bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autophagy is dispensable in germline stem cells but is required in the cap cells for their maintenance in the Drosophila ovarian niche
Authors: Nilangekar Kiran Suhas , Shravage Bhupendra V.
Published: October 2024

Autophagy is a cytoprotective mechanism responsible for the maintenance and long-term survival of various cell types, including stem cells. However, its role in the Germline stem cell (GSC)-niche, including its effects on GSCs and niche cells, remains unexplored. We demonstrate that autophagy flux in female Drosophila GSCs is low and dependent on the core autophagy gene,Atg5. However, the maintenance ofAtg5-/-GSCs within the GSC-niche was unaffected. In contrast, disruption of autophagy within the cap cells (niche cells) leads to the loss of both cap cells and GSCs during aging. Further, reduced autophagy in cap cells severely impairs the crucial GSC self-renewal signal mediated by BMP-pMad emanating from the cap cells post-midlife. Autophagy was essential for the long-term survival of cap cells. Our study reveals a differential role for autophagy, which is dispensable in GSCs but necessary in niche cells, where it supports signaling and survival to maintain GSCs.
Structural analyses of apolipoprotein A-IV polymorphisms Q360H and T347S elucidate the inhibitory effect against thrombosis
Authors: Shoara Aron A. , Slavkovic Sladjana , Neves Miguel A. D. , Bhoria Preeti , Prifti Viktor , Chen Pingguo , Donaldson Logan W. , Beckett Andrew N. , Johnson Philip E. , Ni Heyu
Published: October 2024

Apolipoprotein A-IV (apoA-IV) is an abundant lipid-binding protein in blood plasma. We previously reported that apoA-IV, as an endogenous inhibitor, competitively binds platelet αIIbβ3 integrin from its N-terminal residues, reducing the potential risk of thrombosis. This study aims to investigate how the apoA-IVQ360Hand apoA-IVT347Smutations affect the structure and function of apoA-IV. These mutations are linked to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases due to multiple single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the C-terminal region of apoA-IV. We postulate the structural hindrance caused by the C-terminal motifs may impede the binding of apoA-IV to platelets at its N-terminal binding site. However, the mechanistic impact of Q360H and T347S polymorphisms on this intermolecular interaction and their potential contribution to the development of cardiovascular disease have not been adequately investigated. To address this, recombinant forms of human apoA-IVWT, apoA-IVQ360H, apoA-IVT347Svariants were produced, and the structural stability, dimerization, and molecular dynamics of the C-terminus were examined utilizing biophysical techniques including fluorescence anisotropy, fluorescence spectrophotometry, circular dichroism, and biolayer interferometry methods. Our results showed a deceased fraction of α-helix structure in apoA-IVQ360Hand apoA-IVT347Scompared to the wildtype, and the inhibitory effect of dimerized apoA-IV on platelet aggregation was reduced in apoA- IVQ360Hand apoA-IVT347Svariants. Binding kinetics of examined apoA-IV polymorphisms to platelet αIIbβ3 suggest a potential mechanism for increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in individuals with apoA-IVQ360Hand apoA-IVT347Spolymorphisms.
The nascent RNA labelling compound 5-ethynyl uridine (EU) integrates into DNA in the sea anemoneNematostella vectensis
Authors: Kjosavik Malin A. , Garschall Kathrin , Steinmetz Patrick R. H.
Published: October 2024

The detection ofde novosynthesized mRNA transcripts is crucial for understanding the regulation of eukaryotic transcription. Using nucleoside or nucleotide analogues to label nascent RNA is complicated by the ubiquitous presence of ribonucleotide reductase enzymes (RNRs) that convert ribonucleotides into 2’-deoxyribonucleotides, the building blocks of DNA. Despite this challenge, the uridine analogue 5-ethynyl uridine (EU) has been commercialized and routinely used as specific label for nascent RNAs. Here, we employ confocal imaging, flow cytometry and biochemistry methods to demonstrate that EU integrates into RNA and at considerable levels into DNA in the sea anemoneNematostella vectensis. We show that inhibiting RNR by hydroxyurea abolishes cell proliferation and the incorporation of EU into DNA. Alternative compounds for labelling nascent RNA, such as 5-ethynyl cytidine (EC), 5-ethynyl uridine triphosphate (EUTP) or 2-ethynyl adenosine (EA) show similarly low specificity for integrating into RNA. Our findings indicate that ethynylated nucleosides and nucleotides, including EU, do not specifically integrate into RNA inNematostella, rendering them unsuitable for visualising nascent RNAs. Based on our results and a critical review of the literature, we suggest good practice guidelines for using EU as an RNA labelling tool and discuss pitfalls and indicators that hint at unintended DNA labelling.

