bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Posterior components separation with transversus abdominis release and sublay mesh reinforcement in large ventral hernia repair
Authors: El‐Halby Ahmed Hassan , Elmahdy Tamer M. , El‐Samongy Ahmed Fakhr El‐Deen , Elkhadrawy Osama Helmy
Published: July 2024

Aim

Ventral abdominal hernia is a prevalent condition among surgical patients. Large ventral hernias with defects >10 cm that cannot be closed primarily, often with loss of domain requiring abdominal wall reconstruction, pose a surgical challenge. Our study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of posterior components separation (PCS) with transversus abdominis release (TAR) and sublay mesh reinforcement in large ventral hernia repair, particularly in terms of surgical site occurrences (SSOs) and hernia recurrence.

Patients and Methods

Our study included 40 adult patients presented to Tanta University Hospitals with a large ventral hernia (defect width ≥10 cm) from December 2021 to January 2023. All patients were submitted to PCS with TAR and sublay mesh reinforcement.

Results

The mean age of the study population was 47.32 (standard deviation [SD] 9.31) years (range 36–65 years) with a mean body mass index of 33.55 (SD 3.42) kg/m2 (range 28.35–38.72 kg/m2). The major risk factors were obesity (95.00%), smoking (45.00%), and multiparity (45.00%). Midline incisional hernia was the most common type in 28 patients (70.00%). Thirty‐four patients (85%) achieved successful midline closure, while six patients required additional anterior components separation technique to achieve tensionless midline closure and an onlay mesh for functional reconstruction. Post‐operative SSOs occurred in 12 patients (30.00%), with subcutaneous seroma in 8 patients (20.00%) and wound dehiscence and necrosis in 4 patients (10.00%). Two patients (5.00%) experienced recurrence after a mean follow‐up period of 19.25 (SD 3.52) months.

Conclusions

PCS with TAR and sublay mesh reinforcement is a reliable and durable technique for complex ventral hernia repair with low morbidity and recurrence rates. However, long‐term clinical outcomes with more cases are required to properly evaluate this technique.
The governance of hydrosocial risk in peri‐urban South Australia
Authors: Bardsley Douglas K. , Winsborough Sophie , Skinner William , Drew Georgina
Published: July 2024

Climate change is generating levels of environmental risk that are jeopardising modern development. As the management of water systems becomes more difficult, approaches to governance and engagement within regions are increasingly shaping adaptation successes and failures. We use theory on hydrosocial systems and risk to critically analyse stakeholder experiences of a transition in South Australian water management in peri‐urban Adelaide, with detail from the Langhorne Creek viticultural region. Local prescription of water resources has limited over‐exploitation and supported landowners to use water in sophisticated ways. When community stakeholders deliberated on common concerns with governance organisations for mutually beneficial outcomes, decision‐making supported successful hydrosocial adaptation. Ongoing challenges, such as a lack of confidence in the scientific knowledge guiding decisions, were accentuated when the process was politicised and engagement became inauthentic. If trust between governance organisations and local stakeholders is broken, it is difficult to re‐engage the farming community with adaptation decision‐making. In contrast, by working closely with community end‐users, government can enable appropriate behaviour and guide adaptive management. Attention to hydrosocial processes will be crucial to facilitate effective local adaptation policy in response to climate risk.
Consumer Prices in German Food E‐Retailing: the Impact of the Value Added Tax Cut in 2020
Authors: Scharnhop Johann , Loy Jens‐Peter
Published: July 2024

In July 2020, the German government reduced the VAT rate for six months in order to stimulate private consumption and support the economy, which had been weakened by the Covid‐19 pandemic. It was crucial for the success of the tax cut that retailers passed it on to consumers by reducing retail prices. This article applies a fixed effects estimation model to analyse the price effects of the VAT reduction in grocery e‐retailing. It uses price data collected directly from the websites for major food categories of four food e‐retailers, Bringmeister, MyTime, Real and Rewe. The tax reduction overall was largely passed on to consumers by price reductions. However, the pass‐through rates, i.e. the extent to which the tax rate change was translated into lower prices, varied among the stores, ranging from 16 to 134 per cent, with the highest rate being for Bringmeister. The pass‐through rate for Rewe was 84 per cent. Also, the timing of the pass‐through varies. The highly divergent pass‐through rates were below the expectations of politicians and the announcements made in advance by food retailers, suggesting some strategic pricing within and between stores. For future VAT reduction initiatives, the results of this study and consumers' reactions to price changes should be considered in more detail in order to complete the assessment of the effectiveness of such measures.
Transcriptome profiling reveals the protective mechanism of sulfated Cyclocarya paliurus polysaccharides against oxidative damage of IEC‐6 cell
Authors: Zhu Haibin , Yu Yue , Zeng Fengjiao , Chen Xianxiang , Liu Wendong , Yu Qiang , Chen Yi , Xie Jianhua
Published: July 2024

Our previous studies have shown that sulfated Cyclocarya paliurus polysaccharides (SCP3) can alleviate intestinal oxidative stress (OS) damage by improving the antioxidant capacity of the intestine, but its mechanism still needs further exploration. This study aimed to reveal the possible underlying protective mechanism of SCP3 against OS damage of intestinal epithelial cells (IEC‐6) based on transcriptome profiling. The results showed that SCP3 could increase the activity of superoxide dismutase and reduce the production of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species. In addition, the SCP3 could also alleviate the H2O2‐induced high apoptosis rate and mitochondrial membrane potential decrease in IEC‐6 cells. RNA‐sequencing results showed that there were 2152 differentially expressed genes between the control group and the SCP3 group, and the mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) and PI3K‐Akt signaling pathways are the main signaling pathways that contributed to SCP3 protecting IEC‐6 cells from OS damage. In summary, the SCP3 plays a role in improving intestinal cell damage by inhibiting OS, which may be closely related to the PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways.

