bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Destination online reviews: lexicons and thematic arguments on social responsibility
Authors: Bigne Enrique , Zanfardini Marina , Andreu Luisa
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine online comments on destination social responsibility (DSR). Typically, visitors do not discuss their experiences in terms explicitly related to DSR. This study analyzes the natural language that visitors use and identifies connections to the dimensions of DSR (i.e. environmental, sociocultural and economic responsibility). The research objectives are to identify the lexicons of tourists and the thematic arguments related to DSR dimensions. This study also analyzes the association between those dimensions and tourist destination types.

Design/methodology/approach

This study reviewed 5,113 Tripadvisor comments about the top-ranking destinations in two countries. Expert judges used text mining techniques to explore lexicons and topics. Factor correspondence analysis was used to analyze the relationship between identified DSR thematic arguments and tourist destination types (e.g. nature, urban, culture and beach destinations).

Findings

Drawing from social identity theory and self-extension theoretical approaches, this study reveals that tourists share opinions using a lexicon of DSR dimensions. Interestingly, the results of this study identify five sub-dimensions in online reviews related to social responsibility in tourism destinations: environmental (i.e. “natural landscapes”), sociocultural (i.e. “cultural heritage” and “urban leisure and outdoor spaces”) and economic dimensions (i.e. “tourism services” and “guided tours and experiences”). This paper also describes associations between DSR lexicons, the reviews’ main sub-dimensions and destination types.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical study analyzes online reviews of top-ten tourism destinations in Spain and Argentina, countries with similar cultural backgrounds. Because of the focus on well-ranked destinations, this sample may exhibit a higher proportion of positive comments. However, the methodological contribution can extend to other destinations. This research can help researchers and destination managers understand the issues on which tourists comment in the context of their destination experiences and the three dimensions of DSR.

Originality/value

There is a lack of studies using natural language processing techniques to analyze the intersection between UGC and DSR; social media research has neglected this topic. This study integrates the five sub-dimensions the authors identified into a three-dimensional schema and enriches the classic DSR framework.
Partial sales of lumpy assets
Authors: Chiang Kevin C. H. , Connolly Robert A. , Liu Crocker H.
Published: December 2024

Using a new dataset, we study the pricing of a partial interest in a lumpy asset. Ex ante, it is unclear what a partial interest is worth due to countervailing factors which include asset quality, control benefits, asymmetrical information, and illiquidity. Contrary to the partial sale discount norm in IRS tax rules, court rulings, and appraisal methodology, we find that partial interests typically trade at a price premium. We identify salient factors that account for this premium. We find lower premiums exist for partnership buyouts compared to new outside buyers. No premium exists for a 50% co‐control stake.
The waiting game: Anticipatory stress and its proliferation during jail incarceration
Authors: Turney Kristin , Sugie Naomi F. , Marín Estéfani , Kaiser Daniela E.
Published: December 2024

Anticipatory stress—or worries about the future that produce emotional distress—may explain some of the deleterious repercussions of incarceration for health. We use nearly 500 interviews with incarcerated men and their family members to describe anticipatory stress stemming from the stressor of jail incarceration, a commonly experienced but understudied type of confinement distinct from prison incarceration. We identify and explain how jail incarceration involves a powerful confluence of factors that give rise to anticipatory stress about adjudication, family relationships, the well‐being of loved ones, and reintegration. We describe three types of anticipatory stress proliferation between incarcerated men and their families. First, anticipatory stress commonly proliferates from incarcerated men to their children's mothers and their own mothers, with anticipatory stress being particularly salient when it involves the possibility of major changes, system irrationality, and powerlessness. Second, family members can experience anticipatory stress regardless of whether their incarcerated loved one reports anticipatory stress, shaped in part by men's extensive criminal legal contact. Third, family members with weak relationships with incarcerated men generally do not experience anticipatory stress despite the anticipatory stress endured by their incarcerated loved ones. This study provides a framework for understanding how other stages of criminal legal contact contribute to health inequalities among incarcerated people and their families.
The Arrival of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses in North America, Ensuing Epizootics in Poultry and Dairy Farms and Difficulties in Scientific Naming
Authors: Brüssow Harald
Published: December 2024

