bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Belief and Disbelief from the Great Terror to Stalin’s Death
Authors: Hardy Jeffrey S
Published: August 2024

This chapter looks at faith in the Gulag during and after two successive crises: the Great Terror and World War II. The Terror of 1937–1938 brought a sharp spike in antireligious attitudes among Gulag officials, and many Christian prisoners were executed. But even more were newly incarcerated, and they brought an infusion of religiosity into the camps. During the harsh conditions of wartime, however, the mortality rate due to malnutrition spiked among Gulag inmates, and religious practice became increasingly difficult. Some lost faith or else hid it from other inmates and guards. These tensions then continued during the last several years of Joseph Stalin’s life, when the Gulag swelled to its peak size of some 2.5 million inmates.
Western Worshippers and Gulag Gangsters
Authors: Hardy Jeffrey S
Published: August 2024

This chapter investigates religious practice in the Gulag among the large numbers of prisoners from the Baltics, western Belorussia, western Ukraine, and Moldova, territories acquired by the Soviet Union in 1939–1940. These inmates were mostly not Orthodox, and they brought to the Gulag not only increased religious pluralism but a religiously defined anti-Soviet nationalism. This chapter also looks at how the notorious gangs of the Gulag employed religious imagery in their songs, talismans, and especially tattoos. Although the actual level of belief among gangsters is debatable, what is clear is that they found in Christianity a symbolic language of anti-Soviet, pro-Russian resistance. And this then informed their value system for the duration of the Soviet era and into the post-Soviet period.
Value Rare and High
Authors: Glasgow Joshua
Published: August 2024

What does it mean to call something especially significant or important or great? To be significant in the relevant sense is not only to be of value but specifically to be rare and of particularly high value. Having this rare, high value can be determined in two ways: either in a contextualized manner that determines importance relative to a particular standard of evaluation and a limited range of contrast classes or in a parameter-free “cosmic” manner. Regardless of the manner of scope, there seem to be multiple ways of achieving such importance: by having a big impact on others or on oneself or simply by being of value regardless of impact. But being important does not require that the important person and their value must have been irreplaceable. It just requires that the person actually be valuable.
Living Your Best Life
Authors: Glasgow Joshua
Published: August 2024

Is it in our interests to be important? One version of this question asks whether we have reason to think that being important advances our well-being. This way of framing it means, first, that the question is not if importance is a final good, without reason to back it up, and, second, that it is not enough to simply want to be important in order for importance to be considered good. In addition, we are looking for some part of our well-being that is advanced by being important. But no such rationale exists. We seemingly have reason to seek achievements, to perfect our human nature, and to perfect our individual nature; but none of these interests are served more by being important than by being ordinary.
Meaning
Authors: Glasgow Joshua
Published: August 2024

Being important or doing significant things is supposed by some to make our lives exceptionally meaningful. This chapter develops an alternative view. In the course of arguing against views that say that meaning in life comes purely from objective value or, alternatively, purely from subjective attraction, a series of cases are also presented to validate the perspective that being important adds no meaning to our lives. Instead, once a project has reached a minimal threshold for objective value, how much meaning it adds to one’s life depends on how much one is subjectively attracted to that value. The meaningful life does need a certain amount of objectively valuable projects, activities, and relationships. But no added meaning is secured by those projects, activities, and relationships being especially significant. The extraordinary life has no more meaning than the ordinary life.
A Randomized, Evaluator-Blinded, Multicenter Study to Compare Injectable Poly-D,L-Lactic Acid vs Hyaluronic Acid for Nasolabial Fold Augmentation
Authors: Ting Wenyun , Chong Yuming , Long Xiao , Shu Maoguo , Wang Haiying , Huang Jiuzuo , Zeng Ang , Bai Zhuanli , Wang Rui , Zhang Xin , Wang Hanying , Lin Jui-Yu , Lin Chuan-Yuan , Zhang Mingzi , Yu Nanze , Wang Xiaojun
Published: August 2024

Background

Injectable poly-D,L-lactic acid (PDLLA), under the brand name of AestheFill (REGEN Biotech, Inc., Seoul, South Korea), is a biocompatible, biodegradable, and biostimulatory product utilized to correct soft tissue volume loss. Its efficacy and safety have not been fully studied in a large cohort.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel dermal filler injectable, poly-D,L-lactic acid.

Methods

This was an evaluator-blinded, multicenter, randomized controlled trial to compare the efficacy and safety of PDLLA vs hyaluronic acid in the correction of the nasolabial fold. Two hundred and sixty patients with moderate to severe nasolabial folds were enrolled and randomized to the treatment group (PDLLA) or control group (hyaluronic acid). Each patient received a PDLLA or hyaluronic acid injection for nasolabial fold augmentation and was followed for 52 weeks. The Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS) and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) were applied to evaluate topical nasolabial fold augmentation and overall improvement, respectively.

