bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detecting stochasticity in population time series using a non‐parametric test of intrinsic predictability
Authors: Şen Bilgecan , Che‐Castaldo Christian , Lynch Heather J. , Ventura Francesco , LaRue Michelle A. , Jenouvrier Stéphanie
Published: September 2024

Many ecological systems dominated by stochastic dynamics can produce complex time series that inherently limit forecast accuracy. The ‘intrinsic predictability’ of these systems can be approximated by a time series complexity metric called weighted permutation entropy (WPE). While WPE is a useful metric to gauge forecast performance prior to model building, it is sensitive to noise and may be biased depending on the length of the time series. Here, we introduce a simple randomized permutation test (rWPE) to assess whether a time series is intrinsically more predictable than white noise.

We apply rWPE to both simulated and empirical data to assess its performance and usefulness. To do this, we simulate population dynamics under various scenarios, including a linear trend, chaotic, periodic and equilibrium dynamics. We further test this approach with observed abundance time series for 932 species across four orders of animals from the Global Population Dynamics Database. Finally, using Adélie (Pygoscelis adeliae) and emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) time series as case studies, we demonstrate the application of rWPE to multiple populations for a single species.

We show that rWPE can determine whether a system is significantly more predictable than white noise, even with time series as short as 10 years that show an apparent trend under biologically realistic stochasticity levels. Additionally, rWPE has statistical power close to 100% when time series are at least 30 time steps long and show chaotic or periodic dynamics. Power decreases to ~10% under equilibrium dynamics, irrespective of time series length. Among four classes of animal taxa, mammals have the highest relative frequency (28%) of time series that are both longer than 30 time steps and indistinguishable from white noise in terms of complexity, followed by insects (16%), birds (16%) and bony fishes (11%).

rWPE is a straightforward and useful method widely applicable to any time series, including short ones. By informing forecasters of the inherent limitations to a system's predictability, it can guide a modeller's expectations for forecast performance.
Where does it matter? Revisiting the role of proximity in knowledge spillovers
Authors: Hu Zaizhou , Cao Zengdong , Du Anran , Tu Qin
Published: September 2024

This paper seeks to reconcile the divergent views on the role of proximity in knowledge spillovers through a comparative analysis of proximity's various dimensions and an examination of conditions under which proximity is effective. Our findings indicate that cognitive and social proximity not only mitigate the hindrance of geographical distance on knowledge diffusion but also play a dominant role in facilitating knowledge flows over long distances. Consequently, non‐geographical proximity has a more profound impact on knowledge spillovers, although the effect of geographical proximity remains significant and should not be overlooked. Through mechanistic analysis, we find that geographical proximity is effective in facilitating the diffusion of tacit knowledge, learning by firms with poorer knowledge stock, and searching for unfixed knowledge sources. The impact of geographical proximity on knowledge spillovers depends on a range of conditions, and appreciating this complexity is vital for an accurate comprehension of its role. In contrast, non‐geographical proximity exhibits greater robustness, as it faces fewer limiting conditions and possesses stronger explanatory power.
Causal Association of Rheumatoid Arthritis With Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Genetic Evidence From Mendelian Randomization
Authors: Wang Yixiao , Zhang Fengyuan , Xu Li , Ji Xiaohong , Wang Shanshan , Shen Xiao , Chen Haiyan , Jiang Shengyuan , Wu Chengqian , Chen Min , Yu Hong
Published: September 2024

Objective

Although the association of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to multiple adverse pregnancy outcomes has been well‐studied, the association between serum antibody levels in patients with RA and multiple adverse pregnancy outcomes has not been conclusively demonstrated. Here, we comprehensively assessed the causal impact of RA, serologic antibody‐positive RA (pRA), and serologic antibody‐negative RA (nRA) on the risk of 14 adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

The causal impact of RA, pRA, and nRA on 14 adverse pregnancy outcomes was comprehensively assessed using two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR). Evidence maps based on the results of these two‐sample MR analyses were developed. Data from the UK Biobank and FinnGen databases were utilized for this analysis. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) test was employed as the primary method to estimate causality. “TwoSampleMR” and “MR‐PRESSO” packages were used for data analysis in this study.

Results

Using two‐sample MR analysis, we found a significant positive causal association between RA and increased risk of cesarean section (p = 0.003), gestational hypertension (p < 0.001), number of spontaneous miscarriages (p = 0.041), preeclampsia (p = 0.008), premature rupture of membranes (p = 0.030), and preterm (p = 0.010). pRA had a significant positive causal association with an increased risk of cesarean section (p = 0.012), gestational hypertension (p < 0.001), preeclampsia (p = 0.002), and preterm (p = 0.007). A significant positive causal association was also established between nRA and gestational hypertension (p = 0.010), the number of spontaneous miscarriages (p = 0.024), and placental abruption (p = 0.027). In addition, we found a causal association between nRA and birth weight (p = 0.007), but not between RA and pRA and birth weight.