Summary statement

A cautionary tale about the integration of the RNA labelling compound EU (5-ethynyl uridine) into DNA in a sea anemone.
Topological edge states of massless fermions with nonquantized and zero Berry phases
Authors: Pratama F. R. , Nakanishi Takeshi
Published: October 2024

We investigate the bulk-boundary correspondence for massless Dirac fermions in α−T3 lattice where the Berry phase can be continuously tuned from π (graphene) to 0 (T3 or dice lattice) without modifying the energy dispersion. The topological origin of edge states is revealed by the unitary transformation of the Hamiltonian, which maps an α−T3 zigzag ribbon (ZR) onto a stub Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) chain. In the Majorana representation of the eigenstates, the topological invariant is manifested by the azimuthal winding number on the Bloch sphere. Particularly, T3 ZR exemplifies a topologically nontrivial system with zero Berry phase. Contrary to conventional topological insulators, the gap closing in the corresponding stub SSH chain is not accompanied by a topological phase transition.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Chiral-even twist-3 GPDs for the proton in a spectator diquark model
Authors: Tan Chentao , Lu Zhun
Published: October 2024

We investigate the chiral-even twist-3 generalized parton distributions (GPDs) of valence quarks in the proton at nonzero skewness ξ, using a spectator model with scalar and axial-vector diquarks. We consider the exponential form factor for the nucleon-quark-diquark vertex and the axial-vector diquark with light-cone transverse polarization. We analyze the dependence of GPDs on the longitudinal momentum fraction x at different ξ, and on the square of the transverse momentum transfer ΔT2 at different x. Our numerical results reveal distinct discontinuities in all twist-3 GPDs except G1 and G˜1. By taking the forward limit, we obtain the twist-3 parton distribution function gT, which encodes the transverse spin distribution of quarks. We also compare the kinetic orbital angular momentum and the spin-orbit correlations of quarks defined by the twist-2 and twist-3 GPDs, respectively.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Point-cloud clustering and tracking algorithm for radar interferometry
Authors: Ivarsen Magnus F. , St-Maurice Jean-Pierre , Hussey Glenn C. , Huyghebaert Devin R. , Gillies Megan D.
Published: October 2024

In data mining, density-based clustering, which entails classifying datapoints according to their distributions in some space, is an essential method to extract information from large datasets. With the advent of software-based radio, ionospheric radars are capable of producing unprecedentedly large datasets of plasma turbulence backscatter observations, and new automatic techniques are needed to sift through them. We present an algorithm to automatically identify and track clusters of radar echoes through time, using , a celebrated density-based clustering method for noisy point clouds. We demonstrate our algorithm's efficiency by tracking turbulent structures in the E-region ionosphere, the so-called radar aurora. Through conjugate auroral imagery, as well as satellite observations, we demonstrate that the observed turbulent structures generally track the motion of auroras. What is more, the radar aurora bulk motions exhibit key qualities of auroral electric field enhancements that have previously been observed with various instruments. We present preliminary statistical results using our method, and briefly discuss the method's limitations and potential future adaptations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Synchrotron CT dosimetry for wiggler operation at reduced magnetic field and spatial modulation with bow tie filters
Authors: Midgley Stewart , Schleich Nanette , Stevenson Andrew , Merchant Alex
Published: October 2024

The Australian Synchrotron Imaging and Medical Beamline (IMBL) uses a superconducting multipole wiggler (SCMPW) source, dual crystal Laue monochromator and 135 m propagation distance to enable imaging and computed tomography (CT) studies of large samples with mono-energetic radiation. This study aimed to quantify two methods for CT dose reduction: wiggler source operation at reduced magnetic field strength, and beam modulation with spatial filters placed upstream from the sample. Transmission measurements with copper were used to indirectly quantify the influence of third harmonic radiation. Operation at lower wiggler magnetic field strength reduces dose rates by an order of magnitude, and suppresses the influence of harmonic radiation, which is of significance near 30 keV. Beam shaping filters modulate the incident beam profile for near constant transmitted signal, and offer protection to radio-sensitive surface organs: the eye lens, thyroid and female breast. Their effect is to reduce the peripheral dose and the dose to the scanned volume by about 10% for biological samples of 35–50 mm diameter and by 20–30% for samples of up to 160 mm diameter. CT dosimetry results are presented as in-air measurements that are specific to the IMBL, and as ratios to in-air measurements that may be applied to other beamlines. As CT dose calculators for small animals are yet to be developed, results presented here and in a previous study may be used to estimate absorbed dose to organs near the surface and the isocentre.
Contributions of Lesson Study to the reconstruction of teachers' practical knowledge within a virtual setting context. Case study at Universidad Nacional de Educación (Ecuador)
Authors: Sumba Arévalo Víctor Miguel , Pérez Morales Patricia , Sgreccia Natalia Fátima , Soto Gómez Encarnación
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This article examines the training of nine practising teachers and the development of their practical thinking through Lesson Study (LS) at Universidad Nacional de Educación (UNAE). The study therefore aims to describe and understand how this group of teachers might reconstruct their practical knowledge while engaging in the LS experience in a virtual setting.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study was conducted with (virtual) field immersion, qualitatively collecting and analysing data through observations, interviews, a focus group and written outputs.

Findings

Reconstructions and reinforcements were evident in each of the five dimensions of practical thinking (Soto et al., 2019; Pérez-Gómez, 2022) and in certain knowledge and values, in addition to various skills, attitudes and emotions. The main findings of the study relate to the importance of planning to avoid improvisation, viewing the teaching methodology as a flexible process, developing student autonomy, understanding and managing technological and digital tools and being prepared for uncertain situations.

