bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of early predation and social cues on the relationship between laterality and personality
Authors: Panizzon Paolo , Gismann Jakob , Riedstra Bernd , Nicolaus Marion , Brown Culum , Groothuis Ton
Published: March 2024

Individual differences in laterality and personality are expected to covary, as emotions are processed differently by the two hemispheres, and personality involves emotional behavior. Fish species are often used to investigate this topic due to the large variability in personality and laterality patterns. While some species show a positive relationship between lateralization strength and boldness, others show a negative relationship, and some show no relationship. A new way to assess the robustness of such a relationship is to manipulate both laterality and personality to examine how this affects their relationship. To this end, we conducted a fully factorial design experiment manipulating predation and group size during early development. Results showed that the strength of laterality was influenced by predation threat, while social tendency and boldness were influenced by group size. These findings suggest that early life conditions can have an impact on laterality and social behavior. The relationship between laterality and personality traits, while present, was heavily influenced by the specific trial conditions but not by the different developmental conditions. In summary, the relationship between laterality and behaviors appears to be context-dependent, yet resilient to early environmental manipulations.
Predator metamorphosis and its consequence for prey risk assessment
Authors: Thapa Himal , Crane Adam L , Achtymichuk Gabrielle H , Sadat Sultan M M , Chivers Douglas P , Ferrari Maud C O
Published: March 2024

Living with a diverse array of predators provides a significant challenge for prey to learn and retain information about each predator they encounter. Consequently, some prey respond to novel predators because they have previous experience with a perceptually similar predator species, a phenomenon known as generalization of predator recognition. However, it remains unknown whether prey can generalize learned responses across ontogenetic stages of predators. Using wood frog tadpole (Lithobates sylvaticus) prey, we conducted two experiments to explore the extent of predator generalization of different life stages of two different predators: (1) predacious diving beetles (Dytiscus sp.) and (2) tiger salamanders (Ambystoma mavortium). In both experiments, we used chemical alarm cues (i.e., injured conspecific cues) to condition tadpoles to recognize the odor of either the larval or adult stage of the predator as risky. One day later, we tested tadpoles with either the larval or adult predator odor to determine whether they generalized their learned responses to the other life stages of the predator. Tadpoles generalized between larval and adult beetle odors but failed to generalize between larval and adult salamander odors. These results suggest that the odor of some predator species changes during metamorphosis to an extent that reduces their recognisability by prey. This “predator identity reset” increases the number of threats to which prey need to attend.
Partial order relation–based gene ontology embedding improves protein function prediction
Authors: Li Wenjing , Wang Bin , Dai Jin , Kou Yan , Chen Xiaojun , Pan Yi , Hu Shuangwei , Xu Zhenjiang Zech
Published: March 2024

Protein annotation has long been a challenging task in computational biology. Gene Ontology (GO) has become one of the most popular frameworks to describe protein functions and their relationships. Prediction of a protein annotation with proper GO terms demands high-quality GO term representation learning, which aims to learn a low-dimensional dense vector representation with accompanying semantic meaning for each functional label, also known as embedding. However, existing GO term embedding methods, which mainly take into account ancestral co-occurrence information, have yet to capture the full topological information in the GO-directed acyclic graph (DAG). In this study, we propose a novel GO term representation learning method, PO2Vec, to utilize the partial order relationships to improve the GO term representations. Extensive evaluations show that PO2Vec achieves better outcomes than existing embedding methods in a variety of downstream biological tasks. Based on PO2Vec, we further developed a new protein function prediction method PO2GO, which demonstrates superior performance measured in multiple metrics and annotation specificity as well as few-shot prediction capability in the benchmarks. These results suggest that the high-quality representation of GO structure is critical for diverse biological tasks including computational protein annotation.
Tutorial on survival modeling with applications to omics data
Authors: Zhao Zhi , Zobolas John , Zucknick Manuela , Aittokallio Tero
Published: March 2024

Motivation

Identification of genomic, molecular and clinical markers prognostic of patient survival is important for developing personalized disease prevention, diagnostic and treatment approaches. Modern omics technologies have made it possible to investigate the prognostic impact of markers at multiple molecular levels, including genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics, and how these potential risk factors complement clinical characterization of patient outcomes for survival prognosis. However, the massive sizes of the omics datasets, along with their correlation structures, pose challenges for studying relationships between the molecular information and patients’ survival outcomes.