The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N1, first isolated in 1996 in China, spread rapidly across Eurasia and caused major epizootics in wild and domesticated birds, as well as spillover infections in humans characterised by high mortality. Avian influenza viruses are therefore candidate viruses for a human pandemic. Surprisingly, HPAIV was not isolated in North America until 2014. With the help of intensive biological sampling and viral genome sequencing, the intrusion of HPAIV into North America could be retraced to two separate events. First, migratory birds carried HPAIV from East Siberia via Beringia and dispersed the virus along the Pacific flyway. After reassortment with genes of local low pathogenic avian influenza viruses, HPAIV H5 caused 2015 a major epizootic on poultry farms in the US Mid‐West. After costly containment, HPAIV dropped below the detection limit. In 2021, Eurasian HPAIV H5 viruses arrived a second time in North America, carried by migratory birds to Canada via the Atlantic flyway, using Iceland as a stop. The H5 virus then spread with water birds along the East Coast of the United States and dispersed across the United States. In contrast to the 2015 poultry outbreak, spillover infections into diverse species of mammals were now observed. The events culminated in the 2024 HPAIV H5 epizootic in dairy cows affecting 300 dairy herds in 14 US states. The cattle epizootic was spread mainly by milking machinery and animal transport. On affected farms infected cats developed fatal neurological diseases. Retail milk across the United States frequently contains viral RNA, but so far only a few milk farm workers have developed mild symptoms. The tracing of HPAIV with viral genome sequencing complicated the taxonomical naming of influenza viruses raising fundamental problems in how to mirror biological complexity in written plain language, rendering communication with the lay public difficult.
Similarities and differences in the gene expression signatures of physiological age versus future lifespan
Authors: Mosley Matthew C. , Kinser Holly E. , Martin Olivier M. F. , Stroustrup Nicholas , Schedl Tim , Kornfeld Kerry , Pincus Zachary
Published: December 2024

Across all taxa of life, individuals within a species exhibit variable lifespans. Differences in genotype or environment are not sufficient to explain this variance, as even isogenic Caenorhabditis elegans nematodes reared under uniform conditions show significant variability in lifespan. To investigate this phenomenon, we used lifespan‐predictive biomarkers to isolate, at mid‐adulthood, prospectively long‐ and short‐lived individuals from an otherwise identical population. We selected two biomarkers which correlated positively with lifespan, lin‐4p::GFP and mir‐243p::GFP, and two which correlated negatively, mir‐240/786p::GFP and autofluorescence. The gene‐expression signature of long versus short future lifespan was strikingly similar across all four biomarkers tested. Since these biomarkers are expressed in different tissues, these results suggest a shared connection to a global health state correlated with future lifespan. To further investigate this underlying state, we compared the transcriptional signature of long versus short future lifespan to that of chronologically young versus old individuals. By comparison to a high‐resolution time series of the average aging transcriptome, we determined that subpopulations predicted to be long‐ or short‐lived by biomarker expression had significantly different transcriptional ages despite their shared chronological age. We found that this difference in apparent transcriptional age accounted for the majority of differentially expressed genes associated with future lifespan. Interestingly, we also identified several genes whose expression consistently separated samples by biomarker expression independent of apparent transcriptional age. These results suggest that the commonalities in the long‐lived versus short‐lived state reported across different biomarkers of aging extends beyond simply transcriptionally young versus transcriptionally old.
Estradiol deficiency as a consequence of aging contributes to the depletion of the satellite cell pool in female mice
Authors: Sullivan Brian P. , Larson Alexie A. , Shams Ahmed S. , McMillin Shawna L. , Ebeling Mara C. , Peng Sydney , Kyba Michael , Lowe Dawn A.
Published: December 2024

The effects of aging on the satellite cell pool have primarily been studied in male mice, where the role of cell‐intrinsic versus environmental changes on satellite cell function remains contentious. Estradiol is necessary for maintenance of satellite cell pool size in adult female mice—here we investigate the hypothesis that in females, estradiol is a major environmental driver of age‐associated effects on satellite cells. In 24–26 month‐old ovarian senescent mice, we find the satellite cell pool size is severely diminished in certain muscles (TA and EDL) but only marginally affected in others (soleus and gastrocnemius). Supplementation with 17‐beta estradiol significantly increases satellite cell pool size in the TA and EDL. To assess cell‐intrinsic versus environmental regulation, we perform two transplantation experiments, Adult or Aged satellite cells transplanted into Adult recipients, and Adult satellite cells transplanted into Adult or Aged mice. These results demonstrate that the aged environment dominates over cell‐autonomous age in terms of the specification of satellite cell pool size. Transcriptional profiling on satellite cells from Adult, Aged and ovariectomized mice revealed commonalities across the two estradiol‐deficient conditions, Aged and ovariectomized, in GO terms from differentially expressed genes. Our findings support the hypothesis that the lack of estradiol contributes to reductions in satellite cell number in Aged female muscle, yet cells that remain are functional in terms of proliferative potential and self‐renewal capacity. These findings have implications for sex hormone treatment of menopausal women and highlight the vital role of estradiol in the maintenance of the satellite cell pool.
Allergen‐Specific Immunotherapy and Trained Immunity
Authors: Martín‐Cruz Leticia , Palomares Oscar
Published: December 2024

