bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender Differences in Perception of Gender Inequity in Human Resource Management Practices
Authors: Basuil Dynah A. , Agarwal Ankita , Manegold Jennifer , Casper Wendy J.
Published: January 2025

Drawing from social role theory, we studied gender differences in employees' perception of gender inequity in human resource management (HRM) practices using samples from three countries. We examined the relationship of employee gender with equity perceptions, as moderated by (a) the gender composition of managers in an organization and (b) country‐level gender egalitarianism. We expected females to perceive more inequality in HRM practices compared to males but instead found that females perceived less inequity. In organizations with predominantly female managers, females perceived less gender inequity in HRM practices than males, whereas in male‐majority manager organizations, both genders perceived similar levels of gender inequity. Our results also indicated that, in less (more) gender‐egalitarian countries, female employees perceived more (less) gender inequity in HRM practices. However, male employees perceived similar levels of gender inequity, slightly favoring men, regardless of country‐level gender egalitarianism.
Akkermansia muciniphila Mediated the Preventive Effect of Disulfiram on Acute Liver Injury via PI3K/Akt Pathway
Authors: Zhang Ruonan , Sun Xuewei , Lu Han , Zhang Xinrui , Zhang Mingyan , Ji Xuewen , Yu Xinyi , Tang Chengliang , Wu Zihan , Mao Yinghua , Zhu Jin , Ji Minjun , Yang Zhan
Published: January 2025

Acetaminophen induced acute liver injury (ALI) has a high incidence and is a serious medical problem, but there is a lack of effective treatment. The enterohepatic axis is one of the targets of recent attention due to its important role in liver diseases. Disulfiram (DSF) is a multitarget drug that has been proven to play a role in a variety of liver diseases and can affect intestinal flora, but whether it can alleviate ALI is not clear. We utilised bacterial 16S rRNA gene profiling, antimicrobial treatments, and faecal microbiota transplantation tests to explore whether DSF therapy for ALI is dependent on gut microbiota. Our findings indicate that DSF primarily restores intestinal microbiome balance by modulating the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila), leading to significant alleviation of ALI symptoms in a gut microbiota dependent manner. We also found that A. muciniphila can promote the activation of PI3K/Akt pathway, correct the Bcl‐2/Bax ratio, and further inhibit hepatocyte apoptosis. In conclusion, DSF ameliorates ALI by modulating the intestinal microbiome and activating the PI3K/AKT pathway through A. muciniphila.
Understanding the impact of host plant factors on the oviposition behaviour of the cabbage stem flea beetle (Psylliodes chrysocephala)
Authors: Giguère Thomas , Bailly Valentin , Rey Thomas , Cortesero Anne Marie , Hervé Maxime R.
Published: January 2025

For many phytophagous insects, oviposition plays a key role in the selection of an appropriate host. A more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing this behaviour in pest insects provides a basis for the development of new management strategies. Herein, the determinants of oviposition were assessed in the cabbage stem flea beetle, Psylliodes chrysocephala (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), an insect specialized on the Brassicaceae family and a major pest of oilseed rape crops in Europe. To this end, a controlled condition experiment was conducted, in which a range of host plants exhibiting varying degrees of acceptability for feeding were presented to mature females. A superior host, Brassica rapa pekinensis, an intermediate one, Brassica napus, and a non‐host plant, Iberis amara, were used. An additional treatment involved wrapping the plants in micro‐perforated plastic bags to prevent feeding on aerial parts. The results demonstrated that contact with the host plant, and more particularly feeding, stimulated oviposition, with this effect being more pronounced in B. napus. Indeed, for the same amount of feeding, females laid significantly more eggs when feeding on B. napus than when feeding on B. rapa pekinensis. Additionally, a sequential experiment demonstrated that the intensity of oviposition is subject to rapid adaptive changes, as it is exclusively dependent on the current dietary conditions, with no influence of past dietary regimens. The quantification of macronutrients indicated the potential influence of plant‐digestible carbohydrates on these outcomes. Further investigation is required to determine the impact of the plant nutritional quality and defences on oviposition.
Daily associations between sleep and alcohol use among veterans: Acute and cumulative effects
Authors: Miller Mary Beth , Wycoff Andrea M. , Tracy Eunjin L. , Moskal Katie R. , Borsari Brian , Bartholow Bruce D. , Steinley Douglas , McCrae Christina S.
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims

Military veterans demonstrate high rates of heavy drinking and insomnia, but few if any studies have tested real‐world, daily associations between sleep and alcohol use within this population. Moreover, although daily diary and experimental studies among civilians have found negative associations between alcohol use and sleep, these patterns change with consecutive days of drinking and may differ for those with insomnia. This study measured (a) acute and cumulative day‐level associations between sleep and alcohol use among heavy‐drinking US veterans and (b) the extent to which insomnia moderates these associations.

Design

Self‐reported ambulatory assessments occurring daily for 14 days.

Setting

USA.

Participants

Heavy‐drinking veterans (n = 118, 84% male, 79% White, M = 39y) with sleep complaints. Seventy‐one met criteria for insomnia disorder.

