bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Six‐minute walking distance and desaturation–distance ratio in allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Torralba‐García Yolanda , Alsina‐Restoy Xavier , Torres‐Castro Rodrigo , Gimeno‐Santos Elena , de Llobet‐Viladons Noemi , Rovira‐Tarrats Montserrat , Borràs‐Maixenchs Nuria , Valverde‐Bosch Montserrat , García‐Navarro Carles Agustí , Vilaró Jordi , Blanco Isabel
Published: January 2024

Background

Most patients with haematological malignancies who undergo allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) receive chemotherapy before the transplant to control the disease. Certain chemotherapy drugs can cause lung toxicity. Conversely, in patients with chronic respiratory conditions, the 6‐min walking test (6MWT) and the desaturation–distance ratio (DDR) have demonstrated prognostic significance. Our objective was to determine whether the 6MWD and DDR, assessed prior to HSCT, have a prognostic impact on survival at 24 months post‐HSCT.

Methods

A prospective experimental study was conducted in consecutive patients referred for allogeneic HSCT at Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain. A complete functional respiratory study, including the 6MWT and DDR, was conducted prior to admission. The area under the curve (AUC) and cut‐off points were calculated. Data on patients' characteristics, HSCT details, main events, with a focus on lung complications, and survival at 24 months were analysed.

Results

One hundred and seventy‐five patients (39% women) with mean age of 48 ± 13 years old were included. Before HSCT, forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in the first second were 96% ± 13% predicted and 92% ± 14% predicted, respectively; corrected diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide 79% ± 15% predicted; 6MWD was 568 ± 83 m and DDR of .27 (.20–.41). The cut‐off points for 6MWD and DDR were 566 m, [.58 95% CI (.51–.64)], p = .024 and .306, [.63 95% CI (.55–.70)], p = .0005, respectively. The survival rate at 24 months was 55%.

Conclusion

Our results showed that individuals who exhibit a 6MWD shorter than 566 ms or a decline in DDR beyond .306 experienced reduced survival rates at 24 months after HSCT.
The Impossibility and Necessity of Causality in Niklas Luhmann's Theory of Education
Authors: Qvortrup Lars
Published: January 2024

According to Niklas Luhmann, causality is both an impossibility and a necessity in education. On the one hand, the task of the teacher is an impossible one, because teaching as communication is a closed system that cannot determine the learning of pupils' psychical system in any causal sense. On the other hand, one cannot practice as a teacher without a belief in causality, i.e., in a causal connection between teaching and learning. In his article “The Child as the Medium of Education,” Luhmann focuses on the enablement of education, despite its impossibility. His answer is that one thing that makes education possible is the emergence of the symbolically generalized medium “the child.” In this article, Lars Qvortrup focuses on Luhmann's understanding of causality. According to Luhmann, causality is not a simple, ontological fact, but the result of the attribution of certain causes to certain effects. The conclusion is that causality as an attribution category — and not causality as an ontological fact — is another thing that makes education possible. Qvortrup also concludes, however, that Luhmann is not alone in criticizing the traditional, mechanical concept of causality. Other contemporary philosophers and sociologists have pointed out that in order to analyze causality in complex social systems, one has to select some causal factors and ignore others. While others do this based on seemingly pure scientific and statistical criteria, Luhmann focuses on attribution as a social construction of causality.
A grazer's niche edge is associated with increasing diet diversity and poor population performance
Authors: Britnell J. A. , Kerley G. I. H. , Antwis R. , Shultz S.
Published: January 2024

The core‐periphery hypothesis predicts niche cores should be associated with greater survivorship, reproductive output and population performance rates than marginal habitats at niche edges. However, there is very little empirical evidence of whether niche centrality influences population trends in animals. Using the Cape mountain zebra (Equus zebra zebra) as a model system, we evaluated whether niche centrality is associated with population trends, resource availability and diet across a core‐periphery gradient. Population growth rates and density progressively declined towards niche peripheries. Niche peripheries were resource‐poor and Cape mountain zebra consumed more phylogenetically diverse diets dominated by non‐grass families. In core habitats they consumed grass‐rich diets and female reproductive success was higher. This combination of spatial niche modelling and functional ecology provides a novel evaluation of how bottom‐up resource limitation can shape species distributions, population resilience and range change and can guide conservation management.
Artificial intelligence for heart sound classification: A review
Authors: Chen Junxin , Guo Zhihuan , Xu Xu , Jeon Gwanggil , Camacho David
Published: January 2024

Heart sound signal analysis is very important for the early identification and treatment of cardiovascular illness. With rapid advancements in science and technology, artificial intelligence technologies are providing tremendous opportunities to enhance diagnosis and clinical decision‐making. Instruments can now perform clinical diagnoses that previously could only be handled by human experts more conveniently and efficiently. Despite multiple works on automatic heart sound analysis, there are few summarization and review works. This article attempts to give a thorough overview of various heart sound analysis subtasks and examine the improvements made in each subtask by both machine learning techniques and deep learning algorithms. It goals to highlight the potential of AI to revolutionize cardiovascular healthcare by enabling accurate and automated analysis of heart sounds. The findings of this review are beneficial for researchers, clinicians, and engineers in the development and application of AI‐based solutions for improved heart sound classification and diagnosis.
Mothers' recollections of parenting by their own mothers and fathers and maternal and infant outcomes
Authors: Huffhines Lindsay , Bailes Lauren G. , Coe Jesse L. , Leerkes Esther M. , Parade Stephanie H.
Published: January 2024

Objective

Using a family network approach, we examined patterns of remembered parental rearing by both parents and associations with maternal and infant outcomes.