The high prevalence of allergic diseases reached over the last years is attributed to the complex interplay of genetic factors, lifestyle changes, and environmental exposome. Allergen‐specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the single therapeutic strategy for allergic diseases with the potential capacity to modify the course of the disease. Our knowledge of the mechanisms involved in allergy and successful AIT has significantly improved. Recent findings indicate that long‐term allergen tolerance upon AIT discontinuation not only relies on the generation of proper adaptive immune responses by the generation of allergen‐specific regulatory T and B cells enabling the induction of different isotypes of blocking antibodies but also relies on the restoration of proper innate immune responses. Trained immunity (TRIM) is the process by which innate immune cells acquire memory by mechanisms depending on metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming, thus conferring the host with increased broad protection against infection. This concept was initially explored for infectious diseases, as well as for vaccination against infections, but compelling experimental evidence suggests that TRIM might also play a role in allergy and AIT. Hyperinflammatory innate immune responses in early life, likely due to TRIM maladaptations, lead to aberrant type 2 inflammation‐enhancing allergy. However, exposure to farming environments and specific microbes prevents recurrent infections and allergy development, likely due to mechanisms partially depending on TRIM. TRIM‐based vaccines and next‐generation AIT vaccines inducing metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming in innate immune cells and their precursors have shown protective antiallergic effects. A better understanding of the factors involved in early‐life TRIM mechanisms in the context of allergy and the identification and characterization of novel tolerance inducers might well enable the design of alternative TRIM‐based allergen vaccines for allergic diseases.
Treatment patterns in metastatic early‐onset rectal cancer
Authors: Thompson Nasya , Waddell Oliver , McCombie Andrew , Frizelle Francis , Glyn Ms Tamara
Published: December 2024

Background

Early onset rectal cancer (EORC) is increasing internationally. While EORC cancer presents with some distinct clinical features, there is currently insufficient evidence that age of onset should alter treatment. This study examines treatment patterns for EO versus late‐onset (LO) metastatic rectal cancer in Canterbury, New Zealand, to better understand appropriate treatment strategies and there effect on patient outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective study on all patients diagnosed with stage 4 rectal adenocarcinoma in Canterbury from 2010 to 2021 was undertaken. Patients under 50 were compared to a control group aged 60–74, analysing treatment patterns, hospital stays, and survival outcomes.

Results

Between 2010 and 2021, there were 949 rectal cancer diagnoses in Canterbury, of which 23 were EO and 64 were LO with stage 4 cancer. Survival analysis revealed a significant difference in median survival times between EORC (47.9 months) and LORC patients (26.5 months; P = 0.03). There was no significant difference in the surgical or oncological management between age groups (P > 0.05). Mean admissions per 100 days of life was 0.45 in LORC and 0.44 in EORC (P = 0.9119). There was no significant difference in the median proportion of time spent in hospital between EO and LO groups (2.5 vs. 2.2 days for every 100 days of life, P = 0.88).

Conclusion

Surgical and oncological treatments were similar for both EORC and LORC groups. The EO group exhibited better survival, with hospitalization burdens comparable for both. These findings underline the importance of maintaining an approach to metastatic RC balancing survival and quality of life.
Clinicians' views on implementing enhanced recovery after surgery: a descriptive qualitative study
Authors: Tobiano Georgia , Liang Rhea , Chaboyer Wendy , Lovegrove Josephine , Addy Keith , Gillespie Brigid M
Published: December 2024

Background

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have existed for the past three decades; these protocols may improve patient outcomes and healthcare costs. Yet, ERAS is difficult to implement, and there has been limited focus on processes used to promote ERAS use. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify and describe the barriers and enablers to implementing ERAS.

Methods

In this qualitative descriptive sub‐study, semi‐structured interviews, guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework, were conducted with surgeons, anaesthetists, and nurses. Interviews were analyzed using inductive and deductive content analysis.

Results

Three categories were found, which mapped to 12 domains in the Theoretical Domains Framework. Category 1 ‘realizing the value of ERAS, despite varying levels of exposure and motivation’ showed clinicians' different views and knowledge towards ERAS, with a general belief that ERAS was evidence‐based. Category 2, ‘building momentum for ERAS implementation’ outlined strategies to encourage clinicians to practice ERAS. The final category ‘providing resources for ERAS’ illustrated the tools and up‐front costs needed for ERAS implementation.

Conclusion

Motivational strategies are required to inspire individual clinicians to adopt ERAS. Additionally, resources are needed for ERAS to guide practice and support implementation (i.e., staffing and time), underscoring the need for hospital leadership support.
Physiological impact of oral carbohydrate preload in healthy volunteers
Authors: Cowie Brian , Lipszyc Adam , Luxford Jamahal , Devapalasundaram Abarna , Dubey Harsh , Kluger Roman , Phan Tuong
Published: December 2024

Background

Oral carbohydrate loading has become a key component of Enhanced Recovery After Major Surgery (ERAS) pathways, with potential improvements in patient comfort, nausea and vomiting, ileus and length of stay. The contribution of each component of ERAS, including carbohydrate beverages, remains unclear. We aimed to determine the impact of standardized oral carbohydrate fluid loading on haemodynamics, stroke volume and gastric state in a group of healthy volunteers.

Methods

Twenty‐three volunteer participants free of known cardiovascular or gastrointestinal disease, consumed 400 mL of a proprietary carbohydrate solution. Heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), stroke volume (SV) and gastric cross‐sectional area (CSA) were measured with bedside ultrasound at baseline, 30/60/120 min post‐ingestion.

Results

There were small decreases in HR, BP (<10%) that were statistically significant. There were small increases (<10%) in SV at 30 and 60 min post‐ingestion, but SV had returned to baseline by 120 min. There were no changes in SV variation. Gastric CSA increased immediately post‐ingestion, then decreased in a linear fashion before returning to baseline by 120 min.

