bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consensus Statements on Assessments and Vaccinations Prior to Commencement of Advanced Therapies for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Leong Rupert W. , Sakiris Anthony , Arzivian Arteen , Chetwood John David , Chaemsupaphan Thanaboon , Sparrow Miles P. , Kamm Michael A. , Kariayawasam Viraj ,   For the Australian IBD Consensus Working Group
Published: October 2024

Background

Given the introduction of new advanced therapies for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), expanded risk mitigation strategies are essential.

Aims

To create a comprehensive set of statements on assessment procedures and vaccinations before starting monoclonal antibodies, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors or sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) modulators for IBD.

Methods

We examined literature, guidelines and drug product information regarding vaccination and assessment recommendations for initiating advanced IBD therapies. Using a modified Delphi approach, delegates voted anonymously on the acceptability of these statements prior to and following consensus discussion.

Results

We developed eight statements on the domains of infectious diseases screening, vaccinations and assessments prior to commencing JAK inhibitors and S1P modulators. Six statements received agreement. Pre‐advanced therapy screening for infectious diseases was established, and the vaccination protocol was revised. Malignancy, cardiovascular and thromboembolic risk assessments are necessary before initiating JAK inhibitors. Those starting S1P modulators need cardiac and ophthalmic assessments.

Conclusions

These consensus statements combine vaccination and assessments on the currently available advanced therapies for IBD as a single comprehensive document that may reduce IBD complications associated with use of advanced therapies. Knowledge gaps identified during the consensus process will provide further research opportunities.
Preserving white privileges in organizations: white fragility, white counterreactions, and institutional resistance
Authors: Wolgast Sima Nurali , Wolgast Martin
Published: October 2024

Racialized inequalities in organizations and workplaces are reproduced not only by the discrimination of non‐whites but also by behaviors among whites aimed at counteracting and resisting initiatives and measures aimed at achieving racial equality. On this background, the purpose of the present study was to empirically investigate expressions of white fragility, white counterreactions, and institutional resistance in organizational contexts in Sweden, as well as how these processes relate to system justificatory ideologies such as colorblind racism and meritocracy. In doing so, the study used a cross‐sectional design and a large sample (N = 2774) of adults from the Swedish labor market to test hypotheses about the investigated concepts. The results of the study provided support for the hypotheses that white fragility, white counterreactions, and institutional resistance are relevant concepts to the understanding of the racial dynamics and the reproduction of racialized inequalities in organizations also outside the North American context (in this case Sweden). In addition, the study shows that white fragility is positively associated with colorblind racism and belief in meritocracy and highlights the role of these ideologies in legitimizing and maintaining workplace inequalities.
Evaluation of the effect of CYP2D6 and OCT1 polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetics of tramadol: Implications for clinical safety and dose rationale in paediatric chronic pain
Authors: Healy Paul , Allegaert Karel , Della Pasqua Oscar
Published: October 2024

Aims

Our investigation aimed to assess the dose rationale of tramadol in paediatric patients considering the effect of CYP2D6/OCT1 polymorphisms on systemic exposure. Recommendations were made for the oral dose of tramadol to be used in a prospective study in children (3 months to < 18 years old) with chronic pain.

Methods

Intravenous pharmacokinetic and genotype data from neonatal patients (n = 46) were available for this analysis. The time course of tramadol and O‐desmethyltramadol (M1) concentrations was characterized using a nonlinear mixed effects approach in conjunction with extrapolation principles. Clinical trial simulations were then implemented to explore the effects of polymorphism, maturation and developmental growth on the disposition of tramadol and M1. Reported efficacious exposure range in adult subjects were used as reference.

Results

The pharmacokinetics of tramadol and M1 was characterized by a two‐compartment model. The total clearance of tramadol (CLPP) comprised CYP2D6‐mediated metabolism (CLPM) and other pathways (CLPO). Age‐related changes in CLPM, CLPO and M1 clearance (CLMO) were described by a sigmoid function, with CYP2D6 as a covariate on CLPP and CLPM,  and OCT1 on CLMO. Simulation scenarios including different CYP2D6/OCT1 combinations revealed that steady‐state concentrations are above the putative ranges for analgesia in >15% and >70% of subjects after doses of 3 and 8 mg/kg, respectively.

Conclusions

In the absence of genotyping, reference exposure ranges can be used to define the dose rationale for tramadol in paediatric chronic pain. However, a starting dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day should be considered, followed by stepwise titration to the desired analgesic response.
Resistance of Australian fish communities to drought and flood: implications for climate change and adaptations
Authors: Hansen Henry H. , Bergman Eva , Kopf Keller , Lindmark Max
Published: October 2024