Results

At 24 weeks, 67.6% of patients in the PDLLA group had an at least 1-grade improvement on the WSRS, compared to 60.9% of patients in the control group with an at least 1-grade improvement on the WSRS (P < .05). At each visit, the PDLLA group showed more improvement on the baseline WSRS than the control group. PDLLA was safe and well tolerated, with no severe adverse events.

Conclusions

PDLLA shows noninferior efficacy in correcting nasolabial folds compared to hyaluronic acid.

Level of Evidence: 2 (Therapeutic)
An evaluation of the usefulness of morphological characters to infer higher-level relationships in birds by mapping them to a molecular phylogeny
Authors: Ericson Per G P , Qu Yanhua
Published: August 2024

The use of genetic data to reconstruct systematic relationships has revolutionized our understanding of avian evolution. Morphology-based classifications were often in conflict because of different opinions among scholars about the relative importance of certain phenotypes. The considerable morphological variation observed among birds was codified into phylogenetic characters by Livezey and Zusi (2006) who also scored them for 150 extinct and extant taxa. Herein we have evaluated the phylogenetic signal of 1860 of these characters by mapping them to a molecular phylogeny including 102 taxa that represent all extant birds (with the underlying assumption that this tree topology is a good estimate of the evolutionary relationships among birds). The characters fit the molecular tree with a mean consistency index (CI) of 0.38. Muscle characters are the most homoplasious (CI 0.32), while characters related to integument, feathers, intestinal, respiratory, syrinx, urogenital, nervous, and reproductive organs show a considerably better fit (mean CI 0.49). We also explored what characters may unambiguously support certain basal clades that are well-supported by molecular data. We found only a few clades (e.g. Galloanserae, Procellariimorphae) being supported by unambiguous apomorphies, while many well-established clades (e.g. Pelecaniformes, Charadriiformes, Accipitriformes, Coraciiformes) lack such support entirely.
DLKcat cannot predict meaningful kcat values for mutants and unfamiliar enzymes
Authors: Kroll Alexander , Lercher Martin J
Published: August 2024

The recently published DLKcat model, a deep learning approach for predicting enzyme turnover numbers (kcat), claims to enable high-throughput kcat predictions for metabolic enzymes from any organism and to capture kcat changes for mutated enzymes. Here, we critically evaluate these claims. We show that for enzymes with <60% sequence identity to the training data DLKcat predictions become worse than simply assuming a constant average kcat value for all reactions. Furthermore, DLKcat’s ability to predict mutation effects is much weaker than implied, capturing none of the experimentally observed variation across mutants not included in the training data. These findings highlight significant limitations in DLKcat’s generalizability and its practical utility for predicting kcat values for novel enzyme families or mutants, which are crucial applications in fields such as metabolic modeling.
Comparative analysis of neurofilaments and biomarkers of muscular damage in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Vidovic Maximilian , Lapp Hanna Sophie , Weber Constanze , Plitzko Lydia , Seifert Michael , Steinacker Petra , Otto Markus , Hermann Andreas , Günther René
Published: August 2024

Diagnosis of the fatal neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is challenging. Neurofilaments, indicative of neuronal damage, along with creatine kinase, creatinine, myoglobin, and troponin T, representing muscular damage, have been identified as promising fluid biomarkers. This study aims to comprehensively assess and compare their diagnostic and prognostic potential in a ‘real-world’ cohort of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. About 77 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and its clinical variants, and 26 age- and sex-matched controls with various neuromuscular and neurodegenerative diseases, were retrospectively included in this monocentric, cross-sectional study. Neurofilaments in cerebrospinal fluid and biomarkers of muscular damage in serum were measured and correlated with demographic features, motor function, survival time, clinical phenotypes, and the extent of upper and lower motor neuron involvement. Neurofilament, myoglobin, and troponin T concentrations were higher in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis compared to disease controls. Higher neurofilament levels correlated with lower motor function and faster disease progression rate, while higher creatine kinase and creatinine concentrations were linked to preserved motor function. In contrast, troponin T elevation indicated poorer fine and gross motor functions. Increased neurofilament levels were associated with shorter survival, whereas biomarkers of muscular damage lacked survival correlation. Neurofilament concentrations were higher in classical amyotrophic lateral sclerosis than in progressive muscular atrophy, while myoglobin and troponin T levels were elevated in progressive muscular atrophy compared to primary lateral sclerosis. Neurofilaments were predominantly linked to upper motor neuron involvement. Our findings confirmed the robust diagnostic and prognostic value of neurofilaments in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Elevated neurofilament concentrations were associated with higher disease severity, faster disease progression, shorter survival, and predominant upper motor neuron degeneration. Biomarkers of muscular damage were inferior in distinguishing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis from other neuromuscular and neurodegenerative diseases. However, they may serve as complementary biomarkers and support in discriminating clinical variants of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Purification and tailored functionalities in detonation nanodiamond
Authors: Ardhayanti Lutfia Isna , Islam Md Saidul , Cai Ze , Fukuzaki Masahiro , Liu Xinyao , Zhang Zhongyue , Sekine Yoshihiro , Hayami Shinya
Published: August 2024

