bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Debate: Child and adolescent mental health services: time to take the lead in prevention of psychosis in youth
Authors: Baeza Inmaculada , Sugranyes Gisela
Published: September 2023

Children and adolescents are at risk of developing mental disorders that have lifelong consequences. This debate piece argues that youth meeting the criteria for clinical high risk for psychosis cannot be assessed and treated with the same tools as adults, given that they often present with different patterns and timecourse of symptoms, age‐specific comorbidities and follow different pathways to care. It looks at the key role that Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and other professionals can play by using an age‐specific approach to detecting and preventing psychosis.
Glutamine deficiency drives transforming growth factor‐β signaling activation that gives rise to myofibroblastic carcinoma‐associated fibroblasts
Authors: Mezawa Yoshihiro , Wang Tingwei , Daigo Yataro , Takano Atsushi , Miyagi Yohei , Yokose Tomoyuki , Yamashita Toshinari , Yang Liying , Maruyama Reo , Seimiya Hiroyuki , Orimo Akira
Published: September 2023

Tumor‐promoting carcinoma‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs), abundant in the mammary tumor microenvironment (TME), maintain transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β)‐Smad2/3 signaling activation and the myofibroblastic state, the hallmark of activated fibroblasts. How myofibroblastic CAFs (myCAFs) arise in the TME and which epigenetic and metabolic alterations underlie activated fibroblastic phenotypes remain, however, poorly understood. We herein show global histone deacetylation in myCAFs present in tumors to be significantly associated with poorer outcomes in breast cancer patients. As the TME is subject to glutamine (Gln) deficiency, human mammary fibroblasts (HMFs) were cultured in Gln‐starved medium. Global histone deacetylation and TGF‐β‐Smad2/3 signaling activation are induced in these cells, largely mediated by class I histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity. Additionally, mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling is attenuated in Gln‐starved HMFs, and mTORC1 inhibition in Gln‐supplemented HMFs with rapamycin treatment boosts TGF‐β‐Smad2/3 signaling activation. These data indicate that mTORC1 suppression mediates TGF‐β‐Smad2/3 signaling activation in Gln‐starved HMFs. Global histone deacetylation, class I HDAC activation, and mTORC1 suppression are also observed in cultured human breast CAFs. Class I HDAC inhibition or mTORC1 activation by high‐dose Gln supplementation significantly attenuates TGF‐β‐Smad2/3 signaling and the myofibroblastic state in these cells. These data indicate class I HDAC activation and mTORC1 suppression to be required for maintenance of myCAF traits. Taken together, these findings indicate that Gln starvation triggers TGF‐β signaling activation in HMFs through class I HDAC activity and mTORC1 suppression, presumably inducing myCAF conversion.
‘They feel like another child in care has their back’: An exploration of peer support between looked after children in Scotland
Authors: Irvine Sheena , Emond Ruth
Published: September 2023

The Independent Care Review in Scotland has encouraged a policy shift towards recognizing young people's potential to contribute to their own and others' experiences of care. This paper makes an important contribution to debates around the role of children in the social support systems of others who have experienced loss and trauma. It reports on a research project which explored young people's views on peer support in care and their experiences of it. It highlights the crucial role that ‘peers’ play in looked after children's social support systems at both an individual and systemic level. Friendships, in this context of a social support system based on a shared set of experiences, were regarded as transformative. Barriers to the formation of such social support systems also emerged, for example, limited understanding within the ‘adult’ support system of the significance and benefits of relationships among children. Young people experienced their peer social support systems as overlooked, downplayed or misunderstood by adults. As a result, decisions and actions were often taken which disrupted or, in some cases, destroyed effective social support systems. The paper argues for changes in practice to support the friendships looked after children have whilst in care.
Assessing shorebird mortalities due to razor clam aquaculture at key migratory stopover sites in southeastern China
Authors: Liang Dan , Mu Tong , Yang Ziyou , Giam Xingli , Wang Yudi , Li Jing , Cai Shangxiao , Zhang Xuelian , Wang Yixiao , Liu Yang , Wilcove David S.
Published: September 2023

Aquaculture can provide foraging habitat for birds, but it can also result in intentional and accidental mortality. We examined an overlooked conflict between razor clam (Sinonovacula spp.) aquaculture and declining shorebirds in southeastern China's Fujian and Zhejiang provinces. We surveyed 6 out of 11 internationally important stopover sites for these shorebirds and monitored shorebird mortality in 2 sites (Xinghua Bay, Yueqing Bay) with razor clam aquaculture. We visited an additional 32 sites in these 2 provinces to determine if there was netting in other razor clam farms. Approximately 8–9 km2 of intertidal foraging habitat was covered by horizontal nets to prevent birds from feeding on young razor clams at Xinghua Bay and Yueqing Bay. We conservatively estimated that 13,676 (2.5th–97.5th percentile 8,330–21,285) individual shorebirds were entangled in the nets at the 2 monitored sites in April and May 2021, including 2 endangered and 7 near‐threatened species. Mortality of 5 species for which we had sufficient data accounted for 0.76% (black‐tailed godwit [Limosa limosa]) to 4.27% (terek sandpiper [Xenus cinereus]) of their total flyway populations. This level of mortality could strongly affect their populations. We found netting at 17 additional razor clam farms, indicating a widespread threat to shorebirds. Although razor clams are typically harvested in late March to early April, nets are left on the mudflats throughout the spring and summer, including when the bulk of shorebird migration takes place. Immediately removing these nets after the clam harvest could prevent most of the spring mortality of shorebirds, although this is unlikely to happen without government regulations or economic incentives. To better assess and mitigate the impacts of this conflict, future research should quantify shorebird mortality at other razor clam farms, including during winter, explore less harmful deterrence methods, and assess the socioeconomic factors driving the conflict.
Effect of itraconazole and fluconazole on the pharmacokinetics of valemetostat: An open‐label, phase I study in healthy subjects
Authors: Tachibana Masaya , Matsuki Shunji , Maekawa Yutaro , Kuroda Kana , Shimizu Takako , Tsutsumi Junko , Ishizuka Hitoshi
Published: September 2023