Results

We present a general workflow for survival analysis that is applicable to high-dimensional omics data as inputs when identifying survival-associated features and validating survival models. In particular, we focus on the commonly used Cox-type penalized regressions and hierarchical Bayesian models for feature selection in survival analysis, which are especially useful for high-dimensional data, but the framework is applicable more generally.

Availability and implementation

A step-by-step R tutorial using The Cancer Genome Atlas survival and omics data for the execution and evaluation of survival models has been made available at https://ocbe-uio.github.io/survomics.
Two-phase designs with failure time processes subject to nonsusceptibility
Authors: Mao Fangya , Cheung Li C , Cook Richard J
Published: March 2024

Epidemiological studies based on 2-phase designs help ensure efficient use of limited resources in situations where certain covariates are prohibitively expensive to measure for a full cohort. Typically, these designs involve 2 steps: In phase I, data on an outcome and inexpensive covariates are acquired, and in phase II, a subsample is chosen in which the costly variable of interest is measured. For right-censored data, 2-phase designs have been primarily based on the Cox model. We develop efficient 2-phase design strategies for settings involving a fraction of long-term survivors due to nonsusceptibility. Using mixture models accommodating a nonsusceptible fraction, we consider 3 regression frameworks, including (a) a logistic “cure” model, (b) a proportional hazards model for those who are susceptible, and (c) regression models for susceptibility and failure time in those susceptible. Importantly, we introduce a novel class of bivariate residual-dependent designs to address the unique challenges presented in scenario (c), which involves 2 parameters of interest. Extensive simulation studies demonstrate the superiority of our approach over various phase II subsampling schemes. We illustrate the method through applications to the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial.
Increasing the impact of vertebrate scientific collections through 3D imaging: The openVertebrate (oVert) Thematic Collections Network
Authors: Blackburn David C , Boyer Doug M , Gray Jaimi A , Winchester Julie , Bates John M , Baumgart Stephanie L , Braker Emily , Coldren Daryl , Conway Kevin W , Rabosky Alison Davis , de la Sancha Noé , Dillman Casey B , Dunnum Jonathan L , Early Catherine M , Frable Benjamin W , Gage Matt W , Hanken James , Maisano Jessica A , Marks Ben D , Maslenikov Katherine P , McCormack John E , Nagesan Ramon S , Pandelis Gregory G , Prestridge Heather L , Rabosky Daniel L , Randall Zachary S , Robbins Mark B , Scheinberg Lauren A , Spencer Carol L , Summers Adam P , Tapanila Leif , Thompson Cody W , Tornabene Luke , Watkins-Colwell Greg J , Welton Luke J ,   the oVert Project Team, Stanley Edward L
Published: March 2024

The impact of preserved museum specimens is transforming and increasing by three-dimensional (3D) imaging that creates high-fidelity online digital specimens. Through examples from the openVertebrate (oVert) Thematic Collections Network, we describe how we created a digitization community dedicated to the shared vision of making 3D data of specimens available and the impact of these data on a broad audience of scientists, students, teachers, artists, and more. High-fidelity digital 3D models allow people from multiple communities to simultaneously access and use scientific specimens. Based on our multiyear, multi-institution project, we identify significant technological and social hurdles that remain for fully realizing the potential impact of digital 3D specimens.
CYR61 confers chemoresistance by upregulating survivin expression in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Kim Hyungjoo , Son Seogho , Ko Yunhyo , Lim Hogeun , Lee Joohyung , Lee Kyung-Min , Shin Incheol
Published: March 2024

Cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61 (CYR61) is a protein from the CCN family of matricellular proteins that play diverse regulatory roles in the extracellular matrix. CYR61 is involved in cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and senescence. Here, we show that CYR61 induces chemoresistance in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We observed that CYR61 is overexpressed in TNBC patients, and CYR61 expression correlates negatively with the survival of patients who receive chemotherapy. CYR61 knockdown reduced cell migration, sphere formation and the cancer stem cell (CSC) population and increased the chemosensitivity of TNBC cells. Mechanistically, CYR61 activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling and increased survivin expression, which are associated with chemoresistance, the epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and CSC-like phenotypes. Altogether, our study demonstrates a novel function of CYR61 in chemotherapy resistance in breast cancer.
Experimental validation of double-fed induction generator in oscillating water column using circulatory system-based optimization
Authors: Elnaghi Basem E , Ismaiel Ahmed M , Abdel-Kader Fathy El Sayed , Mohammed Reham H , Abelwhab M N
Published: March 2024

This paper validates the optimal operation for a grid-connected double-fed induction generator (DFIG) in an oscillating water column power plant (OWCPP). This study presents a novel optimization technique called the circulatory system-based optimization (CSBO) approach to develop six adaptive fuzzy logic controllers (AFLCs) with 30 parameters and compare them to chaotic-billiards optimization (C-BO) and genetic algorithm (GA). The proposed controller is also compared with a proportional–integral differential (PID) controller based on a self-adaptive global-best harmony search (SGHS). CSBO-based AFLCs are fully investigated under different scenarios and experimented with using a real-time interface DSP1104. The results of using CSBO–AFLCs revealed a fast time response, fast convergence, less overshoot and minimal error compared with those achieved with C-BO–AFLC, SGHS–PID and GA–AFLC during different case studies. The CSBO-based AFLCs ensure maximum power from the DFIG in an OWCPP and enhance dynamic response with very low errors. The results show that the CSBO shows better power tracking by 25% as compared with C-BO, by 45% when compared with the GA and by 56% when compared with PID. Moreover, the integral absolute errors of six controllers are investigated to demonstrate the feasibility of CSBO–AFLC. The root mean square of the errors of six controllers using CSBO is improved by 68.27% when compared with GA, by 22.57% when compared with C-BO and by 38.42% when compared with PID. These indicators demonstrate the feasibility of CSBO when compared with other algorithms with the same OWCPP.
Comparison of clinical and laboratory data of adult patients with cutaneous IgA vasculitis and non-IgA vasculitis
Authors: Gambichler Thilo , Bui Duyên , Domin Belanna , Ardabili Larisa , Devrim Yusa , Abu Rached Nessr , Susok Laura
Published: March 2024

Background

Immune complex vasculitides may be subdivided into adult IgA small vessel vasculitis (aIgA-SVV; i.e. adult Henoch–Schönlein purpura) and non-IgA-SVV (hypersensitivity vasculitis, etc.).

Objectives

To evaluate the clinical and laboratory parameters of inpatients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for aIgA-SVV and non-IgA-SVV.

Methods

Twenty-nine adults aged ≥ 20 years with aIgA-SVV [according to the European League Against Rheumatism/Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organisation/Paediatric Rheumatology European Society (EULAR/PRINTO/PRES) criteria] and 53 adults with non-IgA-SVV (according to the 2012 revised International Chapel Hill Consensus Conference Nomenclature of Vasculitides) were compared with respect to a variety of clinical and laboratory parameters by uni- and multivariable analyses.

Results

Compared with patients with aIgA-SVV, the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio was significantly higher in patients with non-IgA-SVV. Serum C3 levels and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration in patients with non-IgA-SVV were significantly lower compared with patients with aIgA-SVV. Proteinuria and haematuria were significantly more common in patients with aIgA SVV, and were significantly correlated with systemic immune-inflammation biomarkers only in patients with aIgA-SVV. In patients with aIgA-SVV, higher lactate dehydrogenase and C-reactive protein were strong independent predictors for the presence of proteinuria and proteinuria. In patients with non-IgA-SVV, female sex was a protective factor for proteinuria, while skin lesions on the upper extremities proved to be a significant independent predictor of haematuria.

