bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global synthesis on the response of soil microbial necromass carbon to climate‐smart agriculture
Authors: Li Yüze , Wang Shengnan , Yang Yali , Ren Liang , Wang Ziting , Liao Yuncheng , Yong Taiwen
Published: May 2024

Climate‐smart agriculture (CSA) supports the sustainability of crop production and food security, and benefiting soil carbon storage. Despite the critical importance of microorganisms in the carbon cycle, systematic investigations on the influence of CSA on soil microbial necromass carbon and its driving factors are still limited. We evaluated 472 observations from 73 peer‐reviewed articles to show that, compared to conventional practice, CSA generally increased soil microbial necromass carbon concentrations by 18.24%. These benefits to soil microbial necromass carbon, as assessed by amino sugar biomarkers, are complex and influenced by a variety of soil, climatic, spatial, and biological factors. Changes in living microbial biomass are the most significant predictor of total, fungal, and bacterial necromass carbon affected by CSA; in 61.9%–67.3% of paired observations, the CSA measures simultaneously increased living microbial biomass and microbial necromass carbon. Land restoration and nutrient management therein largely promoted microbial necromass carbon storage, while cover crop has a minor effect. Additionally, the effects were directly influenced by elevation and mean annual temperature, and indirectly by soil texture and initial organic carbon content. In the optimal scenario, the potential global carbon accrual rate of CSA through microbial necromass is approximately 980 Mt C year−1, assuming organic amendment is included following conservation tillage and appropriate land restoration. In conclusion, our study suggests that increasing soil microbial necromass carbon through CSA provides a vital way of mitigating carbon loss. This emphasizes the invisible yet significant influence of soil microbial anabolic activity on global carbon dynamics.
The spatial‐temporal evolution of urban development patterns in Chinese cities: Dynamics and interpretations
Authors: Li Wenzheng , Schmidt Stephan
Published: May 2024

This paper examines the spatial‐temporal evolution of urban spatial structure across 269 Chinese prefectural cities from 2002 to 2019. Our analysis identifies a consistent trend toward a more polycentric configuration in the 25 Chinese mega‐cities during this period, primarily due to population growth and a supportive policy environment. However, the evolutionary pathways of small‐ and medium‐sized cities unfolded in a rather complex and diverse manner, with some becoming more polycentric while the majority adhering to a monocentric trajectory. In these cases, population growth is usually associated with a more monocentric pattern, characterized by rapid expansion of the urban core, while polycentric development is primarily attributed to specific spatial policies that support the emergence of subcenters. We conclude that polycentric development, while potentially suitable for mega‐cities to alleviate diseconomies of scale, may be less appropriate for small‐ and medium‐sized cities as it may constrain growth associated with agglomeration economies. We suggest that the development and implementation of regional spatial policy should be considerate of local historical paths and contextual factors. Finally, we propose a stylized framework to more accurately reflect the diverse and complex nature of urban spatial structure evolution in Chinese prefectural cities.
The impact of the migraine treatment onabotulinumtoxinA on inflammatory and pain responses: Insights from an animal model
Authors: Reducha Philip Victor , Bömers Jesper Peter , Edvinsson Lars , Haanes Kristian Agmund
Published: May 2024

Objective

Migraine, a prevalent and debilitating disease, involves complex pathophysiology possibly including inflammation and heightened pain sensitivity. The current study utilized the complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) model of inflammation, with onabotulinumtoxinA (BoNT/A) as a treatment of interest due to its use in clinical migraine management. Using an animal model, the study sought to investigate the role of BoNT/A in modulating CFA‐induced inflammation, alterations in pain sensitivity, and the regulation of calcitonin gene–related peptide (CGRP) release. Further, we aimed to assess the changes in SNAP‐25 through western blot analysis to gain insights into the mechanistic action of BoNT/A.

Methods

BoNT/A or control was administered subcutaneously at the periorbital region of rats 3 days before the induction of inflammation using CFA. Periorbital mechanical sensitivity was assessed post‐inflammation, and alterations in CGRP release were evaluated. Changes in SNAP‐25 levels were determined using western blot analysis.

Results

Upon CFA‐induced inflammation, there was a marked increase in periorbital mechanical sensitivity, with the inflammation side showing increased sensitivity compared to other periorbital areas. BoNT/A did decrease the withdrawal thresholds in the electronic von Frey test. Despite not being able to observe differences in pain thresholds or CGRP release, BoNT/A reduced baseline release under CFA inflamed conditions. Analysis of SNAP‐25 levels in the trigeminal ganglion revealed both intact and cleaved forms that were notably elevated in BoNT/A‐treated animals. These findings, derived from western blot analysis, suggest an effect on neurotransmitter release.

Conclusion

Our investigation highlights the role of BoNT/A in reducing baseline CGRP in the context of inflammation and its involvement in SNAP‐25 cleavage. In contrast, BoNT/A did not appear to alter facial pain sensitivity induced by inflammation, suggesting that mechanisms other than baseline CGRP could be implicated in the elevated thresholds in the CFA model.
Commissioning and co‐production in health and care services in the United Kingdom and Ireland: An exploratory literature review
Authors: Scott Rebecca J. , Mathie Elspeth , Newman Hannah J. H. , Almack Kathryn , Brady Louca‐Mai
Published: May 2024

Introduction

This exploratory literature review seeks to examine the literature around commissioning processes in the co‐production of health and care services, focusing on two questions: How do health and care commissioning processes facilitate and/or pose barriers to co‐production in service design and delivery? What are the contextual factors that influence these processes?

