bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preoperative short‐course radiotherapy followed by chemotherapy and PD‐1 inhibitor administration for locally advanced rectal cancer: A study protocol of a randomized phase II/III trial (STELLAR II study)
Authors: Zhang Wenjue , Tang Yuan , Wei Lichun , Liu Shixin , Wang Wenling , Chi Yihebali , Wang Ying , Kang Wenyan , Huang Wenting , Deng Feiyan , Li Haoyue , Ma Huiying , Jiang LiMing , Ding Zhen , Feng Lingling , Li Yexiong , Chen Yinggang , Zhou Haitao , Hu Chen , Jin Jing
Published: July 2024

Aim

For patients with locally advanced rectal cancer, previous STELLAR studies have shown that a new adjuvant treatment paradigm of short‐course radiotherapy followed by neoadjuvant chemotherapy can achieve pathological complete response rates superior to those of standard care; however, the 3‐year DFS is inferior to neoadjuvant concurrent radiotherapy. Recent studies have shown that immune checkpoint inhibitors may improve the prognosis of rectal cancer and have good synergy with radiotherapy. Therefore, neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors after a short course of radiotherapy has the potential to further improve complete response rates and prognosis.

Method

The STELLAR II study is a multicentre, open label, two‐arm randomized, phase II/III trial of short‐course radiotherapy followed by neoadjuvant chemotherapy concurrent with immunotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer. A total of 588 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) will be randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. The experimental group will receive short‐course radiotherapy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy in combination with sindilizumab, while the control group will receive short‐course radiotherapy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Both groups will subsequently receive either total rectal mesenteric resection or a watch & wait (W&W) strategy. The phase II primary endpoint is the complete remission rate, and the secondary endpoints include grade 3–4 adverse events, perioperative complications, R0 resection rate, overall survival, local recurrence rate, distant metastasis rate and quality of life score. A seamless phase II/III randomized controlled design will be used to investigate the effectiveness and safety of the TNT strategy with the addition of immunotherapy. The trial opened, and the first patient was recruited on 31 August 2022. Trial registration number and date of registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05484024, 29 July 2022.

Discussion

The STELLAR II trial will prospectively evaluate the efficacy of TNT treatment strategies that incorporate immune checkpoint inhibitors. The trial will yield important information to guide routine management of patients with local advanced rectal cancer.
Multi‐class brain tumor classification system in MRI images using cascades neural network
Authors: Jayachandran A. , Anisha N.
Published: July 2024

Brain tumor segmentation from MRI is a challenging process that has positive ups and downs. The most crucial step for detection and treatment to save the patient's life is earlier diagnosis and classification of brain tumor (BT) with higher accuracy prediction. One of the deadliest cancers, malignant brain tumors is now the main cause of cancer‐related death due to their extreme severity. To evaluate the tumors and help patients receive the appropriate treatment according to their classifications, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of brain diseases, such as classifying BT. In order to resolve the problem of low segmentation accuracy caused by an imbalance of model design and sample category in the process of brain tumor segmentation. In this research work, Multi‐Dimensional Cascades Neural Network (MDCNet) is developed for multi‐class BT classification. It is divided into two steps. In stage 1, an enhanced shallow‐layer 3D locality net is used to conduct BT localization and rough segmentation on the preprocessed MRIs. It is also advised to use a unique circular inference module and parameter Dice loss to lower the uncertain probability and false positive border locations. In step 2, in order to compensate for mistakes and lost spatial information of a single view, morphological traits are investigated using a multi‐view 2.5D net composed of three 2D refinement subnetworks. The suggested method outperforms the traditional model in segmentation, yielding an accuracy of 99.67%, 98.16%, and 99.76% for the three distinct datasets.
Cellular senescence mediates retinal ganglion cell survival regulation post‐optic nerve crush injury
Authors: Yao Yao , Bin Xin , Xu Yanxuan , Chen Shaowan , Chen Si , Yuan Xiang‐Ling , Cao Yingjie , Ng Tsz Kin
Published: July 2024

Traumatic optic neuropathy refers to optic nerve (ON) injury by trauma, including explosion and traffic accident. Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death is the critical pathological cause of irreversible visual impairment and blindness in ON injury. We previously investigated the patterns of 11 modes of cell death in mouse retina post‐ON injury. Here we aimed to identify additional signalling pathways regulating RGC survival in rodents post‐ON injury. RNA sequencing analysis identified the upregulation of inflammation and cellular senescence‐related genes in retina post‐ON injury, which were confirmed by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence analyses. Increased expression of senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐βgal) in RGCs and activation of microglia were also found. Transforming growth factor‐β receptor type II inhibitor (LY2109761) treatment suppressed p15Ink4b and p21Cip1 protein and SA‐βgal expression and promoted RGC survival post‐ON injury with decreasing the expression of cell death markers in retina. Consistently, senolytics (dasatinib and quercetin) treatments can promote RGC survival and alleviate the reduction of ganglion cell complex thickness and pattern electroretinography activity post‐ON injury with reducing SA‐βgal, p15Ink4b, p21Cip1, microglial activation and cell death marker expression. In summary, this study revealed the activation of cellular senescence in rodent retina post‐ON injury and contribute to RGC survival regulation. Targeting cellular senescence can promote RGC survival after ON injury, suggesting a potential treatment strategy for traumatic optic neuropathy.
What Happens to Frailty in the First Year After Lung Transplantation?
Authors: Fuller Louise Mary , Whitford Helen M. , Robinson Rebecca , Cristiano Yvie , Steward Ranjana , Poulsen Megan , Paul Eldho , Snell Greg
Published: July 2024

