bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of an atraumatic orogastric tube insertion protocol for the combined use of swaddling, facilitated tucking, breast milk and sucrose
Authors: Apaydin Cirik Vildan , Turkmen Ayse Sonay , Derin Esra , Yilmaz Nezahat
Published: July 2024

Aim

The study aims to develop a protocol for the combined use of swaddling, facilitated tucking, expressed breast milk and sucrose administration methods in the orogastric tube (OGT) insertion procedure and evaluate its effectiveness.

Methods

The randomized controlled trial was conducted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit between 15 February 2022 and 15 September 2022, with 175 preterms. Preterms at 32–34 gestational weeks were randomly allocated to five groups: routine care, swaddling + expressed breast milk, swaddling + sucrose, facilitated tucking + expressed breast milk and facilitated tucking + sucrose groups. The data were collected using the Preterm Descriptive Information Form, the Physiological Measurement Form, the COMFORTneo scale and the Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP).

Results

The facilitated tucking + expressed breast milk method was found to be more effective than the routine care (pdistress < 0.001; ppain = 0.031) and swaddling + expressed breast milk (pdistress = 0.004; ppain = 0.015) methods in reducing the estimated distress and PIPP pain level of preterms during the procedure. Two minutes after the procedure, the facilitated tucking + expressed breast milk method was more effective than the routine care (p < 0.001), swaddling + expressed breast milk (p = 0.011) and swaddling + sucrose (p = 0.002) methods in reducing the comfort level score.

Conclusions

The facilitated tucking + expressed breast milk method is effective in reducing pain and distress and providing comfort during the OGT procedure.

Clinical Trials ID: NCT05180058.
Migrant children and inequality in twenty‐first‐century Spain: The risk of living with no working adults in times of crisis
Authors: Muñoz‐Comet Jacobo , Arcarons Albert F.
Published: July 2024

This article analyses the impact of the crises on the level of inequality between native and migrant origin children in twenty‐first‐century Spain. We use microdata from the Spanish Labour Force Survey (2000–2022) to study the risk for migrant and native children of living in a household with no working adults. We hypothesize that the assimilation of the immigrant population—after more than two decades in the country—might have contributed to reducing the impact of the COVID‐19 crisis. Results show that the 2008 crisis substantially increased the gap between migrant and native children, while the impact of the pandemic has been milder. Moreover, social origin has a stronger protective effect for native children compared with children with a migrant background, especially during periods of economic downturn. However, we find that among children of low social origin, migrant children are less likely to live in a household with no working adults.
ANZTCT practice statement: sinusoidal obstruction syndrome/veno‐occlusive disease diagnosis and management
Authors: Fleming Shaun , Scott Ashleigh P. , Coutsouvelis John , Fraser Chris , Bajel Ashish , Nelson Adam , Conyers Rachel , McEwan Ashley , Yeung David , Campion Victoria , Teague Lochie , McGuire Matthew , Morris Edward , Gabriel Melissa , Wayte Rebecca , Douglas Genevieve , Chien Nicole , Hamad Nada
Published: July 2024

Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome/veno‐occlusive disease (SOS/VOD) is a life‐threatening complication which can develop after haemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and some antibody–drug conjugates. Several SOS/VOD diagnostic and management guidelines exist, with the most recent and refined being the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation adult and paediatric guidelines. Timely diagnosis and effective management (including the availability of therapeutic options) significantly contribute to improved patient outcomes. In Australia and New Zealand, there is variability in clinical practice and access to SOS/VOD therapies. This review aims to summarise the current evidence for SOS/VOD diagnosis, prevention and treatment and to provide recommendations for SOS/VOD in the context of contemporary Australasian HSCT clinical practice.
Associating factors of cognitive frailty among older people with chronic heart failure: Based on LASSO‐logistic regression
Authors: Gou Dengqun , Min Changhang , Peng Xiaofeng , Wu Hemei , Zhang Lu , Chen Yu , Tao Ming
Published: July 2024

Aim

To analyse factors associated with cognitive frailty among older chronic heart failure patients in China.

Design

A cross‐sectional design.

Methods

Between August 2021 and November 2022, a total of 421 chronic heart failure patients (age ≥60 years) were randomly selected from the cardiology department of the affiliated hospital of Zunyi Medical University. The FRAIL scale, Mini‐Mental State Examination, 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale, Social Support Rating Scale, Short‐form Mini Nutritional Assessment and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were utilized for measurement and evaluation. The demographic and clinical characteristics of patients were collected. To select initial variables, the Least Absolute Shrinkage Selection Operator was applied, and then logistic regression analysis was used to confirm associating factors.

Results

Among 421 elderly people with chronic heart failure, 83 cases (19.7%) showed cognitive frailty. Of 31 variables, seven were selected by Least Absolute Shrinkage Selection Operator regression. Finally, multivariate logistic regression revealed that the age, monthly salary, drinking, NYHA classification, length of hospital stay, depression and malnutrition risk/malnutrition were independently associated with cognitive frailty.

Conclusion

The high proportion of cognitive frailty in older people with chronic heart failure should be concerned. Additionally, in the setting of cognitive frailty, efforts to diagnose it and develop interventions to prevent or reverse cognitive frailty status among older chronic heart failure patients are necessary.