Originality/value

It is understood that Lesson Study is a strategy that strengthens and enhances understanding of teachers’ knowledge, even in the virtual context and should therefore be considered for the ongoing professional development of teachers in Ecuador.
Key drivers of organisational effectiveness in churches: a qualitative study of pastors’ and leaders’ perspectives in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Nyako Jnr Abraham , Mahapatra Ramakrushna
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to identify key drivers contributing to the holistic organisational effectiveness (OE) of Orthodox/Protestant and Charismatic/Pentecostal churches in Accra, Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with 20 church leaders from 20 churches: 12 Charismatic/Pentecostal churches and 8 from Orthodox/Protestant churches. A thematic analysis uncovered primary themes and sub-themes influencing Church OE.

Findings

Four primary drivers were identified – financial, operational, structural and attitudinal/behavioural factors – each with distinct sub-dimensions. Together, these elements provide a nuanced view of OE in churches, revealing practical strategies for enhancing management and operational efficiency. These drivers collectively offer a comprehensive framework, enabling church leaders to target and strengthen key areas, promoting better performance and sustainability.

Originality/value

This study contributes empirical evidence supporting the multidimensional nature of OE theory within a church context. It illustrates how these factors collectively enhance operational efficiency, offering church-specific insights and practical tools for church leaders.
Responsible leadership and cyberloafing: the mediating role of felt obligation and the moderating role of organisational identification
Authors: Koay Kian Yeik
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to advance the understanding of the relationship between responsible leadership and cyberloafing (defined as employees’ non-work-related online activities during work hours) through the mediating effect of felt obligation by drawing on the social identity theory of leadership. Also, organisational identification is also examined as the moderator of the relationship between felt obligation and cyberloafing.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a survey research design, 261 full-time employees were recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk to examine the direct, indirect and interaction effects. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data.

Findings

The results demonstrate that responsible leadership does not affect cyberloafing. However, responsible leadership positively affects felt obligation and felt obligation negatively affects cyberloafing. In addition, it is found that felt obligation mediates the relationship between responsible leadership and cyberloafing. Furthermore, organisational identification moderates the relationship between felt obligation and cyberloafing.

Originality/value

This study explores the mechanism through which responsible leadership leads to cyberloafing through felt obligation. Apart from that, organisational identification plays a crucial moderating variable in the relationship between felt obligation and cyberloafing.
A case study of an ESOP-owned holding company: lessons learned and suggested research topics
Authors: Goldstein Daniel
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This case study presents an ESOP-owned holding company, Folience, describing the company’s history and holding company structure and strategy. The purpose is to highlight several advantages of the ESOP-owned holding company and concludes with lessons learned and suggestions for research.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study design is descriptive and relies on proprietary knowledge and observation, along with access to documents, discussions, meetings and other primary resources and interactions.

Findings

The case study highlights several advantages of the ESOP-owned holding company structure: diversification, greater access to capital, transformation of culture, sustainability and the path to convert businesses to employee ownership. It draws lessons from observations and concludes with suggestions for additional research.

Research limitations/implications

This is a single holding company case study, heavily reliant on participant observation by the author.

Practical implications

This case study describes an innovative ESOP holding company whose design may be replicable.

Social implications

The social impact is that ESOP-owned holding companies are shown to be a path for transitioning companies to being employee-owned and creating economic and cultural gains in doing so. The literature suggests that creating more employee-owned companies, and more employee owners, could have positive social and financial benefits for employees, their families and their communities.

Originality/value

This case study describes an innovative ESOP holding company whose design may be replicable. The social impact is that ESOP-owned holding companies are shown to be a path for transitioning companies to being employee-owned and creating economic and cultural gains in doing so. The literature suggests that creating more employee-owned companies, and more employee owners, could have positive social and financial benefits for employees, their families and their communities. There has been little or no focus, by case study or research, specific to the differentiation of and advantages of ESOP-owned holding companies.
An alloy-agnostic machine learning framework for process mapping in laser powder bed fusion
Authors: Wilkinson Toby , Casata Massimiliano , Barba Daniel
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to introduce an image-based method to determine the processing window for a given alloy system using laser powder bed fusion equipment based on achieving the desired melting mode across multiple materials for powder-free specimens. The method uses a convolutional neural network trained to classify different track morphologies across different alloy systems to select appropriate printing settings. This method is intended for the development of new alloy systems, where the powder feedstock may be unavailable, or prohibitively expensive to manufacture.

Design/methodology/approach

A convolutional neural network is designed from scratch to identify the 4 key melting modes that are observed in laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing across different alloy systems. To increase the prediction accuracy and generalisation accuracy across different materials, the network is trained using a novel hybrid data set that combines fully unsupervised learning with semi-supervised learning.

Findings

This study demonstrates that our convolutional network with a novel hybrid training approach can be generalised across different materials, and k-fold validation shows that the model retains good accuracy with changing training conditions. The model can predict the processing maps for the different alloys with an accuracy of up to 96% in some cases. It is also shown that powder-free single-track experiments are a useful indicator for predicting the final print quality of a component.