Nanodiamonds (NDs) offer immense potential in various fields, but graphitic or metal-based impurities hinder their widespread adoption. Conventional purification methods often employ harsh chemicals or high temperatures, raising concerns about ND integrity and surface properties. Herein, we compared various strategies to purify and tailor the surface functional groups in the detonation-derived NDs. A facile 2-step purification strategy combining salt-assisted air oxidation (SAAO) and Fenton chemistry is particularly interesting for efficient and selective removal of graphitic impurities while preserving the diamond lattice structure. SAAO selectively burns off graphitic impurities at 450 °C under controlled oxygen flow, minimizing damage to the diamond core. Subsequently, Fenton's reagent (H2O2/Fe2+) introduces hydrophilic functional groups onto the ND surface, further enhancing diamond purity and promoting subsequent functionalization. This synergistic approach enables (i) highly efficient removal of graphitic impurities while preserving ND morphology and crystal structure, (ii) controlled introduction of surface functionalities, and (iii) improved colloidal stability of purified NDs. This green and efficient purification protocol is beneficial for tailoring ND properties and unlocking their full potential in diverse applications ranging from biomedicine and electronics to catalysis and quantum technologies.
Photo-cross-linking reactions in RNA–DNA heteroduplexes using photoreactive DNA incorporated with diazirine and aryl azide warheads
Authors: Matsuo Kazuya , Kitamura Machiko , Kobata Kentaro , Unita Daiki , Waku Tomonori , Kobori Akio
Published: August 2024

Utilizing photoreactive oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODNs) presents a promising avenue for significantly enhancing antisense effects with high spatiotemporal resolution. This enhancement arises from the increased stability of RNA–DNA heteroduplexes achieved through photo-cross-linking with complementary RNAs upon light illumination. In this study, we propose a post-introduction approach for preparing ODNs incorporating diazirine and aryl azide warheads, employing 2′-amino-2′-deoxyuridine. We investigate the photo-cross-linking efficiencies, rates, and nucleobase preferences of these photoreactive ODNs when paired with their complementary RNAs.
Ontology, complex adaptive systems and economics
Authors: Araz Bahar , Morgan Jamie
Published: August 2024

In this article we first set out what complexity theory is and its place in economics. We then discuss whether complexity economics has observably transformed the mainstream before asking, even if complexity economics did in fact succeed in changing the mainstream, would this make the mainstream significantly different? The purpose of the article is to establish that complexity economics is different than the previously existing mainstream but, drawing on critical realism and social ontology, not as different as one might think. We conclude by suggesting there is scope for a more ontologically nuanced understanding of complexity.
The Return to In-Person School: Teacher Reports of Student Behavior and Social–Emotional Learning
Authors: Brockmeier Lindsay , Brass Nicole R , Bergin Christi , Imler Madison
Published: August 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic and related school closures greatly interfered in students’ social, emotional, and academic development creating behavioral struggles after returning to school. This concurrent mixed-methods study examined teacher perceptions of student behavioral change and social–emotional learning (SEL) during the return to in-person schooling in fall 2021. Teachers (N = 120) from a Midwestern state completed online surveys consisting of both closed and open-ended questions about student’s social, emotional, and academic behavior. Teachers also responded to questions about SEL program implementation in their schools before and during the pandemic. Teachers overwhelmingly reported worsened student behavior since returning to school. Content analysis revealed academic motivation struggles were most often reported, followed by social and emotional struggles, respectively. Additionally, teachers from schools with SEL programs were significantly less likely to report academic motivation struggles. Findings suggest that SEL programs may help mitigate COVID-related academic motivation struggles. Possibilities for future research on student behavior and SEL as the pandemic recedes are discussed.
The diabetic myocardial transcriptome reveals Erbb3 and Hspa2 as a novel biomarkers of incident heart failure
Authors: Conning-Rowland Marcella S , Giannoudi Marilena , Drozd Michael , Brown Oliver I , Yuldasheva Nadira Y , Cheng Chew W , Meakin Paul J , Straw Sam , Gierula John , Ajjan Ramzi A , Kearney Mark T , Levelt Eylem , Roberts Lee D , Griffin Kathryn J , Cubbon Richard M
Published: August 2024

Aims

Diabetes mellitus (DM) increases heart failure incidence and worsens prognosis, but its molecular basis is poorly defined in humans. We aimed to define the diabetic myocardial transcriptome and validate hits in their circulating protein form to define disease mechanisms and biomarkers.