Conclusions

We detected several clinical and laboratory differences between patients with aIgA-SVV and non-IgA-SVV. Distinct predictors for renal involvement were not observed in either group, indicating that aIgA-SVV and non-IgA-SVV are similar conditions but do not appear to represent the same entity.
Factors influencing olfactory function in an adult general population sample: the CHRIS study
Authors: Gögele Martin , Emmert David , Fuchsberger Christian , Frasnelli Johannes
Published: March 2024

The sense of smell allows for the assessment of the chemical composition of volatiles in our environment. Different factors are associated with reduced olfactory function, including age, sex, as well as health and lifestyle conditions. However, most studies that aimed at identifying the variables that drive olfactory function in the population suffered from methodological weaknesses in study designs and participant selection, such as the inclusion of convenience sample or only of certain age groups, or recruitment biases.

We aimed to overcome these issues by investigating the Cooperative Health Research in South Tyrol (CHRIS) cohort, a population-based cohort, by using a validated odor identification test. Specifically, we hypothesized that a series of medical, demographic and lifestyle variables is associated with odor identification abilities. In addition, our goal was to provide clinicians and researchers with normative values for the Sniffin’ Sticks identification set, after exclusion of individuals with impaired nasal patency.

We included 6,944 participants without acute nasal obstruction and assessed several biological, social, and medical parameters. A basic model determined that age, sex, years of education, and smoking status together explained roughly 13% of the total variance in the data. We further observed that variables related to medical (positive screening for cognitive impairment and for Parkinson’s disease, history of skull fracture, stage 2 hypertension) and lifestyle (alcohol abstinence) conditions had a negative effect on odor identification scores. Finally, we provide clinicians with normative values for both versions of the Sniffin’ Sticks odor identification test, i.e. with 16 items and with 12 items.
Relationship between the mixed venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide gradient and the cardiac index in acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Yuriditsky Eugene , Zhang Robert S , Bakker Jan , Horowitz James M , Zhang Peter , Bernard Samuel , Greco Allison A , Postelnicu Radu , Mukherjee Vikramjit , Hena Kerry , Elbaum Lindsay , Alviar Carlos L , Keller Norma M , Bangalore Sripal
Published: March 2024

Aims

Among patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) undergoing mechanical thrombectomy, the cardiac index (CI) is frequently reduced even among those without a clinically apparent shock. The purpose of this study is to describe the mixed venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide gradient (CO2 gap), a surrogate of perfusion adequacy, among patients with acute PE undergoing mechanical thrombectomy.

Methods and results

This was a single-centre retrospective study of consecutive patients with PE undergoing mechanical thrombectomy and simultaneous pulmonary artery catheterization over a 3-year period. Of 107 patients, 97 had simultaneous mixed venous and arterial blood gas measurements available. The CO2 gap was elevated (>6 mmHg) in 51% of the cohort and in 49% of patients with intermediate-risk PE. A reduced CI (≤2.2 L/min/m2) was associated with an increased odds [odds ratio = 7.9; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.49–18.1, P < 0.001] for an elevated CO2 gap. There was an inverse relationship between the CI and the CO2 gap. For every 1 L/min/m2 decrease in the CI, the CO2 gap increased by 1.3 mmHg (P = 0.001). Among patients with an elevated baseline CO2 gap >6 mmHg, thrombectomy improved the CO2 gap, CI, and mixed venous oxygen saturation. When the CO2 gap was dichotomized above and below 6, there was no difference in the in-hospital mortality rate (9 vs. 0%; P = 0.10; hazard ratio: 1.24; 95% CI 0.97–1.60; P = 0.085).