Originality/value

The “invariant information clustering” (IIC) approach is applied to process optimisation for additive manufacturing, and a novel hybrid data set construction approach that accounts for uncertainty in the ground truth data, enables the trained convolutional model to perform across a range of different materials and most importantly, generalise to materials outside of the training data set. Compared to the traditional cross-sectioning approach, this method considers the whole length of the single track when determining the melting mode.
Current insights into yeast application for reduction of patulin contamination in foods: A comprehensive review
Authors: Jiang Yiwei , Wu Yalan , Zheng Xiaodong , Yu Ting , Yan Fujie
Published: October 2024

Patulin, a fungal secondary metabolite with multiple toxicities, is widely existed in a variety of fruits and their products. This not only causes significant economic losses to the agricultural and food industries but also poses a serious threat to human health. Conventional techniques mainly involved physical and chemical methods present several challenges include incomplete patulin degradation, high technical cost, and fruit quality decline. In comparison, removal of mycotoxin through biodegradation is regarded as a greener and safer strategy which has become popular research. Among them, yeast has a unique advantage in detoxification effect and application, which has attracted our attention. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive account of the yeast species that can degrade patulin, degradation mechanism, current application status, and future challenges. Yeasts can efficiently convert patulin into nontoxic or low‐toxic substances through biodegradation. Alternatively, it can use physical adsorption, which has the advantages of safety, high efficiency, and environmental friendliness. Nevertheless, due to the inherent complexity of the production environment, the sole utilization of yeast as a control agent remains inherently unstable and challenging to implement on a large scale in a practical manner. Integration control, enhancement of yeast resilience, improvement of yeast cell wall adsorption capacity, and research on additional patulin‐degrading enzymes will facilitate the practical application of this approach. Furthermore, we analyzed the feasibility of the yeast commercial application in patulin reduction and provided suggestions on how to enhance its commercial value, which is of great significance for the control of mycotoxins in food products.
Rethinking the classification of non‐digestible carbohydrates: Perspectives from the gut microbiome
Authors: Fan Songtao , Zhang Zhihong , Nie Qixing , Ackah Michael , Nie Shaoping
Published: October 2024

Clarification is required when the term “carbohydrate” is used interchangeably with “saccharide” and “glycan.” Carbohydrate classification based on human digestive enzyme activities brings clarity to the energy supply function of digestible sugars and starch. However, categorizing structurally diverse non‐digestible carbohydrates (NDCs) to make dietary intake recommendations for health promotion remains elusive. In this review, we present a summary of the strengths and weaknesses of the traditional dichotomic classifications of carbohydrates, which were introduced by food chemists, nutritionists, and microbiologists. In parallel, we discuss the current consensus on commonly used terms for NDCs such as “dietary fiber,” “prebiotics,” and “fermentable glycans” and highlight their inherent differences from the perspectives of gut microbiome. Moreover, we provide a historical perspective on the development of novel concepts such as microbiota‐accessible carbohydrates, microbiota‐directed fiber, targeted prebiotics, and glycobiome. Crucially, these novel concepts proposed by multidisciplinary scholars help to distinguish the interactions between diverse NDCs and the gut microbiome. In summary, the term NDCs created based on the inability of human digestive enzymes fails to denote their interactions with gut microbiome. Considering that the gut microbiome possesses sophisticated enzyme systems to harvest diverse NDCs, the subclassification of NDCs should be realigned to their metabolism by various gut microbes, particularly health‐promoting microbes. Such rigorous categorizations facilitate the development of microbiome‐targeted therapeutic strategies by incorporating specific types of NDCs.
Chronic glycemic control influences the relationship between acute perioperative dysglycemia and perioperative outcome
Authors: Stretton Brandon , Booth Andrew E. C. , Kovoor Joshua , Gupta Aashray , Zaka Ammar , Edwards Suzanne , Barreto S. George , Maddern Guy , Bacchi Stephen , Boyd Mark
Published: October 2024

Background

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of dysglycemia on perioperative outcomes, in patients with and without diabetes, and how prior glycemic control modifies these relationships.

Methods

Consecutive surgical patients admitted to six South Australian tertiary hospitals between 2017 and 2023 were included. Blood glucose levels within 48 h pre‐ and post‐operatively were assessed in an adjusted analyses against a priori selected covariates. Dysglycemia metrics were hyperglycemia (>10.0 mmol/L), hypoglycemia (<4.0 mmol/L), glycemic variability (standard deviation of mean blood glucose >1.7 mmol/L), and stress hyperglycemic ratio (SHR). The primary outcome was hospital mortality.

Results

Of 52 145 patients, 7490 (14.4%) had recognized diabetes. Inpatient mortality was observed in 787 patients (1.5%), of which 150 (19.1%) had diabetes mellitus. Hyperglycemia was associated with increased mortality in patients with diabetes (odds ratio [OR] = 2.99, 95% CI: 1.63–5.67, p = 0.004) but not in non‐diabetics, who instead had an increased odds of intensive care unit (ICU) admission if hyperglycemic (OR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.40–2.72, p < 0.0001). Glycemic variability was associated with increased mortality in patients with diabetes (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.05–2.01, p < 0.05) but not in non‐diabetics. Preoperative glycemic control (HbA1c) attenuated both of these associations in a dose‐dependent fashion. Hypoglycemia was associated with increased mortality in non‐diabetics (OR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.92–2.37, p < 0.001) but not in patients with diabetes.