Impact

The findings of our study highlight the necessity to evaluate cognitive frailty in older people with chronic heart failure and provide a new perspective and scientific basis for medical staff to develop individualized and specific interventions to prevent or reverse cognitive frailty status.

Reporting Method

This study has been reported in compliance with STROBE reporting guidelines for cross‐sectional studies.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.
Transseptal approach versus retrograde aortic approach in mapping and ablation of ventricular arrhythmias from anterolateral papillary muscles
Authors: Jiang Chen‐Xi , Li Shao‐Long , Li Meng‐Meng , Tang Ri‐Bo , Sang Cai‐Hua , Wang Wei , Dong Jian‐Zeng , Long De‐Yong , Zei Paul C. , Ma Chang‐Sheng
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The anterior and lateral position of the anterolateral papillary muscle (ALPM) has found to be reached with better catheter stability and less mechanical bumping via the transseptal (TS) compared to the retrograde aortic (RA) approach. The aim of this study is to compare the TS and RA approaches on mapping and ablation of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) arising from ALPMs.

Methods

Thirty‐two patients with ALPM‐VAs undergoing mapping and ablation via the TS approach were included and compared with 31 patients via the RA approach within the same period. Acute success was compared, as well as other outcomes including misinterpreted mapping results due to bumping, radiofrequency (RF) attempts, procedural time and success rate at 12‐month follow‐up.

Results

Acute success was achieved in more cases in the TS group (96.4% vs. 72.0%, p = .020). During activation mapping, bump‐provoked premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) misinterpreted as clinical PVCs were more common in the RA group (30.0% vs. 58.3%, p = .036), leading to more RF attempts (3.5 ± 2.7 vs. 7.2 ± 6.8, p = .006). Suppression of VAs were finally achieved in the unsuccessful cases by changing to the alternative approach, but the procedural time was significantly less in the TS group (90.0 ± 33.0 vs. 113.7 ± 41.1 min, p = .027) with less need to change the approach, although follow‐up success rates were similar (75.0% vs. 71.0%, p = .718).

Conclusion

A TS rather than RA approach as the initial approach appears to facilitate mapping and ablation of ALPM‐VAs, specifically by decreasing the possibility of misleading mapping results caused by bump‐provoked PVC, and increase the acute success rate thereby.
Sex differences in long‐term outcomes following transvenous lead extraction
Authors: Arabia Gianmarco , Aboelhassan Mohamed , Calvi Emiliano , Cerini Manuel , Bellicini Maria Giulia , Bontempi Luca , Giacopelli Daniele , Nawar Amr , Raweh Abdallah , Abbas Mohamed Magdy M. , Curnis Antonio
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) is generally considered a safe procedure, albeit not without risks. While gender‐based disparities have been noted in short‐term outcomes following TLE, a notable gap exists in understanding the long‐term consequences of this procedure. The objective of this analysis was to investigate sex differences in both acute and long‐term outcomes among patients who underwent TLE at a tertiary referral center.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, consecutive patients who underwent TLE between January 2014 and January 2016 were enrolled. The primary outcome comprised a composite of all‐cause mortality and need for repeated TLE procedures. Secondary outcomes included fluoroscopy time, lead extraction techniques, success rates, and major and minor complications. Results were compared between female and male cohorts.

Results

The study population comprised 191 patients (median age, 70 years), 29 (15.2%) being women and 162 men (84.8%). Study groups had similar baseline characteristics. Complete procedural success was achieved in 189 out of 191 patients (99.0%), with no significant difference observed between the two groups (p = .17). No major complications were reported in the total cohort. However, there was a significantly higher incidence of minor complications in women compared to men (17.2% vs. 2.5%, p < .01). Following a median follow‐up of 6.5 years, the incidence of the primary composite outcome occurred similarly between the study groups (log‐rank p = .68).

Conclusion

Women who underwent TLE exhibited a significantly higher incidence of minor acute intra‐ and peri‐procedural complications than men. However, no differences in long‐term outcomes between genders were observed.
Impact of frailty in hospitalized patients undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Ali Shafaqat , Kumar Manoj , Khlidj Yehya , Hendricks Emily , Farooq Faryal , Alruwaili Waleed , Keisham Bijeta , Duhan Sanchit , Gonuguntla Karthik , Sattar Yasar , Shaik Ayesha , Brar Vijaywant , Asad Zain Ul Abideen , Sorajja Dan , Dominic Paari , Helmy Tarek
Published: July 2024

Background

Catheter Ablation (CA) is an effective treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF). However, frail elderly patients have been understudied due to their exclusion from landmark trials.

Objectives

Our study aims to evaluate outcomes in this population.

Methods

The national readmission database (2016–2020) was queried, and frailty categories were defined based on hospital risk frailty scores ≦5 as low while >5 as intermediate/high frailty (IHF). We used multivariate regression and propensity‐matched analysis to compare outcomes in patients undergoing CA for atrial fibrillation based on frailty index.