Conclusion

In a standard 400 mL dose of a carbohydrate beverage, only small increases in SV could be demonstrated in the first‐hour post‐ingestion. All patients had largely returned to their baseline SV and gastric CSA state within 2 h post‐fluid ingestion. A mild decrease in HR and BP was noted that persisted at 120 min. A 400 mL carbohydrate beverage does not appear to have favourable cardiovascular effects in a healthy population.
Toward human uterus tissue engineering: Uterine decellularization in a non‐human primate species
Authors: De Miguel‐Gómez Lucía , Sehic Edina , Thorén Emy , Ahlström Johan , Rabe Hardis , Oltean Mihai , Brännström Mats , Hellström Mats
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Uterus bioengineering offers a potential treatment option for women with uterine factor infertility and for mitigating the risk of uterine rupture associated with women with defective uterine tissue. Decellularized uterine tissue scaffolds proved promising in further in vivo experiments in rodent and domestic species animal models. Variations in the extracellular matrix composition among different species and adaptations of the decellularization protocols make it difficult to compare the results between studies. Therefore, we assessed if our earlier developed sodium deoxycholate‐based decellularization protocol for the sheep and the cow uterus could become a standardized cross‐species protocol by assessing it on the non‐human primate (baboon) uterus.

Material and Methods

The baboon uterus was decellularized using sodium deoxycholate, and the remaining acellular scaffold was quantitatively assessed for DNA, protein, and specific extracellular matrix components. Furthermore, electron microscopy deepened morphology examination, while the chorioallantoic membrane assay examined the scaffolds' cytotoxicity, bioactivity, and angiogenic properties. The in vitro recellularization efficiency of the scaffolds using xenogeneic (rat) bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells was also assessed. Finally, the immune potential of the scaffolds was evaluated by in vitro exposure to human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Results

We obtained a decellularized baboon uterus with preserved extracellular matrix components by adding an 8‐h sodium deoxycholate perfusion to our previously developed protocol for the sheep and cow models. This minor modification resulted in scaffolds with less than 1% of immunogenic host DNA content while preserving important uterine‐specific collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan structures. The chorioallantoic membrane assay and in vitro recellularization experiments confirmed that the scaffolds were bioactive and non‐cytotoxic. As we have observed in other animal models, the enzymatic scaffold preconditioning with matrix metalloproteinases improved the recellularization efficiency further. Additionally, the preconditioning generated more immune‐privileged scaffolds, as shown in a novel in vitro co‐culture assay with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Conclusions

For the first time, our data demonstrate the efficiency of our protocol for non‐human primate uteri and its translational potential. This standardized protocol will facilitate cross‐study comparisons and expedite clinical translation.
Growth hormone treatment in children in Israel: A large‐scale retrospective database study
Authors: Reichenberg Yael , Bello Rachel , Oberman Bernice , Cohen Moryia , Cohen Avner Herman , Shkalim Zemer Vered
Published: December 2024

Aim

To evaluate the indications, population characteristics and latency between short stature diagnosis to treatment with recombinant growth hormone (GH) therapy in a large cohort of children in Israel.

Methods

We performed a retrospective medical chart review of all children treated with GH for conditions associated with short stature in three central districts in Israel from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2021. Data extracted from the medical files included demographics, time to diagnosis, treatment indications and GH therapy duration.

Results

The study group comprised 5148 children aged 1 day to 17 years. A total of 64.1% were diagnosed with idiopathic short stature (ISS), 31.1% with GH deficiency (GHD) and 2.5% with small‐for‐gestational age (SGA). Males were treated more than females (58.9% vs. 41.1%). The mean age at first documentation of short stature was 6.9 ± 3.5 years. GH therapy was initiated at a mean age of 9.8 ± 3.3 years. A total of 51.2% were of high socio‐economic status (SES); 78.2% were non‐ultraorthodox Jews, 13%, ultraorthodox Jews, and 8.8% were Arabs.

Conclusion

Meticulous growth follow‐up from early childhood for all children, specifically females, those of low SES, and minorities is important to provide appropriate referral, treatment and final adult height outcomes.
EcoFloVCS: An eco‐physiognomic‐floristic vegetation classification system
Authors: Song Kun , Zhang Jian , Yan Enrong , Wang Xihua , Song Yongchang
Published: December 2024

Background

Vegetation science research has been conducted for approximately 200 years; however, until now there has not been a unified classification principle or system that was acceptable to vegetation scientists. To facilitate the development of vegetation science and its applications in natural conservation, a unified vegetation classification system is urgently required. Here we propose a unified eco‐physiognomic‐floristic vegetation classification system (EcoFloVCS) that combines eco‐physiognomic and floristic characteristic classification systems.

Methods

Under the EcoFloVCS, plant communities are considered to have six key components (species composition, structure, habitat, development, locality, and function). Six associated characteristics are derived from these six components (dominant species, diagnostic species, physiognomy, distribution patterns, dynamics, and disturbance processes). These characteristics are used as the basis for community classification.