Climate change‐induced extreme weather and related drought and flood conditions are heterogeneous across space and time. The variability in location, timing, and magnitude of rainfall can alter how species respond to the drought and flood disturbances. To further complicate this matter, when droughts end they are often followed by extreme flooding, which are rarely considered as a disturbance (Humphries et al. 2024), let alone assessed with its own heterogeneity. Consequently, it is difficult to quantify impacts on ecological communities across large spatiotemporal scales without considering flood‐drought disturbance characteristics in sequence (Burton et al. 2020). We hypothesized that native organisms have evolved resistance to withstand repeated cycles of drought‐flood disturbances, and that established non‐native species have adapted to persist in novel conditions. To test this, we fit spatiotemporal models of species occurrence with local rainfall patterns as covariates in the drought and flood impacted Murray‐Darling basin in Australia during the decade long Millenium Drought, and its recovery period. During these drought conditions, river‐floodplain organisms in the Murray‐Darling became localized in refugia that limited longitudinal and lateral connectivity (Bond et al. 2008), and following flooding the same organisms were exposed to dispersal and recruitment opportunities (Humphries et al. 2020), as well as to hypoxic blackwater events that lead to the mortality of aquatic organisms (Small et al. 2014). At the basin‐scale we found that the range size of most native and non‐native fishes were highly resistant to the extreme drought and post‐flood conditions. At local scales, species richness, or detection, actually increased under drought conditions. Both findings highlight the resistance of species to climate change driven extreme weather, which opens new questions on community adaptations.
Reduced Intensity Conditioning Prior Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Elderly DLBCL Patients
Authors: Strüßmann Tim , Hermes Philipp , Ihorst Gabriele , Finke Jürgen , Duque‐Afonso Jesús , Engelhardt Monika , Duyster Justus , Marks Reinhard
Published: October 2024

High‐dose chemotherapy (HDCT) followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is widely used in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma. HDCT/ASCT is associated with increased morbidity in elderly/unfit patients. We retrospectively evaluated the use of reduced intensity conditioning in DLBCL patients. Our study included 146 patients aged 60 years and older treated at our institution between 2005 and 2019; 86 patients received standard intensity conditioning (SI group) with BEAM or TEAM (BCNU or thiotepa, etoposide, cytarabine, melphalan). Sixty patients received reduced intensity high‐dose conditioning (RI group) with BM (BCNU, melphalan, 43.3%), TM (thiotepa, melphalan, 16.7%), BCNU or busulfan thiotepa (38.4%), or bendamustine melphalan (1.7%). Median follow‐up was 62.4 months. We observed comparable toxicities in the SI and RI groups. The cumulative incidence of relapse at 3 years was higher in the RI group (30.8% vs. 23.4%, p = 0.034). There was no difference in nonrelapse mortality (NRM). In univariate analyses, SI vs. RI conditioning resulted in superior progression‐free survival (PFS) (HR 1.80 CI 1.11–2.92, p = 0.017) but not in superior overall survival (OS) (HR 1.48 CI 0.86–2.56, p = 0.152). On multivariate analysis, we observed no difference in PFS (HR 0.74 CI 0.40–1.38, p = 0.345) and a trend toward better OS with RI conditioning (HR 0.45 CI 0.22–0.94, p = 0.032). Age 60–69 versus ≥ 70 years and remission prior to ASCT were the only factors predicting better PFS. Factors associated with better OS were RI conditioning, age 60–69 versus ≥ 70 years, ECOG 0 versus ≥ 1 performance status, bulky disease, and prior lines 1 versus ≥ 2. In conclusion, RI conditioning prior to ASCT may be feasible in elderly patients and led to a comparable outcome when corrected for several significant confounders.
Hemin‐induced platelet activation is regulated by the ACKR3 chemokine surface receptor and has implications for passivation of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques
Authors: Laspa Zoi , Dicenta‐Baunach Valerie , Schaale David , Sigle Manuel , Hochuli Ravi , Castor Tatsiana , Bayrak Alp , Harm Tobias , Müller Karin Anne Lydia , Pillaiyar Thanigaimalai , Laufer Stefan , Rohlfing Anne‐Katrin , Gawaz Meinrad Paul
Published: October 2024

In vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques, intraplaque hemorrhages (IPH) result in hemolysis of red blood cells and release of hemoglobin and free hemin. Hemin activates platelets and leads to thrombosis. Agonism of the inhibitory platelet receptor ACKR3 inhibits hemin‐dependent platelet activation and thrombus formation. To characterize the effect of hemin and ACKR3 agonism on isolated human platelets, multi‐color flow cytometry and classical experimental setup such as light transmission aggregometry and a flow chamber assay were used. Hemin induces platelet aggregation and ex vivo platelet‐dependent thrombus formation on immobilized collagen under a low shear rate of 500 s−1, indicating that free hemin is a strong activator of platelet‐dependent thrombosis. Recently, we described that ACKR3 is a prominent inhibitory receptor of platelet activation. Specific ACKR3 agonists but not conventional antiplatelet compounds such as COX‐1 inhibitor (indometacin), ADP‐receptor blocker (cangrelor), or PAR1 inhibitor (ML161) inhibit both hemin‐dependent aggregation and thrombus formation. To further characterize the effect of hemin on platelet subpopulations, we established a multi‐color flow cytometry assay. We found that hemin induces procoagulant (CD42bpos/PAC‐1neg/AnnexinVpos), aggregatory (CD42bpos/PAC‐1pos/AnnexinVneg), and inflammatory (CD42bpos/CXCR4pos/ACKR3pos/AnnexinVpos) platelet subpopulations. Treatment with ACKR3 agonists significantly decreased the formation of procoagulant and ACKR3pos platelets in response to hemin. We conclude that hemin is a strong activator for the formation of procoagulant platelets and thrombus formation which is dependent on the function of ACKR3. Activation of ACKR3 using specific agonists may offer a therapeutic strategy to regulate the vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaques in areas of IPH.
The enemy is inside: Feminists of color navigate the nonprofit industrial complex
Authors: Birk Manjeet
Published: October 2024