Results

Among 55 936 CAs for AF, 33,248 patients had low frailty, while 22 688 had intermediate/high frailty (IHF). After propensity matching (N 12 448), IHF patients were found to have higher adverse events, including mortality (3% vs. 0.3%, p < .001), stroke (1.9% vs. 0.2%, p < .001), acute heart failure (53.8% vs. 42.2%, p < .001), AKI (42.5% vs. 6.8%, p < .001), pericardial complications (2.8 vs. 1.6%, p < .001), respiratory complications (27.8 vs. 7.2%, p < .001), major adverse cardiovascular events (21.2 vs. 9.4%, p < .001) and net adverse events (76.7 vs. 55%, p < .001). IHF patients had higher readmissions at 30 (15.5 vs. 12.6%, p < .001), 90 (31.9 vs. 25.1%, p < .001), and 180‐day (41 vs. 34.7%, p < .001) intervals. A higher median length of stay (LOS) (7 vs. 3 days, p < .001) and cost ($44 287 vs. $27 517, p < .001) at index admission and subsequent readmissions were also observed (p < .001).

Conclusion

Intermediate/high frailty patients undergoing catheter ablation had worse clinical outcomes, higher healthcare burden, and readmission rates. LOS has decreased in both groups from 2016 to 2020; however, total cost has increased.
Glycemic metrics in Japanese isCGM users – Analysis by diabetes type and therapy
Authors: Ogawa Wataru , Urakami Tatsuhiko , Kadowaki Takashi , Kao Kalvin , Brandner Laura , Shimizu Kenichiro , Dunn Timothy C.
Published: July 2024

Aims/Introduction

The FreeStyle Libre (FSL) intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) system continually measures interstitial glucose levels and provides the data to users in numerical and graphical formats that guide users in their daily diabetes self‐management. Although numerous studies have demonstrated the glycemic benefits of FSL in pediatric and adult populations, few studies have characterized FSL use specifically by Japanese adults with type 1 or 2 diabetes. We utilized established CGM metrics to assess glycemic control in a large cohort of Japanese adults with type 1 and 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

A total of 3,463 anonymized FSL users provided categorization into one of four therapy groups of interest: type 1 diabetes (n = 1,768), type 2 diabetes‐multiple daily injections (MDI) (n = 612), type 2 diabetes‐basal (BOI) (n = 343), and type 2 diabetes‐non‐insulin (NIT) (n = 740). Established CGM metrics were used to assess glycemic control.

Results

All study groups showed relatively good glycemic control. Type 1 diabetes users showed the highest glucose variability (SD, 61 mg/dL; and %CV, 40%), above the established target level (%CV ≤ 36%). type 2 diabetes‐MDI and type 2 diabetes‐BOI users had similar levels of glucose variability (both within target). Type 2 diabetes‐NIT users had the highest mean % time in range (TIR) (84.3%) and largest percentage of users that met the target of %TIR > 70% (87.4%). In contrast, type 1 diabetes users had the lowest mean %TIR (62.6%) and the lowest percentage meeting the established %TIR target (30.5%).

Conclusions

By utilizing CGM devices in daily diabetes care, both healthcare professionals and patients can monitor glycemic excursions and gain insights into their historical glucose control patterns.
The effect of different materials and cavity designs on fracture resistance of ceramic partial coverage
Authors: Attia Mahmoud , Fahmy Nadia , Shaker Atef , Salah Tarek
Published: July 2024

Background

Two intra‐coronal preparation designs with varying extensions of cuspal coverage can perform differently regarding their fracture resistance against introral forces.

Methods

Two materials (IPS e‐max CAD [EX], VITA ENAMIC [EN]), and two different preparation designs (EX‐D1), (EX‐D2), (EN‐D1), and (EN‐D2) were investigated to compare their fracture resistance. A total of 40 (n = 40) caries free human mandibular molars were used. All the prepared samples were scanned using CEREC Omnicam scanner and the preparations were checked by the software for any sharpness and undercuts before restoration designing and fabrication. All restorations were milled using Cerec MCXL 4.4 milling machine. Duo‐Link resin cement was used for cementation. After thermocycling and chewing simulation, all samples were loaded in the Universal testing machine in order to evaluate fracture resistance of all samples.

Results

Fracture resistance testing revealed that e‐max CAD (2134 N) showed statistically significantly higher mean fracture resistance values than Vita Enamic (1728 N). On the other hand, there was no statistically significant difference between mean fracture resistances between the two tested designs.

Conclusions

Within the confines of this investigation, it can be said that although preparation design had no appreciable impact on fracture resistance, the CAD/CAM ceramic material utilized did.

Clinical Significance

When restoring compound cavitties indirectly; a conservative defect oriented approach should be used. Glass Ceramic are prefered as restorative material.
Nursing Home Compare star ratings before versus after a change in nursing home ownership
Authors: Ryskina Kira L. , Tu Emily , Liang Junning , Kim Seiyoun , Werner Rachel M.
Published: July 2024

Background

Efforts to increase transparency and accountability of nursing homes, and thus improve quality, now include information about changes in nursing home ownership. However, little is known about how change in ownership affects nursing home quality.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 15,471 U.S. nursing homes between January 2016 and December 2022, identifying all changes in ownership during that period. We used logistic regression to measure the association between nursing home characteristics and the odds of a change in ownership. A difference‐in‐differences model with multiple time periods was used to examine the impact of a change in ownership on the Medicare Nursing Home Compare 5‐star ratings.

