bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Quantum Geometric Nesting” and Solvable Model Flat-Band Systems
Authors: Han Zhaoyu , Herzog-Arbeitman Jonah , Bernevig B. Andrei , Kivelson Steven A.
Published: October 2024

We introduce the concept of “quantum geometric nesting” (QGN) to characterize the idealized ordering tendencies of certain flat-band systems implicit in the geometric structure of the flat-band subspace. Perfect QGN implies the existence of an infinite class of local interactions that can be explicitly constructed and give rise to solvable ground states with various forms of possible fermion bilinear order, including flavor ferromagnetism, density waves, and superconductivity. For the ideal Hamiltonians constructed in this way, we show that certain aspects of the low-energy spectrum can also be exactly computed including, in the superconducting case, the phase stiffness. Examples of perfect QGN include flat bands with certain symmetries (e.g., chiral or time reversal) and non-symmetry-related cases exemplified with an engineered model for pair-density wave. Extending this approach, we obtain exact superconducting ground states with nontrivial pairing symmetry.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Advancing the understanding of spearfisher‐fish behavioural interactions and its management implications
Authors: Sbragaglia Valerio , Cecapolli Enrico , Morroni Lorenzo , Januchowski‐Hartley Fraser A.
Published: October 2024

Fish behaviour is intimately linked to fishing catchability. Measurements of fish behaviour may provide quantitative indicators that inform about the impact of fishing pressure and help design effective management strategies. The implications of spearfishing pressure on fish behaviour have mainly been characterized using single quantitative indicators such as flight initiation distance (FID), which provide incomplete views of spearfisher‐fish behavioural interactions.

We used an integrative approach to advance the understanding of spearfisher‐fish behavioural interactions by complementing FID estimates with post‐flight responses (i.e. individual fish behaviour after fleeing), and the decreasing probability to catch a fish at increasing distance from a speargun. We first collected empirical observations of white seabream (Diplodus sargus) FID and post‐flight behaviour in response to an approaching human (spearfisher or snorkeler) inside and outside marine protected areas. We then combined these observations with simulations based on an innovative model representing how catchability changes during a spearfisher‐fish behavioural interaction.

Empirical results showed that the likelihood of a still‐vulnerable post‐flight response after fleeing was inversely related to increasing exposure to spearfishers. This demonstrates that post‐flight response can be used as an indicator of spearfishing pressure. Moreover, post‐flight responses provided complementary information to that provided by FID, suggesting that these two indicators should be integrated for a holistic view of spearfishing‐fish interactions, such as in the model and simulations presented here.

The simulations demonstrated that: (i) accounting for post‐flight responses may increase likelihood of approach by spearfisher within speargun range by up to 20%; and (ii) accounting for post‐flight responses and decreasing probability of capture with increasing distance from speargun drastically reduces estimates of likelihood of capture of white seabream at minimum catch length limit outside marine protected areas compared with using FID as single indicator of catchability.

Synthesis and applications. First, integrating flight initiation distance (FID) measurement with post‐flight responses provides a more realistic indicator to measure fish behavioural reaction to spearfishing pressure. Second, the model presented here showed that spearfishing mortality may drastically decrease when accounting for both prey behaviour (i.e. FID and post‐flight responses) and spearfishers effectiveness (i.e. probability to catch a fish at increasing distance from a speargun). This must be considered to understand population dynamics and potential changes in catchability when spearfishing is managed through temporal restrictions (e.g. seasonal or periodic closures).
Use of rice flour to produce plant‐based yogurt alternatives
Authors: Morris Anita , Boeneke Charles , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon , King Joan M.
Published: October 2024

Plant‐based yogurt alternatives (YAs) are in demand due to the societal prevalence of milk sensitivities and allergies and some consumers abstaining from animal‐derived products. Producing rice flour YAs has considerable potential because rice flour is hypoallergenic, more economical compared to plant milks, and there are no commercial rice‐based YAs. A new higher protein variety of rice was developed, Frontière, which is sold as both brown and white rice. Therefore, the overall goals of this study were (1) to compare physicochemical properties of YAs from Frontière brown (Frontière brown rice flour [FBRF]) and white (Frontière white rice flour [FWRF]) high‐protein rice flours to regular protein level rice flours and (2) to evaluate the sensory quality of Frontière YAs compared to commercial plant‐based oat yogurt. Rice flours were fermented with Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (a probiotic) to produce FBRF‐ and FWRF‐YAs. A consumer study was conducted to compare FBRF‐ and FWRF‐YAs to a commercially available oat‐based YA. Consumers rated the YAs using 9‐point hedonic and just‐about‐right (JAR) scales. Protein, fat, and ash levels were greater, whereas starch levels and peak viscosities were lower for BRFs than for WRFs. The use of BRF resulted in longer fermentation times but higher bacteria counts for YAs. FWRF‐YA was preferred in terms of overall flavor and liking, sweetness, and tartness. Purchase intent (PI) for FWRF‐YA increased 2.6 times after providing a health claim. This research showed that rice flour can be used to produce YAs with probiotic counts above the minimum recommended, which provides added health benefits for consumers.

