bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations Between Echocardiographic Right Heart Measurements With Short‐Term Prognosis in Heart Failure: A Prospective Study
Authors: Dinç Asarcıklı Lale , İnan Duygu , Murat Selda , Çöllüoğlu İnci Tuğçe , Bakhshaliyev Nijat , Ulutaş Zeynep , Çabuk Gizem , Hasırcı Senem , Naser Abdulrahman , Ünal Dayı Şennur , Çelik Ahmet , Güvenç Tolga Sinan
Published: October 2024

Background

Echocardiographic right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is a strong risk determinant for prognosis in patients with heart failure (HF). Although parameters of RV systolic function are widely used to define RV dysfunction, there is scarce data to suggest these parameters are best suited to predict HF‐related outcomes.

Aims

We aimed to understand which morphologic or functional parameters are most closely associated with short‐term mortality and HF‐related hospitalization in patients with HF.

Methods

A total of 191 patients from eight study centers were included to this study. A detailed echocardiographic examination was done at enrollment, and patients were followed up for 6 months via direct interviews or phone calls.

Results

All right‐sided echocardiographic parameters other than tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion were associated with outcomes. In a proportional hazards model that included right‐heart parameters, RV longitudinal diameter (HR: 1.07, 95%CI: 1.04–1.10, p < 0.001), wall thickness (HR: 1.3, 95%CI: 1.13–1.50, p < 0.001), and tricuspid annular systolic velocity (HR: 0.90, 95%CI: 0.82–0.96, p = 0.02) were found as the independent predictors. However, only RV longitudinal dimension (HR: 1.04, 95%CI: 1.01–1.08, p = 0.01) and RV wall thickness (HR: 1.32, 95%CI: 1.10–1.60, p = 0.004) were associated with short‐term outcomes after adjusting for other clinical and left‐sided echocardiographic variables. On a Bayesian logistic regression model that included right‐sided echocardiography variables, there was strong evidence for including either RV longitudinal diameter (BF10: 190.4) or wall thickness (BF10: 30.7) to the final model.

Conclusion

Parameters of RV morphology were better predictors of short‐term outcomes in HF patients.
Comparing Echocardiographic Strain Imaging in Cardiac Amyloid and End‐Stage Renal Disease Patients
Authors: Ferris Taylor , Yohannan Ethan , Daniel Kurt , Richardson Karl M.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Diagnosing cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is difficult due to nonspecific clinical symptoms and echocardiographic findings. Prior studies have suggested that apical sparing strain patterns may be diagnostically useful. With increasing strain usage, it remains unclear how specific this pattern is to diagnose CA. We analyzed strain patterns between CA and end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patient populations.

Methods

Patients with ESRD proven negative for CA (n = 19) were compared to CA patients with CKD stage 3 or less (n = 25). The ESRD cohort was stratified based on time on dialysis. Echocardiographic longitudinal strain (LS) parameters were collected, including regional and global LS, echocardiographic, and demographic parameters. Relative apical LS was calculated using the following equation: average apical LS/(average mid LS + average basal LS).

Results

No significant differences were found regarding regional strain or relative apical strain. Our study showed a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 42% when using a relative apical strain ratio of >1. All groups demonstrated an apical sparing strain pattern visually on the bulls‐eye plot.

Conclusion

ESRD demonstrates significant overlapping findings across various imaging modalities compared to CA. We demonstrated that relative apical sparing strain is nonspecific for CA among patients with ESRD. Our study calls into question the clinical value of relative apical‐sparing stain patterns in identifying CA in an ESRD population and suggests that diagnostic evaluation should be driven by strong clinical suspicion and other imaging and demographic variables.
Clinical presentation and treatment of a bronchocutaneous fistula with intrathoracic abscessation in a yearling
Authors: Garcia‐Collao M. R. , Curtiss A. L. , Mendez‐Angulo J. L.
Published: October 2024

This case report describes the clinical presentation, surgical treatment, post‐operative management and outcome of a bronchocutaneous fistula with intrathoracic abscessation in a yearling horse. The animal was presented with a history of several months of persistent coughing and a cutaneous fistula located over the right ventral hemithorax. The yearling had purulent discharge similar in character from both nares and draining out of the fistula. A bronchocutaneous fistula with intrathoracic abscessation was diagnosed by endoscopic examination of the cutaneous fistula. The treatment initially consisted of cyanoacrylate applied topically to the affected bronchi under endoscopic guidance, which was not successful. The fistula was successfully sealed with a diode laser used to create local inflammation at the site. One week after the second intervention, the patient's clinical signs resolved and the fistula was completely sealed 10 weeks following intervention. Follow‐up at 16 months revealed that the patient was doing well and clinically normal.
The role of training and medication reminder wristwatch in adherence to treatment in geriatric patients diagnosed with hypertension: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Solmaz Tuğba , Altay Birsen
Published: October 2024

Aim

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the training and medication reminder wristwatch on treatment adherence in geriatric patients diagnosed with hypertension.

Methods

In this study, which was conducted as a randomized clinical trial with a pretest‐posttest design, 90 patients were randomly divided into the training and medication reminder wristwatch (W) group (n = 30) group, the training (T) group (n = 30), and the control (C) group (n = 30). All patients answered the data collection forms before and after the interventions.