Valemetostat tosylate (valemetostat) is an oral, potent, dual inhibitor of enhancer of zeste homolog (EZH) 2 and EZH1 under investigation for the treatment of cancer, including non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas and solid tumors. Itraconazole and fluconazole are antifungal medications often used as typical inhibitors of cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A [itraconazole and fluconazole]) and P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp [itraconazole]) in drug–drug interaction studies. Valemetostat is a substrate of CYP3A and P‐gp in vitro. This phase I, open‐label, single‐sequence crossover study (JapicCTI‐183902) assessed the pharmacokinetics (PK) of valemetostat when co‐administered with itraconazole (a strong CYP3A inhibitor and P‐gp inhibitor) or fluconazole (a moderate CYP3A inhibitor) in healthy Japanese male participants 20–45 years of age. Participants were equally allocated to receive two doses of valemetostat 25 mg, once alone and once with either itraconazole or fluconazole (400‐mg induction and 200‐mg once daily maintenance). Valemetostat PK parameters with versus without itraconazole or fluconazole were compared using analysis of variance models. Overall, 32 participants were enrolled. Co‐administration with itraconazole increased valemetostat peak concentration (Cmax) by 2.9‐fold and area under the plasma concentration–time curve extrapolated to infinity (AUCinf) by 4.2‐fold compared with valemetostat alone. When co‐administered with fluconazole, the Cmax and AUCinf of valemetostat were each increased by 1.6‐fold. No treatment‐related or grade ≥3 adverse events were reported. Appropriate valemetostat dose reductions are warranted when used concomitantly with strong CYP3A and P‐gp dual inhibitors.
A pilot study to identify pharmacogenomic and clinical risk factors associated with opioid related falls and adverse effects in older adults
Authors: Sheikh Sophia , Fernandez Rosemarie , Smotherman Carmen , Brailsford Jennifer , Langaee Taimour , Velasquez Esteban , Henson Morgan , Munson Taylor , Bertrand Andrew , Hendry Phyllis , Anton Stephen , Fillingim Roger B. , Cavallari Larisa H.
Published: September 2023

Given the high prevalence of pain in older adults and current trends in opioid prescribing, inclusion of genetic information in risk prediction tools may improve opioid risk assessment. Our objectives were to (1) determine the feasibility of recruiting socioeconomically disadvantaged and racially diverse middle aged and older adult populations for a study seeking to identify risk factors for opioid‐related falls and other serious adverse effects and (2) explore potential associations between the Risk Index for Overdose or Serious Opioid‐induced Respiratory Depression (CIP‐RIOSORD) risk class and other patient factors with falls and serious opioid adverse effects. This was an observational study of 44 participants discharged home from the emergency department with an opioid prescription for acute pain and followed for 30 days. We found pain interference may predict opioid‐related falls or serious adverse effects within older, opioid‐treated patients. If validated, pain interference may prove to be a beneficial marker for risk stratification of older adults initiated on opioids for acute pain.
15‐color highly sensitive flow cytometry assay for post anti‐CD19 targeted therapy (anti‐CD19‐CAR‐T and blinatumomab) measurable residual disease assessment in B‐lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma: Real‐world applicability and challenges
Authors: Chatterjee Gaurav , Dhende Priyanka , Raj Simpy , Shetty Vruksha , Ghogale Sitaram , Deshpande Nilesh , Girase Karishma , Patil Jagruti , Kalra Aastha , Narula Gaurav , Dalvi Kajal , Dhamne Chetan , Moulik Nirmalya Roy , Rajpal Sweta , Patkar Nikhil V. , Banavali Shripad , Gujral Sumeet , Subramanian Papagudi G. , Tembhare Prashant R.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Measurable residual disease (MRD) is the most relevant predictor of disease‐free survival in B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL). We aimed to establish a highly sensitive flow cytometry (MFC)‐based B‐ALL‐MRD (BMRD) assay for patients receiving anti‐CD19 immunotherapy with an alternate gating approach and to document the prevalence and immunophenotype of recurrently occurring low‐level mimics and confounding populations.

Methods

We standardized a 15‐color highly‐sensitive BMRD assay with an alternate CD19‐free gating approach. The study included 137 MRD samples from 43 relapsed/refractory B‐ALL patients considered for anti‐CD19 immunotherapy.