Methods and results

RNA-sequencing data from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project was used to define differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in right atrial (RA) and left ventricular (LV) myocardium from people with vs. without DM (type 1 or 2). DEGs were validated as plasma proteins in the UK Biobank cohort, searching for directionally concordant differential expression. Validated plasma proteins were characterized in UK Biobank participants, irrespective of diabetes status, using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, incident heart failure, and cardiovascular mortality. We found 32 and 32 DEGs associated with DM in the RA and LV, respectively, with no overlap between these. Plasma proteomic data were available for 12, with ERBB3, NRXN3, and HSPA2 (all LV hits) exhibiting directional concordance. Irrespective of DM status, lower circulating ERBB3 and higher HSPA2 were associated with impaired LV contractility and higher LV mass. Participants in the lowest quartile of circulating ERBB3 or highest quartile of circulating HSPA2 had increased incident heart failure and cardiovascular death vs. all other quartiles.

Conclusion

DM is characterized by lower Erbb3 and higher Hspa2 expression in the myocardium, with directionally concordant differences in their plasma protein concentration. These are associated with LV dysfunction, incident heart failure, and cardiovascular mortality.
Imaging in acute percutaneous mechanical circulatory support in adults: a clinical consensus statement of the Association for Acute CardioVascular Care (ACVC) of the ESC, the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) of the ESC and the European branch of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (EuroELSO)
Authors: Tavazzi Guido , Price Susanna , Beitnes Jan Otto , Bleakley Caroline , Balik Martin , Lochy Stijn , Moller Jacob Eifer , Guarracino Fabio , Donal Erwan , Donker Dirk W , Belohlavek Jan , Hassager Christian
Published: August 2024

The use of temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS) in cardiogenic shock patients has increased during the last decades with most management strategies relying on observational studies and expert opinion, including hemodynamic monitoring, device selection, and timing of support institution/duration. In this context, imaging has a pivotal role throughout the patient pathway, from identification to initiation, monitoring, and weaning. This manuscript summarizes the consensus of an expert panel from the European Society of Cardiology Association for Acute CardioVascular Care, the European Association of CardioVascular Imaging, and the European Extracorporeal Life Support Organization, providing the rationale for and practical guidance of imaging to tMCS based on existing evidence and consensus on best current practice.
Cardiac angiosarcoma: how multimodality imaging and excimer laser assisted intracardiac biopsy led to the correct diagnosis—a case report
Authors: Veliqi Anna , Hakmi Samer , Kaiser Lukas , Willems Stephan , Chung Da-Un
Published: August 2024

Background

Cardiac angiosarcomas are exceptionally uncommon, and result in significant morbidity and mortality. Utilizing a multimodality approach enhances the characterization of the mass for optimal diagnostic outcomes. The recommended primary treatment involves complete surgical resection coupled with adjuvant radiochemotherapy. Excimer laser sheaths provide a novel option for extracting substantial tissue samples, facilitating appropriate and targeted treatment.

Case summary

A 54-year-old female presented with dyspnoea and chest pain. Cardiac imaging showed a large right atrial mass suspected to be malignant. Echocardiography was utilized for diagnosis, follow-ups, and as part of the biopsy procedure. However, adopting an off-label approach involving an excimer laser sheath as a bioptome led to the successful diagnosis of an angiosarcoma. Commencement of radiochemotherapy resulted in a reduction in tumour size and a rapid improvement in the patient’s quality of life.

Discussion

The presented case underlines the significance of multimodality imaging and the use of an excimer laser-assisted intracardiac biopsy in achieving an accurate diagnosis. Cardiovascular imaging not only serves as the primary diagnostic tool but also plays a crucial role in risk stratification and in planning therapeutic interventions.
Pacing lead thrombus in patient with recent COVID-19 infection and subsequent vaccination: a case report
Authors: Palazzuoli Alberto , Mingiano Christian , Manetti Niccolò , Leolini Chiara , Fossi Antonella
Published: August 2024

Background

The association between acute coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) infection and a hypercoagulable state has been exhaustively described throughout the pandemic. The presence of external devices, such as intracardiac leads, could predispose to higher thrombotic risk in this setting. We present a clinical case of intracardiac thrombosis on right ventricle device that occurred after COVID-19 infection and subsequent vaccination.

Case summary

A 56-year-old man, suffering from usual interstitial pneumonia-pattern fibrosis, was admitted to our hospital because of worsening of his clinical status. About 10 days earlier, he had got vaccinated for COVID-19. Three months earlier, the patient had been reported to have severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) infection. A chest computed tomography scan showed thrombus partially occluding the left pulmonary artery. A transthoracic echocardiography and later a transoesophageal echocardiogram showed a mass adhered to the lead in the right ventricle, compatible with thrombosis, confirmed on a cardiac computed tomography scan. Blood tests showed no major changes except for a slight increase in D-dimer and fibrinogen. Therefore, the subject was treated with anticoagulants.

Discussion

COVID-19 infection results in a hypercoagulable state with risk of developing thrombus diffusely, including intracardiac thrombosis. The presence of external devices, such as the intracardiac leads, may increase thrombotic risk since the presence of an external device in the bloodstream could trigger coagulation cascade. This case report highlights the need for special care in this patient setting, using specific imaging techniques for early and rapid diagnosis to optimize therapy.
The Asymmetric Spillover Effects of Retirement on Disability: Evidence From China
Authors: Bai Anying , Hao Zhuang , Cheng Huihui , Chen Simiao , Jiang Yu
Published: August 2024

Background and Objectives

Recent research has explored the spillover effects of retirement on spousal well-being, yet limited attention has been given to the short-term impact on spousal disability. This study explored the asymmetric spillover impact of retirement on spouses’ disability severity among a national cohort of urban residents in China.

