bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magmatic‐hydrothermal Evolution and Mineralization Mechanisms of the Wangjiazhuang Cu (‐Mo) Deposit in the Zouping Volcanic Basin, Shandong Province, China: Constraints from Fluid Inclusions
Authors: SHU Lei , YANG Renchao , SHEN Kun , YANG Deping , MAO Guangzhou , LI Min , LIU Pengrui , MA Xiaodong
Published: December 2023

The Wangjiazhuang Cu (‐Mo) deposit, located within the Zouping volcanic basin in western Shandong Province, China, is unique in this area for having an economic value. In order to expound the metallogenetic characteristics of this porphyry‐like hydrothermal deposit, a detailed fluid inclusion study has been conducted, employing the techniques of representative sampling, fluid inclusion petrography, microthermometry, Raman spectroscopy, LA‐ICP‐MS analysis of single fluid inclusions, as well as cathode fluorescence spectrometer analysis of host mineral quartz. The deposit contains mainly two types of orebodies, i.e. veinlet‐dissemination‐stockwork orebodies in the K‐Si alteration zone and pegmatitic‐quartz sulfide veins above them. In addition, minor breccia ore occurs locally. Four types of fluid inclusions in the deposit and altered quartz monzonite are identified: L‐type one‐ or two‐phase aqueous inclusions, V‐type vapor‐rich inclusions with V/L ratios greater than 50%–90%, D‐type multiphase fluid inclusions containing daughter minerals or solids and S‐type silicate‐bearing fluid inclusions containing mainly muscovite and biotite. Ore petrography and fluid inclusion study has revealed a three‐stage mineralization process, driven by magmatic‐hydrothermal fluid activity, as follows. Initially, a hydrothermal fluid, separated from the parent magma, infiltrated into the quartz monzonite, resulting in its extensive K‐Si alteration, as indicated by silicate‐bearing fluid inclusions trapped in altered quartz monzonite. This is followed by the early mineralization, the formation of quartz veinlets and dissemination‐stockwork ores. During the main mineralization stage, due to the participation and mixing of meteoric groundwater with magmatic‐sourced hydrothermal fluid, the cooling and phase separation caused deposition of metals from the hydrothermal fluids. As a result, the pegmatitic‐quartz sulfide‐vein ores formed. In the late mineralization stage, decreasing fluid salinity led to the formation of L‐type aqueous inclusions and chalcopyrite‐sulfosalt ore. Coexistence of V‐type and D‐type inclusions and their similar homogenization temperatures with different homogenization modes suggest that phase separation or boiling of the ore‐forming fluids took place during the early and the main mineralization stages. The formation P‐T conditions of S‐type inclusions and the early and the main mineralization stages were estimated as ca. 156–182 MPa and 450–650°C, 350–450°C, 18–35 MPa and 280–380°C, 8–15 MPa, respectively, based on the microthermometric data of the fluid inclusions formed at the individual stages.
Conserved infections and reproductive phenotypes of Wolbachia symbionts in Asian tortrix moths
Authors: Arai Hiroshi , Ueda Masatoshi , Hirano Tatsuya , Akizuki Naoya , Lin Shiou‐Ruei , Hanh Duong Kieu , Widada Jaka , Rohman Muhammad Saifur , Nakai Madoka , Kunimi Yasuhisa , Vang Le Van , Wijonarko Arman , Inoue Maki N.
Published: December 2023

Wolbachia is a ubiquitous endosymbiotic bacterium that manipulates insect reproduction. A notable feature of Wolbachia is male killing (MK), whereby sons of infected females are killed during development; however, the evolutionary processes by which Wolbachia acquired the MK ability remain unclear. The tea tortrix moth Homona magnanima (Tortricidae) harbours three non‐MK Wolbachia strains (wHm‐a, wHm‐b and wHm‐c) and an MK strain wHm‐t. Although wHm‐t and wHm‐c are closely related, only wHm‐t has an MK‐associated prophage region. To understand the evolutionary processes underlying the emergence of MK wHm‐t, we examined Wolbachia infections and phenotypes in 62 tortricid species collected from 39 localities across Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam and Indonesia. PCR assays detected wHm‐c relatives in 51 species and triple infection of wHm‐a, wHm‐b and wHm‐c in 31 species. Apart from Taiwanese H. magnanima, no species exhibited the MK phenotype and were positive for the wHm‐t‐specific prophage. While wHm‐t infection was dominant in Taiwanese H. magnanima, wHm‐a, wHm‐b and wHm‐c were dominant in Japanese H. magnanima populations. These results suggest that wHm‐a, wHm‐b and wHm‐c strains descended from a common ancestor with repeated infection loss and that wHm‐t evolved from the wHm‐c acquiring MK ability in allopatric populations of H. magnanima.
Relationship between the severity of emphysematous change in the lung and morbidity after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer: A retrospective study on a novel strategy for risk prediction
Authors: Horinouchi Tomo , Yoshida Naoya , Shiraishi Shinya , Hara Yoshihiro , Matsumoto Chihiro , Toihata Tasuku , Kosumi Keisuke , Harada Kazuto , Eto Kojiro , Ogawa Katsuhiro , Sawayama Hiroshi , Iwatsuki Masaaki , Baba Yoshifumi , Miyamoto Yuji , Baba Hideo
Published: December 2023

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) prevalence increases post‐esophagectomy morbidity. However, the association between COPD severity and post‐esophagectomy morbidity remains unclear because of the lack of an objective method to classify COPD severity. Low attenuation volume ratio (LAVR) estimated using Ziostation2 may reflect the extent of emphysematous changes in the lungs and COPD severity, thereby predicting post‐esophagectomy morbidity.