Based on interviews conducted with racialized and Indigenous activists in Vancouver, British Columbia, this article examines the structural racism that defines experiences of systemic exclusion in feminist nonprofit organizations. This article offers a critical methodological intervention in critical race studies and methods of interrogating systems of White supremacy. This article uses critical race theory's composite counter storytelling to build the character of Beti, who embodies the multiplicity of participants' experiences. This article spotlights the nonprofit industrial complex (NPIC) and its deep commitment to and reliance on institutional whiteness. Illustrating how the NPIC operates in and through Beti's life, I outline how whiteness cements the experiences of racialized activists and perpetuates a never‐ending cycle that maintains institutional whiteness at every level of the organization, preventing meaningful change.
Development and validation of the Child Hemophilia Treatment Experience Measure: A new observer‐reported outcome measure
Authors: Brod Meryl , Bushnell Donald M. , Busk Anne Kirstine , Neergaard Jesper Skov
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The Child Hemophilia Treatment Experience Measure (Child Hemo‐TEM) was developed to capture the treatment burden experience of children with haemophilia (CwH).

Aim

Describe the development of this novel haemophilia‐specific measure.

Methods

Interviews were conducted with clinical experts, CwH and CwH's caregivers. Interviews were analysed according to adapted grounded theory principles. Based on the analysis, a preliminary measure was developed and debriefed. Psychometric analyses were performed according to an a priori analysis plan using data collected in a cross‐sectional web survey and a final measure was generated.

Results

Interviews with four clinical experts, 25 CwH ages 8 to <12 years, and 25 caregivers of CwH <12 years were conducted. Concepts endorsed by ≥10% of CwH and caregivers were: adherence, ease of use, emotional impacts, physical impacts, treatment concerns, and interference with daily life. Cognitive debriefing assessments were conducted to ensure participant understanding and item relevance. Caregivers found the measure to be understandable, comprehensive, and relevant. However, several issues with CwH completing the measure were identified and it was decided to only develop an observer‐reported outcome version. Data for psychometric validation was collected in a web survey (N = 187). Item reduction dropped 12 items. Factor analysis generated a single, 7‐item, internally consistent (α = .855) factor, which consisted of items covering all relevant a priori concepts. The majority of a priori convergent and all known groups validity hypotheses were confirmed.

Conclusions

The study findings provide evidence that the Child Hemo‐TEM is a brief, well‐designed, and valid and reliable measure of haemophilia treatment burden.
Immunoglobulin A nephropathy is not what it used to be!
Authors: Swaminathan Shriram , Chacko Bobby
Published: October 2024

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy is the most common primary glomerulonephritis worldwide and thought to be a benign disease. Recent literature review would suggest otherwise, with outcomes remaining generally poor. Few patients do not progress to kidney failure in their lifetime even in population groups previously thought to be low risk. The previously established treatment approach predominantly focuses on supportive care through renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibition and steroid‐based immunosuppression in selected cases. However, recent advances in the understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying this disease process have allowed for the development of new target therapies. This brief review provides an overview of improved understanding of IgA nephropathy and novel therapeutic strategies.
Electronic conductivity and strength of GeSbS‐AgI chalcogenide glass reinforced by the carbon nanofibers
Authors: Yang Jianqing , Wu Xingyu , Wu Dong , Zhao Yongkun , Yang Guang , Zhang Xianghua , Lu Ping , Xu Yinsheng
Published: October 2024

Due to their excellent chemical properties, mechanical strength and electrical conductivity, carbon nanofibers (CNFs)‐doped materials show immense potential in energy storage, electromagnetic shielding, aerospace, and other fields. In this study, we propose a new highly conductive chalcogenide glassy composites: 0.6[40GeS2‐60Sb2S3]−0.4(AgI)‐xCNFs (GSSA‐xCNFs), where x = 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 wt%. The mechanical behaviors of the glass composites were significantly improved due to the strong cohesive bonding at the CNFs/glass interfaces. The introduction of 2.0 wt% CNFs has raised the hardness from 1.35 to 1.66 GPa; meanwhile, Young's modulus increased from 22.3 to 25.8 GPa. The doped Ag ions endow the chalcogenide glass with excellent electrical properties. Moreover, the introduction of CNFs further enhanced the DC conductivity of glassy composites from 2.79 × 106 to 4.48 × 10−5 S/m at 293 K due to a percolation network of CNFs formed when its concentration from 0 to 2.0 wt%. Additionally, positive temperature dependence of resistance was observed in the glassy composites, possible mechanisms have been discussed based on the determined thermodynamic features, microscopic morphology, and structural characteristics of the composites.
Beyond Earth's shield: The surprising way antioxidants could pave the road to Mars
Authors: Skirzewski Miguel , Skirzewski Aureliano
Published: October 2024