Research Design and Methods

Utilizing 4 waves of data (2011–2018) from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey, we employ a nonparametric regression discontinuity design to estimate the short-term effect of retirement on spousal disability severity. Disability is assessed based on their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Furthermore, we conduct heterogeneity analysis stratified by factors such as the husband’s retirement status, health conditions, lifestyle behaviors, and the wife’s educational level. Additionally, we explore potential mechanisms including changes in health behaviors, emotions, and disease diagnoses.

Results

Our findings indicate that wives’ retirement has a significant favorable short-term effect on husbands’ ADL scores, with a magnitude of −0.644 points (−9.78% relative to baseline). A significant beneficial effect of wives’ retirement on the prevalence of husbands’ difficulty in dressing, bathing, and eating was observed with substantial magnitudes of 0.075, 0.201, and 0.051 points, respectively. Various heterogeneity analyses and sensitivity tests confirmed the robustness of our results. The positive spillover effect of wives’ retirement likely results from reduced negative emotions in husbands. In contrast, husbands’ retirement does not affect the prevalence of ADL/IADL disability in their wives.

Discussion and Implications

Underscoring the gender asymmetry in the effects of spousal retirement on disability, this study emphasizes the need for tailored policies considering men’s and women’s distinct disability experiences.
A review of climate change and cardiovascular diseases in the Indian policy context
Authors: Shrikhande Shreya S , Lakshmanasamy Ravivarman , Röösli Martin , Aqiel Dalvie Mohamed , Utzinger Jürg , Cissé Guéladio
Published: August 2024

There is growing evidence that climate change adversely affects human health. Multiple diseases are sensitive to climate change, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which are also the leading cause of death globally. Countries such as India face a compounded challenge, with a growing burden of CVDs and a high vulnerability to climate change, requiring a co-ordinated, multi-sectoral response. In this framework synthesis, we analysed whether and how CVDs are addressed with respect to climate change in the Indian policy space. We identified 10 relevant national-level policies, which were analysed using the framework method. Our analytical framework consisted of four themes: (1) political commitment; (2) health information systems; (3) capacity building; and (4) cross-sectoral actions. Additionally, we analysed a subset of these policies and 29 state-level climate change and health action plans using content analysis to identify health priorities. Our analyses revealed a political commitment in addressing the health impacts of climate change; however, CVDs were poorly contextualized with most of the efforts focusing on vector-borne and other communicable diseases, despite their recognized burden. Heat-related illnesses and cardiopulmonary diseases were also focused on but failed to encompass the most climate-sensitive aspects. CVDs are insufficiently addressed in the existing surveillance systems, despite being mentioned in several policies and interventions, including emergency preparedness in hospitals and cross-sectoral actions. CVDs are mentioned as a separate section in only a small number of state-level plans, several of which need an impetus to complete and include CVD-specific sections. We also found several climate-health policies for specific diseases, albeit not for CVDs. This study identified important gaps in India’s disease-specific climate change response and might aid policymakers in strengthening future versions of these policies and boost research and context-specific interventions on climate change and CVDs.
A systematic observation of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels in Australian natural blue space locations
Authors: White Rhiannon Lee , Taylor Nicole , Dudley Dean , Cotton Wayne , Peralta Louisa , Young Carmen , Nguyen and Tatiana
Published: August 2024

Research has shown that blue space (i.e. water-based environments) can be good for physical and mental health, with one possible reason being that people are physically active when visiting blue space environments. However, little is known about how active people are when visiting blue space. We used the System for Observing Physical Activity and Recreation in Natural Areas to systematically record whether people were active while visiting eight different blue space locations in Australia. We first calculated the proportion of people who were moderately or vigorously active at each location and then conducted a series of linear regression models to determine which demographic and environmental factors predicted higher activity levels. We identified that 44% of people visiting blue space locations were active. However, there were significant interactions between both age and gender, and type of blue space. Males (β = −0.25, p = 0.018) and females (β = −0.26, p ≤ 0.001) were less active at built-up riverfronts than coastal beaches. Females were also less active at inland beaches (β = −0.15, p = 0.013) and watering holes (β = −0.20, p = 0.011) compared with coastal beaches. Children (β = 0.16, p = 0.006) and adolescents, however, were more active at inland beaches (β = 0.32, p ≤ 0.001) than coastal beaches. These results are important to consider when making decisions around access to, and infrastructure within, blue space environments, as different blue space environments influence human behaviour differently for different people.
Key factors in complex public health interventions to address vaccine hesitancy using a multidisciplinary approach: the VAX-TRUST project
Authors: Ferrara Maria , Langiano Elisa , Esposito Maurizio , Lo Moro Giuseppina , Lombardi Rosalia , Vuolanto Pia , De Vito Elisabetta
Published: August 2024