Background

Women's memories of how they were cared for by their own mothers in childhood are associated with important outcomes in the perinatal period. However, few studies assess women's recollections of caregiving by their fathers, despite fathers' influence on the larger family context and child adjustment.

Method

We combined data from two prospective longitudinal studies of mothers and their infants (N = 468) in the perinatal period to identify profiles of remembered parental rearing by both parents using latent profile analysis and examined how these profiles were associated with maternal depressive symptoms, mothers' perceived romantic relationship satisfaction, parenting, and infant socioemotional problems.

Results

Four distinct profiles of remembered parental rearing emerged: two supportive parents, two unsupportive parents, a supportive mother but unsupportive father, and a supportive father but unsupportive mother. Results document the differential effects of these profiles on parenting and other maternal and infant outcomes.

Conclusion

Remembering two supportive parents confers the most benefit for mothers and their infants.

Implications

For mothers with nonsupportive childhood experiences, processing that legacy within a therapeutic relationship may bolster multiple perinatal domains.
Food‐web energy fluxes, energy transfer efficiency, and diversity respond distinctively to pollution and water diversion in rivers
Authors: de Guzman Ioar , Montoya José M. , Elosegi Arturo , Pérez‐Calpe Ana Victoria , von Schiller Daniel , González Jose M. , Larrañaga Aitor
Published: January 2024

Water diversion and pollution are two pervasive stressors for river ecosystems that often co‐occur. The individual effects of both stressors on river communities and energy transfer across the food webs are well described; however, how they interact remains unknown. We hypothesised that low‐to‐moderate nutrient pollution gradient would cause a mild increase in invertebrate driven herbivory and water diversion a strong reduction in detritivory, whereas their joint effect would reduce invertebrate abundance and diversity, as well as total energy fluxes (from basal resources to invertebrates and fish). We also expected a shift in body size spectra slope with increased energy transfer between trophic levels with moderate pollution, but not with water diversion.

To test these hypotheses, we selected four rivers across a range of nutrient pollution levels (a proxy of water quality) subject to similar water diversion schemes and compared food webs upstream and downstream of their diversion weirs.

Both stressors changed the availability of basal food resources. Nutrient pollution induced changes in the green food web (i.e., biofilm‐based) by enhancing biofilm stocks, whereas water diversion affected the brown food web (i.e., detritus‐based) by decreasing stocks of detritus.

The propagation of the effects to higher trophic levels differed with each stressor: pollution increased the homogeneity of community within the reach, whereas water diversion made communities more heterogeneous. Moreover, pollution induced changes within omnivores, increasing herbivory and carnivory, whereas diversion reduced the total energy fluxes through a decrease in detritivory, especially with pollution.

Although most of the variables studied seemed to be more sensitive to water diversion, pollution often accentuated the response, being the interaction between both stressors more explanatory than any of the two stressors on its own.

The effects of water diversion on diversity and energy flow through food webs are more detrimental to moderately polluted rivers than to systems with high quality water.

We show that the use of tools merging knowledge on trophic relationships among species and their metabolic requirements enables disturbances to be detected that would otherwise go unnoticed.
Pink salmon productivity is driven by catchment hydrogeomorphology and can decline under a changing climate
Authors: Yamada Taihei , Urabe Hirokazu , Nakamura Futoshi
Published: January 2024

Increased flood magnitude and frequency due to climate change can reduce the population productivity of organisms such as amphibian and fish species in river and stream systems; therefore, conserving habitats that maintain high productivity under such conditions is crucial. Here, we examined the relationship between the freshwater productivity of anadromous salmonids (measured as fry migrating to the ocean per spawner) and catchment hydrogeomorphology and identified the characteristics of rivers and streams that are prone to flood disturbance.

We surveyed the spawner abundance and number of fry of pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) and measured environmental factors, including the average catchment slope and stream power, as characteristics of hydrogeomorphology, in 10 streams in the Shiretoko Peninsula, northern Japan. We then used generalised linear mixed models to predict the freshwater productivity of pink salmon populations in each catchment across the study region under current and future climatic conditions.

The productivity of pink salmon in the study region differed among the sampled catchments and was negatively affected by the average catchment slope, stream power, and maximum daily precipitation averaged over the catchment. Namely, flood disturbance reduced the freshwater productivity of pink salmon, and salmon productivity in individual catchments was explained by catchment hydrogeomorphology. The predicted future productivity with increased precipitation was also lower than the current productivity.