Results

By the end of the 12th week, the mean knowledge scores of the groups significantly differed from each other (t = −13.207, P < 0.001). The mean Hypertension Compliance Assessment Scale score of the W group was found to be significantly lower (t = 22.732, P < 0.001). The highest mean Medication Adherence Self‐Efficacy Scale–Short Form score was found in the W group (t = −13.560, P < 0.001). In the posttest, the mean systolic blood pressure values of the patients were 142.7 ± 11.1 in the C group, 126.0 ± 13.0 mm Hg in the T group, and 120.0 ± 9.5 mm Hg in the W group (Kruskal–Wallis test = 38.065, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that 12 weeks of a training program and the use of medication reminder wristwatches were effective in adherence to treatment. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 1189–1195.
Late‐onset primary muscle diseases mimicking sarcopenia
Authors: Yamashita Satoshi
Published: October 2024

Sarcopenia is an age‐related loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function that causes various health problems. In contrast, late‐onset primary myopathies, which occur in the older population, are caused by a variety of factors, including genetic mutations, autoimmune processes, and metabolic abnormalities. Although sarcopenia and primary myopathy are two distinct disease processes, their symptoms can overlap, making differentiation challenging. The diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia have evolved over time, and various criteria have been proposed by expert groups. Late‐onset primary muscle diseases such as inclusion body myositis, sporadic late‐onset nemaline myopathy, muscular dystrophies, distal myopathies, myofibrillar myopathies, metabolic myopathies, and mitochondrial myopathies share common pathogenic mechanisms with sarcopenia, further complicating the diagnostic process. Appropriate clinical evaluation, including detailed history‐taking, physical examination, and diagnostic testing, is essential for accurate diagnosis and management. Treatment approaches, including exercise, nutritional support, and disease‐specific therapies, must be tailored to the characteristics of each disease. Despite these differences, sarcopenia and primary myopathies require careful consideration in the clinical setting for proper diagnosis and management. This review outlines the evolution of diagnostic criteria and diagnostic items for sarcopenia, late‐onset primary myopathies that should be differentiated from sarcopenia, common pathomechanisms, and diagnostic algorithms to properly differentiate primary myopathies. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 1099–1110.
Where Did the Global Elite Go to School? Hierarchy, Harvard, Home and Hegemony
Authors: Salas‐Díaz Ricardo , Young Kevin L.
Published: October 2024

We examine the educational backgrounds of the global elite, using new data on a diversity of organizational leadership roles as well as the population of the super‐rich across the world. Four trends emerge when examining the university education of the global elite. First, we find a small number of globally prestigious universities to take on super prominent roles, suggesting a strongly hierarchical distribution of credentials among the global elite. Second, we find a consistent and unique place for Harvard University within this system. Third, we find evidence for a significant yet variable ‘home‐bias’ in the education of the global elite. This is moderated by the fourth regularity, the hegemony of Anglo‐American credentials. These four global regularities can enhance ongoing research on global elite populations. Our findings are robust to both the removal of all American elites in the sample, to dynamic stratified sampling of the network boundary and to disaggregating the sample into different elite roles. The analysis of this article is the first of its kind to offer a large‐scale descriptive mapping of central tendencies in global elite university education.
Prognostic performance of a two‐step method using the Fibro‐Scope system for metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease
Authors: Seko Yuya , Yamaguchi Kanji , Shima Toshihide , Tanaka Saiyu , Shirono Takao , Takahashi Yusuke , Takeuchi Kento , Kataoka Seita , Moriguchi Michihisa , Okanoue Takeshi , Itoh Yoshito
Published: October 2024

Aim

Fibro‐Scope is an artificial intelligence/neural network system for the noninvasive diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis in patients with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease. We aimed to examine the diagnostic performance of a two‐step method that used the Fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index and Fibro‐Scope system for the assessment of Japanese patients with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease.

Methods

We analyzed a longitudinal study cohort of 796 Japanese patients with biopsy‐proven metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease during a follow‐up period of 6.4 years. The predictive performance of the two‐step method of FIB‐4 index and Fibro‐Scope for liver‐related events and prognostic performance of that were assessed in the patients.

Results

In the 796 patients, by classifying the intermediate zone, defined by FIB‐4 index 1.30–2.67, using the Fibro‐Scope, the final classification was 69.6% low risk, 28.3% high risk, and 2.1% in the middle‐risk group. The sensitivity and specificity for predicting advanced fibrosis (≥F3) was 84.0% and 84.0%. During the follow‐up period, 52 (6.5%) patients developed liver‐related events and 35 died. Multivariate analysis revealed that high‐risk patients derived from the two‐step method had hazard ratios of 30.1 or the development of liver‐related events and 7.8 for outcome.