Practical Application

This study provides a theoretical basis for the practical application of Cyclocarya paliurus polysaccharides as an antioxidant ingredient in auxiliary medicines and functional foods.
Validation and measurement uncertainty of analytical methods for various azo dye adulterants in Curcuma longa L
Authors: Yang Hyo‐Jin , Lim Suji , Lee Doo‐Hee , Yun Choong‐In , Kim Young‐Jun
Published: July 2024

Food adulteration involving the illegal addition of dyes to foodstuffs has become an alarming issue in recent years. This study developed and validated a high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)–DAD (diode array detector) method for the simultaneous determination of nine azo dyes (Butter Yellow, Sudan Orange G, Para Red, Sudan I, Sudan II, Sudan III, Sudan IV, Sudan Red 7B, and Scarlet 808). Moreover, a qualitative analysis method using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was developed to more accurately identify peaks detected in HPLC–DAD. The calibration curve represented good linearity (r2 ≥ 0.9998) over the measured concentration range of 0.5–25 mg/kg. limit of detection and limit of quantification were 0.01–0.04 and 0.04–0.12 mg/kg, respectively. Accuracy and precision were 96.0–102.6 and 0.16–2.01 (relative standard deviation%), respectively. Additionally, the measurement uncertainty and HorRat value were estimated. Several Curcuma longa L. distributed in Korea were collected and monitored for azo dye contaminants.

Practical Application

The proposed HPLC–DAD method represents a significant advancement in the field, offering a reliable means of quantifying azo dyes and identifying their presence even at trace levels in adulterated turmeric. This not only contributes to ensuring the safety and integrity of turmeric products but also establishes precedent for robust analytical techniques in addressing food safety challenges.
Determination of prebiotic activity and probiotic encapsulation ability of inulin type fructans obtained from Inula helenium roots
Authors: Meral Hilal Dikmen , Özcan Fahriye Şeyma , Özcan Nihat , Bozkurt Fatih , Sağdiç Osman
Published: July 2024

Inulin, a prebiotic utilized in the food and pharmaceutical industries, promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon, thereby enhancing human health. Although inulin is commercially produced from chicory and artichoke, Inula helenium roots offer a high potential for inulin production. The aim of this study is to investigate the prebiotic activity of inulin (inulin‐P) from I. helenium roots on Lactobacillus rhamnosus, as well as its ability to produce synbiotic microcapsules and the effects on probiotic viability during freeze‐drying, in vitro gastrointestinal (GI) digestion, and storage. First, the effect of inulin‐P on L. rhamnosus viability and short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA) production was compared to other commonly utilized prebiotics. The findings revealed that inulin‐P remarkably promoted the growth and SCFA yield of L. rhamnosus for 48 h of fermentation and 28 days of storage. Then, L. rhamnosus was encapsulated with inulin‐P and commercial inulin to compare its survival throughout storage and the GI tract. Inulin‐P microcapsules outperformed in terms of viability during storage (7.98 log CFU/g after 30 days at 4°C). Furthermore, inulin‐P microcapsules were heat‐resistant and protected L. rhamnosus from GI conditions, resulting in a high survival rate (89.52%) following large intestine simulation, which is ideal for increasing customer benefits. Additionally, inulin‐P microcapsules exhibited similar physical characteristics to commercial inulin. Consequently, this study revealed that inulin‐P, which is easy to produce, low‐cost, and has industrial application potential, could be used as a good carrier for the synbiotic encapsulation of L. rhamnosus.

Practical Application

Inulin is a prebiotic that promotes the activity and growth of beneficial bacteria in the human gut. Although commercial inulin is currently produced from chicory root and artichoke, Inula helenium root is a potential raw material for inulin production. In this study, inulin was produced from I. helenium roots with a low‐cost and easy production method, and it was determined that this inulin was an effective carrier in the synbiotic encapsulation of L. rhamnosus. This inulin exhibits superior prebiotic activity and encapsulation efficiency compared to commercial inulins like Orafti® GR and HPX and can be easily integrated into industrial production.
Characterization of a new style tofu coagulated by fermentation of Lactobacillus plantarum SJ‐L‐1
Authors: Zhao Bingyu , Yuan Zuoyun , Ji Nairu , Zhao Hongling , Zhang Weiwei , Jia Liu , Zhichao Wu , Zhu Yunping
Published: July 2024