Our approach can be applied to other salmonids that have similar spawning behaviour to pink salmon. Highly productive catchments under the future climatic conditions predicted by the present study should be prioritised for conservation to ensure a sustainable salmonid population.
Nutritional changes in trees during drought‐induced mortality: A comprehensive meta‐analysis and a field study
Authors: He Peng , Sardans Jordi , Wang Xiaoyu , Ma Chengcang , Man Liang , Peñuelas Josep , Han Xingguo , Jiang Yong , Li Mai‐He
Published: January 2024

Both macronutrients and micronutrients are essential for tree growth and development through participating in various ecophysiological processes. However, the impact of the nutritional status of trees on their ability to withstand drought‐induced mortality remains inconclusive. We thus conducted a comprehensive meta‐analysis, compiling data on 11 essential nutrients from 44 publications (493 independent observations). Additionally, a field study was conducted on Pinus sylvestris L. trees with varying drought‐induced vitality loss in the “Visp” forest in southern Switzerland. No consistent decline in tree nutritional status was observed during tree mortality. The meta‐analysis revealed significantly lower leaf potassium (K), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) concentrations with tree mortality. However, the field study showed no causal relationships between nutritional levels and the vitality status of trees. This discrepancy is mainly attributed to the intrinsic differences in the two types of experimental designs and the ontogenetic stages of target trees. Nutrient reductions preceding tree mortality were predominantly observed in non‐field conditions, where the study was conducted on seedlings and saplings with underdeveloped root systems. It limits the nutrient uptake capacity of these young trees during drought. Furthermore, tree nutritional responses are also influenced by many variables. Specifically, (a) leaf nutrients are more susceptible to drought stress than other organs; (b) reduced tree nutrient concentrations are more prevalent in evergreen species during drought‐induced mortality; (c) of all biomes, Mediterranean forests are most vulnerable to drought‐induced nutrient deficiencies; (d) soil types affect the direction and extent of tree nutritional responses. We identified factors that influence the relationship between tree nutritional status and drought survival, and proposed potential early‐warning indicators of impending tree mortality, for example, decreased K concentrations with declining vitality. These findings contribute to our understanding of tree responses to drought and provide practical implications for forest management strategies in the context of global change.
Nitrogen rate and harvesting time based on growing degree days influenced winter cereal rye morphological traits, forage yield, quality, and farm profit in poorly drained Alfisols
Authors: Vaughn Kelsey , Adeyemi Oladapo , Zandvakili Omid R. , Battaglia Martin L. , Babaei Sirwan , Nair Jayakrishnan , Still Steven , Burkett Gabriella , Sadeghpour Amir
Published: January 2024

Winter cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) (WCR) is often double cropped with maize for silage (Zea mays L.) to increase farm forage supply and profit. Spring nitrogen (N) fertilization to WCR could influence its production and quality at different harvesting times. Therefore, two on‐farm trials were conducted in the 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 growing seasons to evaluate the effect of harvesting time (late‐March to end‐of‐April considering the growth stage) and spring N fertilization (0, 23, 47, and 71 kg N ha−1) on WCR morphology, forage yield, nutrient removal, quality, and farm profit. Only two N treatments (0 and 47 kg N ha−1) were evaluated for each harvesting time in trial 1. A quadratic model best explained an increase in WCR dry matter (DM) yield in response to growing degree days (GDD) accumulation (R2 = 0.81). An increase in GDD linearly decreased WCR relative forage quality (RFQ). Benchmarking RFQ at 150 for dairy milk production indicates WCR should be harvested at a GDD of 543, at which WCR plant height was 31.8 cm and DM yield was 0.77 Mg ha−1. This resulted in loss of profit in both study years compared to later harvesting dates at higher GDDs. Benchmarking RFQ at 125 for heifer production indicated that harvest should occur at a GDD of 668, at which the WCR was 71 cm tall, and its DM yield was 2.25 Mg ha−1. Nitrogen balances were negative at the N0 treatment (0 kg N ha−1), indicating a need for some N to maximize WCR yield. We found that a rate between 21 and 47 kg N ha−1 maximizes yields reflecting slightly positive balances, in which the highest profits occur. Our results suggest that the harvesting time can be predicted by GDD and should be adjusted for RFQ. We conclude that less than 47 kg N ha−1 N fertilizer is required for WCR production in soils with manure history and high soil organic matter (>30 g kg−1).
Temporal constraints influence reproductive characteristics that are related to the pace‐of‐life continuum in geese
Authors: Gurney Kirsty E. B. , Alisauskas Ray T. , Stalwick Jordyn A. , Fondell Thomas F.
Published: January 2024