Conclusion

The results of this study have important implications for the individualized treatment of RA patients, especially those with positive serum antibody levels.
E kaua e hoki i te waewae tūtuki, ā, apā anō hei te ūpoko pakaru – a systematic review of neurosurgical disease and care for Māori in New Zealand
Authors: Mauriohooho Maiea , Tuhoe Jason , Harwood Matire , Rahiri Jamie‐Lee
Published: September 2024

Background

The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) Te Rautaki Māori cites the need for more research dedicated to health equity in surgery for Māori. However, the gaps in research for Māori in surgery have not yet been highlighted. This review is the first in a series of reviews named Te Ara Pokanga that seeks to identify these gaps over all nine surgical specialties. The aim of this study was to assess neurosurgical disease incidence and perioperative outcomes for Māori at any point from referral through to the postoperative period.

Methods

A systematic review of Māori neurosurgical disease and care for Māori in NZ was performed. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses statement assisted study selection and reporting. Kaupapa Māori (Māori‐centred) research methodology and the Māori Framework were utilized to evaluate Māori research responsiveness.

Results

Nine studies were included in this review. All studies were retrospective cohort studies and only two studies had at least one Māori clinical or academic expert named on their research team. Therefore, only one study was deemed responsive to Māori. Studies assessing long‐term outcomes from the management of neurosurgical disease for Māori and patient and whānau experiences of neurosurgical care are lacking.

Conclusion

This study indicates the limited scope of research conducted for Māori in neurosurgery. The broader clinical implications of this review highlight the need for good quality research to investigate access to and long‐term outcomes from the management of neurosurgical disease for Māori.
Attitudes towards statistics and statistical performance: A mediation model of statistics anxiety and academic procrastination
Authors: Lethbridge Lindsy E. , Marshall Alex D. , Jauch Michael
Published: September 2024

Background

Students often harbour negative attitudes towards research methods and statistics courses, and such attitudes may be associated with harmful cognitive and behavioural responses. Research on these effects has been restricted to the investigation of direct links between attitudes towards statistics, statistics anxiety, academic procrastination, and course performance.

Aims

This study sought to examine the interconnected impact of attitudes towards statistics, statistics anxiety, and procrastination, on course performance in a cohesive model. It was predicted that attitudes towards statistics would indirectly affect statistical performance via statistics anxiety and procrastination in a sequential manner.

Sample

The sample comprised 171 undergraduate psychology students from Australian universities.

Methods

An online questionnaire collected information on participant demographics, attitudes towards statistics, statistics anxiety, procrastinatory behaviours, and performance in participants most recently completed statistics course. Data were collected cross‐sectionally. All responses were anonymous.

Results

A sequential mediation analysis revealed a significant indirect effect of statistics anxiety and procrastination, controlling for age and gender. The results showed that more negative attitudes towards statistics are associated with greater statistics anxiety, which is in turn associated with greater procrastination, and finally with lower statistical performance.

Conclusions

It was concluded that students who view their statistics courses as a threatening experience may fail to see value in their statistical education, which is associated with heightened statistics anxiety, increased avoidance of course‐related activities, and in turn poorer course performance. Practical implications of the findings are also discussed.
Incorrigible inflammation
Authors: Ariffin Hany
Published: September 2024

Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) that occurs concomitantly with leukaemia can be initially missed due to overlapping clinical features. In a series of three cases, Tanabe and colleagues illustrate the need for prompt recognition of HLH and institution of HLH‐directed therapy to prevent hyperinflammation‐mediated multi‐organ damage and death.

Commentary on: Tanabe et al. Paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia‐associated haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis develops during prednisolone prephase. Br J Haematol 2024; 205:2031‐2035.
EBPVis: Visual Analytics of Economic Behavior Patterns in a Virtual Experimental Environment
Authors: Liu Yuhua , Ma Yuming , Shi Qing , Wen Jin , Zheng Wanjun , Yue Xuanwu , Ye Hang , Chen Wei , Meng Yuwei , Zhou Zhiguang
Published: September 2024

Experimental economics is an important branch of economics to study human behaviours in a controlled laboratory setting or out in the field. Scientific experiments are conducted in experimental economics to collect what decisions people make in specific circumstances and verify economic theories. As a significant couple of variables in the virtual experimental environment, decisions and outcomes change with the subjective factors of participants and objective circumstances, making it a difficult task to capture human behaviour patterns and establish correlations to verify economic theories. In this paper, we present a visual analytics system, EBPVis, which enables economists to visually explore human behaviour patterns and faithfully verify economic theories, e.g. the vicious cycle of poverty and poverty trap. We utilize a Doc2Vec model to transform the economic behaviours of participants into a vectorized space according to their sequential decisions, where frequent sequences can be easily perceived and extracted to represent human behaviour patterns. To explore the correlation between decisions and outcomes, an Outcome View is designed to display the outcome variables for behaviour patterns. We also provide a Comparison View to support an efficient comparison between multiple behaviour patterns by revealing their differences in terms of decision combinations and time‐varying profits. Moreover, an Individual View is designed to illustrate the outcome accumulation and behaviour patterns of subjects. Case studies, expert feedback and user studies based on a real‐world dataset have demonstrated the effectiveness and practicability of EBPVis in the representation of economic behaviour patterns and certification of economic theories.
Cuproptosis: Mechanisms, biological significance, and advances in disease treatment—A systematic review
Authors: Pan Chengliang , Ji Zhilin , Wang Qingxuan , Zhang Zhao , Wang Zhenchuan , Li Chen , Lu Shan , Ge Pengfei
Published: September 2024