A new style of tofu coagulated through the fermentation of Lactobacillus plantarum SJ‐L‐1 was produced. L. plantarum SJ‐L‐1 with a high growth rate and excellent acid production ability was isolated and identified from naturally fermented soy yellow whey. The gene annotation indicated the potential outstanding isoflavone conversion capacity of L. plantarum SJ‐L‐1. Furthermore, fermentation tofu was prepared using L. plantarum SJ‐L‐1 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus 1–16 as the starter microbiota. Compared to traditional MgCl2 tofu and fermented soy whey tofu, SJ‐L‐1 tofu exhibited a slight increase in hardness and better structure uniformity. SJ‐L‐1 tofu also possessed the highest levels of total isoflavone content (76.33 µg/g) and volatile compounds (561.54 µg/kg) among the four styles of tofu. This research indicated that this new type of tofu coagulated through a combination of heat and fermentation of L. plantarum SJ‐L‐1 represents a promising candidate for future functional foods.
Quantitative assessment of reef foraminifera community from metabarcoding data
Authors: Girard Elsa B. , Didaskalou Emilie A. , Pratama Andi M. A. , Rattner Carolina , Morard Raphaël , Renema Willem
Published: July 2024

Describing living community compositions is essential to monitor ecosystems in a rapidly changing world, but it is challenging to produce fast and accurate depiction of ecosystems due to methodological limitations. Morphological methods provide absolute abundances with limited throughput, whereas metabarcoding provides relative abundances of genes that may not correctly represent living communities from environmental DNA assessed with morphological methods. However, it has the potential to deliver fast descriptions of living communities provided that it is interpreted with validated species‐specific calibrations and reference databases. Here, we developed a quantitative approach to retrieve from metabarcoding data the assemblages of living large benthic foraminifera (LBF), photosymbiotic calcifying protists, from Indonesian coral reefs that are under increasing anthropogenic pressure. To depict the diversity, we calculated taxon‐specific correction factors to reduce biological biases by comparing surface area, biovolume and calcite volume, and the number of mitochondrial gene copies in seven common LBF species. To validate the approach, we compared calibrated datasets of morphological communities from mock samples with bulk reef sediment; both sample types were metabarcoded. The calibration of the data significantly improved the estimations of genus relative abundance, with a difference of ±5% on average, allowing for comparison of past morphological datasets with future molecular ones. Our results also highlight the application of our quantitative approach to support reef monitoring operations by capturing fine‐scale processes, such as seasonal and pollution‐driven dynamics, that require high‐throughput sampling treatment.
Japan: Political Developments and Data in 2023
Authors: HINO AIRO , OGAWA HIROKI , FAHEY ROBERT A. , LIU LING
Published: July 2024

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) continued to slide in public opinion polls in 2023, with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's approval ratings never recovering from the scandal over the party's association with the controversial Unification Church that was exposed in the previous year. Kishida survived an assassination attempt in April, and the LDP's subsequent strong performance in by‐elections helped to temporarily stabilise his leadership. However, the party faced a fresh scandal in November, when a police investigation into the misreporting and mishandling of ‘slush fund’ money by the LDP's major factions led to the removal of four senior Cabinet ministers and an even sharper decline in support for the Kishida administration. Rising consumer prices, due in part to a weakening of the Yen, were also a major concern throughout 2023, with inflation for the full year reaching 3.1 per cent, its highest level since 1981.
Biologic treatment sequences in moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis
Authors: Ting Samantha , Lowe Patricia , Smith Annika , Fernández‐Peñas Pablo
Published: July 2024

Background

The advent of novel biologics has led to an increase in biologic‐switching as patients and clinicians pursue improved clinical outcomes. However, guidance on treatment sequencing in an Australian setting is sparse. This study examines the patterns of care across two tertiary centres in Australia and characterizes the factors contributing to biologic‐switching.

Methods

A retrospective study of patients who attended the outpatient Dermatology biologic clinics across two tertiary hospitals was conducted. Data on treatment sequencing and patients' PASI at every visit from April 2006 to December 2020 were collected. Patterns of biologic‐switching were examined. The speed of treatment response for each biologic was determined by the time to achieve PASI‐90 and ‐100 for each treatment course.

Results

A total of 440 treatment courses were analysed. Ustekinumab and adalimumab were the most frequently prescribed first‐line biologics. The highest proportion of biologic‐switching was observed among patients on TNF‐α inhibitors (63.8%). After 2015, more patients were prescribed IL‐12/23 and IL‐17 inhibitors in favour of TNF‐α inhibitors. IL‐17 inhibitors demonstrated the most rapid treatment response and low PASI scores relative to other biologics. Patients who did not switch biologics had lower rates of psoriatic arthritis and lower BMI, compared to patients who switched biologics. The median PASI on discontinuation generally exceeded 3.0, while on continuation, it was less than 1.2, reflecting patients' and clinicians' thresholds for biologic‐switching.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates an increased uptake of more novel biologics as they become available, due to improved safety profiles and clinical outcomes.
The Efficacy of C‐Reactive Protein (CRP) to Albumin Ratio (CAR) and Fibrinogen to CRP Ratio (FCR) in Predicting the Latent Period of Preterm Labor
Authors: Seyhanli Zeynep , Bayraktar Burak , Cakir Betul Tokgoz , Bucak Mevlut , Karabay Gulsan , Aktemur Gizem , Yigit Ayse , Yucel Kadriye Yakut , Yılmaz Zehra Vural
Published: July 2024

Objective

To investigate the role of inflammatory markers, including neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR), c‐reactive protein (CRP) to albumin ratio (CAR), fibrinogen to albumin ratio (FAR), and fibrinogen to CRP ratio (FCR) in predicting the latency period (≤72 vs. >72 hours) before preterm birth.