Methods

A total of 776 patients who underwent curative McKeown esophagectomy for esophageal cancer between April 2005 and June 2021 were included. The patients were divided into high and low preoperative LAVR groups. Short‐term outcomes between the groups were compared for patients who underwent open esophagectomy (OE) and minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE).

Results

A total of 219 (28%) patients were classified into the high LAVR group. High LAVR was significantly associated with disadvantageous patient characteristics such as advanced age, heavy smoking, and impaired respiratory function. Patients with high LAVR had a significantly higher incidence of severe morbidity and pneumonia after OE. High LAVR was an independent risk factor for severe morbidity (odds ratio [OR], 2.52; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.237–5.143; p = 0.011) and pneumonia (OR, 2.12; 95% CI: 1.003–4.493; p = 0.049) after OE. Meanwhile, LAVR was not correlated with the incidence of post‐MIE morbidity.

Conclusions

LAVR may reflect COPD severity and predict severe morbidity and pneumonia after OE, but not after MIE. Less invasiveness of MIE may alleviate the effects of various disadvantageous backgrounds associated with high LAVR on worse short‐term outcomes.
Cardiopulmonary bypass management and acute kidney injury in cardiac surgery patients
Authors: Barbu Mikael , Hjärpe Anders , Martinsson Andreas , Dellgren Göran , Ricksten Sven‐Erik , Lannemyr Lukas , Pivodic Aldina , Taha Amar , Jeppsson Anders
Published: December 2023

Background

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) ensures tissue oxygenation during cardiac surgery. New technology allows continuous registration of CPB variables during the operation. The aim of the present investigation was to study the association between CPB management and the risk of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI).

Methods

This observational study based on prospectively registered data included 2661 coronary artery bypass grafting and/or valve patients operated during 2016–2020. Individual patient characteristics and postoperative outcomes collected from the SWEDEHEART registry were merged with CPB variables automatically registered every 20 s during CPB. Associations between CPB variables and AKI were analyzed with multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for patient characteristics.

Results

In total, 387 patients (14.5%) developed postoperative AKI. After adjustments, longer time on CPB and aortic cross‐clamp, periods of compromised blood flow during aortic cross‐clamp time, and lower nadir hematocrit were associated with the risk of AKI, while mean blood flow, bladder temperature, central venous pressure, and mixed venous oxygen saturation were not. Patient characteristics independently associated with AKI were advanced age, higher body mass index, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, lower left ventricular ejection fraction, estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 or >90 mL/min/m2, and preoperative hemoglobin concentration below or above the normal sex‐specific range.

Conclusions

To reduce the risk of AKI after cardiac surgery, aortic clamp time and CPB time should be kept short, and low hematocrit and periods of compromised blood flow during aortic cross‐clamp time should be avoided if possible.
Edaphic conditions affect plant life‐history trait syndromes in a tropical ancient biodiverse ecosystem
Authors: Gomes Vanessa M. , Renton Michael , Riviera Fiamma , Hobbs Richard J. , Aguilar Ramiro , Fernandes Geraldo Wilson
Published: December 2023

A functional approach to understand natural plant communities helps elucidate the dynamics of environmental filters and community assembly. Species classification into functional groups allows the translation of ecological complexity into simplified and applicable knowledge. Here, we developed a plant functional type (PFT) system to investigate whether functional structure (PFT composition and abundance) of plant communities varies between substrate types and plant physiognomies in an old climatically buffered infertile landscape (OCBIL), namely Brazilian campo rupestre. We sampled the herbaceous and shrubby vegetation and collected soil variables in four different plant physiognomies growing in quartzitic and ferruginous substrates. We classified the sampled species according to life‐history traits related to species persistence, reproduction, and biological interactions. Functional dissimilarity among plant physiognomies and the two substrate types and the role of soil factors affecting the dissimilarities were assessed. Pollination and seed dispersal syndromes, mycorrhizal association, and reproductive phenology were the main traits defining the PFTs. We found distinct functional structure between plant communities of different substrates and physiognomies, with a marked influence of chemical and physical soil factors. Also, we defined main PFTs profiles for each physiognomy, identifying core PFTs with basic combinations of traits, common to all or almost all physiognomies. The functional perspective proposed by this study provides applicable knowledge to the restoration and conservation of campo rupestre ecosystem, reinforcing the importance of habitat heterogeneity for maintaining its functioning.
Did the 2021 federal change in the practice guidelines for the administration of buprenorphine for treating opioid use disorder increase buprenorphine prescription dispensing in Medicaid population?
Authors: Qian Jingjing , Khatiwada Asmita P. , Xue Xiangzhong
Published: December 2023

Background and Objectives

In April 2021, the Department of Health and Human Services released new federal practice guidelines and allowed physicians who wish to treat ≤30 patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) to forego the X‐waiver training requirement.

Methods

This observational study compared annual number, dose, and spending of buprenorphine OUD treatments dispensed in the Medicaid population in 2021 versus 2020 using the CMS State Drug Utilization Data (n = 50 states plus D.C.).