Method

A systematic search of three databases (Medline, Public Health and Social Policy and Practice) and a search platform (Web of Science) was conducted for the period 2008–2023. A total of 2675 records were retrieved. After deduplication, 1925 were screened at title and abstract level. Forty‐seven reports from 42 United Kingdom and Ireland studies were included in the review. A thematic synthesis of included studies was conducted in relation to the research questions.

Results

The review identified one overarching theme across the synthesised literature: the complexity of the commissioning landscape. Three interconnected subthemes illuminate the contextual factors that influence this landscape: commissioners as leaders of co‐production; navigating relationships and the collective voice.

Conclusion

Commissioning processes were commonly a barrier to the co‐production of health and care services. Though co‐production was an aspiration for many commissioners, the political and economic environment and service pressures meant that it was often not fully realised. More flexible funding models, longer‐term pilot projects, an increased emphasis in social value across the health and care system and building capacity for strong leadership in commissioning is needed.

Patient and Public Contribution

Patients and the public did not contribute to this review as it was a small piece of work following on from a completed project, with no budget for public involvement.
Getting a grip on how we talk about computational practices in science in settings of teacher learning
Authors: Farris Amy Voss , McLaughlin Gözde
Published: May 2024

Background

Science teachers' understanding of the roles of computing practices in science frame how they enact scientific computational practices in their teaching and how their students perceive the relationship between computational practices and scientific endeavours.

Objectives

This critical, integrative review synthesizes teacher learning literature about the role of computational literacy and computing practices in K‐12 science teaching.

Methods

We examined 54 peer‐reviewed articles and analysed the ways the researchers and teacher participants describe the affordances of integrating computational thinking (CT) and other computational practices in science. We characterize how CT and computational practices are framed in relation to scientific learning goals. We identify six primary affordances for integrating computational practices with science that are conveyed to teachers and by teachers, as represented in these studies of teacher learning.

Results and Conclusions

These six perspectives include (1) learning computer science principles, (2) developing CT dispositions, (3) engagement and inclusion in science, (4) taking ownership of science, (5) supporting learning science content, and (6) participating in computational practice as a form of scientific epistemic practice. Our analysis indicates that computational thinking and computational practices are often integrated in science in order to teach something about computing (e.g., Perspective 1), rather than to support learners' scientific work. Only the 29 articles coded for the sixth perspective—that is, in service of epistemic aims in science—demonstrate commitment to students' uses of computational ideas and practices as epistemic tools to participate in the sensemaking work of science.

Takeaways

Comparison of Perspectives 5 and 6 illustrates the nuance between computational practices in science that reify something students have already “figured out,” rather than those that serve epistemic goals. Perspective 6 encapsulates the deep synergy among (1) the reflexive nature of computing with scientific ideas and (2) computing as a central practice in science and engineering. We contend that a more focused message of computational practices in service of scientific sensemaking goals is necessary if we expect teachers to enact CT and related computational practices in their classrooms.
Cumulative sedimentation hazard map of urban areas subject to hyperconcentrated flash flood: A case study of Suide County in the Wuding River basin, China
Authors: Lai Ruixun , Li Junhua , Wang Ping , Guo Yan , Xu Linjuan , Zhang Xiangping , Wang Min , Zhang Xiaoli
Published: May 2024

Flash floods can carry substantial sediment, posing significant sedimentation hazards in hilly cities. The sedimentation hazard map can reproduce the sediment thickness and extent of an extreme events scenario, playing an important role in sediment risk management. However, current research primarily focuses on modeling the inundation area and depth of floods, while studying sedimentation hazard caused by flash floods in urban areas remains insufficient. This paper aims to address this gap by utilizing a numerical model that simulates hyperconcentrated flow in hilly urban areas using the two‐dimensional hydro‐sediment‐morphological model to compile the cumulative sedimentation hazard map. The model, built upon the open‐source TELEMAC‐MASCARET framework, incorporates Zhang Hongwu's formula to simulate sediment‐carrying capacity, particularly suitable for hyper‐sediment concentration near the riverbed. This paper uses the data of extreme flash flood events in the Wuding River basin in 2017 to simulate and compile the cumulative sedimentation hazard map. The hazard map delineates the sedimentation hazard extent and level attributable to overbank floodplain sedimentation. Notably, the sediment thickness is highest in areas near the levees on both sides of the Dali River. Moreover, the map illustrates the extent of channel erosion resulting from hyperconcentrated floods, which could jeopardize bank stability.
Long‐term flood exposure assessment using satellite‐based land use change detection and inundation simulation: A 30‐year case study of the Bangkok Metropolitan Region
Authors: Darnkachatarn Siriporn , Kajitani Yoshio
Published: May 2024