Background

Frailty is prevalent in lung transplant (LTx) candidates, but the impact and subsequent frailty trajectory is unclear. This study aimed to investigate frailty over the first year after LTx.

Method

Post‐LTx recipients completed a thrice weekly 12‐week directly supervised exercise rehabilitation program. Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS) was used to assess frailty. Primary outcome was 6‐Minute Walk Distance (6MWD) measured at pre‐LTx, prerehabilitation, postrehabilitation, and 1 year post‐LTx.

Results

106 of 139 recruited participants underwent LTx: mean age 58 years, 48% male, 52% with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Mean (± SD) frailty scores pre‐LTx and 1 year post‐LTx were 5.54 ± 2.4 and 3.28 ±1.5. Mean 6MWD improved significantly for all: prerehabilitation 326 m (SD 116), versus postrehabilitation 523 m (SD 101) (p < 0.001) versus 1 year 512 m (SD 120) (p < 0.001). There were significant differences between an EFS > 7 (frail) and EFS ≤ 7 (not frail) for 6MWD, grip strength (GS), anxiety, and depression. Postrehabilitation, there were no significant differences in 6MWD, GS, anxiety, or depression while comparing EFS > 7 versus ≤ 7. At 1 year, there was a significant difference in depression but not 6MWD, GS, or anxiety between those EFS ≤ 7 and > 7 (p = 0.017).

Conclusion

Participants in a structured post‐LTx rehabilitation program improved in functional exercise capacity (6MWD), GS, depression, and anxiety. For frail participants exercise capacity, depression, anxiety, and GS were well managed in rehabilitation with no significant differences between those who were not frail. Pre‐LTx frailty may be reversible post‐LTx and should not be an absolute contraindication to LTx.
Examining the Influence of a General Surgery Resident's Transplant Experience on Their Pursuit of Transplant Surgery Fellowship
Authors: Yilma Mignote , Brown Audrey E. , Harvey Jalen , Stahl Christopher C. , Quillin Ralph C , Syed Shareef M. , Cortez Alexander R. ,   the US Resident OPerative Experience (ROPE) Consortium
Published: July 2024

Background

Transplant surgery has historically been a less desirable fellowship among general surgery graduates. Limited work has been done to understand factors associated with residents’ interest in transplantation. Using a multi‐institutional cohort, we examined how the resident experience on transplant surgery may influence their decision to pursue transplant fellowship.

Methods

Individual demographics, program characteristics, and transplant‐specific case logs were collected for graduates from 2010 to 2020 at 20 general surgery residency programs within the US Resident OPerative Experience (ROPE) Consortium. Residents who pursued transplant surgery fellowship were compared to those who went directly into practice or pursued a non‐transplant fellowship.

Results

Among 1342 general surgery graduates, 52 (3.9%) pursued abdominal transplant fellowship. These residents completed more transplant (22 vs. 9), liver (14 vs. 9), pancreas (15 vs. 11), and vascular access operations (38 vs. 30) compared to residents who did not pursue transplant fellowship (all p < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression found that residents underrepresented in medicine were three times more likely (95% CI 1.54–6.58, p < 0.01) and residents at a program co‐located with a transplant fellowship six times more likely (95% CI 1.95–18.18, p < 0.01) to pursue transplant fellowship. Additionally, a resident's increasing total transplant operative volume was associated with an increased likelihood of pursuing a transplant fellowship (OR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.09–1.14, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The findings from this multi‐institutional study demonstrate that increased exposure to transplant operations and interaction within a transplant training program is associated with a resident's pursuit of transplant surgery fellowship. Efforts to increase operative exposure, case participation, and mentorship may optimize the resident experience and promote the transplant surgery pipeline.
The Impact of Ipsilateral Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator in Axillary Intra‐Aortic Balloon Pump Support as Bridge to Heart Transplantation
Authors: Isath Ameesh , Hirani Rahim , Levine Avi , Lanier Gregg M. , Iqbal Aroubah , Shimamura Junichi , Gass Alan L. , Spielvogel David , Kai Masashi , Ohira Suguru
Published: July 2024

Background

The axillary artery (AX) access for intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) as a bridge to heart transplant (HT) allows mobility while awaiting a suitable donor. As end‐stage heart failure patients often have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) on the left side, the left AX approach may be avoided due to the perception of difficult access and proximity of two devices. We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of patients bridged to HT with a left‐sided AX IABP with or without ipsilateral ICDs.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed HT candidates at our institution supported by left‐sided axillary IABP from November 2019 to February 2024, dividing them into two groups based on the presence (Group ICD, n = 48) or absence (Group No‐ICD, N = 19) of an ipsilateral left‐sided ICD. The exposure time was defined as the time from skin incision to the beginning of anastomoses of a Dacron graft.