Interplanetary travel poses serious risks because of Galactic cosmic radiations (GCRs). A recent study by Sanghee et al. revealed long‐term cognitive impairments in female mice exposed to a 33‐beam GCR simulator, highlighting persistent risks for astronauts. The study's use of touchscreen tasks, similar to human cognitive tests, enhances its relevance for space missions. Additionally, the antioxidant/anti‐inflammatory compound CDDO‐EA showed potential in mitigating these cognitive deficits. While offering critical insights into GCR effects, the study emphasizes the need for further research into protective strategies, including dietary interventions, to ensure astronaut safety on extended missions beyond Earth's protective shield.
Understanding the Situational Antecedents of CEO Regulatory Focus
Authors: Graf‐Vlachy Lorenz , Neville François , Short Cole Evan , Völkl Franz Xaver
Published: October 2024

Despite the impact of CEO regulatory focus on a wide range of organizational outcomes, most research does not consider how regulatory focus can vary based on situational factors. Taking an interactionist perspective rooted in industrial‐organizational psychology, we propose that CEO regulatory focus exhibits variance driven by situational factors, namely, a CEO's job demands. Integrating this perspective with regulatory focus theory and research on executive job demands, we theorize and test the extent to which CEO regulatory focus is influenced by relative firm performance, with stakeholder activism and CEO tenure as moderators of this relationship. Using a sample of large U.S. companies, our tests offer evidence for how situational factors cause CEO regulatory focus to vary. We conclude our work by developing a research agenda regarding situational antecedents of CEOs' intrapersonal constructs more broadly.
Armillaria Species Causing Kiwifruit Vine Decline and Root Rot in Northeastern Türkiye: A Growing Concern for Kiwifruit Health
Authors: Türkkan Muharrem , Bozoğlu Tuğba , Derviş Sibel , Erper İsmail , Özer Göksel
Published: October 2024

Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) production in northeastern Türkiye is facing an emerging threat from Armillaria root rot. Surveys conducted in August 2021 and 2022 revealed that 10.5%–17.5% of the 200–500 vines within each of 35 kiwifruit orchards in the Perşembe, Gülyalı and Altınordu districts of Ordu province exhibited symptoms of Armillaria root rot, including complete defoliation. Diseased plants exhibited diagnostic signs on their root collars and woody roots, including white mycelial fans, extensive wood rot and rhizomorphs. A single Armillaria isolate was obtained from each of the 35 symptomatic orchards. Molecular identification, employing DNA sequencing of the large subunit (LSU) region of rDNA, the translation elongation factor subunit 1‐alpha (TEF1) gene and the second largest RNA polymerase II B‐subunit (RPB2) gene, identified 20 isolates as Armillaria gallica and 15 as A. mellea. Phylogenetic analyses, based on TEF1 alignments, further supported the species identification with a 100% bootstrap value. To examine genetic diversity, start codon targeted (SCoT) marker 13 was used, successfully differentiating the two Armillaria species and revealing three distinct clades. Clades I and II comprised 15 and 5 isolates of A. gallica, respectively, while Clade III contained all 15 A. mellea isolates. Pathogenicity testing on kiwifruit seedlings (cv. Hayward) revealed the ability of both A. gallica and A. mellea isolates to induce disease. Rhizomorph‐producing isolates in kiwifruit seedlings displayed high virulence, inducing severe leaf necrosis and seedling mortality, while isolates lacking these structures were non‐pathogenic. This study identifies the first global instance of A. gallica causing kiwifruit root rot. This finding, along with the identification of A. mellea as a causal agent in the country, highlights the emerging threat of Armillaria root rot to kiwifruit production in the region.
Periodontal Ligament Reactions to Orthodontic Force: A Transcriptomic Study on Maxillary and Mandibular Human Premolars
Authors: Zhao Zuodong , Tarce Mihai , Georgopoulou Maria , Zong Chen , Van Holm Wannes , Attanasio Catia , Pedano Mariano Simón , de Llano‐Pérula Maria Cadenas
Published: October 2024

Aims

Orthodontic force (OF) induces a variety of reactions in the periodontal ligament (PDL) that could potentially account for individual variability regarding orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). This study investigates the transcriptomic profile of human PDL tissue subjected to OF in vivo for 7 and 28 days, additionally comparing the differences between maxillary and mandibular PDL.

Methods

Healthy patients requiring orthodontic premolar extractions were randomly assigned to one of three groups: control (CG) where no OF was applied, 7 days and 28 days, where premolars were extracted either 7 or 28 days after the application of a 50–100 g OF. Total RNA was extracted from the PDL tissue and analyzed via RNA‐seq. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using a false discovery rate and fold change threshold of < 0.05 and ≥ 1.5 respectively. Functional and Protein–Protein Interaction analysis were performed.

Results

After 7 days of OF, the reaction of PDL to OF is characterized by cell responses to stress, increased bone resorption, inflammation and immune response, and decreased bone formation. In contrast, after 28 days, bone regeneration is more prominent, and processes of bone homeostasis, immune response, and cell migration are present. The response of maxillary and mandibular PDL was different. Bone resorption was observed in the maxilla at 7 and 28 days, while in the mandible expression of cell proliferation and transcriptional activity were predominant after 28 days of OF.