Results

The 15‐color BMRD assay with CD22/CD24/CD81/CD33‐based gating approach was routinely applicable in 137 BM samples and could achieve a sensitivity of 0.0005%. MRD was detected in 29.9% (41/137) samples with 31.7% (13/41) of them showing <.01% MRD. Recurrently occurring low‐level cells that showed immunophenotypic overlap with leukemic B‐blasts included: (a) CD19+CD10+CD34+CD22+CD24+CD81+CD123+CD304+ plasmacytoid dendritic cells, (b) CD73bright/CD304bright/CD81bright mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (CD10+) and endothelial cells (CD34+CD24+), (c) CD22dim/CD34+/CD38dim/CD81dim/CD19−/CD10−/CD24− early lymphoid progenitor/precursor type‐1 cells (ELP‐1) and (d) CD22+/CD34+/CD10heterogeneous/CD38moderate/CD81moderate/CD19−/CD24− stage‐0 B‐cell precursors or ELP‐2 cells.

Conclusions

We standardized a highly sensitive 15‐color BMRD assay with a non‐CD19‐based gating strategy for patients receiving anti‐CD19 immunotherapy. We also described the immunophenotypes of recurrently occurring low‐level populations that can be misinterpreted as MRD in real‐world practice.
Tumor microenvironment and CAR‐T cell immunotherapy in B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Cai Fengqing , Zhang Junfeng , Gao Hui , Shen Hongqiang
Published: September 2023

Chimeric receptor antigen T cell (CAR‐T cell) therapy has demonstrated effectiveness and therapeutic potential in the immunotherapy of hematological malignancies, representing a promising breakthrough in cancer treatment. Despite the efficacy of CAR‐T cell therapy in B‐cell lymphoma, response variability, resistance, and side effects remain persistent challenges. The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an intricate role in CAR‐T cell therapy of B‐cell lymphoma. The TME is a complex and dynamic environment that includes various cell types, cytokines, and extracellular matrix components, all of which can influence CAR‐T cell function and behavior. This review discusses the design principles of CAR‐T cells, TME in B‐cell lymphoma, and the mechanisms by which TME influences CAR‐T cell function. We discuss emerging strategies aimed at modulating the TME, targeting immunosuppressive cells, overcoming inhibitory signaling, and improving CAR‐T cell infiltration and persistence. Therefore, these processes enhance the efficacy of CAR‐T cell therapy and improve patient outcomes in B‐cell lymphoma. Further research will be needed to investigate the molecular and cellular events that occur post‐infusion, including changes in TME composition, immune cell interactions, cytokine signaling, and potential resistance mechanisms. Understanding these processes will contribute to the development of more effective CAR‐T cell therapies and strategies to mitigate treatment‐related toxicities.
Beyond acquiescence and compromise: Organizational strategies in pluralizing institutional environments
Authors: Dahlmans Han , Goessling Tobias , Kenis Patrick
Published: September 2023

We set out to investigate how organizations respond to the variety of requirements as experienced in their pluralizing institutional environments. We found that, in addition to acquiescence and compromise, Dutch vocational education and training (VET) organizations predominantly respond with cooperation and coordination strategies. Extensive multistage qualitative data analysis of 26 semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with management team (MT) members showed that cooperation and coordination are viable and effective response strategies to face a divergent and highly differentiated set of sometimes‐conflicting institutional requirements. Our study advances understanding of how organizations deploy strategic choice to arrive at their strategic responses. It offers organizational leaders, legislators, policymakers, and other constituents' insights into complex reality of how contemporary organizations actually relate to and act in their pluralizing institutional environments.
Molybdenum substituted M‐type hexagonal barium ferrite for high microwave absorption performance
Authors: Wu Junpeng , Dong Shijun , Li Huan , Zheng Hui , Wu Qiong , Zheng Peng , Zheng Liang
Published: September 2023

With the advancement of electrical and electronic devices, overcoming electromagnetic pollution turns into an urgent problem. In this work, high‐valence molybdenum (Mo6+) was doped into M‐type hexagonal barium ferrite (BaFe12‐xMoxO19) to improve its electromagnetic performance. The relationship between the Mo6+ doping concentration and the crystallographic structure, morphology and electromagnetic properties was studied in detail. Structural characterizations authenticate that the Mo6+ ions prefer the 2b site, increasing the lattice values and grain size, and boosting more Fe3+ conversion into Fe2+. The magnetic hysteresis loops demonstrate a reduction of saturation magnetization and coercivity values with the increase of Mo6+ concentration. While the microwave absorption properties were obviously improved by the doping Mo6+, and obtained the highest RLmin value of ‐56.12 dB@16.1 GHz and effective absorption bandwidth of 4.2 GHz at x = 0.1, displaying a potential role in absorbing material.
Should we extend the currency of cognitive ability test scores? Considerations from construct, equity, and psychometric perspectives in medical selection
Authors: Chiavaroli Neville , Le Luc , Parker‐Newlyn Lyndal , Pywell Sean
Published: September 2023