Materials and Methods

In a retrospective study, we assessed 135 patients meeting the specified criteria with signs of preterm labor (<34 weeks). The patients were categorized into two groups: 71 patients giving birth within 72 h (latency ≤ 72 h) and 64 patients giving birth after 72 h (latency > 72 h). We examined the demographic and medical characteristics and perinatal outcomes of all participants. Categorical variables between groups were compared using the Chi‐square test. The Student's t‐test was utilized for normally distributed continuous variables, and the Mann–Whitney U test was applied for non‐normally distributed data. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to identify the optimal cut‐off levels for inflammatory markers in predicting the latency period before birth.

Results

Among the parameters examined, significant differences were observed between the groups only in terms of CAR and FCR. While CAR showed a significantly higher value in the group with latency period ≤72 h (0.537 ± 1.239 vs. 0.247 ± 0.325, p = 0.022), FCR showed a significantly lower value in the group with latency period ≤72 h (63.58 (2.99–1165) vs. 88.93 (9.35–1165), p = 0.013). The identified cut‐off value for CAR was 0.190, providing a sensitivity of 57.7% and a specificity of 56.3% (p = 0.022). The cut‐off value for FCR was 71.67, with a sensitivity of 42.3% and a specificity of 42.2% (p = 0.013).

Conclusions

The CAR and the FCR, serving as predictive markers for preterm labor, may offer a simple, cost‐effective, and easily accessible approach, particularly in resource‐limited settings.
The influence of socioeconomic disadvantage on short‐ and long‐term outcomes after oesophagectomy for cancer: an Australian multicentre study
Authors: Park Jin‐soo , Polikarpova Aleksandra , Leibman Steven , Laurence Jerome M. , Smith Garett , Falk Gregory L. , Sandroussi Charbel
Published: July 2024

Background

Socioeconomic status (SES) affects outcomes following surgery for various cancers. There are currently no Australian studies that examine the role of socioeconomic disadvantage on outcomes following oesophagectomy for cancer. This study assessed whether SES was associated with short‐term perioperative morbidity, long‐term survival, and oncological outcomes following oesophagectomy across three tertiary oesophageal cancer centres in Australia.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed comprising all patients who underwent oesophagectomy for cancer across three Australian centres. Patients were stratified into SES groups using the Index of Relative Socioeconomic Advantage and Disadvantage (IRSAD). Outcomes measured included perioperative complication rates, overall survival, and disease‐free survival.

Results

The study cohort was 462 patients, 205 in the lower SES and 257 in the higher SES groups. The lower SES group presented with more advanced oesophageal cancer stage, a higher rate of T3 (52.6% versus 42.7%, P = 0.038) and N2 disease (19.6% versus 10.5%, P = 0.006), and had a higher rate of readmission within 30 days (11.2% versus 5.4%, P = 0.023). There was no difference in overall survival or disease‐free survival between groups.

Conclusion

Lower socioeconomic status was associated with more advanced stage and increased risk of early, unplanned readmission following oesophagectomy, but was not associated with a difference in overall or disease‐free survival.
Editorial: Leveraging existing mid‐end ultrasound machine for point‐of‐care intestinal ultrasound in low‐resource settings—Prospective, real‐world impact on clinical decision making
Authors: Swaminathan Akhilesh , Friedman Antony B.
Published: July 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Pal et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18155 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18189
Molecular monitoring of MDS: Watch this space!
Authors: Scheid Christof
Published: July 2024

The use of IPSS‐M provides a wealth of molecular information in newly diagnosed myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) patients. Besides the prognostic implications, molecular markers will also help to choose therapeutic options and may also be informative to determine the depth of response. Duployez and Preudhomme provide a comprehensive overview of this area of research, which is particularly complex in MDS.

Commentary on: Duployez et al. Monitoring molecular changes in the management of myelodysplastic syndromes. Br J Haematol 2024; 205:772‐779.
Toward a paradigm shift in prognostication and treatment of early‐stage Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Gallamini Andrea , Filippi Andrea , Camus Vincent , Vassilakopoulos Theodoros P.
Published: July 2024

Twenty years after the conceptual revolution that occurred in the millennium turnaround upon the introduction of PET/CT in lymphoma staging, restaging, and prognostication, a number of new parameters for PET reading have been proposed: (1) the shift from a qualitative to a semi‐quantitative reading for PET reporting, (2) an international consensus on these novel interpretation keys, (3) a standardized and agreed procedure to measure the total metabolic tumour volume (TMTV), and (4) the proposition of new indexes to portray the tumour spread: (D‐Max and Total Lesion Surface –TLS). These proved to be very powerful prognosticators, able to revolutionize the traditional Ann Arbor four‐stage lymphoma staging. During the 17° Lugano meeting on lymphoma, one main question was asked to experts attending a closed workshop dedicated to new metrics for lymphoma diagnosis, staging, restaging, and prognostication: “Should the traditional 4‐stage anatomic staging system be simplified to a more clinically relevant 2‐stage system (e.g., limited vs. extensive disease)?” Early‐stage HL is an example of how these new metrics could fit with this proposal.
Mitigating infection risks: The promise and challenge of bispecific antibodies in haematological malignancies
Authors: Rafei Hind , Rezvani Katayoun
Published: July 2024

Bispecific antibodies have shown significant clinical efficacy in patients with relapsed/refractory B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphomas and multiple myeloma, expanding treatment options for these patients. While these advancements are promising, it is important to be aware of associated side effects, such as cytokine release syndrome, neutropenia and infections. Gonugunta et al. provide valuable insights into the infection risks linked to the use of bispecific antibodies in haematological malignancies, drawing on both clinical trial data and real‐world experiences.