Results

Compared to 2020, there was a slight decrease (−3.1%) in the annual number of buprenorphine prescriptions dispensed but an increase in total doses (+3.2%) and payment (10.6%) for buprenorphine prescriptions in 2021.

Discussion and Conclusions

Decrease in number of buprenorphine prescriptions in Medicaid population was observed in 2021.

Scientific Significance

Our findings support the hypothesis generation in which the removal of X‐waiver training alone is not adequate to increase prescribing and access to OUD treatment buprenorphine.
Calcinosis universalis accompanied by symptomatic systemic sclerosis
Authors: Geng Shiling , Zhang Yihua , Gong Ting , Ji Chao
Published: December 2023

Calcinosis cutis is represented by the deposition of insoluble calcium salts in the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Calcinosis can lead to repeated episodes of local inflammation and repeated infections, resulting in pain and functional disability, and even death. Here, we present a case of a patient with SSc who experienced calcinosis universalis and eventually died from recurrent infections at the sacrococcygeal calcification.
Intravitreal anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor therapy for retinal diseases in Norway from 2011 to 2021: A combined registry and survey study
Authors: Husum Yngvil Solheim , Bråten Ragnhild Haugli , Sæther Erik Magnus , Moe Morten Carstens , Kristiansen Ivar Sønbø , Jørstad Øystein Kalsnes
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To investigate the use of intravitreal anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (anti‐VEGF) therapy in Norway from 2011 to 2021 and explore how the eye departments organized their injection services.

Methods

We combined data from the Norwegian Patient Registry (NPR) with survey responses from Norway's 22 eye departments. The NPR data encompassed all registered intravitreal injection episodes from 2011 to 2021. The survey contained questions about local treatment practices and emphasized neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD), retinal vein occlusion and diabetic macular edema.

Results

A total of 47247 unique patients received 841 646 intravitreal injections in the study period. The number of patients per year increased from 6522 in 2011 to 20 635 in 2021. The number of injections per year increased from 30 926 in 2011 to 125 258 in 2021. The most frequent diagnosis was nAMD. In 2021, the age‐adjusted treatment activity in Norway's 11 counties ranged from 47.8 to 75.5 injections per 1000 inhabitants aged ≥50 years. The use of aflibercept gradually exceeded bevacizumab, but the aflibercept proportion per county ranged from 38 to 82% in 2021. The survey revealed varying treatment practices, local guidelines were often absent, and only half of the departments defined a lower visual limit for initiating or maintaining treatment.

Conclusion

The use of intravitreal anti‐VEGF therapy increased considerably from 2011 to 2021, but there was considerable regional variation in treatment activity, drug utilization and organization of injection services. These findings emphasize the need for strengthened governance and national guidelines to ensure equal treatment nationally.
ERG potassium channels and T‐type calcium channels contribute to the pacemaker and atrioventricular conduction in zebrafish larvae
Authors: Salgado‐Almario Jussep , Molina Yillcer , Vicente Manuel , Martínez‐Sielva Antonio , Rodríguez‐García Raúl , Vincent Pierre , Domingo Beatriz , Llopis Juan
Published: December 2023

Aim

Bradyarrhythmias result from inhibition of automaticity, prolonged repolarization, or slow conduction in the heart. The ERG channels mediate the repolarizing current IKr in the cardiac action potential, whereas T‐type calcium channels (TTCC) are involved in the sinoatrial pacemaker and atrioventricular conduction in mammals. Zebrafish have become a valuable research model for human cardiac electrophysiology and disease. Here, we investigate the contribution of ERG channels and TTCCs to the pacemaker and atrioventricular conduction in zebrafish larvae and determine the mechanisms causing atrioventricular block.

Methods

Zebrafish larvae expressing ratiometric fluorescent Ca2+ biosensors in the heart were used to measure Ca2+ levels and rhythm in beating hearts in vivo, concurrently with contraction and hemodynamics. The atrioventricular delay (the time between the start of atrial and ventricular Ca2+ transients) was used to measure impulse conduction velocity and distinguished between slow conduction and prolonged refractoriness as the cause of the conduction block.

Results

ERG blockers caused bradycardia and atrioventricular block by prolonging the refractory period in the atrioventricular canal and in working ventricular myocytes. In contrast, inhibition of TTCCs caused bradycardia and second‐degree block (Mobitz type I) by slowing atrioventricular conduction. TTCC block did not affect ventricular contractility, despite being highly expressed in cardiomyocytes. Concomitant measurement of Ca2+ levels and ventricular size showed mechano‐mechanical coupling: increased preload resulted in a stronger heart contraction in vivo.