Results

Technical success was achieved in 100% of the cohort, with median exposure times for AX access similar between groups (ICD, 12 [7.8, 18.2] vs. No ICD, 11 [7, 19] min; p = 0.75). The rate of procedural adverse events, such as significant access site bleeding and ipsilateral limb ischemia, did not significantly differ between both groups. Device malfunction rates were comparable (ICD, 29.2% vs. No ICD, 15.8%; p = 0.35). Posttransplant, in‐hospital mortality, severe primary graft dysfunction, and stroke rates were comparable in both groups.

Conclusion

The presence of an ipsilateral left‐sided ICD does not adversely impact the procedural efficacy, complication rates, or posttransplant outcomes of left‐sided AX IABP insertion in HT candidates.
Clinical factors influencing the success rate of radioiodine treatment for Graves' disease
Authors: He Meiwen , Pan Limeng , Li Yifan , Wang Yue , Zhong Xing , Du Yijun , Pan Tianrong
Published: July 2024

Aims

To investigate the impact of various clinical factors associated with Graves' disease on the success rate of radioiodine (RAI) therapy for Graves' disease within 3 years, and to determine the optimal range of iodine dosage per unit volume that yields the highest cure rate for Graves' disease within 1 year.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study included patients diagnosed with Graves' disease who underwent RAI therapy at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University between October 2012 and October 2022. The cumulative success rate was analysed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were employed to evaluate factors associated with successful treatment of Graves' disease. Outcomes were categorized as either success or failure for all patients.

Results

Overall, 1994 patients were enrolled in this study, including 594 (29.8%) male and 1399 (70.2%) female patients. The success and failure groups comprised 1645 (82.4%) and 349 patients (17.6%), respectively, after a 3‐year follow‐up period. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that sex, antithyroid drug (ATD) use before RAI therapy, age, thyroid receptor antibody (TRAb) levels, iodine dose, thyroid mass, and early ATD use before RAI therapy were independent influencing factors for Graves' disease cure.

Conclusions

We found that female patients and those with TRAbs ≥31.83 IU/L and thyroid mass ≥ 73.42 g had a lower cure rate. Therefore, thyroid size, disease severity, and duration of disease should be comprehensively considered when making treatment decisions and iodine dose selection in clinical practice.
Untangling the plant reproductive success of changing community composition and pollinator foraging choices
Authors: Allen‐Perkins Alfonso , Artamendi Maddi , Montoya Daniel , Rubio Encarnación , Magrach Ainhoa
Published: July 2024

Pollinator choices when selecting flowers for nectar or pollen collection are crucial in determining the effectiveness of pollination services provided to plants. From the plant's perspective, this effectiveness is a phenomenon shaped by factors at both the species‐ (e.g. pollinator density and flower morphology) and community‐level, including pollinator diversity and plant competition for pollinators. At the species level, individual pollinator effectiveness is influenced by foraging choices, plant identity, and the resulting pollen flow within and between plant species. In natural ecosystems, these species coexist within a complex community, where various interactions can modify foraging choices and alter pollen flows, giving rise to community‐level effectiveness, a less explored aspect of pollinator effectiveness. This study investigates the drivers of individual pollinator foraging choices across two study areas and two flowering seasons. It also assesses the community‐level effectiveness of pollination services received by different plant species, considering indirect interactions between plants through shared pollinators and evaluating their impact on plant reproductive success. Our results show that the determinants of pollinator foraging choices are consistent across different habitats, with floral constancy and flower abundance playing pivotal roles across all species and sites. Foraging choices can shift throughout the flowering season as plant and pollinator composition changes, significantly impacting pollination effectiveness. The overlap in pollination service use by individuals of the same plant species decreases their fruit set, whereas sharing pollinator services with individuals of other plant species increases fruit set. Our results support significant, positive biodiversity–ecosystem functioning associations driven by both plant and pollinator species richness, suggesting that the overlap in pollination service use by different plant species fosters facilitative interactions rather than competition. This is likely influenced by more stable pollination supplies under high plant species diversity conditions and the existence of mechanisms to mitigate the negative impacts of heterospecific pollen deposition.
Patterns of methylation and transcriptional plasticity during thermal acclimation in a reef‐building coral
Authors: Guerrero Leslie , Bay Rachael
Published: July 2024