The Bangkok Metropolitan Region (BMR), located in the Chao Phraya River basin delta, is particularly vulnerable to floods, with susceptibility heightened by geographical aspects and rapid urbanization. This study aimed to assess spatiotemporal flood exposure and allow proper flood‐risk recognition among all stakeholders through a three‐phase flood exposure assessment. First, land use and land cover (LULC) changes were identified based on a 30‐year Landsat time series. Second, built‐up areas that overlapped with past flood inundation maps were designated as flood exposure areas. Third, a rainfall‐runoff inundation (RRI) model simulated the 2011 Thailand Flood, the largest on record, by analyzing inundation depth implications across three decades. The findings revealed a dramatic increase in the use of built‐up areas and the associated flood exposure. In 1992, built‐up areas accounted for approximately 20% of the total area, sharply increasing to nearly 45% by 2022, according to the LULC classification. The flood exposure increased from 648.83 km2 in 1992 to 1681.26 km2 by 2022, demonstrating a linear trend. Notably, the catastrophic 2011 flood did not inhibit urbanization in flood‐prone areas, highlighting the need for robust policies, such as the segmentation of flood‐risk zones, to mitigate future exposure in the region.
Positive impact of obesity on the prognosis of liver cirrhosis
Authors: Endo Kei , Kakisaka Keisuke , Abe Tamami , Yusa Kenji , Nakaya Ippeki , Watanabe Takuya , Suzuki Akiko , Yoshida Yuichi , Oikawa Takayoshi , Miyasaka Akio , Kuroda Hidekatsu , Matsumoto Takayuki
Published: May 2024

Background and Aim

The study aims to determine the prognostic impact of obesity, sarcopenic obesity, and dynapenic obesity in patients with chronic liver disease.

Methods

This retrospective observational study enrolled patients with chronic hepatitis (n = 746) and liver cirrhosis (n = 434) without hepatocellular carcinoma at entry. The patients were evaluated for sarcopenia and obesity between April 2016 and April 2022. Obesity was defined as a body mass index of ≥ 25 kg/m2. Sarcopenic obesity was defined as low skeletal muscle mass (pre‐sarcopenia) with obesity and dynapenic obesity was defined as low muscle strength (dynapenia) with obesity. The effects of obesity on survival were evaluated retrospectively.

Results

The mean observation period was 2.5 years. Obesity, sarcopenic obesity, and dynapenic obesity were found in 271 (45.5%), 17 (2.9%), and 21 (3.5%) men, and 261 (44.7%), 59 (10.1%), and 53 (9.1%) women, respectively. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model revealed that Child–Pugh class, dynapenia (hazard ratio [HR] 3.89), elderly (≥ 65 years old) (HR 2.11), and obesity (HR 0.58) were independently associated with overall survival (OS). However, neither sarcopenic nor dynapenic obesity were associated with OS. In patients with cirrhosis, the OS of the obese group was significantly higher than that of the non‐obese group. The effect of obesity on OS was significant in elderly patients, but not in younger patients.

Conclusions

Sarcopenic and dynapenic obesity seem unrelated to the prognosis of patients with chronic liver disease. Obesity has a positive effect on the prognosis of elderly patients with cirrhosis.
Healthcare use and out‐of‐pocket costs for rural family caregivers and care recipients in a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kaufman Brystana G. , Huang Ro W. , Holland Diane E. , Vanderboom Catherine E. , Ingram Cory , Wild Ellen M. , Dose Ann Marie , Stiles Carole , Gustavson Allison M. , Mandrekar Jay , Van Houtven Courtney H. , Griffin Joan M.
Published: May 2024

Background

Rural family caregivers (FCGs) in the United States often experience high economic costs. This randomized controlled trial compared a transitional palliative care intervention (TPC) to support FCGs of seriously ill care recipients (CRs) to an attention control condition. We evaluated the TPC's effect on healthcare use and out‐of‐pocket spending for both FCGs and CRs.

Methods

TPC FCGs received teaching, guidance, and counseling via video calls for 8 weeks following CR discharge from the hospital. After discharge, a research assistant called all FCGs once a month for up to 6 months or CR death to collect self‐reported healthcare utilization (e.g., outpatient, emergency department, and hospital), out‐of‐pocket healthcare spending (e.g., deductibles and coinsurance), and health‐related travel costs (e.g., transportation, lodging, food) for FCGs and CRs. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were estimated using negative binomial regressions.

Results

The study included 282 FCG–CR dyads across three U.S. states. Follow‐up over the 6‐month period was shortened by high CR mortality rates across both arms (29%), but was similar across arms. TPC reduced nights in the hospital for CR (IRR = 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.56–0. 99). Total out‐of‐pocket spending was not significantly different for TPC versus control. Across both groups, mean out‐of‐pocket spending for dyads was $1401.85, with healthcare payments contributing $1048.58 and transportation expenses contributing $136.79. TPC dyads reported lower lodging costs (IRR = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.56–0.89).