Background

Copper is an essential trace element for biological systems, as it plays a critical role in the activity of various enzymes and metabolic processes. However, the dysregulation of copper homeostasis is closely associated with the onset and progression of numerous diseases. In recent years, copper‐induced cell death, a novel form of cellular demise, has garnered significant attention. This process is characterized by the abnormal accumulation of intracellular copper ions, leading to cellular dysfunction and eventual cell death. Copper toxicity occurs through the interaction of copper with acylated enzymes in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. This interaction results in subsequent protein aggregation, causing proteotoxic stress and ultimately resulting in cell death. Despite the promise of these findings, the detailed mechanisms and broader implications of cuproptosis remain underexplored. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the role of copper in cell death and autophagy, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of cuproptosis. We also aimed to discuss recent advancements in copper‐related research across various diseases and tumors, providing insights for future studies and potential therapeutic applications.

Main Body

This review delves into the biological significance of copper metabolism and the molecular mechanisms underlying copper‐induced cell death. Furthermore, we discuss the role of copper toxicity in the pathogenesis of various diseases, emphasizing recent advancements in the field of oncology. Additionally, we explore the therapeutic potential of targeting copper toxicity.

Conclusion

The study highlights the need for further research to explore alternative pathways of copper‐induced cell death, detailed mechanisms of cuproptosis, and biomarkers for copper poisoning. Future research should focus on exploring the molecular mechanisms of cuproptosis, developing new therapeutic strategies, and verifying their safety and efficacy in clinical trials.
Kinesin‐7 CENP‐E mediates centrosome organization and spindle assembly to regulate chromosome alignment and genome stability
Authors: Chen Jie , Wu Shan , He Jie‐Jie , Liu Yu‐Peng , Deng Zhao‐Yang , Fang Han‐Kai , Chen Jian‐Fan , Wei Ya‐Lan , She Zhen‐Yu
Published: September 2024

Chromosome congression and alignment are essential for cell cycle progression and genomic stability. Kinesin‐7 CENP‐E, a plus‐end‐directed kinesin motor, is required for chromosome biorientation, congression and alignment in cell division. However, it remains unclear how chromosomes are aligned and segregated in the absence of CENP‐E in mitosis. In this study, we utilize the CRISPR‐Cas9 gene editing method and high‐throughput screening to establish CENP‐E knockout cell lines and reveal that CENP‐E deletion results in defects in chromosome congression, alignment and segregation, which further promotes aneuploidy and genomic instability in mitosis. Both CENP‐E inhibition and deletion lead to the dispersion of spindle poles, the formation of the multipolar spindle and spindle disorganization, which indicates that CENP‐E is necessary for the organization and maintenance of spindle poles. In addition, CENP‐E heterozygous deletion in spleen tissues also leads to the accumulation of dividing lymphocytes and cell cycle arrest in vivo. Furthermore, CENP‐E deletion also disrupts the localization of key kinetochore proteins and triggers the activation of the spindle assembly checkpoint. In summary, our findings demonstrate that CENP‐E promotes kinetochore‐microtubule attachment and spindle pole organization to regulate chromosome alignment and spindle assembly checkpoint during cell division.
A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled studies examining the effects of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors on peripheral artery disease and risk of amputations
Authors: Geng Li , Sun Bing , Chen Yan
Published: September 2024

Aim

Sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT‐2is) are used to maintain glycaemic control as well as for their beneficial cardiovascular and renal effects in diabetes patients. However, increased risk of amputation and peripheral artery disease (PAD) have been observed with the use of some SGLT‐2is. A meta‐analysis was conducted to understand the effect of SGLT‐2is on amputation and PAD events using data from randomized controlled trials (RCT).

Materials and Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted using Medline and Central databases for RCTs that involved the administration of SGLT‐2is versus placebo/active comparators to diabetic patients. The primary outcome was amputation events and PAD. A random‐effects model was used to calculate the pooled odds ratio, and subgroup analyses was performed.

Results

A total of 51 RCTs were included in the meta‐analysis with data from 97 589 patients. Meta‐analysis of the data showed that there was a significant increase in PAD risk (p = 0.04) but no significant increase in amputation risk with SGLT‐2i use versus placebo/active comparators (p = 0.43). Subgroup analyses demonstrated no significant difference between SGLT‐2i type, duration of treatment or patient risk factors on amputation or PAD incidence. However, length of drug treatment (> 100 weeks) was associated with a significant increase in both PAD and amputation risks in the SGLT‐2i treatment groups.