Phenotypic plasticity can buffer organisms against short‐term environmental fluctuations. For example, previous exposure to increased temperatures can increase thermal tolerance in many species. Prior studies have found that acclimation to higher temperature can influence the magnitude of transcriptional response to subsequent acute thermal stress (hereafter, “transcriptional response modulation”). However, mechanisms mediating this gene expression response and, ultimately, phenotypic plasticity remain largely unknown. Epigenetic modifications are good candidates for modulating transcriptional response, as they broadly correlate with gene expression. Here, we investigate changes in DNA methylation as a possible mechanism controlling shifts in gene expression plasticity and thermal acclimation in the reef‐building coral Acropora nana. We find that gene expression response to acute stress is altered in corals acclimated to different temperatures, with many genes exhibiting a dampened response to heat stress in corals pre‐conditioned to higher temperatures. At the same time, we observe shifts in methylation during both acclimation (11 days) and acute heat stress (24 h). We observed that the acute heat stress results in shifts in gene‐level methylation and elicits an acute transcriptional response in distinct gene sets. Further, acclimation‐induced shifts in gene expression plasticity and differential methylation also largely occur in separate sets of genes. Counter to our initial hypothesis no overall correlation between the magnitude of differential methylation and the change in gene expression plasticity. We do find a small but statistically significant overlap in genes exhibiting both dampened expression response and shifts in methylation (14 genes), which could be candidates for further inquiry. Overall, our results suggest transcriptional response modulation occurs independently from methylation changes induced by thermal acclimation.
Dynamics of the osmotic lysis of mineral protocells and its avoidance at the origins of life
Authors: Ding Yang , Cardoso Silvana S. S. , Cartwright Julyan H. E.
Published: July 2024

The osmotic rupture of a cell, its osmotic lysis or cytolysis, is a phenomenon that active biological cell volume regulation mechanisms have evolved in the cell membrane to avoid. How then, at the origin of life, did the first protocells survive prior to such active processes? The pores of alkaline hydrothermal vents in the oceans form natural nanoreactors in which osmosis across a mineral membrane plays a fundamental role. Here, we discuss the dynamics of lysis and its avoidance in an abiotic system without any active mechanisms, reliant upon self‐organized behaviour, similar to the first self‐organized mineral membranes within which complex chemistry may have begun to evolve into metabolism. We show that such mineral nanoreactors could function as protocells without exploding because their self‐organized dynamics have a large regime in parameter space where osmotic lysis does not occur and homeostasis is possible. The beginnings of Darwinian evolution in proto‐biochemistry must have involved the survival of protocells that remained within such a safe regime.
Innovation and wage inequalities: Evidence from Brazilian regions
Authors: de Oliveira Bianca Villamarim , Gonçalves Eduardo , Taveira Juliana Gonçalves
Published: July 2024

Innovation can lead to wage inequalities through different channels. This paper explores this relationship, focusing on the direct and spillover (indirect) effects of these channels on personal wage inequalities in Brazilian regions. Product and process innovation are measured by patents and the acquisition of foreign technology through imports of capital goods respectively. Based on data that covers 482 regions from 2003 to 2014, we use the Spatial Durbin Model with spatial fixed effects to control spatial dependence and heterogeneity across regions. The results point to a positive association between our measures of innovation and wage inequalities. However, as we found a non‐linear relationship between imports of capital goods and wage inequality, an increase in imports of capital goods may reduce wage inequality. Other variables may also cause inequality to fall, such as the share of the population with a higher education degree and social skills. Drivers behind an increase in inequality are female participation in the workforce and the level of GDP per capita.
Hyperactivity of the medial thalamus in patients with photophobia‐associated migraine
Authors: Suzuki Yukihisa , Kiyosawa Motohiro , Wakakura Masato , Ishii Kenji
Published: July 2024

Objective

To examine cerebral functional alterations associated with sensory processing in patients with migraine and constant photophobia.

Background

Migraine is a common headache disorder that presents with photophobia in many patients during attacks. Furthermore, some patients with migraine experience constant photophobia, even during headache‐free intervals, leading to a compromised quality of life.

Methods

This prospective, case–control study included 40 patients with migraine (18 male and 22 female) who were recruited at an eye hospital and eye clinic. The patients were divided into two groups: migraine with photophobia group, consisting of 22 patients (10 male and 12 female) with constant photophobia, and migraine without photophobia group, consisting of 18 patients (eight male and 10 female) without constant photophobia. We used 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose and positron emission tomography to compare cerebral glucose metabolism between the two patient groups and 42 healthy participants (16 men and 26 women).

Results

Compared with the healthy group, both the migraine with photophobia and migraine without photophobia groups showed cerebral glucose hypermetabolism in the bilateral thalamus (p < 0.05, family‐wise error‐corrected). Moreover, the contrast of migraine with photophobia minus migraine without photophobia patients showed glucose hypermetabolism in the bilateral medial thalamus (p < 0.05, family‐wise error‐corrected).