Results and Conclusions

The high‐level units of this system agree with the UNESCO system, whereas the middle‐ and low‐level units correspond to the Braun‐Blanquet classification system. Both are connected by a Division (Subformation) unit. Based on the EcoFloVCS, a vegetation system was constructed for the four highest units worldwide that included seven Formation Classes, 22 Formation Subclasses, 39 Formation Groups, and 119 Formations. We assume that vegetation science will benefit from our unified EcoFloVCS through comparing and understanding community structures and functions on a global scale.
Effect of CAD/CAM Abutment Morphology on the Outcomes of Implant Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Barwacz Christopher A. , Swenson Madeline , Couso‐Queiruga Emilio , Comnick Carissa , Xie Xian Jin , Avila‐Ortiz Gustavo
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Variations in transmucosal abutment contour design may affect the outcomes of implant therapy. This randomized controlled trial was primarily aimed at testing the effect that CAD/CAM zirconia abutments with either a concave or linear divergent transmucosal morphology have on peri‐implant mucosal dynamics and indicators of peri‐implant health at 1 year after final implant‐supported prosthesis insertion in the anterior maxilla.

Materials and Methods

Following computer‐guided implant placement and osseointegration, eligible subjects were randomized into either the experimental (concave morphology) or the control (linear divergent morphology) group. A comprehensive set of outcomes of interest related to peri‐implant soft tissue dynamics, phenotypical features, and indicators of peri‐implant health were assessed at different time points over a 1‐year period after insertion of the final restoration.

Results

Out of 60 initially recruited subjects, a total of 54 completed the study (n = 29 in the experimental group concave/n = 25 in the control group). Overall implant survival and restoration rates between master impression and 12 months were 100% and 98.2%, respectively. Although a trend for coronal migration of the buccal mucosa zenith, gain in mucosal thickness, and increased probing depth and bleeding on probing was observed in both groups, these changes were clinically negligible, and no substantial differences were observed between study groups regardless of variations in transmucosal abutment morphology.

Conclusion

The use of either linear divergent or concave custom CAD/CAM zirconia abutments in a screw‐retained, delayed loading approach yielded no significant differences.
Multivariate Regression Models for Predicting the Prognosis of Luxation Injuries of Permanent Teeth: Periodontal and Pulp Analyses
Authors: Yu Haojie , Li Xiaoxia , Feng Bin , Yu Sang , Wang Qingjing , Zhu Fudong , Zhu Haihua
Published: December 2024

Background

This study aimed to analyse the relationships between injury variables, treatment variables and the status of the periodontium or pulp of luxated teeth.

Materials and Methods

The electronic medical records and imaging data of patients who underwent treatment for luxation injuries of permanent teeth in the paediatric dentistry and dental emergency departments of the Stomatology Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine between 1 January 2012 and 1 January 2022 were retrospectively analysed. First, the patients' records were reviewed to collect background and follow‐up imaging data; then, all early clinical variables were reviewed and used to construct models to predict the periodontal and pulp status of the luxated teeth. The models included the significant factors identified in the univariate analysis, and multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate the relationships between the variables and the final status of the periodontium or dental pulp. The chi‐square test and Fisher's exact test were employed to analyse the differences in the frequency of each variable. The variables were systematically screened based on their odds ratios, and significance levels were determined by Pearson's chi‐square test.

Results

A total of 188 patients were initially identified and ultimately included. The age range of the patients was 7–56 years. Logistic regression models for periodontal and pulp prognosis of the luxated teeth were established. The models were refined by combining the results of feature selection, parameter testing and goodness‐of‐fit testing. The final model included four variables and accurately predicted the periodontal outcome in 65.79% of the cases. The prognostic model for the dental pulp included three significant factors and had an overall accuracy of 94.59%.

Conclusion

The prognostic models developed to predict the influence of various factors on the status of the periodontium and dental pulp of luxated teeth demonstrated notable accuracy and practical utility. Therefore, these models are potentially valuable tools for long‐term prognostic assessments.

Trial Registration

Approval no. ChiCTR2100044897
Venetoclax in the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma: A Retrospective Analysis of 79 Patients
Authors: Zolotov Eli , Patel Vanisha , Weiss Yedidyah , Biran Noa , Phull Pooja , Vesole David H. , Siegel David S. , Parmar Harsh
Published: December 2024