Among avian species, particularly those with altricial young, life‐history strategies are characterized by a ‘slow’ pace‐of‐life at lower latitudes, where relatively low annual investments in reproduction are traded‐off for increased survival. Evidence for this pattern in precocial species, however, is equivocal, and questions about ecological drivers of latitudinal variation in reproduction remain. To better understand spatial variation in pace‐of‐life and related reproductive traits across bird species and to test a hypothesis that might explain observed spatial patterns, we analysed breeding data from closely related Canada Geese Branta canadensis and Cackling Geese Branta hutchinsii, hereafter Canada‐type geese, comprising eight sub‐species from 16 sites across a broad gradient of latitude (32°N to 69°N) and season length. Unlike the pattern reported for many altricial species, Canada‐type geese did not show reduced annual fecundity at lower latitudes, and instead this reduced reproductive investment was at higher latitudes. For three of five reproductive traits, the relative influence of growing season length (GSL; an index of the time available to breed) was greater than that of latitude. A shorter GSL resulted in later nest initiations, shorter pre‐laying intervals and higher seasonal rates of clutch size decline. Our results suggest that these and other species of geese are able to circumvent nutritional and temporal constraints imposed by shorter GSL by storing and using nutrient reserves for egg laying and incubation. Relative flexibility in reproductive traits may permit Canada‐type geese to accommodate predicted increases in climatic variability, compared to species with more rigid reproductive strategies.
Effect of different ionic valence state doping on the structure and characteristic of BiFeO3‐BaTiO3‐based ceramics
Authors: Guo Xiangtai , Sun Yu , Liu Liangliang , Yu Zilong , Liu Juan
Published: January 2024

BiFeO3‐BaTiO3‐based ceramics are promising multiferroic materials for a wide range of applications. In this paper, the effects of different ionic valence state((Ga0.5Ta0.5)4+, Ta5+) doping on the structure and properties of 0.73BiFeO3‐0.27BaTi1‐y(Ga1‐xTax)yO3 ceramics were investigated. X‐ray diffraction analysis showed that all samples were determined by rhombohedral R3c phase and tetragonal P4mm phase. A frequency‐independent dielectric anomaly with obvious thermal hysteresis was detected in all samples, indicating the first‐order ferroelectric phase transition, and the Curie temperatures were all above 600°C. The ferroelectric analysis found that the doping of donor element Ta reduced the coercive field, with a slight decrease of remanent polarization, which can be attributed to the soft effect of Ta element. Meanwhile, the magnetic properties were enhanced for all samples, with a maximum in 15T (x = 1, y = .015) sample, where Mr = .13 emu/g. According to relevant analysis, high‐valence element substitution can enhance the magnetic properties and reduce the coercive field of BiFeO3, while low‐valence element substitution can reduce dielectric loss. This result points out a way for us to choose appropriate doping elements to improve the performance of BiFeO3 ceramics.
Optimizing the structural and photocatalytic performance of Ag‐decorated ZnO/Zn(OH)2 nanoparticles for RhB degradation
Authors: Erdogan Erman , Eden Cigdem , Canpolat Nurtac , Cirak Cagri , Yilmaz Mehmet
Published: January 2024

In this study, as‐prepared and Ag‐decorated ZnO/Zn(OH)2 composite nanoparticles (NPs) were obtained using the sol–gel technique. First, the effect of aging on the structural, optical, and morphological features was examined. Ag NPs can interact with the electronic structure of ZnO/Zn(OH)2 NPs, resulting in changes in their energy levels. It was found that the composite NPs obtained after 6 h solution aging increased in full width at half maximum and good crystallinity of the structures from the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. The Raman spectrum supports the experimental data obtained from XRD and Fourier transform infrared, a material containing a mixture of ZnO and Zn(OH)2. From the morphological study, Ag NPs were successfully decorated on the ZnO/Zn(OH)2 surface, and composite NPs did not change the morphological appearance of the structure. Second, the photocatalytic performance of the samples was investigated. In the experimental setting, ultra‐violet A light was employed as the irradiation source, whereas rhodamine B (RhB) was used as the dyestuff. The photo‐degradation of the RhB dyestuff on composite NPs was observed to be 98.5% and 92.5% for 6 and 2 h aged samples, respectively. On Ag NPs, the catalytic performance of the sample was increased up to 95% after 180 min.
Mechanical and electrical properties of 3Y‐TZP/TiSi2 composites sintered at different temperatures
Authors: Liu Weikang , Huang Ting , Chen Yucong , Huang Yingying , Yao Zhenhua
Published: January 2024

Various amounts of TiSi2 (30, 40, and 50 wt.%) were added to 3 mol% yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (3Y‐TZP) to fabricate 3Y‐TZP/TiSi2 composites by vacuum sintering. The effects of the TiSi2 added amount, as well as the sintering temperature on the microstructure, mechanical, and electrical characteristics of the 3Y‐TZP/TiSi2 composites were examined. The sintered samples consisted of three phases: tetragonal (t‐ZrO2), TiSi2, and reaction product Ti5Si3. The maximum bending strength and relative density of the composites, reaching 501.20 MPa and 98.59% respectively, were achieved at a TiSi2 content of 30 wt.% and sintering temperature of 1500°C. The resistivity of 3Y‐TZP/TiSi2 composites showed a nonlinear decrease with increasing TiSi2 content. These results indicated that 3Y‐TZP/TiSi2 composites had a typical percolation threshold phenomenon due to the different TiSi2 content and a conductivity model of 3Y‐TZP/TiSi2 composites at room temperature was founded on the generalized effective medium equation. The resistivity of the composites could optionally adjust between 102 and 10−4Ω·cm with 30–50 wt.% TiSi2 under room temperature. Overall, the 3Y‐TZP/TiSi2 composites show great potential for applications in the heat‐not‐burn tobacco field.
Nickel element doping impacts on structure features and Faraday effects of magneto‐optical transparent holmium oxide ceramics
Authors: Wang Mengyao , Lu Bin , You Bo , Pei Ruijie , Sun Zhigang , Li Ji‐Guang , Sakka Yoshio , Zhuang Naifeng
Published: January 2024