Practical Application

This research provides a possible new use of Frontière high‐protein rice flour to produce plant‐based yogurts. This will help the rice industry by adding value, and those who are vegan, allergic to casein, or lactose‐intolerant will have another option for a plant‐based yogurt. Moreover, the greater levels of probiotic bacteria found in the brown rice flour YAs can potentially provide greater health benefits, making brown rice flour a better choice for making rice‐based YAs.
Linking intraspecies variability of Salmonella enterica isolates under acidic conditions to genotype
Authors: Godínez‐Oviedo Angélica , Arvizu‐Medrano Sofia M. , Bowman John P. , Tamplin Mark L. , Garcés‐Vega Francisco J. , Cabrera‐Diaz Elisa , Gómez‐Baltazar Adrián , Hernández‐Iturriaga Montserrat
Published: October 2024

There is a lack of information about Salmonella enterica strains under acidic conditions and their association with their genome. This study characterized intraspecies variability in the growth of 167 S. enterica isolates under two acid conditions (pH 4 and 5) and linked to the whole genome sequencing (WGS) data. A total of 1002 curves for each condition were obtained using turbidimetry measurements, and Baranyi and Roberts model was used to estimate the maximum rate of change (rcmax; OD600 nm h−1). Strains were categorized into slow, intermediate, and fast; and associations with their WGS data were performed. Huge variability in was observed at both conditions (pH 5 = 0.016–0.066 OD600nm h−1 and pH 4 = 0.003–0.028 OD600nm h−1). The majority of isolates was classified as intermediate (59.5% at pH 5 and 46.1% at pH 4). Strains classified as fast had a low frequency of allABCD genes at both pHs, and any of them having the presence of pefABCD, spvBCR, aadA2, dfrA12, and gyrA_D87G genes were linked to virulence or antimicrobial resistance. This study suggests that strains with fast capacity for growth under acidic conditions could have a fitness cost in their virulence or resistance potential.

Practical Application

Data presented in this study could be used to select representative strains to evaluate the exposure assessment in different food items, mainly the growth and survival in acidic foods.
Study on the differentiation of sensory quality of mainstream Jiang‐flavor baijiu in the Chinese market based on Pivot Profile
Authors: Yang Yubo , Niu Junjie , Shi Bolin , Yang Fan , Cao Nian , Wang Houyin , Xiong Xiaolin , Zhao Lei , Xu Yang , Zhong Kui , Zhang Yao , Gao Haiyan , Wang Li , Yun Zhenyu
Published: October 2024

Jiang‐flavor baijiu (JFB) is a prominent type of Chinese baijiu, known for its unique flavor attributes, sensory experience, and high tasting value. Previous research has mainly focused on the detection and identification of its flavor substances, but in‐depth studies on the precise sensory description and differentiation of its flavor qualities are still lacking. In this study, a rapid sensory analysis method, Pivot Profile (PP), was applied to 30 mainstream JFBs in the Chinese market, generating 91 sensory attributes with independent definitions, from which 29 main sensory attributes were established that were easy to perceive and descriptive, as well as convenient for transmitting their sensory qualities and distinguishing differences in price and production region, including color (one descriptor), aroma (21 descriptors), taste, and mouthfeel (seven descriptors). The nine key sensory attributes that distinguish JFB quality are as follows: Jiang, Grain, Chen, Qu, Rancid, Acid, Sweet, Fullness, and Harmony. It was found that price was positively correlated with sensory quality, with greater variation in the quality of samples within the medium price range (RMB 500–1000). All samples from MTCQ1 (the core production area of Maotai Town) performed better in sensory quality. In addition, salted vegetable showed a high degree of regional characteristics, concentrated in most of the production regions of Guizhou Province. Aroma attributes were more suitable than taste and mouthfeel as sensory indicators for distinguishing production regions. This study has opened the direction of systematic construction of sensory description of JFB and provided a successful case for the evaluation of Chinese baijiu using novel sensory analysis techniques.
Unlocking the secrets of Neapolitan pizza: A concise review of wood‐fired, electric, and gas pizza ovens
Authors: Falciano Aniello , Masi Paolo , Moresi Mauro
Published: October 2024

This review explores the Neapolitan pizza baking process in a traditional wood‐fired oven, employing visual color analysis and IR thermal scanning to detail heat exchange mechanisms. During cooking, the oven floor temperature in the pizza area decreased proportionally to the pizza's mass, whereas the free area maintained a constant temperature of 439 ± 3°C. An IR thermal camera indicated that the oven dome temperature reached approximately 480°C with a weak flame and 500°C with a strong flame. The pizza's bottom achieved a maximum temperature of 100 ± 9°C, facilitated by the Pizzaiolo's skill in lifting and rotating the pizza for uniform cooking. Top temperatures varied: up to 180°C for white pizza and 84°C and 67°C for tomato and Margherita pizzas, respectively. IRIS electronic eye analysis revealed more browning and blackening on the pizza's top compared to its bottom, with peaks of about 26% and 8% for white pizza, respectively. Rapid baking is pivotal in Neapolitan pizza‐making, necessitating precise heat and mass transfer management to influence sensory attributes. European Commission Regulation No. 97/2010 mandates wood‐fired ovens for true Neapolitan pizza, but environmental concerns prompted the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana to certify gas or electric ovens when wood‐fired ovens are impractical. Operating costs vary: liquefied petroleum gas ovens are the costliest, with costs ranging from €5.38 to €6.19/h, whereas natural gas and electric ovens have operating costs between €2.70 and €4.10/h. At €0.15/kg, firewood is the most economical, supporting traditionalist views. However, natural gas and electric ovens present competitive costs under stringent antipollution laws, making them viable alternatives.
Haematococcus pluvialis meets gellan gum: Rheological and thermal exploration of a new resource food and biomedical gel matrix
Authors: Zhang Guangming , Cheng Ping , Wang Zhengping , Han Jun , Fan Zhiping
Published: October 2024