Conclusions

The two‐step method using the FIB‐4 index and Fibro‐Scope contributed to improving the diagnostic performance by picking up high‐risk patients from those classified as intermediate risk with the FIB‐4 index. This noninvasive method, which uses a blood sample is a cost‐effective screening method, is suitable for clinical practice in Japan.
Reflections on an Evidence Review Process to Inform the Co‐Design of a Toolkit for Supporting End‐of‐Life Care Planning With People With Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Tilley Elizabeth , Rouse Lorna , Tuffrey‐Wijne Irene , Anderson‐Kittow Rebecca
Published: October 2024

Introduction

There is growing recognition that healthcare inequalities faced by people with intellectual disabilities extend to their experiences at the end of life, resulting in calls for more inclusive research to help address these inequities. Our study aimed to address this through the co‐design of a toolkit for supporting end‐of‐life care planning with people with intellectual disabilities. To inform the co‐design process, we undertook an evidence review to identify existing tools, resources and approaches that were already being used in practice.

Methods

Our evidence review comprised three components: (i) a rapid scoping review of the academic literature, (ii) a desk‐based search of the grey literature and (iii) an online survey to capture unpublished resources that were distributed to services, professionals, third‐sector organisations and family members. A longlist of existing materials was appraised using an adapted version of the AGREE II instrument, resulting in a shortlist that was shared with the co‐design team.

Results

The evidence review played a critical role in the co‐design of a new toolkit of end‐of‐life care resources for people with intellectual disabilities. However, AGREE II proved to be limited for our purposes.

Conclusions

The survey was particularly useful in helping us identify resources, tools and approaches in current use. We identified evidence review processes that served to support co‐design team activities and elements that were more problematic. We argue that evidence review practices might be enhanced to better aid co‐design activities in health and care research, particularly for studies involving people with intellectual disabilities.

Patient or Public Contribution

This article reflects on an evidence review that was conducted as part of The Victoria and Stuart Project. People with intellectual disabilities were deeply involved at every stage of project design, delivery and dissemination. The project employed people with intellectual disabilities as members of the core research team. People with intellectual disabilities and family carers were members of the project co‐design team and the project Advisory Group. The evidence review process itself was led by academic members of the research team with contributions from colleagues with intellectual disabilities via the Advisory Group and core research team. The findings from the evidence review were used by the co‐design team to inform the development of an end‐of‐life care planning toolkit for people with intellectual disabilities.
‘You're Just Thinking About Going Home’: Exploring Person‐Centred Medication Communication With Older Patients at Hospital Discharge
Authors: Cam Henrik , Franzon Kristin , Sporrong Sofia Kälvemark , Kempen Thomas Gerardus Hendrik , Bernsten Cecilia , Nielsen Elisabet I. , Gustavsson Lovisa , Moosavi Elnaz , Lindmark Stina , Ehlin Ulf , Sjölander Maria , Lindner Karl‐Johan , Gillespie Ulrika
Published: October 2024

Background

The hospital discharge process poses significant safety risks for older patients due to complexities in communication and coordination among stakeholders, leading to potential drug‐related problems post‐discharge. Adopting a person‐centred care (PCC) approach in medication communication by healthcare professionals (HCPs) is crucial to ensure positive health outcomes. This study aimed to explore the practice of PCC in medication communication between older patients and HCPs during the hospital discharge process.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study using non‐participatory direct observations of patient–HCP consultations during hospital discharge, followed by semi‐structured interviews with observed patients and, when applicable, their informal caregivers. Data collection occurred from October 2020 to May 2021 at two Swedish hospitals. We gathered data using an observational form and audio‐recorded all consultations and interviews. The data were analysed thematically using the systematic text condensation method.

Results

Twenty patients were included (median age: 81 years [range: 65–94]; 9 female) in observations and 13 of them participated in interviews. Two patients were accompanied by an informal caregiver during the interviews. Three main themes were identified: (1) The impact of traditional authoritarian structures, depicts power dynamics between patients and their HCPs, showing how traditional structures influence the practice of PCC in medication communication during hospital discharge; (2) Consultation timing and mode not on patients' terms, describes suboptimal times and settings for consultations, along with the use of complex language that hinders effective communication; and (3) Discrepancy in expectations of self‐care ability, illustrates a mismatch between the self‐care guidance provided by HCPs during hospital discharge and the actual needs and preferences of patients and informal caregivers.

Conclusion

Medication communication between older patients and HCPs during hospital discharge is frequently inconsistent with the practice of PCC. Not only must HCPs improve their communication strategies, but patients and their informal caregivers should also be better prepared for discharge communication and encouraged to participate in their care. This involvement would give them relevant knowledge and tailor communication to their individual needs, preventing problems in managing their medications after discharge.

