bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retention forestry can maintain epiphytic lichens on living pine trees, but provides impoverished habitat for deadwood‐associated lichens
Authors: Nirhamo Aleksi , Hämäläinen Aino , Hämäläinen Karoliina , Kouki Jari
Published: August 2024

Managing forests for timber yields reduces the amounts of old trees and deadwood, which has profound effects on species that are dependent on them. Retention forestry, where some trees are permanently left unharvested on clear‐cut sites, may enable the formation of deadwood and old trees in managed forests, but it is unresolved how well these practices facilitate the occurrence of species in managed forests, especially in the long term.

We studied the capacity of tree retention practices to support the diversity of epiphytic lichens, a key group among threatened forest species. We compared lichen assemblages on retained trees in harvested sites to those on trees in unharvested control sites. The data were collected 21‐year post‐harvest and included living trees, snags (standing dead trees) and logs (fallen trees) of Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine).

Living trees, snags and logs each hosted distinct lichen communities. The highest lichen diversity was found on snags.

On living trees, species richness was similar in harvested and unharvested sites, but there was slight species turnover. In contrast, deadwood in unharvested sites hosted higher species richness and distinct species assemblages compared to deadwood in harvested sites. These differences were most pronounced on snags. Specifically, unharvested sites contained high‐longevity snags (kelo trees), which hosted unique lichen communities with higher lichen richness than any other studied substrate, including the highest numbers of red‐listed and deadwood‐dependent species.

Synthesis and applications. Retention forestry can support lichen assemblages associated with living Pinus sylvestris. However, maintaining deadwood‐associated lichen diversity through retention practices entails significant challenges. Deadwood‐associated lichen diversity relies on high‐longevity snags and is not sustained by the habitats provided in retention forestry. Biodiversity maintenance in forest management requires comprehensive provision of the habitat features of unmanaged forests, such as a qualitatively representative deadwood profile, which can prove difficult.
Evolutionary diversity impacts tropical forest biomass and productivity through disturbance‐mediated ecological pathways
Authors: Borges Erica Rievrs , Réjou‐Méchain Maxime , Gourlet‐Fleury Sylvie , Vincent Grégoire , Mortier Frédéric , Bry Xaxier , Cornu Guillaume , Baya Fidèle , Allah‐Barem Félix , Pélissier Raphaël
Published: August 2024

Significant research efforts have been made to uncover links between biodiversity and biomass productivity in forest ecosystems. However, the causal link between these two ecosystem components, and the underlying mediation role of disturbance, are yet poorly understood for hyper‐diverse tropical forests, because multiple ecological mechanisms are sequentially or simultaneously in play, leading to contradictory results in observational studies.

Here, we introduce a novel framework for inferring the expected effects of evolutionary diversity on biomass stocks and productivity within forest ecosystems using observational field data. This framework involves an analytical decomposition of stand biomass into three key components: the number of trees, the mean size of trees and the mean wood density. Through this approach, we can distinguish structure‐ and compositional‐based diversity effects, which likely have distinct ecological origins. We tested this framework in one of the oldest tropical forest experiments, where different levels of silvicultural disturbances were applied in the 1980s, with regular monitoring since then.

Our results revealed that disturbance history mediates the effect of evolutionary diversity on forest biomass dynamics and that several Biodiversity Ecosystem Function (BEF) relationships may be hidden behind the composite biomass variable. We specifically found an overall significant negative relationship between evolutionary diversity and biomass productivity soon after disturbances (~5–8 years), mostly via mean tree size, despite a positive evolutionary diversity effect on mean wood density. This result reflects that the productivity of disturbed forests is driven by a few dominant and disturbance‐prone species with low wood density and large potential stature, and not by niche complementarity among species. However, these effects rapidly vanished with time, with non‐significant overall effect of evolutionary diversity on productivity both ~30 years after disturbance and in the undisturbed plots.

Synthesis. By disentangling the effects of evolutionary diversity on the different components of forest biomass, our framework unveiled how evolutionary diversity impacts forest productivity through different ecological mechanisms, and suggests that it plays a major role, albeit mainly negative, only soon after a disturbance.
Improving forensic examiner decision‐making through deliberate practice
Authors: Almazrouei Mohammed A. , Houck Max
Published: August 2024

Forensic examiners make important decisions to address legal questions, yet there is now ample evidence that their decisions can be subjective and inconsistent. This commentary suggests that elements of deliberate practice may help in not only having more consistent forensic decisions but also toward expected accuracy. Specifically, four elements of deliberate practice: (1) setting a goal, (2) motivation, (3) feedback, and (4) repetition are outlined with examples for addressing issues of cognitive bias and managing stress at work. If any of these elements are missing, such as delayed or no feedback, then suboptimal or no improvement of examiners' decision‐making may result. This tool for deliberately improving decision‐making may be applicable to other legal professionals; thus, potentially driving policies that may help enhance the criminal justice system broadly.
Optimising central venous catheter placement by comparing cavoatrial junction position to chest X‐ray landmarks: A cross‐sectional study using CT chest reconstruction
Authors: Kandasamy Mayooran , Xue Stanley , McGregor Nigel , Xiang Hao
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Central venous catheter (CVC) tip placement guided by chest X‐ray (CXR) landmarks is currently prone to inconsistency and malpositioning. This study aims to better define the relationship between the cavoatrial junction (CAJ) and selected X‐ray landmarks.