The increasing interest in hydrogel matrices and their diverse applications has fueled extensive research. However, single‐component gels have a limited adjustable performance range, and multi‐component gels raise concerns about biological safety, hindering their widespread use. This study focuses on harnessing high‐speed shearing and ultrasound‐assisted methods to incorporate active natural Haematococcus pluvialis (HP), creating novel composite hydrogels in conjunction with biological macromolecule gellan gum, and eliminating the need for structural modifications or chemical crosslinking. Rich astaxanthin, proteins, polysaccharides, and other components in HP can fill and promote the formation of a unified functional network. The study aims to explore the potential of HP as a rheology regulator and investigate its impact on the rheological properties of the gels. Various rheological models, including Power‐Law, Herschel–Bulkley, and Arrhenius, were employed for comparative analysis. This pioneering report on gellan/HP hydrogels holds significant importance as they exhibit optimized elasticity, thermal stability, enhanced injectability, and self‐recovery, making them suitable for a wide range of applications in specialized medical food and biomedicine.
Artificial intelligence‐based prediction of pathogen emergence and evolution in the world of synthetic biology
Authors: Danchin Antoine
Published: October 2024

The emergence of new techniques in both microbial biotechnology and artificial intelligence (AI) is opening up a completely new field for monitoring and sometimes even controlling the evolution of pathogens. However, the now famous generative AI extracts and reorganizes prior knowledge from large datasets, making it poorly suited to making predictions in an unreliable future. In contrast, an unfamiliar perspective can help us identify key issues related to the emergence of new technologies, such as those arising from synthetic biology, whilst revisiting old views of AI or including generative AI as a generator of abduction as a resource. This could enable us to identify dangerous situations that are bound to emerge in the not‐too‐distant future, and prepare ourselves to anticipate when and where they will occur. Here, we emphasize the fact that amongst the many causes of pathogen outbreaks, often driven by the explosion of the human population, laboratory accidents are a major cause of epidemics. This review, limited to animal pathogens, concludes with a discussion of potential epidemic origins based on unusual organisms or associations of organisms that have rarely been highlighted or studied.
Engineering bacterial biocatalysts for the degradation of phthalic acid esters
Authors: Durante‐Rodríguez Gonzalo , de Francisco‐Polanco Sofía , Fernández‐Arévalo Unai , Díaz Eduardo
Published: October 2024

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are synthetic diesters derived from o‐phthalic acid, commonly used as plasticizers. These compounds pose significant environmental and health risks due to their ability to leach into the environment and act as endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, and mutagens. Consequently, PAEs are now considered major emerging contaminants and priority pollutants. Microbial degradation, primarily by bacteria and fungi, offers a promising method for PAEs bioremediation. This article highlights the current state of microbial PAEs degradation, focusing on the major bottlenecks and associated challenges. These include the identification of novel and more efficient PAE hydrolases to address the complexity of PAE mixtures in the environment, understanding PAEs uptake mechanisms, characterizing novel o‐phthalate degradation pathways, and studying the regulatory network that controls the expression of PAE degradation genes. Future research directions include mitigating the impact of PAEs on health and ecosystems, developing biosensors for monitoring and measuring bioavailable PAEs concentrations, and valorizing these residues into other products of industrial interest, among others.
Comparing Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists versus metformin in drug‐naive patients: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Sørensen Kathrine Kold , Gerds Thomas Alexander , Køber Lars , Loldrup Fosbøl Emil , Poulsen Henrik Enghusen , Møller Amalie Lykkemark , Andersen Mikkel Porsborg , Pedersen‐Bjergaard Ulrik , Torp‐Pedersen Christian , Zareini Bochra
Published: October 2024

Background

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RA) are increasingly being prescribed in drug‐naive patients. We aimed to contrast add‐on therapy, adherence, and changes in biomarkers, 1 year after treatment initiation with GLP‐1 RA or metformin.

Methods

Using Danish nationwide registers, we included incident GLP‐1 RA or metformin users from 2018 to 2021 with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥ 42 mmol/mol. GLP‐1 RA initiators were matched to metformin initiators in a ratio of 1:1 to assess outcomes in prediabetes and diabetes. Main outcomes analyzed were 1‐year risk of add‐on glucose‐lowering medication and 1‐year risk of nonadherence. One‐year risks were estimated with multiple logistic regression and standardized. Multiple linear regression was used to estimate the average differences in biomarker changes.