Scores on cognitive ability tests used in tertiary admissions contexts generally have very limited currency. This can have significant implications for prospective applicants to high‐demand courses which use cognitive tests as part of the selection process. In this paper we present both psychometric and non‐psychometric considerations regarding the score currency of ability tests, using GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test) as an example. We found that GAMSAT scores showed sufficient stability at the cohort level for institutions to be reasonably confident that a test score would continue to provide a valid representation of cognitive ability for up to a 5‐year period. However, candidates’ pre‐test preparation will influence whether it is in their interest to re‐sit a test even within an extended currency period.
Informing the development of a fit‐for‐purpose mental health nursing curriculum: A survey of mental health nurse academics in Australia
Authors: Lakeman Richard , Foster Kim , Happell Brenda , Hazelton Mike , Moxham Lorna , Hurley John
Published: September 2023

Inadequate mental health nursing content in pre‐registration nursing curricula has been the topic of debate and concern since the introduction of comprehensive nursing education in Australia. Government‐initiated inquiries and the efforts of mental health professional organizations and leaders have not successfully addressed this problem. The aim of the current study was to garner the perspectives and experiences of mental health nurse academics regarding the adequacy of mental health content in producing graduates able to work effectively in mental health settings and identify barriers and enablers to implementing and sustaining sufficient mental health content in pre‐registration programs. A survey was distributed to mental health academics in Australian universities offering pre‐registration nursing degrees. In total, 44 complete responses were included in the analysis. The results demonstrated the following: Most participants considered the current mental health content, theory and clinical hours insufficient to prepare graduates for practice in mental health settings. They reported a scarcity of tenured mental health nurse academics to deliver content effectively. Most participants were dissatisfied with the comprehensive approach to nurse education and preferred a double degree (nursing and mental health nursing), or a direct entry mental health nursing program. These findings provide further evidence for the current crisis in mental health nursing education and highlight the need for urgent action. People accessing health services have the right to receive high‐quality care from appropriately qualified nurses. The inadequacy of mental health content in these programs effectively denies vulnerable people the standard of care and treatment they should be entitled to.
Fracture‐related wound infections following surgical treatment of fractures in HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative patients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Huizhen , Zhu Yuxia , Chen Qiu
Published: September 2023

The meta‐analysis aims to evaluate and compare fracture‐associated wound infections (FAWIs) following surgical treatment of fractures in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive and HIV‐negative patients. Examinations comparing HIV‐negative to HIV‐negative for fracture was among the meta‐analysis from various languages that met the inclusion criteria. Using dichotomous random or fixed models, the results of these investigations were examined, and the Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals was computed (CIs). 14 examinations from 1991 to 2023 were recruited for the current analysis including 3528 personals with fractures. HIV‐positive had significantly higher FAWI before antiretroviral (OR, 3.59; 95% CI, 2.01–6.41, p < 0.001) compared to HIV‐negative personals with fractures. However, no significant difference was found between HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative in FAWI after antiretroviral (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.30–1.12, p = 0.10) in personals with fractures. The examined data revealed that HIV‐positive had significantly higher FAWI before antiretroviral, however, no significant difference was found in FAWI after antiretroviral compared to HIV‐negative personals with fractures. Nevertheless, caution should be exercised while interacting with its values since some of the chosen examinations were found with a low sample size and a low number of examinations were found for the comparisons studied for the meta‐analysis.
Are U.S. Companies Too Short‐Term Oriented? Some Thoughts
Authors: Kaplan Steven N.
Published: September 2023

Today's widespread criticism of U.S. companies as shortsighted and ever willing to sacrifice their future for near‐term profit is by no means new. As the author of this article shows, such charges of short‐termism have a long history that goes back at least 40 years. But as he goes on to point out, if these claims were warranted, then the effects we have been warned about all these years would surely have shown up by now.

But it is difficult to find evidence of such effects. For example, a short‐term orientation has not been reflected in any erosion of corporate profitability over time. As the author reports, the ratio of U.S. corporate profits as a percentage of U.S. GDP has not only been on a generally upward trend since the early 1980s, but has never been higher than in the past few years. And corporate spending on R&D has also gone up sharply during this period, from 1.1% of GDP in 1977 to 1.7% in 2016. What's more, evidence of short‐termism has not shown up in either higher amounts of investment, or higher rates of return, by venture capitalists and private equity firms, which are both in a good position to profit from widespread corporate failure to pursue valuable growth opportunities.

Nor do stock market investors appear to encourage corporate short‐termism, given their willingness to fund IPOs of companies with no previous earnings, and to assign high price‐earnings multiples to companies, like Amazon and Tesla, whose reported earnings have been modest at best. What's more, the fact that today's P/E and CAPE ratios are at relatively high levels suggests that the market continues to expect significant rates of growth by U.S. companies.