The nickel element doped holmium oxide (Ho2O3:Ni) transparent magneto‐optical ceramics were fabricated by vacuum sintering and the dopant impacts on structure features and Faraday effects were investigated. The starting oxide powders were synthesized by pyrolyzing the resulting layered holmium‐based hydroxide nanosheets prepared from a chemical precipitation route using the sodium hydroxide as precipitant at the freezing temperature. Upon high‐temperature sintering, the defect is introduced by Ni2+ substitution for Ho3+ to form the interstitial solid solution. The 1 at.% Ni2+ doped Ho2O3 ceramic sample exhibits an in‐line transmittance of ∼70.04% at 1 550 nm with a relative density of ∼99.88%, while more Ni2+ incorporation (e.g., 2‒5 at.%) even leads to a completely opaque state. The magneto‐optical transparent Ho2O3:1%Ni ceramic developed in this work has Verdet constants of ∼−195, −65, and −29 rad/(T·m) at 635, 1 064, and 1 550 nm, respectively, which are ∼1.8‐fold higher than the commercial terbium gallium garnet crystal or ∼1.4‐fold higher than the pure Ho2O3 ceramic. This material also possesses relatively large figure of merit of ∼14.6°/T at 1 064 nm and relatively high thermal conductivity of ∼7.5 W/(m·K) at room temperature.
Improved water vapor corrosion resistance of SiC bricks via in situ formation of microporous Yb2Si2O7 bonding phase
Authors: Zhang Xifei , Chen Ding , Xue Haitao , Huang Ao , Gu Huazhi , Fu Lvping
Published: January 2024

SiC‐based lining refractories used in incinerators faced serious hot water vapor corrosion. The pores in SiC‐based refractories played a crucial role in corrosion resistance because both the penetration of water vapor and the expulsion of corrosion products depended on diffusion channels provided by pores. The in situ microporous Yb2Si2O7 bonding phase formed in the SiC bricks after sintering at 1550°C under air atmosphere, which simultaneously decreased the apparent porosity and pore size. The optimization of pore structures reduced the permeability to gases of SiC bricks by 37.5%, which prevented the penetration of hot water vapor into SiC bricks. The microporous Yb2Si2O7‐bonded SiC bricks presented only .15% permanent linear change and showed good thermal shock resistance after corrosion at 1000°C for 100 h under hot water vapor atmosphere. Some SiC particles in the refractories could be adopted as high‐temperature pore‐forming agents; the gaseous oxidation products of SiC bricks, including SiO(g) and CO(g), contributed to the generation of microporous Yb2Si2O7 (pore size ≤5 μm) and SiC whiskers during sintering, which obviously improved mechanical properties and water vapor corrosion resistance of SiC bricks.
The determinants of linguistic features in key audit matters: Empirical evidence from Europe
Authors: Küster Stephan
Published: January 2024

This study investigates the determinants and dynamics of the linguistic features of key audit matters (KAMs) in European countries. Using natural language processing algorithms, including FINBERT, I quantify stylistic and content‐based text characteristics at the KAM level and find that KAM length, readability, sentiment, quantitative density, specificity, the degree of forward‐looking statements, and the extent of boilerplate language are associated with the type of KAM topics, client attributes, and audit firm characteristics. In additional analyses, I also find early empirical evidence of a time trend in these linguistic features. Since their introduction in 2016, KAMs are becoming longer, more quantitative, more specific, but also include more boilerplate phrases. Collectively, the results of the study contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the determinants and dynamics of KAM disclosures.
Does intensity‐modulated radiation therapy by helical tomotherapy for prostate cancer increase the subsequent risk of bladder cancer? A propensity score‐matched analysis
Authors: Tsukuda Fumio , Tanaka Yasunari , Narita Shuichiro , Shimizu Toshihiro , Nakasuka Shu , Hagiwara Kiichi , Sakamoto Noboru , Toshihiro Kawano , Horiguchi Yutaka , Koga Shoji
Published: January 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the risk of bladder cancer after intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) using helical tomotherapy for prostate cancer in comparison to the risk post‐radical prostatectomy (RP) using propensity score‐matched analysis and to assess the risk factors for bladder cancer.

Methods

This retrospective study included 2067 patients with non‐metastatic prostate cancer treated at our institution between June 2007 and December 2016. Of these, 1547 patients were treated with IMRT and 520 underwent RP. The propensity scores were calculated using age, National Comprehensive Cancer Network risk classification, prostate volume, Brinkman index, and follow‐up time as matched covariates. A propensity score‐matched patient cohort (n = 718; IMRT: 359, RP: 359) was created, and the risk of bladder cancer after treatment was compared.

