients with de novo metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) who received chemotherapy followed by locoregional radiotherapy (LRRT) to identify candidates for metastasis‐directed therapy (MDT).

Methods

De novo metastatic NPC patients who received chemotherapy followed by LRRT were enrolled. Propensity score matching (PSM) method was used to compare overall survival (OS) for patients receiving LRRT alone and MDT plus LRRT. We developed a predictive model to predict survival and estimate the outcome of stratified therapy and identify suitable candidates for MDT.

Results

A total of 107 patients received MDT plus LRRT and 178 received LRRT alone were enrolled. PSM analysis identified 107 patients in each cohort and showed that MDT plus LRRT was associated with a significant survival benefit (HR: 0.640; 95% CI, 0.29–0.956; p = 0.027). Based on five independent prognostic factors, including metastases number, serum lactate dehydrogenase, liver metastasis, C‐reactive protein, and tumor response, a prognostic model was established. All patients were stratified according to the prognostic score obtained by the prognostic model. In the low‐risk group, MDT plus LRRT group revealed a significant improvement for OS compared with LRRT alone group (5‐year OS, 69.9% vs. 57.8%, p = 0.020). However, no significant difference was observed between MDT plus LRRT group and LRRT alone in the high‐risk group (p = 0.75).

Conclusion

MDT plus LRRT was associated with improved OS in patients with de novo metastatic NPC, especially low‐risk patients identified with a newly developed prognostic model.
Health literacy profiles of medical students in an Australian Doctor of Medicine programme: A cross‐sectional study using the Health Literacy Questionnaire
Authors: Lane Margo , Dixon Robyn , Donald Ken J. , Ware Robert S.
Published: August 2023

Issue Addressed

With the emerging focus on designing health‐literate organisations and health care systems, it is essential to understand the health literacy profiles of the medical workforce including medical students, as medical professionals play a key role in within these systems. Medical professionals contribute to good patient health outcomes through enabling access to appropriate health care, provision of quality health information and collaborative shared decision‐making, which are fundamental health literacy competencies. The aim of this study is to identify health literacy strengths and weaknesses of medical students enrolled in an Australian Doctor of Medicine programme.

Methods

Students from all 4 years of an Australian Doctor of Medicine programme were invited to complete an anonymous, online survey in January 2021. Health literacy profiles were identified using the 9‐domain, 44‐item multi‐dimensional Health Literacy Questionnaire, a validated tool which comprehensively evaluates health literacy strengths and weaknesses from diverse perspectives. Demographic characteristics and social attributes were also recorded. The results were compared with Australian Bureau of Statistics data.

Results

Eighty‐six participants completed the survey. Most participants were female students (57%) who spoke English at home (88%) with tertiary‐educated fathers (60%) and resided in locations associated with high socioeconomic status during adolescence (61%). Males scored significantly higher in three domains which explored health information access and appraisal, and ability to actively engage with health care providers. Students’ scores were significantly lower than the Australian general population in Domain 6 (Ability to actively engage with health care providers) and Domain 7 (Navigating the health care system).

Conclusions

Medical students’ health literacy profiles indicate areas of weakness in their ability to engage with health care providers and to navigate the health system. Medical educators will need to create opportunities to address these weaknesses within medical curricula. Gender differences identified in self‐rated ability to access and appraise health information requires further exploration.

So What?

Further understanding of health literacy profiles of medical students may influence design of medical school curricula.
Relationship between periodontitis and COVID‐19: A bidirectional two‐sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Song Jukun , Wu Yadong , Yin Xinhai , Zhang Junmei
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

Coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) is a major danger to world health and has been linked to periodontitis in a number of epidemiological observational studies. However, it is unclear whether COVID‐19 causes periodontitis. COVID‐19's causal influence on periodontitis was determined using bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods

Large‐scale COVID‐19 and periodontitis genome wide association study data were analyzed. Inverse variance weighting, MR‐Egger, weighted median, and MR‐PRESSO were used to estimate causal effects. Sensitivity studies were conducted using the Cochran's Q test, the MR‐Egger intercept test, the MR‐PRESSO, and the leave‐one‐out (LOO) analysis. Further investigation of potential mediating factors was performed using risk factor analysis.

Results

The MR presented no causal relationship between periodontitis and hospitalization for COVID‐19 (odds ratio [OR] = 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.78–1.20; p = 0.76), vulnerability to COVID‐19 (OR = 1.04, 95% CI 0.88–1.21; p = 0.65), COVID‐19 disease severity (OR = 1.01, 95% CI 0.92–1.11; p = 0.81). Meanwhile, a noncausal effect of genetic hospitalization for COVID‐19, illness severity, and vulnerability to periodontitis was detected. Other MR methods yielded identical results to inverse variance weighting. According to sensitivity analysis, horizontal pleiotropy is unlikely to affect causal estimation.

Conclusion

Periodontitis had no link to the risk of COVID‐19 hospitalization, susceptibility, or severity. However, the substance in COVID‐19 that is responsible for this effect must be studied further.