Conclusion

ERG channels and TTCCs influence the heart rate and atrioventricular conduction in zebrafish larvae. The zebrafish lines expressing Ca2+ biosensors in the heart allow us to investigate physiological feedback mechanisms and complex arrhythmias.
Letters to stakeholders: An emerging phenomenon of multi‐stakeholder engagement
Authors: Civera Chiara , Cortese Damiano , Dmytriyev Sergiy , Freeman R. Edward
Published: December 2023

We explore a new phenomenon of multi‐stakeholder orientation and engagement in corporate communication: letters to stakeholders. By applying content, semantic, and quantitative analyses to standardized corporate communication among the 100 largest multinational companies worldwide, our study reveals that approximately one‐third of the examined companies have begun to utilize what could be considered letters to stakeholders. We demonstrate that letters to stakeholders adopt a multi‐stakeholder orientation, which describes the ability to speak a language that is widely comprehensible by a diverse audience. Letters to stakeholders are positively related to firm willingness to display multi‐stakeholder engagement activities by embracing stakeholder recognition, support, and dialog. Our findings position letters to stakeholders as a promising tool for and approach to corporate communication that improves the legitimacy and moral consideration of stakeholders.
Children's structural thinking about social inequities
Authors: Zhang Marianna Y. , Sullivan J. Nicky , Markman Ellen M. , Roberts Steven O.
Published: December 2023

Across development, young children reason about why social inequities exist. However, when left to their own devices, young children might engage in internal thinking, reasoning that the inequity is simply a justified disparity explained by features internal to social groups (e.g., genetics, intellect, abilities, values). Internal thinking could lead them to support and reinforce the inequity (e.g., by blaming the disadvantaged). In contrast, structural thinking, which appeals to relatively stable features external to social groups (e.g., environments, policies, economic systems), could lead to more prosocial outcomes (e.g., support for social interventions). While researchers have examined adolescents' and adults' structural thinking about social inequities, in this article, we review recent research that suggests that even children as young as 5 can engage in structural thinking. We conclude with suggestions for future studies, particularly research related to how to foster young children's structural thinking in the context of real‐world social inequities.
Transitional support interventions for care leavers: A scoping review
Authors: Feather Julie , Allen Dan , Crompton Rhian , Jones Zoey , Christiansen Angela , Butler Gavin
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this scoping review was to identify and map knowledge on different types of transitional support interventions currently available to support transition to independent living for care leavers. An extensive search using four research databases was undertaken, resulting in 36 relevant articles for inclusion. Findings were organised thematically into four broad areas: (1) Extended care; (2) A Helping Relationship; (3) Family; and (4) Employment, Education and Training. Findings show that offering a combination of targeted interventions can contribute to a more successful transition. Effective relationship‐based practices are critical to the success of transitional support interventions.
Is an uncomplicated postoperative recovery following total pelvic exenteration a more important prognostic factor than achieving R0 in the first 2 years?
Authors: Ralston Charlotte , Hainsworth Alison , de Naurois Julien , Schizas Alexis , George Mark
Published: December 2023

Aim

Total pelvic exenteration (TPE) can achieve an R0 resection in locally advanced and recurrent rectal cancer (LARC and RRC) and remains the only curative option. The resultant high morbidity creates prolonged complex recoveries, rendering patients unfit for adjuvant chemotherapy. This study aims to evaluate the impact of this on overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) as it has not been studied previously.

Method

This is a retrospective single‐centre study from 2017 to 2021 evaluating patients with LARC or RRC who underwent a curative TPE. Demographics, oncological history, perioperative data [using Clavien–Dindo (CD) scoring], disease recurrence and mortality were analysed using multivariate Cox regression to assess the impact of variables on DFS and OS.

Results

A total of 120 patients were included with a median follow‐up of 3 years. 28% of patients received adjuvant chemotherapy, 27.5% had surgical follow‐up and 44% missed systemic treatment. Missed treatment was predominantly due to prolonged recovery or poor performance status (59%). Patients who missed adjuvant chemotherapy experienced significantly higher CD scores (p = 0.0031), reintervention rates (p=0.0056) and further related surgeriesp (p = 0.0314). Missing adjuvant chemotherpy is a significant factor for poorer survival, with almost a three times higher mortality (p=0.0096, hazard ratio 2.7). R status was not a significant factor for OS following multivariate analysis (p = 0.336), indicating that another factor has an impact on survival within the first 2 years.

Conclusions

In the initial 2 years after exenteration, an uncomplicated postoperative recovery allows for the delivery of adjuvant chemotherapy, prolonging survival. R0/R1 status was not the main prognostic factor. Longer follow‐up and further multivariate analysis may influence decisions about aggressive R0 resection balanced against the patient being fit for chemotherapy postoperatively.
Hyperbolic discounting and state‐dependent commitment
Authors: Ogawa Takayuki , Ohno Hiroaki
Published: December 2023

In a stochastic economy with uninsurable endowment risk, we establish a condition under which hyperbolic‐discounting consumers commit to a future consumption path using both illiquid assets and borrowing constraints as commitment devices. There is the possibility that a state‐dependent commitment can be adopted as an equilibrium consumption strategy. On a path leading to low future endowment, the current self can commit to its own optimal consumption path, which is undesirable for future selves. In contrast, along the path with a high future endowment, the current self cannot make a commitment and must accept a consumption allocation that future selves will revise. Thus, depending on what stochastic state will arise, people cannot fully utilize the available commitment devices in risky situations.
Comparative approaches in social network ecology
Authors: Albery Gregory F. , Bansal Shweta , Silk Matthew J.
Published: December 2023