Conclusion

Among patients with acute PE undergoing mechanical thrombectomy, the CO2 gap is abnormal in nearly 50% of patients and inversely related to the CI. Further studies should examine the relationship between markers of perfusion and outcomes in this population to refine risk stratification.
Heart transplantation in a patient with infective endocarditis bridged with Impella 5.5: a case report
Authors: Khan Nadeem A , Shukrullah Bassam , Eckman Peter M , Hryniewicz Katarzyna M
Published: March 2024

Background

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a feared complication after surgical valve replacement accounting for 10% to 30% of all cases of IE. Our case is unique as we present a decompensated heart failure patient with IE who urgently needed mechanical circulatory support (MCS) to stabilize while IE was treated. We used Impella to bridge him to sterile state before heart transplant was done. This case highlights the importance of different strategies for bridge to heart transplant in decompensated heart failure patients with endocarditis.

Case summary

We describe a case of 62-year-old male who initially presented with severe shortness of breath with minimal exertion, weight gain, and lower extremity oedema diagnosed with acute on chronic systolic heart failure (HF) exacerbation (ACC stage D, NYHA class IV). Initial blood cultures and extensive work-up for IE were negative. He continued to decompensate haemodynamically despite inotropic support and the decision was to proceed with durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as bridge to orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT). Immediately prior to LVAD implantation, patient’s blood cultures became positive for Cutibacterium acnes. Echocardiogram revealed IE on bioprosthetic aortic valve. Patient therefore underwent urgent aortic valve replacement (AVR) and was stabilized with Impella 5.5.

Discussion

We highlight a case where MCS with Impella was used as a bridge to transplant in a decompensated HF patient who was septic. Patient was listed for OHT but was found to be septic due to IE and had to undergo AVR to achieve infection source control prior to undergoing heart transplant. Impella was used effectively to stabilize ACC stage D/NYHA class IV patient while he recovered from AVR and endocarditis before his blood cultures cleared up and he was listed for OHT. He successfully underwent OHT after 3 weeks.
Multi-modal treatment in a pregnant woman with untreated cardiac sarcoidosis complicated by cardiac dysfunction and ventricular arrhythmias: a case report and literature review
Authors: Yoshii Tomohiro , Kanzaki Hideaki , Aoki-Kamiya Chizuko , Izumi Chisato
Published: March 2024

Background

The treatment of cardiac sarcoidosis during pregnancy is inherently challenging owing to its impact on the foetus.

Case summary

We report a case of a 30-year-old pregnant woman with untreated cardiac sarcoidosis. One year prior to admission, she underwent permanent pacemaker implantation for complete atrioventricular block. Left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) showed a declining trend, and ventricular tachycardia (VT) was documented. Following an extensive evaluation, the patient was diagnosed with active cardiac sarcoidosis, and the pregnancy was detected at the same time. Considering the high risk of mortality and cardiovascular complications in pregnant patients with decreased EF and VT, we meticulously discussed the optimal timing of multi-modal treatment, including bisoprolol, eplerenone, sotalol, and prednisolone and cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator, and its effect on the foetus. These interventions improved the EF to 49%, and the baby was successfully delivered without adverse events or neonatal complications developing. At 8 months’ post-partum, the mother and the baby were doing well, and the EF was 45%.

Discussion

Cardiac sarcoidosis can lead to adverse outcomes for both the mother and the foetus. However, with multi-modal treatment individually optimized and implemented by a multi-disciplinary team of specialists in each field, even pregnant women with untreated cardiac sarcoidosis who present with reduced EF and VT can achieve safe childbirth.
Three-dimensional printed moulds to obtain silicone hearts with congenital defects for paediatric heart-surgeon training
Authors: Frei Mélanie , Reymond Philippe , Wacker Julie , van Steenberghe Mathieu , Beghetti Maurice , Sologashvili Tornike , Vallée Jean-Paul
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVES

Many types of congenital heart disease are amenable to surgical repair or palliation. The procedures are often challenging and require specific surgical training, with limited real-life exposure and often costly simulation options. Our objective was to create realistic and affordable 3D simulation models of the heart and vessels to improve training.