Results

In total, bladder cancer was detected in 33 patients. Five patients in the IMRT group and one in the RP group died of bladder cancer. In the propensity score‐matched analysis, the 5‐year bladder cancer‐free survival rate was significantly lower in the IMRT group than in the RP group (91.7% and 96.2%, respectively; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that IMRT and the Brinkman index were the risk factors for bladder cancer in this cohort (odds ratio = 5.085, 95% confidence interval = 1.436–18.008, p = 0.012 and odds ratio = 1.001, 95% confidence interval = 1.000–1.001, p = 0.010, respectively).

Conclusions

IMRT for prostate cancer using helical tomotherapy increases the subsequent risk of bladder cancer compared with RP and is an independent risk factor for bladder cancer similar to smoking.
Phase purity and evolution in sol–gel derived single component and multicomponent rare‐earth disilicates
Authors: Salanova Alejandro , Opila Elizabeth J. , Ihlefeld Jon F.
Published: January 2024

Rare‐earth disilicates are a focus of study for use as environmental barrier coatings in gas‐turbine engines. These coatings require thermomechanical and thermochemical stability at elevated temperatures and properties can be tailored through the use of multicomponent rare‐earth disilicates. Producing rare‐earth disilicates via sol–gel is documented in literature, but there are differing procedures with varying phase purities. This work establishes trends that dictate the effects of water content, pH, and heat treatment conditions that determine the final phase purity of Yb, Er, Lu, Sc, and Y disilicate powders made via sol–gel. The phase(s) of the powders were identified and quantified using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) to extract weight fractions. In situ XRD during heating from room temperature to 1200°C was used to observe the crystallization and phase evolution of the sol–gel‐based powders, allowing for the identification of a rarely reported low temperature triclinic phase in ytterbium‐, erbium‐, and lutetium‐based disilicate sol–gels that forms prior to transformation into a monoclinic phase. Ex situ XRD allowed for the phase identification of sol–gels processed at 1400°C. These experiments demonstrated that phase‐pure disilicates could be formed under conditions with no intentional water additions, a target pH of 2, and long heat treatment times at high temperatures (e.g., 1400°C). These conditions remain valid for not only single‐cation rare‐earth disilicates of Yb, Er, Lu, Sc, and Y but also a multicomponent disilicate containing equimolar concentrations of all of these cations.
Predictors of the right ventricular perforation caused by active‐fixation pacing and defibrillator leads: A single‐centre experience
Authors: Celikyurt Umut , Acar Burak , Yavuz Sadan , Agacdiken Aysen , Vural Ahmet
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Active‐fixation leads have been associated with higher incidence of cardiac perforation. Large series specifically evaluating radiographic predictors of right ventricular (RV) lead perforation are lacking.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study including 1691 consecutive patients implanted with an active fixation pacing and defibrillator lead at our institution between January 2015 and January 2021. Fourteen patients who had clinically relevant RV perforation caused by pacemaker and implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator leads were included in the study.

Results

Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify predictors of RV perforation. In multivariate analysis, lead slack score (odds ratio [OR]: 3.694, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.066–12.807; p = .039), change in lead slack height (OR: 1.218, 95% CI: 1.011–1.467; p = .038) and width (OR: 1.253, 95% CI: 1.120–1.402; p = .001), left ventricular ejection fraction (OR: 0.995, 95% CI: 0.910–1.088; p = .032) were independent predictors of RV perforation.

Conclusion

Fluoroscopic predictors of RV perforation associated with RV lead can be easily determined during implantation. Identification of these predictors may prevent the sequelae of RV perforation associated with active‐fixation leads.
Association between outdoor light at night and hypertension and high‐normal blood pressure: A nationwide cross‐sectional study among Chinese adults
Authors: Wang Rui , Hu Xiangming , Ou Yanqiu , Chen Guoqiang , Wang Lebing , Qian Zhengmin , Vaughn Michael G. , Tabet Maya , Hu Liwen , Dong Guanghui , Dong Haojian
Published: January 2024

The authors aimed to investigate the association between outdoor light at night (LAN) intensity and blood pressure. The study included 13 507 participants aged 45 and above from the 2011–2012 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study baseline survey. Blood pressure measurements were obtained by averaging the last two readings recorded (three measurements with an interval of 45–60 s between each measurement) during the survey. Outdoor LAN intensity was assessed using Defense Meteorological Satellite Program data. The study categorized participants based on quartiles of outdoor LAN intensity and employed statistical methods like linear regression, restricted cubic splines, and logistic models to analyze the connections. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, higher levels of outdoor LAN intensity were associated with increase in systolic blood pressure (0.592 mmHg/interquartile range [IQR], 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.027,1.157), diastolic blood pressure (0.853 mmHg/IQR, 95% CI: 0.525,1.180) and mean arterial pressure (0.766 mmHg/IQR, 95% CI: 0.385,1.147). Interestingly, the relationship between LAN intensity and odds of hypertension followed a non‐linear pattern, resembling a reverse “L” shape on cubic splines. Participants with the highest quartile of outdoor LAN intensity had 1.31‐fold increased odds of hypertension (95% CI: 1.08–1.58) compared to the lowest quartile. Additionally, there was an observable trend of rising odds for high‐normal blood pressure with higher levels of LAN intensity in the crude model, but no statistically significant differences were observed after adjusting for confounding factors. In conclusion, this study underscores a significant connection between outdoor LAN intensity and the prevalence of hypertension.
Overnutrition in the early postnatal period influences lifetime metabolic risk: Evidence for impact on pancreatic β‐cell mass and function
Authors: Burton Joshua JN , Alonso Laura C
Published: January 2024