Conclusions

This study contributes to evidence that palliative care interventions reduce the number of nights in the hospital for seriously ill patients. Yet, overall rural FCGs and seriously ill CRs experience substantial out‐of‐pocket economic costs in the 6 months following hospitalization. Transitional care intervention design should consider impacts on patient and caregiver spending. Clinicaltrials.gov # is NCT03339271.
High‐throughput molecular assays for inclusion in personalised oncology trials – State‐of‐the‐art and beyond
Authors: Edsjö Anders , Russnes Hege G. , Lehtiö Janne , Tamborero David , Hovig Eivind , Stenzinger Albrecht , Rosenquist Richard ,   the PCM4EU consortium
Published: May 2024

In the last decades, the development of high‐throughput molecular assays has revolutionised cancer diagnostics, paving the way for the concept of personalised cancer medicine. This progress has been driven by the introduction of such technologies through biomarker‐driven oncology trials. In this review, strengths and limitations of various state‐of‐the‐art sequencing technologies, including gene panel sequencing (DNA and RNA), whole‐exome/whole‐genome sequencing and whole‐transcriptome sequencing, are explored, focusing on their ability to identify clinically relevant biomarkers with diagnostic, prognostic and/or predictive impact. This includes the need to assess complex biomarkers, for example microsatellite instability, tumour mutation burden and homologous recombination deficiency, to identify patients suitable for specific therapies, including immunotherapy. Furthermore, the crucial role of biomarker analysis and multidisciplinary molecular tumour boards in selecting patients for trial inclusion is discussed in relation to various trial concepts, including drug repurposing. Recognising that today's exploratory techniques will evolve into tomorrow's routine diagnostics and clinical study inclusion assays, the importance of emerging technologies for multimodal diagnostics, such as proteomics and in vivo drug sensitivity testing, is also discussed. In addition, key regulatory aspects and the importance of patient engagement in all phases of a clinical trial are described. Finally, we propose a set of recommendations for consideration when planning a new precision cancer medicine trial.
Development and validation of a standard area diagram set to assess corn grey leaf spot severity and foliar fungicide control efficacy
Authors: Rocha Maria Gabriela de Carlos da , Custódio Adriano Augusto de Paiva , Fantin Lucas Henrique , de Oliveira Karla Braga , Campos Hércules Diniz , Canteri Marcelo Giovanetti , Duarte Henrique da Silva Silveira
Published: May 2024

Grey leaf spot (GLS), caused by Cercospora spp., has become a very important foliar disease for second‐crop corn season, mainly in South America. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and validate a standard area diagram set (SADs) to estimate the severity of GLS and to apply the SADs established in this study to evaluate the efficacy of fungicides for GLS control in field trials. The SADs with nine levels of severity (0.5; 2; 5; 10; 20; 30; 40; 50 and 60%) improved accuracy, precision and reliability. To evaluate the control of GLS in corn, two experiments spraying chemical fungicides were conducted, one in Rio Verde (GO) (experiment A) and another in Chapadão do Sul (MS) (experiment B). Both experiments were conducted in randomized block design, with 10 treatments and four replicates. For the severity assessment, the SADs elaborated in this study was used. From this severity data over time, disease progress curves, area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC), and yield were obtained. Based on the AUDPC and yield values, all treatments differed from the control. The fungicide fluxapyroxad + pyraclostrobin + mefentrifluconazole had the highest value, giving 72.8% control efficacy and the highest yield maintenance of 43.5%. The other treatments had an intermediate control efficacy and yield. The SADs proposed here is a useful tool for improving visual assessments of GLS severity on corn leaves and fungicides can be used for integrated disease management.
Growth, survival, digestive activity and respiratory metabolism of Octopus maya juveniles fed with prepared diets
Authors: Santiago Israel , Rosas Carlos , Cruz‐López Honorio , Domingues Pedro , Pascual Cristina , Mascaro Maite , Sanchez‐Arteaga Ariadna , Caamal Claudia , Gallardo Pedro
Published: May 2024

The effects of two prepared feeds were tested on growth, survival, enzymatic activity, nutritive reserves in the digestive gland and oxygen consumption of Octopus maya juveniles. For the first time, a semihumid paste (HD, control) and a dry diet, in pelleted form (PD, experimental) with the same formulation were used for this species. The experiment lasted for 42 days. Results indicate that growth rates were similar for both diets (p > 0.05); however, survival (70%) was higher with the PD compared to the HD (48%) (p < 0.05). The performance index was higher for octopuses fed the PD (p < 0.05). No differences in acid proteases activity were observed. However, a higher activity of alkaline proteases in the octopuses fed the PD was observed (p < 0.05). Ingestion rate was higher for octopuses fed the PD. Routine energy inversion was similar in both treatments (p > 0.05). A greater energy inversion was observed in octopuses fed the PD, whose active metabolism was double compared to the octopuses fed the HD. Results showed that the PD promoted similar growth compared to the HD diet but favored survival, and a greater investment in the active metabolism, reflected in the apparent heat increase.
Vaspin facilitates the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells
Authors: Jing Zhihui , Feng Xinran , Li Xin , Zhang Xiaoyu , Pan Chunling
Published: May 2024

Objective

To investigate whether visceral adipose tissue‐derived serine protease inhibitor (vaspin) can alleviate the inhibitory effect of high‐glucose (HG) culture on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and to preliminarily explore the underlying mechanisms.

Background

High glucose produces damage to the regeneration of periodontal tissue of PDLSCs. The expression level of vaspin in periodontal tissue is high in periodontitis patients and effectively reduced after initial therapy of periodontal diseases. However, the effect of vaspin on PDLSCs remains unknown.

Materials and Methods

PDLSCs were cultured in media augmented with 5.5 or 25.0 mM concentrations of glucose to elucidate the impact and mechanism of vaspin on PDLSCs under high glucose in vitro. Proliferation was measured by Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK8) assay. Osteogenesis of PDLSCs was assessed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, ALP activity, and Alizarin Red staining. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and western blot (WB) were used to investigate the osteo‐specific markers. Then, the molecular impact of vaspin in the presence/absence of HG on PDLSCs physiology was determined with TGF‐β1/Smad signaling pathway as the main focus.