Results

In total, 1778 individuals initiating GLP‐1 RA and metformin were included. After standardizing for various factors, GLP‐1 RA compared with metformin was associated with reduced 1‐year risk of add‐on glucose‐lowering treatment in patients with prediabetes (1‐year risk ratio [RR]: 0.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.10–0.44) and diabetes (RR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.37–0.98). GLP‐1 RA was associated with higher 1‐year risk of nonadherence among patients with prediabetes (RR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.45–1.75), but no difference in patients with diabetes (RR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.70–1.06). Compared to metformin, GLP‐1 RA was associated with greater HbA1c reduction (prediabetes: −2.59 mmol/mol 95% CI: −3.10 to −2.09, diabetes: −3.79 mmol/mol, 95% CI: −5.28 to −2.30).

Conclusions

GLP‐1 RA was associated with a reduced risk of additional glucose‐lowering medication, achieving better glycated hemoglobin control overall. However, among patients with prediabetes, metformin was associated with better adherence.

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Feeling overlooked: A rural–urban divide in recognition
Authors: Hyland Marie , Mascherini Massimiliano , Lamont Michèle
Published: October 2024

The farmers' protests sweeping across Europe during the early month of 2024 have highlighted the discontent felt by many residing in rural areas. Protests have been motivated by increasing input costs, falling prices of agricultural produce and more stringent regulations. In this paper, we go beyond the economic rationale for the protests and ask what broader sociological factors could be driving rural discontent. To this aim, we investigate political ‘recognition gaps’ between rural residents and their urban counterparts – that is, the differences in the degree to which people feel respected and recognised by their governments. Using data collected in the spring of 2022 across the 27 Member States of the European Union, we document that a sizeable proportion of the sample perceive a lack of fair treatment and respect from their governments. Notably, these gaps in perceived respect are significantly larger in rural compared to urban areas. The differences in perceived recognition between rural and urban areas hold even after controlling for a wide range of sociodemographic characteristics, showing that it is not just differences in the observable characteristics between rural and urban residents that are driving these different levels of perceived recognition.
Internal Ties and Stock Price Crash Risk: Evidence from Chinese Listed Firms
Authors: Zhou Jian , Yu Jianglong , Lei Xiaodong
Published: October 2024

Drawing on information advantage and executive entrenchment perspectives, this study examines the impact of internal ties between independent directors and non‐CEO executives (hereafter, internal ties) on stock price crashes. Utilizing a dataset covering Chinese listed firms spanning 2005 to 2021, we find that internal ties alleviate information asymmetry between the board and management, reducing future stock price crash risk. This supports the information advantage hypothesis. Further analysis reveals the effect of internal ties on stock price crash risk is more evident in high social trust regions and among non‐state‐owned enterprises (non‐SOEs). Mechanism tests demonstrate that financial opacity and financial reporting conservatism are economic mechanisms through which internal ties affect stock price crashes. Our research sheds new light regarding the significance of internal ties in corporate governance and enriches the literature on internal governance.
New insights from old data: the complex migration and breeding patterns of the bogong moth, Agrotis infusa (Boisduval) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), in eastern Australia
Authors: McDonald Garrick , Maino James L. , Smith A. Mark , Gregg Peter C. , Ridland Peter M.
Published: October 2024

The bogong moth, Agrotis infusa, an endemic noctuid moth of Australia, is known for its extensive long‐distance movement and summer aestivation in the Australian Alps. Recent studies have focused on moth activity in the Alps, but there are limited data for other regions. This study aims to build on the current understanding of bogong moth movement and breeding patterns using unpublished historical data across eastern Australia. We analysed historical data from moth traps in Victoria, New South Wales (NSW) and South Australia (SA) from the 1960s to early 1990s. The study employed the HYSPLIT model for trajectory analysis of moth flight paths and DARABUG2 for phenological modelling. We examined moth catches across different seasons to infer movement patterns, breeding sources and over‐summering activity. Our findings question several long‐standing assumptions about the spatial ecology of the bogong moth. The trajectory analysis suggests that many aspects of A. infusa movement can be explained via dynamic migration, without fully relying on inherent navigation abilities. Important breeding areas may be beyond the self‐mulching clays of NSW and southern Queensland and include far western NSW, south and central SA and southern Victoria. Substantial moth activity during summer in many traps suggests alternative over‐summering strategies including local breeding or even aestivation in areas other than the Alps. Furthermore, the autumn and winter data imply return migrations from diverse source areas and potential local breeding, expanding the understanding of the moth's life cycle beyond a univoltine pattern. In conclusion, the bogong moth appears to exhibit a more complex and adaptable migration and breeding strategy than previously understood, utilising a range of habitats across eastern Australia for breeding and possibly aestivation. This underscores the need for a revised understanding of bogong moth ecology, which is crucial for its conservation and management, especially considering its recent classification as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List.
Supporting traceability and biosecurity in the sheep and goat industries in NSW: understanding barriers to implementing electronic identification
Authors: Hernandez‐Jover M , Hayes L , Manyweathers J , Marriott T , Allworth MB
Published: October 2024