Measurements

Participants completed a semi‐structured clinical interview and baseline self‐report measures, followed by 14 consecutive days of morning sleep diaries. Data were analyzed using multilevel models.

Findings

Insomnia moderated day‐level associations between alcohol use and sleep. Heavier drinking was associated with worse same‐night sleep quality among those without insomnia [b = −0.06; 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.09, −0.03], but this pattern was not statistically significant among those with insomnia (b = 0.02; 95% CI = −0.01, 0.04). Similarly, more consecutive nights of poor sleep efficiency were linked to lower drinking quantity among those without insomnia [incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 0.91; 95% CI = 0.83, 1.00), while better sleep efficiency was linked to heavier next‐day drinking among those with insomnia (IRR = 1.01; 95% CI = 1.00, 1.01). More consecutive nights of drinking were linked to shorter sleep duration, regardless of insomnia status (b = −0.09; 95% CI = −0.18, −0.002).

Conclusions

US military veterans with insomnia do not appear to experience the same negative day‐level associations between alcohol use and sleep that those without insomnia report. However, over time, drinking is linked to worse sleep in both groups.
BRCA Mutation Testing in Men with Metastatic Castration‐Resistant Prostate Cancer: Practical Guidance for Australian Clinical Practice
Authors: Azad Arun A. , Gurney Howard , Campbell Ainsley , Goh Jeffrey C. , Rathi Vivek
Published: January 2025

Some patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) possess germline or acquired defects in the DNA damage repair (DDR) genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. Tumors with BRCA mutations exhibit sensitivity to poly‐ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) such as olaparib and rucaparib. As a result, molecular diagnostic testing to identify patients with BRCA mutations eligible for the PARPi therapy has become an integral component of managing patients with mCRPC. There are practical challenges in the current molecular testing pathway in Australia that can compromise testing success. Testing success is often contingent on quality of tissue handling and laboratory processing techniques to minimize DNA degradation and suboptimal sequencing data quality. Greater adoption of best testing practices in Australia can be facilitated with education and greater awareness of expert recommendations. Here, we provide expert recommendations on how to optimize BRCA molecular diagnostic testing in patients with mCRPC. Optimization and standardization of molecular diagnostic testing will support health care providers and institutes in establishing more efficient testing pathways, enabling access to targeted therapies such as PARPi, and improving patient outcomes.
Head‐to‐Head Comparison Between Phosphatidylethanol Versus Indirect Alcohol Biomarkers for Diagnosis of MetALD Versus MASLD: A Prospective Study
Authors: Tavaglione Federica , Amangurbanova Maral , Yang Alexander H. , Tincopa Monica A. , Ajmera Veeral , Richards Lisa , Butcher Christian , Hernandez Christie , Madamba Egbert , Singh Seema , Bettencourt Ricki , Sirlin Claude B. , Loomba Rohit
Published: January 2025

Background

The current subclassification of steatotic liver disease (SLD) relies on validated questionnaires, such as Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and Lifetime Drinking History (LDH), which, while useful, are impractical and lack precision for their use in routine clinical practice. Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) is a quantitative, objective alcohol biomarker with high sensitivity and specificity.

Aims

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of PEth for differentiating metabolic dysfunction and alcohol‐associated liver disease (MetALD) from metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in a large, population‐based, prospective, multiethnic cohort of individuals with overweight or obesity.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional analysis of a prospective study including 374 adults with overweight or obesity residing in Southern California who had SLD as defined by MRI‐PDFF ≥ 5%. The clinical research visit included medical history, biochemical and PEth testing, standardised validated questionnaires (including AUDIT and LDH), physical examination, and advanced imaging using MRI‐PDFF and MRE.

Results

Among 374 adults with SLD, the prevalence of MASLD, MetALD, and ALD was 90.1%, 6.4%, and 3.5%, respectively. PEth had a robust diagnostic accuracy in the detection of MetALD (AUROC 0.81, 95%CI 0.73–0.89) and the Youden cut‐off was 25 ng/mL. In head‐to‐head comparative efficacy analysis, PEth was both statistically and clinically superior to all previously used indirect alcohol biomarkers for diagnosing MetALD, including aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio, mean corpuscular volume, gamma glutamyltransferase, and ALD/NAFLD index (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

PEth outperforms previously used non‐invasive tests in differentiating MetALD from MASLD and has the potential to change clinical practice by enhancing the subclassification of SLD.
Trends in utilization of tramadol and other opioids in Denmark 2017–2023: A nationwide drug utilization study
Authors: Rasmussen Lotte , Ernst Martin Thomsen , Forberg Solveig , Pottegård Anton , Søndergaard Jens , Sørensen Anne Mette Skov
Published: January 2025