Social systems vary enormously across the animal kingdom, with important implications for ecological and evolutionary processes such as infectious disease dynamics, anti‐predator defence, and the evolution of cooperation. Comparing social network structures between species offers a promising route to help disentangle the ecological and evolutionary processes that shape this diversity. Comparative analyses of networks like these are challenging and have been used relatively little in ecology, but are becoming increasingly feasible as the number of empirical datasets expands. Here, we provide an overview of multispecies comparative social network studies in ecology and evolution. We identify a range of advancements that these studies have made and key challenges that they face, and we use these to guide methodological and empirical suggestions for future research. Overall, we hope to motivate wider publication and analysis of open social network datasets in animal ecology.
Natural history of rare diseases using natural language processing of narrative unstructured electronic health records: The example of Dravet syndrome
Authors: Lo Barco Tommaso , Garcelon Nicolas , Neuraz Antoine , Nabbout Rima
Published: December 2023

Objective

The increasing implementation of electronic health records allows the use of advanced text‐mining methods for establishing new patient phenotypes and stratification, and for revealing outcome correlations. In this study, we aimed to explore the electronic narrative clinical reports of a cohort of patients with Dravet syndrome (DS) longitudinally followed at our center, to identify the capacity of this methodology to retrace natural history of DS during the early years.

Methods

We used a document‐based clinical data warehouse employing natural language processing to recognize the phenotype concepts in the narrative medical reports. We included patients with DS who have a medical report produced before the age of 2 years and a follow‐up after the age of 3 years (“DS cohort,” 56 individuals). We selected two control populations, a “general control cohort” (275 individuals) and a “neurological control cohort” (281 individuals), with similar characteristics in terms of gender, number of reports, and age at last report. To find concepts specifically associated with DS, we performed a phenome‐wide association study using Cox regression, comparing the reports of the three cohorts. We then performed a qualitative analysis of the surviving concepts based on their median age at first appearance.

Results

A total of 76 concepts were prevalent in the reports of children with DS. Concepts appearing during the first 2 years were mostly related with the epilepsy features at the onset of DS (convulsive and prolonged seizures triggered by fever, often requiring in‐hospital care). Subsequently, concepts related to new types of seizures and to drug resistance appeared. A series of non‐seizure‐related concepts emerged after the age of 2–3 years, referring to the nonseizure comorbidities classically associated with DS.

Significance

The extraction of clinical terms by narrative reports of children with DS allows outlining the known natural history of this rare disease in early childhood. This original model of “longitudinal phenotyping” could be applied to other rare and very rare conditions with poor natural history description.
Post‐mortem ultrasonographic and computed tomographic features of the anatomical variations and acquired pathological bony changes of the lumbosacroiliac region in a mixed population of horses
Authors: Scilimati Nicola , Beccati Francesca , Pepe Marco , Angeli Giovanni , Dall'Aglio Cecilia , Di Meo Antonio
Published: December 2023

Background

Transrectal ultrasonography is the best technique for evaluating the ventral aspect of the lumbosacral and sacroiliac regions yet this diagnostic technique does not always lead to a final diagnosis of back pain in horses.

Objectives

To describe anatomical variations and acquired pathological bony changes (APBCs) in the lumbosacral and sacroiliac regions detected by ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) examinations on specimens. We hypothesised that age, body mass, previous use and anatomical variations may be correlated with the presence and/or severity of APBCs.

Study design

Descriptive cadaver study.

Methods

Lumbosacroiliac specimens were obtained from 51 horses that died or were euthanised for reasons other than the study and underwent US and CT examinations post‐mortem.

Results

Forty‐two specimens were analysed. The most prevalent lumbosacral disc morphology was type 2 (21/42), and protrusions were found in 15/42 specimens. Abnormal echogenicity of the L5‐L6 and lumbosacral discs was detected in 11/42 and 30/42 specimens, respectively. Abnormalities in the size of the L5‐L6 disc were found in 10/42 specimens and correlated with promontorium localisation (Cramér's V coefficient [V] = 0.42) and lumbosacral disc morphology (type 1: V = 0.41; type 5: V = 0.69). The most prevalent orientation of the L6 spinous process (SP) was convergent (24/42). The promontoria were mostly located between L6 and S1 (36/42). Lumbosacral spondylosis was detected in 24/42 specimens and spondylolisthesis in one. Age was associated with the severity of APBCs in the sacroiliac joints, lumbosacral intertransverse joints, articular process joints, spondylosis and L6 or S1 bone plate irregularities. Lumbosacral spondylosis or L6 extremitas caudalis irregularity was associated with lumbosacral angulation, variability in the size of the L5‐L6 disc and localisation of the promontorium, L6 SP orientation and L6 extremitas caudalis irregularity with abnormal echogenicity of the LS disc.

Main limitations

Lack of information on clinical signs.

Conclusions

High variability and prevalence of the anatomical variations and APBCs in the lumbosacroiliac region were observed, and correlations between some anatomical variations and APBCs and between APBCs and age were reported.
Fatigue reliability assessment of load‐carrying cruciform welded joints with undercuts and misalignments
Authors: Song Wei , Man Zheng , Xu Jie , Fan Yu , Xia Xiaolei , He Min , Zhou Guangtao , Berto Filippo
Published: December 2023