Patient or Public Contribution

An advisory group of six patients and/or informal caregiver contributors provided input on the study design, edited the consent forms, and helped develop the interview guide.
Inflammasome‐mediated pyroptosis in defense against pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Oh Changhoon , Spears Todd J. , Aachoui Youssef
Published: October 2024

Macrophages, neutrophils, and epithelial cells are pivotal components of the host's immune response against bacterial infections. These cells employ inflammasomes to detect various microbial stimuli during infection, triggering an inflammatory response aimed at eradicating the pathogens. Among these inflammatory responses, pyroptosis, a lytic form of cell death, plays a crucial role in eliminating replicating bacteria and recruiting immune cells to combat the invading pathogen. The immunological function of pyroptosis varies across macrophages, neutrophils, and epithelial cells, aligning with their specific roles within the innate immune system. This review centers on elucidating the role of pyroptosis in resisting gram‐negative bacterial infections, with a particular focus on the mechanisms at play in macrophages, neutrophils, and intestinal epithelial cells. Additionally, we underscore the cell type‐specific roles of pyroptosis in vivo in these contexts during defense.
Governance of labour relations in the platform economy. The cooperation between YouTubers Union and IG Metall
Authors: Witzak Patrick , Hertwig Markus
Published: October 2024

The article focuses on the factors that explain the emergence and accomplishments of the ‘FairTube’ campaign, which was initiated in 2019 by the YouTubers Union and the German metalworkers' union IG Metall, and was later established as a formalised German association (“Verein”). While the initial focus of the campaign was on changing the monetisation rules, which YouTube had altered very abruptly in 2017, the initiative subsequently focused on improving the working conditions of content creators. Methodologically, we deploy a mixed‐methods design that flanks media discourse network analysis through qualitative content analysis of expert interviews, which helps to identify the interaction between these established and new actors in the governance and interest representation in the digital platform economy. Our findings reveal a ‘hybrid form of governance’ that, by aligning ideologies and combining sources of power, was able to accomplish most of the goals set out by the campaign (avoiding arbitrary platform decisions, increasing transparency and communication, securing creators' income). We conclude that new forms of collective action, i.e. the coalition between “old” and “new” organizations, may mitigate particular negative consequences of the platform economy. The study seeks to contribute to a better understanding of platform work and to the concepts of power, ideas, and interests in industrial relations.
Lesion monitoring parameters as predictors of atrial arrhythmia recurrence after catheter ablation in persistent AF: A DECAAF II sub‐analysis
Authors: Mekhael Mario , Feng Han , Younes Hadi , Chouman Nour , Assaf Ala , Lim Chanho , Huang Chao , Donnellan Eoin , Rao Swati , Marrouche Nassir , Kreidieh Omar
Published: October 2024

Background

The formation of transmural lesions is necessary for the ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation (prAF). Ablation index (AI) and generator impedance drop (ID) predict lesion size but their correlation with long‐term outcomes in prAF is not known. Furthermore, we proposed a new parameter, efficacy ratio (ER) calculated as ID/AI, to gain indirect insight into the role of factors affecting ID but not considered by AI.

Methods

We included ablations performed during the DECAAF II trial if they had uploaded lesion‐by‐lesion summary data and were performed with radiofrequency catheters on the CARTO system. Average patient‐level parameters were calculated from all generated Vizitags.

Results

A total of 427 ablations met inclusion criteria and 166 utilized AI. Analyzed as continuous variables, ID and ER predicted long‐term arrhythmia‐free survival but not AI. The ideal cut‐off for ID was ID ≥ 10.4 ohms and had a C‐index of 0.55. It predicted reduced risk of arrhythmia: hazard ratio 0.56 [0.36–0.88], p = .013 (arrhythmia‐free survival of 67% vs. 52%). Similarly, an ER of 1.7 ohms/100AI had a C‐index of 0.58 and predicted reduced arrhythmia recurrence: HR 0.39 [0.22–0.69], p = .001. ER < 1.7 ohms/100AI was related to just 32% arrhythmia‐free survival. ER improved prognostication as compared to ID alone and identified a subset of low ID patients with even worse outcomes.

Conclusion

Average ID was predictive of improved outcomes following ablation of prAF. The ratio of ID/AI (ER) was postulated as a measure to summarize the overall impact of factors not considered in the AI formula and provided improved prognostication.
Blood L‐cystine levels positively related to increased risk of hypertension
Authors: Chen Haijun , Deng Yalan , Zhou Hailing , Wu Wenzhong , Bao Jinhua , Cao Deyou , Li Yuze , Feng Yingmei
Published: October 2024

Hypertension is one component of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Here, the study evaluated hypertension‐associated metabolites in relation to other MetS components. Fasting plasma samples were collected from 22 hypertensive and 63 normotensive subjects for non‐targeted metabolomics. Compared with normotensive subjects, hypertensive patients were more diabetic (6.3% vs. 36.4%) and had dyslipidemia (27.0% vs. 63.6%) (both p < .05). By non‐targeted metabolomics, 758 metabolites in 22 classes were identified and 56 were differentially regulated between hypertensive and normotensive groups. Amongst these 56 metabolites, receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that 14 had an area under the curve above 0.6. Multivariate‐adjusted logistic regression analysis demonstrated that per one‐fold increase of L‐glutmatic acid, L‐cystine, (9S,10E,12Z,15Z)‐9‐Hydroxy‐10,12,15‐octadecatrienoic acid, deoxyribose 5‐phosphate, and falcarinolone, the odds ratios were 3.64, 4.61, 0.26, 0.26, and 0.37 for having the risk of hypertension, respectively. Of five metabolites, by Spearman's correlation analysis, only L‐glutmatic acid and L‐cystine levels were positively associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure (all p < .05). Spearman's correlation analysis further revealed that L‐glutmatic acid levels were positively correlated with to body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose, and serum triglyceride but negatively associated with HDL‐c (all p < .05) whereas L‐cystine levels were not related to any of these components (p ≥ .13). Multivariate‐adjusted linear regression analysis confirmed the positive correlation between L‐cystine levels and systolic or diastolic blood pressure (β = 2.66 for SBP; β = 2.50 for DBP; both p < .05). In conclusion, L‐cystine could be a potent metabolite for increased risk of hypertension.
The Relationships Among Atherogenic Index of Plasma and Carotid–Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity in Adults
Authors: Ou Xiaowen , Lin Tong , Gong Jin , Cai Xiaoqi , Han Ying , Xu Guoyan , Xie Liangdi
Published: October 2024