Results

It was revealed that the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation (OD) of PDLSCs under HG was reduced, and by adding vaspin the anti‐osteogenic impact of HG was relieved. Moreover, vaspin enhanced TGF‐β1/Smad signaling pathway activity. Pretreatment with TGF‐β1 inhibitor blocked vaspin‐triggered TGF‐β1/Smad signal activation and minimized the vaspin‐induced protective effect against HG‐inhibited growth and OD.

Conclusions

In summary, vaspin observably reduces HG‐mediated inhibition of PDLSCs OD by modulating the TGF‐β1/Smad signaling pathway. Vaspin may be a potential therapeutic for periodontal tissue regeneration in diabetic patients.
Client's understanding of instructions for small animals in a veterinary neurological referral center
Authors: Flegel Thomas , Dobersek Katharina , Bayer Sabrina , Becker Lisa F. , Loderstedt Shenja , Böttcher Irene C. , Dietzel Josephine , Tästensen Carina , Kalliwoda Theresa , Harkenthal Marie A. , Kühnapfel Andreas , Weiß Vivian , Gutmann Sarah
Published: May 2024

Background

It is not known how much information clients retrieve from discharge instructions.

Objective

To investigate client's understanding of discharge instructions and influencing factors.

Animals

Dogs and cats being hospitalized for neurological diseases.

Methods

Clients were presented questionnaires regarding their pet's disease, diagnostics, treatments, prognosis and discharge instructions at time of discharge and 2 weeks later. The same questions were answered by discharging veterinarians at time of discharge. Clients answered additional questions regarding the subjective feelings during discharge conversation. Data collected included: data describing discharging veterinarian (age, gender, years of clinical experience, specialist status), data describing the client (age, gender, educational status). Raw percentage of agreement (RPA) between answers of clinicians and clients as well as factors potentially influencing the RPA were evaluated.

Results

Of 230 clients being approached 151 (65.7%) and 70 (30.4%) clients responded to the first and second questionnaire, respectively (130 dog and 30 cat owners). The general RPA between clinician's and client's responses over all questions together was 68.9% and 66.8% at the 2 time points. Questions regarding adverse effects of medication (29.0%), residual clinical signs (35.8%), and confinement instructions (36.8%) had the lowest RPAs at the first time point. The age of clients (P = .008) negatively influenced RPAs, with clients older than 50 years having lower RPA.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Clients can only partially reproduce information provided at discharge. Only clients' increasing age influenced recall of information. Instructions deemed to be important should be specifically stressed during discharge.
Corticosteroid monotherapy versus combined cytarabine continuous rate infusion and corticosteroid therapy in dogs with meningoencephalitis of unknown origin: A blinded, randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Jones Bethan S. , Liebel Francois Xavier , Fadda Angela , Martin Sophie , Lawn Richard , Lazzerini Kali , Harcourt‐Brown Thomas
Published: May 2024

Background

Treatment options available for meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO) in dogs are suboptimal, and currently, no single treatment protocol appears to be superior.

Objectives

Compare neurological deterioration rates at 7 days between dogs with MUO treated with corticosteroids alone or combined with cytosine arabinoside (CA) continuous rate infusion (CRI) and compare clinical deterioration and survival at 30 and 100 days.

Animals

Sixty‐nine dogs with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) features or both compatible with MUO.

Methods

Parallel, blinded, randomized controlled trial. Simple randomization into 2 treatment groups: 4 mg/kg/day prednisolone (or dexamethasone equivalent) for 2 days or 200 mg/m2 CA CRI over 8 hours plus 2 mg/kg/day prednisolone. Blinding of the treatment protocol was carried out using reversible redaction of clinical records, and treatment failure was defined as deterioration of neurological assessment or death. Using intention‐to‐treat analysis, proportions failing treatment at 7, 30, and 100 days were compared using Fisher's exact test. All‐cause mortality at 100 days was compared using Kaplan‐Meier survival curves.

Results

Thirty‐five dogs were allocated to corticosteroid only, and 34 dogs were allocated to combined CA CRI and corticosteroid. Proportions failing treatment at 7, 30, and 100 days were 7/35 (20%), 9/35 (26%), and 15/35 (43%) in the corticosteroid‐only group and 8/34 (24%), 11/34 (32%), and 23/34 (68%) in the corticosteroid and CA CRI group. All‐cause mortality at 100 days was not significantly different between groups (P = .62). Clinically relevant treatment‐related adverse effects were not observed.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

We found no difference in outcome between corticosteroid monotherapy and combined cytarabine CRI and corticosteroid therapy at 7, 30, and 100 days after diagnosis in dogs with MUO.
Outcomes and management in paediatric autoimmune hepatitis presenting as acute liver failure: Individual patient data meta‐analysis
Authors: Fawzy Aly , Sutton Harry , Vandriel Shannon M. , Sonnenberg Mikayla , Kamath Binita M.
Published: May 2024

Background and Aims

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in children presenting in acute liver failure (ALF) can be fatal and often requires liver transplantation (LTx). This individual patient data meta‐analysis (IPD) aims to examine management and outcomes of this population, given the lack of large cohort studies on paediatric AIH first presenting as ALF (AIH‐ALF).