Conclusions

The medial thalamus may be associated with the development of continuous photophobia in patients with migraine.
Betaine activates the Nrf2‐Keap1‐ARE pathway by increasing the methylation level of Keap1 DNA promoter
Authors: Zhang Mengmeng , Wang Tianchui , Ou Sixian , Zou Yucong , Xin Xuan
Published: July 2024

Betaine is a natural antioxidant lacking the ability to scavenge free radicals. Although it has been shown to exert antioxidant function by enhancing the expression of antioxidant enzymes, its mechanism has not yet been elucidated. This study explored the role and mechanism of the transcription factor NF‐E2‐associated factor 2 (Nrf2)‐Kelch‐like epichlorohydrin‐associated Protein 1 (Keap1) antioxidant reaction element (ARE) pathway in betaine‐mediated enhancement of antioxidant enzyme expression. Results derived from real‐time quantitative PCR, Western blot, quantitative methylation‐specific PCR, and inhibitors assay experiments showed that betaine activated the Nrf2‐Keap1‐ARE pathway, leading to an increase in the mRNA level of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and heme oxygenase‐1. The mechanism may involve betaine's promotion of DNA methyltransferase expression, resulting in increased methylation of Keap1 DNA promoter, which ultimately reduces the level of Keap1 mRNA. Therefore, betaine can directly activate the Nrf2‐Keap1‐ARE pathway by increasing the methylation level of Keap1 DNA promoter, thereby improving the expression of antioxidant enzymes. This study will contribute to unveiling a new antioxidant mechanism for betaine.
The ratio of bone marrow myeloid progenitor cell proportion to mature lymphocytes proportion can effectively differentiate aplastic anemia and hypoplastic myelodysplastic syndrome and evaluate the quality of bone marrow aspirates
Authors: Li Zhen , Zhang Jian , Han Jingying , Wang Qian , Sun Hui , Zhang Zhifen , Liu Tianpu , Che Yena , Wang Jing , Wang Jie , Xu Lulu , Pan Lu , Li Li
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Aplastic anemia (AA) and hypoplastic myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS‐h) are bone marrow failure disease and difficult to distinguish merely by morphological analysis. In this study, we investigated the value of flow cytometry (FCM) in the differential diagnosis of AA and MDS‐h.

Methods

We included 822 patients (626 control, 69 AA, 22 MDS‐h and 105 dilution patients) from January 2017 to December 2022 for a retrospective study. Bone marrow myeloid progenitor (MP) cell and mature lymphocytes proportions were analyzed by FCM. The ratio of MP cell proportion and mature lymphocytes proportion, MPLR, was calculated. Data were compared by Kruskal–Wallis test. Differential diagnostic efficacy was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Cutoff value was determined by the maximum Youden index.

Results

Bone marrow MP cell proportion and MPLR of MDS‐h patients were higher than AA patients. Mature lymphocytes proportion of MDS‐h patients was lower than AA patients. Area under ROC curve (AUC of ROC) of MP cell proportion, MPLR and mature lymphocytes proportion to distinguish AA from MDS‐h were 0.992, 0.988, and 0.850, respectively. Moreover, MPLR of dilution patients was higher than AA patients but lower than MDS‐h patients. The AUC of ROC curves of MPLR to distinguish MDS‐h and AA from dilution were 0.854 and 0.871, respectively.

Conclusion

Bone marrow MP cell proportion and MPLR can effectively discriminate AA from MDS‐h with similar differential efficacy, which is higher than mature lymphocytes proportion. Moreover, MPLR can evaluate the quality of bone marrow aspirates, which would interfere with the differential diagnosis.
Toddler's memory and media—Picture book reading and watching video content are associated with memory at 2 years of age
Authors: Koch Felix‐Sebastian , Sundqvist Annette , Birberg Thornberg Ulrika , Barr Rachel , Heimann Mikael
Published: July 2024

Memory develops across the course of the first years of life and is influenced by daily experiences, such as exposure to media like books and television. Memory as tapped by Deferred imitation (DI) requires that toddlers form a representation of the target actions that they can later use to reproduce the actions and in addition to measuring memory for real live events, it can also be used to measure memory for events viewed through media. Toddlers are frequently exposed to multiple forms of digital media in addition to more traditional forms of picture book reading. In a within‐subjects design, memory was assessed with a DI task in 2‐year‐olds (n = 89) using the Frankfurt Imitation Test. Deferred imitation was assessed after live and video demonstrations. Parents completed a survey about children's media use. Picture book reading for less than 30 min a day predicted lower memory scores for actions demonstrated live. Watching video content for more than 1 h a day predicted lower memory scores for actions demonstrated on video. Results are interpreted in terms of individual differences in experiences of traditional and digital media and the development of symbolic understanding.
Summarising Quantitative Outcomes in Parental Mental Illness Research
Authors: Maybery Darryl , Grant Anne , Piché Geneviève , Yates Scott , Ruud Torleif , Dunkley‐Smith Addy , Davidson Gavin
Published: July 2024