The relationships between the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) in adults were investigated. A total of 1398 subjects were included according to the inclusion criteria. Demographic data, medical history, and biochemical indicators were collected. The cfPWV was measured using the Complior Analyse device. AIP was calculated using the following formula: AIP = log (triglycerides/high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol). Correlation analysis, multiple linear regression, and logistic regression were performed to explore the relationships between AIP and cfPWV. Compared to the cfPWV normal group, the cfPWV elevated group had a higher level of AIP (p < 0.05). In all subjects, mild‐to‐moderate correlations were found between AIP and cfPWV (p < 0.05). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis revealed that AIP was an independent factor associated with cfPWV (β = 0.156, p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis indicated that the prevalence of cfPWV ≥ 10 m/s increased with the rise of AIP (OR = 18.291, p < 0.05). The ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve for AIP was 0.697. The critical point for AIP was determined as 0.00 by the Youden index (sensitivity of 76.2% and specificity of 54.3%). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that in the young and middle‐aged group with normal cfPWV, AIP was an independent factor associated with cfPWV (p < 0.05). In adults, AIP is an independent factor associated with an increased cfPWV. When AIP > 0.00, it has a certain predictive value in the screening of atherosclerosis.
Non‐Surgical Treatment of Moderate Periodontal Intrabony Defects With Adjunctive Cross‐Linked Hyaluronic Acid: A Single‐Blinded Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Iorio‐Siciliano Vincenzo , Blasi Andrea , Mauriello Leopoldo , Salvi Giovanni E. , Ramaglia Luca , Sculean Anton
Published: October 2024

Aim

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of moderate intrabony defects treated with minimally invasive non‐surgical technique (MINST) with or without adjunctive delivery of cross‐linked hyaluronic acid (xHyA) gel.

Materials and Methods

Forty‐two patients with 42 interdental intrabony defects were randomly assigned to test (MINST + xHyA) or control procedures (MINST alone). Probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival recession (GR) and bleeding on probing (BOP) at the treated sites were assessed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months. Full‐mouth plaque score (FMPS) and full‐mouth bleeding score (FMBS) were recorded at baseline and after 6 months. Radiographic evaluation was performed at baseline and after 6 months, assessing the defect fill (DF) and radiographic defect angle (RDA). The primary outcome variable was PD change.

Results

Thirty‐eight patients completed the trial without any adverse events. At 6 months, a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) was measured in all clinical parameters except GR (p > 0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were found between the experimental and control procedures (p > 0.05). Statistically significant differences between the test and control sites were observed at 3 months for PD and CAL changes (p < 0.05). The DF change was statistically significant when comparing experimental and control procedures at 6 months (p < 0.05). Both procedures failed to show statistically significant differences in terms of RDA changes at 6 months (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Within their limitations, the present results indicate that (a) treatment of intrabony defects with MINST, with or without application of xHyA gel, resulted in statistically significant improvements in the investigated clinical parameters at 3 and 6 months after therapy, and (b) although the adjunctive use of xHyA gel to MINST improved the clinical outcomes compared with MINST alone up to 3 months, statistically significant differences were not observed at 6 months. The study protocol was registered in ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT05188898).
Familiarity preferences in zebrafish (Danio rerio) depend on shoal proximity
Authors: Swaney William T. , Ellwood Caitlyn , Davis Joshua P. , Reddon Adam R.
Published: October 2024

Individuals of many species prefer to associate with familiar conspecifics from their established social group over unfamiliar conspecifics. Such familiarity preferences are thought to be adaptive and have been documented widely in many social fishes. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are extensively studied, highly social fish that form stable shoals in the wild, however there is only mixed evidence for familiarity preferences in this species. Here, we test how a small variation in experimental design can influence preferences for familiar conspecifics in D. rerio by varying the distance between two stimulus shoals of fish in a shoaling choice paradigm. Individual subjects tested for their preference to shoal with familiar or unfamiliar groups of conspecifics showed a preference for familiar fish when the two shoals were 30 cm apart, but not when they were 45 or 60 cm apart. Thus, choice tests can be used to detect familiarity preferences in D. rerio, but only when alternate shoals are close together, as increased intershoal distances seemingly prevent subjects from displaying their preference. Longer distances may inhibit preference behavior due to the higher risk of crossing between shoals, alternatively subjects may be unable to reliably discern distinguishing cues of familiarity when the shoals are further apart. Our results demonstrate that while familiarity preferences exist in D. rerio, experimental test design is critical for detecting and measuring these successfully.
The m6A reader IGF2BP1 contributes to the activation of hepatic stellate cells through facilitating TUBB4B mRNA stabilization
Authors: Li Yanshan , Chen Ling , Li Shuyi , Song Haoxin , Chen Yijun , Wang Shuzhen
Published: October 2024