Venetoclax, the first‐in‐class BCL‐2 inhibitor, has shown efficacy in multiple myeloma (MM), particularly in patients with the t(11;14) translocation. This single‐center retrospective analysis included MM patients treated with venetoclax from November 2017 to March 2023. Data encompassed demographics, disease characteristics, treatment regimens, and outcomes using median progression‐free‐survival (mPFS). Eligibility required patients to be aged 21 and older and to have received at least one venetoclax cycle. Seventy‐nine patients (median age 61, 58.2% female) were included, with 31.6% having t(11;14). Patients had received a median of 5 lines of therapy (LOT) before venetoclax. The mPFS was 3.4 months, with a significant difference between t(11;14) positive (7.8 months) and negative patients (2.4 months, p < 0.01). Patients achieving a very good partial response or better had a mPFS of 7.1 months. Common adverse events included fatigue (31.6%), diarrhea (26.5%), and respiratory infections (30.3%). Univariable and multivariable analyses identified sex, disease response, and t(11;14) presence as significant survival predictors. Our real‐world study suggests that venetoclax demonstrates moderate efficacy in heavily pretreated patients with relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM), compared to previous studies where patients received 1–3 prior LOT, such as the BELLINI study (mPFS of 22.4 months). Notably, the efficacy was higher in patients with t(11;14). Despite the heavily pretreated nature of our cohort, venetoclax was well tolerated, with a manageable safety profile and low incidence of severe infections, largely due to effective prophylactic measures. Venetoclax should be carefully considered in heavily pretreated populations, and further multicenter research is essential to better define its role in RRMM.
Health‐Related Quality of Life During Carfilzomib–Lenalidomide–Dexamethasone Consolidation: Findings From the Multiple Myeloma CONPET Study
Authors: Rosenberg Tine , Möller Sören , Abildgaard Niels , Nørgaard Jakob Nordberg , Lysén Anna , Tsykonova Galina , Joao Cristina , Vangsted Annette , Schjesvold Fredrik , Nielsen Lene Kongsgaard
Published: December 2024

Background

In the CONPET study, multiple myeloma patients with abnormal 18FDG positron emission/computed tomography scan after upfront autologous stem cell transplantation were treated with four cycles of carfilzomib–lenalidomide–dexamethasone (KRd). Side effect registrations show that carfilzomib might cause dyspnea, cough, respiratory tract infections, and heart failure. The aims were to investigate patient‐reported shortness of breath and dyspnea during KRd consolidation.

Methods

To assess shortness of breath, patients completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—Pulmonary Symptom Index (FACT‐PSI) and the EORTC QLQ‐C30 to assess dyspnea. Shortness of breath was defined as decrease in FACT‐PSI score or starting/increasing diuretic drugs. Mixed effect logistic regression was used for the effect analysis. Linear mixed model and clinical relevance were used to investigate dyspnea.

Results

A total of 50 patients were included, median age 62 years (interquartile range 54–67). 17% reported shortness of breath at Day 15 Cycles 1–4 versus 11% at Day 1 Cycles 2–4, Cycle 4 Day 29, and 1 month posttreatment (p‐value 0.048). Compared with baseline, patients reported significant, and clinically relevant worsening in dyspnea during consolidation.

Conclusion

Our study confirmed earlier findings of carfilzomib causing shortness of breath during KRd administration and revealed dyspnea during consolidation compared to baseline.

Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03314636, EudraCT: 2017–000586‐72
Performance of Warmblood horses following tenoscopic desmotomy of the main part of the accessory ligament of the superficial digital flexor tendon for treatment of tendinopathy: 62 cases
Authors: Blatter Marlis , Chapman Hannah‐Sophie , Heinzel‐Gutenbrunner Monika , von Plato Guido , Rijkenhuizen Astrid
Published: December 2024

Background

Desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the superficial digital flexor tendon (AL‐SDFT) has been described for the treatment of superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) tendinopathy in Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses, and in event horses. To our knowledge, the outcome of this procedure has not been described in a population of warmblood horses.

Objective

To report on the outcome of treatment of SDFT tendinopathy in warmblood horses using tenoscopic desmotomy of the main part of the AL‐SDFT.

Study design

Prospective observational case series.

Methods

All 62 horses included in the case series had uni‐ or bilateral SDFT tendinopathy within the metacarpal/carpal region. The following data were collected and analysed using crosstabulations: breed, age, sex, use, affected limb(s), duration of tendinopathy, lameness grade, type and size of the SDFT lesion, bi‐ or unilateral desmotomy, duration of surgery, intraoperative findings, intraoperative/post‐operative complications, duration of hospitalisation and outcome 24 months after surgery.

Results

Forty‐six horses (75%) were sound with 31 (51%) of these horses performing at the same level as prior to injury. Recurrent SDFT injuries or persistent lameness was observed in 15 (25%) horses. Two horses (3%) developed septic tenosynovitis post‐operatively, one required euthanasia. Horses with lesions in the proximal third of the SDFT had a better outcome than those with lesions in the two distal thirds (OR = 4.71, 95% CI = 1.33–16.70).

Main Limitations

There were no control groups of horses with SDFT tendinopathy treated by conservative therapy, tenoscopic complete or conventional open desmotomy.

