bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An extended catalytic model to assess changes in risk for multiple reinfections with SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Lombard Belinda , Cohen Cheryl , von Gottberg Anne , Dushoff Jonathan , van Schalkwyk Cari , Pulliam Juliet R.C.
Published: September 2023

Background

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has illustrated that monitoring trends in multiple infections can provide insight into the biological characteristics of new variants. Following several pandemic waves, many people have already been infected and reinfected by SARS-CoV-2 and therefore methods are needed to understand the risk of multiple reinfections.

Objectives

In this paper, we extended an existing catalytic model designed to detect increases in the risk of reinfection by SARS-CoV-2 to detect increases in the population-level risk of multiple reinfections.

Methods

The catalytic model assumes the risk of reinfection is proportional to observed infections and uses a Bayesian approach to fit model parameters to the number ofnthinfections among individuals whose (n− 1)thinfection was observed at least 90 days before. Using a posterior draw from the fitted model parameters, a 95% projection interval of dailynthinfections is calculated under the assumption of a constantnthinfection hazard coefficient. An additional model parameter was introduced to consider the increased risk of reinfection detected during the Omicron wave. Validation was performed to assess the model’s ability to detect increases in the risk of third infections.

Key Findings

The model parameters converged when applying the model’s fitting and projection procedure to the number of observed third SARS-COV-2 infections in South Africa. No additional increase in the risk of third infection was detected after the increase detected during the Omicron wave. The validation of the third infections method showed that the model can successfully detect increases in the risk of third infections under different scenarios.

Limitations

Even though the extended model is intended to detect the risk ofnthinfections, the method was only validated for detecting increases in the risk of third infections and not for four or more infections. The method is very sensitive to low numbers ofnthinfections, so it might not be usable in settings with small epidemics, low coverage of testing or early in an outbreak.

Conclusions

The catalytic model to detect increases in the risk of reinfections was successfully extended to detect increases in the risk ofnthinfections and could contribute to future detection of increases in the risk ofnthinfections by SARS-CoV-2 or other similar pathogens.
Temporal Trends in Antibiotic Resistance in Europe, 1998-2019
Authors: Emons Martin , Blanquart François , Lehtinen Sonja
Published: September 2023

The emergence of resistant phenotypes following the introduction of new antibiotics is well documented. However, the subsequent dynamics of resistance frequencies over long time periods are less well understood: the extent to which resistance frequencies increase, the rate at which resistance frequencies change, and how this depends on antibiotic consumption remain open questions. Here, we systematically analyse the resistance trajectories emerging from 3,375,774 hospital bacterial isolates sampled from infections in Europe over 1998-2019, representing 887 bug-drug-country combinations. Our analyses support a model in which, after an initial increase, resistance frequencies reach a stable intermediate equilibrium. The plurality (37%) of analysed trajectories were best described as ‘stable’ (neither increasing nor decreasing). The second largest category of trajectories (21%) was those best described as ‘stabilising’ – i.e. showing a transition from increasing frequency to a stable plateau. The antibiotic consumption in a country predicts both the equilibrium frequency of the corresponding resistance and the speed at which this equilibrium is reached. Moreover, we find weak evidence that temporal fluctuations in resistance frequency are driven by temporal fluctuations in hospital antibiotic consumption. Overall, our results indicate that ever increasing antibiotic resistance frequencies are not inevitable and that antibiotic management limits resistance spread. A large fraction of the variability in the speed of increase and the equilibrium level of resistance remains unexplained by antibiotic use, suggesting other factors also drive resistance dynamics.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Neuronal Anomalies inPOLGMutant Midbrain Organoids
Authors: Chen Anbin , Yangzom Tsering , Sullivan Gareth John , Liang Kristina Xiao
Published: September 2023

Human pluripotent stem cell-derived midbrain organoids offer transformative potential for elucidating brain development, disease representation, and therapeutic innovations. We introduce a novel methodology to generate midbrain-specific organoids from both embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). By employing tailored differentiation cues, notably dual-SMAD inhibition combined with FGF-8b and Sonic hedgehog agonist purmorphamine, we direct pluripotent stem cells towards a midbrain lineage. These organoids, growing beyond 2mm in diameter, house diverse neuroepithelial cell populations. Their midbrain character is affirmed by the pronounced expression of midbrain-specific markers and the absence of forebrain and hindbrain indicators. Critically, these organoids differentiate into dopaminergic neurons characteristic of the midbrain, displaying both morphological sophistication and electrophysiological vigor. Additionally, our experiments with POLG iPSC-derived midbrain organoids revealed a marked loss of dopaminergic neurons and diminished expression of genes governing mitochondrial pathways. This evidence underscores the model’s potential in simulating mitochondrial diseases and neurodegenerative conditions, notably Parkinson’s disease. Our protocol thus emerges as a pivotal instrument for crafting functionally adept, midbrain-centric organoids, paving avenues for advanced studies in midbrain evolution, disorders like Parkinson’s disease, and their interplay with mitochondrial dysfunction.
Listening to classical music influences brain connectivity in post-stroke aphasia: a pilot study
Authors: Chea Maryane , Ben Salah Amina , Toba Monica N. , Zeineldin Ryan , Kaufmann Brigitte , Weill-Chounlamountry Agnès , Naccache Lionel , Bayen Eléonore , Bartolomeo Paolo
Published: September 2023

Stroke-induced aphasia is a leading cause of cognitive disability. The healthy right hemisphere may play a role in aphasia compensation. Music-based therapy, known to enhance cognitive functions after stroke, offers a potential intervention due to its impact on brain connectivity, engaging both hemispheres.