Results

One in five (23%) facilities changed ownership between 2016 and 2022. Nursing homes that were urban, for‐profit, part of a chain, located in the South, had >50 beds, lower occupancy, higher percentage of stays covered by Medicaid, higher percentage of residents with non‐white race, or a 1‐star (poor) rating were more likely to undergo a change in ownership. There was a small statistically significant decrease in 5‐star ratings after a change in ownership (−0.09 points on a 5‐point scale; 95% CI −0.13 to −0.04; p < 0.001), driven primarily by a decrease in staffing ratings (−0.19 points; 95% CI −0.24 to −0.14; p < 0.001), and health inspections ratings (−0.07 points; 95% CI −0.11 to −0.03; p = 0.001). This was mitigated by an increase in quality measure ratings (0.15 points; 95% CI 0.10–0.20; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Nursing Home Compare ratings decreased slightly after a change in facility ownership, driven by lower staffing and health inspection ratings and mitigated somewhat by higher quality measure ratings. These conflicting trends underscore the need for transparency around changes in facility ownership and a better understanding of consequences of changes in ownership that are salient to patients and families.
Human trapezius muscle development during the early fetal period
Authors: Iwasa Yui , Kanahashi Toru , Imai Hirohiko , Otani Hiroki , Yamada Shigehito , Takakuwa Tetsuya
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to observe human trapezius muscle (TpzM) development during early fetal period and apply diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) analysis to describe the muscle architecture that leads to physiological functions. Human embryonic and early fetal specimens were selected for this study. TpzM was first detected at Carnegie stage 20. The position of the TpzM changed with the formation of the scapula, clavicle, and vertebrae, which are its insertions and origins. DTI revealed the fiber orientation from each vertebral level to dissect each muscle. Fiber orientation in the ventral view gradually changed from the cervical to thoracic vertebrae, except for the middle part at which the insertions changed, which was almost similar in all early fetal specimens. The TpzM volume increased from C1 to C7 in the upper part, reached local maxima at C6 and C7 in the middle, and then decreased. These muscles can be categorized into three parts according to their insertions and presented with the features of each part. The fiber orientation and distribution of the three parts at the vertebral level were almost constant during the early fetal period. The border between the upper and middle parts was mainly located around the C6 and C7 vertebral levels, whereas the middle and lower parts were between the Th1 and Th2 vertebral levels. A three‐dimensional change in the fiber orientation in the upper part of the TpzM according to the vertebral level was noticeable. Our data will help to elucidate the developmental processes of TpzM.
Speaking Up to the Boss: The Effects of Top Management Team Members' Felt Trust and Perceived CEO Trustworthiness on Voice Behaviour in Family Firms
Authors: Faherty Catherine M. , Clinton Eric
Published: July 2024

Despite the important role of top management team (TMT) voice, the innate risks and vulnerabilities involved often dissuade TMT members from openly expressing their views to the chief executive officer (CEO). This is especially the case in family firms, where the CEO is often a family member and familial ties regularly take priority over ties with individuals from outside the family (i.e., non‐family members). In this article, we focus on the role of trust as a potential enabler of TMT voice in family firms. Primary matched triadic data from CEOs (n = 79) and family and non‐family TMT members (n = 158) in 79 family firms demonstrate that trust perceptions (feeling trusted by the CEO and perceptions of CEO trustworthiness) have a positive effect on TMT voice behaviour and perceived job performance. Interestingly, this positive effect is significant only for non‐family members, suggesting trust perceptions are more imperative for non‐family TMT members when it comes to speaking up to the boss. A main implication for scholarship at the interface of trust and family business is that our nuanced, and in some instances counterintuitive, findings suggest traditional theories and approaches to studying trust may not apply to family firms. We also discuss practical implications of our findings.
Unintended distortion of regulating water use: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhong Hua
Published: July 2024

The Chinese government has been using water efficiency targets to manage commercial, institutional, and industrial water use across the country. This paper argues that water efficiency targets may influence provincial administrators’ preferences in tightening water regulation in cities with higher water use while disproportionately overregulating water use in productive cities to satisfy their efficiency goals. I develop a city‐level production model with water regulation preferences and show that the unintended distortion of water regulation in response to water efficiency targets leads to efficiency loss of resource allocation and further reshapes regional output across cities, especially for productive cities. Using a sample of city‐level water data from 2006 to 2016 in China, this paper empirically investigates the impact of the Three Red Lines (TRL) policy on provincial administrators’ preferences in water use regulation. The results indicate that the elasticity of water regulation in response to the policy is approximately −0.64 to −0.8 and has resulted in tighter water regulations for cities with higher economic outputs. Quantitatively, eliminating water distortions would reshape water use across cities and increase the aggregate output of an entire province by up to 0.069%. The results imply that possible consequences of the political consideration of provincial administrators in satisfying water efficiency targets include inefficiency and inequality in water allocation.
Tolerance of juvenile lumpfish (Cyclopterus Lumpus) to high rearing densities
Authors: Spada Nathaniel N. , Fairchild Elizabeth A. , Trushenski Jesse T.
Published: July 2024

Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) are raised as cleaner fish for controlling sea lice. Intensive rearing is complicated by fin nipping that occurs between juvenile conspecifics. Lumpfish density‐dependent interactions are not well understood; therefore, the effects of rearing density for different fish size classes warranted evaluation. Two size classes (2‐ and 13‐g) of juvenile lumpfish were stocked at four different rearing densities (40, 60, 70, and 90 g/L) with growth, survival, and fish aggression assessed over 8 weeks. Mean weight gain and specific growth rates ranged from 170% to 307% and 1.77% to 2.50%, respectively, depending on density treatments, for the 2‐g fish, and from 286% to 471% and 2.42% to 3.10% for the 13‐g fish. Growth was negatively correlated with density, with faster growth linked to lower densities. No mortality occurred in any treatment and significant fish aggression only occurred among the larger lumpfish in the higher rearing densities. Based on these findings, growth of 2‐g lumpfish can be increased if reared at 40 g/L or slowed at 70 g/L without impacting aggression. For grow out of 13‐g fish to ~70 g with minimal aggression, a 40 g/L rearing density is recommended for faster growth and 60 g/L for slower growth.
Living in a predictable environment: Intraspecific variation in tadpole size and shape of the Sierra's treefrog
Authors: Bonino A. , Lescano J. , Goldberg J. , Quinzio S. I.
Published: July 2024

Within the breeding sites of anurans, factors at the microhabitat scale can exhibit variations over the years, resulting in temporal fluctuations within these sites. These fluctuations may lead to modifications in “normal larval development” and observable phenotypic changes. These developmental alterations appear to have evolved as shared strategies for achieving reproductive success and ensuring the survival of offspring. In a population of Boana cordobae inhabiting the Central Pampean Sierras (Córdoba, Argentina), the coexistence of pre‐ and prometamorphic tadpoles throughout the year, coupled with variations in size and shape within the same developmental stage, has led us to question about the duration of the larval period, variations in the timing of developmental events, and the possible existence of distinct larval morphs for this species. Utilizing data collected over four consecutive years from various locations, we described the development, growth, and larval morphology using both linear and geometric morphometrics during the pre‐ and prometamorphic stages. Our aim was to comprehend how anuran larvae in predictable environments synchronize the timing of their phenotypic transformations with external conditions. We identified two distinct cohorts: spring–summer and autumn–spring, each exhibiting distinct rates of growth and development until metamorphosis, resulting in size discrepancies. Moreover, the physical attributes of the breeding sites influenced the size of the tadpoles. However, the observed variation in shape was not related to the ontogenetic period, cohort, or developmental site. Ultimately, the observed variations had no impact on the morphology at metamorphosis. The comprehensive data gathered from our observations in B. cordobae yield valuable insights that contribute to a deeper comprehension of anuran larval development under natural conditions where changes are predictable and follow a regular pattern throughout the year, ultimately maximizing reproductive success.
Impaired HBsAg release and antiproliferative/antioxidant cell regulation by HBeAg‐negative patient isolates reflects an evolutionary process
Authors: Basic Michael , Thiyagarajah Keerthihan , Glitscher Mirco , Schollmeier Anja , Wu Qingyan , Görgülü Esra , Lembeck Pia , Sonnenberg Jannik , Dietz Julia , Finkelmeier Fabian , Praktiknjo Michael , Trebicka Jonel , Zeuzem Stefan , Sarrazin Christoph , Hildt Eberhard , Peiffer Kai‐Henrik
Published: July 2024

Background

The hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐negative infection Phase 3 is characterized by no or minimal signs of hepatic inflammation and the absence of hepatic fibrosis. However, underlying molecular mechanisms leading to this benign phenotype are poorly understood.

Methods

Genotype A, B and D HBeAg‐negative patient isolates with precore mutation G1896A from Phase 3 were analysed in comparison with respective HBeAg‐positive rescue mutant and HBeAg‐positive wild‐type reference genomes regarding differences in viral replication, morphogenesis, infectivity and impact on NF‐E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE)‐dependent gene expression and cellular kinome.

Results

In comparison with reference genomes, the patient isolates are characterized by a lower intra‐ and extracellular hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐amount, and HBsAg‐retention in the endoplasmic reticulum. Rescue of HBeAg expression increased HBsAg‐amount but not its release. Expression of the isolated genomes is associated with a higher Nrf2/ARE‐dependent gene expression as compared to reference genomes independent of HBeAg expression. Kinome analyses revealed a decreased activity of receptors involved in regulation of proliferative pathways for all patient isolates compared to the reference genomes. No specific conserved mutations could be found between all genomes from Phase 3.

Conclusions

HBeAg‐negative genomes from Phase 3 exhibit distinct molecular characteristics leading to lower HBsAg synthesis and release, enhanced oxidative stress protection and decreased activity of key kinases, triggering an antiproliferative stage, which might contribute to the lower probability of hepatocellular carcinoma. The observed differences cannot be associated with loss of HBeAg or specific mutations common to all analysed isolates, indicating the phenotype of Phase 3 derived genomes to be the result of a multifactorial process likely reflecting a conserved natural selection process.
Holocene biogeography of the southwestern European white‐toothed shrew (Crocidura iculisma, Eulipotyphla) through its fossil record
Authors: Domínguez‐García Ángel C. , Álvarez‐Vena Adrián , Laplana César , Sevilla Paloma , Román Jacinto , Bisbal‐Chinesta Josep Francesc , Calzada Javier , Galindo‐Pellicena M. Ángeles , Benítez De Lugo Enrich Luis
Published: July 2024

Crocidura iculisma(=C.suaveolens) is a shrew (Soricidae, Eulipotyphla) showing a fragmented distribution limited to the Iberian Peninsula, southern and western France and northwestern Italy. Although it has been in the Iberian Peninsula since the Middle Pleistocene, its biogeographical history remains poorly known.