Overconsumption of energy‐rich foods that disrupt caloric balance is a fundamental cause of overweight, obesity and diabetes. Dysglycemia and the resulting cardiovascular disease cause substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide, as well as high societal cost. The prevalence of obesity in childhood and adolescence is increasing, leading to younger diabetes diagnosis, and higher severity of microvascular and macrovascular complications. An important goal is to identify early life conditions that increase future metabolic risk, toward the goal of preventing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. An ample body of evidence implicates prenatal and postnatal childhood growth trajectories in the programming of adult metabolic disease. Human epidemiological data show that accelerated childhood growth increases risk of type 2 diabetes in adulthood. Type 2 diabetes results from the combination of insulin resistance and pancreatic β‐cell failure, but specific mechanisms by which accelerated postnatal growth impact one or both of these processes remain uncertain. This review explores the metabolic impact of overnutrition during postnatal life in humans and in rodent models, with specific attention to the connection between accelerated childhood growth and future adiposity, insulin resistance, β‐cell mass and β‐cell dysfunction. With improved knowledge in this area, we might one day be able to modulate nutrition and growth in the critical postnatal window to maximize lifelong metabolic health.
How to conduct an annual literature update for top articles relevant to clinical practice in geriatrics: A scoping review
Authors: Lee Janice C. , Uleryk Elizabeth , Ratnapalan Savithiri
Published: January 2024

Background

Clinical educators in geriatrics are often tasked with presenting a literature update at annual conferences and scientific meetings, which is a highly regarded continuing medical education (CME) activity. Preparation of an annual literature update cannot rely on bibliometric analysis due to time lag and poor correlation between bibliometrics and expert opinion on clinical relevance. The methodology of how top research articles of the year are selected and presented is not often reported.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review for published reports of a curated selection of recent articles critically appraised for high impact to clinical practice in general geriatrics, published from 2010 to 2022.

Results

Six annual literature updates were included for study. Three updates detailed their article sources, ranging from a survey of clinicians, consulting seven individual journals, searching up to four bibliographic databases, scanning social media outlets, and reviewing previous literature updates. One update reported a detailed method of article selection and consensus development. Critical appraisal of articles followed a structured reporting of clinical context, methods, results, and a statement of clinical implication or bottom line. Three of the six updates' results were disseminated in an annual conference update and did not evaluate learning outcomes of the audience. We mapped the results on a four‐step framework of article search, selection, critical appraisal, and dissemination of knowledge.

Conclusions

Educators in geriatrics consult numerous article sources spanning multiple journals, databases, social media, and peer suggestions to create an annual literature update. The methodology of article search and selection is inconsistently described. In this exciting area of CME, we encourage educators to develop a framework for conducting annual literature updates in geriatrics and expand its scholarship.
A 595 nm pulsed dye laser as an adjuvant intervention for post‐comedone extraction erythema and comedone reduction: A randomized, split‐face controlled trial
Authors: Bencharattanaphakhi Rungrot , Wananukul Siriwan , Tempark Therdpong , Chatproedprai Susheera
Published: January 2024

Background

Comedone extraction provides greater satisfaction for acne treatment than conventional treatment alone; however, post‐comedone extraction erythema (PCEE) remains a concern for patients.

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of pulsed‐dye laser (PDL) in PCEE and comedone reduction.

Methods

Mild‐to‐moderate acne patients were randomly allocated in split‐face fashion. Three comedones were extracted on each facial side. On the PDL‐treated side, 595‐nm PDL was delivered to the entire side with an additional shot on three comedone‐extracted sites. Erythema index (EI) and total acne lesion counts (TALC) were evaluated at baseline, week 2 and 4. The comprehensive acne severity scale (CASS) was assessed by three blinded independent pediatric dermatologists. Participant satisfaction surveys were completed at the end of the study.

Results

Thirty‐five participants (age 12.9–24.2 years) showed no differences in the EI and TALC at baseline on both sides. At weeks 2 and 4, the EI on the PDL‐treated side was significantly lower (p < 0.001) with a greater EI reduction (p < 0.001) when compared to the control side regardless of gender and menstruation. There was significantly lower TALC on the PDL‐treated side at week 2 (p < 0.001) and week 4 (p = 0.02). No complications were noted with high participant satisfaction reported (median 8; IQR 7–9). PDL remained significantly associated with EI improvements after controlling for gender, menstruation cycle, and examination stress.

Conclusion

PDL can be an adjunctive intervention for the treatment of PCEE and comedone reduction due to its effectiveness and high participant satisfaction.
Pleasantness and unpleasantness in somatosensory investigation
Authors: Taneja Pankaj , Svendsen Antilla Egeris , Kristensen Ellen , Jensen Frederik Teilmann , Vestergaard Mathias , Nørholt Sven Erik , Baad‐Hansen Lene
Published: January 2024

Background

Qualitative sensory testing (QualST) is a simple, standardised, chairside method for evaluating somatosensory function; however, testing focuses on detection of cold, touch and pain with no recognition of perceptions of pleasantness and unpleasantness.