The use of tramadol and other opioids for pain management has been accompanied by a multitude of challenges and concerns worldwide. The use of tramadol saw a decline in Denmark during 2017–2019 accompanied by a slight increase in the use of morphine and oxycodone. Using the Danish National Prescription Registry and utilizing data until and including 2023, we aimed to provide updated data on the utilization patterns of tramadol and other opioids in Denmark. We found a 35% decline in the use of tramadol from 2017 to 2023 most likely due to media attention, regulatory actions, health campaigns and targeted education of physicians and patients by the Danish health authorities. This decline was accompanied by an increase in the number of new (+90%) and current users of morphine (+57%), which surpassed those of tramadol, oxycodone and other opioids in 2023.
Analgesic Overdose in Patients With Dental Pain. A Cross‐Sectional Study in Two Dental Emergency Clinics
Authors: Larsen Sofie Krahl , Markvart Merete , Søndenbroe Rasmus , Dalhoff Kim , Jensen Simon Storgård
Published: January 2025

Dental pain is common, and many patients use analgesics to alleviate the pain. Analgesics are readily accessible, and overdosing may lead to severe complications. This study explores the extent of analgesic overdosing in patients with dental pain. Data were collected from two dental emergency clinics in Copenhagen, Denmark, via questionnaires and interviews with 180 patients. Results showed that 82.8% (n = 149) had taken at least one type of analgesic, and 9% (n = 15) had exceeded the recommended maximum dosage. Of all patients with dental pain, 75.6% (n = 136) used paracetamol, 54.4% (n = 98) ibuprofen, 10% (n = 18) opioids, and 11.1% (n = 20) other types of analgesics. Most frequently, the pain was of pulpal origin (n = 119; 66.1%). Of all analgesics used, most were obtained places where guidance should be available, for example, pharmacies, dental clinics or hospitals (n = 152; 54%). The patients were aware of the recommended maximum daily dosage for paracetamol and ibuprofen in 39% (n = 70) and 41% (n = 73) of the cases, respectively. In conclusion, most patients with dental pain use analgesics to alleviate their pain. A substantial proportion of these patients overdose themselves, potentially putting them at risk of severe systemic complications. This study highlights the need for better patient education and safer pain management strategies.
Response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy leads to better survival outcomes in upper tract urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Yu Alice , Hensley Patrick J. , Huelster Heather L. , Martin Austin , Potrezke Aaron , Pham Jonathan , Raman Jay D. , Pallauf Maximilian , Singla Nirmish , Katims Andrew , Coleman Jonathan , Margulis Vitaly , Matin Surena F. , Spiess Philippe E.
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To evaluate the benefit of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for patients with high‐risk upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) using a large, well‐curated multi‐institutional database.

Patients and Methods

This study was a multi‐institutional retrospective analysis conducted by the UTUC Collaborative Network (UCAN), combining data from 2276 patients with UTUC who underwent radical nephroureterectomy at seven high‐volume tertiary care centres in the United States. The UCAN data were analysed to evaluate the impact of response to NAC on survival outcomes in patients with UTUC.

Results

A total of 378 patients in the UCAN database underwent NAC. On final surgical pathology, 101 patients (26.8%) had ≤ypT1N0 disease and were defined as NAC treatment responders. Patients who responded to NAC had significantly longer overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) compared to non‐responders. At 5 years post‐surgery, 81.5% of responders were alive compared to 59.8% of non‐responders. The median OS and PFS times among non‐responders were 7.0 years (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.6–9.7) and 6.0 years (95% CI 4.6–9.3) respectively, while the median OS and PFS were not reached among responders. Limitations of this study include its retrospective design, heterogeneity in chemotherapy regimens, and the absence of clearly defined patient selection criteria for treatment.

Conclusion

These data suggest that NAC can play a pivotal role in the treatment of well‐selected UTUC patients who respond positively. Non‐responders had clearly inferior outcomes. More work is needed to find predictors of response which can improve patient selection.
ADAR1 Promotes the Progression and Temozolomide Resistance of Glioma Through p62‐Mediated Selective Autophagy
Authors: Zhang Yuyan , Guo Huiling , Bu Jiahao , Wang Weiwei , Wang Li , Liu Zhibo , Qiu Yuning , Wang Qimeng , Zhou Lijuan , Liu Xianzhi , Ma Liwei , Wei Jianwei
Published: January 2025

Background

Resistance to temozolomide (TMZ) remains is an important cause of treatment failure in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). ADAR1, as a member of the ADAR family, plays an important role in cancer progression and chemotherapy resistance. However, the mechanism by which ADAR1 regulates GBM progression and TMZ resistance is still unclear.

Methods

We first constructed stable transfected strains in which ADAR1 was knocked down and overexpressed to investigate the effect of ADAR1 on the first‐line glioma chemotherapy drug TMZ. Subsequently, we validated that ADAR1 induces autophagy activation and used autophagy inhibitors to suppress autophagy, demonstrating that ADAR1 enhances TMZ resistance through autophagy. We further knocked down p62 (SQSTM1) based on the overexpression of ADAR1, and the results showed that ADAR1 regulates selective autophagy through the p62 regulation. Finally, we demonstrated through mutations at both edited and nonedited sites that ADAR1 regulates selective autophagy in an edited dependent way.

Results

Further analysis showed that in the presence of TMZ, elevated ADAR1 promoted TMZ induced autophagy activation. Further research revealed that ADAR1 enhances TMZ resistance through p62‐mediated selective autophagy. Further, ADAR1 regulates selective autophagy in an edited dependent way. Our results indicate a relationship between ADAR1 levels and the response of glioma patients to TMZ treatment.