In this proof-of-concept study, we aimed to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of music-assisted therapy for language disorders following left hemisphere strokes. We also sought preliminary insights into the impact of music on post-stroke brain connectivity. We enrolled four right-handed patients (one female and three males, mean age 57.75 years, SD 7.63) who experienced their first left-hemisphere stroke inducing chronic aphasia symptoms three months post-stroke. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either two weeks of music therapy, involving daily 2-hour sessions of listening to instrumental music by Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven, in addition to standard rehabilitation, or two weeks of standard care, using a crossover design. Patients underwent cognitive and neuroimaging assessments at baseline, crossover, and study end, with preliminary evaluation one week before the study to confirm stable deficits.

All patients listened to the same curated playlist, accompanied by narrations situating the music in its with historical context. Cognitive assessments included the Core Assessment of Language Processing (CALAP) and a French aphasia battery (Bilan Informatise d’Aphasie, BIA). EEG and MRI data were analyzed, focusing on functional connectivity metrics (weighted symbolic mutual information, permutation entropy) and white matter tractography. Preliminary findings indicate that music therapy may be a feasible and promising approach to aphasia rehabilitation, with improvements observed in language tests and brain connectivity metrics.

Despite limitations such as a small sample size and patient heterogeneity, these preliminary results suggest that intensive classical music listening may enhance language abilities in post-stroke aphasia patients. Additionally, using EEG connectivity metrics originally designed for non-communicative patients provides a novel avenue for monitoring brain plasticity during rehabilitation.
Correlation of calcium multiphoton with ultrastructural STED imaging of the slit diaphragm in the same glomerulus
Authors: Wiesner Eva , Binz-Lotter Julia , Hackl Agnes , Unnersjö-Jess David , Rutkowski Nelli , Benzing Thomas , Hackl Matthias J.
Published: September 2023

In recent years functional multiphoton imaging of viable mouse tissue and STED imaging of optically cleared tissues allowed new insights into kidney biology. Here, we present a novel workflow where multiphoton imaging of calcium signals in podocytes is, in the same glomerulus, correlated with super-resolved STED imaging and analysis of the slit diaphragm (SD) morphology. Mice expressing the calcium indicator GCaMP3 exclusively in podocytes served as healthy controls and were challenged with two different doses of nephrotoxic serum (NTS). NTS-induced SD architecture damage increased in a dose-dependent manner, whereas intracellular calcium levels exhibited a wide range of variation and showed no correlation with SD damage in the same glomerulus. Our co-imaging protocol is applicable to a broad range of research questions as it is suitable for other tissues and compatible with a variety of reporters and tissue antigens.

Translational statement

The combination of multiphoton and super-resolution microscopy identifies the modulation of signaling pathways and resolves the changes in ultrastructure in disease states in the same glomeruli. Using our new method, we can compare functional and morphological data to investigate the degree of correlation to reveal novel underlying pathomechanism. This knowledge can improve our ability to draw conclusions from human kidney biopsies, in which the ultrastructure will be assessed more-often by routine super-resolution microscopy in the future.
Developmental Ramifications of the Screen Age: Associations between Screen Time and Neural Maturation in a Massive Adolescent Cohort
Authors: Atalay Alexander S. , Newman Benjamin T. , Druzgal T. Jason
Published: September 2023

A growing body of literature associates increases in electronic screen time with a vast array of psychological consequences amongst adolescents, but little is known about the neurological underpinnings of this relationship. This longitudinal study examines structural and diffusion brain MRI scans from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD)Study: a large multi-site study with thousands of participants. By assessing both gray matter density (GMD) and grey matter measurements of diffusion microstructure in the adolescent brain, we describe how the developmental trajectory of the brain changes with screen-based media consumption at the sub-cellular level. Grey matter microstructure was measured across 13 bilateral regions functionally implicated with screen time use, and associated with either the control or reward system. After controlling for age, sex, total brain volume, scanning site, sibling relationships, physical activity, and socioeconomic status, this study finds significant positive correlations between increased screen time and axonal signal across 6 of the 13 regions while also finding significantly decreased intracellular signal in 8 regions. Comparing these associations to normal developmental trajectories suggests adolescent age-related brain development may be accelerated by increased screen time in brain areas associated with reward processing while age-related brain development may be decelerated in regions of the control system. Highlighting the sensitivity of microstructural analysis, no significant cross-sectional or longitudinal relationship with increased screen time was found using GMD, or fractional anisotropy. This work suggests that increased screen usage during adolescent development has a complex association with brain tissue that cannot be completely described by traditional quantifications of tissue microstructure.
Temporal Dynamics and Stoichiometry in Notch Signaling - from Notch Synaptic Complex Formation to NICD Nuclear Entry
Authors: Tveriakhina Lena , Scanavachi Gustavo , Egan Emily D. , Correia Ricardo Bango Da Cunha , Martin Alexandre P. , Rogers Julia M. , Yodh Jeremy S. , Aster Jon C. , Kirchhausen Tom , Blacklow Stephen C.
Published: September 2023