The VAX-TRUST project addresses vaccine hesitancy in seven European countries with a systematic and evidence-based approach. Interventions, targeting healthcare professionals, draw from behavioural and social theories. A checklist, inspired by the TIDieR (Template for Intervention Description and Replication), ensures a detailed description of actions, transparency and replicability. The intervention development process begins with collaborative meetings and systematic revisions, concluding with external evaluations for replicability in diverse public health contexts. This study aims to provide valuable insights for future complex interventions in public health, based on lessons learnt to reduce the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases. The analysis of educational interventions within the VAX-TRUST project has led to the definition of precise guidelines to ensure their replicability and adaptation to various contexts, attempting to establish a universally applicable approach. Active participant engagement and consideration of local social dynamics, beyond information transmission, have emerged as key factors to improve intervention effectiveness. Various educational tools and collaboration with academic institutions have contributed to strengthening credibility.
Tofacitinib Does Not Impair Sperm Quality in Men With Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Grosen Anne , Bellaguarda Emanuelle , Liljeqvist-Soltic Ingela , Skytte Anne-Bine , Hanauer Stephen B , Kelsen Jens
Published: August 2024

Lay Summary

We demonstrate that tofacitinib does not adversely affect semen quality or sex hormones in male patients. These first postmarketing data for tofacitinib and semen quality are reassuring. Our study raises no safety concerns, though larger studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Rhizobacterial diversity of Portuguese olive cultivars in the Douro valley and their potential as plant growth promoters
Authors: Sierra-Garcia Isabel N , Ferreira Maria J , Granada Camille E , Patinha Carla , Cunha Ângela
Published: August 2024

Aims

This study investigated the bacterial communities in the rhizosphere of two traditional Portuguese olive cultivars, Cobrançosa and Negrinha de Freixo, in relation to soil properties. Additionally, we aimed to isolate and identify bacteria with potential for biocontrol and other plant growth-promoting traits from these rhizosphere communities.

Methods and results

Bacterial communities in the olive rhizosphere were investigated using a metabarcoding approach and the soil physicochemical properties of the olive groves were also analyzed. Higher bacterial richness was associated with Negrinha de Freixo growing in soil with high organic matter content and water-holding capacity. In contrast, the soils of the Cobrançosa grove presented higher pH and electric conductivity. Negrinha de Freixo rhizosphere was enriched with ASVs (Amplicon Sequence Variants) belonging to Bacillus, Gaiella, Acidothermus, Bradyrhizobium, and uncultured Xanthobacteraceae. On the other hand, the Cobrançosa rhizosphere was characterized by higher relative abundance of Streptomyces and Sphingomonas. Bacterial isolation from the rhizosphere and screening for plant growth-promoting activities were also performed. Six bacteria strains, predominantly Bacillus isolated from Negrinha de Freixo, demonstrated antagonistic activities against the olive fungal pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporoides and other plant growth promotion (PGP) traits.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that the structure of rhizosphere bacterial communities associated with olive trees is shaped by both plant cultivar and soil-related factors. The higher number of bacterial species in the rhizosphere of Negrinha de Freixo was related to a higher organic matter content and a greater abundance of isolates with plant growth promotion traits, particularly Bacillus strains.
Generating colloquial radiology reports with large language models
Authors: Tang Cynthia Crystal , Nagesh Supriya , Fussell David A , Glavis-Bloom Justin , Mishra Nina , Li Charles , Cortes Gillean , Hill Robert , Zhao Jasmine , Gordon Angellica , Wright Joshua , Troutt Hayden , Tarrago Rod , Chow Daniel S
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Patients are increasingly being given direct access to their medical records. However, radiology reports are written for clinicians and typically contain medical jargon, which can be confusing. One solution is for radiologists to provide a “colloquial” version that is accessible to the layperson. Because manually generating these colloquial translations would represent a significant burden for radiologists, a way to automatically produce accurate, accessible patient-facing reports is desired. We propose a novel method to produce colloquial translations of radiology reports by providing specialized prompts to a large language model (LLM).

Materials and Methods

Our method automatically extracts and defines medical terms and includes their definitions in the LLM prompt. Using our method and a naive strategy, translations were generated at 4 different reading levels for 100 de-identified neuroradiology reports from an academic medical center. Translations were evaluated by a panel of radiologists for accuracy, likability, harm potential, and readability.

Results

Our approach translated the Findings and Impression sections at the 8th-grade level with accuracies of 88% and 93%, respectively. Across all grade levels, our approach was 20% more accurate than the baseline method. Overall, translations were more readable than the original reports, as evaluated using standard readability indices.