Commentary on: Gonugunta et al. Risk of infections with bispecific antibodies in B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphomas and multiple myeloma—The current state. Br J Haematol 2024; 205:1197‐1201.
Identifying the facilitators and barriers to implementation of renal tumour biopsy in the diagnostic pathway for small renal masses
Authors: Ranieri Veronica , Warren Hannah , Florez Isabella , Neves Joana B. , Walkden Miles , Bernstein Darryl E. , Santiapillai Joseph , Williams Norman , Wildgoose William H. , Patki Prasad , Stewart Grant D. , Kinsella Netty , Pizzo Elena , Barod Ravi , Bex Axel , Mumtaz Faiz , El‐Sheikh Soha , Gurusamy Kurinchi , Tran Maxine G.B.
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To understand the facilitators and barriers to the implementation of renal tumour biopsy (RTB) in the diagnostic pathway for renal tumours in England.

Patients and Methods

Participants consisted of patients who had a renal tumour diagnosed and/or treated at one of five tertiary centres in England, healthcare professionals involved in the direct care of patients diagnosed with renal tumours, and clinical service managers and commissioners. The study employed a mixed‐methods research methodology consisting of individual interviews and an on‐line survey that explored the types of facilitators and barriers individuals perceived and experienced and the frequency in which these were reported. A public dissemination event took place following the completion of data collection; to facilitate discussion of potential solutions to implementing RTB.

Results

There were 50 participant interviews (23 patients, 22 clinicians, and five health service commissioners/operations managers). The patient on‐line survey received 52 responses, and the clinician survey received 22 responses. Patients most frequently reported influences in choosing whether to undergo RTB pertained to wanting to know the diagnosis of their kidney mass (40%), the advice or information provided by healthcare professionals (40%), and not wishing to delay treatment (23%). Clinicians most frequently reported barriers to recommending RTB related to their uncertainty of diagnostic accuracy (56%), availability of appointments or hospital beds (52%), concerns of risk of bleeding (44%), risk of seeding (41%), and delays in meeting national cancer pathway targets (41%). The dissemination event was attended by 18 participants (seven patients and 11 clinicians). Suggestions to improve implementation included reducing variation and promotion of standardisation of practice by a consensus statement, increasing the evidence base (clinicians) and improved communication by developing better patient aids such as videos and diagrams (patients and clinicians).

Conclusion

Implementation of RTB may be dependent on the quality of information provided, its format and perceived reliability of the information. Increased utilisation of RTB may be improved by development of a consensus statement on the role of biopsy, with patients expressing a preference for alternative information aids such as patient videos.
Multi‐plant firms and the heavy tail of firm size distribution
Authors: Chakrabarti Anindya S. , Tomar Shekhar
Published: July 2024

The right tail of the firm size distribution has a heavy tail. The origin of this phenomenon, especially the specific characteristics of firms driving this pattern, remain a subject of extensive debate. Previous work has shown that plant size distribution has thinner tails than firm size distribution, indicating the role of multi‐plant firms. However, we do not know whether this phenomenon is simply a mechanical effect arising from aggregation across multiple plants or whether the plants of multi‐plant firms are different from those of single‐plant firms. Using novel data with plant‐to‐firm mapping, we document that plants of multi‐plant firms are more heavy‐tailed than single‐plant firms, indicating the dominance of the selection effect at the intensive margin. Extensive margin via aggregation of sales at the firm level plays a less crucial role than the selection effect. Importantly, single‐plant exporters have a thinner tail than multi‐plant non‐exporters, suggesting a more dominant role of multi‐plant identity than export identity in explaining heavy tails.
Spatial omics technologies for understanding molecular status associated with cancer progression
Authors: Nagasawa Satoi , Zenkoh Junko , Suzuki Yutaka , Suzuki Ayako
Published: July 2024