Mammalian Notch signaling occurs when binding of Delta or Jagged to Notch stimulates proteolytic release of the Notch intracellular domain (NICD), which enters the nucleus to regulate target gene expression. To determine the temporal dynamics of events associated with Notch signaling under native conditions, we fluorescently tagged Notch and Delta at their endogenous genomic loci and visualized them upon pairing of receiver (Notch) and sender (Delta) cells as a function of time after cell contact. At contact sites, Notch and Delta immediately accumulated at 1:1 stoichiometry in synapses, which resolved by 15-20 min after contact. Synapse formation preceded entrance of the Notch extracellular domain into the sender cell and accumulation of NICD in the nucleus of the receiver cell, which approached a maximum after ∼45 min and was prevented by chemical and genetic inhibitors of signaling. These findings directly link Notch-Delta synapse dynamics to NICD production with unprecedented spatiotemporal precision.
The impact of overall light-level on the reverse Pulfrich effect
Authors: Rodriguez-Lopez Victor , Chin Benjamin , Burge Johannes
Published: September 2023

The Pulfrich Effect is an illusion characterized by the misperception of the depth and 3D direction of moving objects. Interocular luminance differences cause the Classic Pulfrich effect; the darker image is processed more slowly. Interocular blur differences cause the Reverse Pulfrich effect; the blurrier image is processed more quickly. A common correction for presbyopia—monovision—intentionally induces the optical conditions that cause the Reverse Pulfrich Effect. The effect sizes, and the fact that tens of millions of people wear these corrections every day, raise concerns about public safety. However, although the impact of overall light-level (e.g., nighttime vs. daytime) on the Classic Pulfrich effect has been well-characterized, its impact on the Reverse Pulfrich effect is unknown. Here, using a custom binocular 4f tunable lens optical system that allows the decoupling of retinal illuminance and retinal blur, we report how the Classic and Reverse Pulfrich effects scale with overall light-level. Both effects increase logarithmically with decreases in light-level. These results motivate a characterization of how light level interacts with other optical factors (e.g., higher-order aberrations) that are likely to impact the Reverse Pulfrich effect, and hence the perceptual consequences of monovision corrections.

Commercial disclosure

V. Rodriguez Lopez: None; B. Chin: None; J. Burge: None.
Barcoding of small extracellular vesicles with CRISPR-gRNA enables comprehensive, subpopulation-specific analysis of their biogenesis/release regulators
Authors: Kunitake Koki , Mizuno Tadahaya , Hattori Kazuki , Oneyama Chitose , Kamiya Mako , Ota Sadao , Urano Yasuteru , Kojima Ryosuke
Published: September 2023

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are important intercellular information transmitters in various biological contexts, but their release processes remain poorly understood. Herein, we describe a high-throughput assay platform,CRISPR-assisted individuallybarcoded sEV-based releaseregulator (CIBER) screening, for identifying key players in sEV release. CIBER screening employs sEVs barcoded with CRISPR-gRNA through the interaction of gRNA and dead Cas9 fused with an sEV marker. Barcode quantification enables the estimation of the sEV amount released from each cell in a massively parallel manner. Barcoding sEVs with different sEV markers in a CRISPR pooled-screening format allows genome-wide exploration of sEV release regulators in a subpopulation-specific manner, successfully identifying previously unknown sEV release regulators and uncovering the exosomal/ectosomal nature of CD63+/CD9+sEVs, respectively, as well as the synchronization of CD9+sEV release with the cell cycle. CIBER should be a valuable tool for detailed studies on the biogenesis, release, and heterogeneity of sEVs.
Optimizing the distribution of outcomes across multiple levels of subcontracting in construction projects
Authors: Hosseinian S. Mahdi , Jaberi Amirhomayoun
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Although outcome sharing in construction is a well-established concept in the literature, there is still an ongoing debate on the most effective approach for distributing project outcomes between an owner and downstream contracting parties (DCPs). To address this issue, this paper aims to investigate an optimal framework for distributing project outcomes among various levels of subcontracting in construction projects. The framework includes contractors, subcontractors, sub-subcontractors and other related parties.

Design/methodology/approach

To formulate the optimization problem, the principal–agent model is utilized. The theoretical development is validated through an experiment conducted with employees from road construction companies.

Findings

When distributing outcomes among various levels of subcontracting, the sharing should be determined by their contribution to the outcome, effort costs, level of outcome uncertainty and risk preference.