Some critics, to be sure, have argued that the high level of corporate buybacks and other distributions of cash, when combined with today's near‐record corporate cash holdings, provide clear evidence of a widespread failure of companies to invest in their future. But as the author notes, such distributions in fact represent a fairly small fraction—only around 20%—of after‐tax corporate net income after infusions of new debt and equity capital are also taken into account.
Midwives Safeguarding Abortion Access: Establishing Medication Abortion Services
Authors: Weintraub Sharon A. , Versace Autumn , Winston Liza , Graff Brianna , Kattan David
Published: September 2023

The abortion access landscape for patients has changed dramatically in the wake of the US Supreme Court Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision in June of 2022. In response, the Division of Midwifery at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts, began a medication abortion service for both established patients and those who may seek care from out of state. This service increases access to abortion care now while also providing the clinical experience needed for student nurse‐midwives to become future abortion providers. This article outlines the steps taken to implement a medication abortion service and ways it can be adopted by other midwifery practices. Strategies to address possible clinical, administrative, and logistical challenges are addressed. Finally, this article is a call to action because midwives are well qualified to provide high quality, safe, and comprehensive medication abortion within the midwifery model of care.
Novel COL6A3 frameshift variant in American Staffordshire Terrier dogs with Ullrich‐like congenital muscular dystrophy
Authors: Jankelunas Leanne , Murthy Vishal D. , Chen Annie V. , Minor Katie M. , Friedenberg Steven G. , Cullen Jonah N. , Guo Ling T. , Mickelson James R. , Shelton G. Diane
Published: September 2023

Two (male and female) 10‐month‐old American Staffordshire Terrier littermates presented for progressive weakness, joint contracture, and distal limb joint hyperlaxity beginning around 6 months of age. Neurological examination, serum creatine kinase activity, infectious disease titers, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and electrodiagnostic testing were performed. Muscle biopsies were collected for histopathology and immunofluorescence staining for localization of dystrophy associated proteins. Whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on 1 affected dog. Variants were compared to a database of 671 unaffected dogs of multiple breeds. Histopathology confirmed a dystrophic phenotype and immunofluorescence staining of muscle cryosections revealed an absence of staining for collagen‐6. WGS identified a homozygous 1 bp deletion in the COL6A3 gene, unique to the first affected dog. Sanger sequencing confirmed the homozygous presence of the frameshift variant in both affected dogs. This report describes the clinical features and most likely genetic basis of an Ullrich‐like recessively inherited form of congenital muscular dystrophy in American Staffordshire Terriers.
Greater variation in boreal plant community composition and community‐level traits at local‐ than regional‐scale
Authors: Standen Katherine M. , Baltzer Jennifer L.
Published: September 2023

Questions

Rapid climate change in northern latitudes is expected to influence plant functional traits of the whole community (community‐level traits) through species compositional changes and/or trait plasticity, limiting our ability to anticipate climate warming impacts on northern plant communities. We explored differences in plant community composition and community‐level traits within and among four boreal peatland sites and determined whether intra‐ or interspecific variation drives community‐level traits.

Location

Boreal biome of western North America.

Methods

We collected plant community composition and functional trait data along dominant topoedaphic and/or hydrologic gradients at four peatland sites spanning the latitudinal extent of the boreal biome of western North America. We characterized variability in community composition and community‐level traits of understorey vascular and moss species both within (local‐scale) and among sites (regional‐scale).

Results

Against expectations, community‐level traits of vascular plant and moss species were generally consistent among sites. Furthermore, interspecific variation was more important in explaining community‐level trait variation than intraspecific variation. Within‐site variation in both community‐level traits and community composition was greater than among‐site variation, suggesting that local environmental gradients (canopy density, organic layer thickness, etc.) may be more influential in determining plant community processes than regional‐scale gradients.

Conclusions

Given the importance of interspecific variation to within‐site shifts in community‐level traits and greater variation of community composition within than among sites, we conclude that climate‐induced shifts in understorey community composition may not have a strong influence on community‐level traits in boreal peatlands unless local‐scale environmental gradients are substantially altered.
Low‐coverage whole genome sequencing for highly accurate population assignment: Mapping migratory connectivity in the American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla)
Authors: DeSaix Matthew G. , Anderson Eric C. , Bossu Christen M. , Rayne Christine E. , Schweizer Teia M. , Bayly Nicholas J. , Narang Darshan S. , Hagelin Julie C. , Gibbs H. Lisle , Saracco James F. , Sherry Thomas W. , Webster Michael S. , Smith Thomas B. , Marra Peter P. , Ruegg Kristen C.
Published: September 2023

Understanding the geographic linkages among populations across the annual cycle is an essential component for understanding the ecology and evolution of migratory species and for facilitating their effective conservation. While genetic markers have been widely applied to describe migratory connections, the rapid development of new sequencing methods, such as low‐coverage whole genome sequencing (lcWGS), provides new opportunities for improved estimates of migratory connectivity. Here, we use lcWGS to identify fine‐scale population structure in a widespread songbird, the American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla), and accurately assign individuals to genetically distinct breeding populations. Assignment of individuals from the nonbreeding range reveals population‐specific patterns of varying migratory connectivity. By combining migratory connectivity results with demographic analysis of population abundance and trends, we consider full annual cycle conservation strategies for preserving numbers of individuals and genetic diversity. Notably, we highlight the importance of the Northern Temperate‐Greater Antilles migratory population as containing the largest proportion of individuals in the species. Finally, we highlight valuable considerations for other population assignment studies aimed at using lcWGS. Our results have broad implications for improving our understanding of the ecology and evolution of migratory species through conservation genomics approaches.
Hybrid random aggregation model and Bayesian optimization‐based convolutional neural network for estimating the concrete compressive strength
Authors: Li Kai , Pan Lei , Guo Xiaohui , Wang Yuan Feng
Published: September 2023