Here, we provide new data onCrocidura iculismafrom the Castillejo del Bonete site (southern Spain) dated as 3.8–3.6 cal kyr BP. At the same time, we analyse changes in its geographic distribution based on its palaeontological record.

We have reviewed thoroughly the Holocene record ofCrocidura iculismain southwestern Europe, considering independently the three time intervals according to the stages defined for this geological time series (Greenlandian, Northgrippian and Meghalayan). Whenever found together in fossil sites, the relative abundance of the two sympatric shrews of the genusCrocidura(Crocidura russulaandCrocidura iculisma) was analysed. The data obtained concerning past distribution range and relative abundance were compared with the current status of the species in Iberia to interpret changes through time.

The distribution range of the southwestern European white‐toothed shrew in the Iberian Peninsula has notably reduced over time until today. The occurrence at Castillejo del Bonete and other palaeontological records located beyond its current distribution range show that it was distributed in several areas of the eastern part and southern interior of Iberia, at least until the second half of the Meghalayan. Relative abundance patterns observed in the fossil assemblages suggest that competitive exclusion byCrocidura russulaand climatic changes played a crucial role in driving the extirpation ofCrocidura iculismafrom a substantial portion of the Iberian Peninsula.
Characterization of bulk interior and fusion crust of Calama 009 L6 ordinary chondrite
Authors: Petrova E. V. , Chukin A. V. , Varga G. , Dankházi Z. , Leitus G. , Felner I. , Kuzmann E. , Homonnay Z. , Grokhovsky V. I. , Oshtrakh M. I.
Published: July 2024

Fragment of Calama 009 L6 ordinary chondrite recovered in the Atacama Desert was chosen for a complex study of the bulk interior and the fusion crust by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), magnetization measurements, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. SEM demonstrated the presence of Fe‐Ni‐Co grains, troilite and chromite inclusions in both the bulk interior and the fusion crust as well as many veins with ferric compound. EDS showed variations in the Ni concentration within the metal grains and within one metal phase in the grain. XRD revealed some differences in the contents of various phases in the bulk interior and in the fusion crust. XRD indicated the presence of magnesioferrite in the fusion crust as well as the formation of goethite nanoparticles with the mean size of 9 nm in both the bulk interior and the fusion crust. Magnetization measurements demonstrated the ferrimagnetic–paramagnetic phase transition in chromite at 44 K and low values of the saturation magnetization moments (6.46 and 3.26 emu g−1 at 100 K) for the bulk interior and the fusion crust, respectively, due to the lack of Fe‐Ni‐Co alloy as a result of weathering. The Mössbauer spectra of the bulk interior and the fusion crust showed some differences in the number and relative areas of spectral components. The revealing of the Mössbauer spectral components related to 57Fe in the M1 and M2 sites in olivine and orthopyroxene as well as determining the Fe2+ occupations of these sites from XRD permitted us to estimate the temperature of equilibrium cation distribution for these silicates which are (i) 662 K (XRD) and 706 K (Mössbauer spectroscopy) for olivine and (ii) 893 K (XRD) and 910 K (Mössbauer spectroscopy) for orthopyroxene.
The ephemeral microbiota: Ecological context and environmental variability drive the body surface microbiota composition of Magellanic penguins across subantarctic breeding colonies
Authors: Ochoa‐Sánchez Manuel , Acuña‐Gómez E. Paola , Moraga Claudio A. , Gaete Katherine , Acevedo Jorge , Eguiarte Luis E. , Souza Valeria
Published: July 2024

Environmental microbes routinely colonize wildlife body surface microbiota. However, animals experience dynamic environmental shifts throughout their daily routine. Yet, the effect of ecological shifts in wildlife body surface microbiota has been poorly explored. Here, we sequenced the hypervariable region V3–V4 of the 16S rRNA gene to characterize the body surface microbiota of wild Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) under two ecological contexts: (1) Penguins walking along the coast and (2) Penguins sheltered underground in their nest, across three subantarctic breeding colonies in the Magellan Strait, Chile. Despite ecological contexts, our results revealed that Moraxellaceae bacteria were the most predominant and abundant taxa associated with penguin body surfaces. Nevertheless, we detected colony‐specific core bacteria associated with penguin bodies. The most abundant were: Deinococcus in the Contramaestre colony, Fusobacterium in the Tuckers 1 colony, and Clostridium sensu stricto 1 in the Tuckers 2 colony. Our results give a new perspective on the niche environmental hypothesis for wild seabirds. First, the ecological characteristics of each colony were associated with the microbial communities from the nest soil and the body surface of penguins inside the nests. For example, in the colonies with heterogenous vegetation cover (i.e. the Tuckers Islets), there was a similar microbial composition between the nest soil and the body surface of penguins. In contrast, on the more arid colony (Contramaestre), we detected differences in the microbial communities between the nest soil and the body surface of penguins.
Epistemic injustice: The hidden vulnerability of medicine
Authors: Winderbaum Joelle
Published: July 2024

Winderbaum argue that to deny a doctor's vulnerability is to ignore the foundations of "professional" as a profoundly relational term.
Pain is a cardinal symptom cutting across Rome IV anatomical categories in disorders of gut‐brain interaction: A network‐based approach
Authors: Burton‐Murray Helen , Guadagnoli Livia , Vanzhula Irina A. , Brown Tiffany A. , Sperber Ami D. , Palsson Olafur , Bangdiwala Shrikant I. , Van Oudenhove Lukas , Staller Kyle
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Disorders of gut‐brain interaction (DGBI) are symptom‐based disorders categorized by anatomic location but have high overlap and heterogeneity. Viewing DGBI symptoms on a spectrum (i.e. dimensionally) rather than categorically may better inform interventions to accommodate complex clinical presentations. We aimed to evaluate symptom networks to identify how DGBI symptoms interact.