Originality/value

This paper expands on the existing principal–agent theory by incorporating multiple levels of agents, transforming the conventional view of outcome sharing among downstream subcontracting levels into testable hypotheses and well-defined concepts. The paper has practical implications for industry practitioners seeking to effectively allocate benefits and costs throughout a project's subcontracting chain.
Human resource management practices and employee retention in the Indian textile industry
Authors: Kalia Prateek , Singla Meenu , Kaushal Robin
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study is the maiden attempt to understand the effect of specific human resource practices (HRPs) on employee retention (ER) with the mediation of job satisfaction (JS) and moderation of work experience (WE) and job hopping (JH) in the context of the textile industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a quantitative methodology and applied quota sampling to gather data from employees (n = 365) of leading textile companies in India. The conceptual model and hypotheses were tested with the help of Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The findings of a path analysis revealed that compensation and performance appraisal (CPA) have the highest impact on JS followed by employee work participation (EWP). On the other hand, EWP had the highest impact on ER followed by grievance handling (GRH). The study revealed that JS significantly mediates between HRPs like CPA and ER. During Multi-group analysis (MGA) it was found that the importance of EWP and health and safety (HAS) was more in employee groups with higher WE, but it was the opposite in the case of CPA. In the case of JH behavior, the study observed that EWP leads to JS in loyal employees. Similarly, JS led to ER, and the effect was more pronounced for loyal employees.

Originality/value

In the context of the Indian textile industry, this work is the first attempt to comprehend how HRPs affect ER. Secondly, it confirmed that JS is not a guaranteed mediator between HRPs and ER, it could act as an insignificant, partial or full mediator. Additionally, this study establishes the moderating effects of WE and JH in the model through multigroup analysis.
Allometric scaling of skin weight and thickness to body weight in relation to taxonomic orders and habitats in mammals
Authors: Wada Naomi , Ushiroda Saki , Satoh Ran , Sakurai Masashi , Kawada Shinichiro , Luziga Claudius , Ichikawa Hiroshi
Published: September 2023

Skin is the largest organ in a mammal body, and it exhibits most significant range of adaptations to different habitats. It is a complex, biological composite structure, consisting of epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissues and is used for the therapeutic application of medical devices to improve healthcare. Extensive studies have been performed on the roles of the skin; however, little is known on its physiological characteristics in relation to body size among different species. The purpose of this study was therefore to evaluate the allometric scaling of skin weight (SW) and thickness (ST) to body weight (BW) in relation to genetics and habitats. Also analysed the relationship of BW to thicknesses of epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissues. This study used 249 adult animals of both sexes, belonging to 144 species, clustered in 18 taxonomic orders and five types of habitats. The animals were obtained from various sources in Japan. SW and BW were weighed, and ST was measured using a calliper followed by data analysis. Results showed that SW and ST were related to BW [log SW = 0.969 × logBW − 0636, adjust. R2: 0.975]. The BW increased with increasing skin dermal thickness (y = 0.3916x + 1.5253, adjust. R2: 0.6921), slightly with epidermal thickness (y = 0.2495x + 0.3984, adjust. R2: 0.3402), but not all with the thickness of subcutaneous tissues (y = 0.1454x + 2.2437, adjust. R2: 0.0752). The ratio of SW to BW (SW/BW) distributed over a large range from 0.06 to 0.64 values and varied among animal taxonomic orders and their dwelling habitats. Close relationship of BW to SW/BW was observed in species weighing ≥200 g but not in species weighing <200 g. In conclusion, SW and ST in mammals are determined by BW. The SW/BW varies based on BW, taxonomic orders and habitat and is large in small mammals weighing ≥200 g to provide a mechanism used for survival strategy.
Letter: Incidence of hepatitis B virus reactivation in patients with psoriasis treated with cytokine inhibitors
Authors: Kuo Meng‐Hsuan , Tseng Chih‐Wei , Shao Shih‐Chieh
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to El Jamaly et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17155
Letter: NSBB for fatty liver disease—Still a long way to go
Authors: Xu Hangfei , Zhang Yang , Zhang Jing
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Paternostro et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17653 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17702
Therapeutic drug monitoring of methotrexate in patients with Crohn's disease
Authors: van de Meeberg Maartje M. , Fidder Herma H. , Oldenburg Bas , Sundaresan Janani , Struys Eduard A. , Montazeri Nahid S. M. , Mares Wout G. N. , Mahmmod Nofel , van Asseldonk Dirk P. , Lutgens Maurice W. M. D. , Kuyvenhoven Johan P. , Rietdijk Svend T. , Nissen Loes H. C. , Koehestanie Parweez , de Boer Nanne K. H. , de Jonge Robert , Bouma Gerd , Bulatović Ćalasan Maja ,   the Dutch Initiative on Crohn and Colitis (ICC)
Published: September 2023

Background

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) has the potential to improve efficacy and diminish side effects. Measuring methotrexate‐polyglutamate (MTX‐PG) in erythrocytes might enable TDM for methotrexate in patients with Crohn's disease (CD).

Aim

To investigate the relationship between MTX‐PGs and methotrexate drug survival, efficacy and toxicity

Methods

In a multicentre prospective cohort study, patients with CD starting subcutaneous methotrexate without biologics were included and followed for 12 months. Primary outcome was subcutaneous methotrexate discontinuation or requirement for step‐up therapy. Secondary outcomes included faecal calprotectin (FCP), Harvey Bradshaw Index (HBI), hepatotoxicity and gastrointestinal intolerance. Erythrocyte MTX‐PGs were analysed at weeks 8, 12, 24 and 52 or upon treatment discontinuation.