Conclusions,

In surgical patients with diabetes, prior exposure to hyperglycemia attenuates the impact of perioperative hyperglycemia and glycemic variability on inpatient mortality and ICU admission. In patients without diabetes mellitus, all absolute thresholds of dysglycemia are associated with ICU admission, unlike those with diabetes, suggesting the need to use more relative measures such as the SHR.

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Oligoasthenozoospermia is alleviated in a mouse model by [Gly14]‐humanin‐mediated attenuation of oxidative stress and ferroptosis
Authors: Liu Yumeng , Feng Qiwen , Zou Liping , Zhu Changhong , Xia Wei
Published: October 2024

Background

Oligoasthenozoospermia is a common cause of male infertility, for which effective treatments are urgently needed. Humanin (HN) is a peptide associated with this condition.

Objectives

To investigate the ameliorative effect of [Gly14]‐Humanin (HNG) on oligoasthenozoospermia and the mechanisms.

Materials and methods

Mice were treated with cyclophosphamide (CP) to construct a mice model of oligoasthenozoospermia. The resulting model mice were treated with saline or HNG. Subsequently, the testis weights, organ indices, testicular structure, sperm counts and motilities, litter sizes, and serum testosterone concentrations of the mice were determined. Differential gene expression in testicular tissues was determined by RNA sequencing. TM3, TM4, GC1, and GC2 cells were exposed to erastin to induce ferroptosis, followed by treatment with HNG or HNG + ML385 (a nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 inhibitor). Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and ferrous ions (Fe2+) were determined and their expression of ferroptosis‐related proteins was determined by immunofluorescence and western blot.

Results

The HNG treatment improved testis and sperm parameters and increased litter size and serum testosterone concentrations in model mice. Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis revealed significant differential expression of ferroptosis‐related genes. The expression of ferroptosis‐related proteins increased in testicular tissues after the HNG treatment. The concentrations of ROS, MDA, and Fe2+ decreased and the concentrations of GSH increased in testicular tissues and in TM3 and TM4 cells after HNG treatment. In vitro experiments confirmed that HNG activated the nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2/glutathione peroxidase 4 (Nrf2/GPX4) pathway. However, these effects of HNG were blocked by ML385 treatment.

Discussion and conclusion

HNG demonstrated a therapeutic effect on oligoasthenozoospermia in a mouse model by reducing oxidative stress and ferroptosis. In TM3 and TM4 cells, HNG attenuated cellular oxidative stress and inhibited ferroptosis via the Nrf2/GPX4 pathway.
Recurrence of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and De Novo Cholangiocarcinoma After Liver Transplantation: Results From the Brazilian Cholestasis Consortium
Authors: Bittencourt Paulo Lisboa , Nardelli Mateus Jorge , Barros Luísa Leite , Cançado Guilherme Grossi Lopes , Cançado Eduardo Luiz Rachid , Terrabuio Débora Raquel Benedita , Villela‐Nogueira Cristiane Alves , Ferraz Maria Lucia Gomes , Codes Liana , Rotman Vivian , Rocco Rodrigo , Felga Guilherme Eduardo , Dotta Diogo Delgado , Martins Adrielly de Souza , Mendes Liliana Sampaio Costa , da Silva Marlone Cunha , Hyppolito Elodie Bonfim , Gomide Geisa Perez Medina , Signorelli Izabelle Venturini , de Oliveira Maria Beatriz , Ivantes Claudia Alexandra Pontes , Chindamo Maria Chiara , de Almeida e Borges Valéria Ferreira , Faria Luciana Costa , Couto Claudia Alves
Published: October 2024

Background and Aim

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) has been shown to recur after liver transplantation (LT). Some studies have identified certain clinical and laboratory variables associated with an increased risk for recurrent PSC (rPSC) in Caucasians. Furthermore, de novo cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) has been reported anecdotally in patients with rPSC. This study aims to assess the prevalence of rPSC, identify its associated risk factors, and investigate the occurrence of de novo CCA in a highly admixed population from Brazil.

Methods

All patients submitted to LT for PSC enrolled in the Brazilian Cholestasis Study Group database were retrospectively reviewed for the occurrence of rPSC and de novo CCA.

Results

Ninety‐six (58 males, mean age 32 ± 13 years) patients with PSC underwent LT. After 90 (39–154) months of follow‐up (FU), rPSC was observed in 29 (30%) subjects. There were no significant associations between rPSC and age, gender, concurrent or de novo inflammatory bowel disease, MELD score at the time of LT or allograft rejection. The only factor associated with an increased risk of disease recurrence was time after LT. Although survival was decreased in patients who developed rPSC, this difference was not significant. Only one female patient developed de novo CCA after rPSC, 11 years after LT.