Cancer cells are generally exposed to numerous extrinsic stimulations in the tumor microenvironment. In this environment, cancer cells change their expression profiles to fight against circumstantial stresses, allowing their progression in the challenging tissue space. Technological advancements of spatial omics have had substantial influence on cancer genomics. This technical progress, especially that occurring in the spatial transcriptome, has been drastic and rapid. Here, we describe the latest spatial analytical technologies that have allowed omics feature characterization to retain their spatial and histopathological information in cancer tissues. Several spatial omics platforms have been launched, and the latest platforms finally attained single‐cell level or even higher subcellular level resolution. We discuss several key papers elucidating the initial utility of the spatial analysis. In fact, spatial transcriptome analyses reveal comprehensive omics characteristics not only in cancer cells but also their surrounding cells, such as tumor infiltrating immune cells and cancer‐associated fibroblasts. We also introduce several spatial omics platforms. We describe our own attempts to investigate molecular events associated with cancer progression. Furthermore, we discuss the next challenges in analyzing the multiomics status of cells, including their morphology and location. These novel technologies, in conjunction with spatial transcriptome analysis and, more importantly, with histopathology, will elucidate even novel key aspects of the intratumor heterogeneity of cancers. Such enhanced knowledge is expected to open a new path for overcoming therapeutic resistance and eventually to precisely stratify patients.
Initial AXL and MCL‐1 inhibition contributes to abolishing lazertinib tolerance in EGFR‐mutant lung cancer cells
Authors: Matsui Yohei , Yamada Tadaaki , Katayama Yuki , Hirai Soichi , Sawada Ryo , Tachibana Yusuke , Ishida Masaki , Kawachi Hayato , Nakamura Ryota , Nishioka Naoya , Morimoto Kenji , Iwasaku Masahiro , Horinaka Mano , Sakai Toshiyuki , Tokuda Shinsaku , Takayama Koichi
Published: July 2024

Lazertinib, a novel third‐generation epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR‐TKI), demonstrates marked efficacy in EGFR‐mutant lung cancer. However, resistance commonly develops, prompting consideration of therapeutic strategies to overcome initial drug resistance mechanisms. This study aimed to elucidate the adaptive resistance to lazertinib and advocate novel combination treatments that demonstrate efficacy in preventing resistance as a first‐line treatment for EGFR mutation‐positive NSCLC. We found that AXL knockdown significantly inhibited lung cancer cell viability in the presence of lazertinib, indicating that AXL activation contributes to lazertinib resistance. However, long‐term culture with a combination of lazertinib and AXL inhibitors led to residual cell proliferation and increased the MCL‐1 expression level, which was mediated by the nuclear translocation of the transcription factor YAP. Triple therapy with an MCL‐1 or YAP inhibitor in combination with lazertinib and an AXL inhibitor significantly reduced cell viability and increased the apoptosis rate. These results demonstrate that AXL and YAP/MCL‐1 signals contribute to adaptive lazertinib resistance in EGFR‐mutant lung cancer cells, suggesting that the initial dual inhibition of AXL and YAP/MCL‐1 might be a highly effective strategy in eliminating lazertinib‐resistant cells.
Transition metal complexes of hydrazones as potential antimicrobial and anticancer agents: A short review
Authors: Czyżewska Izabela , Mazur Liliana , Popiołek Łukasz
Published: July 2024

Hydrazones display an interesting profile of biological activities, which includes mainly antimicrobial and antiproliferative properties. Hydrazones also play an important role in the synthesis of heterocyclic rings and in coordination chemistry. Currently, the synthesis of complexes of hydrazones with transition metals is quite frequently reported in the scientific literature. The interest in this topic is largely due to diverse biological activities of the metal complexes of hydrazones that in some cases are much more effective than hydrazones themselves. This review focuses on the complexes of hydrazones with transition metals which display antibacterial, antitubercular, antifungal and anticancer activities. In the following subchapters devoted to a given activity, an attempt has been made to present the most active complexes of hydrazones, their trends in their activity and application in medicinal chemistry. The paper presents the literature data from 2009 to 2023. This review constitutes a useful guide for the researchers who intend to synthesize and investigate complexes of hydrazones in terms of their antimicrobial and anticancer activities.
The NIH Infant and Toddler Toolbox: A new standardized tool for assessing neurodevelopment in children ages 1–42 months
Authors: Gershon Richard , Novack Miriam A. , Kaat Aaron J.
Published: July 2024

The progress of developmental research demands reliable measurement techniques, yet inconsistency persist across laboratories, subfields, and settings. To address this, the NIH Toolbox for Neurological and Behavioral Function (NIHTB)® has been extended to create a universal assessment for developmental and pediatric communities: The NIH Infant and Toddler (“Baby”) Toolbox. Currently undergoing norming in a sample of 2550 children demographically representative of the 2020 U.S. census, the Baby Toolbox is slated for release in late 2024. This paper introduces the Baby Toolbox, details its objectives, development, and technological innovations, describes plans for reliability and norming, and invites researchers to consider the Baby Toolbox in the future studies. Ultimately, this initiative stands to enhance cross‐study comparability and advance comprehensive developmental evaluation.
Milk, money, and gender: Exploring the link between women's decision‐making in dairy production and welfare investments in boys versus girls
Authors: Lin Jessie , Wollni Meike
Published: July 2024

Greater women's bargaining power and decision‐making within a household have been shown to increase investments in human capital. This study links women's participation in decision‐making in dairy production with household investment in girls and boys in health, nutrition, and education. We survey households in the urbanizing region of Bangalore, India. We utilize a multinomial treatment effects model to analyze the individual and household factors that are associated with women's participation in sole or joint decision‐making. We then assess how the type of decision‐making influences a household's investments. The results first show that female decision‐making households are more disadvantaged on average than other types of decision‐making households. Second, we observe that female decision‐makers for dairy production are more likely to have more children and earn a higher income than their husbands. Third, the main findings show that households in which women engage in joint decision‐making have higher levels of investment across all categories for girls. Conversely, investments decrease in education and nutrition for both girls and boys when the wife is the sole decision‐maker. Lastly, investments are enhanced further for girls when households can sell milk at a higher price.
A new metric for conducting 5‐year reviews to evaluate recovery progress under the Endangered Species Act
Authors: Davis Olivia N. , Molano‐Flores Brenda , Li Ya‐Wei , Allen Maximilian L. , Davis Mark A. , Parkos Joseph J. , McIntyre Susan , Di Giovanni Alexander J. , McElrath Thomas C. , Carter Andrew , Evansen Megan , Sheehan Connor , Gerber Leah R.
Published: July 2024