Results

We included 80 patients with CD (mean age 55 ± 13y, 35% male) with a median FCP of 268 μg/g (IQR 73–480). After the 12‐month visit, 21 patients (26%) were still on subcutaneous methotrexate monotherapy. Twenty‐one patients stopped because of disease activity, 29 because of toxicity, and four for both reasons. Five patients ended study participation or stopped methotrexate for another reason. A higher MTX‐PG3 concentration was associated with a higher rate of methotrexate drug survival (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.75–0.99), lower FCP (β −3.7, SE 1.3, p < 0.01) and with biochemical response (FCP ≤250 if baseline >250 μg/g; OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.0–1.3). Higher MTX‐PGs were associated with less gastrointestinal intolerance. There was no robust association between MTX‐PGs and HBI or hepatotoxicity.

Conclusions

Higher MTX‐PG3 concentrations are related to better methotrexate drug survival and decreased FCP levels. Therefore, MTX‐PG3 could be used for TDM if a target concentration can be established.
A phenotypic screen with Trypanosoma brucei for discovering small molecules that target the SLiM‐binding pocket of proliferating cell nuclear antigen orthologs
Authors: Actis Marisa , Fujii Naoaki , Mackey Zachary B.
Published: September 2023

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is a homo‐trimeric protein complex that clamps around DNA to tether DNA polymerases to the template during replication and serves as a hub for many other interacting proteins. It regulates DNA metabolic processes and other vital cellar functions through the binding of proteins having short linear motifs (SLiMs) like the PIP‐box (PCNA‐interacting protein‐box) or the APIM (AlkB homolog 2 PCNA‐interacting motif) in the hydrophobic pocket where SLiMs bind. However, overproducing TbPCNA or human PCNA (hPCNA) in the pathogenic protist Trypanosoma brucei triggers a dominant‐negative phenotype of arrested proliferation. The mechanism for arresting T. brucei proliferation requires the overproduced PCNA orthologs to have functional intact SLiM‐binding pocket. Sight‐directed mutagenesis studies showed that T. brucei overproducing PCNA variants with disrupted SLiM‐binding pockets grew normally. We hypothesized that chemically disrupting the SLiM‐binding pocket would restore proliferation in T. brucei, overproducing PCNA orthologs. Testing this hypothesis is the proof‐of‐concept for a T. brucei‐based PCNA screening assay. The assay design is to discover bioactive small molecules that restore proliferation in T. brucei strains that overproduce PCNA orthologs, likely by disrupting interactions in the SLiM‐binding pocket. The pilot screen for this assay discovered two hit compounds that linked to predetermined PCNA targets. Compound #1, a known hPCNA inhibitor, had selective bioactivity to hPCNA overproduced in T. brucei, validating the assay. Compound #6 had promiscuous bioactivity for hPCNA and TbPCNA but is the first compound discovered with bioactivity for inhibiting TbPCNA.
Promoting toddlers' self‐regulation and healthy eating habits among families living in poverty: A randomized controlled trial of Recipe 4 Success
Authors: Nix Robert L. , Gill Sukhdeep , Hostetler Michelle L. , Feinberg Mark E. , Francis Lori A. , Stifter Cynthia A. , McNeil Cheryl B. , Kidder Sarah M. , Jones Damon E. , Park Ye Rang , Kim Christina N. , Engbretson Ashleigh G. , Braaten Sarah M. , Tamkin Vivian L.
Published: September 2023

The Recipe 4 Success preventive intervention targeted multiple factors critical to the health and well‐being of toddlers living in poverty. This randomized controlled trial, which was embedded within Early Head Start home visits for 12 weeks, included 242 racially and ethnically diverse families (51% girls; toddler mean age = 2.58 years; data collected 2016–2019). Compared to parents in usual practice home visits, parents in Recipe 4 Success displayed greater sensitive scaffolding of toddlers' learning and more responsive food parenting practices (Cohen's d = .21–.30). Toddlers in Recipe 4 Success exhibited greater self‐regulation and had healthier eating habits (Cohen's d = |.16–.35|). Results highlight the value of Recipe 4 Success in promoting parent and toddler behavior change that could have life‐long benefits.
Evolving approaches in paediatric thyroid cytopathology: A review
Authors: Loberg Matthew A. , Tigue Megan L. , Gallant Jean‐Nicolas , Wang Huiying , Canberk Sule , Weiss Vivian L.
Published: September 2023

The guidelines for the workup of thyroid nodules have been established in adult populations and secondarily applied to paediatric populations. In particular, The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) is commonly applied to both adult and paediatric thyroid nodules. However, as paediatric nodules have distinct molecular drivers and behavioural trajectories, there is renewed interest in diagnostic and management strategies that are paediatric specific. Here, we review key differences between paediatric and adult thyroid cancer and recent literature evaluating the use of TBSRTC in paediatric populations.
A comparison between time‐constrained counts and line transects as methods to estimate butterfly diversity and monitor populations in tropical habitats
Authors: Attiwilli Suman , Ravikanthachari Nitin , Kunte Krushnamegh
Published: September 2023

Long‐term species monitoring programmes have revealed catastrophic declines in insect populations and disruption of biological communities that are contributing to biodiversity loss. Such discoveries have been possible because of standardised methods, such as line transects, of counting butterflies and other insects. However, line transects are not feasible in many tropical and mountainous habitats, so alternative methods must be explored.