Conclusions

The early reaction of the PDL to OF corresponds with increased bone resorption and decreased bone formation. After 28 days, bone formation became more prominent. The maxillary and mandibular PDL present asynchronous responses during OTM. These findings enhance our comprehension of the mechanisms underlying the origin‐specific responses of PDL to different lengths of OF, which is potentially relevant in the development of personalized therapeutic strategies.
Effects of geographical location and size on the functional properties of harvest mouse Micromys minutus nests in Great Britain
Authors: Hutchings C. , Goodman A. M. , Deeming D. C.
Published: October 2024

Nest construction is a feature of a range of taxa, yet the functional properties of nests are poorly understood. Avian nests offer thermal insulation, structural support and protection from rain, but to date there are few studies that have explored these functions for mammal nests. Here nests constructed by harvest mice (Micromys minutus) were studied ex situ to determine the thermal insulation provided by the nest wall and the degree to which simulated rainfall was absorbed. Nests were collected from across Great Britain and analysis explored whether nest size and geographical location affected insulation or rainproofing. Nests were constructed from grass leaves woven into an outer wall that surrounded smaller pieces of grass that filled the interior of the nest. Nest mass was positively related to thermal insulation but unrelated to geographical location. By contrast, nest mass was positively related to the amount of water nest absorbed after simulated rain but volume and longitude were inversely related to the time it took the nest to dry out. In many ways, harvest mice nests had similar functional properties to those of small songbirds, i.e., to provide thermal insulation and rainproofing. This study was the first to explore the environmental protection potentially offered to harvest mice by their nests. The study has highlighted our poor understanding of the factors that determine the function of mammal nests. There is scope for more research into the functional properties, e.g., thermal insulation or rainproofing, of a wide variety of mammal nests.
Global Trends and Inequalities of Liver Complications Related to Metabolic Dysfunction‐Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: An Analysis From 1990 to 2021
Authors: Lu Fang , Liu Jinli , She Bingyang , Yang Hailin , Ji Fanpu , Zhang Lei
Published: October 2024

Background

Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease is a significant driver of the increasing global burden of chronic liver disease. This study aimed to describe the temporal trends and inequalities of liver complications related to metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (LC‐MASLD) by geographical region, age and sex during 1990–2021.

Methods

Global Burden of Diseases Study 2021 data were analysed to assess LC‐MASLD incidence, prevalence, mortality and disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs). Temporal trends during 1990–2021 were measured by ‘estimated annual percentage change’ (EAPC). Inequalities of LC‐MASLD burden across countries were evaluated by the slope index of inequality (SII) and the relative concentration index (RCI).

Results

During 1990–2021, LC‐MASLD rose annually by 0.73% in incidence and prevalence, 0.19% in mortality and 0.16% in DALYs. In 2021, the Middle East and North Africa had the highest incidence and prevalence and Andean and Central Latin America had the highest mortality and DALY rates. While LC‐MASLD incidence was earliest in the 15–19 age group, both prevalence and DALY rates peaked at 75–79 years for both sexes. Inequalities in mortality and DALYs by countries' socioeconomic development index increased during 1990–2021, demonstrated by a decline in SII from −0.09 to −0.56 per 100 000 for mortality and from 1.41 to −7.74 per 100 000 for DALYs. RCI demonstrated similar findings.

Conclusion

The LC‐MASLD burden is increasing globally, especially in economically disadvantaged countries, with widening disease inequalities during 1990–2021. Effective prevention and subregional interventions are crucial, with a specific focus on resource optimisation for disadvantaged populations.
The impact of web‐based education provided to parents on the nutritional risk of preschoolers: A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Azak Merve , Gözen Duygu
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of web‐based nutrition education for parents of preschool children in reducing nutritional risk. The study was conducted in a one‐group pretest–posttest quasi‐experimental design. Parents of 3–5‐year‐old children from 11 preschools in Istanbul participated. They underwent a web‐based nutrition education program. The NutriSTEP assessment tool was used to evaluate the nutritional risk score as a pretest assessment, followed by the training program. Posttests were conducted at 1‐ and 3‐month intervals. Before the intervention, 55.8% of the children exhibited high nutritional risk. After the intervention, this percentage decreased significantly at the 1‐month and 3‐month follow‐ups, with 94.2% and 93.6% of the children classified as low risk, respectively. The analysis also revealed significant associations between children's eating behaviours and factors such as maternal education, family income and family structure. As a result, web‐based nutrition education was effective in reducing nutritional risk among preschool children. The findings underscore the importance of using technology for nutrition interventions, especially in diverse populations. The training program's simple, short and understandable video increased participants' interest in the training and encouraged regular follow‐up.
Experiences of parents with very premature‐born children at risk of neurodevelopmental disorders: A qualitative study
Authors: Ropero‐Padilla Carmen , Rodriguez‐Arrastia Miguel , Bernabé‐Zuñiga José Enrique , Alias Castillo Antonio Javier , Rueda‐Ruzafa Lola , del Mar Sánchez‐Joya María
Published: October 2024

Background

Premature birth is a traumatic and stressful situation for parents who are immediately separated from their infant because of the newborn's need for specialized care. The staff of these units are in charge of following the principles of family‐centred care and practices for neonates at risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, including providing training to the family during their hospital stay and after being discharged.

Aims

The aim of this study is to explore the perceptions of parents of premature children at risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in regard to care, interventions and assistance provided during the first months of their child's life.

Study Design

A qualitative descriptive study was carried out through individual interviews. The data analysis was conducted through a thematic analysis. The methodology and results were reported following the standards for preparing qualitative research reports and recommendations.