A quarter of all children grow up in a family where a parent experiences a mental illness (FaPMI). Research activity in this area is growing rapidly and it is now critical to better understand the extant knowledge in the field. This scoping review of quantitative FaPMI literature parallels a qualitative literature review and a series of Delphi studies with key stakeholders (e.g. lived experience and clinicians), that is part of a larger program of research to achieve consensus regarding the direction of FaPMI research; including making recommendations about outcomes and measures. The programme of research aims to promote and facilitate greater comparison and learning across studies and settings. Initially this scoping review summarises the quality and focus (e.g. country and sampling) of 50 quantitative studies from 2000 to 2023 and then classifies studies according to outcomes for parents, children and families. Six to eleven years were the most common child sample group and girls were slightly underrepresented (49/51) and parents were 88% mothers. Analogous parent and child outcomes were; mental illness/psychopathology, wellbeing, mental health literacy, trauma and stressful experiences, coping, help seeking/service need, within family relationships and supports, outside family relationships and supports. Additional outcomes for parents were; parenting skills, parent competence and parenting stress and for children in relation to their; cognitive functioning and caregiving. The family related outcomes were the within and outside family relationships and supports. Since 2000 there have been 136 different survey instruments employed with approximately 80% used in only one study. This suggests that the broader goals of the program of research are warranted as there is a need for less heterogeneity in measures used. Suggested areas for future research include a sampling focus on fathers, economic evaluations of programs, parent mental health literacy, trauma, genetics and integrating well‐being concepts into research designs. Child research should focus on mental health literacy, the level and impact of caring responsibilities, assessing past trauma and the roles of close family and external supports.
Charge transfer effects in (HfNbTiVZr)C—Shown by ab initio calculations and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Osinger Barbara , Casillas‐Trujillo Luis , Lindblad Rebecka , Alling Björn , Olovsson Weine , Abrikosov Igor A. , Lewin Erik
Published: July 2024

Considering charge transfer effects and the variability of the bonding between elements with different electronegativity opens up a deeper understanding of the electronic structure and as a result many of the properties in high entropy‐related materials. This study investigates the importance of the diverse bonding and chemical environments when discussing multicomponent carbide materials. A combination of ab initio calculations and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to investigate the electronic structure of multicomponent thin films based on the (HfNbTiVZr)C system. The charge transfer was quantified theoretically using relaxed and nonrelaxed multicomponent as well as binary carbide reference structures, employing a fixed sphere model. High‐resolution XPS spectra from (HfNbTiVZr)C magnetron‐sputtered thin films displayed core‐level binding energy shifts and broadening effects as a result of the complex chemical environment. Charge transfer effects and a changed electronic structure in the multicomponent material, compared with the reference binary carbides, are observed both experimentally and in the density functional theory (DFT) simulations. The observed effects loosely follow electronegativity considerations, leading to a deviation from an ideal solid solution structure assuming nondistinguishable chemically equivalent environments.
The biophysical dynamics of giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera: Seasonal patterns and dispersal mechanisms in the southeast Pacific
Authors: Thompson‐Saud G. , Grech A. , Choukroun S. , Vásquez S. I. , Salas C. , Ospina‐Alvarez A.
Published: July 2024

Aim

Dispersal and connectivity play important roles in shaping the population structure of giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera, across the western coast of South America. Its high potential dispersal capacity suggests the existence of metapopulations, where discrete habitat patches or groups of patches form subpopulations that interact at some level. However, the dispersal patterns of giant kelp in this region have not been quantified. This study assesses the dispersal and settlement of Macrocystis pyrifera in the southeast Pacific, specifically focusing on the impact of environmental variables and ocean currents within the Humboldt Current System.

Location

Southeast Pacific (coast of Chile and Peru).

Time Period

1997–2008.

Major Taxa Studied

Macrocystis pyrifera (giant kelp).

Methods

Using a combination of hydrodynamic and individual‐based models, we analysed kelp fragment movements over 12 years, with a particular emphasis on the effects of the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and seasonal changes.

Results

Our results highlight a key settlement area in the southern Chilean region. We found that shorter travel distances of kelp fragments increased the likelihood of reaching a suitable habitat, underscoring the importance of local environmental conditions. We delineated intricate northward dispersal paths for kelp fragments, which appear to be governed by the interplay of wind and ocean current dynamics. Seasonal variations, notably in autumn and winter, favour the likelihood of reaching a settlement area due to favourable winds. Furthermore, ENSO events appear to influence dispersal distances, with fragments travelling the longest distances during El Niño phases.