Conclusions

The results of the meta‐analysis showed no significant association between SGLT‐2i use and PAD and amputation risks in diabetic patients when used for shorter treatment durations.
Understanding the link between intimate partner violence exposure and children's self‐regulation: The mediating role of parenting stress and warmth
Authors: Zhang Ying , Liu Qingyang , Wang Xiafei
Published: September 2024

Intimate partner violence (IPV), affecting approximately 16.3% of U.S. households annually, has detrimental effects on children who witness it, leading to psychological distress, developmental delays, and behavioral issues. Self‐regulation, a critical skill in managing attention, emotions, and behaviors essential for cognitive and social development, may be significantly impacted. The negative associations between mothers' experience of IPV and child self‐regulation necessitate the examination of the underlying mechanisms, particularly during the sensitive period of early childhood. This study utilized longitudinal data from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N = 4338) to investigate the mediating pathways linking mothers' experience of IPV (maternal victimization experiences) during infancy with children's self‐regulation at age five. Results suggested that IPV exposure during infancy was longitudinally and negatively associated with children's behavioral and attentional regulation. This association was mediated by elevated parenting stress and decreased maternal warmth. These findings highlight the importance of programs aimed at reducing IPV and supporting mothers affected by IPV, considering their vital roles in nurturing healthy child self‐regulation skills.
How important is studying languages for undergraduate students and why (not) study languages?
Authors: Van Gorp Koen , Uebel Emily Heidrich , Kronenberg Felix A. , Murphy Dianna
Published: September 2024

This study examines the value undergraduate students (n = 4458) place on proficiency in languages other than English (LOTEs) in terms of their personal interests, major(s), and career plans. Combining quantitative and qualitative analyses of large‐scale survey data, the study further explores the reasons students outline for (not) enrolling in LOTE courses and what would motivate them to enroll in language courses in the future. Results indicate that students attached most value in relation to personal interests, followed by career plans and major. In addition, students' demographics and prior experience with language can also impact their future enrollment decisions. The results suggest that not only should institutions lead the way by emphasizing the importance of learning languages, but also that language programs need to listen to students' voices and help them establish clear links between their academic majors, their future career and study plans as well as their personal interests.
2023 KLEIN LECTURE—CAPITAL AND WAGES
Authors: Acemoglu Daron
Published: September 2024

Does capital accumulation increase labor demand and wages? Neoclassical production functions, where capital and labor are q‐complements, ensure that the answer is yes, so long as labor markets are competitive. This result critically depends on the assumption that capital accumulation does not change the technologies being developed and used. I adapt the theory of endogenous technological change to investigate this question when technology also responds to capital accumulation. I show that there are strong parallels between the relationship between capital and wages and existing results on the conditions under which equilibrium factor demands are upward‐sloping (e.g., Acemoglu, Econometrica 75(5) (2007), 1371–410). Extending this framework, I provide intuitive conditions and simple examples where a greater capital stock leads to lower wages, because it triggers more automation. I then offer an endogenous growth model with a menu of technologies where equilibrium involves choices over both the extent of automation and the rate of growth of labor‐augmenting productivity. In this framework, capital accumulation and technological change in the long run are associated with wage growth, but an increase in the saving rate increases the extent of automation, and initially reduces the wage rate and can subsequently depress its long‐run growth rate.
Interferon Regulatory Factor 4: An Alternative Marker for Plasma Cells in Daratumumab‐Treated Patients With Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Yang Suwen , Hu Qianwen , Wang Xiaofen , Qiao Sai , Qi Chao , Jin Hong , Zhong Yuhong
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Anti‐CD38 therapeutic modalities (e.g., daratumumab) can impede classical CD38 and CD138 gating use for plasma cell (PC) detection in multiple myeloma (MM) patients with minimal residual disease (MRD). We assessed the applicability of CD229, CD269, and interferon regulatory factor (IRF‐4) for PC detection in MM MRD patients.

Methods

Bone marrow samples were collected from patients with MM. Through multiparameter flow cytometry, we evaluated the suitability of CD229, CD269, and IRF‐4 for distinguishing PCs from other hematopoietic cells and compared their expression pattern on normal PCs (nPCs) and aberrant PCs (aPCs). We also assessed IRF‐4 expression stability after sample storage under different conditions. A 10‐color MRD antibody panel was used to determine whether IRF‐4 is an alternative primary PC‐gating marker for MM MRD assessment.

Results

IRF‐4 was expressed specifically on all PCs; its mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) was highest on PCs among all hematopoietic cells. This MFI did not decrease even after sample storage at 4°C or 25°C for 72 h. In all 42 MRD assessment samples, except for samples (n = 10) with no PCs, the use of IRF‐4 enabled accurate nPC (n = 12), aPC (n = 13), and nPC + aPC (n = 7) identification. Even samples from daratumumab‐treated patients had high IRF‐4 MFI, with no difference between pre‐treatment and post‐treatment (n = 7; p = 0.610).