Conclusions

Tenoscopic desmotomy of the main part of the AL‐SDFT is a successful treatment for SDFT tendinopathy in warmblood horses, especially in proximal SDFT lesions.
How much energy can giant reed and Miscanthus produce in marginal lands across Italy? A modelling solution under current and future scenarios
Authors: Cappelli Giovanni Alessandro , Ginaldi Fabrizio , Fanchini Davide , Ceotto Enrico , Donatelli Marcello
Published: December 2024

Practical strategies for bioenergy planning in the face of climate change should rely on ready‐to‐use yield projections. Perennial grasses grown in marginal lands (MLs) provide abundant feedstocks to be converted into different energy vectors. The aim of this study was to provide a model‐based assessment of how much energy, in the form of biomethane and bioethanol, can be achieved by Miscanthus and giant reed across Italy. Marginal lands were here conceived as low profitable non‐irrigated areas, without mechanization and/or nature conservation constraints. Marginal lands eligible for simulations were selected crossing environmental factors and ecological requirements of the two crops. The biophysical model Arungro was calibrated considering rainfed/full‐irrigated systems using multiple‐site and multiple‐year datasets. The model was connected to a georeferenced database, with information on (i) current/future climate, (ii) agronomic practices, (iii) soil physics/hydrology, (iv) MLs, and (v) crop suitability to environment and simulations were performed at 500 × 500 m spatial resolution across all Italian regions. Under baseline conditions (i.e., 1981–2010), the total area of MLs available for energy crops (i.e., 49,100 km2) allowed to obtain 23,500 (giant reed) and 23,700 (Miscanthus) Giga‐m3 CH4‐STP of biomethane and 18,600 (giant reed) and 24,400 (Miscanthus) Giga‐liters of bioethanol. While the amount of energy carriers is expected to increase, on average, of +4.6% in 2055 and + 0.4% (mean of +9.2%—South, −2.4%—Center, −5.4%—North Italy) in 2085 for Miscanthus, giant reed‐based productions are projected to be more stable across the country and time frames (+6.7% in 2055; +2.8% in 2085). This study contributed to define a modular and detailed procedure aimed at quantifying attainable energy yields from bioenergy grasses in MLs. The consideration of fine‐resolution multiple‐scale heterogeneity allowed for an in‐depth investigation of biomass productivity, attainable energy yields, and related stability under current/climate change scenarios, highlighting critical spots and opportunities within the country.
Dental Anomalies in the Past: Fusion, Gemination, and Talon Cusp in Two Archeological Samples
Authors: Imposimato Naomi , Mazur Marta , Sperduti Alessandra , De Santis Paola , Lugli Federico
Published: December 2024

Background

Disruption in odontogenesis can influence the normal development of both deciduous and permanent dentition resulting in anomalies in morphology, number, and position of teeth. Although dental anomalies are frequently reported in clinical practice, their occurrence in past populations from archeological contexts is rarely acknowledged.

Aim

To describe two cases of dental anomalies on two non‐adult individuals from Italian archeological sites.

Design

Individual sex diagnosis was performed by analyzing amelogenin peptides from the dental enamel through liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Age‐at‐death estimation was based on stages of dental formation and eruption. Dental twinning and talon cusp were morphologically evaluated and classified following standardized scoring systems proposed by clinical literature.

Results

The first individual, a 3–4‐year‐old female from the Imperial Roman necropolis of Isola Sacra, presents the fusion of the upper right deciduous central incisor with a supplementary tooth; the second individual, a 3–3.5‐year‐old male from a Late Antiquity catacomb, shows a case of bilateral gemination on the upper permanent central incisors with a co‐occurrence of dental gemination and talon cusp on the right one.

Conclusions

The cases reported here (the two anomalies in the individuals presented) are useful into understanding these dental conditions within past/archaeological populations.
Approaching merchant ships elicit behavioral changes in Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus) in the St. Lawrence River, Canada
Authors: Senecal Jean‐Francois , Dupuch Angélique , Lagrois Dominic , Mingelbier Marc , Chion Clément
Published: December 2024

There are gaps in our understanding of sturgeon's response to anthropogenic sounds and the spatial scales at which they occur. We measured spatial displacement of Atlantic sturgeon in the St. Lawrence River at various distances of approaching merchant ships. This fish population is designated as “threatened,” although anthropogenic noise is not currently considered a direct threat. For several years, Atlantic sturgeon migrations have been monitored by the Quebec government using acoustic transmitters and a network of telemetry receivers in the St. Lawrence River. We combined fish telemetry data with merchant ship positions to detect co‐occurrences between Atlantic sturgeons that remained in the vicinity of the receivers and approaching ships. Numerical simulations reveal that the probability of masking of transmitters (69 kHz) by ship noise was infinitesimal and that the disappearance of the transmitter signal was related to fish movement. When the ships approached, a significant spatial displacement was detected with ships at distances between 0.5 and 5 km from the receivers. After emitter signal loss, over 61% of sturgeons took at least 30 min to be detected again or did not return at all in the vicinity of the receivers. Furthermore, the median time to redetection after a ship transit was longer than when no ship was approaching (31 vs. 18 min). Our results show that sturgeons alter their position due to approaching ships at greater trigger distances than previously documented, which are too far away to be attributed to visual cues alone. We also found that the long‐distance propagation of low‐frequency sounds from large ships through water should not be heard by Atlantic sturgeon at distances of 1 km and longer based on current knowledge of sturgeons hearing. These results suggest that behavioral responses in Atlantic sturgeons are modulated not only by visual cues but can also be triggered by underwater sounds at relatively long distances, although the precise mechanism is still unknown.
The influence of sex and age differences in an adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) T‐maze model of cognition
Authors: Yin Ji‐Hang , Horzmann Katharine A.
Published: December 2024