The additional local stress concentration caused by undercut and misaligned defects could lead to lower fatigue strength of welded joints. The paper aims to investigate the effects of undercuts and misalignments on fatigue performance and reliability of Load‐carrying Cruciform Welded Joint (LCWJ) quantitatively by probabilistic statistics theory and fracture mechanics theory. Firstly, the geometrical characteristics of undercut and misalignment are summarized from the literature and our experiments. Subsequently, the probabilistic distributions of material fracture properties, the configurations of geometries, and flaws were evaluated under specific loading conditions. The fatigue strengths are further estimated by the probabilistic reliability theory by combining the actual fatigue data. The results demonstrate a clear disparity of fatigue crack growth threshold and resistances for the tested data of base metal and weldment. The level of defects determines the interval of fatigue life, and the larger the dispersion accompanying earlier fatigue failure occurs.
Tropical cyclone effects enhance limnetic plankton trophic‐level relationships in a subtropical oligotrophic freshwater ecosystem
Authors: dela Paz Erica Silk P. , Lin Fan‐Sian , Chang Chun‐Wei , Hsieh Chih‐hao , Lee Pei‐Fen , Shiah Fuh‐Kwo , Ko Chia‐Ying
Published: December 2023

Tropical cyclones (TCs), as natural extreme weather events, alter plankton and hydrological environments, affecting the stability of biological processes in freshwater ecosystems, and such TC effects vary with water depths. Previous studies have found increased phytoplankton biomass resulting from TC effects has been observed, leading to potential strong grazing of zooplankton and enhanced plankton trophic‐level relationships. However, this remains understudied, particularly under in situ conditions.

Using a zooplankton to phytoplankton (ZB/PB) ratio to represent the plankton trophic‐level relationship, we estimated the ZB/PB ratios at various depth intervals, including surface (2 m depth) and euphotic (depths between 0 and 20 m) depths and depth layer 0–50 m (depths between 0 and 50 m), in a subtropical deep oligotrophic freshwater ecosystem from 2012 to 2015 to understand how TC effects would influence changes in the ZB/PB ratio variations.

TCs affected the surface and euphotic ZB/PB ratios but not those at the depth layer 0–50 m. The TC durations had an initially negative and then positive impact on the surface ZB/PB ratio, indicating that slow‐moving TCs might restructure surface plankton trophic‐level relationships. The water temperature and nutrient dynamics during the TC weeks showed the highest correlations with the ZB/PB ratios at the surface and euphotic depths. The combined environmental effects influenced the ZB/PB ratios at the surface and euphotic depths during the TC weeks, with 65.1% and 72.2% of the total variations explained in the multivariate regressions, respectively.

There were greater impacts of TCs in shallow water (surface and euphotic depth) than in deep water. Aquatic food chains may be unexpectedly vulnerable to natural extreme weather events, such as TCs, and continuous assessments of food chain dynamics are necessary to better manage potential risks from natural extreme weather events in freshwater ecosystems.
Problems of past anticipations of the future: The case of medical manpower
Authors: Herrick Clare
Published: December 2023

This commentary explores historical efforts to diagnose the present and project the future through the specific example of medical manpower planning. To situate this, it draws on work within and across geography exploring the concept of anticipation and considers the discipline's failure to adequately engage with healthcare workers, despite the vibrancy of health geography as a subdiscipline. As it explores, ensuring adequate numbers of staff in a healthcare system has been an issue for as long as there have been healthcare systems. Planning for healthcare system needs is thus a particularly fraught form of anticipation that seeks to project future needs from a contested and often incalculable present as a basis for political decision‐making and resource allocation. As this commentary explores, it is a problem that is global in scope, historically deep and thus rich in analytical possibility.
Feminism in organization studies? It is a long story: A conversation between Silvia Gherardi and Lynne Baxter
Authors: Gherardi Silvia , Baxter Lynne F.
Published: December 2023

This paper is an edited version of a conversation between Silvia Gherardi and Lynne Baxter at the Inaugural Distinguished Speaker Event of the Gender, Materialities, and Activism Network. We learn about the development of Professor Gherardi's interest in feminism, how it evolves and informs her wider work on organization studies and methodology, and how she supports community development while advancing her own work. Moreover, there is a perceptive reflection from Professor Gherardi uncovering what the article, as written text, loses compared to the multisensory verbal encounter taking place in virtual space.
Programmed death receptor 1 (PD‐1) ligand Fc fusion proteins reduce T‐cell proliferation in vitro independently of PD‐1
Authors: Biemond Melissa , Vremec David , Gray Daniel HD , Hodgkin Philip D , Heinzel Susanne
Published: December 2023

Programmed death receptor 1 (PD‐1) is an inhibitory receptor on T cells shown to restrain T‐cell proliferation. PD‐1 immune checkpoint blockade has emerged as a highly promising approach in cancer treatment. Much of our understanding of the function of PD‐1 is derived from in vitro T‐cell activation assays. Here we set out to further investigate how T cells integrate inhibitory signals such as PD‐1 in vitro using the PD‐1 agonist, PD‐1 ligand 1 (PD‐L1) fusion protein (PD‐L1.Fc), coimmobilized alongside anti‐CD3 agonist monoclonal antibody (mAb) on plates to deliver PD‐1 signals to wild‐type and PD‐1−/− CD8+ T cells. Surprisingly, we found that the PD‐L1.Fc fusion protein inhibited T‐cell proliferation independently of PD‐1. This PD‐L1.Fc inhibition was observed in the presence and absence of CD28 and interleukin‐2 signaling. Binding of PD‐L1.Fc was restricted to PD‐1–expressing T cells and thus inhibition was not mediated by the interaction of PD‐L1.Fc with CD80 or other yet unknown binding partners. Furthermore, a similar PD‐1–independent reduction of T‐cell proliferation was observed with plate‐bound PD‐L2.Fc. Hence, our results suggest that the coimmobilization of PD‐1 ligand fusion proteins with anti‐CD3 mAb leads to a reduction of T‐cell engagement with plate‐bound anti‐CD3 mAb. This study demonstrates a nonspecific mechanism of T‐cell inhibition when PD‐L1.Fc or PD‐L2.Fc fusion proteins are delivered in a plate‐bound coimmobilization assay and highlights the importance of careful optimization of assay systems and reagents when interpreting their influence on T‐cell proliferation.
Pathogenesis and management of immune dysfunction secondary to B cell haematological malignancies
Authors: Crassini Kyle , Gibson John
Published: December 2023