Conclusions

Recurrent PSC was observed in one‐third of PSC LT patients in Brazil and was associated with longer time after LT. Despite its frequency, rPSC was not associated with a higher risk of graft loss or a significant reduction in posttransplant survival.
CAV Trajectories Among Patients With No or Mild CAV at 10 Years Posttransplant
Authors: Harris Erin , Prasad Nikil , Skoll Devin , Kumar Sambhavi Sneha , Fried Justin , Topkara Veli , Raikhelkar Jayant K. , DeFilippis Ersilia M. , Latif Farhana , Yuzefpolskaya Melana , Colombo Paolo C. , Uriel Nir , Takeda Koji , Sayer Gabriel T. , Clerkin Kevin J.
Published: October 2024

Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality following heart transplantation (HT). Prior studies identified distinct CAV trajectories in the early post‐HT period with unique predictors, but the evolution of CAV in later periods is not well‐described. This study assessed the prevalence of late CAV progression and associated risk factors in HT recipients with ISHLT CAV 0/1 at 10 years post‐HT. Consecutive adult patients who underwent HT from January 2000 to December 2008 were evaluated and grouped by CAV trajectories into progressors (developed ISHLT CAV 2/3) or nonprogressors (remained ISHLT CAV 0/1). A total of 130 patients were included with a median age at angiography of 61.7 years and a median follow‐up time of 4.8 years. 8.5% progressed to CAV 2/3, while the remaining 91.5% were nonprogressors. Progression was not associated with death or retransplantation (27.3% [progressor] vs. 21.0% [nonprogressor], p = 0.70). These data may inform shared decision‐making about late CAV screening.
Persistently Low IgG2 Levels in a Subset of Patients Following Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
Authors: Fuji Shigeo , Suga Makiko , Tada Yuma , Shingai Yasuhiro , Kasahara Hidenori , Yuda Sayako , Yokota Takafumi , Ishikawa Jun
Published: October 2024

Background

Infectious diseases remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Secondary hypogammaglobulinemia is a risk factor for infectious diseases. Total immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels and the history of infectious diseases are an integral part of determining the indication for immunoglobulin replacement therapy. The clinical significance of IgG2 levels is not well established. Guidelines recommend using pathogen‐specific IgG to evaluate patients with potential secondary immunodeficiency. However, it is difficult in practice to perform such testing. IgG2 may correlate well with pathogen‐specific IgG but the clinical significance of IgG2 is not well established.

Methods

To assess the prevalence of low IgG2 levels with normal IgG after HCT, we cross‐sectionally measured the levels of several immunoglobulins, including IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgG2, after HCT, and we assessed the correlation between them.

Results

Among 121 patients who underwent cross‐sectional measurements of IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgG2 levels after HCT, 114 had normal IgG2 levels (normal IgG2 group, ≥ 100 mg/dL) and 7 had low IgG2 levels (low IgG2 group, < 100 mg/dL). These 7 patients were allogeneic HCT recipients. All 7 patients with low IgG2 had cGVHD and 4/7 patients had normal total IgG levels.

Conclusion

IgG2 levels may be low even in patients with normal IgG levels years after allogeneic HCT. Therefore, our study suggests that when patients develop infectious diseases, especially multiple episodes, it is recommended to measure IgG2 levels to exclude the possibility of secondary hypogammaglobulinemia after allogeneic HCT.
Efficacy and safety of cofrogliptin once every 2 weeks in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase 3 trial
Authors: Gao Leili , Bian Fang , Pan Tianrong , Jiang Hongwei , Feng Bo , Jiang Chengxia , Sun Jia , Xiao Jianzhong , Yan Pangke , Ji Linong
Published: October 2024

Aim

We conducted a multicentre, randomized phase 3 trial in China to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cofrogliptin (HSK7653), a novel long‐acting dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, in patients with drug‐naïve type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Materials and Methods

Patients with inadequately controlled T2D were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to cofrogliptin 10 mg, cofrogliptin 25 mg or placebo, taken orally once every 2 weeks for a 24‐week double‐blind period. Eligible patients then received cofrogliptin 25 mg in a 28‐week open‐label extension. The primary endpoint was the change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline to week 24.

Results

In total, 475 patients (median age: 54.0 years) were randomized and received at least one dose of cofrogliptin 10 mg (n = 158), cofrogliptin 25 mg (n = 158) or placebo (n = 159); 401 patients entered the open‐label extension. At week 24, the least‐squares (LS) mean difference (95% confidence interval [CI]) in HbA1c versus placebo was −0.63% (−0.81, −0.46) with cofrogliptin 10 mg and −0.59% (−0.77, −0.42) with cofrogliptin 25 mg (both p < 0.0001). The LS mean (standard error) change in HbA1c from baseline was maintained at the end of the study in patients given open‐label cofrogliptin 25 mg for an additional 28 weeks: cofrogliptin 10 mg: −0.86% (0.07); cofrogliptin 25 mg: −0.74% (0.07); placebo: −0.89% (0.07). Over the entire study, common adverse events were hyperuricaemia, hyperlipidaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, increased lipase, upper respiratory tract infection and urinary tract infection. Hypoglycaemic events did not significantly differ between groups.