Conclusions

We found that the expression of ADAR1 is upregulated in GBM and is associated with tumor grade and TMZ resistance. Elevated expression of ADAR1 predicts poor prognosis in GBM patients and promotes tumor growth in vivo or in vitro.
Benefits of Modelling Abundance for Rare Species Conservation: A Case Study With Multiple Birds Across One Million Hectares
Authors: Verdon Simon J. , Makdissi Rhys , Mitchell William F. , Boulton Rebecca L. , Radford James Q.
Published: January 2025

Aim

Many management programs that are based on the needs of rare or threatened species are ineffective because they fail to collect enough data to reliably estimate abundance and map distributions for their target species. Information that does exist for rare species is often based on presence‐only data, because it is difficult to collect sufficient data on abundance for such species. We targeted 10 rare bird species that were excluded from a recent study due to insufficient data. For these species, we aimed to (a) collect sufficient abundance data, (b) identify important locations and (c) estimate population sizes.

Location

A large reserve system (~1 M‐ha) in south‐eastern Australia.

Methods

We undertook intensive field surveys, using repeat area searches of 660 independent 25‐ha sites, totalling 2640 hours of surveys (2‐h surveys; two surveys per site). We used N‐mixture models to estimate abundance whilst accounting for imperfect detection.

Results

This survey effort returned enough high‐quality data on nine rare bird species to identify important locations and estimate their population sizes. To illustrate potential applications of mapped important locations, we used our results to assess the likely impact of a planned burn program in part of the study region. We identified planned burns that are likely to have a significant impact on important locations for rare species that may not have otherwise been identified. Populations were generally larger than previously estimated using expert opinion. For example, our population estimate for the threatened Red‐lored Whistler (Pachycephala rufogularis) was ~16 times larger than the previous estimate.

Main Conclusions

Our results show (a) the benefits of using abundance to identify important locations for rare species, (b) the value of developing bespoke survey methods for estimating abundance of rare species with low detectability and (c) a pathway for the application of mapped important locations in conservation land management.
Southward Migration: How Climate Change Alters the Prey Dynamics of Spotted Seal in Western Pacific Ocean
Authors: Zhu Yugui , Song Jiaxing , Xu Wenli , Peng Daomin , Kang Bin , Liu Chunlong , Reygondeau Gabriel , Wang Yunfeng , Cheung William W. L. , Chu Jiansong
Published: January 2025

Aim

The Ocean is the major carrier of energy storage of the earth and is greatly affected by climate change and human activities. The spotted seal (Phoca largha) is a national first‐class protected species in China and is the only pinniped species that breeds in China waters. This study investigated the impacts of climate change on the distribution of primary prey fish species of spotted seal from 1970 to 2060, and based on the results and conclusions, conservation strategies for spotted seals are proposed.

Location

The Yellow and Bohai Seas, China.

Methods

Three earth system models and the dynamic bioclimate envelope model are used to predict the distribution of the primary prey fish species of spotted seal under two climate scenarios in this study.

Results

The projections show that from 1970 to 2060, the prey fish species of spotted seal shifted southward by 82.06 and 87.91 km under the RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 scenarios, and compared with 1970, the northern limit of primary prey fish species latitudinal distribution shifted northward, the relative abundance increased, and the total maximum catch potential increases under two scenarios (the increment is more obvious under RCP8.5 scenario) in 2060. In addition, the mean temperature of the relative abundance value of the primary prey fish species increases at an average rate of 0.044°C/decade under RCP2.6 scenario and 0.072°C/decade under RCP8.5 scenario.

Main Conclusions

From 1970 to 2060, the primary prey fish species of spotted seal are projected to migrate to lower latitudes, and projections show an expansion of the distribution range of primary prey fish species, an increase in the relative abundance increases in the Bohai Sea and the northern Yellow Sea, a slight increase in the maximum catch potential increases slightly in 2060 compared to 1970, and the mean temperature of the relative abundance increases greatly with the increase of greenhouse gas emissions. According to the results of the study, the conservation of spotted seals should clearly delineate the shoreline at the boundary of the core area, prohibit industrial development and artificial encroachment and build an ecological corridor.
Early developmental trajectories of the impaired hand in infants with unilateral cerebral palsy
Authors: Sakzewski Leanne , Greaves Susan , Eliasson Ann‐Christin , Wallen Margaret , Novak Iona , Ware Robert S. , Heathcock Jill , Maitre Nathalie , Boyd Roslyn N.
Published: January 2025

Aim

To identify developmental trajectories of impaired hand function in infants aged 3 to 15 months with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

Sixty‐three infants (37 male; median gestational age 37 weeks [interquartile range 30–39.1 weeks]) recruited as part of a randomized trial with a confirmed diagnosis of unilateral CP were included. All infants received early upper limb therapy. The Hand Assessment for Infants (HAI) was completed at baseline and until 12 to 15 months corrected age. Group‐based trajectory modelling identified groups with similar trajectories of development of impaired hand function. Multinomial logistic regression determined associations between demographic variables and trajectory membership.