Results

Twenty‐one parents of premature children were interviewed. From these interviews, three main themes emerged: (i) parents' perspectives on preterm birth risk communication, (ii) navigating parental support and early interventions in preterm birth and (iii) perceptions of preterm birth protective and challenging factors.

Conclusions

The parents of premature children need to receive better communication about the care and interventions for their child, and it is necessary that health personnel are better trained in terms of management and administration of public resources. Strategies must be implemented that continuously guide parents on the follow‐up and care of their premature child not only during their first moments of life but also after being discharged from the hospital.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This study highlights the need to improve care for parents with premature infants at risk, emphasizing the necessity for health care system reforms and support structures, allowing health care professionals to enhance attention and care.
Gingival Proliferative Verrucous Leukoplakia and Cancer: A Systematic Review With Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Vergier Valentin , Porporatti André Luís , Babajko Sylvie , Taihi Ihsène
Published: October 2024

Objective

Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) is an oral potentially malignant disorder. Forms that affect only one tissue are poorly studied, especially the exclusively gingival PVL (gPVL), which may have a more increased malignant transformation potential. The aim of the present study was to characterise the gPVL and its risk of malignant transformation to better raise awareness of this specific disorder.

Materials and Methods

The systematic review was performed on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Only articles reporting primary studies, case reports and case series were included. The meta‐analysis was performed for the cancer prevalence, proportion of smokers, age and sex ratio, recurrences of gPVL and mortality.

Results

A total of 1298 studies were assessed for eligibility by reading titles and abstracts. Fourteen original articles were included with a total of 58 patients. The malignant transformation rate of gPVL was 47.75%. The mortality was 5.84%. The mean follow‐up duration before malignant transformation was 3 years.

Conclusion

gPVL seems to have a faster malignant transformation rate than the other forms of PVL. Finding anatomo‐pathological or genetic markers could be a line of research to predict gPVL malignant transformation and improve its diagnosis and treatment.
Effect of Multimorbidity on Old‐Age Disability Among Adults Over 50 Years Old: Evidence From a Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Lu Jiao , Li Yanping , Cao Lijing , Zhao Heng
Published: October 2024

This is a meta‐analysis study to assess the relationship between multimorbidity and disability among older adults over 50 years old. Population‐based studies, aged ≥ 50 years, assessing associations between multimorbidity (numbers and patterns) and disability in older adults, and reporting risk estimation with odds ratios (OR), were included. Homogeneity (I2), risk of bias, and publication bias were assessed. PROSPERO registration: 411007, and this meta‐analysis was reported in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. Twelve studies were included. For the older adults with 2 chronic conditions and ≥ 3 chronic conditions, the ORs of disability are 2.52 (95% CI 2.30–2.76) and 3.38 (95% CI 3.05–3.75), respectively. Among three multimorbidity patterns, the combination of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases pattern (OR 8.01, 95% CI 7.60–8.44) had the highest disability incidence rate. Chronic conditions in the multimorbidity patterns of combination of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and mental health problems have an enhancement effect (1 + 1 > 2) on old‐age disability impairment, whereas those in the multimorbidity pattern of musculoskeletal disorders have a dampening effect (1 + 1 < 2). The differentiated and specific early interventions should be developed based on the different multimorbidity patterns to prevent the old‐age functional decline and disability in older adults.
Exogenous Melatonin Enhances Moisture Stress Tolerance in Mango (Mangifera indica L.) through Alleviating Oxidative Damages
Authors: Trivedi Ajaya Kumar , Shukla Sushil Kumar , Pandey Ghanshyam , Singh Achal
Published: October 2024

In subtropical regions, April to June represents a temporary moisture stress for mango trees, leading to huge economic loss. Although water is available in the deep root zone, the upper soil surface, which has fibrous roots, is dry, and the tree transpiration rate is high. Moisture stress causes an increased oxidation state, which is detrimental to fruit growth and development. Finding substitutes for moisture stress management is important for sustainable mango production.

To manage this moisture stress in mango, we tested if foliar application of 20, 50, 100 and 150 μM melatonin helped to maintain a reduced oxidation state in the cells. Applications were made at three phenological stages of fruit development (marble, egg and mature fruit stages) in 16‐year‐old trees and the same plants for each treatment were followed over three years.

Melatonin application indeed improved the fruit yield of mango. Moisture stress decreased yield by 55.94% compared to irrigated trees but only by 7.5% in melatonin treatment. Also, more ‘A' grade fruits were harvested in irrigated and melatonin‐treated conditions than in non‐irrigated and non‐treated conditions.

Indeed, the total chlorophyll content in the leaves of moisture‐stressed melatonin‐treated trees (12.58 mg.g−1 fresh weight) was well above non‐treated trees (6.77 mg.g−1) and similar to irrigated trees (12.50 mg.g−1). A dose‐dependent increase in the chlorophyll content of melatonin‐treated plants was found. Similarly, the activities of catalase, peroxidase, superoxidase dismutase enzymes in leaves of irrigated and melatonin‐treated trees were lower than in non‐irrigated condition, and superoxide free radial formation was lower in moisture‐stressed melatonin‐treated trees (0.77 nmol H2O2.mg−1 protein) and irrigated trees (0.65) than moisture‐stressed non‐treated trees (4.27). Significant variations was found in antioxidants (total, reduced and oxidized glutathione and ascorbate) content and antioxidant enzymes' activities (i.e., glutathione reductase and ascorbate peroxidase) in irrigated, melatonin‐treated and non‐irrigated conditions.