Methods

A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analyses of IPD statement using PubMed and Excerpta Medica dataBASE, and included English studies published between 2000 and 2020. The study included patients under 21 years of age, diagnosed with type 1 or 2 AIH and presenting with ALF. Data extracted included clinical and biochemical characteristics, interventions, and outcomes.

Results

Three hundred and thirty eligible patients from 61 studies were identified, with an additional five patients from our institution. The majority were female (66.8%), with a median age of 10. Overall, 59.7% achieved native liver survival (NLS), 35% underwent LTx, and 5% died before LTx. The use of corticosteroids with non‐steroid immunomodulators increased the likelihood of NLS by 2.5‐fold compared to corticosteroids alone. AIH‐1 was associated with 3.3‐fold odds for NLS, compared to AIH‐2. However, on multivariate analysis, only AIH‐1 was identified as an independent predictor for NLS (OR 3.8 [95% CI 1.03–14.2], p = .04).

Conclusion

While corticosteroids and non‐steroid immunomodulators treatment may offer enhanced probability of achieving NLS, treatment regimens for AIH‐ALF may need to consider patient‐specific factors, especially AIH type. This highlights the potential for NLS in AIH‐ALF and suggest a need to identify biomarkers which predict the need for combination immunosuppression to avoid LTx.
Corticotropin‐releasing hormone and obesity: From fetal life to adulthood
Authors: Vasconcelos Inês , von Hafe Madalena , Adão Rui , Leite‐Moreira Adelino , Brás‐Silva Carmen
Published: May 2024

Obesity is among the most common chronic disorders, worldwide. It is a complex disease that reflects the interactions between environmental influences, multiple genetic allelic variants, and behavioral factors. Recent developments have also shown that biological conditions in utero play an important role in the programming of energy homeostasis systems and might have an impact on obesity and metabolic disease risk. The corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) family of neuropeptides, as a central element of energy homeostasis, has been evaluated for its role in the pathophysiology of obesity. This review aims to summarize the relevance and effects of the CRH family of peptides in the pathophysiology of obesity spanning from fetal life to adulthood.
The effect of landing zone toricity on scleral lens fitting characteristics and optics
Authors: Alexander Julian , Belaineh Aweke Yabkal , Bhebhe Zibonele , Cho David , Lay Steven , Ryan Isaac , Collins Michael J. , Vincent Stephen J.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The fit and optical performance of a scleral lens is affected by the alignment of the landing zone with the underlying ocular surface. The aim of this research was to quantify the effect of landing zone toricity upon scleral lens fitting characteristics (rotation and decentration) and optics (lens flexure) during short‐term wear.

Methods

Scleral lenses with nominal landing zone toricities of 0, 100, 150 and 200 μm were worn in a randomised order by 10 young healthy participants (mean [SD] 24 [7] years) for 30 min, with other lens parameters held constant. Scleral toricity was quantified using a corneo‐scleral profilometer, and lens flexure, rotation, and decentration were quantified using over‐topography during lens wear. Repeated measures analyses were conducted as a function of landing zone toricity and residual scleral toricity (the difference between scleral and lens toricity) for eyes with ‘low’ magnitude scleral toricity (mean: 96 μm) and ‘high’ magnitude scleral toricity (mean: 319 μm).

Results

Toric landing zones significantly reduced lens flexure (by 0.37 [0.21] D, p < 0.05) and lens rotation (by 20 [24]°, p < 0.05) compared with a spherical landing zone. Horizontal and vertical lens decentration did not vary significantly with landing zone toricity. These trends for flexure, rotation, and decentration were also observed for eyes with ‘low’ and ‘high’ magnitude scleral toricity as a function of residual scleral toricity.

Conclusion

Landing zones with 100–200 μm toricity significantly reduced lens flexure (by ~62%) and rotation (by ~77%) but not horizontal or vertical lens decentration, compared with a spherical landing zone, when controlling for other confounding variables. The incorporation of a toric landing zone, even for eyes with lower magnitude scleral toricity (~100 μm), may be beneficial, particularly for front surface optical designs.
SSR‐based analysis of structural variation of the Russian population of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici in 2019–2021
Authors: Gultyaeva Elena I. , Shaydayuk Ekaterina L. , Kosman Evsey Gregory
Published: May 2024

The importance of monitoring and management of yellow rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), has markedly increased in Russia over recent years because of intensifying negative effects of this destructive disease on wheat production. The Pst virulence survey was conducted in 2019–2021 in the European (North‐West, Volga, North Caucasus) and Asian (Siberia) parts of Russia, and the same 109 isolates have been genotyped here with 20 SSR markers. Fifty‐three multilocus genotypes (MLGs) were detected, seven of which occurred in two or more regions. The most frequent MLG was found in three European Pst collections (except Dagestan) and Siberia. SSR‐based variation within the regional collections was low because many MLGs were closely related. Nevertheless, each collection contained relatively different small genotype groups. No clear geographic structure of the Russian Pst population was observed because the five studied regional collections shared groups of similar genotypes. The most singular SSR genotype was identified in the North‐West collection, but genotypes of four invasive isolates belonging to the PstS2 temperature‐adapted aggressive strain did not considerably differ from others. The observed heterozygosity at all SSR loci exceeded the expected one in all regional Pst collections, which could imply asexual reproduction of the pathogen. Both the SSR and virulence analyses demonstrated similar patterns of relationships between the regional Pst collections, although the magnitude of differences between the collections was larger for virulence pathotypes. However, no significant association was established between the virulence pathotypes and SSR genotypes because multiple pathotypes had the same genotype and vice versa.
Prevalence and factors associated with probable depression among the oldest old during the Covid‐19 pandemic: evidence from the large, nationally representative ‘Old Age in Germany (D80+)’ study
Authors: Hajek André , König Hans‐Helmut , Sutin Angelina R. , Terracciano Antonio , Luchetti Martina , Stephan Yannick , Gyasi Razak M.
Published: May 2024