Conclusion

We find that our translations at the eighth-grade level strike an optimal balance between accuracy and readability. Notably, this corresponds to nationally recognized recommendations for patient-facing health communication. We believe that using this approach to draft patient-accessible reports will benefit patients without significantly increasing the burden on radiologists.
Effects of sinusoidal wall temperature on thermal dynamics and irreversibility around an inclined plate embedded in a square cavity
Authors: Khan Zafar Hayat , Hamid Mohammad , Khan Waqar Ahmed , Ahmad Rashid , Jie Liu
Published: August 2024

Effective thermal and flow control within complex geometries is essential for engineering applications. In this study, an in-depth examination of flow dynamics, entropy, and thermal regulation is undertaken within a square cavity featuring sinusoidal wall temperature. To introduce complexity, an inclined plate obstacle is strategically positioned within the cavity with an inclination angle of 45°, and the investigation spans three distinct scenarios: adiabatic, cold, and hot conditions. The initial physical model is developed by formulating a system of partial differential equations, which are then transformed into a dimensionless representation using relevant variables. Subsequently, the Galerkin method is employed for approximated analysis of the simplified fluid flow model, and the computational code is verified in tabular format. The embedded physical parameters are constrained to specific numerical values to ensure the convergence of the physical model in each scenario. The physical characteristics of isotherms, streamlines, Nusselt numbers, entropy, and Bejan numbers are investigated. Notably, the results demonstrate that the introduction of a cold inclined plate leads to peak values in generating the entropy and average heat transfer rates. When comparing the cold inclined plate to the heated inclined plate, an increase of approximately 20% in the average heat transfer rate and a 15% rise in the entropy generation rate was found for the cold inclined plate. Furthermore, the Bejan number showed a 10% decrease for the cold inclined plate compared to the heated inclined plate. Additionally, increasing the amplitude and wavenumber led to a rise in average heat transfer and entropy generation rates, with 25% and 30% increases, respectively.
Human Rights in Scottish Foreign Policy: Constructing Scotland as a Good Global Citizen
Authors: Mills Kurt , Birdsall Andrea
Published: August 2024

While foreign policy is a reserved matter for the British government in Westminster, it is clear that the Scottish government aspires to, and indeed has implemented, an expanding programme of independent external relations. It is not the first sub-state political actor to do so. Whether as a part of the UK, or as potentially an independent country, Scotland has put considerable effort into developing an identity as a good global citizen. One area in particular where this has occurred is in human rights, where it has demonstrated leadership on a number of issues and sought to connect its domestic commitments to human rights to its external persona. This article will examine the dynamics of this development, looking at both the constraints and the possibilities for Scotland as an international human rights actor.
First report of Phthorimaea absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in Korea
Authors: Lee Min Hyeuk , Jeong Dagyeong , Lee Gwan-Seok , Paik Chaehun
Published: August 2024

The South American tomato pinworm, Phthorimaea absoluta Meyrick, 1917 (= Tuta absoluta), a significant pest of solanaceous crops globally, has been detected for the first time in Jeonbuk Province, Korea. It caused damage to commercial tomatoes, particularly in organic farms that do not use chemical pesticides. Additionally, damage was found on Solanum nigrum L., a common wild plant in Korea, emphasizing its potential to sustain populations even in the absence of cultivated hosts. Our research underscores the urgency of conducting further research and developing effective management strategies to mitigate its spread and damage.
A mountain pine beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) adult development rate model confirms evolved geographic differences
Authors: Wangen Catherine E , Powell James A , Bentz Barbara J
Published: August 2024

Insects live in a wide range of thermal environments and have evolved species- and location-specific physiological processes for survival in hot and cold extremes. Thermally driven dormancy strategies, development rates and thresholds are important for synchronizing cohorts within a population and to local climates and often vary among populations within a species. Mountain pine beetle (MPB), Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae), is a widely distributed forest insect native to North America with clinal genetic differentiation in thermally dependent traits. MPB development occurs in Pinus phloem beneath the bark, and its cryptic habitat makes experimentation difficult, particularly for the adult stage. We describe a novel method for modeling MPB adult development following pupation and terminating in emergence from a brood tree. We focus on an Arizona (southern) MPB population with previously described preadult development rates. Field-observed tree attack, adult emergence, and phloem temperature data are combined in a parameterized cohort model and candidate rate curves are evaluated to describe adult emergence timing. Model competition indicates that the Brière rate curve provided the best fit to field data and performed well under cross-validation. Results confirm that the development of Arizona MPB adults is slower than the previously described development rate of more northern Utah adults. Using the estimated adult rate curve in a scenario of increasing mean temperatures, we show that the timing of second-generation adult emergence in the same year would result in cold-intolerant lifestages during winter, limiting the success of bivoltine populations.
Hepatitis B virus reactivation risk associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors in tumor treatment: a retrospective study
Authors: Yin Yue , Liu Bao Jiang , Zhang Yan Hua , Qiu Xin Ye
Published: August 2024

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation is a recognized complication of cytotoxic chemotherapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B. However, the risk of HBV reactivation with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) remains uncertain due to their exclusion from clinical trials. This study aimed to assess the incidence of HBV reactivation in patients with cancer undergoing ICI therapy, exploring associated risk factors.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients with cancer who tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The primary endpoint was incidence of HBV reactivation, whereas the secondary endpoint was occurrence of hepatic adverse events during ICI therapy.