Methods

Chest CTs of 100 patients were retrospectively assessed. CT images were converted to a ‘virtual CXR’ using a digital workstation, enabling simultaneous localisation of the CAJ and evaluation of CXR landmarks. Vertical distances between the CAJ and selected landmarks were measured for each patient. Measurements were assessed for correlation with age and compared between age groups and sexes.

Results

The mean vertical distance of the following landmarks above the CAJ was found: the carina (46.2 mm), the intersection of the bronchus intermedius and the right heart border (7.6 mm) and the superior inflection of the right heart border (Sup‐RHB) (13.0 mm). The maximum lateral bulge of the right heart border (Lat‐RHB) was 18.4 mm below the CAJ. A new landmark: the mid‐superior right heart border, defined as the mid‐point between the Sup‐RHB and Lat‐RHB, was the closest to the CAJ, lying 2.6 mm below the CAJ.

Conclusion

We propose that the CVC tip can be placed at the mid‐superior right heart border landmark.
A retrospective study of efficacy of tofacitinib combined with bDMARDs in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis patients with inadequate response to bDMARDs
Authors: Chang Jie , Wang Gang
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by synovial inflammation, joint swelling, and pain involving multiple joints. While biologic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) and targeted synthetic DMARDs (tsDMARDs) are popular treatments for RA, there is limited research on their combined use. This study examined a cohort of RA patients who demonstrated inadequate response to bDMARDs and subsequently initiated combination therapy with tofacitinib and bDMARDs, assessing both the efficacy and safety profile of this therapeutic approach.

Methods

In this study, we retrospectively collected the electronic medical records (EMR) of 62 adult patients with RA who were admitted to the Fourth Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine between August 2018 and December 2022. All patients had received at least one bDMARD treatment for more than 3 months and still exhibited moderate‐to‐high disease activity. Tofacitinib 5 mg bid was added to their original biological treatment in 28 cases, and other 34 cases switched to another bDMARD or tsDMARD as control group. Treatment was continued for 24 weeks following the initiation of combination therapy. Changes in DAS28‐ESR and ACR20, 50, 70 response rates at week 24 were collected and analyzed from baseline, while changes in C‐reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) at weeks 4, 8, 12, 24 were also collected and analyzed.

Results

After 24 weeks of treatment, the DAS28‐ESR score in combined treatment group decreased significantly from a baseline of 5.26 ± 0.90 (3.87–8.31) to 2.67 ± 0.86 (1.41–5.11), with remission achieved by 19 patients (67.9%) and low disease activity achieved by five patients (17.9%). The DAS28‐ESR in the control group exhibited a decrease from 5.20 ± 0.77 (3.87–7.23) at baseline to 3.25 ± 1.29 (1.54–5.69). In all, 13 patients (38.2%) achieved remission, while another 11 patients (32.4%) achieved low disease activity. The ACR20, 50, 70 response rates were 85.71%, 75%, and 39.29% in the combined treatment group, whereas it were 75.0%, 53.57%, 21.43% in the control group. Additionally, both ESR and CRP levels decreased significantly during the course of treatment without any reported adverse events leading to discontinuation.

Conclusion

Our findings offer some evidence, supporting the effectiveness and safety of combining bDMARD with JAKi tofacitinib in RA patients who have an inadequate response to bDMARD monotherapy. This combination effectively manages disease activity while maintaining a relatively low and manageable incidence of adverse events. Further prospective randomized controlled trials with large sample sizes are anticipated to provide evidence‐based medical support.
Periodic protein‐restricted diets extend the lifespan of high‐fat diet‐induced Drosophila melanogaster males
Authors: Wang Ruohua , Zhu Qiushuang , Huang He , Yang Mengxia , Wang Xinyue , Dong Yuanjie , Li Yuqiao , Guan Yue , Zhong Lei , Niu Yucun
Published: August 2024

Research has shown that sustained protein restriction can improve the effects of a high‐fat diet on health and extend lifespan. However, long‐term adherence to a protein‐restricted diet is challenging. Therefore, we used a fly model to investigate whether periodic protein restriction (PPR) could also mitigate the potential adverse effects of a high‐fat diet and extend healthy lifespan. Our study results showed that PPR reduced body weight, lipid levels, and oxidative stress induced by a high‐fat diet in flies and significantly extended the healthy lifespan of male flies. Lipid metabolism and transcriptome results revealed that the common differences between the PPR group and the control group and high‐fat group showed a significant decrease in palmitic acid in the PPR group; the enriched common differential pathways Toll and Imd were significantly inhibited in the PPR group. Further analysis indicated a significant positive correlation between palmitic acid levels and gene expression in the Toll and Imd pathways. This suggests that PPR effectively improves fruit fly lipid metabolism, reduces palmitic acid levels, and thereby suppresses the Toll and Imd pathways to extend the healthy lifespan of flies. Our study provides a theoretical basis for the long‐term effects of PPR on health and offers a new dietary adjustment option for maintaining health in the long term.
Refining the scope of genetic influences on alcohol misuse through environmental stratification and gene–environment interaction
Authors: Savage Jeanne E. , de Leeuw Christiaan A. , Werme Josefin ,   Spit for Science Working Group, Dick Danielle M. , Posthuma Danielle , van der Sluis Sophie
Published: August 2024