Background

To date, most studies examining the prevalence and determinants of depression among individuals aged 80 and over have used geographically limited samples that are not generalisable to the wider population. Thus, our aim was to identify the prevalence and the factors associated with probable depression among the oldest old in Germany based on nationally representative data.

Methods

Data were taken from the nationally representative ‘Old Age in Germany (D80+)’ study (n = 8386; November 2020 to April 2021) covering both community‐dwelling and institutionalised individuals aged 80 and over. The Short Form of the Depression in Old Age Scale was used to quantify probable depression.

Results

Probable depression was found in 40.7% (95% CI: 39.5% to 42.0%) of the sample; 31.3% were men (95% CI: 29.7% to 32.9%) and 46.6% women (95% CI: 44.9% to 48.3%). The odds of probable depression were positively associated with being female (odds ratio (OR): 1.55, 95% CI: 1.30 to 1.84), being divorced (compared to being married, OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.76), being widowed (OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.30), having a low education (e.g., medium education compared to low education, OR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.74 to 0.99), living in an institutionalised setting (OR: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.84 to 3.02), living in East Germany (OR: 1.21, 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.39), not having German citizenship (German citizenship compared to other citizenship, OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.31 to 0.95), poor self‐rated health (OR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.28 to 0.34), and the number of chronic conditions (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.14).

Conclusion

About four out of 10 individuals aged 80 and over in Germany had probable depression, underlining the importance of this challenge. Knowledge of specific risk factors for this age group may assist in addressing older adults at risk of probable depression.
The novel HLA‐DPB1*05:01:20 allele, identified by Sanger dideoxy nucleotide sequencing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Ma Jing‐zhi , Xie Zhi‐cong , Ma Li , Hu Xiao‐zhuang , Zhang Yu‐ming
Published: May 2024

HLA‐DPB1*05:01:20 differs from HLA‐DPB1*05:01:01:01 by one nucleotide in exon 3.
Genomic full‐length sequence of the HLA‐B*37:46 allele was identified by full length group‐specific sequencing
Authors: Zhou Jiyong , Li Yao , Feng Zhihui , Liu Xiuxiang
Published: May 2024

Genomic full‐length sequence of HLA‐B*37:46 was identified by a group‐specific sequencing approach in a Chinese individual.
Anal dysplasia and anal cancer screening practices among liver transplant centers in the United States: Results of an online survey
Authors: Moughames Eric , Abdi Maaza , Morris Bridget , Fang Sandy , Jones Joyce , Durand Christine M. , Cochran Willa , Ribas Eduardo F. , McLean‐Powell Charlee , Gurakar Ahmet , Buchwald Ulrike K.
Published: May 2024

Background

Solid organ transplant recipients are at an increased risk for anogenital Human Papillomavirus (HPV)‐related disease, including anal high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) and anal squamous cell cancer (ASCC). Guidelines for ASCC screening in transplant recipients are limited. Our aim was to understand current practice of ASCC screening in adult liver transplant (LT) candidates and recipients at transplant centers across the United States.

Methods

We surveyed medical directors of 113 LT centers across the United States which had publicly available contact information. The survey evaluated center perceptions on cancer and HPV disease risk in transplant populations, ASCC screening, barriers and facilitators for ASCC screening and HPV vaccination practices.

Results

We received 26/113 (23%) responses, of which 24 were complete and included in the analysis. Eleven of 24 (46%) centers reported screening for ASCC and 3/24 (12.5%) centers reported having formal guidelines. Centers who perform ASCC screening were more likely to perform transplants in people living with HIV and were more aware of the burden of HPV disease in transplant populations. All respondents believed that additional data on the impact of screening on ASCC incidence would support screening decisions. Increased access to specialists for screening/high‐resolution anoscopy was also perceived as a facilitator. Only 7/24 (29%) centers regularly evaluated HPV vaccination status of their patients.

Conclusion

This national survey of LT centers reveals non‐standardized ASCC screening practices, and identified data, educational and resource needs to improve prevention of ASCC in this population.