Results

The three‐group trajectory model comprised ‘low’ 29%, ‘moderate’ 35%, and ‘high’ 36% functioning groups. The relative risk ratio of being in the low or moderate relative to high group increased by 16% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.32) and 14% (95% CI 1.01–1.29) respectively for each 1 week increase in gestational age. Males were more likely to be in the low relative to high group (relative risk ratio 7.22; 95% CI 1.6–32.5).

Interpretation

Three distinct trajectories of development of the impaired hand were identified. Males and infants born closer to term age were at higher risk of being in a low group with little improvement over time, despite receiving early intervention.
Does remission of type 2 diabetes matter? A qualitative study of healthcare professionals' perspectives and views about supporting remission in primary care
Authors: Captieux Mireille , Guthrie Bruce , Lawton Julia
Published: January 2025

Background

Trials conducted in highly selected populations have shown that type 2 diabetes (T2D) remission is possible, but the feasibility and acceptability of supporting remission in routine clinical practice remain uncertain.

Aim

We explored primary care professionals' perceptions and understandings of T2D remission and their views about supporting remission within routine clinical care.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 14 GPs and nine nurses working in Scottish general practices. Data were analysed thematically.

Results

Most participants considered remission to be a motivational tool but were unsure that it actually altered clinical management, due to patients still requiring follow‐up and their expectations that remission is often temporary because of the constant effort required to sustain remission in an obesogenic environment. These perceptions, together with participants' concerns about loss to follow‐up of patients who were likely to relapse and/or were still at high cardiovascular risk, appeared to underpin a reluctance to code remission in medical records. Most participants did not consider remission support to be a clinical priority. Moreover, they described being sensitive to the pitfalls of only encouraging some patients to pursue remission, because if resources were directed towards apparently more motivated, affluent individuals, there was a risk that this could widen health inequalities.

Conclusion

For integration of remission support into mainstream T2D care to be successful, primary care professionals may need to be persuaded that remission matters more than encouraging well‐managed T2D. They would also benefit from clear guidance on follow‐up and optimal support for people in remission.
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus and predicted risk of maternal cardiovascular disease 10–14 years after delivery: A prospective cohort
Authors: Venkatesh Kartik K. , Grobman William A. , Wu Jiqiang , Shah Nilay S. , Pencina Michael , Costantine Maged M. , Landon Mark B. , Catalano Patrick , Lowe William L. , Scholtens Denise M. , Khan Sadiya S.
Published: January 2025

Aims

Studies evaluating the relationship between adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs), namely hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), with the estimated risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains limited and could inform patient‐centred decision‐making in the postpartum period. We examined whether HDP or GDM were associated with a higher 10‐ and 30‐year predicted risk of ASCVD measured 10–14 years after delivery.

Methods

A secondary analysis from the international prospective Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome Follow‐up Study (2013–2016) cohort. The exposures were HDP or GDM (untreated according to the International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups criteria). Outcomes were 10‐ and 30‐year predicted risk of ASCVD (composite of fatal and non‐fatal coronary heart disease and stroke) as quantified by the validated Framingham Risk Score as a continuous measure, and secondarily, at thresholds used for clinical decision‐making of ≥7.5% for 10‐year predicted risk and ≥20% for 30‐year predicted risk.

Results

Of 4432 individuals at a median age of 30.5 years and a median gestational age of 27.9 weeks at pregnancy enrollment, 10.7% developed HDP and 13.7% developed GDM. At 10–14 years after delivery, individuals with HDP had a higher 10‐year predicted risk of ASCVD (least squares mean: 2.9% vs. 2.2%; adj. β: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.41–0.77) and a higher 30‐year predicted risk of ASCVD (7.7% vs. 6.1%; adj. β: 1.27; 95% CI: 0.81–1.72) compared with those without HDP. Similarly, individuals with GDM had a higher predicted risk of ASCVD (10‐year: 3.2% vs. 2.1%; adj. β: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.34–0.67 and 30‐year: 8.8% vs. 5.8%; adj. β: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.11–2.01) compared with those without GDM. These results were similar when predicted ASCVD risk was assessed at thresholds of ≥7.5% at 10 years and ≥20% at 30 years.

Conclusion

Individuals who experienced HDP or GDM had a higher predicted 10‐ and 30‐year risk of ASCVD measured 10–14 years after delivery compared with individuals who did not experience these APOs.
Role of Cytokines in Predicting Early Major Bleeding in Patients With Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Oblitas Crhistian‐Mario , Lago‐Rodríguez Marta‐Olimpia , López‐Rubio Marina , García‐Gámiz Mercedes , Zamora‐Trillo Angielys , Alvarez‐Sala‐Walther Luis‐Antonio , Galeano‐Valle Francisco , Demelo‐Rodríguez Pablo
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Anticoagulant therapy is critical for venous thromboembolism (VTE) management, though bleeding remains a major concern, ranging from mild to fatal events. This study aimed to assess the predictive value of cytokines for major bleeding in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE).