Methods

We used the Rome IV Diagnostic Questionnaire continuously/ordinally scored items collected from the Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Study. We excluded participants who reported ≥1 organic/structural gastrointestinal disorder(s). We sought to (1) identify core symptoms in the DGBI symptom networks, (2) identify bridge pathways between Rome IV diagnostic categories (esophageal, bowel, gastroduodenal, anorectal), and (3) explore how symptoms group together into communities.

Results

Of 54,127 adults, 20,229 met criteria for at least one DGBI (age mean = 42.2 ± 15.5; 57% female). General abdominal pain and epigastric pain were the core symptoms in the DGBI symptom network (i.e., had the strongest connections to other symptoms). Pain symptoms emerged as bridge pathways across existing DGBI diagnostic anatomic location (i.e., abdominal pain connected to chest pain, epigastric pain, rectal pain). Without a priori category definitions, exploratory network community analysis showed that symptoms grouped together into “pain,” “gastroduodenal,” and “constipation,” rather than into groups by anatomic location.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest pain symptoms are central and serve as a key connection to other symptoms, crosscutting anatomic location. Future longitudinal research is needed to test symptom network relations longitudinally and investigate whether targeting pain symptoms (rather than anatomic‐ or disorder‐specific symptoms) has clinical impact.
Scavenging H2O2 of plant host by saliva catalase of leafhopper vector benefits viral transmission
Authors: Zhang Hongxiang , Chi Yunhua , Chen Siyu , Lv Xinwei , Jia Dongsheng , Chen Qian , Wei Taiyun
Published: July 2024

Catalase (CAT) is the main reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐scavenging enzyme in plants and insects. However, it remains elusive whether and how insect saliva CAT suppresses ROS‐mediated plant defense, thereby promoting initial virus transmission by insect vectors.

Here, we investigated how leafhopper Recilia dorsalis catalase (RdCAT) was secreted from insect salivary glands into rice phloem, and how it was perceived by rice chaperone NO CATALASE ACTIVITY1 (OsNCA1) to scavenge excessive H2O2 during insect‐to‐plant virus transmission.

We found that the interaction of OsNCA1 with RdCAT activated its enzymatic activity to decompose H2O2 in rice plants during leafhopper feeding. However, initial insect feeding did not significantly change rice CATs transcripts. Knockout of OsNCA1 in transgenic lines decreased leafhopper feeding‐activated CAT activity and caused higher H2O2 accumulation. A devastating rice reovirus activated RdCAT expression and promoted the cosecretion of virions and RdCAT into leafhopper salivary cavities and ultimately into the phloem. Virus‐mediated increase of RdCAT secretion suppressed excessive H2O2, thereby promoting host attractiveness to insect vectors and initial virus transmission.

Our findings provide insights into how insect saliva CAT is secreted and perceived by plant chaperones to suppress the early H2O2 burst during insect feeding, thereby facilitating viral transmission.
Adult xanthogranuloma in oral cavity and ultrasound‐guided resection surgery: A case report
Authors: de Sousa Rafael Aguiar , Figueiredo Pedro Henrique Almeida , de Paiva Rejane Christina Lopes , Naves Marcelo Drummond , Rocha Tânia de Carvalho , e Silva Micena Roberta Miranda Alves
Published: July 2024

Aim

To present a rare case of xanthogranuloma affecting the oral cavity of an adult man and to highlight the utility of ultrasound in demonstrating its sonographic features and guiding the surgical procedure.

Materials and Methods

Description of a rare case of oral xanthogranuloma in an adult patient, with treatment performed using ultrasound. This tool provides safety as it functions as a real‐time imaging technique that can be utilized during surgeries without exposing the patient to radiation.

Results

The case exhibited oral xanthogranuloma as a hypoechoic image with poorly defined borders.

Conclusion

Ultrasound is an excellent tool for aiding diagnostic investigation and during surgical procedures, serving as a surgical guide that ensures accuracy and safety. Additionally, ultrasound is a portable, practical and accessible examination, proving to be indispensable in certain clinical and hospital settings.
Birth Intention Status and Infant Mortality: Fixed‐Effects Analysis of 60 Countries
Authors: Väisänen Heini , Batyra Ewa
Published: July 2024