To tackle this issue, we devised time‐constrained (30‐min) counts and compared butterfly diversity estimated through timed counts and line transects in three tropical habitats in India (evergreen forest, dry deciduous forest and an urban woodland). We tested the relative performance of the two methods in sampling species richness and abundance, as well as numbers of rare, endemic and specialist butterflies.

We observed greater overall species richness, and more species of habitat specialists and endemics per sample in time‐constrained counts in the evergreen forest, but not in the other two habitats. Thus, time‐constrained counts were relatively more efficient in detecting species in the species‐rich evergreen habitat. Apart from this difference, the two sampling methods captured similar levels of species richness and other measures of diversity.

Our study thus shows that time‐constrained counts are a suitable if not a superior alternative to line transects to conduct butterfly diversity surveys and population monitoring in complex tropical landscapes. Due to methodological flexibility and simplicity, time‐constrained counts may be particularly useful to study the impacts of climate change, habitat fragmentation and land use practices on butterfly, Odonata and other insect populations in populous and tech‐ready tropical countries using citizen science frameworks.
Canary in the forest?—Tree mortality and canopy dieback of western redcedar linked to drier and warmer summers
Authors: Andrus R. A. , Peach L. R. , Cinquini A. R. , Mills B. , Yusi J. T. , Buhl C. , Fischer M. , Goodrich B. A. , Hulbert J. M. , Holz A. , Meddens A. J. H. , Moffett K. B. , Ramirez A. , Adams H. D.
Published: September 2023

Aim

Forest dieback is increasing from unfavourable climate conditions. Western redcedar (WRC)—a culturally, ecologically and economically important species—has recently experienced anomalously high mortality rates and partial canopy dieback. We investigated how WRC tree growth and dieback responded to climate variability and drought using tree‐ring methods.

Location

Pacific Northwest, USA.

Taxon

Western redcedar (Thuja plicata).

Methods

We collected tree cores from three tree health status groups (no canopy dieback, partial canopy dieback, and dead trees) at 11 sites in coastal (maritime climate) and interior (continental climate) WRC populations. From growth rates, we computed four growth indices that assessed the resilience to drought and estimated the year of death.

Results

Warmer and drier climate conditions in May/June that extended the annual July‐to‐September dry season reduced radial growth in 9 of 11 sites (1975–2020). WRC trees recovered growth to pre‐drought rates within 3 years when post‐drought climate conditions were cooler/wetter than average. However, recovery from drought was slower or absent when warmer/drier conditions occurred during the post‐drought recovery period, possibly leading to the recent and widespread mortality across the coastal population. WRC mortality was portended by 4–5 years of declining growth. Annually‐resolved mortality in coastal populations predominately occurred in 2017–2018 (80% of sampled dead trees), a period that coincided with exceedingly hot temperatures and the longest regionally dry period from May to September (1970–2020). In interior populations, mortality was dispersed among years but associated with warmer and drier conditions from August to September.

Main conclusions

Our findings forewarn that a warming climate and more frequent and severe summer droughts, especially in consecutive years, will likely increase the vulnerability of WRC to canopy dieback and mortality and possibly other drought‐sensitive trees in one of the world's largest forest carbon sinks.
Muscle quality is negatively related to hypertension prevalence in adults: Results from NHANES 2011–2014
Authors: Bai Xiaopeng , Zhao Jia , Shi Shuai , Zhu Caiyan , Wang Yufeng
Published: September 2023

Resistance training could counter hypertension and improve muscle quality (MQ), but current evidence about the correlation between MQ and hypertension is limited. The authors aimed to explore this correlation using the data of participants aged 20–59 from NHANES 2011–2014 via a cross‐sectional study. The MQ was quantified as handgrip strength (kg)/lean soft tissue mass (kg) of the dominant arm. Weighted multivariate logistic regression models were mainly utilized to investigate the MQ—hypertension association; linear trend tests and subgroup analysis were also conducted. Moreover, the authors employed weighted multivariate linear regression models to uncover the association between blood pressure (BP) and MQ. Four thousand four hundred and sixty‐nine individuals were enrolled, and 1167 were hypertensive. Hypertensive participants had a lower MQ than normotensive participants. In the totally adjusted model, each unit elevation in MQ was related to a 7% reduction in hypertension prevalence (p =.002). There was a decreasing trend in hypertension prevalence and in systolic BP as the MQ increased from the bottom to the top quartile across all three models (p for trend ≤.01), with a 28% difference (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.54, 0.95) in hypertension prevalence and a 1.88 mm Hg (95% CI: −3.56, −0.20) difference in SBP between the top and bottom quartiles in the fully adjusted model. Subgroup analysis further confirmed the MQ—hypertension inverse association. In conclusions, the MQ was negatively associated with hypertension prevalence and systolic BP, which suggests the MQ may be a protective factor for hypertension and need to be improved.
Position statement of the EADV Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force on AI‐assisted smartphone apps and web‐based services for skin disease
Authors: Sangers Tobias E. , Kittler Harald , Blum Andreas , Braun Ralph P. , Barata Catarina , Cartocci Alessandra , Combalia Marc , Esdaile Ben , Guitera Pascale , Haenssle Holger A. , Kvorning Niels , Lallas Aimilios , Navarrete‐Dechent Cristian , Navarini Alexander A. , Podlipnik Sebastian , Rotemberg Veronica , Soyer H. Peter , Tognetti Linda , Tschandl Philipp , Malvehy Josep ,   the EADV AI Task Force
Published: September 2023