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) provides legal protection to imperiled populations and their associated habitats. As a part of this process, listed species must undergo a general status review (also called 5‐Year Review) to assess the progress toward recovery every 5 years. However, almost all 5‐year reviews result in a status of “no change,” prompting scientists to question if the review process is robust enough to detect changes in recovery. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) was therefore interested in developing a standardized metric for monitoring more nuanced recovery progress as part of the status review. In collaboration with the USFWS, over 75 biologists from five different organizations developed and tested a set of novel metrics to summarize recovery progress of listed species by considering current and future conditions, threats, and conservation measures. We found that, although the majority of species had reviews with a recommendation of no change, scorers were able to use the metrics to interpret more nuanced changes in the 3Rs (resiliency, redundancy, and representation), threats, and conservation measures than in the status review. Our results suggest that these metrics could illuminate more nuanced areas of recovery and decline in species' conditions, but consistency among scorers and status reports should be a focus of future development. Our approach offers a rigorous set of metrics to systematically track the recovery progress of all ESA species.
Strategic land conservation: An applied, multi‐target approach to prioritization of resilient sites for protection
Authors: Hunt Hilary Habeck , Baker Kathleen , Lettow Mitchell C. , Howe Bruce , Fuller Nate
Published: July 2024

Land trusts have historically selected many project sites opportunistically, awaiting communication from willing sellers or donors interested in conserving their land. However, in light of the multiple ecological crises faced by land trusts, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and habitat destruction, there is a growing awareness of the need to practice land conservation with an increased pace, scale, and efficacy. In answer to that challenge, we provide one example of how a land trust can adopt methodology for the strategic selection of land protection project sites. Strategic land conservation, as demonstrated in this paper, involves thoughtful prioritization of the attributes of future conservation project sites. Following prioritization, spatial analysis of the region is conducted to identify sites that meet the prioritized attributes, in this case, resilience to climate change. The case study explored in this paper is the 2020 Strategic Land Conservation Plan created by Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy and its partners.
Laser lithotripsy with balloon enteroscopy‐assisted peroral cholangioscopy for a large common bile duct stone after Billroth II gastrectomy
Authors: Miwa Haruo , Sugimori Kazuya , Maeda Shin
Published: July 2024

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Crisis interpreting and Deaf community understanding during the COVID‐19 pandemic: results from a South Korea‐based survey
Authors: Jo Charmhun
Published: July 2024

This study explores the South Korean Deaf community's response to sign language interpreting during the COVID‐19 (coronavirus disease 2019) health crisis, focusing on individual factors affecting the signers' comprehension. The data were collected from a mobile‐based questionnaire survey conducted among 401 Deaf adults; binary probit modelling was adopted to analyse the data. The major findings are: (i) 59.9 per cent of the respondents understood less than 70 per cent of the interpreting; (ii) males and urban residents tend to understand better; (iii) younger people (less than 50 years) and signers with a Bachelor's degree or higher are likely to have lower comprehension; and (iv) Deaf adults who visited a doctor after the COVID‐19 outbreak tended to have lower comprehension. The findings demonstrate that individual characteristics, including age, impact significantly on the extent to which Deaf individuals understand the sign language interpreting of COVID‐19 information, indicating that steps are needed to achieve a Deaf‐inclusive society during a health disaster.
Time trends in hypertension and diabetes prevalence by body mass index categories in Brazilian adults from 2006 to 2023
Authors: Rezende Leandro F. M. , de Almeida‐Pittito Bianca , Wahrhaftig Jacqueline , Matos Bruna , Ferrari Gerson , da Silva Luiza Eunice Sá , de Oliveira Cardoso Letícia , Maciel Ethel , Claro Rafael
Published: July 2024

Aim

The prevalence of diabetes and hypertension according to body mass index (BMI) status in Brazilian adults has not been described yet. Herein, we aimed to identify the time trends in hypertension and diabetes, individually and combined (multimorbidity), by BMI in Brazilian adults.

Methods

In this time series cross‐sectional study, we retrieved self‐reported data from 806 169 adults between 2006 and 2023, using the Surveillance System of Risk and Protective Factors from Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey (Vigitel). Weight and height were used to classify participants into normal/underweight (<25 kg/m2), pre‐obesity (25 to 29.9 kg/m2), and obesity (≥ 30 kg/m2). We calculated the prevalence of medical diagnoses of hypertension and diabetes, individually and combined, by BMI categories, and by sociodemographic characteristics (sex, age group, educational attainment) for participants with obesity. We performed Prais‐Winsten linear regression models to identify temporal trends.