Methods

In this prospective, observational study, patients aged ≥ 18 years with acute PE were enrolled from April 2021 to September 2022 and followed for 30 days. Exclusion criteria included asymptomatic PE, VTE without PE, and chronic anticoagulation. Major bleeding was defined as bleeding that required ≥ 2 transfused units of red blood cells, occurred in critical areas, or was fatal. Blood samples were collected at diagnosis to measure IL‐6, IL‐1beta, IL‐8, IL‐10, and TNF‐alpha. Statistical analyses used bivariate and multivariate logistic regression (p < 0.05).

Results

Out of 191 patients (mean age 68.6 years, 52.9% male), 8.4% died, and 4.2% experienced major bleeding within 30 days. IL‐8 > 40 pg/mL and TNF‐alpha > 8.5 pg/mL were linked to major bleeding. IL‐8 > 40 pg/mL independently predicted early major bleeding (adjusted OR 9.40; 95% CI 1.38–63.69). Cox regression showed HRs of 12.60 for IL‐8 and 5.61 for TNF‐alpha.

Conclusion

High IL‐8 levels at diagnosis were predictive of major bleeding in acute PE patients. Further studies are required to confirm these findings.
Association of social determinants of health with first antiseizure medication prescription for patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Johnson Brian J. , Jung Katie E. , MacKenzie Megan A. , Bah Abdulsalam , Jetté Nathalie , Mohamed Nihal , Blank Leah J.
Published: January 2025

Objective

To assess whether social determinants of health (SDOHs) are associated with the first antiseizure medication (ASM) prescribed for newly diagnosed epilepsy.

Methods

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) standards were followed, and the protocol registered (CRD42023448998). Embase, Medline, and Web of Science were searched up to July 31, 2023. Two reviewers independently screened studies and reached mutual consensus for inclusion. Studies reporting the first ASM prescribed for patients with new epilepsy in all age groups, countries, and languages were eligible for inclusion. Review articles, conference abstracts, and studies with fewer than 15 participants were not eligible for inclusion. Studies were meta‐analyzed using fixed‐effects models. Quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale.

Results

Thirteen studies (total participants = 380,785) contained SDOH data and their association with the first ASM prescription after epilepsy diagnosis. Meta‐analysis of studies with compatible data revealed that Black (pooled odds ratio [OR] .94, 95% confidence interval [CI] .90–.98) and Hispanic (pooled OR .89, 95% CI .82–.97) patients with U.S. Medicare/Medicaid had a lower odds of receiving a newer ASM compared to White patients. Three studies revealed that rural epilepsy patients had a lower odds of receiving new ASMs compared to urban patients (pooled OR .84, 95% CI .80–.89). The relationship between income levels and ASM prescription patterns differed across countries, highlighting inconsistencies that warrant further investigation. Among studies identified for inclusion, relatively few had combinable data, thereby limiting the scope of our meta‐analysis to two SDOHs.

Significance

Significant disparities exist in first‐line ASM prescription for non‐White and rural persons with epilepsy. There exist few data on other SDOHs including gender identity and socioeconomic background. Future work leveraging large data sets may reveal additional ASM prescription inequities. Developing care pathways to rectify known prescribing disparities may improve health equity among PWE.
Characterisation of equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis: A comparative study using microCT and radiography in age‐matched controls
Authors: Nugent Zoe , Jensen Anders , Owen Niamh , Peffers Andrew J. , Moothanchery Mohesh , Peffers Mandy J.
Published: January 2025

Background

Equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH) is a painful disorder primarily affecting the incisor teeth of horses over 15 years of age. Clinical signs of the disease include prehension problems, halitosis and in severe cases weight loss. The disease predominately affects the reserve crown and presents as a loss of dental tissue and excessive build‐up of cementum.

Objectives

To determine the radiographic scores of horses with EOTRH and age‐matched controls and to increase understanding of EOTRH using microCT to compare teeth from horses with EOTRH and age‐matched controls.

Study design

In vivo and ex vivo studies.

Methods

This study used radiography (in vivo) and microcomputed tomography (microCT) (ex vivo) to help understand and help characterise the imaging changes that occur in EOTRH. For radiography, 87 patients were assessed using a radiographic scoring system for EOTRH. The microCT study was undertaken on 20 extracted cadaver incisor teeth which were scanned and segmented to measure the different dental tissues. These were assessed using a descriptive analysis (surface roughening, tooth resorption, root blunting and pulp cavity).

Results

Radiographic scoring demonstrated that 03s were more severely affected than 01s in EOTRH. Total radiographic score and age had a weak positive correlation. Following microCT, we identified that EOTRH teeth had a lower pulp and enamel volume and therefore significantly higher pulp and enamel ratios relative to the whole tooth volume, compared with control teeth. Cementum and dentine volumes were more variable in EOTRH teeth. Thus, their ratios relative to the whole tooth volume were not different to control teeth.

Main limitations

The number of horses was relatively small.