Results

Among the 162 eligible patients (median age 59 years; 85.8% men), HBV reactivation occurred in 4.3% at a median of 13 weeks post-treatment initiation. At baseline, HBV DNA was undetectable in 78 patients; 88 received antiviral prophylaxis, while 74 patients did not. Reactivation rates were 3.5% in HBsAg-positive and 10% in hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb)-positive individuals, with an overall rate of 4.3%. These rates were 1.1% with prophylaxis and 8.1% without. Twenty-two patients had grade 3–4 hepatitis, and 25 tested HBsAg-negative but HBcAb-positive. No HBV-related fatalities occurred. The absence of antiviral treatment was a significant risk factor for HBV reactivation.

Conclusions

Our study underscores the risk of HBV reactivation in patients with cancer undergoing ICI therapy, especially among those lacking antiviral prophylaxis. Regular HBV DNA testing and antiviral prophylaxis are crucial preventive measures for HBV reactivation. These findings emphasize the importance of monitoring HBV status in patients receiving ICIs.
Clinical outcomes and prognostic factors in metastatic nonclear cell renal cell carcinoma treated with immuno-oncology combination therapy
Authors: Toyoda Shingo , Fukuokaya Wataru , Mori Keiichiro , Kawada Tatsushi , Katayama Satoshi , Nishimura Shingo , Maenosono Ryoichi , Tsujino Takuya , Adachi Takahiro , Hirasawa Yosuke , Saruta Masanobu , Komura Kazumasa , Nukaya Takuhisa , Yanagisawa Takafumi , Takahara Kiyoshi , Hashimoto Takeshi , Azuma Haruhito , Ohno Yoshio , Shiroki Ryoichi , Araki Motoo , Kimura Takahiro , Fujita Kazutoshi ,   JK-FOOT study group
Published: August 2024

Background

Metastatic nonclear cell renal cell carcinoma (nccRCC) is a heterogeneous disease with poor prognosis. The clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of immuno-oncology (IO) combination therapy for nccRCC are not well known. This study analyzed patients with metastatic nccRCC treated with IO combination therapy.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data from 447 patients with metastatic RCC treated with IO-based combination therapy as first-line treatment between September 2018 and July 2023 in a Japanese multicenter study. The primary endpoints were objective response rate, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS), comparing groups treated with IO-IO and IO-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapies.

Results

Seventy-five patients with metastatic nccRCC were eligible for analysis: 39 were classified into the IO-IO group and 36 into the IO-TKI group. Median PFS was 5.4 months (95% CI: 1.6–9.1) for the IO-IO group and 5.6 (95% CI: 3.4–12.0) for the IO + TKI group. Median OS was 24.2 months (95% CI: 7.5–NA) for the IO-IO group and 23.4 (95% CI: 18.8–NA) for the IO + TKI group, with no significant difference. In univariate analysis, International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium scores, Karnofsky performance status, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and the presence of liver metastases were significantly associated with OS, whereas in multivariate analysis, only the presence of liver metastases was significantly associated with OS (P = .035).

Conclusions

There was no significant difference in OS or PFS between IO-IO and IO-TKI combination therapy as first-line treatment for patients with nccRCC. Liver metastasis is a poor prognostic factor for such patients.
Planting environment affects effectiveness of genotype diversity in increasing biomass and yield of a spring wheat mixture
Authors: Zhang Cong , Du Yanlei , Yang Tong , Schöb Christian , Li Fengmin
Published: August 2024

Genotype diversity is an important component of biodiversity, and has potential positive effects on ecological processes, such as primary productivity. Recent studies suggest that crop cultivar mixtures can improve biomass or yield, however, the generality and size of this effect, as well as the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We selected nine genotypes of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and tested monocultures (of one genotype) and mixtures (of nine genotypes) to verify whether the positive effect of genotype diversity could be observed. Meanwhile, we arranged two planting environments, real field and artificial pot conditions, to clarify how the effect of genotype diversity depends on environmental conditions. Results showed that the effect of genotype diversity was highly dependent on the planting environment; compared with monocultures, mixtures significantly improved aboveground biomass and grain yield of spring wheat in pots by 14.5% and 8.2%, respectively, while no improvements were observed in the field. In pots, positive complementarity effects dominated the positive net effect by offsetting negative sampling effects, while no significant diversity effects were observed in the field. The greater trait differences in pots were more favorable for resource-use complementarity and reducing intraspecific competition, which might be the main reason for the large positive complementary effect in pots. Our results suggest that increasing the biomass and grain yield of spring wheat by providing genotypic diversity was supported by specific ecological mechanisms and could be achievable. However, environmental conditions in actual production may limit its efficacy, and more extensive field experiments are thus needed to verify the effectiveness of genotype diversity.