Main Conclusion

These findings are essential for informing kelp conservation strategies in the context of climate change, emphasizing the necessity of considering local and seasonal environmental factors alongside ENSO impacts.
Commentary: Expanding the vision of Registered Reports for qualitative mental health research: A response and extension to ‘Misaligned incentives in mental health research – the case for Registered Reports’, Baldwin (2023)
Authors: Demkowicz Ola , Hickman Dunne Jo
Published: July 2024

There is a growing exploration of how Registered Reports can benefit individual researchers and wider research fields as part of a wider shift towards open research principles and practices. In ‘Misaligned incentives in mental health research – the case for Registered Reports’, Baldwin examines this in the context of mental health research, arguing that Registered Reports (RRs) can be a valuable solution to misaligned incentive structures in the field. However, this original piece was generally inclined towards how such incentives and the use of RRs can play out in the context of quantitative research. Such reflection is valuable, but to examine the case for RRs in mental health research as a field, we must also explore such practices within the context of qualitative research. In this commentary, we therefore expand and reframe this discussion to make the case for RRs in qualitative mental health research. We explore the place for qualitative research in the mental health research field and examine possibilities for how RRs fit within principles and practices in such methods. We discuss the various benefits and challenges of RRs in qualitative research, reflecting on our experiences as authors and reviewers of qualitative RRs and exploring how research infrastructure can facilitate engagement with this publishing approach.
The evolution of the air sac system in theropod dinosaurs: Evidence from the Upper Cretaceous of Madagascar
Authors: Aureliano Tito , Almeida Waltécio , Rasaona Masinissa , Ghilardi Aline M.
Published: July 2024

Recent evidence suggests that the invasive air sac system evolved at least three times independently in avemetatarsalians: in pterosaurs, sauropodomorphs and theropods. Data from sauropodomorphs showed that the pneumatic architecture in vertebrae first developed in camellate‐like trabeculae in the Triassic, later in camerate systems in Jurassic neosauropods, and finally camellate tissue in Cretaceous titanosaurs. This evolutionary trajectory has support from a considerable sampling of sauropodomorph taxa. However, the evolution of pneumatic bone tissues in Theropoda is less understood. We analyzed the computed tomography of Majungasaurus and Rahonavis, using densitometry rendering to differentiate the microarchitecture along the presacral axial skeleton of late Ceratosaurians and early Paravians. We also compared these results with scans of other theropod clades. Our analysis revealed an increase in pneumatic complexity in early paravians compared to the ceratosaurians. Majungasaurus presents some apneumatic neural spines, a condition also observed in Allosaurus. Majungasaurus also features some apneumatic centra despite the presence of lateral pneumatic fossae. This raises caution when evaluating PSP solely based on external morphology. We also found evidence of distinct patterns of PSP in maniraptorans. Considering that Majungasaurus, a late abelisaurid, inherited from their ceratosaurian ancestors, some apneumatic elements such as the neural spine and some centra, Rahonavis, an early paravian, took a different trajectory toward the full pneumatization of the axial skeleton. This characteristic provided paravians an advantage in gliding and flying. Also, unlike Sauropoda, pneumaticity in Theropoda apparently developed by increasing chamber volumes toward paravians. Similar studies on early Theropoda are needed to elucidate their condition and better describe the evolutionary trajectory of different groups.
Relationship between critical thinking ability and medication safety competence among clinical nurses: A multicenter cross‐sectional study
Authors: Zhang Ping , Xu Rong , Cao Shuai , Mo Lin , Liu Yang , Gao Chunhai , Wu Yujie , Yu Genzhen
Published: July 2024

Aims and Objectives

This study investigated the relationship between clinical nurses' critical thinking ability and medication safety competence, as well as the factors related to medication safety competence.

Background

Nurses can have an active role in promoting medication safety. However, the main factors associating with nurses' competence in medication safety are uncertain.

Design

This was a descriptive, multicenter cross‐sectional survey study.

Methods

A total of 1196 nurses from four different tertiary hospital in China were included in this study. A demographic information questionnaire, the Critical Thinking Diagnostic for nurses, and the Medication Safety Competence Scale for nurses were used to survey. Descriptive statistics, comparisons, correlation and regression analysis of the collected data were performed using SPSS 26.00 software. The study was reported using STROBE checklist.

Results

Included nurses obtained satisfactory scores on the critical thinking and medication safety scales and subscales. There was a strong statistically significant positive correlation between critical thinking ability and medication safety competence.

Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that personal critical thinking scores and working years were positively associated with nurses' medication safety scores, accounting for 62.50% of the variance.

Conclusion

Clinical nurses' critical thinking ability is positively associated with medication safety competence.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

As critical thinking ability positively predicts nurses' medication safety competence, hospitals and nursing administrators should consider continuing nursing education and training to improve critical thinking skills, thereby promoting medication safety competence among clinical nurses.
Virtual reality‐based reminiscence therapy for older adults to improve psychological well‐being and cognition: A systematic review
Authors: Ng Wai Hung Daniel , Ang Wei How Darryl , Fukahori Hiroki , Goh Yong Shian , Lim Wee Shiong , Siah Chiew Jiat Rosalind , Seah Betsy , Liaw Sok Ying
Published: July 2024

Background

Virtual reality‐reminiscence therapy (VR‐RT) has increasingly been applied to older adults to improve psychological well‐being and cognition.

Objective

This review aims to identify (1) the design characteristics of conducting a VR‐RT and (2) the effects of VR‐RT on the user experience, cognitive outcomes and psychological well‐being.

Design

Systematic review.