Results

The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes increased between 2006 and 2023. Among adults with obesity, we observed a slight decrease in the prevalence of hypertension (from 44.5% in 2006 to 41.7% in 2023) and the prevalence of either hypertension or diabetes (47.1% to 45.5%); an increase in the prevalence of diabetes (12.8% to 15.13) and both conditions combined (10.2% to 11.2%). Participants with obesity had more than twice the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes compared with those who were normal/underweight. We observed a differential time trend by sex, age group, and educational attainment.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate the need for differentiated approaches for interventions for hypertension and diabetes, considering variations over time by sociodemographic characteristics.
Effectiveness of switching from dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor to oral glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist in Japanese participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus: Prospective observational study using propensity score matching
Authors: Iwamoto Hideyuki , Kimura Tomohiko , Fushimi Yoshiro , Iwamoto Masahiro , Tatsumi Fuminori , Sanada Junpei , Iwamoto Yuichiro , Katakura Yukino , Shimoda Masashi , Nakanishi Shuhei , Mune Tomoatsu , Kaku Kohei , Kaneto Hideaki
Published: July 2024

Aim

Recently, the development of the oral glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist semaglutide has drawn a great deal of attention. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of oral glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist semaglutide and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors on glycaemic control and several metabolic parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus over a 6‐month period.

Methods

Fifty‐nine participants were included, and we compared various clinical parameters between before and after switching from DPP‐4 inhibitors to oral semaglutide in ‘study 1’ (pre‐post comparison) and set the control group using the propensity score matching method in ‘study 2’.

Results

In ‘study 1’, 6 months after the switching, the glycated haemoglobin value was significantly reduced from 7.5% to 7.0%, and the body mass index was also decreased from 29.7 kg/m2 to 28.8 kg/m2. Such effects were more clearly observed in participants whose glycaemic control was poor. In ‘study 2’, after 1:1 propensity score matching, 51 participants from each group were matched, and glycaemic control as well as body weight management were improved in the switching group compared with the DPP‐4 inhibitor continuation group over the 6‐month observation period.

Conclusion

In this study, including obese participants with poor glycaemic control, switching DPP‐4 inhibitors to oral semaglutide showed more beneficial effects on both glycaemic and weight control, irrespective of age, body weight and diabetes duration. Therefore, we should bear in mind that it would be better to start using an oral semaglutide in clinical practice, particularly in obese participants with poor glycaemic control with DPP‐4 inhibitors.
Impact of gender in patients with device‐related thrombosis after left atrial appendage closure – A sub‐analysis from the multicenter EUROC‐DRT‐registry
Authors: Saw Jacqueline , Vij Vivian , Galea Roberto , Piayda Kerstin , Nelles Dominik , Vogt Lara , Gloekler Steffen , Fürholz Monika , Meier Bernhard , Räber Lorenz , O'Hara Gilles , Arzamendi Dabit , Agudelo Victor , Asmarats Lluis , Freixa Xavier , Flores‐Umanzor Eduardo , De Backer Ole , Sondergaard Lars , Nombela‐Franco Luis , Salinas Pablo , Korsholm Kasper , Nielsen‐Kudsk Jens Erik , Zeus Tobias , Operhalski Felix , Schmidt Boris , Montalescot Gilles , Guedeney Paul , Iriart Xavier , Miton Noelie , Gilhofer Thomas , Fauchier Laurent , Veliqi Egzon , Meincke Felix , Petri Nils , Nordbeck Peter , Gonzalez‐Ferreiro Rocio , Cruz‐González Ignacio , Bhatt Deepak L , Laricchia Alessandra , Mangieri Antonio , Omran Heyder , Schrickel Jan Wilko , Beiert Thomas , Rodes‐Cabau Josep , Nickenig Georg , Sievert Horst , Sedaghat Alexander , Afzal Shazia
Published: July 2024

Background

Device‐related thrombosis (DRT) is a common finding after left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) and is associated with worse outcomes. As women are underrepresented in clinical studies, further understanding of sex differences in DRT patients is warranted.

Methods and Results

This sub‐analysis from the EUROC‐DRT‐registry compromises 176 patients with diagnosis of DRT after LAAC. Women, who accounted for 34.7% (61/176) of patients, were older (78.0 ± 6.7 vs. 74.9 ± 9.1 years, p = .06) with lower rates of comorbidities. While DRT was detected significantly later in women (173 ± 267 vs. 127 ± 192 days, p = .01), anticoagulation therapy was escalated similarly, mainly with initiation of novel oral anticoagulant (NOAC), vitamin K antagonist (VKA) or heparin. DRT resolution was achieved in 67.5% (27/40) of women and in 75.0% (54/72) of men (p = .40). In the remaining cases, an intensification/switch of anticoagulation was conducted in 50.% (9/18) of men and in 41.7% (5/12) of women. Final resolution was achieved in 72.5% (29/40) cases in women, and in 81.9% (59/72) cases in men (p = .24). Women were followed‐up for a similar time as men (779 ± 520 vs. 908 ± 687 days, p = .51). Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed no difference in mortality rates in women (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 1.73, 95%‐Confidence interval [95%‐CI]: .68–4.37, p = .25) and no differences in stroke (HR: .83, 95%‐CI: .30–2.32, p = .72) within 2 years after LAAC.

Conclusion

Evaluation of risk factors and outcome revealed no differences between men and women, with DRT in women being diagnosed significantly later. Women should be monitored closely to assess for DRT formation/resolution. Treatment strategies appear to be equally effective.