Malignancies of the B‐lymphocyte lineage are among the most diagnosed haematological malignancies in clinical practice. In our community, multiple myeloma (MM) and its precursor condition monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance are the commonest, accounting for ~12% of diagnoses, followed by chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and its precursor condition monoclonal B lymphocytosis, ~9%. Along with diffuse large B cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma and marginal zone lymphoma, these conditions comprise around a third of all haematological malignancies diagnosed. Infection remains an important cause of mortality and morbidity in the management of patients with these conditions. This is in part treatment‐related but also reflective of disease‐related immune dysfunction. Infectious complications account for up to 50% of early mortality in patients with myeloma and up to 50% of all mortality in patients with CLL. A variety of strategies are available to decrease the morbidity and mortality of infectious complications; however, practices vary between countries and often between treating physicians. Treatment options have evolved significantly over the last decade, with the introduction of monoclonal antibodies, small molecule inhibitors, second‐ and third‐generation immunomodulatory agents and CAR‐T cell therapy. Much of the data that inform clinical practice in infection management predates current therapeutic approaches. This is in part because of the rapid development of new therapies but also reflective of the long natural history of many of these diseases and the need for prolonged periods of observation. In this article, we review the aspects of disease and treatment that contribute to immune dysfunction in MM, CLL and B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma and review the current strategies used to manage immune dysfunction and infection.
Proteasome disorders and inborn errors of immunity
Authors: Poli M. Cecilia
Published: December 2023

Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) or primary immune deficiencies (PIDD) are caused by variants in genes encoding for molecules that are relevant to the innate or adaptive immune response. To date, defects in more than 450 different genes have been identified as causes of IEI, causing a constellation of heterogeneous clinical manifestations ranging from increased susceptibility to infection, to autoimmunity or autoinflammation. IEI that are mainly characterized by autoinflammation are broadly classified according to the inflammatory pathway that they predominantly perturb. Among autoinflammatory IEI are those characterized by the transcriptional upregulation of type I interferon genes and are referred to as interferonopathies. Within the spectrum of interferonopathies, genetic defects that affect the proteasome have been described to cause autoinflammatory disease and represent a growing area of investigation. This review is focused on describing the clinical, genetic, and molecular aspects of IEI associated with mutations that affect the proteasome and how the study of these diseases has contributed to delineate therapeutic interventions.
Overcoming the cyan gap for full‐spectrum lighting using cation‐substitution‐induced rigid Ca2YZr2Al3O12:Ce3+
Authors: He Xinjian , Li Shengjuan , Deng Mingxue , Tang Yangmin , Wang Machao , Wang Cheng , Zhou Zhenzhen , Wang Jiacheng
Published: December 2023

Mixing multicolor phosphors for simulating the full spectrum of sunlight illumination is a popular solution to obtain high‐quality white light. However, there is still a need to overcome the cyan gap in the emission spectrum. In this work, a series of garnet Ca2Y0.94–xLuxZr2–yHfyAl3O12:6%Ce3+ (abbreviated as CY0.94–xLuxZr2–yHfyA:Ce3+) cyan phosphors are designed and prepared by substituting Y3+ and Zr4+ in Ca2YZr2Al3O12:6%Ce3+ with Lu3+ and Hf4+ with smaller ionic radius and larger mass. Under 405 nm violet light excitation, the optimized Ca2Y0.88Lu0.06Hf2Al3O12:6%Ce3+ (CY0.88Lu0.06Hf2A:Ce3+) shows a bright cyan emission band in the range of 430–750 nm with the peak at 477 nm. Importantly, the emission intensity and thermal stability properties of CY0.88Lu0.06Hf2A:Ce3+ were significantly improved by 58% and 47% compared to those of pure Ca2YZr2Al3O12:Ce3+. Small and heavy cation substitution could induce highly stable rigid structure, thus enhancing emission intensity and stability. The color rendering index increases from 84.5 to 92.0 after supplementing CY0.88Lu0.06Hf2A:Ce3+ phosphor in white light‐emitting diode devices combining commercial red, green, and blue phosphors with a violet chip, indicating its practical application in full‐spectrum lighting. The present study provides promising strategies for the design and development of efficient cyan materials for high‐quality full visible spectrum light‐emitting diode lighting.
Limits of critical grain size for the tetragonal phase stabilization in CaO‐doped ZrO2 ceramic and associated benefits
Authors: Kumar Lakshaman , Ali Faiz , Lakshya Annu Kumar , Chowdhury Anirban
Published: December 2023