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MtPIN4 plays critical roles in amino acid biosynthesis and metabolism of seed in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Jiang Hongjiao , Xie Lijun , Gu Zhiqun , Mei Hongyao , Wang Haohao , Zhang Jing , Wang Minmin , Xu Yiteng , Zhou Chuanen , Han Lu
Published: May 2024

The regulation of seed development is critical for determining crop yield. Auxins are vital phytohormones that play roles in various aspects of plant growth and development. However, its role in amino acid biosynthesis and metabolism in seeds is not fully understood. In this study, we identified a mutant with small seeds through forward genetic screening in Medicago truncatula. The mutated gene encodes MtPIN4, an ortholog of PIN1. Using molecular approaches and integrative omics analyses, we discovered that auxin and amino acid content significantly decreased in mtpin4 seeds, highlighting the role of MtPIN4‐mediated auxin distribution in amino acid biosynthesis and metabolism. Furthermore, genetic analysis revealed that the three orthologs of PIN1 have specific and overlapping functions in various developmental processes in M. truncatula. Our findings emphasize the significance of MtPIN4 in seed development and offer insights into the molecular mechanisms governing the regulation of seed size in crops. This knowledge could be applied to enhance crop quality by targeted manipulation of seed protein regulatory pathways.
Multiple congenital ocular anomalies in three related litters of Jack Russell Terrier puppies
Authors: Barsotti G. , Abramo F. , Nuti M. , Novelli A. , Puccinelli C. , Cecchi F.
Published: May 2024

Objective

To describe multiple congenital ocular anomalies in three litters of Jack Russell Terrier puppies.

Animals studied

Seven purebred Jack Russell Terrier puppies from three related litters and their four parents.

Procedures

Medical records of the puppies and their parents were evaluated. All dogs underwent a complete ophthalmic examination, followed by bilateral ocular ultrasonography in two of the puppies with complete corneal opacity. One eye from an affected puppy was subjected to histopathology. A complete database of pedigrees was built, and individual inbreeding was evaluated.

Results

The most commonly diagnosed ocular anomalies in the puppies were: various anomalies of the fundus (12/14 eyes); microphthalmia (10/14 eyes); sclerocornea (8/14 eyes); and persistent pupillary membranes (7/14 eyes). Six out of seven puppies had at least two ocular abnormalities, and only one puppy was normal. Four out of seven puppies had sclerocornea, a particular corneal opacity to date described only in Spanish Podenco dogs. No ocular abnormalities were found in the parents examined (4/4). Analysis of the pedigrees showed that all the puppies and two parents were inbred, and the individual values of the inbreeding puppies were greater than 6.25% in two litters.

Conclusions

Inbreeding with closely related Jack Russell Terriers may result in severe congenital eye abnormalities in puppies.
West Nile and Usutu viruses are efficiently inactivated in platelet concentrates by UVC light using the THERAFLEX UV‐Platelets system
Authors: Gravemann Ute , Boelke Mathias , Könenkamp Laura , Söder Lars , Maurer Maurice , Ziegler Ute , Schulze Torsten J. , Seltsam Axel , Becker Stefanie C. , Steffen Imke
Published: May 2024

Background and Objectives

West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are mosquito‐borne flaviviruses (Flaviviridae) that originated in Africa, have expanded their geographical range during the last decades and caused documented infections in Europe in the last years. Acute WNV and USUV infections have been detected in asymptomatic blood donors by nucleic acid testing. Thus, inactivation of both viral pathogens before blood transfusion is necessary to ensure blood product safety. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of the THERAFLEX UV‐Platelets system to inactivate WNV and USUV in platelet concentrates (PCs).

Materials and Methods

Plasma‐reduced PCs were spiked with the virus suspension. Spiked PC samples were taken after spiking (load and hold sample) and after UVC illumination on the Macotronic UV illumination machine with different light doses (0.05, 0.1, 0.15 and 0.2 (standard) J/cm2). Virus loads of WNV and USUV before and after illumination were measured by titration.

Results

Infectivity assays showed that UVC illumination inactivated WNV and USUV in a dose‐dependent manner. At a UVC dose of 0.2 J/cm2, the WNV titre was reduced by a log10 factor of 3.59 ± 0.43 for NY99 (lineage 1) and 4.40 ± 0.29 for strain ED‐I‐33/18 (lineage 2). USUV titres were reduced at the same UVC dose by a log10 factor of 5.20 ± 0.70.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that the THERAFLEX UV‐Platelets procedure is an effective technology to inactivate WNV and USUV in contaminated PCs.
An Ergonomic Flexible Multi-Fire Clip Applier With Multiple Degrees-of-Freedom for Minimally Invasive Surgery to Improve Hemostatic Efficiency
Authors: Wu Yu , Liu Xingchi , Zhong Yuchuan , Zhao Jianchang , Li Jinhua
Published: May 2024

Hemorrhage can lead to shock and even death of patients, making one of the main risks in surgical procedures. Most traditional clip appliers are rigid, have limited flexibility, and can only fire a single clip within each insertion, which cannot meet the needs of surgeons to efficiently and flexibly control bleeding vessels. In this study, a novel hand-held Hem-o-lok clip applier is proposed, which is designed to have a high flexibility and allow multiple fires of clips. The wrist at the end effector consists of discrete joints and a flexible shaft, allowing bending in two directions. The tong head at the end effector enables multiple fires of hemostats and can be delivered to different positions for clamping blood vessels and human tissues. It also can be driven to rotate by the flexible shaft. Additionally, an ergonomic handle is designed to control the multiple degrees-of-freedom (DOFs) movements of the instrument tip. Finally, the effectiveness of the entire system is evaluated through performance experiments. The bending angle of end effector was about ±70 deg in both directions (yaw and pitch), and the rotation angle was ±160 deg. The measured gripping forces of the applier ranged from 16.70 N to 24.93 N, and the average time to complete three consecutive clamping was 8.67 s. The proposed clip applier could improve the hemostatic efficiency and allow an intuitive and flexible operation in the meantime.