Conclusions

IRF‐4 demonstrates high MFI on PCs, and it is not expressed on other leukocytes. In MM patients with MRD, daratumumab treatment does not affect IRF‐4 expression. IRF‐4 is a promising marker for PC identification in MRD assessment of MM patients undergoing anti‐CD38 therapy.
The immunoregulatory potential of eosinophil subsets
Authors: Noble Sophia‐Louise , Mules Thomas C , Le Gros Graham , Inns Stephen
Published: September 2024

Eosinophils have traditionally been viewed as pathological effector cells primarily involved in antiparasitic and allergic immune reactions; however, it is becoming increasingly apparent that eosinophils are multifaceted leukocytes that contribute to a variety of roles in both health and disease. Recent research shows that eosinophils play important immunoregulatory roles across various tissue sites including the gastrointestinal tract, adipose tissue, lung, liver, heart, muscles, thymus and bone marrow. With recent advances in our knowledge and appreciation of eosinophil immunoregulatory functions at these tissue sites, as well as emerging research demonstrating the existence of distinct subsets of eosinophils, a review of this topic is timely. Although some questions remain regarding eosinophil function and heterogeneity, this review summarizes the contemporary understanding of the immunoregulatory roles of eosinophils across various tissues and discusses the latest research on eosinophil heterogeneity and subsets.
Rethinking EU‐level goals: different strategies to improve national performance toward the European Education Area objectives
Authors: Stumbrienė Dovilė , Ruiz José L. , Sirvent Inmaculada
Published: September 2024

The European Education Area strategic framework is the outcome of the continuous construction of European cooperation in education. It sets EU‐level goals for seven indicators, which should be achieved within a given timeframe. Previous researchers have shown that the national capacity of some countries to implement measurement standards can lag behind the ambition of EU‐level goals. This paper aims to propose a benchmarking approach to set country‐specific targets and identify different strategies for improving national performance toward strategic objectives. We proposed a benefit‐of‐doubt approach that incorporates information on EU‐level goals and employed it with the most recent data for 29 European countries. The model solves a bi‐objective problem that imposes two objectives of closeness, namely that between actual performances and targets (effort) and that between targets and EU‐level goals (adjustment). Managers involved in planning may choose the most appropriate plan based on targets common to all countries or others that consider individual circumstances.
SCREENING OF ENDOMETRIAL CARCINOMA BY JET WASH AND ENDOUTERINE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY
Authors: Niklasson O. , Johansson R. , Stormby N.
Published: September 2024

The results obtained from the use or a new instrument designed to simplify endometrial aspiration were compared to those obtained by Gravlee Jet Wash. The observed difference in accuracy in the diagnosis of endometrial neoplasia between Jet Wash (95 per cent) and endouterine aspiration (91 per cent) is discussed. It is concluded that endometrial cytology by either method is a valuable complement to the Papanicolaou smear in asymptomatic postmenopausal women. The new endouterine aspiration instrument is recommended because of its greater simplicity.
EFFECTIVITY AND ACCEPTABILITY OF ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES CONTAINING NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL ESTROGENS IN COMBINATION WITH A GESTAGEN
Authors: Serup J. , Bostofte E. , Larsen S. , Westergaard J.
Published: September 2024

With the purpose of investigating effectivity and acceptability of an oral contraceptive containing micronized natural estrogens (estradiol‐17β 4 mg + estriol 2 mg /norehisterone acetate 3 mg per tablet) versus a contraceptive containing artificial estrogen (ethinyl estradiol 50 μg/norethisterone acetate 3 mg per tablet), a controlled doubleblind investigation was performed in 111 young women. The investigation was designed for 12 cycles. The tablets were given consecutively for 3 weeks with 1 week's interruption. In the natural estrogen group 57 women completed 504 cycles, in the artificial estrogen group 54 women completed 510 cycles (Table I). No pregnancies occurred. There were highly significantly more terminations due to bleeding irregularities (p< 0.001), and highly significantly more spotting (p<0.001), breakthrough (p<0.001) and amenorrhea (p<0.00l) episodes in the natural estrogen group (Tables II and III). Bleeding irregularities on natural estrogens did not subside during the trial (Table IV). There were a few more psychiatric and CNS symptoms on natural estrogen (p<0.05), but other side effects did not differ between the two preparations (Table V). Blood pressure and weight did not vary significantly. Despite documented metabolic advantages, the natural estrogen tablet investigated was not found to be clinically acceptable for general usage because of the high incidence of bleeding irregularities. It is conceivable that a change of the estrogen/gestagen ratio, using a variable 3‐weck schedule, would reduce the number of bleeding irregularities.
SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA OF THE VULVA
Authors: Iversen Torbjørn
Published: September 2024

A total of 154 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva stages II, III and IV treated with radical vulvectomy and bilateral inguinal lymphadenoectomy, of whom 72 also underwent pelvic lymphadenectomy, have been followed‐up for 3–21 years. Metastases from unilateral tumors were found in the lymph nodes on the same side. No other significant relationship between the localization of the primary tumor and lymph node metastases was found. Pelvic lymphadenectomy seemed not to influence the prognosis.
Compensatory changes after spinal cord injury in a remyelination deficient mouse model
Authors: Manesh S. B. , Kondiles B. R. , Wheeler S. , Liu J. , Zhang L. , Chernoff C. , Duncan G. J. , Ramer M. S. , Tetzlaff W.
Published: September 2024