Overall, 150 μM exogenous melatonin applied three times at different fruit development stages may be a sustainable and useful approach to manage transient moisture stress in mango trees thanks to its positive action on the antioxidant system.
Analysis of postdisaster economy using high‐resolution disaster and economy simulations
Authors: Gill Amit , Lalith Maddegedara , Hori Muneo , Ogawa Yoshiki
Published: October 2024

We present an integrated framework that utilizes high‐resolution seamless simulations of disasters and national economies for estimating the economic impacts of disasters. The framework consists of three components: a physics‐based simulator to simulate the disaster and estimate the response of the infrastructure; a tool that estimates the losses suffered by the infrastructure based on its response; and an agent‐based economic model (ABEM) that simulates the national economy considering the infrastructure damage and postdisaster decisions of the economic entities. The ABEM used in the framework has been implemented in a high‐performance computing environment to simulate large economies at 1:1 scale. Furthermore, it has been calibrated to the Japanese economy using publicly available macroeconomic data and validated to the Japanese economy under the business‐as‐usual scenario. We demonstrate the integrated framework by simulating a potential Nankai‐trough earthquake disaster and estimating its impacts on the Japanese economy. The seismic response of 1.8 million buildings of the Osaka‐bay area has been estimated using a large‐scale earthquake disaster simulator and corresponding repair costs are estimated using the Performance Assessment Calculation Tool. As per our estimates, repair costs amount to approximately 15 trillion Yen. Considering the investments made by impacted households and firms toward recovery, the postdisaster economy is simulated using the ABEM for 5 years under two recovery scenarios. Industrial production is expected to recover in three quarters whereas 10–13 quarters will be required to finish all the repair work.
Vicious circle of peripheries: Representation of sub‐municipal units in local election manifestos in amalgamated municipalities
Authors: Voda Petr , Vodová Petra
Published: October 2024

Merged municipalities create unequal opportunities for sub‐municipal units according to their relative size and administrative centrality. Because electoral manifestos provide the basis for policy‐making on services, we analyse how the mentions of different sub‐municipal units are distributed in manifestos. We analyze the manifestos of 381 parties in 82 amalgamated municipalities in the 2022 local elections in Czechia, focussing on the effects of size, administrative centrality, and presence of candidates from the units on candidate lists. The probability of mentioning a unit is affected by the presence of candidates from the unit on candidate lists, and that the probability of mentioning is very low for small and peripheral units without candidates. The results show the systematic differences in attention parties pay to various sub‐municipal units and crucial importance of unit‐based candidates for the substantive representation within the amalgamated municipalities.
Clinical application of centrifugal‐membrane hybrid plasmapheresis in the treatment of hyperlipidemia
Authors: Yi Zhongmei , Wu Chunxi , Zhou Yumeng , Zhang Bin
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study aimed to clarify the clinical application of centrifugal‐membrane hybrid plasmapheresis (CMHP) in the treatment of hyperlipidemia.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on 48 patients who were diagnosed with hyperlipidemia and had received CMHP treatment. Serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) were monitored, and adverse reactions to the treatment were observed.

Results

Forty‐eight patients with hyperlipidemia received CMHP over 59 sessions. The average age of the 48 patients with hyperlipidemia, including 32 males (66.67%) and 16 females (33.33%), was 44.23 ± 12.02 years. Twenty‐nine outpatients (60.42%) and 19 inpatients (39.58%) were included. Hypertriglyceridemia was diagnosed in 16 cases (33.33%), mixed hyperlipidemia in 31 cases (64.58%), and hypercholesterolemia in one case (2.08%). The pretreatment blood lipid concentrations were significantly different after the 59 CMHP treatments (p < .001). The concentrations of TC, TG, HDL‐C, and LDL‐C decreased significantly after the treatment, and the median ratios of reduction were 67.06% (range: 58.97%–71.87%), 63.33% (range: 55.20%–74.86%), 45.87% (range: 35.86%–52.95%), and 66.09% (range: 44.37%–73.94%), respectively. Three adverse reactions (5.08%) were recorded. No differences were detected in therapeutic parameters, effects, or adverse reactions between the two blood cell separators, there was no difference in Lipoprotein apheresis efficacy.