Objectives

The study aimed to utilise the stimuli in QualST, with the addition of a soft brush, to investigate stimulus‐evoked perceptions of pleasantness and unpleasantness on the facial skin and if any side‐to‐side differences. Additional aims were to determine the inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability using the modified QualST protocol and in the side‐to‐side differences.

Methods

Thirty healthy adult female participants underwent three sessions of sensitivity testing as per the modified QualST protocol. Stimuli were applied bilaterally to the facial skin, and participants provided separate yes/no responses for presence of stimulus‐evoked pleasantness, unpleasantness and/or differences between sides.

Results

The stimuli were able to evoke sensations of pleasantness and unpleasantness with little differences in responses between the Q‐tip and goat hair brush for the perceptions. Side‐to‐side differences in evoked perceptions were observed and greatest, when evaluating for pinprick‐evoked unpleasantness (range between sessions = 18–19 participants). Acceptable percentage (≥90%) and excellent Cohen's Kappa (≥0.762) inter‐ and intra‐rater agreements were identified for one or more positive responses for each stimulus modality and the targeted perception.

Conclusion

The modified QualST protocol provides a simple, reproducible method for the investigation of perceptions of pleasantness and unpleasantness, with readily accessible instrumentation to dental professionals and allowing for a more holistic approach in somatosensory testing.
Insights into the complexities of fungus‐insect‐plant interaction: The laurel wilt disease
Authors: Abdrabo Khaled Abdrabo El‐Sayid , Phang Guan Jie , Rahmadani Silmi Yusri , Huang Yin‐Tse
Published: January 2024

Laurel wilt disease, caused by the fungus Harringtonia lauricola and transmitted by the ambrosia beetle Xyleborus glabratus, poses a significant ecological and economic threat to various species of the Lauraceae family, particularly avocado. The disease is characterized by the formation of tyloses blocking xylem vessels, hindering water conductance, and decreasing leaf gas exchange. The relationship between the fungus and the beetle is complex and not fully understood, which can be described, in general, as ambrosial symbiosis depending on the habitat. The secretome of the pathogen includes hydrolytic enzymes that aid in colonization and resistance of host defence. This paper reviews the current understanding of the causes, impacts, and management strategies for laurel wilt disease. Also, it provides an overview of the complex relationship between the fungal pathogen and its beetle vector and explores the various virulence factors and secretome of H. lauricola that contribute to the aggressive nature of the disease. Moreover, this review states the ecological and economic impacts of laurel wilt, particularly on ecologically and economically valuable plants such as avocado. Current management strategies for controlling the disease, including the use of insecticides, fungicides, and biological control methods, are reviewed. Finally, we highlight some critical key points in ambrosia symbiosis biology that are of importance for disease control.
Modulation of growth performance, feed utilization, and physiological traits in redbelly Tilapia (Tilapia zillii) through environmental and sex‐based interactions
Authors: Arafa Shireen S. I. , Omar Eglal Ali , Yousef Mokhtar I. , Srour Tarek Mohamed , Shehata Akram Ismael
Published: January 2024

This study explored the combined influence of tank color, stocking density, and gender on Tilapia zillii's performance and well‐being. In this 120‐day trial, 320 T. zillii, each initially weighing 10.0 ± 0.1 g/fish, were distributed among 24 tanks. The experiment included eight distinct treatment combinations, varying tank color (blue and green), stocking density (10 and 30 fish/m3) and sex (monosexual and mixed). The results showed that blue tanks improved specific growth rate and condition factor, while green tanks were better for feed utilization. Density at 30 fish/m3 showed the highest mean values of final body weight and total length, weight gain (WG), and gain length. Mono‐sex outperformed mixed‐sex ones in WG and daily growth. Interactions between color, density and sex were significant, affecting growth and feed utilization. Green tanks were best for protein profiles, while blue tanks excelled in glucose. A density of 10 fish/m3 yielded the highest protein profiles, and mono‐sex fish had higher protein profiles. For lipid profiles, green tanks were superior, and density affected lipid profiles. Mixed‐sex populations were best for certain lipid profile parameters. Interactions between these factors also played a significant role, making the biochemical profiles of T. zillii a complex interplay of various factors. The results explored that tank color, fish density and sex influence the activity of nonspecific immune enzymes in the liver of T. zillii. Blue tanks and lower fish density led to higher nonspecific immune enzymes, while mono‐sex fish exhibited more significant nonspecific immune enzymes. Complex interactions between these factors also influenced nonspecific immune enzyme activities. Blue tanks increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, while green tanks raised glutathione S‐transferases (GST) and catalase (CAT) levels. Lower fish density led to higher MDA, while higher density increased GST and CAT. Mono‐sex fish had more MDA and GST, while mixed‐sex fish showed greater CAT levels. Complex interactions among these factors affected the antioxidant levels in T. zillii. In summary, our study suggests that rearing T. zillii in green tanks at higher densities (30 fish/m3) and in mono‐sex conditions yields the best results in terms of growth and overall performance.