Background

Gene–environment interaction (G × E) is likely an important influence shaping individual differences in alcohol misuse (AM), yet it has not been extensively studied in molecular genetic research. In this study, we use a series of genome‐wide gene–environment interaction (GWEIS) and in silico annotation methods with the aim of improving gene identification and biological understanding of AM.

Methods

We carried out GWEIS for four AM phenotypes in the large UK Biobank sample (N = 360,314), with trauma exposure and socioeconomic status (SES) as moderators of the genetic effects. Exploratory analyses compared stratified genome‐wide association (GWAS) and GWEIS modeling approaches. We applied functional annotation, gene‐ and gene‐set enrichment, and polygenic score analyses to interpret the GWEIS results.

Results

GWEIS models showed few genetic variants with significant interaction effects across gene–environment pairs. Enrichment analyses identified moderation by SES of the genes NOXA1, DLGAP1, and UBE2L3 on drinking quantity and the gene IFIT1B on drinking frequency. Except for DLGAP1, these genes have not previously been linked to AM. The most robust results (GWEIS interaction p = 4.59e‐09) were seen for SES moderating the effects of variants linked to immune‐related genes on a pattern of drinking with versus without meals.

Conclusions

Our results highlight several genes and a potential mechanism of immune system functioning behind the moderating effect of SES on the genetic influences on AM. Although GWEIS seems to be a preferred approach over stratified GWAS, modeling G × E effects at the molecular level remains a challenge even in large samples. Understanding these effects will require substantial effort and more in‐depth phenotypic measurement.
A sense of urgency: Trait impulsivity in co‐occurring bipolar and alcohol use disorder
Authors: Brand Kaiya , Mellick William , Tolliver Bryan , Prisciandaro James J.
Published: August 2024

Background

Bipolar disorder (BD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) often co‐occur, with BD + AUD characterized by higher levels of impulsivity relative to either disorder alone. Emotional facets of impulsivity (e.g., “urgency,” measured by the UPPS‐P), however, remain underexplored in this population and could have distinct associations with clinical correlates.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study used a two‐by‐two (BDxAD) factorial design, including groups with BD + AD (n = 28), BD (n = 29), AD (n = 28), and healthy controls (HC) (n = 27), to identify between‐group differences among the five subscales of the UPPS‐P. Associations of UPPS‐P subscales with Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) total scores and clinical variables of interest were also examined.

Results

BD + AD had the highest scores for every UPPS‐P subscale but Sensation Seeking, with the Positive and Negative Urgency subscales having the largest main effects for both BD and AD. BIS‐11 total scores were most correlated with the urgency subscales of the UPPS‐P. Negative Urgency was found to be uniquely relevant to clinical measures in the BD + AD group. Rapid cycling was associated with both urgency subscales and BIS‐11 scores, and the Alcohol Dependence Scale was most correlated with the Premeditation subscale.

Limitations

Cross sectional design and predominantly white sample.

Conclusions

Unlike the BIS‐11, UPPS‐P is able to distinguish emotional from nonemotional facets of impulsivity, something especially relevant to people with co‐occurring BD + AD, where fluid emotionality is a key part of symptom presentation. For this reason, the UPPS‐P should be utilized in future studies and clinical settings measuring trait impulsivity in this population.
Mandatory disclosure of key audit matters and the choice of earnings management
Authors: Chen Xiaoqi , Li Maoliang , Nduakoh Dorcas , Yau Ling Na Belinda
Published: August 2024

This paper examines client managers' earnings management choices following the adoption of mandatory reporting on key audit matters in the UK. Using a difference‐in‐differences design, we find that managers engage less in accrual‐based earnings management and more in real earnings management after the introduction of key audit matter (KAM) reporting. With textual data, we show that the disclosure characteristics (such as specificity, similarity, readability and length) and types of KAMs also affect the choice of earnings management. The decrease in accrual‐based earnings management is eclipsed by the increase in real earnings management; thus, total earnings management does not change significantly.
Does the presence of executives with a marketing background affect stock price crash risk?
Authors: Jin Yu , Wang Rui , Zhang Yi , Li Zhongze
Published: August 2024

This paper investigates how marketing executives influence stock price (SP) crash risk from a corporate governance perspective. We find that firms with a higher percentage of marketing executives tend to experience SP crashes. Our mechanism analysis reveals that marketing executives contribute to this risk by exacerbating agency costs and lowering the quality of information disclosure. Furthermore, the impact of marketing executive influence is particularly prominent when the firm's analyst coverage is extensive, industry market competition is low, and the legal and investor protection environment is weak. These findings highlight the significant impact of marketing executive power on a company's stock market performance. They provide valuable insights for improving corporate governance of Chinese listed companies and strengthening investor protection in China's capital market.
Exploring learning characteristics and progression of GP trainees based in regional, rural and remote settings: A qualitative study
Authors: Anderson Emily , Gurney Tiana , Young Louise , O'Sullivan Belinda , McArthur Lawrie , McGrail Matthew , Hollins Aaron
Published: August 2024

Objective

Globally, most doctors train and work in metropolitan areas but a key strategy for developing the rural health workforce is expanding rural training. The aim of this study was to describe the scope and quality of learning along with skill acquisition of GP trainees based in regional, rural, and remote settings.