Conclusions

Results suggest differing degrees of tooth resorption and hypercementosis, in different affected teeth potentially indicating multiple phenotypes of the disease. We provide further evidence of the presence of subclinical EOTRH imaging changes in some teeth.
Leaf Photosynthetic and Respiratory Thermal Acclimation in Terrestrial Plants in Response to Warming: A Global Synthesis
Authors: Wu Ting , Tissue David T. , Jiang Mingkai , Slot Martijn , Crous Kristine Y. , Yuan Junfeng , Liu Juxiu , Jin Shaofei , Wu Chenxi , Deng Yan , Huang Chao , Shi Fuxi , Fang Xiong , Li Rui , Mao Rong
Published: January 2025

Leaf photosynthesis and respiration are two of the largest carbon fluxes between the atmosphere and biosphere. Although experiments examining the warming effects on photosynthetic and respiratory thermal acclimation have been widely conducted, the sensitivity of various ecosystem and vegetation types to warming remains uncertain. Here we conducted a meta‐analysis on experimental observations of thermal acclimation worldwide. We found that the optimum temperature for photosynthetic rate (Topt) and the maximum rate of carboxylation of Rubisco (ToptV) in tropical forest plants increased by 0.51°C and 2.12°C per 1°C of warming, respectively. Similarly, Topt and the optimum temperature for maximum electron transport rate for RuBP regeneration (ToptJ) in temperate forest plants increased by 0.91°C and 0.15°C per 1°C of warming, respectively. However, reduced photosynthetic rates at optimum temperature (Aopt) were observed in tropical forest (17.2%) and grassland (16.5%) plants, indicating that they exhibited limited photosynthetic thermal acclimation to warming. Warming reduced respiration rate (R25) in boreal forest plants by 6.2%, suggesting that respiration can acclimate to warming. Photosynthesis and respiration of broadleaved deciduous trees may adapt to warming, as indicated by higher Aopt (7.5%) and Topt (1.08°C per 1°C of warming), but lower R25 (7.7%). We found limited photosynthetic thermal acclimation in needleleaved evergreen trees (−14.1%) and herbs (−16.3%), both associated with reduced Aopt. Respiration of needleleaved deciduous trees acclimated to warming (reduced R25 and temperature sensitivity of respiration (Q10)); however, broadleaved evergreen trees did not acclimate (increased R25). Plants in grasslands and herbaceous species displayed the weakest photosynthetic acclimation to warming, primarily due to the significant reductions in Aopt. Our global synthesis provides a comprehensive analysis of the divergent effects of warming on thermal acclimation across ecosystem and vegetation types, and provides a framework for modeling responses of vegetation carbon cycling to warming.
On the odyssey of the irregular Ghanaian migrant: Risk framing, mitigation and resilience strategies in an uncertain venture1
Authors: Kuditchar Nene‐Lomotey
Published: January 2025

This paper qualitatively probed the risk framing, mitigation and resilience strategies of irregular migrants in a bid to unravel the paradox of how such actors, perceived to be poor and as such may lack ideational and financial agency, with no guarantees of success, can (persistently) operationalize and undertake costly, illegal and dangerous international journeys. Drawing on responses from Europe‐based, deported and prospective first‐time irregular migrants either hailing from or domiciled in the Bono East, Bono and Ahafo Regions of Ghana, the findings of this study demonstrate that all three categories of respondents were risk‐neutral, had risk mitigation and resilient strategies enabled by, among others, involvement in informal/illegal solidaristic economic ventures, the utilization of extended family associational norms, trust in the efficacy of irregular migration service providers as against that of foreign missions and faith in providence.
Association Between Resting Heart Rate and the Risk of Incident Hypertension Among Older Chinese Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lou Shiyu , Yu Zihan , Song Yizhu , Liu Dechen
Published: January 2025

Examining the role of resting heart rate (RHR) in hypertension risk could improve our understanding of its pathogenesis. However, most relevant studies have been conducted in developed countries such as the United States and Brazil, with no evidence for the older Chinese population. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between RHR and the risk of developing hypertension in an older Chinese population. A total of 3836 participants from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) were included in this prospective study. Using Cox proportional hazard models, the association between RHR and the risk of incident hypertension was evaluated, with results expressed as hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Multiplicative interaction effects were analyzed for RHR with age, sex, and regular exercise, and subgroup analyses of the association were also conducted based on these factors. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the robustness of the results. During a 4.86‐year follow‐up, 1449 incident cases of hypertension occurred. Every 10 beats per min increase in RHR was associated with a 6% higher risk of incident hypertension (HR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01–1.12). Subgroup analyses demonstrated significant associations in women, participants aged ≥80, and those who did not exercise regularly. The sensitivity analyses confirmed the consistency of these results. These findings indicate that a faster RHR is associated with a higher risk of incident hypertension in the older Chinese population, suggesting its potential use in identifying older individuals at greater risk of incident hypertension.
Diet and trophic structure of fishes in the Barents Sea: between empty and full stomachs – large individual variability follows a common pattern
Authors: Skjoldal Hein Rune , Eriksen Elena , Ono Kotaro , Dolgov Andrey
Published: January 2025