Background

As the use of smartphones continues to surge globally, mobile applications (apps) have become a powerful tool for healthcare engagement. Prominent among these are dermatology apps powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), which provide immediate diagnostic guidance and educational resources for skin diseases, including skin cancer.

Objective

This article, authored by the EADV AI Task Force, seeks to offer insights and recommendations for the present and future deployment of AI‐assisted smartphone applications (apps) and web‐based services for skin diseases with emphasis on skin cancer detection.

Methods

An initial position statement was drafted on a comprehensive literature review, which was subsequently refined through two rounds of digital discussions and meticulous feedback by the EADV AI Task Force, ensuring its accuracy, clarity and relevance.

Results

Eight key considerations were identified, including risks associated with inaccuracy and improper user education, a decline in professional skills, the influence of non‐medical commercial interests, data security, direct and indirect costs, regulatory approval and the necessity of multidisciplinary implementation. Following these considerations, three main recommendations were formulated: (1) to ensure user trust, app developers should prioritize transparency in data quality, accuracy, intended use, privacy and costs; (2) Apps and web‐based services should ensure a uniform user experience for diverse groups of patients; (3) European authorities should adopt a rigorous and consistent regulatory framework for dermatology apps to ensure their safety and accuracy for users.

Conclusions

The utilisation of AI‐assisted smartphone apps and web‐based services in diagnosing and treating skin diseases has the potential to greatly benefit patients in their dermatology journeys. By prioritising innovation, fostering collaboration and implementing effective regulations, we can ensure the successful integration of these apps into clinical practice.
Cognitive dysfunction in post‐COVID‐19 condition: Mechanisms, management, and rehabilitation
Authors: Möller Marika , Borg Kristian , Janson Christer , Lerm Maria , Normark Johan , Niward Katarina
Published: September 2023

The long‐term effects of COVID‐19 on cognitive function have become an area of increasing concern. This paper provides an overview of characteristics, risk factors, possible mechanisms, and management strategies for cognitive dysfunction in post‐COVID‐19 condition (PCC).

Prolonged cognitive dysfunction is one of the most common impairments in PCC, affecting between 17% and 28% of the individuals more than 12 weeks after the infection and persisting in some cases for several years. Cognitive dysfunctions can be manifested as a wide range of symptoms including memory impairment, attention deficit, executive dysfunction, and reduced processing speed. Risk factors for developing PCC, with or without cognitive impairments, include advanced age, preexisting medical conditions, and the severity of acute illness. The underlying mechanisms remain unclear, but proposed contributors include neuroinflammation, hypoxia, vascular damage, and latent virus reactivation not excluding the possibility of direct viral invasion of the central nervous system, illustrating complex viral pathology.

As the individual variation of the cognitive impairments is large, a neuropsychological examination and a person‐centered multidimensional approach are required. According to the World Health Organization, limited evidence on COVID‐19‐related cognitive impairments necessitates implementing rehabilitation interventions from established practices of similar conditions. Psychoeducation and compensatory skills training are recommended. Assistive products and environmental modifications adapted to individual needs might be helpful. In specific attention‐ and working memory dysfunctions, cognitive training—carefully monitored for intensity—might be effective for people who do not suffer from post‐exertional malaise. Further research is crucial for evidence‐based interventions specific to COVID‐19‐related cognitive impairments.
The peer effect in adverse selection: Evidence from the micro health insurance market in Pakistan
Authors: Du Xia , Zheng Wei , Yao Yi
Published: September 2023

The peer effect may amplify adverse selection in social networks, hampering the sustainable operation of microinsurance. This paper uses data from a micro health insurance program in Pakistan to test for the peer effect in renewal decisions and the role it plays in amplifying adverse selection within social networks. The paper finds evidence supporting that insurance renewal decisions are similar among peers in the same network, and the peer effect is stronger among households of the same risk type than households of different risk types, indicating that the heterogeneous peer effect acts as an amplifier for adverse selection. The paper provides policy implications for effective ways to mitigate the peer effect and adverse selection, based on the results of heterogeneity analyses. The policy recommendation is to enforce a minimum group enrollment rate requirement of at least 60% for large groups to mitigate the peer effect.
PRE‐, SYN‐ AND POST‐TECTONIC DIAGENETIC EVOLUTION OF A CARBONATE RESERVOIR: A CASE STUDY OF THE LOWER CRETACEOUS FAHLIYAN FORMATION IN THE DEZFUL EMBAYMENT, ZAGROS FOLDBELT, SW IRAN
Authors: Keyvani Forooz , Al‐Aasm Ihsan S. , Mansurbeg Howri , Morad Sadoon
Published: September 2023