Setting

Regional, rural and remote settings in Queensland Australia excluding Brisbane.

Participants

Thirty‐seven general practice trainees who had undertaken their first community placement were recruited from regional, rural and remote learning settings within Queensland.

Design

Qualitative descriptive methodology based on constructionist epistemology was employed which allowed for the exploration of current GP trainees' experiences. Trainees were interviewed and data were thematically analysed as to the scope and quality of learning by the setting of training. Learning experiences were then mapped against the Dreyfus and Dreyfus model to explore skill acquisition.

Results

In terms of the scope and quality of learning, rural and remote trainees mainly focused on the diverse and unique (sometimes challenging) experiences their setting offered compared with regionally based trainees. Mapping of the trainee comments to the Dreyfus model of skill acquisition demonstrated that regardless of setting, equivalent learning occurred by GP trainees.

Conclusions

This exploratory study provides evidence that rural and remote learning may provide a more diverse and challenging experience. It suggests an equivalence of quality of education and skill acquisition across settings rural, regional and remote. This suggests that the training distribution policies may not disadvantage GP trainees and the scope and quality of more remote learning may increase uptake of remote placements.
Subcutaneous adipose tissue: Implications in dermatological diseases and beyond
Authors: Ziadlou Reihane , Pandian Ganesh N. , Hafner Jürg , Akdis Cezmi A. , Stingl Georg , Maverakis Emanual , Brüggen Marie‐Charlotte
Published: August 2024

Subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) is the deepest component of the three‐layered cutaneous integument. While mesenteric adipose tissue‐based immune processes have gained recognition in the context of the metabolic syndrome, SAT has been traditionally considered primarily for energy storage, with less attention to its immune functions. SAT harbors a reservoir of immune and stromal cells that significantly impact metabolic and immunologic processes not only in the skin, but even on a systemic level. These processes include wound healing, cutaneous and systemic infections, immunometabolic, and autoimmune diseases, inflammatory skin diseases, as well as neoplastic conditions. A better understanding of SAT immune functions in different processes, could open avenues for novel therapeutic interventions. Targeting SAT may not only address SAT‐specific diseases but also offer potential treatments for cutaneous or even systemic conditions. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview on SAT's structure and functions, highlight recent advancements in understanding its role in both homeostatic and pathological conditions within and beyond the skin, and discuss the main questions for future research in the field.
What alters prognosis in patients who were operated for lung cancer with lymph node metastasis?
Authors: Cimenoglu Berk , Ozdemir Attila , Buz Mesut , Dogruyol Talha , Turan Nedim , Demirhan Recep
Published: August 2024

Introduction

In this study, we investigated the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent surgery with proven lymph node metastasis.

Methods

Patients who were operated for lung cancer with pN1 or pN2 were examined in the study. The clinicopathological features and survival of the subjects were evaluated according to pN1‐pN2 status, presence of neoadjuvant treatment, Positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET/CT) avidity on mediastinal lymph nodes and specific lymph node stations.

Results

The study examines 100 patients operated from January 2016 to December 2021. Number of cases with pN1 and pN2 disease were 45 (45%) and 55 (55%) respectively. Thirty (30%) patients received neoadjuvant treatment. The 5‐year overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) of the patients were computed as 42.5% and 42.4% correspondingly. The 5‐year cancer‐related survival was 55.3%. In pN2 cohort, 5‐year DFS was 67.9% in the neoadjuvant group and 15.9% in the non‐neoadjuvant group (P = 0.042). In non‐neoadjuvant group, 5‐year DFS was 19.9% in cases with mediastinal PET/CT avidity and 56.3% in patients without mediastinal PET/CT avidity (P = 0.018). In pN2 disease, the presence of subcarinal or paratracheal lymph node metastasis did not create a significant difference in 5‐year OS or DFS, but pulmonary ligament lymph node metastasis was found to be linked with worse survival in both 5‐year OS (P = 0.005) and DFS (P = 0.017).

Conclusion

The main elements related with poor prognosis were absence of neoadjuvant treatment and pulmonary ligament lymph node metastasis in pN2 disease, detecting PET/CT avid mediastinal lymph nodes in non‐neoadjuvant group.
Outcomes of rectal cancer treatment in rural Australia and New Zealand: analysis of the bowel cancer outcomes registry
Authors: Murshed Ishmam , Dinger Tessa L. , de Gaay Fortman Duveke P. E. , Traeger Luke , Bedrikovetski Sergei , Hunter Andrew , Kroon Hidde M. , Sammour Tarik
Published: August 2024

Background

The demographics and geography of Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), with few metropolitan centres and vast, sparsely populated rural areas, represent a challenge to providing equal care to all patients. This study aimed to compare rectal cancer care at rural and urban hospitals in ANZ.