Recently, CaO‐doped (≤4 mol.%) tetragonal zirconia (CaSZ) ceramic was recommended as a potential alternative to yttria‐stabilized ZrO2 (YSZ). Here, we investigate the limits of starting particle sizes on the stability of tetragonal (t) phase and other associated benefits on measured properties. Synthesized CaSZ powders calcined with different temperatures were used as a mono‐sized or mixed (i.e., two different calcination temperatures) batch fraction for making dense CaSZ ceramic. The mixed‐batch powders were found to be far more efficient in stabilizing the t‐phase in ceramic. Compared to YSZ, CaSZ recorded remarkable enhancement in toughness (up to 8.3 MPa ). Contrary to YSZ, CaSZ ceramic demonstrated outstanding thermal stability.
Cardiac magnetic resonance for early atrial lesion visualization post atrial fibrillation radiofrequency catheter ablation
Authors: Guglielmo Marco , Rier Sophie , Zan Giulia De , Krafft Axel J. , Schmidt Michaela , Kunze Karl P. , Botnar Rene M. , Prieto Claudia , van der Heijden Jeroen , Van Driel Vincent , Ramanna Hemanth , van der Harst Pim , van der Bilt Ivo
Published: December 2023

Background

Incomplete atrial lesions resulting in pulmonary vein‐left atrium reconnection after pulmonary vein antrum isolation (PVAI), are related to atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence. Unfortunately, during the PVAI procedure, fluoroscopy and electroanatomic mapping cannot accurately determine the location and size of the ablation lesions in the atrial wall and this can result in incomplete PVAI lesions (PVAI‐L) after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA).

Aim

We seek to evaluate whether cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), immediately after RFCA of AF, can identify PVAI‐L by characterizing the left atrial tissue.

Methods

Ten patients (63.1 ± 5.7 years old, 80% male) receiving a RFCA for paroxysmal AF underwent a CMR before (<1 week) and after (<1 h) the PVAI. Two‐dimensional dark‐blood T2‐weighted short tau inversion recovery (DB‐STIR), Three‐dimensional inversion‐recovery prepared long inversion time (3D‐TWILITE) and three‐dimensional late gadolinium enhancement (3D‐LGE) images were performed to visualize PVAI‐L.

Results

The PVAI‐L was visible in 10 patients (100%) using 3D‐TWILITE and 3D‐LGE. Conversely, On DB‐STIR, the ablation core of the PAVI‐L could not be identified because of a diffuse high signal of the atrial wall post‐PVAI. Microvascular obstruction was identified in 7 (70%) patients using 3D‐LGE.

Conclusion

CMR can visualize PVAI‐L immediately after the RFCA of AF even without the use of contrast agents. Future studies are needed to understand if the use of CMR for PVAI‐L detection after RFCA can improve the results of ablation procedures.
Higher‐order sensorimotor circuit of the whole‐brain functional network involved in pruritus regulation in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Wu Haishan , Dai Wenyu , Hong Zhaoyi , Qin Yue , Yang Min , Wang Bolun , Liao Jieyue
Published: December 2023

Background

Little is known about the neural mechanisms underlying pruritus regulation in Atopic dermatitis (AD).

Objective

To investigate the functional changes of the resting‐state whole brain network of AD participants and the mechanisms by which they were involved in pruritus regulation.

Method

Based on the functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 19 AD participants and 37 healthy controls (HC), a graph‐theoretical measure of degree centrality (DC) conjoined with a voxel‐level seed‐based functional connectivity (FC) method was used to identify abnormal higher‐order nodes and the functionally relevant circuit in AD participants compared to healthy controls (HC).

Results

Of 64 participants screened, 19 AD participants (12M/7F, median [IQR] age, 27 [14] years) and 36 HCs (13M/23F, median [IQR] age, 20 [1] years) were enrolled. DC values of the left superior frontal gyrus (LSFG) increased in AD participants and exhibited a negative correlation with the SCORAD score (r = −0.561, p = 0.012) compared with HC. In the FC analysis with LSFG as the seed, FC values of several sensory and motor regions increased in AD participants, highly overlapping with the anatomical distribution of the inferior fronto‐occipital fascicle (IFOF). AD participants with severe pruritus exhibited lower levels of DC (T = −2.316, p = 0.033) and FC between the LSFG and left insula (T = −2.203, p = 0.042) than those with mild‐to‐ moderate pruritus.

Conclusions and Relevance

LSFG was involved in pruritus regulation in AD by forming a high‐order sensorimotor circuit through the IFOF, a white matter fascicle that proved to provide multimodal integration in motor control and sensory information processing. These results offer more mechanism‐guided treatment targets for severe pruritus in AD.
Active mutual funds and their passive ETF investments
Authors: Chen Hsiu‐Lang
Published: December 2023

Investing in exchange‐traded funds (ETFs) rather than investing directly in the underlying securities surely prompts questions for mutual funds. Why? Examination suggests the answer is to reduce overall portfolio volatility. Actively managed open‐end equity funds (OEFs) that invest in ETFs tend to take short positions in securities and to short ETFs more than other securities. Investigation of the overlap in portfolio composition between OEFs and the ETFs they hold as well as their investing positions in hedging and nonhedging ETFs separately points to the main motivation for such ETF investment—hedging.