Efficient traceability is paramount for Australia's biosecurity system and market access. Electronic identification (eID) offers higher traceability performance than that achieved with visual and mob‐based identification used for the sheep and goats National Livestock Identification System (NLIS). The current study aims to gain an understanding of the barriers and motivations of using eID for NLIS sheep and goats in New South Wales (NSW) and to provide recommendations to support the transition to eID. A social research study using a mixed‐methods approach was used through semi‐structured interviews and a cross‐sectional epidemiological and behavioural study among sheep and goat producers. The COM‐B behaviour change model based on capabilities, opportunities and motivations was used as a framework for the study. A total of 269 participants informed this study: 25 interviews were conducted with government, industry and private stakeholders, and 184 and 58 sheep and goat producers participated in the cross‐sectional study, respectively. The study identified poor understanding of the purpose and importance of NLIS among producers, with over two‐thirds not supporting eID implementation. The main barriers identified to the eID implementation were practical, including costs, technology quality and increased workload. Attitudinal, behavioural and knowledge barriers, such as the perception of the current system providing efficient traceability and the perceived lack of benefits of eID were also identified. This study provides an in‐depth analysis of practices and perceptions of stakeholders and producers on sheep and goat traceability and recommendations to address barriers identified, based on education and appropriate behavioural and technical support.
Evidence of a highly divergent novel parvovirus in Australia's critically endangered western ground parrot/kyloring (Pezoporus flaviventris)
Authors: Sarker S , Klukowski N , Talukder S , Gupta SD , Vaughan‐Higgins R
Published: October 2024

Detecting pathogens in endangered animal populations is vital for understanding and mitigating threats to their survival. The critically endangered western ground parrot (Pezoporus flaviventris, WGP), with a population as low as 150 individuals in Australia, faces an imminent risk of extinction. Despite this urgency, research on viral pathogens in this species remains limited. This study aimed to identify and characterise viruses present in faecal samples from seven individual WGP using a viral metagenomic approach. Analysis of the sequenced datasets revealed the presence of a novel virus belonging to the Parvoviridae family, named psittaciform chaphamaparvovirus 7 (PsChPV‐7). The genome of PsChPV‐7 contains typical structural and functional gene sequences found in Parvoviridae but is highly divergent, indicating its classification as a distinct species. Phylogenetic analysis placed PsChPV‐7 within a unique sub‐clade of the Chaphamaparvovirus genus, suggesting its evolutionary significance as an ancient lineage within this group. These findings may contribute to the development of strategic management and biosecurity plans aimed at conserving this endangered WGP.
Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and mutagenicity of mixed ternary mononuclear Mg complex based on valproic acid with 1,10‐phenanthroline in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and V79 cells
Authors: Vanini Julia , Rodrigues Gabriel Berbigier , Juchem André Luiz Mendes , Guecheva Temenouga Nikolova , Moura Sidnei , Dumas Françoise , Henriques João Antonio Pêgas , de Oliveira Iuri Marques
Published: October 2024

Valproic acid (VA) is a widely used drug for the treatment of diseases affecting the central nervous system. Due to its epigenetic modulatory potential, it has been studied for possible therapeutic application in anticancer therapies. However, the VA exhibits different side effects in its application. Thus, synthetic coordination complexes with valproate can generate promising candidates for new active drugs with reduced toxicity. In this sense, we investigated the genotoxic and mutagenic potential of the sodium valproate and of the mixed ternary mononuclear Mg complex based on VA with 1,10‐phenanthroline (Phen) ligand ‐ [Mg (Valp)2Phen], in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and V79 cells. The MTT and clonal survival assays in V79 cells indicated that the Mg complex has higher cytotoxicity than sodium valproate. A similar cytotoxicity profile is observed in yeast. This fact is possibly due to the intercalation capacity of [Mg(Valp)2Phen], inducing DNA strand breaks, as observed in the comet assay and micronucleus test. In this sense, members of the NER, HR, NHEJ and TLS repair pathways are required for the repair of DNA lesions induced by [Mg(Valp)2Phen]. Interestingly, BER proteins apparently increase the cytotoxic potential of the drug. Furthermore, the [Mg(Valp)2Phen] showed higher cytotoxicity in V79 cells and yeast when compared to sodium valproate indicating applicability as a cytotoxic agent.
Efficacy and safety of olverembatinib in adult BCR::ABL1‐positive ALL with T315I mutation or relapsed/refractory disease
Authors: Liu Weiyang , Wang Cheng , Ouyang Wanyan , Hao Jie , Ren Jiayi , Peng Lijun , Tang Sijie , Liu Yuanfang , Zhu Yongmei , Weng Xiangqin , Jing Duohui , Chen Saijuan , Wang Jin , Mi Jian‐Qing
Published: October 2024