Most studies on the impact of birth intentions on children's well‐being do not separate risks of infant mortality associated with pregnancy intention status from the risks that are associated with sociodemographic characteristics. There is a lack of studies taking a multicountry comparative perspective. We analyzed 60 Demographic and Health Surveys in Asia, the Americas, and Africa to examine the association between birth intentions and infant mortality using sibling fixed‐effects linear probability models accounting for confounding due to time‐invariant maternal characteristics. Compared to wanted births, the probability of infant mortality was higher after an unwanted or mistimed birth, or both, in 41 countries. Particularly in West Africa, mostly mistimed pregnancies were associated with infant mortality, whereas in the Americas unwanted pregnancies mattered more. These differences could be partly due to contextual variation in the concept of birth intentions and in the importance of birth spacing and limiting. We show that the risk of infant mortality after an unwanted/mistimed pregnancy was higher in countries with low human development index and high overall infant mortality rate, highlighting the importance of taking context into account rather than pooling data. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first large‐scale, cross‐regional, and cross‐country comparative study to analyze the association between birth intentions and infant mortality using a fixed‐effects approach.
Genome size and chromosome number variation in sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) families and phenotypically contrasting Saccharum genotypes
Authors: García José M. , Andrada Aldo R. , Erazzú Luis E. , Acevedo Alberto
Published: July 2024

Modern sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) cultivars originated from an intricate hybridization process, resulting in complex polyploid and aneuploid genomes. Flow cytometry (FCM), which has emerged as a precise and fast method for research on genome size in plants, has potential to unveil key aspects of sugarcane cytogenetics. In this study, FCM probes were conducted to estimate 2C DNA content in 175 Saccharum genotypes embracing phenotypically contrasting canes (commercial cultivars, energy‐cane hybrids, and a Saccharum spontaneum accession) and full‐sib sugarcane families. FCM‐mediated DNA content estimates exhibited high accuracy in predicting chromosome numbers, offering a time‐efficient alternative to classical cytogenetic procedure. Low‐magnitude correlations detected between DNA content and phenotypic traits suggest that indirect selection of agronomic traits using FCM‐mediated DNA content estimates may not be efficient. DNA content variation patterns in sugarcane families varied according to the crossing, and revealed transgressive variations associated with rampant aneuploidy. Altogether, the findings uncover that loss or gain of genetic material constitutes a source of high genetic variability that may substantially impact on crop breeding.
The elusive BAP1 mutation in pediatric melanocytic tumors
Authors: Moustafa Danna , Mologousis Mia A. , Duncan Lyn M. , Hawryluk Elena B.
Published: July 2024

Cutaneous BAP1‐inactivated melanocytomas (BIM) are melanocytic proliferations defined histopathologically by an epithelioid, predominantly dermal melanocytic proliferation with loss of BAP1, and have been largely characterized in adult patients but less well‐described in pediatric cohorts. BIM share overlapping histological features with those seen in Spitz nevi; however, unlike Spitz nevi, the majority of BIM carry both BAP1 and BRAFV600E mutations. This study investigated the potential overlap of BIMs with pediatric Spitz nevi by performing immunohistochemical staining of BAP1 and BRAFV600E on pediatric melanocytic tumors with banal Spitz and dermal features. None of the stained tumors in our study exhibited the concurrent BAP1 loss and BRAFV600E positivity that are characteristic of adult BIM, suggesting that this is a low‐frequency mutation among banal tumors in the pediatric population.
The incidence and factors associated with dysnatremia in children with acute gastritis/gastroenteritis
Authors: Chaiyapak Thanaporn , Sommai Kanokwan , Banluetanyalak Pantira , Sumboonnanonda Achra , Pattaragarn Anirut , Piyaphanee Nuntawan , Lomjansook Kraisoon , Thunsiribuddhichai Yarnarin , Supavekin Suroj
Published: July 2024

Background

The incidence of dysnatremia in children with acute gastritis/gastroenteritis varies, and factors associated with either dysnatremia or hyponatremia at presentation have not been identified clearly.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients aged 1 month to 18 years hospitalized for community‐acquired acute gastritis/gastroenteritis from January to October 2016. Factors associated with dysnatremia at presentation were identified using multivariable analysis.

Results

Among the 304 children included, the median age was 2.2 (1.0, 4.2) years. The incidence of dysnatremia at presentation was 17.1% (hyponatremia 15.8%; hypernatremia 1.3%). Patients who had moderate (p = 0.03) and severe dehydration (p = 0.04) and presented with vomiting and diarrhea simultaneously (p = 0.03) were associated with dysnatremia at presentation. Patients presented with vomiting and diarrhea simultaneously was associated with hyponatremia at presentation (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Dysnatremia was common in children with acute gastritis/gastroenteritis. Moderate to severe dehydration and the presence of vomiting and diarrhea simultanously were significantly associated with dysnatremia at presentation. Furthermore, presenting with vomiting and diarrhea silmutaneously was associated with hyponatremia at presentation. Serum electrolytes should be monitored in patients with those conditions.
Credences for strict conditionals
Authors: Willer Malte
Published: July 2024

Less‐than‐certain conditional judgments pose notorious problems for strict analyses of conditionals: across their various incarnations, these analyses have trouble making sense of how conditionals could have non‐trivial probabilities in the first place; minimal constraints on how such probabilities are to be assigned, moreover, lead to results that seem at odds with a strict outlook on the semantics of conditionals, most notably the validity of Conditional Excluded Middle. I demonstrate that a strict analysis can overcome the trouble if couched in a bilateral dynamic setting that properly extends the familiar Ramsey test for accepting conditionals to other iffy attitudes, most importantly the one of rejecting a conditional. The resulting framework accommodates the appeal of Stalnaker's thesis as well as of Conditional Excluded Middle in a strict setting. A discussion of how to handle the probability of epistemically modalized conditionals and of compounds of conditionals is provided.