Methods

From the Bowel Cancer Outcomes Registry (BCOR, formerly known as the Bi‐National Colorectal Cancer Audit; BCCA), rectal cancer patients treated between 2007 and 2020 were compared based on hospital location (urban versus rural). Propensity‐score matching was performed to correct for differences in baseline characteristics between groups.

Results

A total of 9385 rectal cancer patients were identified from the BCOR: 1329 (14.2%) were treated at rural hospitals and 8056 (85.8%) at urban hospitals. Propensity‐score matching resulted in 889 patients in each group, matched for age, ASA score, hospital type (public/private), tumour height from the anal verge, and pre‐treatment cT‐ and cAJCC‐stage. Rural patients had fewer pre‐treatment MRIs (67.9% versus 74.7%; P = 0.002), and underwent less neoadjuvant therapy (44.7% versus 50.9%; P = 0.01). Rural patients underwent fewer ULARs (39.4% versus 45.6%; P = 0.03), and fewer anastomoses were formed (67.9% versus 74.4%; P = 0.05). CRM rates and postoperative AJCC stages (P = 0.19) were similar between groups (P = 0.87). Fewer rural patients received adjuvant chemotherapy (37.8% versus 43.3%; P = 0.02).

Conclusion

There are significant differences in pre‐treatment MRI rates, (neo)adjuvant treatment rates and surgical procedures performed between rectal cancer patients treated at rural and urban hospitals in ANZ, while CRM rates and postoperative AJCC stages are similar.
Challenges around diagnosis of early onset colorectal cancer, and the case for screening
Authors: Waddell Oliver , Keenan Jacqueline , Frizelle Frank
Published: August 2024

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed cancer in the world, with an estimated 1.93 million cases diagnosed in 2020. While the overall CRC incidence in many countries is falling there has been a dramatic increase in CRC in those aged under 50 (early onset colorectal cancer, EOCRC). The reason for this increase in EOCRC is unknown. As the best predictor of survival is stage at diagnosis, early diagnosis is likely to be beneficial and population screening may facilitate this.

Methods

A narrative review of the literature was undertaken.

Results

Improving time to diagnosis in symptomatic patients is beneficial. However, by the time symptoms develop, over a third of patients already have metastatic disease. Screening asymptomatic patients (with Faecal Immunochemical test (FIT) and colonoscopy) has been proved to be effective in older patients (>60 years). In younger populations, the decreasing incidence rates of CRC previously made cost effectiveness, compliance and therefore benefit questionable. Now, with the increasing incidence of CRC in those under 50 years of age, modelling suggests screening with FIT and colonoscopy is cost effective from 40 years of age. There is evidence that some countries screening below 50 have prevented the rise in EOCRC incidence. Additionally the use of new and novel non‐invasive biomarkers may also be able to improve the accuracy of screening asymptomatic patients.

Conclusion

Diagnosis of EOCRC once symptoms develop is often too late, and screening patients from age 40 is the best way to improve outcomes in this group.
HERC5: a comprehensive in silico analysis of its diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potential in cancer
Authors: Sun Xianqing , Qiu Peng , He Zhennan , Zhu Yuan , Zhang Rui , Li Xiang , Wang Xiaoyan
Published: August 2024

HERC5, a vital protein in the HERC family, plays crucial roles in immune response, cancer progression, and antiviral defense. This bioinformatic study comprehensively assessed HERC5's significance across various malignancies by analyzing its gene expression, immune and molecular subtype expressions, target proteins, biological functions, and prognostic and diagnostic values in pan‐cancer. We further examined its correlation with clinical features, co‐expressed and differentially expressed genes, and prognosis in clinical subgroups, focusing on endometrial cancer (UCEC). Our findings showed that HERC5 RNA is expressed at low levels in most cancers and significantly differs across immune and molecular subtypes. HERC5 accurately predicts cancer and correlates with most cancer prognoses. In UCEC, HERC5 was significantly associated with age, hormonal status, clinical stage, treatment status, and metastasis. Elevated HERC5 expression was linked to worse progression‐free interval, disease‐specific survival, and overall survival in UCEC, particularly in diverse clinical subgroups. Significant differences in HERC5 expression were also observed in various human cancer cell line validations. In summary, HERC5 may be a critical biomarker for pan‐cancer prognosis, progression, and diagnosis, as well as a promising new target for cancer therapy.
Letter: The use of large language models as medical chatbots in digestive diseases
Authors: Daungsupawong Hinpetch , Wiwanitkit Viroj
Published: August 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Giuffrè et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18058
Not our kind of crowd! How partisan bias distorts perceptions of political bots on Twitter (now X)
Authors: Lüders Adrian , Reiss Stefan , Dinkelberg Alejandro , MacCarron Pádraig , Quayle Michael
Published: August 2024