The development of therapeutic strategies to reduce impairments following spinal cord injury (SCI) motivates an active area of research, because there are no effective therapies. One strategy is to address injury‐induced demyelination of spared axons by promoting endogenous or exogenous remyelination. However, previously, we showed that new myelin was not necessary to regain hindlimb stepping following moderate thoracic spinal cord contusion in 3‐month‐old mice. The present analysis investigated two potential mechanisms by which animals can re‐establish locomotion in the absence of remyelination: compensation through intact white matter and conduction through spared axons. We induced a severe contusion injury to reduce the spared white matter rim in the remyelination deficient model, with no differences in recovery between remyelination deficient animals and injured littermate controls. We investigated the nodal properties of the axons at the lesion and found that in the remyelination deficient model, axons express the Nav1.2 voltage‐gated sodium channel, a sub‐type not typically expressed at mature nodes of Ranvier. In a moderate contusion injury, conduction velocities through the lesions of remyelination deficient animals were similar to those in animals with the capacity to remyelinate after injury. Detailed gait analysis and kinematics reveal subtle differences between remyelination deficient animals and remyelination competent controls, but no worse deficits. It is possible that upregulation of Nav1.2 channels may contribute to establishing conduction through the lesion. This conduction could contribute to compensation and regained motor function in mouse models of SCI. Such compensatory mechanism may have implications for interpreting efficacy results for remyelinating interventions in mice and the development of therapies for improving recovery following SCI.

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Effects of post‐curing light intensity on the trueness, compressive strength, and resin polymerization characteristics of 3D‐printed 3‐unit fixed dental prostheses
Authors: Sahrir Citra Dewi , Lin Wei‐Shao , Wang Chin‐Wei , Lin Wei‐Chun
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To investigate the effect of different post‐curing light intensities on the trueness, compressive strength, and resin polymerization of 3D‐printed 3‐unit fixed dental prostheses (FPD).

Materials and Methods

A total of 60 specimens were prepared to support a 3‐unit FDP with a deep chamfer marginal design, utilizing computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD‐CAM) technology. Light‐polymerizing FDP resin with varying light intensities (105, 210, 420, and 840 mW/cm2) was employed for 10 min. Subsequently, trueness assessment, fracture load testing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) surface examination, and Fourier‐Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis were conducted. A one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to ascertain the differences between the experimental groups (p < 0.05).

Results

The group exposed to 210 mW/cm2 showed the highest trueness (57.6 ± 2.1 µm), while the 840 mW/cm2 group had the highest deviation (79.3 ± 2.7 µm) (p < 0.001). Significant differences in fracture resistance were found between groups (p < 0.001), with mean fracture strengths of 1149.77 ± 67.81 N, 1264.92 ± 39.06 N, 1331.34 ± 53.62 N, and 1439.93 ± 34.58 N for light intensities of 105, 210, 420, and 840 mW/cm2, respectively (p < 0.001). The resin polymerization analysis shows a peak intensity surge at 3579 cm−1 for O‐H and C‐H stretching vibrations, except in samples exposed to 105 mw/cm2 light, with the lowest peak at 2890 cm−1. The performance of resin polymerization is most significant under the condition of 840 mW/cm2.

Conclusion

The light intensity of 210 mW/cm2 exhibited the highest trueness, while the 840 mW/cm2 group showed the highest deviation. However, the light intensity of 840 mW/cm2 demonstrated the highest compressive strength. Furthermore, polymerization occurred at all post‐treatment light intensities except 105 mW/cm2. These findings indicate that while low‐intensity usage offers greater trueness, high‐intensity usage provides better compressive strength and polymerization. Therefore, 210 mW/cm2 could be the recommended solution for post‐curing.
Influence of the Season of Year and Stage of Postharvest Processing on Anthracnose Severity in Bananas in a Savanna Climate in the Brazilian Northeast
Authors: da Silva Débora Cristina , da Silva Jadson Araújo , Sousa Felipe Araujo , do Santos José Ailton Cruz Macêdo , Inokuti Eliane Mayumi , Michereff Sami Jorge , Correia Kamila Câmara
Published: September 2024