The zebrafish (Danio rerio) model is increasingly popular in neurobehavioral research, and behavioral outcomes are commonly evaluated in studies on neurodegeneration and neurotoxicity. Sex and age have been identified as important variables in cognition studies; however, these factors are often underreported in published studies that use the zebrafish model, leading to uncertainty about their impact in zebrafish T‐maze experiments. In this study, we evaluated the role of sex and age in zebrafish cognitive function using a 5‐day T‐maze task. Our results demonstrated that female and younger zebrafish had increased learning and memory capacity. These findings highlighted the importance of considering and reporting sex and age in experimental design in zebrafish cognitive neurobehavioral studies.
Designing episode of care bundles to improve children's oral health care
Authors: Love Kailey , Harootunian Gevork , Riley William
Published: December 2024

Objectives

There is growing momentum to introduce value‐based payment (VBP) approaches into dentistry to help improve population oral health status. However, there are very few VBP models available for dentistry. This study designs and analyzes the feasibility of introducing oral health episode of care (EOC) bundles for use by policy makers, payers, and dental providers.

Methods

An oral health EOC bundle is a standardized care process based on a set of best practices that has the potential to improve patient care quality when all bundle items are provided. We used a panel of dental experts to guide the design of two preventive EOC bundles for children, a comprehensive examination bundle and a periodic examination bundle. We then conducted a 12‐year retrospective longitudinal analysis to simulate the completion rate of the EOC bundles for children receiving Medicaid benefits in Arizona from 2008 to 2019.

Results

An average of 805,229 children were enrolled annually in the Arizona Medicaid program across the 12‐year period. Approximately 31% of the Medicaid enrolled children had a preventive dental visit twice a year, and 23% completed two preventive EOC bundles. On average, 126,602 (16%) of patients started the comprehensive examination bundle and 279,194 (35%) of patients started the periodic examination bundle. Overall completion rates for the Comprehensive Examination and Periodic Examination Bundles were 73% and 79% respectively.

Conclusions

It is feasible to design a preventive oral health EOC bundle for children. The findings have implications for developing VBP approaches for oral health care.
Investigating the Factor Structure of the Japanese Version of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index
Authors: Himichi Toshiyuki , Kawamura Yuta , Goto Takayuki
Published: December 2024

The Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) is widely used to measure empathy; however, the factor structure and scoring of the IRI have been inconsistent. Previous studies showed a bifactor model with empathic concern (EC) and perspective taking (PT) as a better model for the Chinese version of the IRI. This study investigated whether this model was better than other candidate models for the Japanese version of the IRI. In Study 1, we compared the model fit parameters of confirmatory factor analysis using datasets from previous studies. The results showed that the bifactor model with EC and PT was the best among 42 models. Study 2 investigated which concepts were extracted in a bifactor model that was derived from web‐based survey data. Results showed that the general factor in the bifactor model might measure the compound characteristics of both EC and PT. Additionally, the extracted EC factor might measure avoidance of harm to others, and the extracted PT factor might reference inferring others' minds. This study suggests that the bifactor model with EC and PT has the best factor structure and that the extracted factors reflect different aspects of empathy.
The fundamental theorem of asset pricing with and without transaction costs
Authors: Kühn Christoph
Published: December 2024

We prove a version of the fundamental theorem of asset pricing (FTAP) in continuous time that is based on the strict no‐arbitrage condition and that is applicable to both frictionless markets and markets with proportional transaction costs. We consider a market with a single risky asset whose ask price process is higher than or equal to its bid price process. Neither the concatenation property of the set of wealth processes, that is used in the proof of the frictionless FTAP, nor some boundedness property of the trading volume of admissible strategies usually argued within models with a nonvanishing bid–ask spread need to be satisfied in our model.
Anionic phospholipid‐mediated transmembrane transport and intracellular membrane trafficking in plant cells
Authors: Zhang Qun , Shen Like , Lin Feng , Liao Qi , Xiao Shi , Zhang Wenhua
Published: December 2024

Cellular membranes primarily consist of proteins and lipids. These proteins perform cellular functions such as metabolic regulation, environmental and hormonal signal sensing, and nutrient transport. There is increasing experimental evidence that certain lipids, particularly anionic phospholipids, can act as signaling molecules. Specific examples of functional regulation by anionic phospholipids in plant cells have been reported for transporters, channels, and even receptors. By regulating the structure and activity of membrane‐integral proteins, these phospholipids mediate the transport of phytohormones and ions, and elicit physiological responses to developmental and environmental cues. Phospholipids also control membrane protein abundance and lipid composition and abundance by facilitating vesicular trafficking. In this review, we discuss recent research that elucidates the mechanisms by which membrane‐integral transporters and channels are controlled via phospholipid signaling, as well as the regulation of membrane protein accumulation by phospholipids through coordinated removal, recycling, and degradation processes.