METHODS

We created moulded vessel models using several materials, to identify the material that best replicated human vascular tissue. This material was then used to make more vessels to train residents in cannulation procedures. Magnetic resonance imaging views of a 23-month-old patient with double-outlet right ventricle were segmented using free open-source software. Re-usable moulds produced by 3D printing served to create a silicone model of the heart, with the same material as the vessels, which was used by a heart surgeon to simulate a Rastelli procedure.

RESULTS

The best material was a soft elastic silicone (Shore A hardness 8). Training on the vessel models decreased the residents’ procedural time and improved their grades on a performance rating scale. The surgeon evaluated the moulded heart model as realistic and was able to perform the Rastelli procedure on it. Even if the valves were poorly represented, it was found to be useful for preintervention training.

CONCLUSIONS

By using free segmentation software, a relatively low-cost silicone and a technique based on re-usable moulds, the cost of obtaining heart models suitable for training in congenital heart defect surgery can be substantially decreased.
Lung cancer outcomes in the elderly: potential disparity in screening
Authors: Singh Anupama , Mazzola Emanuele , Xie Yue , Marshall M Blair , Jaklitsch Michael T , Wilder Fatima G
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to analyse outcomes of lung cancer in the elderly

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed of patients in the National Cancer Database with NSCLC from 2004 to 2017 grouped into 2 categories: 70–79 years (A) and 80–90 years (B). Patients with multiple malignancies were excluded. Kaplan–Meier curves estimated the overall survival for each age group based on stage.

RESULTS

In total, 466 051 patients were included. Less-invasive techniques (imaging and cytology) diagnosed cancer as a function of age: 14.6% in A vs 21.3% in B [P < 0.001, standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.175]. Clinical stage IA was least common in B (15%) compared to 17.3% in A (P < 0.001, SMD 0.079). Approximately 83.0% in B did not receive surgery compared to 70.0% in A (P < 0.001, SMD 0.299). Of the 83.0%, 8.0% were considered poor surgical candidates because of age or comorbidities compared with 6.2% in A (P < 0.001, SMD 0.299) For 71.0% in B, surgery was not the first treatment plan compared to 62.0% in A (P < 0.001, SMD 0.299). Survival curves showed worse prognosis for each clinical and pathologic stage for B compared to A.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients older than 80 years present less frequently as clinical stage IA, are less commonly offered surgical intervention and are more frequently diagnosed using less accurate measures. They also have worse outcomes for each stage compared to younger patients.
Complete anatomic segmentectomy shows improved oncologic outcomes compared to incomplete anatomic segmentectomy
Authors: McAllister Miles A , Rochefort Matthew M , Ugalde Figueroa Paula , Leo Rachel , Sugarbaker Evert A , Singh Anupama , Herrera-Zamora Julio , Barcelos Rafael R , Mazzola Emanuele , Heiling Hillary , Jaklitsch Michael T , Bueno Raphael , Swanson Scott J
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVES

To compare oncologic outcomes after segmentectomy with division of segmental bronchus, artery and vein (complete anatomic segmentectomy) versus segmentectomy with division of <3 segmental structures (incomplete anatomic segmentectomy).

METHODS

We conducted a single-centre, retrospective analysis of patients undergoing segmentectomy from March 2005 to May 2020. Operative reports were audited to classify procedures as complete or incomplete anatomic segmentectomy. Patients who underwent neoadjuvant therapy or pulmonary resection beyond indicated segments were excluded. Survival was estimated with Kaplan–Meier models and compared using log-rank tests. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for death. Cumulative incidence functions for loco-regional recurrence were compared with Gray’s test, with death considered a competing event. Cox and Fine–Gray models were used to estimate cause-specific and subdistribution HRs, respectively, for loco-regional recurrence.