The m6A reader insulin‐like growth factor‐2 mRNA‐binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) is involved in multiple pathophysiological processes through enhanced expression of the proteins encoded by their target mRNAs. However, the functional role of IGF2BP1‐mediated m6A in liver fibrosis remains elusive. Here, we report that IGF2BP1 is highly expressed in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the major driver of fibrogenesis, and TUBB4B is identified as a potential target of IGF2BP1 by re‐analysis of the RNA‐seq, RIP‐seq, and m6A‐seq data. The relevant findings were subsequently demonstrated by a series of molecular and cellular evidences. The knockdown of IGF2BP1 or TUBB4B and pharmacological inhibition of TUBB4B by mebendazole treatments significantly suppress the proliferation, migration, and activation of HSCs. Mechanistically, IGF2BP1 upregulates TUBB4B expression through stabilizing TUBB4B in an m6A‐dependent manner, and TUBB4B induces liver fibrosis by activating the FAK signaling pathway. Collectively, our results indicate that targeting IGF2BP1/TUBB4B/FAK axis in HSCs could be a promising therapeutic approach for liver fibrosis.
Comparing self‐report medication data from a longitudinal study on intellectual disability and national dispensing records
Authors: Gorman A. , Odalović M. , McCallion P. , Paul A. , Burke É. , MacLachlan M. , McCarron M. , Henman M. C. , Moran M. , O'Connell J. , Shankar R. , Ryan C. , O'Dwyer M.
Published: October 2024

Background

Medication data are a valuable resource in epidemiological studies. As the most common data collection method of medication data is self‐report, it is important to understand the accuracy of this in comparison with other methods such as dispensing records. The aim of this study was to compare the agreement between two different sources of medication data of older adults with intellectual disability (ID).

Methods

Self‐report medication data were gathered from the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing and linked to national pharmacy dispensing records. The kappa statistic was used to measure agreement between the two data sources for psychotropic medication.

Results

The lowest agreement level was ‘moderate’ for the number of anxiolytics reported (kappa 0.56). The highest level of agreement was ‘almost perfect’ for the binary variable of antipsychotics (kappa 0.91). Other agreement results were ‘substantial’ or ‘almost perfect’.

Conclusions

Good agreement was found between the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing medication dataset and national dispensing records. Self‐report medication data appear to be a valid method of data collection in psychotropic medication use in adults with ID.
The NCX1 calcium exchanger is implicated in delayed axotomy after peripheral nerve stretch injury
Authors: Wilhelmy Bradley , Gerzanich Volodymyr , Simard J. Marc , Stokum Jesse A.
Published: October 2024

Background and Aims

After peripheral nerve stretch injury, most degenerating axons are thought to become disconnected at the time of injury, referred to as primary axotomy. The possibility of secondary axotomy—a delayed and potentially reversible form of disconnection—has not been evaluated. Here, we investigated secondary axotomy in a rat model of sciatic nerve stretch injury. We also evaluated whether axon sparing and functional improvement results from pharmacological blockade of the sodium‐calcium exchanger 1 (NCX1), which is widely believed to contribute to traumatic axon degeneration but was previously only investigated in vitro.

Methods

We studied peripheral nerve secondary axotomy in a clinically relevant rat model of sciatic nerve rapid stretch injury with immunolabeling and fluorescence microscopy. The role of NCX1 in secondary axotomy was studied with pharmacological inhibition with SEA0400 and immunolabeling, immunoblot, and behavioral assays.

Results

We found that early after injury, many axons remained in‐continuity and that degeneration of axons was delayed, consistent with the occurrence of secondary axotomy. βAPP, a marker of secondary axotomy, accumulated at regions of axon swelling and disconnection, and NCX1 was upregulated and co‐localized to βAPP axonal swellings. Pharmacological blockade of NCX1 after injury reduced calpain activation, proteolytic degradation of neurofilaments, βAPP accumulation, distal axon degeneration, and improved hindlimb function.

Interpretation

Our data demonstrate a major role for secondary axotomy in peripheral nerve stretch injury and identify NCX1 as a promising therapeutic target to reduce secondary axotomy and improve functional outcome after nerve injury.
The New Frontier of JAK Inhibitors: Significant Therapeutic Response to Tofacitinib in a Patient With Granulomatous Reaction to Filler in the Buttocks
Authors: Mansouri Parvin , Farshi Susan
Published: October 2024

Background

Recent research has demonstrated that Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors can be effective in treating refractory granulomatous diseases.

Case Presentation

We report the case of a 50‐year‐old woman who developed a granulomatous reaction following a filler injection in her buttocks.

Management

The patient was treated with tofacitinib, and after 1 year of therapy, the stiffness and swelling resolved without any side effects.