Conclusions

Cofrogliptin provided glycaemic control over 52 weeks and was generally well tolerated in patients with T2D.

Clinical Trial Registration

Registered on Clinicaltrials.gov with the registration number NCT04556851 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04556851).
Landscape Heterogeneity and Environmental Dynamics Improve Predictions of Establishment Success of Colonising Small Founding Populations
Authors: Pili Arman N. , Schumaker Nathan H. , Camacho‐Cervantes Morelia , Tingley Reid , Chapple David G.
Published: October 2024

In long‐distance dispersal events, colonising species typically begin with a small number of founding individuals. A growing body of research suggests that establishment success of small founding populations can be determined by the context of the colonisation event and the new environment. Here, we illuminate the importance of these sources of context dependence. Using a spatially explicit, temporally dynamic, mechanistic, individual‐based simulator of a model amphibian species, the cane toad (Rhinella marina), we simulated colonisation scenarios to investigate how (1) the number of founding individuals, (2) the number of dispersal events, (3) landscape's spatial composition and configuration of habitats (‘spatially heterogeneous landscapes’) and (4) the timing of arrival with regards to dynamic environmental conditions (‘dynamic environmental conditions’) influence the establishment success of small founding populations. We analysed the dynamic effects of these predictors on establishment success using running‐window logistic regression models. We showed establishment success increases with the number of founding individuals, whereas the number of dispersal events had a weak effect. At ≥ 20 founding individuals, propagule size swamps the effects of other factors, to whereby establishment success is near‐certain (≥ 90%). But below this level, confidence in establishment success dramatically decreases as number of founding individuals decreases. At low numbers of founding individuals, the prominent predictors are landscape spatial heterogeneity and dynamic environmental conditions. For instance, compared to the annual mean, founding populations with ≤ 5 individuals have up to 18% higher establishment success when they arrive in ‘packed’ landscapes with relatively limited and clustered essential habitats and right before the breeding season. Accounting for landscape spatial heterogeneity and dynamic environmental conditions is integral in understanding and predicting population establishment and species colonisation. This additional complexity is necessary for advancing biogeographical theory and its application, such as in guiding species reintroduction efforts and invasive alien species management.
Efficacy of Tegoprazan‐Containing Sequential Eradication Treatment Compared to Esomeprazole‐Containing Sequential Eradication of Helicobacter pylori in South Korea, a Region With High Antimicrobial Resistance: A Prospective, Randomized, Single Tertiary Center Study
Authors: Lee Jung Won , Kim Nayoung , Lee Jongchan , Jo So Young , Lee Dong Ho
Published: October 2024

Background

Treatment with potassium‐competitive acid blockers has shown acceptable efficacy in Helicobacter pylori eradication. In regions like Korea, where the clarithromycin resistance rate is high, alternative combinations like non‐bismuth quadruple therapies have shown favorable results. This study compared the outcomes of sequential eradication therapy with new potassium‐competitive acid blocker tegoprazan and conventional esomeprazole‐containing sequential therapy.

Materials and Methods

Patients with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection were consecutively recruited. Patients were allocated to either an esomeprazole‐containing sequential or a tegoprazan‐containing sequential therapy group. Sequential therapy comprised esomeprazole (40 mg) or tegoprazan (50 mg) plus amoxicillin (1000 mg) twice daily for the initial 5 days, followed by esomeprazole (40 mg) or tegoprazan (50 mg) with clarithromycin (500 mg) and metronidazole (500 mg) twice daily for the remaining 5 days. Eradication rate, compliance, and adverse events were recorded.

Results

A total of 406 patients with H. pylori infection were enrolled in the trial and analyzed per protocol. Eradication rate by intention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol was 83.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 78.7–88.9) for esomeprazole‐containing sequential therapy, and 87.1% (95% CI: 82.5–91.8) for tegoprazan‐containing sequential therapy, with no statistical significance (p = 0.399). Additionally, there was no statistically significant difference in treatment compliance between the two groups. Nausea was more prevalent (23.3%, 27/202) with sequential tegoprazans than with esomeprazole‐containing sequential therapy (14.2%, 29/204; p = 0.022).

Conclusion

Tegoprazan‐containing 10‐day sequential eradication treatment demonstrated similar eradication efficacy compared to esomeprazole‐containing treatment, even in regions with high antimicrobial resistance, such as Korea.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06382493
Reversible photochromism and photoluminescence modulation in (K,Na)NbO3‐based ceramics via oxygen vacancy regulation
Authors: Yang Bin , Zhang Tao , Zhang Hejin , Irshad Muhammad Sultan , Guo Jinming
Published: October 2024