Numerous experimental studies have shown the type and gradation of coarse aggregates effect on the mechanical properties of concrete. The type and gradation of coarse aggregates have not been taken into account in the available machine learning prediction models. In this study, a two‐dimensional concrete microscopic image was generated by using a random aggregate model (RAM), and the coarse aggregate and other concrete ingredients were represented innovatively using polygons and trichromatic chromaticity values in the RAM images. The RAM image set was created by applying this method to represent 1110 sets of different concrete mixes. Then based on the Bayesian optimization algorithm and the image set, a compressive strength prediction model considering the effect of coarse aggregate types and gradations was developed utilizing a convolutional neural network (CNN) model. Meanwhile, an artificial neural network (ANN) compressive strength prediction model was developed using 1110 sets of mix ratio data. The results show that the proposed RAM image generation method has the capability to represent different concrete mix ratios collected in this study. The prediction performance of the CNN compressive strength model considering aggregate types and gradations is better than that of the ANN model. The method can provide a new perspective for predicting other concrete mechanical properties and technically support performance‐based intelligent concrete mix design.
Pulsed‐field ablation of pulmonary vein and left atrial posterior wall combined with left atrial appendage occlusion as single procedure
Authors: Bianchini Lorenzo , Moltrasio Massimo , Fassini Gaetano , Cellucci Selene , Sicuso Rita , Ribatti Valentina , Dessanai Maria Antonietta , Pizzamiglio Francesca , Vettor Giulia , Majocchi Benedetta , Tundo Fabrizio , Riva Stefania , Carbucicchio Corrado , Tondo Claudio
Published: September 2023

Pulmonary vein isolation and left atrial posterior wall ablation using the Farapulse system, followed by left atrial appendage occlusion, have been achieved as single combined procedure to treat long‐standing persistent atrial fibrillation in a patient at high hemorrhagic risk.
Supplemental nutrition, feeding disorders, and renourishment in pediatric heart failure through transplantation
Authors: Zook Nina , Schultz Lisa , Rizzuto Sandra , Aufdermauer Amanda , Hollander Amanda M. , Almond Christopher S. , Hollander Seth A.
Published: September 2023

Background

Tube feeds are used commonly in children listed for heart transplant; however, rates of renourishment and development of feeding disorders are not sufficiently characterized.

Methods

Retrospective review of pediatric heart transplant recipients from January 1, 2014, to January 3, 2021. Demographics, anthropometric, and nutritional data were collected from heart transplant listing through 3 years post‐transplant. Renourishment rates, presence of a feeding disorder, and need for a gastric feeding tube were analyzed. Multivariable analysis was conducted to identify risks for poor nutritional outcomes.

Results

Of 104 patients, 35 (34%) and 36 (35%) were malnourished at heart transplant listing and transplant, respectively, persisting in 21/91 (23%) 1 year postheart transplant. Forty (38%) received tube feeds at listing, 42 (40%) at heart transplant, and 18/90 (20%) 1 year post‐transplant. Rates of feeding disorders fell from 23% at transplantation to 10% 1 year post‐transplant. Feeding disorders were associated with younger age at heart transplant (p < .001) and congenital heart disease (p = .03). Forty‐six percent of infants required a gastric feeding tube. Renourishment occurred in 20% during listing and was associated with ventricular assist device support (p = .03) and noncalorically dense feeds (p = .03). Malnutrition at transplant was associated with inferior post‐transplant survival (6/36 (17%) vs. 2/68 (3%); p = .02).

Conclusions

Malnourishment requiring tube feeds is common in pediatric heart transplant candidates; however, most patients who eventually survive to transplant remain malnourished at time of transplantation and 1 year later. While some children develop feeding disorders, they generally resolve by 1 year post‐transplant.
Seismic stratigraphy of Late Pleistocene incised valleys and adjacent environments, eastern Central Luconia Province, offshore north‐west Borneo
Authors: Mat Yusoff Habibah Hanan , Johnson Howard D. , Lonergan Lidia , Whittaker Alexander C. , Abu Bakar Azli
Published: September 2023

Incised valleys are commonly investigated based on outcrop, modern setting and seismic data, which are often limited by data availability, especially for broad (ca >100 km wide) shelf settings. Consequently, few have described complete depositional systems of the incised valleys, especially those linked to their corresponding modern rivers in a source‐to‐sink framework to determine comprehensive controlling factors. This study documents Late Quaternary incised valleys and their characteristics in the Balingian – Central Luconia shelf based on regionally‐extensive three‐dimensional seismic data, two‐dimensional high‐resolution seismic data and boreholes. The three‐dimensional seismic data show that the main Tatau incised valley and tributary Suai incised valley fed the Tatau–Suai shelf‐edge delta. The Tatau incised valley is interpreted as the main incised valley based on its broader width, thicker infill, two‐tier stratigraphic architecture and its larger drainage basin area compared to the tributary Suai incised valley. The Tatau incised valley shifted its direction towards an active tectonic lineament (West Baram Line) and bypassed sediments to the deep‐water via a series of upper slope channels. The Tatau incised valley system comprises the following elements: (i) an upstream segment characterized by rivers dissecting an uplifted hinterland comprising Neogene sedimentary rocks, humid‐tropical vegetation, monsoonal climate, extremely high river discharge and sediment supply; (ii) a midstream segment comprising an emergent, vegetated (tropical rainforest to mangroves) and relatively narrow (ca 150 to 200 km wide) shelf, which was characterized by basinward‐increasing, tectonically‐driven accommodation space, valley incision and deposition; (iii) a downstream segment with increasing tidal‐influence where the Tatau and its tributary valley merged; and (iv) a short (15 to 20 km), narrow (10 to 15 km), tectonically‐controlled shelf‐edge delta and channelized upper slope. This study demonstrates the value of documenting an incised valley system in the context of its broader source‐to‐sink setting, which may provide a useful analogue for ancient incised valleys in comparable geological settings.
A review of endemic mycoses after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Abad Cybele Lara R. , Razonable Raymund R.
Published: September 2023