Social bots, employed to manipulate public opinion, pose a novel threat to digital societies. Existing bot research has emphasized technological aspects while neglecting psychological factors shaping human–bot interactions. This research addresses this gap within the context of the US‐American electorate. Two datasets provide evidence that partisanship distorts (a) online users' representation of bots, (b) their ability to identify them, and (c) their intentions to interact with them. Study 1 explores global bot perceptions on through survey data from N = 452 Twitter (now X) users. Results suggest that users tend to attribute bot‐related dangers to political adversaries, rather than recognizing bots as a shared threat to political discourse. Study 2 (N = 619) evaluates the consequences of such misrepresentations for the quality of online interactions. In an online experiment, participants were asked to differentiate between human and bot profiles. Results indicate that partisan leanings explained systematic judgement errors. The same data suggest that participants aim to avoid interacting with bots. However, biased judgements may undermine this motivation in praxis. In sum, the presented findings underscore the importance of interdisciplinary strategies that consider technological and human factors to address the threats posed by bots in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Childhood glaucoma: Implications for genetic counselling
Authors: Maxwell Giorgina , Souzeau Emmanuelle
Published: August 2024

Childhood glaucoma is a heterogeneous group of ocular disorders defined by an age of onset from birth to 18 years. These vision‐threatening disorders require early diagnosis, timely treatment, and lifelong management to maintain vision and minimise irreversible blindness. The genetics of childhood glaucoma is complex with both phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity. The purpose of this review is to summarise the different types of childhood glaucoma and their genetic architecture to aid in the genetic counselling process with patients and their families. We provide an overview of associated syndromes and discuss implications for genetic counselling, including genetic testing strategies, cascade genetic testing, and reproductive options.
Expanding the genetic landscape of Usher syndrome type IV caused by pathogenic ARSG variants
Authors: Bauwens Miriam , De Man Vincent , Audo Isabelle , Balikova Irina , Zein Wadih M. , Smirnov Vasily , Held Sebastian , Vermeer Sascha , Loos Elke , Jacob Julie , Casteels Ingele , Désir Julie , Depasse Fanny , Van de Sompele Stijn , Van Heetvelde Mattias , De Bruyne Marieke , Andrieu Camille , Condroyer Christel , Antonio Aline , Hufnagel Robert B. , Carvalho Ana Luísa , Marques João Pedro , Zeitz Christina , De Baere Elfride , Damme Markus
Published: August 2024

Usher syndrome (USH) is the most common cause of deafblindness. USH is autosomal recessively inherited and characterized by rod‐cone dystrophy or retinitis pigmentosa (RP), often accompanied by sensorineural hearing loss. Variants in >15 genes have been identified as causative for clinically and genetically distinct subtypes. Among the ultra‐rare and recently discovered genes is ARSG, coding for the lysosomal sulfatase Arylsulfatase G. This subtype was assigned as “USH IV” with a late onset of RP and usually late‐onset progressive SNHL without vestibular involvement. Here, we describe nine new subjects and the clinical description of four cases with the USH IV phenotype bearing seven novel and two known pathogenic variants. Functional experiments indicated the complete loss of sulfatase enzymatic activity upon ectopic expression of mutated ARSG cDNA. Interestingly, we identified a homozygous missense variant, p.(Arg99His), previously described in dogs with neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Our study expands the genetic landscape of ARSG‐USH IV and the number of known subjects by more than 30%. These findings highlight that USH IV likely has been underdiagnosed and emphasize the need to test molecularly unresolved subjects with deafblindness syndrome. Finally, testing of ARSG should be considered for the genetic work‐up of apparent isolated inherited retinal diseases.
Preparation and characterisation of pH‐responsive indicator ink for pork freshness monitoring
Authors: Hu Haichuan , Wang Jianqiang , Sun Haolin , Chen Yuheng , Chen Jinghua
Published: August 2024

This study developed an intelligent indicator ink based on purple potato anthocyanin to detect the freshness of pork. The ink was composed of waterborne acrylic resin as a binder, with added additives such as dimethyl silicone oil, sodium polyacrylate and ethanol to improve its performance. Testing was conducted on the initial drying, viscosity, fineness, fluidity and stability of the ink, and all performance criteria met the requirements. Gradient solutions with pH 2–12 were dropped onto the ink to test their discoloration ability, which exhibited significant changes in colour with the difference in pH solutions. The indicator ink was applied to monitor the freshness of pork. After 7 days of storage at 4°C, the total volatile basic nitrogen content of the pork was higher than 25 mg/100 g, and the total number of bacteria was >9 log(CFU/g), indicating that the pork had gone rotten. The colour of the indicator ink shifted from purple to purplish blue and ultimately became deep blue. The results showed that the indicator ink provided an effective colour response in the process of pork deterioration, allowing for visual detection of its freshness.
Eculizumab as Salvage Treatment for Thrombotic Microangiopathy After Lung Transplantation
Authors: Trujillo Hernando , Huerta Ana , Alonso Rodrigo , Serrano Maria Luisa , Aguilar Myriam , Morales Enrique , Cavero Teresa
Published: August 2024

Background

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a rare complication after lung transplantation (LT) that has seldom been characterized in detail. Recent evidence has linked TMA other than primary atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) with hyperactivation of the complement alternative pathway. The focus of this investigation was to analyze the treatment response with eculizumab in TMA after LT.