Most of the optical behaviors in photoelectric multifunctional ceramics strongly depend on the addition of rare‐earth elements. However, the limited species of rare‐earth cations available as luminescence centers restrict the further development of photoelectric devices. Additionally, introducing the large atomic‐radii elements usually dramatically deteriorates the piezoelectric properties. Herein, the novel photochromism and luminescence modulation properties have been realized in CuO‐doped [(K0.43Na0.57)0.94Li0.06][(Nb0.94Sb0.06)0.95Ta0.05]O3 (KNLNST) piezoelectric ceramics which show intense sensitivity to visible‐light irradiation. As a strategy for regulating oxygen vacancy concentrations in piezoelectric ceramics, different CuO amounts are doped to generate color centers for photochromism. The photoluminescence phenomenon exhibiting green emission under 375 nm excitation is observed in KNLNST piezoelectric ceramics, which is most commonly realized via rare‐earth doping in luminescent materials. KNLNST–0.3CuO ceramics with the highest oxygen vacancy concentration achieve a reversible luminescence modulation of 46.9% by altering light irradiation and thermal stimulus. Moreover, a hand‐rewritable optical information test demonstrates exceptional reproducibility and fatigue durability. This research displays the controllable photochromism and luminescence behaviors in ceramics via regulating oxygen vacancy concentration by CuO “hard” doping. The lead‐free high performance photoelectric ceramics fulfill the demands of potential applications in anti‐counterfeiting and optical storage devices.
A controlled study: Evaluating the clinical impact of a nurse‐centred multidisciplinary hospice care model on anxiety, depression, and quality of life in patients with advanced malignant tumours
Authors: Liu Xueshuang , Kang Jing , Lv Jie , Ding Shu
Published: October 2024

Objective

To explore the clinical effect of a nurse‐centred multidisciplinary collaborative hospice care model in patients with advanced malignant tumours.

Methods

A total of 30 patients with advanced malignant tumours were hospitalised and randomly divided into a study group and a control group, each consisting of 15 cases. The study group received nurse‐led multidisciplinary collaborative hospice care, whereas the control group underwent high‐quality nursing intervention. Variables such as the self‐rating anxiety scale (SAS) score, self‐rating depression scale (SDS) score, quality of life scale (EORTC QLQ‐C30) score, patient happiness, and nursing satisfaction were compared between the two groups.

Results

Post‐intervention, the SAS and SDS scores in the study group were lower than those in the control group (p < 0.01). The overall quality of life score of the study group was higher than that of the control group (p < 0.01). The Memorial University of Newfoundland Scale of Happiness scores in the study group also surpassed those of the control group (p < 0.01). Additionally, nursing satisfaction in the study group exceeded that of the control group (p = 0.027).

Conclusion

The nurse‐led multidisciplinary collaborative hospice care model substantially alleviated negative emotions among patients, effectively improved their quality of life and happiness, and garnered positive evaluations of nursing satisfaction.
The financial impact of participant attrition from randomised trials: a case‐study from the Occupational Therapist Intervention Study (OTIS)
Authors: Gkekas Athanasios , Ronaldson Sarah , Parker Adwoa , Torgerson David
Published: October 2024

Rationale

Loss to follow‐up of participants can compromise the statistical validity of randomised trials. Moreover, it can have financial consequences for trial teams and funders. This study explores the Occupational Therapist Intervention Study (OTIS) where, despite a withdrawal rate of less than 10%, the trial team incurred opportunity costs related to participants who were initially recruited but subsequently decided to withdraw from the trial.

Aims and Objectives

To estimate the cost of participant losses to follow‐up in the OTIS trial and thus introduce a costing framework to research teams on how they could estimate the opportunity costs of participant withdrawal from their randomised trials.

Methods

The participants lost to follow‐up are differentiated by (1) the time point at which they were lost to follow‐up; (2) the treatment group they were allocated to; (3) their response patters to follow‐up questionnaires; these elements were considered to identify the relevant types of attrition. Protocol‐driven costs of trial materials, including administration, print, and shipping, were gathered. We calculated unit costs for each type of attrition by multiplying protocol‐driven and intervention costs with the relevant number of participants. Summing up unit costs by type of loss to follow‐up yields aggregate figures, enabling the estimation of aggregate and average opportunity costs of attrition.

Results

The average cost per participant loss to follow‐up in the OTIS trial is £93.39. The aggregate cost of participant loss to follow‐up is £9,712.45 from the economic perspective of the trial team. Therefore, 1.35% of the allocated funding has been misallocated because of participant loss to follow‐up.

Conclusion

Despite the low attrition rate of the OTIS trial, loss to follow‐up has still generated considerable opportunity costs. It is recommended that decision makers focus on identifying strategies which could improve participant retention in randomised trials to optimise their budget.
Fatherhood in the context of preterm birth: A narrative review of contemporary research evidence
Authors: Le Driant Barbara , Hamon Emeline
Published: October 2024

Long focused on maternal roles in infancy, research is now exploring fathers' contributions to child development. Current public policy emphasizes early prevention and intervention for child and parent well‐being, especially for at‐risk infants such as those born prematurely. A literature review was conducted following the approach of a narrative review, to examine fatherhood in the context of preterm birth, highlighting the stress and emotional vulnerability experienced by fathers of preterm infants. Promoting early paternal presence and involvement in infant care helps fathers cope with this emotionally challenging experience. Despite limited data on premature fatherhood, fathers are active partners in dyadic interactions and play a significant role in their infant's neonatal intensive care unit journey and family dynamics. The discussion underscores the importance of father‐focused interventions and the paternal contribution to child development, framed within the authors' proposed integrative and developmental model of the family triad.