Banana cultivation has great socio‐economic importance in the Cariri region (state of Ceará), Brazil. This study aimed to monitor the severity of anthracnose (caused by Colletotrichum musae) in bananas (cv. Prata) collected at three postharvest processing steps (dehanding, first washing and second washing) in packinghouses of four producing companies (A, B, C and D) in the wet (February–May) and dry (September–December) seasons of production in 2019. Averaged across packing companies and processing stages, disease severity was higher in the wet season (42.4%) than in the dry season (19.6%), but disease variability, expressed by the coefficient of variation, was higher in the dry season. In most cases, there were significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences among processing stages within each packinghouse and season, but the stage with the highest disease severity was not consistent. In other words, there was no predictable change in disease severity from dehanding to first and second washing. It was impossible to identify a single pattern in the severity of anthracnose in banana fruits collected from different companies and stages of postharvest processing, and this may be associated with the management adopted in each production area.
Effects of fecal microbiota transplantation on clinical outcomes and fecal microbiota of foals with diarrhea
Authors: Bell Jillian , Raidal Sharanne L. , Cuming Rosemary S. , Trope Gareth , Hughes Kristopher J.
Published: September 2024

Background

Diarrhea in foals can be associated with disruption of the intestinal microbiota (dysbiosis). Effective management of intestinal dysbiosis in foals has not been demonstrated.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in foals with diarrhea influences the intestinal microbiota and improves clinical and clinicopathological outcomes.

Animals

Twenty‐five foals <6 months of age with diarrhea and systemic inflammatory response syndrome at 3 veterinary hospitals.

Methods

A prospective randomized placebo‐controlled cohort study. Foals in the FMT group (n = 19) or control group (n = 9) received FMT or electrolyte solution once daily for 3 days. Fecal samples were obtained on Day 0 (D0), D1, D2, D3, and D7. Within group and between group data analyses were performed for clinical, clinicopathological, and microbiota variables.

Results

Treatment had no effect on survival (FMT 79%; control 100%, P = .3) or resolution of diarrhea (FMT 68%; control 55%, P = .4). On D3, the white blood cell count of the FMT group was lower than the control group (D3 FMT group median 6.4 g/L [5‐8.3 g/L]; D3 control group median 14.3 g/L [6.7‐18.9 g/L] P = .04). Heart rate reduced over time in the FMT group (D0 median 80 bpm [60‐150 bpm]; D2 median 70 bpm [52‐110 bpm] [P = .005]; and D3 median 64, [54‐102 bpm] [P < .001]). Phylum Verrucomicrobiota, genus Akkermansia, and family Prevotellaceae were enriched in the FMT group on D1 (linear discriminate analysis > 4).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

In foals with diarrhea, FMT appears safe and can be associated with some clinical and microbiota changes suggestive of beneficial effect.
Effect of oral or subcutaneous administration of cyanocobalamin in hypocobalaminemic cats with chronic gastrointestinal disease or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Authors: Chang Chee‐Hoon , Lidbury Jonathan , Suchodolski Jan S. , Steiner Joerg M.
Published: September 2024

Background

No prospective study has evaluated the efficacy of oral supplementation with cobalamin in hypocobalaminemic cats.

Objectives

To investigate the efficacy of oral or SC supplementation with cyanocobalamin in normalizing serum cobalamin and methylmalonic acid (MMA) concentrations in hypocobalaminemic cats with chronic gastrointestinal disease (CGID) or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).

Animals

Forty‐eight client‐owned hypocobalaminemic (<290 ng/L) cats with normal or abnormally high serum MMA concentrations.

Methods

This study was conducted based on the prospective randomized clinical trial method. Cats with CGID or EPI were randomly assigned to 2 groups that received either oral or SC supplementation with cobalamin (250 μg/cat) for 12 and 10 weeks, respectively, in addition to other medical and dietary interventions. Each cat was evaluated 3 times (baseline, 6‐week postsupplementation, and 1‐week postcompletion) by measuring serum cobalamin and MMA concentrations.

Results

In cats with CGID or EPI, cobalamin concentrations were normalized in all cats that received either oral or SC supplementation (mean 100% [95% CI: 80.6%‐100%] in both groups in cats with CGID and 100% [67.6%‐100%] in both groups in cats with EPI). Among 37 cats with elevated MMA concentrations at baseline (21 cats with CGID and 16 cats with EPI), MMA concentrations were normalized in most cats with CGID (70% in oral and 82% in SC group) or EPI (88% in both groups).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

In hypocobalaminemic cats with CGID or EPI, in conjunction with other medical and dietary interventions, both oral and SC supplementation are effective at normalizing serum cobalamin and MMA concentrations.
Virtual reality‐based dynamic scene recreation and robot teleoperation for hazardous environments
Authors: Bavelos Angelos Christos , Anastasiou Efthymios , Dimitropoulos Nikos , Michalos George , Makris Sotiris
Published: September 2024

Virtual reality (VR) technology is increasingly vital in various sectors, particularly for simulating real environments in training and teleoperation. However, it has primarily focused on static, controlled settings like indoor industrial shopfloors. This paper proposes a novel method for remotely controlling robots in hazardous environments safely, without compromising efficiency. Operators can execute tasks from remote locations ensuring continuity regardless of distance. Real‐time efficiency is achieved by updating the virtual environment from on‐site sensors and mirroring the real environment, utilizing 3D reconstruction, Google Images, and video streams. Communication between VR and the remote robot is facilitated through a remote robot operating system connection. The efficacy of this concept will be validated through real road maintenance interventions.
The effects of acute exercise on food intake and appetite in adolescents with and without obesity: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Moore Halim , Siroux Julie , Sevilla‐Lorente Raquel , Prado Wagner Luiz , Damaso Ana Raimunda , Pereira Bruno , Thivel David
Published: September 2024