Conclusion

Tofacitinib appears to be a viable option for the treatment of granulomatous reactions to fillers.
Early pregnancy SARS‐COV‐2 infection and fetal cardiac and hemodynamic changes
Authors: Xu Zi‐Hang , Zhu Xiao‐Dan , Yin Shan‐Yu , Bai Ji‐Yu , Pan Jin‐Hua , Zhou Lin‐Yu , Lu Dan‐Lei , Li Qiang , Zhou Ping‐Ping , Jiang Tian‐An
Published: October 2024

Aim

Our objective was to investigate the impact on fetal cardiac function and fetal hemodynamics after recovery from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection in early pregnancy.

Methods

A prospective study involving 60 women in pregnancy who had recovered from a previous SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and 20 control wemen was performed. Between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy, women recovering from infection and controls underwent fetal ultrasound evaluation. Ultrasound parameters assessing cardiac function (TAPSE, MAPSE, E/A ratio) and hemodynamics (DV/S, DV‐D, DV‐A, DV‐TAMV, DV‐PI, DV‐PLI, DV‐PVIV) were measured.

Results

Based on ultrasound measurements, the median gestation age of the groups recovering from SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (RSI) was 12 (0.5) weeks, while the control group's was 12 (0.7) weeks (p = 0.76). The RSI group and the control group didn't indicate statistically significant differences in ultrasound measurements of cardiac function and hemodynamics (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

According to our findings, the infection of SARS‐CoV‐2 in early pregnancy has no substantial influence on fetal cardiac function and fetal hemodynamics in pregnant women. However, the effect on mid‐pregnancy to late‐pregnancy is not yet known. Future studies will help elucidate the overall impact on fetal cardiac function of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
Changing Ideological Regimes: CEO Succession with A Shift in Political Ideology and New CEO Early Departure
Authors: Georgakakis Dimitrios , Souitaris Vangelis , Cannella Albert A. , Kalogeraki Olga , Peng Grace
Published: October 2024

We examine the effects of CEO succession coupled with a change in political ideology – when a conservative CEO is replaced by a liberal CEO or vice versa. We argue that in such CEO transitions, the new CEOs must alter their predecessors’ ideological imprints to imbue strategic leadership with their own values, which increases their executive job demands in the critical early years of their tenure and raises the likelihood of their early departure. We also suggest that this relationship is moderated by two strategic leadership interface (SLI) factors that influence the executive job demands these new CEOs face: (a) the retention of the ideologically incongruent predecessor as board chair, and (b) the ideological fit between the new CEO and the incumbent executive team. We first test our framework using data from 2286 CEO successions in S&P 1500 firms. We then conduct an experimental study to ensure causality and confirm executive job demands as a mediating mechanism underlying the relationship. Overall, our study advances the disruption theory of succession by shedding light on the deeply held mechanisms that lead to early failure in CEO transitions.
Like parents, like children… this is not always the case! A longitudinal study on the family transmission of intergroup contact
Authors: Pagano Maria , Zagrean Ioana , Barni Daniela , Crocetti Elisabetta
Published: October 2024

During adolescence, opportunities for interethnic interactions can shape future attitudes toward diversity. However, it is unclear how family can influence adolescents' quality of contact in different life contexts. This study aims to fill this gap. A sample of 702 Italian adolescents (Mage = 15.61, SDage = 1.11, 48.58% girls) and their parents (615 mothers, Mage = 48.45, SDage = 4.34; 487 fathers, Mage = 51.22, SDage = 4.92) completed questionnaires at two time points. Cross‐lagged models indicated that adolescents' intergroup contact at T1 was associated with mothers' contact over time, mainly in structured (i.e., school and work) contexts. No significant associations were found regarding fathers' intergroup contact and unstructured contexts. These results shed new light on the process of family transmission during adolescence, particularly regarding intergroup dynamics.
Constraints on the impact history of the Apollo 16 landing site: Implications of soil‐like breccia noble gas records
Authors: Nottingham M. C. , Curran N. M. , Pernet‐Fisher J. , Burgess R. , Crawford I. A. , Gilmour J. D. , Tartèse R. , Joy K. H.
Published: October 2024

The Apollo 16 regolith breccia sample suite provides a record of lunar regolith formation from the basin‐forming epoch (~3.9 Ga) through to a time of declining impactor flux (~2 Ga). These rocks have been characterized into three groups: the “ancient,” “young,” and “soil‐like” regolith breccias on the basis of their petrographic characteristics, and, in the case of the “ancient” and “young” regolith breccias, noble gas inventory. This study investigates the as‐yet unexamined noble gas records of the “soil‐like” regolith breccias to understand more recent regolith evolution processes that occurred at the Apollo 16 landing site. The range of gas concentrations measured for each noble gas in these samples is comparable to those previously reported for the local Apollo 16 soils. The “soil‐like” regolith breccias were found to be more gas rich than the gas poor “young” and “ancient” regolith breccias, consistent with them having formed from comparatively mature soil(s). Our results further confirm the scientific value of lunar regolith breccias and bulk regolith samples as probes of the impact history and the space environment of the lunar surface across a wide range of time.
Prevalence of and potential risk factors for multiple resistance to acaricides inRhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplusticks: A survey in the state of Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil
Authors: Ferreira Priscila Teixeira , Bidone Nathalia de Bem , Groff Fernando , da Silva Patrícia Silva , de Jesus Mariana Silveira , Pellegrini Debora da Cruz Payao , Doyle Rovaina Laureano , Reck José , Klafke Guilherme
Published: October 2024

The cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Canestrini, 1887) (Ixodida, Ixodidae) is responsible for significant economic losses in bovine production in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Control of this tick predominantly involves the use of chemical acaricides; however, their indiscriminate use has led to the selection of resistant populations. A survey on tick populations was conducted in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, in Brazil, to assess the prevalence of multiple resistance to acaricides in cattle farms. Additionally, questionnaires were administered to identify potential risk factors associated with multiple resistance to acaricides. In total, 176 farms with a bovine population of ≥40 cattle were randomly assigned for tick sampling. The resistance to six acaricidal compounds was investigated by bioassays. A larval packet test was performed for amitraz, chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, fipronil and ivermectin. Fluazuron was screened using an adult immersion test. Multiple resistance to acaricides (i.e., resistance to three or more compounds) was detected in 173 samples, representing 98% of the total samples. Among these samples, 125 (71%) showed resistance to all six compounds tested. Additionally, we classified the resistance intensity into four levels (I to IV) based on the quartile distribution of the bioassay data. Ten samples (6%) showed high and very high levels (III and IV) of resistance to all six compounds tested. Three variables were significantly associated with multiple resistance to the six acaricides tested: (i) use of injectable acaricides to control ticks, (ii) application of more than five acaricide treatments per year, and (iii) farms with larger herds (≥232 animals). These results regarding widespread resistance and the emergence of multiple resistance to acaricides ticks are alarming and highlight the significant challenge of tick control in southern Brazil.
Clapping the nation, or, from a global pandemic to national imaginaries via local solidarities
Authors: Fox Jon
Published: October 2024

In the early days of the COVID‐19 pandemic, people in England stepped outside their doors once a week to clap the National Health Service. What does this have to do with nationalism? On the face of it, nothing much: clapping exercised local, and not, national solidarities. I will show, however, that local solidarities performed in clapping rituals led to the regeneration of national imaginaries via the symbols on display and the national institutions through which pandemic experiences were channelled. My argument has three parts. First, I show that helping practices during the pandemic shaped local solidarities that found collective expression through clapping. Second, I explain how the local experiences of clapping merged with national imaginaries when performed on a national canvas with symbols that marked an imagined community of national clappers. Third, I argue that clapping was subsumed into a nascent national imaginary via nationally scoped institutions that were exercised to fight the pandemic. Whilst the local has long been appreciated as a site and source for nationalism, I have added how non‐national local practices can also be constitutive of nationalism. A global pandemic led to national imaginaries via the local solidarities that were formed by clapping for carers.
Doing dams better? A case study of a proposed pumped hydro scheme at Lake Onslow, Central Otago
Authors: Phetpasak Khemaksone , Cant Garth , Challies Edward
Published: October 2024

Water resource managers and Geographers share common interests in meeting Sustainable Development Goal Seven (universal access to affordable energy) and addressing climate change. Hydropower plays a key role but dams have environmental, social and cultural consequences. The Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Protocol (HSAP) aims to ensure that dams are built safely and potential impacts are understood. This study of a proposed pumped hydro scheme at Lake Onslow in Central Otago, New Zealand, considers the effectiveness of HSAP. Results reported here show that HSAP works well but that it can also be improved by including new groups of stakeholders and by widening the perception of risks.
Erector spinae plane block versus intravenous opioid for analgesia in pediatric cardiac surgery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lombardi Rafael A. , Pereira Eduardo M. , Amaral Sara , Medeiros Heitor J. S. , Alrayashi Walid
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The erector spinae plane block (ESPB) has recently emerged as a regional anesthesia technique for perioperative pain management in pediatric cardiac surgery. However, evidence comparing its effectiveness with intravenous (IV) opioid‐based analgesia is limited. We aimed to evaluate and compare the analgesic efficacy of ESPB versus IV opioids in this setting.

Methods

We systematically reviewed and meta‐analyzed studies comparing ESPB with IV opioid analgesia in pediatric cardiac surgeries with midline sternotomy. Primary outcomes were intraoperative fentanyl consumption and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes included postoperative opioid consumption, time to first rescue analgesia, pain scores, postoperative vomiting and other complications, extubation time, and hospital LOS. Statistical analyses were performed using RStudio version 4.2.3.

Results

Five studies with 384 patients were included, with 178 receiving ESPB. ESPB significantly reduced intraoperative fentanyl use (MD −1.90 μg.kg−1; 95% CI −3.15 to −0.66 μg.kg−1; p = .003; I2 = 58%) and ICU LOS (MD ‐3.50 h; 95% CI ‐4.32 to −2.69 h; p < .0001; I2 = 0%). No significant differences were found in the remaining outcomes.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest the ESPB might be an important adjunct to enhancing analgesia for midline sternotomies in pediatric cardiac surgery, potentially reducing intraoperative opioid requirements and ICU LOS.

PROSPERO Registration

CRD 42024526961.