Third‐generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have much potential for the treatment of BCR::ABL1‐positive leukaemia, particularly that harbouring the ABL1 T315I mutation. Olverembatinib (HQP1351), a novel third‐generation TKI, has favourable efficacy and safety profiles in chronic myeloid leukaemia. Here, we present the clinical findings from 31 BCR::ABL1‐positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) patients who received olverembatinib. Among the 14 patients with overt relapsed/refractory (R/R) disease (including 10 with the T315I mutation), 71.4% achieved an overall response. Of the other 17 patients with minimal residual disease (MRD)‐positive ALL (including 14 with the T315I mutation), 60.0% and 47.1% achieved MRD flow negativity and complete molecular remission, respectively. With a median follow‐up time of 16.3 months, the median event‐free survival and overall survival were 3.9 and 8.3 months respectively, in overt R/R patients, and 11.5 and 18.4 months in MRD‐positive patients. Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation further improved outcomes among responders. The safety profile was generally manageable. This study suggests that olverembatinib‐based therapy is another promising option for BCR::ABL1‐positive ALL in addition to ponatinib, especially for patients with MRD‐positive disease and a single T315I mutation.
Minimum or Living Wage? Framing Effects on Preferences and Expectations
Authors: Schaitberger Tim
Published: October 2024

Living wage campaigns are widely studied, yet less is known about how the frame differs from the minimum wage regarding public opinion and preferences. Such framing effects hold policy implications, as in 2016, UK Government changed the name of the regulatory wage floor to a living wage, concurrent with calls for welfare benefits cuts. This study explores how using the frame of ‘living’ rather than ‘minimum’ wage changes public socioeconomic expectations and preferences, and examines how a proposed wage increase, ranging from 50p to £6, comparatively influences public support for welfare spending. Methodologically, a sample from the United Kingdom's general population was recruited to participate in a series of online survey experiments. Treatment frames were randomly administered, followed by questions regarding the regulatory wage floor, and socioeconomic and redistributive preferences. Findings suggest introducing the term ‘living wage’ results in (1) higher expected real wages and unemployment effects; (2) raises the preferred wage floor for the United Kingdom and London; (3) greater desire for separate regional wage floors and (4) modest evidence suggesting that a living wage frame increases support for welfare spending. Interestingly, a proposed monetary wage floor increase had a null effect on welfare preferences when calling for a low or modest increase. However, a substantial proposed increase of over 50% led to a sharp reduction in support for benefits spending.
Current status and future perspectives for endoscopic treatment of local complications in chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Ito Ken , Takuma Kensuke , Okano Naoki , Yamada Yuto , Saito Michihiro , Watanabe Manabu , Igarashi Yoshinori , Matsuda Takahisa
Published: October 2024

Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive disease characterized by irregular fibrosis, cellular infiltration, and parenchymal loss within the pancreas. Chronic pancreatitis treatment includes lifestyle modifications based on disease etiology, dietary adjustments appropriate for each stage and condition, drug therapy, endoscopic treatments, and surgical treatments. Although surgical treatments of symptomatic chronic pancreatitis provide good pain relief, endoscopic therapies are recommended as the first‐line treatment because they are minimally invasive. In recent years, endoscopic therapy has emerged as an alternative treatment method to surgery for managing local complications in patients with chronic pancreatitis. For pancreatic stone removal, a combination of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and endoscopic extraction is used. For refractory pancreatic duct stones, intracorporeal fragmentation techniques, such as pancreatoscopy‐guided electrohydraulic lithotripsy and laser lithotripsy, offer additional options. Interventional endoscopic ultrasound has become the primary treatment modality for pancreatic pseudocysts, except in the absence of disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome. This review focuses on the current status of endoscopic therapies for common local complications of chronic pancreatitis, including updated information in the past few years.
Speech loss in children with epilepsy: Not always Landau–Kleffner syndrome
Authors: Van Bogaert Patrick
Published: October 2024

This commentary is on the original article by Eyre et al. on pages 392–404 of this issue.
The liver fibrosis‐8 index is a predictor for all‐cause mortality in cardiovascular disease patients: A cohort study
Authors: Yang Xian , Wang Jiaxin , Zhang Xiaofang , Wu Liangyan , Wang Ruxin , Lu Jianrong , Wang Lihong
Published: October 2024

Aims

Participants with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) often exhibit liver function abnormalities, hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. The extent of liver fibrosis is closely related to the prognosis of CVD. However, the association between the liver fibrosis‐8 (FIB‐8) index, a marker of liver fibrosis, and all‐cause mortality in CVD participants remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the FIB‐8 index and all‐cause mortality among individuals with CVD.

Materials and Methods

A total of 1727 CVD American participants were enrolled from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning from 1999 to 2018. Initially, we constructed weighted COX regression models and performed sensitivity analyses to examine the correlation between the FIB‐8 index and all‐cause mortality in CVD participants. Subsequently, we employed restricted cubic spline (RCS) to visualize their linear relationship. Finally, the stratified analyses and interaction tests of covariates were performed and presented in the forest plot.

Results

A total of 1727 participants were included in our study, with a mean age of 61.68 ± 0.47 years, with men accounting for 59.19%. After adjustment for relevant covariables, weighted COX regression models indicated that the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for the association between the FIB‐8 index and all‐cause mortality in CVD participants was 1.21 (1.12, 1.30). Sensitivity analysis was then conducted, revealing that the results remained stable. In fully adjusted model, individuals in quartiles 3 and 4 demonstrated significant statistical differences compared to the lowest FIB‐8 index quartile, with HR (95% CI) values of 1.88 (1.23, 2.87) and 2.17 (1.33, 3.53), respectively. Subsequently, RCS showed a linear relationship between the FIB‐8 index and all‐cause mortality among CVD participants. Finally, the interaction test revealed that no other covariables had significant interactions with the FIB‐8 index in this study.