Background

Endemic mycoses after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are rarely reported. We aimed to comprehensively review the clinical presentation and outcomes of endemic mycoses in this immunocompromised population.

Methods

Multiple databases were reviewed from inception through May 31, 2023 using endemic fungi as keywords (e.g., coccidioides, histoplasma, blastomyces, talaromyces, and paracoccidioides). Only hematopoietic transplants were included.

Results

There were 16 publications on endemic mycoses after HSCT that reported nine unique cases of histoplasmosis, seven coccidioidomycosis, and two talaromycosis. No cases of paracoccidioides and blastomycoses were identified. Fifteen cases were allogeneic hematopoietic transplant recipients and three were autologous. Many were male (14/18, 77.8%) and overall median age was 50 (range 21–75) years. Among the 16 patients with coccidiodomycosis or histoplasmosis, fever, cytopenias and disseminated disease were the most common clinical presentations, with median onset of 8 or 12 months after HSCT, respectively. Likewise, the two HSCT patients with talaromycosis presented with disseminated disease at 12 and 48 months after transplantation. The vast majority were not on effective azole prophylaxis at the time of presentation, and many had recent intensification of immunosuppression. Nine of 18 patients died (50%), and all deaths occurred among patients with disseminated endemic mycoses.

Conclusion

Endemic mycoses among HSCT are uncommon. Onset was late, after discontinuation of azole prophylaxis, or was associated with intensification of immunosuppression. Disseminated disease was a common presentation, manifested by fever and cytopenias. Attributable mortality was high, and emphasizes the need for a high index of clinical suspicion so that prompt diagnosis and treatment is provided.

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Esophageal pH‐monitoring in nonbrachycephalic dogs; a reference
Authors: Nash Tesheena R. , Hosgood Giselle L. , Appelgrein Carla
Published: September 2023

Objective

To establish parameters that describe acidic gastroesophageal reflux (GER) events in nonbrachycephalic, hospitalized dogs without gastrointestinal disease following short total intravenous anesthesia, to establish upper reference limits for parameters that describe GER.

Study design

Clinical prospective study.

Animals

Healthy, client‐owned dogs presenting for elective orthopedic surgery.

Methods

Dogs were sedated with IM methadone (0.2 mg/kg) and medetomidine (5 ug/kg), followed by alfaxalone total intravenous anesthesia. The Digitrapper esophageal dual pH monitoring probe was placed transnasally into the esophagus. Dogs were unsedated during the subsequent recording period. A GER event was defined as esophageal pH less than 4.0. Parameters that described GER were: (1) number of GER events per hour, and (2) cumulative esophageal acid exposure (percentage of recording duration) at each sensor. Upper reference limits were calculated for each parameter.

Results

Thirty‐five dogs were included (median age 7 years, range 1–12). The median recording duration was 21.1 h (range 13.6–29.3). Productive regurgitation was not noted in any dog. The median number of distal and proximal GER events per hour was 0.3 (range 0–4.3) and 0 (range 0–1), respectively. The median cumulative distal and proximal esophageal acid exposure was 0.2% (range 0.3–9%) and 0% (range 0%–1%), respectively.

Conclusion

Upper reference limits for distal and proximal GER per hour was 2.4 and 0.4, respectively, and, for cumulative distal and proximal esophageal acid exposure, 2.3% and 0%, respectively.

Clinical significance

Dogs undergoing esophageal pH monitoring in a similar hospital setting with parameters above these upper reference limits have excessive GER.
ATTENDING TO ATTENTION
Authors: Williams Rowan
Published: September 2023

Attention has often been seen as a selective process in which the mind chooses which already‐formed objects to focus on. However, as Merleau‐Ponty and others have pointed out, this ignores the complexity and ambiguity of sensory information and imposes on it a set of already‐formed objects in the world. Rather, attention is a process by which objects in the world are constituted by the perceiving subject. Attention thus involves a process of mutual negotiation with the environment. There are connections between this and the process of attente described by Simone Weil, in which the perceiving subject suspends the dominant preoccupations of the ego in order to become more aware of an independent reality. This, in turn, expresses in a more modern idiom what early Christian teachers had to say about the role of attentive looking in the contemplative life.
JOINT ATTENTION AND THE IMAGO TRINITATIS
Authors: Elliot Robert
Published: September 2023