Conclusion

This preliminary study demonstrated the clinical application of CMHP in patients in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. However, further studies are needed applying CMHP with hyperlipidemia.
Clinical Utility of Circulating Cell‐Free DNA as a Liquid Biopsy in Cats With Various Tumours
Authors: Tagawa Michihito , Hiroi Hotaka , Nakano Yuzuki , Morishita Riyo , Kobayashi Kosuke , Sakai Osamu
Published: October 2024

Only a limited number of tumour biomarkers are currently available in veterinary medicine, particularly in cats. Cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) is an extracellular DNA fragment released upon cell death and is considered a minimally invasive biomarker for the diagnosis and monitoring of various human malignancies. This study aimed to clarify the utility of circulating cfDNA as a liquid biopsy for various feline tumours. Plasma samples were collected from 44 cats with various tumours, 24 cats with other diseases and 10 healthy controls. A follow‐up study was conducted in three tumour‐bearing patients. All cfDNA concentrations were quantified via real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which provided short and long fragments of a newly identified feline LINE‐1 gene. We found that cfDNA levels were significantly higher in cats with various tumours than in those with other diseases or healthy controls. The cfDNA concentration was not correlated with serum amyloid A (SAA) levels. Cats with tumours exhibited elevated cfDNA levels that predicted tumour‐bearing with a sensitivity and specificity of 50.5% and 91.2%, respectively (AUC 0.736; p < 0.001). In lymphoma cases, cats with high cfDNA levels had significantly shorter survival times than those with low cfDNA levels (median: 33 days vs. 178 days; p = 0.003). In addition, the cfDNA levels of the three patients correlated with clinical status during follow‐up. Collectively, these findings indicate the potential of cfDNA as a useful biomarker for the diagnosis, therapeutic monitoring and prognostic assessment of tumours in cats.
Multicentric aggressive unclassified hematopoietic neoplasm involving the placenta in a pregnant bitch
Authors: Marconato Laura , Sabattini Silvia , Zambelli Daniele , Ferrari Maria Giulia , Aresu Luca , Renzi Andrea , Ferrari Anna , Cunto Marco , Maga Ilaria , Ballotta Giulia
Published: October 2024

Hematopoietic neoplasms are common in dogs; however, their association with pregnancy has not been previously reported in veterinary medicine. This rare occurrence presents a variety of diagnostic, therapeutic, prognostic, and ethical challenges. We report a case of a 3‐year‐old pregnant Bernese Mountain Dog diagnosed with multicentric aggressive unclassified hematopoietic cancer associated with paraneoplastic hypercalcemia during pregnancy. The dog died 7 days after diagnosis, and at Day 36 of pregnancy before any treatment decision could be made. Post‐mortem evaluation, including histology, immunohistochemistry, and clonality analysis, led to the diagnosis of an unclassified hematopoietic cancer affecting the uterus and placenta, with no evidence of fetal involvement. The placenta likely acted as a barrier, preventing neoplastic involvement of the fetuses. Alternatively, the pregnancy might have been too early for the hematopoietic neoplasm to affect the labyrinth zone of the placenta and the fetuses. The dramatic disease progression could be explained by compromised cell‐mediated immunity during pregnancy. This immunodeficient state is induced by embryonic, maternal, and hormonal factors, which suppress the response to mitogens to prevent rejection of the placenta and the conceptuses. Thus, pregnant dogs might exhibit increased vulnerability to cancer and infectious diseases that rely on cell‐mediated immunity for host defense.
The effect of midline shift on survival time in dogs with structural brain disease diagnosed on MRI
Authors: Guy Bethany , Freeman Paul , Khan Sam , Genain Marie‐Aude
Published: October 2024

The effect of midline shift identified on brain MRI on survival time in dogs with structural brain disease is relatively unknown. This retrospective single‐centered cohort study reviewed medical and imaging data of 77 dogs with structural brain lesions evident on MRI. Images were reviewed for the presence of midline shift, brain edema, foramen magnum herniation, and ventriculomegaly. Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression analysis were undertaken to compare survival between dogs with and without midline shift. Midline shift was present in 40 of 77 (52%) dogs and absent in 37 of 77 (48%). Univariate analysis revealed that dogs with midline shift had a median survival time of 34.5 days (95% CI, 4–108 days) compared with 241 days (95% CI, 133,‐ days) in dogs without midline shift (hazard ratio = 2.67, 95% CI, 1.5–4.49). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed a hazard ratio of 3.6 (95% CI, 1.7–7.6; P‐value < .001) for dogs with midline shift. Shorter median survival times remained significant in all groups after segregation based on etiological diagnosis. The significantly shorter survival times observed herein for dogs with midline shifts, regardless of etiologic cause, provide further evidence that midline shift holds value as a negative prognostic factor in diagnostic imaging.
Sharp bounds on the height of K-semistable Fano varieties I, the toric case
Authors: Andreasson Rolf , Berman Robert J.
Published: October 2024

Inspired by K. Fujita's algebro-geometric result that complex projective space has maximal degree among all K-semistable complex Fano varieties, we conjecture that the height of a K-semistable metrized arithmetic Fano variety $\mathcal {X}$ of relative dimension $n$ is maximal when $\mathcal {X}$ is the projective space over the integers, endowed with the Fubini–Study metric. Our main result establishes the conjecture for the canonical integral model of a toric Fano variety when $n\leq 6$ (the extension to higher dimensions is conditioned on a conjectural ‘gap hypothesis’ for the degree). Translated into toric Kähler geometry, this result yields a sharp lower bound on a toric invariant introduced by Donaldson, defined as the minimum of the toric Mabuchi functional. Furthermore, we reformulate our conjecture as an optimal lower bound on Odaka's modular height. In any dimension $n$ it is shown how to control the height of the canonical toric model $\mathcal {X},$ with respect to the Kähler–Einstein metric, by the degree of $\mathcal {X}$. In a sequel to this paper our height conjecture is established for any projective diagonal Fano hypersurface, by exploiting a more general logarithmic setup.