Conclusions

A positive and linear correlation was observed between the FIB‐8 index and all‐cause mortality among CVD adult participants in NHANES from 1999 to 2018. Our findings indicated that the FIB‐8 index could serve as an excellent indicator for assessing all‐cause mortality within the CVD population. The lower the FIB‐8 index, the lower the all‐cause mortality among CVD participants.
Individual and combined effects of muscle strength and visceral adiposity on incident prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in a longitudinal cohort of midlife Asian women
Authors: Wong Beverly W. X. , Tan Darren Y. Z. , Li Ling‐Jun , Yong Eu‐Leong
Published: October 2024

Aim

To investigate the independent and combined effects of muscle strength and visceral adiposity on prediabetes and type 2 diabetes incidence among midlife women.

Materials and Methods

In this prospective study of midlife women (mean age 56.4 years), visceral adiposity, defined as visceral adipose tissue (VAT) >131 cm2 measured by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry, and poor combined muscle strength, defined as handgrip strength <18 kg and/or five‐time repeated chair stand test performance ≥12 s, were determined at baseline between 2014 and 2016. After 6.6 years, the effects of VAT and muscle strength on risk of incident prediabetes (fasting blood glucose 5.6–6.9 mmol/L) and type 2 diabetes (fasting blood glucose levels ≥7 mmol/L, medication use, or physician diagnosis) were examined using modified Poisson regression analysis.

Results

Among the 733 initially normoglycaemic participants, 150 (20.5%) developed prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Women with both poor combined muscle strength and high VAT had the highest risk for both prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (adjusted relative risk [aRR] 2.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.81–3.82). In comparison, high VAT alone increased risk by 1.78‐fold (95% CI 1.12–2.84). Stratification analyses showed that among women with low muscle strength, high VAT demonstrated increased risks of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (aRR 2.84, 95% CI 1.95–4.14) compared to those with normal strength (aRR 1.66, 95% CI 1.04–2.65).

Conclusions

Low combined muscle strength with high VAT poses a greater risk for the development of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes than high VAT alone. Muscle strengthening should be promoted alongside weight loss in diabetes prevention.
Destisol: A decision‐support tool to assess the ecosystem services provided by urban soils for better urban planning
Authors: Séré Geoffroy , Lothode Maïwenn , Blanchart Anne , Chirol Clémentine , Tribotte Antoine , Schwartz Christophe
Published: October 2024

Urban soils exhibit a wide diversity of properties that have no equivalent in other environments but are overwhelmingly perceived as degraded by decision makers. As a result, their potential is not considered in urban planning even though they can deliver a range of ecosystem services. This paper describes a decision support tool for assessing soil ecosystem services to support urban land use planning. An overview of existing methods for assessing ecosystem services provided by urban soils has been detailed. Destisol, a model developed specifically for the urban context, is presented in detail. Destisol was then applied to 37 urban soils under various situations and pedoclimates. The main innovations of Destisol lie in the consideration of soil properties throughout the whole pedon and in the evaluation of the compatibility of the soil with different land covers. It is based on the acquisition of soil indicators, which are transformed into scores of soil functions, then into compatible land covers and finally into scores of ecosystem services. The architecture of the model is based on 20 physico‐chemical‐biological soil indicators used to score 15 soil functions, based on a detailed set of decision rules. The soil functions scores allow the calculation of a percentage of compatibility for 13 land covers. Finally, the resulting scores are used to evaluate 18 ecosystem services, as a function of land cover. The tests show a wide distribution of scores depending on the soil studied, but also depending on the soil function, land cover or ecosystem service considered. Technosols show the largest dispersion of soil function scores, and no correlation was found between the anthropization gradient and the mean soil function score. The main results of Destisol are an assessment of the soil suitability, that is the compatibility between a soil and a land cover, and an explicit assessment of the ecosystem services provided depending on the land covers.
Immune triggers preceding neuralgic amyotrophy
Authors: Sparasci Davide , Schilg‐Hafer Lenka , Schreiner Bettina , Scheidegger Olivier , Peyer Anne‐Kathrin , Lascano Agustina Maria , Vicino Alex , Décard Bernhard Friedrich , Tsouni Pinelopi , Humm Andrea Monika , Pianezzi Enea , Zezza Giulia , Hundsberger Thomas , Dietmann Anelia , Jung Hans H. , Kuntzer Thierry , Wilder‐Smith Einar , Martinetti‐Lucchini Gladys , Petrini Orlando , Fontana Stefano , Gowland Peter , Niederhauser Christoph , Gobbi Claudio , Ripellino Paolo
Published: October 2024

Background and purpose

Infections and vaccinations have been identified as potential immunological triggers of neuralgic amyotrophy (NA), but the exact type and frequency of the preceding agents is unknown.

Methods

This was a multicentre, prospective, observational, matched case–control study. NA was diagnosed by neuromuscular experts according to validated clinical criteria and electrodiagnostic studies. Clinical data and biological samples of NA patients were collected within 90 days from disease onset between June 2018 and December 2023. All NA patients were asked about prior infection and vaccination in the month before disease onset. Serological tests for hepatitis E virus, human immunodeficiency virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, Epstein–Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, parvovirus B19, varicella‐zoster virus, Borrelia burgdorferi, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Bartonella henselae were performed in a central laboratory. Each case was matched with a healthy control for age, sex, place of residence and time of blood collection.