This article incorporates into Christian theological anthropology some recent findings of a school of scientific researchers in the fields of comparative and developmental psychology. These researchers—namely, Michael Tomasello, Malinda Carpenter, and others affiliated with the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology—have advanced a theologically significant hypothesis about a basic difference between the social‐cognitive capacities of human beings and those of other animals. Their hypothesis is that human beings are distinguished from other animals, in part, because of an ability to share attention with conspecifics in a unique way, namely, by means of a capacity called joint attention. In keeping with the procedures of modern science, they have tested and verified their hypothesis through laboratory experiments on nonhuman primates (chimpanzees in particular) and on human beings (infants and toddlers). In their capacity as scientists, however, they do not attempt show the relevance of their hypothesis for Christian theological anthropology. This article shows how joint attention sheds new light upon the Christian doctrine that human beings are created in the image of the Trinity (imago Trinitatis).
A Load Control Strategy for Stable Operation of Free-Piston Electromechanical Hybrid Power System
Authors: Yang Bo , Zhang Jian , Yuan Chenheng
Published: September 2023

The free-piston electromechanical hybrid power system (FEHS) affords the advantages of a simple construction and high thermal efficiency due to the removal of the crankshaft. However, the unrestricted trajectory of the piston linkage assembly (PLA) also gives rise to challenges for stable operation during the process of startup or operation. In order to realize the stable operation of free-piston electromechanical hybrid power system, this paper proposed a load control strategy. First, a dynamic model is established through thermodynamic and electromagnetic theory, and its effectiveness is verified by experiment and simulation. On this basis, a coupling load control model based on linear active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) is developed. The reliability of the proposed load control strategy is validated under different interference fluctuations. The simulation results demonstrate that no matter whether the interference occurs during the startup process or the operation process, the proposed control strategy exerts effective limiting function over the piston linkage assembly and maintain its stable operation. Moreover, compared with the proportion integral differential (PID) control strategy, the proposed strategy exhibits faster response times and a smoother startup process. The compression ratio fluctuation range was reduced from 0.1 to 0.001, and the control accuracy has been greatly improved.
Total Energy Expenditure and Nutritional Intake in Continuous Multiday Ultramarathon Events
Authors: Best Andrew W. , McGrosky Amanda , Swanson Zane , Rimbach Rebecca , McConaughy Katie , McConaughy Joe , Ocobock Cara , Pontzer Herman
Published: September 2023

Continuous multiday ultramarathon competitions are increasingly popular and impose extreme energetic and nutritional demands on competitors. However, few data have been published on energy expenditure during these events. Here, we report doubly labeled water-derived measures of total energy expenditure (in kilocalories per day) and estimated physical activity level (PAL: total energy expenditure/basal metabolic rate) collected from five elite and subelite finishers (four males and one female, age 34.6 ± 4.9 years)—and nutritional intake data from the winner—of the Cocodona 250, a ∼402-km race in Arizona, and from a fastest-known-time record (one male, age 30 years) on the ∼1,315-km Arizona Trail. PAL during these events exceeded four times basal metabolic rate (Cocodona range: 4.34–6.94; Arizona Trail: 5.63). Combining the results with other doubly labeled water-derived total energy expenditure data from ultraendurance events show a strong inverse relationship between event duration and PAL (r2 = .68, p < .0001). Cocodona race duration was inversely, though not significantly, associated with PAL (r2 = .70, p = .08). Water turnover varied widely between athletes and was not explained by PAL or body mass. The Cocodona race winner met ∼53% of energy demand via dietary intake, 85.6% of which was carbohydrate, while ∼47% of energy demand was met via catabolism of body energy stores. Together, these results illustrate the energetic deficits incurred during competitive continuous multiday ultramarathon efforts and implicate macronutrient absorption and/or storage as key factors in ultramarathon performance.
MEG3 activates necroptosis in human neuron xenografts modeling Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Balusu Sriram , Horré Katrien , Thrupp Nicola , Craessaerts Katleen , Snellinx An , Serneels Lutgarde , T’Syen Dries , Chrysidou Iordana , Arranz Amaia M. , Sierksma Annerieke , Simrén Joel , Karikari Thomas K. , Zetterberg Henrik , Chen Wei-Ting , Thal Dietmar Rudolf , Salta Evgenia , Fiers Mark , De Strooper Bart
Published: September 2023

Neuronal cell loss is a defining feature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We xenografted human or mouse neurons into the brain of a mouse model of AD. Only human neurons displayed tangles, Gallyas silver staining, granulovacuolar neurodegeneration (GVD), phosphorylated tau blood biomarkers, and considerable neuronal cell loss. The long noncoding RNA
MEG3
was strongly up-regulated in human neurons
.
This neuron-specific long noncoding RNA is also up-regulated in AD patients.
MEG3
expression alone was sufficient to induce necroptosis in human neurons in vitro. Down-regulation of
MEG3
and inhibition of necroptosis using pharmacological or genetic manipulation of receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), RIPK3, or mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) rescued neuronal cell loss in xenografted human neurons. This model suggests potential therapeutic approaches for AD and reveals a human-specific vulnerability to AD.