Methods

Case series where we have studied 11 patients with TMA after LT from 2 Spanish tertiary healthcare centers. Clinical data and response rates to eculizumab are provided.

Results

The main indication for lung transplant was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (36%) and most cases (82%) received bilateral LT. The median time to TMA diagnosis was 11.6 months (4.7–28.9) and the TMA trigger in the majority of cases (73%) was immunosuppressive drugs. Platelet and hemoglobin nadir were 58 × 103/µL (24–108) and 7.7 g/dL (7.1–7.9), respectively. All cases presented acute kidney injury (AKI) with a median creatinine of 4 mg/dL (3.2–4.8) and 54.5% required acute dialysis. Eculizumab was started after a median time of 8 days (6–14) with a median duration of 3 weeks (2–8). Complete TMA response was observed in 7 (63.6%) cases and hematologic response in 10 (90.9%). The time to hematologic and renal response was 23 days (13–29) and 28 days (14–46), respectively.

Conclusions

TMA after LT is infrequent but potentially devastating. Our findings suggest that short cycles of eculizumab may be effective for severe TMA after LT.
Patterns of pharmacogenetic variation in nine biogeographic groups
Authors: Hernandez Sophia , Hindorff Lucia A. , Morales Joannella , Ramos Erin M. , Manolio Teri A.
Published: August 2024

Frequencies of pharmacogenetic (PGx) variants are known to differ substantially across populations but much of the available PGx literature focuses on one or a few population groups, often defined in nonstandardized ways, or on a specific gene or variant. Guidelines produced by the Clinical Pharmacogenetic Implementation Consortium (CPIC) provide consistent methods of literature extraction, curation, and reporting, including comprehensive curation of allele frequency data across nine defined “biogeographic groups” from the PGx literature. We extracted data from 23 CPIC guidelines encompassing 19 genes to compare the sizes of the populations from each group and allele frequencies of altered function alleles across groups. The European group was the largest in the curated literature for 16 of the 19 genes, while the American and Oceanian groups were the smallest. Nearly 200 alleles were detected in nonreference groups that were not reported in the largest (reference) group. The genes CYP2B6 and CYP2C9 were more likely to have higher frequencies of altered function alleles in nonreference groups compared to the reference group, while the genes CYP4F2, DPYD, SLCO1B1, and UGT1A1 were less likely to have higher frequencies in nonreference groups. PGx allele frequencies and function differ substantially across nine biogeographic groups, all but two of which are underrepresented in available PGx data. Awareness of these differences and increased efforts to characterize the breadth of global PGx variation are needed to ensure that implementation of PGx‐guided drug selection does not further widen existing health disparities among populations currently underrepresented in PGx data.
Identificação de ingredientes de intervenções não invasivas para crianças deambuladoras com paralisia cerebral usando as minhas palavras favoritas: uma revisão de escopo
Authors: Leite Hércules Ribeiro , de Sousa Junior Ricardo Rodrigues , Souto Deisiane Oliveira , Medeiros e Silva Jaíza Marques , de Lima Arthur Felipe Barroso , de Miranda Drumond Carolyne , Policiano Eliane Beatriz Cunha , Marques Ariane Cristina , de Carvalho Chagas Paula Silva , Longo Egmar
Published: August 2024

Objetivo

Mapear os ingredientes das intervenções não invasivas fornecidas às crianças deambuladoras com Paralisia Cerebral (PC).

Método

Os artigos foram selecionados e as características dos estudos extraídas. Os ingredientes das intervenções foram descritos em termos do Sistema de Especificação de Taxonomia de Reabilitação (RTSS) e vinculados às minhas palavras favoritas. Os resultados foram interpretados e validados por meio da abordagem de Envolvimento de pacientes e do Publico em Pesquisa (EPP).

Resultados

Sessenta e um artigos foram incluídos, dos quais 55,5% foram classificados como ensaios clínicos randomizados. Os estudos selecionados incluíram um total de 2187 crianças (a idade média variou de 3 meses a 5,9 anos), a maioria de países desenvolvidos. Os estudos incluídos investigaram um total de 27 intervenções, que juntas apresentaram ingredientes representando todas as minhas palavras favoritas, na seguinte ordem de frequência: “Saúde” (ex., treinamento de força e resistência), “Funcionalidade” (ex., prática ativa e repetitiva de uma tarefa), “Família” (ex., terapia focada no contexto), “Diversão” (ex., inclusão de atividades amistosas para crianças), “Amigos” (ex., atividades em grupo) e “Futuro” (ex., compartilhamento de informações didáticas). Assim, os ingredientes relacionados à palavra “Futuro” foram os relatados com menos frequência.