Methods

Eligible studies were sourced across nine electronic databases, trial registries, grey literature and hand‐searching of the reference list. A narrative synthesis was conducted. Twenty‐two studies were included, and most were appraised as high quality. Most of the VR‐RTs were highly immersive and personalised, with participants having the autonomy of control. VR‐RT has the potential to improve anxiety and depression, and cognitive outcomes for older adults. Overall, VR‐RT was reported to be an enjoyable experience for older adults.

Conclusions

VR‐RT is a promising innovation that can improve older adults' psychological well‐being and cognition without significant side effects, including cybersickness and with the potential for scalability across various settings. More randomised controlled studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of VR‐RT and its features and treatment dosage. These studies could also examine the effectiveness of VR‐RT as an intervention to promote independence in activities of daily living and physical rehabilitation.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

VR‐RT is a promising intervention for older adults in community settings to enhance psychological well‐being and cognition. VR's versatility enables personalised experiences within dynamic virtual environments, possibly enhancing engagement and therapeutic outcomes.

No Patient or Public Contribution

This systematic review did not directly involve patient or public contribution to the manuscript.
On the Magnification of Small Biases in Hiring
Authors: DAVIES SHAUN WILLIAM , WESEP EDWARD D. VAN , WATERS BRIAN
Published: July 2024

We analyze a setting in which a board must hire a chief executive officer (CEO) after exerting effort to learn about the quality of each candidate. Optimal effort is asymmetric, implying asymmetric likelihoods of each candidate being chosen. If the board has an infinitesimal bias in favor of one candidate, it allocates effort to maximize the likelihood of that candidate being chosen. Even when the board's prior is that its preferred candidate is inferior, she may still be chosen most often. A glass ceiling can also arise whereby the tendency to hire favored candidates increases as the importance of the position increases.
Trueness of the apical and middle root portion segments of 3D‐printed removable die and alveolar cast designs manufactured using stereolithographic 3D printing
Authors: Azpiazu‐Flores Francisco X. , Johnston William M. , Morton Dean , Lin Wei‐Shao , Yilmaz Burak
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The present study evaluated the effects of the root portion design, segment (middle vs. apical), and part (die vs. cast) on the trueness of three‐dimensional (3D)‐printed removable die‐cast complex.

Material and Methods

The trueness of apical and middle segments of the root portion of 45 3D‐printed removable dies and casts with three different root portion designs (n = 15) was assessed using a metrology‐grade computer program. The three removable dies and cast designs (root form [RF], conical [CON], and cylindric [CYL]) were created using professional computer‐aided manufacturing computer programs (DentalCAD 3.1 Rijeka, and InLab CAD 22.0), and manufactured using stereolithographic 3D printer (Form3; FormLabs, Somerville, MA). Subsequently, the 3D‐printed removable dies and casts were scanned by a single operator with an intraoral scanner (PrimeScan; Dentsply Sirona, Charlotte, NC), and their respective standard tessellation language files were aligned and compared to master reference files in a metrology‐grade computer program (Geomagic Control X; 3D systems, Rock Hill, NC). The root mean square (RMS) values of the middle and apical segments for each removable die and cast were calculated and analyzed using a mixed model including a repeated measure 3‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post‐hoc stepdown Bonferroni‐corrected pairwise comparisons (α = 0.05).

Results

A statistically significant 3‐way interaction between factors was detected, suggesting that the part (removable die or alveolar cast) and their design affected the RMS values of their apical and middle root portion segment. (p = 0.045). The post‐hoc analysis identified significant differences between RMS values of the apical segments of the CON and CYL removable dies (p = 0.005). Significant differences were observed between the middle and apical segments of the CON (p < 0.001) and RF removable die designs (p = 0.004). No statistically significant differences were noticed between the RMS of the different alveolar cast designs (p > 0.05). Significant differences were detected between the apical and middle segments of the same alveolar cast design (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

For the manufacturing trinomial and 3D printing strategy used in the present study, the interaction of the part, design, and segment affected the trueness of removable dies and alveolar casts. The trueness was higher on the middle segment on removable dies and alveolar casts in all designs used, except for CYL removable dies, where the trueness difference between segments was small. Higher trueness values may be achieved with designs with simple apical segment geometries.
Manufacturer–retailer bridge governance in retail supply chains
Authors: Zhang Zhikun , Wang Jeff Jianfeng , Zhang Chuang
Published: July 2024

To address information asymmetry in supply chains, the literature suggests that manufacturers should shift from market governance to hierarchical governance or a combination of both. However, as many manufacturers must continue to rely on market governance, this research introduces a governance strategy, manufacturer–retailer bridge governance (MRBG), for these manufacturers. The research examines the governance effects of MRBG on distributor behavior and the contingent effects of manufacturer status and MRBG strategic orientation. Hypotheses are developed based on in‐depth interviews with sales and purchasing managers and tested in two experiments with sales managers. The results show that MRBG has a double‐edged effect on distributor behavior, and this effect is moderated by manufacturer status. Moreover, the alignment between manufacturer status (high versus low) and MRBG strategic orientation (collaboration versus arbitrage) influences the effectiveness of MRBG.