More than 27,000 stomachs from 70 species of fish were collected from the Barents Sea in 2015. Quantitative stomach content expressed relative to the body weight of the predator fish (g g−1 as %) varied by four to five orders of magnitude for six species with the largest sample size (Atlantic cod Gadus morhua, haddock Melanogrammus aeglefinus, Greenland halibut Reinhardtius hippoglossoides, long rough dab Hippoglossoides platessoides, polar cod Boreogadus saida, and Atlantic capelin Mallotus villosus). The quantitative stomach contents of individual fish followed a common and strict statistical relationship for predator species or groups of species (by families), and for prey categories across predator species. The common pattern was log‐normal‐like and was modelled with good fit by different types of right‐skewed distributions, that is, variants of the Box–Cox, generalized inverse Gaussian, inverse gamma, or gamma distributions. The long tail in the high end reflects high variation with no clear sign of a plateau, as could be expected from the concept of a “full stomach”. This is interpreted to reflect that high stomach contents are rare events that are sampled at low frequencies. The maximum recorded stomach content varied from 1% to 34% of body weight for 55 species of fish, being positively correlated (R2 = 0.45) with sample size. About a third of the stomachs were empty, and the low tail of the log‐normal‐like distribution represents the transition to empty stomachs. The amount of food in the stomachs was overall low compared to maximum values, with mean and median of 2.0% and 1.1%, respectively, for the 17,873 stomachs containing food. Supported by bioenergetic considerations, this suggests relatively low feeding rates of the various fish predators but sufficient to meet their energy demands.
Using Zebrafish Models to Study Epitranscriptomic Regulation of CNS Functions
Authors: Jiang Jiayou , Zhang Yunqian , Wang Jiyi , Qin Yixin , Zhao Chonguang , He Kai , Wang Chaoming , Liu Yucheng , Feng Haoyu , Cai Huiling , He Shulei , Li Ruiyu , Galstyan David S. , Yang Longen , Lim Lee Wei , de Abreu Murilo S. , Kalueff Allan V.
Published: January 2025

Epitranscriptomic regulation of cell functions involves multiple post‐transcriptional chemical modifications of coding and non‐coding RNA that are increasingly recognized in studying human brain disorders. Although rodent models are presently widely used in neuroepitranscriptomic research, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as a useful and promising alternative model species. Mounting evidence supports the importance of RNA modifications in zebrafish CNS function, providing additional insights into epitranscriptomic mechanisms underlying a wide range of brain disorders. Here, we discuss recent data on the role of RNA modifications in CNS regulation, with a particular focus on zebrafish models, as well as evaluate current problems, challenges, and future directions of research in this field of molecular neurochemistry.

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Moroccan Adaptation of the ‘Self‐Care Behaviour Assessment Scale’ for Arteriovenous Fistula in Haemodialysis
Authors: Loubna Mazzi , Abdelhafid Benksim , Mounia Amane , Sousa Clemente Neves , Mohamed Cherkaoui
Published: January 2025

Background

Arteriovenous fistula self‐care behaviours in patients receiving haemodialysis are essential to maintain patency of vascular access and prevent its life‐threatening complications. Assessing arteriovenous fistula self‐care behaviours in patients receiving haemodialysis requires a reliable and valid tool.

Objective

The aim of this study was to adapt and translate the Portuguese scale for the assessment of self‐care behaviours of arteriovenous fistula in patients receiving haemodialysis into the Moroccan dialect and evaluate its psychometric properties in the Moroccan context.

Design

A quantitative cross‐sectional validation study.

Participants

This study included 283 patients undergoing haemodialysis with arteriovenous fistula in the Marrakech‐Safi region of Morocco.

Measurements

The translation was performed in accordance with international guidelines. Instrument validity was assessed using content validity and factor analysis with Varimax rotation for construct validity. Instrument reliability was assessed by measuring internal consistency using Cronbach's α.

Results

Content validity was assessed by a panel of experts. The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin score of 0.885 justified data adaptation for factorial analysis. Bartlett's sphericity test confirmed the existence of significant relationships (chi‐square = 1347.328; p < 0.001). A two‐factor structure was extracted, explaining 50.85% of the total variance. Cronbach's α was 0.892, 0.853 and 0.752 for the overall scale, the self‐care subscale for managing signs and symptoms and the self‐care subscale for preventing complications, respectively.

Conclusion

The Moroccan version of the Self‐Care Behaviour Assessment Scale for Arteriovenous Fistula is a reliable and valid instrument for future studies evaluating the self‐care behaviours of patients receiving haemodialysis with an arteriovenous fistula in Morocco.
Phylogenetic Analysis of Diaporthe destruens Isolates From Various Regions in Japan
Authors: Hashimoto Shuichi , Kawabe Masato , Yoshida Shigenobu
Published: January 2025

Sweet potato foot rot, caused by Diaporthe destruens, has been recently reported in various regions in Japan. To investigate genetic diversity of D. destruens within Japan, 135 isolates of D. destruens were collected in 12 prefectures in Japan, and ITS, TUB, TEF, H3 and CAL regions were sequenced. In all regions, there was no difference of sequence among all collected isolates, implying high genetic homogeneity of the fungus spread in Japan. A phylogenetic tree was constructed for ITS sequence with other strains registered in NCBI database. In the tree, our samples were positioned closely to samples in Korea and China but distant from most of the samples in Taiwan. Our study implies genetic relationships between D. destruens strains in Japan and other countries.