Interpretação

Terapeutas e famílias precisam estar cientes da correspondência mais apropriada entre as metas elencadas por meio das minhas palavras favoritas e os objetivos, ingredientes e alvos das intervenções. Finalmente, “Diversão”, “Amigos” e “Futuro” devem ser abordadas como desfechos potenciais em estudos futuros.
Genetic investigations in cerebral palsy
Authors: Basu Anna P. , Low Karen , Ratnaike Thiloka , Rowitch David
Published: August 2024

The original description of cerebral palsy (CP) contained case histories suggesting that perinatal environmental stressors resulted in brain injury and neurodevelopmental disability. While there are clear associations between environmental impact on brain development and CP, recent studies indicate an 11% to 40% incidence of monogenic conditions in patients given a diagnosis of CP. A genetic diagnosis supports the delivery of personalized medicine. In this review, we describe how the Wnt pathway exemplifies our understanding of pathophysiology related to a gene variant (CTNNB1) found in some children diagnosed with CP. We cover studies undertaken to establish the baseline prevalence of monogenic conditions in populations attending CP clinics. We list factors indicating increased likelihood of a genomic diagnosis; and we highlight the need for a comprehensive, accurate, genotype–phenotype reference data set to aid variant interpretation in CP cohorts. We also consider the wider societal implications of genomic management of CP including significance of the diagnostic label, benefits and pitfalls of a genetic diagnosis, logistics, and cost.
Can parasitoid strains from different hosts and over four generations modify the chemotactic behavior and parasitism of Aphidius platensis?
Authors: Ribeiro dos Santos Carlos Diego , Sant'Ana Josué , Redaelli Luiza Rodrigues , Engel Priscila de Carvalho , Menezes Valentim Taís Tainá de
Published: August 2024

Aphidius platensis Brèthes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a parasitoid of cereal aphids. Its foraging, recognition, and host acceptance processes may be related to chemical cues inherited from the host during development. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the maternal host, that is, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) (Rp), Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) (Sg) (from the Aphidini tribe), Metopolophium dirhodum Walker (Md), and Sitobion avenae (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) (from the Macrosiphini tribe) (all Hemiptera: Aphididae) on parasitism and chemotactic responses of A. platensis. Parasitism by A. platensis was investigated in non‐choice bioassays along four generations, as well as in choice bioassays. Females originating from a S. graminum laboratory colony (SgLab) were reared for four generations on all four aphid species. Chemotaxis experiments were conducted in a four‐armed olfactometer with two A. platensis strains: one originated from SgLab and another after three generations on Rp (RpF4), both exposed to the four aphid species simultaneously. The highest SgLab A. platensis parasitism rates, in both choice and non‐choice tests, were observed on S. graminum, followed by R. padi and S. avenae. No parasitized hosts were found in M. dirhodum. Furthermore, SgLab A. platensis exhibited a stronger attraction to the odors emitted by S. graminum. However, after the third generation on R. padi (RpF4), A. platensis behavior altered, displaying a preference for R. padi over S. graminum, both in terms of parasitism and chemotactic responses. In conclusion, A. platensis showed a preference for hosts within the Aphidini tribe, indicating innate affinities. Nevertheless, its preference can be modified within this tribe based on the chemical cues inherited from the host during development.
Fall armyworm females choose host plants that are detrimental to their offspring's performance but young larvae amend their mother's choices
Authors: Ortiz‐Carreón Fabián R. , Bernal Julio S. , Rojas Julio C. , Cruz‐López Leopoldo , Kolomiets Michael V. , Malo Edi A.
Published: August 2024

Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), has a long association with maize (Zea mays mays L., Poaceae) and is among the crop's most significant pests worldwide. We contrasted the preference for and performance of FAW on three maize cultivars: the Mexican landrace Tuxpeño, the USA inbred B73 and B73‐lox10; B73‐lox10 is deficient in production of jasmonic acid (JA), green leaf volatiles (GLVs) and herbivore‐induced plant volatiles (HIPVs). Female oviposition and neonate colonization preferences were assessed in triple‐choice tests in greenhouse settings. Performance was assessed on the bases of larval, pupal and adult weights, larval and pupal development times, and adult longevity. We expected females to preferentially oviposit on plants on which their offspring performed best, and neonates to randomly colonize plants because they disperse aerially, presumably oriented solely by wind currents. Females preferred to oviposit on Tuxpeño plants, followed by B73‐lox10 and B73 plants, whereas their offspring performed best on B73‐lox10 and poorest on Tuxpeño. In contrast, neonates preferentially colonized plants on which they performed best, B73‐lox10, though initially and transiently they colonized plants on which they performed poorly, B73 and Tuxpeño. Altogether, our results showed that FAW females preferred to oviposit on maize plants on which their offspring's performance was poorest (Tuxpeño), and neonates preferentially colonized plants on which their own performance was best (B73‐lox10), though they initially colonized plants that were detrimental to their performance (Tuxpeño, B73). These results suggested that the ovipositional choices of FAW mothers are uncoupled from their offspring's performance, but newborn offspring rectified their mother's sub‐optimal host plant choice by colonizing plants that enhanced their own performance. Notably, these results also suggested that aerially dispersing (ballooning) FAW larvae do not colonize plants randomly, and that plant volatiles (GLVs, HIPVs) and JA may be relevant to host plant selection by ballooning larvae.