Lower Cretaceous carbonates of the Fahliyan Formation form prolific reservoir rocks at oilfields in the Dezful Embayment, central Zagros fold‐thrust belt, SW Iran. The carbonates have undergone significant diagenetic alteration in phases which can in general be linked to the pre‐, syn‐ and post‐tectonic evolution of the fold‐thrust belt. This paper investigates the impact of diagenetic processes on the reservoir quality of the carbonates using integrated petrographic, geochemical and sedimentological analyses of subsurface and outcrop samples of the formation. Diagenetic alterations include:

(i) pre‐tectonic eogenesis in the marine and shallow‐burial realm, which resulted in micritization of allochems and cementation by equant and isopachous calcite rims and framboidal pyrite together with limited dolomitization and dissolution of metastable bioclasts. The isotopic compositions of micrite and early calcite cement depart from postulated values of Lower Cretaceous marine carbonates, signifying early stabilization of precursor metastable carbonate minerals and the possible effects of the incursion of meteoric waters and/or increasing burial temperatures;

(ii) mesogenesis during the subsequent syn‐tectonic phase, which included Late Cretaceous ophiolite obduction at the northern margin of the Arabian Plate and the later Zagros orogeny in the Miocene‐Pliocene. Diagenetic modifications included the emplacement of hydrocarbons, the development of stylolites and fractures, and the precipitation of saddle dolomite, replacive rhombic dolomite, discrete pyrite, microcrystalline quartz, kaolin and anhydrite. The average stable isotope compositions of saddle dolomite (δ18O: ‐6.9 ‰ ± .9 and δ13C 0.5 ‰ ± 1.6, respectively) also reflects the influence of high temprature basinal fluids;

and (iii) “late” (telogenetic, post‐tectonic) uplift‐related modification starting in the Pliocene, when the incursion of meteoric waters resulted in the formation of vugs, the calcitization of dolomite, and cementation by fracture‐filling blocky calcite. The negative δ18O and δ13C stable isotope values (average: ‐5.5 ‰ ± 1.5; and ‐3.6 ‰ ± 5.9, respectively) of late blocky calcite cement suggest the incursion of meteoric water into the system.

This study demonstrates that diagenetic processes in carbonates in the Fahliyan Formation, which exerted a significant control on the distribution of secondary porosity, can be related to the tectonic evolution of the central Zagros fold‐thrust belt. Thus, constraining the diagenetic history of carbonate successions within the context of their wider tectonic evolution is important for the prediction of the spatial and temporal distribution of reservoir quality.
The integration problem for naive realism
Authors: Ivanov Ivan V.
Published: September 2023

This paper makes explicit the basic problem perfect hallucinations pose for perceptual naive realists, more fundamental than the well‐trodden Screening‐off Problem. The deeper problem offers the basis for an overarching classification of the available naive‐ realist‐friendly approaches to perfect hallucinations. In the course of laying out the challenges to the different types of response, the paper makes a case for the superiority of a particular approach to perfect hallucinations, on which they would be understood as a special kind of perceptual anomaly—arising from a secondary mode of perceptual processing.
Less marginal bone loss around bone‐level implants restored with long abutments: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tajti Péter , Solyom Eleonora , Váncsa Szilárd , Mátrai Péter , Hegyi Péter , Varga Gábor , Hermann Péter , Borbély Judit , Sculean Anton , Mikulás Krisztina
Published: September 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the biological outcomes of bone‐level implants restored with long vs. short abutments, with regard to the ‘one abutment at one time’ protocol. The systematic search was performed in five databases: MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, and CENTRAL for randomized controlled trials up to January 14, 2023. Data were collected for marginal bone loss, bleeding on probing, and probing pocket depth by two reviewers. As effect size measure, mean difference (MD), and risk ratio (RR) were used for continuous and categorical outcomes, R‐statistics software was used for conducting statistical analyses. For quality and certainty assessment, Risk of Bias Tool 2, ROBINS‐I, and GRADE approach were used. The search resulted in 4055 records without any duplicates. After title, abstract, and full‐text analysis, eight articles were found eligible for inclusion. Bone‐level and platform‐switched implants presented less marginal bone loss after 6 months and 1 year as well, when long abutments were used (MD 0.63, 95% CI: [−0.16; 1.42]) and (MD 0.26, 95% CI: [−0.02; 0.53]). However, subgroup analysis revealed no difference in marginal bone loss when applying ‘one abutment at one time’ protocol (p = 0.973). Bleeding on probing and probing pocket depth presented similarly good results in both groups without almost any differences (RR 0.97, 95% CI: [0.76; 1.23]) and (MD −0.05, 95% CI: [−1.11; 1.01]). Longer abutments on bone‐level implants seem to be a favorable choice for decreasing early marginal bone loss, irrespective of connection timing.