Results

Fifty‐seven patients and corresponding controls were included. The mean age was 45 years for both groups. NA onset was preceded by a symptomatic infectious trigger confirmed by microbiological tests in 15/57 (26.3%) patients. Coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination was considered a potential trigger in 7/57 (12.3%) subjects. An acute viral infection was associated with a bilateral involvement of the brachial plexus (p = 0.003, Cramèr's V = 0.43).

Conclusions

Confirmed immune triggers (infection or vaccination) preceded disease onset in 22/57 (38.6%) NA cases. We suggest to test NA patients in the acute phase for intracellular antigens, especially in the case of concomitant bilateral involvement and hepatitis.
Responding to the unacknowledged trauma and disenfranchised grief in infant adoption
Authors: Haralambie Ann M.
Published: October 2024

Recently, there has been more attention paid to trauma related to adoption. This article addresses the unacknowledged trauma which may exist with children adopted in infancy, before they had any retrievable recollection of their first families. Because this trauma has not been recognized, there has been inadequate attention paid to the adoptee's grief at the loss of the first family. This article suggests that all sealed records laws which prevent adoptees from having access to records otherwise available to non‐adoptees be repealed, that all adoptions be presumed to be open, with the possibility for ongoing contact with first family members, and that more trauma‐informed and adoption‐competent therapeutic resources be made available to adoptees.
Does political corruption reduce pro‐social behavior by bureaucrats? Lab experimental evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Woodhouse Eleanor Florence , Meyer‐Sahling Jan‐Hinrik , Mikkelsen Kim Sass , Schuster Christian , Islam Kazi Maruful , Rahman Taiabur
Published: October 2024

Numerous studies assess how politicians control and shape bureaucracy. Yet, how politicians' behavior affects the norms and behaviors of bureaucrats through role modeling has not been studied. This is a curious omission, in light of evidence that social norms shape bureaucratic behavior. Through a lab experiment with over 900 bureaucrats in Bangladesh, we explore whether political corruption affects bureaucrats' pro‐social behavior and whether this effect is particularly pronounced for corruption of the current government, as a particularly relevant social norm referent. Using a political corruption prime, we present evidence that those bureaucrats who recall episodes of the current government's political corruption when prompted to think about political corruption donate significantly lower real monetary amounts to charity. By contrast, we do not find clear effects of political corruption by other actors. Our findings underscore the importance of political leaders as role models for bureaucrats and the damage that political corruption may inflict on pro‐social behavior in bureaucracies.
The effectiveness of parenteral agents to mitigate relapses after severe acute migraine headache presentations: A systematic review and network analysis
Authors: Kirkland Scott , Meyer Jillian , Visser Lloyd , Campbell Sandra , Villa‐Roel Cristina , Friedman Benjamin W. , Essel Nana Owusu , Rowe Brian H.
Published: October 2024

Objectives

To compare the effectiveness of parenteral agents to reduce relapse in patients with acute migraine and identify factors that predict relapse.

Background

Following discharge from emergency settings, many patients with acute migraine will experience a relapse in pain; severe relapses may result in re‐visits to emergency settings.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search, updated to 2023, was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials assessing the effectiveness of parenteral agents on relapse outcomes in patients with acute migraine discharged from emergency settings. Two independent reviewers completed study selection, quality assessment, and data extraction. A traditional meta‐analysis compared parenteral corticosteroids to placebo; a frequentist network analysis assessed direct and indirect comparisons. Results are reported as risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The review protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (identifier: CRD42018099493).

Results

From 8949 citations, a total of 53 unique studies were included involving 6167 patients. Most studies had a high or unclear risk of bias. Corticosteroids significantly reduced relapses compared to placebo (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.52–0.88; I2 = 0%). Patients receiving lidocaine (RR 0.10, 95% CI 0.01–0.82), sedatives/hypnotics (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.14–0.75), ergot agents (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.25–0.75), neuroleptics (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.31–0.71), opioids (RR 0.58; 95% CI 0.35–0.94), or corticosteroids (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.47–0.86) were significantly less likely to relapse. Lidocaine (RR 0.09, 95% CI 0.01–0.71), combination therapy (RR 0.12, 95% CI 0.02–0.74), or adding corticosteroids (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.44–0.84) were more likely to reduce severe relapses. Longer duration of headache and residual pain at discharge were significantly associated with higher relapses.

Discussion

Corticosteroids remain the recommended first‐line option to reduce relapse outcomes. Some parenteral agents typically provided for pain relief including ergot agents, neuroleptics, or combination therapy may effectively reduce relapse; however, opioids are not recommended due to safety concerns. Additional research is needed for some lesser studied, albeit promising, agents including lidocaine and propofol. Effective pain control in emergency settings prior to discharge and duration of headache may play a role in the success of such treatments and further investigations could provide further insight regarding how and why some parenteral agents are effective in mitigating relapse events.