This systematic review and meta‐analysis synthesized evidence pertaining to consummatory and appetitive responses to acute exercise in children and adolescents with and without obesity (5–18 years). Articles reporting on supervised, controlled trials of any modality, duration, or intensity with laboratory‐measured food intake were found using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane up to July 2023. Differences between conditions in laboratory energy and macronutrient intake, appetite sensations, and food reward were quantitatively synthesized using random‐effects meta‐analyses. Thirty‐five studies were eligible for the systematic review of energy intake, consisting of 60 distinct intervention arms with lean (n = 374) and overweight/obesity participants (n = 325; k = 51 eligible for meta‐analysis). Study quality as indicated by the Effective Public Healthy Practice Project tool was rated as low and moderate risk of bias for 80% and 20% of studies, respectively. Acute exercise had no significant effect on energy intake during an ad libitum test meal (mean difference [MD] = −4.52 [−30.58, 21.54] kcal, p = .729). Whilst absolute carbohydrate intake was lower after exercise (23 arms; MD = −6.08 [−11.26, −0.91] g, p = .023), the proportion of carbohydrate was not (30 arms; MD = −0.62 [−3.36, 2.12] %, p = .647). A small elevation in hunger (27 arms; MD = 4.56 [0.75, 8.37] mm, p = .021) and prospective food consumption (27 arms; PFC; MD = 5.71 [1.62, 9.80] mm, p = .008) was observed post‐exercise, but not immediately prior to the test meal (Interval: Mdn = 30 min, Range = 0–180). Conversely, a modest decrease in explicit wanting for high‐fat foods was evident after exercise (10 arms; MD = −2.22 [−3.96, −0.47] mm, p = .019). Exercise intensity (p = .033) and duration (p = .013) moderated food intake only in youth with overweight/obesity, indicating lower intake at high intensity and short duration. Overall, acute exercise does not lead to compensation of energy intake or a meaningful elevation of appetite or food reward and might have a modest benefit in youth with overweight/obesity if sufficiently intense. However, conclusions are limited by substantial methodological heterogeneity and the small number of trials employing high‐intensity exercise, especially in youth with overweight/obesity.
Shared Ideals, But Persistent Barriers: Improving Tribal‐University Research Engagement to Strengthen Native Nation Building and Rural Development☆
Authors: Herkshan Laticia J. , Hart‐Fredeluces Georgia M. , Redd Elizabeth A. , Tso TJ , Burnham Morey
Published: September 2024

Research partnerships between Tribal Nations and rural colleges and universities can support rural development and strengthen Tribal Nation building through reclamation of economic, political, cultural, and social affairs. However, Tribal Nation–University relationships have received little attention in rural sociology. While scholars identify best practices for research engagement in light of colonial harms, the ideal visions that Tribally and university‐affiliated people have for research partnerships and the barriers to achieving those ideals are poorly understood. Without identifying these visions and barriers, we risk making wrong assumptions about each party's needs and cannot implement appropriate policies. Semi‐structured interviews with Tribally‐affiliated (n = 20) and university‐affiliated (n = 20) people in rural southeastern Idaho suggest, contrary to literature on best practices for collaborative research, that participants in both groups viewed what we term “Tribally‐responsive research engagement” as ideal, though few projects met this goal. Tribally‐responsive research directly addressed Tribal priorities but did not necessarily involve close collaboration. The University's failure to acknowledge past or colonial harms, university‐affiliated researchers' historicization of those harms, and negative Native student experiences reinforced distrust, limiting desired research engagement. In sum, Tribally‐responsive research engagement could strengthen Native Nation building, but requires universities to acknowledge harms, create more welcoming campus environments, and prioritize Tribal benefits in research.
Approaching soil health from a practitioner perspective – Placing practices before indicators for Australian cotton and other producers
Authors: Knox Oliver , Conaty Meredith , Williams Allan , Cosgrove Chris
Published: September 2024

Soil health, how it is defined and characterized, has long been a topic of debate, but its importance has never been in doubt. The FAO has provided a unifying definition of what soil health is, but uncertainty remains as to how it will be measured. While finding suitable soil health indicators remains challenging, there is growing pressure from external drivers on land managers to demonstrate they are valuing their soil health. With these issues in mind, the Australian cotton industry developed a soil health framework with the potential to address both competing demands. Taking a lead from the human health management, which focuses on prevention through promotion of adoptable healthy activity principles, and incorporating principles from the existing soil frameworks, we conceived one that is relevant to Australian cotton farmers. The outcome promotes beneficial but non‐prescriptive land management practices, which have mechanisms in place to financially reward growers for adoption and facilitates industry monitoring. The Soil Health Framework, also has potential for other agricultural sectors and represents a solution to the current impasse over soil health assessment.