RESULTS

Of 390 cases, 266 (68.2%) were complete and 124 were incomplete anatomic segmentectomy. Demographics, pulmonary function, tumour size, stage and perioperative outcomes did not significantly differ between groups. Surgical margins were negative in all but 1 case. Complete anatomic segmentectomy was associated with improved lymph node dissection (5 vs 2 median nodes sampled; P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis revealed reduced incidence of loco-regional recurrence (cause-specific HR = 0.42; 95% confidence interval 0.22–0.80; subdistribution HR = 0.43; 95% confidence interval 0.23–0.81), and non-significant improvement in overall survival (HR = 0.66; 95% confidence interval: 0.43–1.00) after complete versus incomplete anatomic segmentectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

This single-centre experience suggests complete anatomic segmentectomy provides superior loco-regional control and may improve survival relative to incomplete anatomic segmentectomy. We recommend surgeons perform complete anatomic segmentectomy and lymph node dissection whenever possible.
Optimal lymph node yield in oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer: a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Uimonen Mikko , Helminen Olli , Sihvo Eero , Kauppila Joonas H ,   FINEGO, Helmiö Mika , Huhta Heikki , Kallio Raija , Koivukangas Vesa , Kokkola Arto , Laine Simo , Lietzen Elina , Meriläinen Sanna , Pohjanen Vesa-Matti , Rantanen Tuomo , Ristimäki Ari , Räsänen Jari V , Saarnio Juha , Toikkanen Vesa , Tyrväinen Tuula , Valtola Antti
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVES

The desirable lymph node count was determined to maximize the survival time expectancy according to the lymph node count among patients who have undergone oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer.

METHODS

The data of national Finnish population-based cohort including all patients who have undergone oesophagectomy due to oesophageal cancer during 2002–2016 were used. Restricted mean survival time (RMST) estimates were determined by lymph node count, and the desirable count was determined using locally estimated scatterplot smoothing regression.

RESULTS

A total of 883 patients with the median follow-up time of 3.73 (interquartile range 1.43–7.50) years were included. The lymph node count of 27 (95% confidence interval 25–28) was associated with the highest RMST estimates. Sensitivity analyses indicated that in pN0 patients, the highest RMST estimates was observed at 26 (95% confidence interval 24–28) lymph nodes and in pN+ patients, the RMST estimates peaked at 28 (95% confidence interval 25–33) lymph nodes.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the findings of this study, at least 24 examined lymph nodes is the recommended target for the lymph node count after oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer. The beneficial effect of this count on survival may be achieved regardless of nodal metastases.
Feasibility of alcohol interventions in cardiology: a qualitative study of clinician perspectives in Sweden
Authors: Welfordsson Paul , Danielsson Anna-Karin , Björck Caroline , Grzymala-Lubanski Bartosz , Hambraeus Kristina , Lidin Matthias , Haugen Löfman Ida , Scheffel Birath Christina , Nilsson Olga , Braunschweig Frieder , Wallhed Finn Sara
Published: March 2024

Aims

This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to implementing alcohol screening and brief interventions (SBI) in cardiology services.

Methods and results

This was a qualitative study. Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 clinical cardiology staff (doctors, nurses, and assistant nurses) of varying experience levels and from various clinical settings (high-dependency unit, ward, and outpatient clinic), in three regions of Sweden. Reflexive thematic analysis was used, with deductive coding applying the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation (COM-B) theoretical framework. A total of 41 barriers and facilitators were identified, including 12 related to capability, 9 to opportunity, and 20 to motivation. Four themes were developed: (i) uncharted territory, where clinicians expressed a need to address alcohol use but lacked knowledge and a roadmap for implementing SBI; (ii) cardiology as a cardiovascular specialty, where tasks were prioritized according to established roles; (iii) alcohol stigma, where alcohol was reported to be a sensitive topic that staff avoid discussing with patients; and (iv) window of opportunity, where staff expressed potential for implementing SBI in routine cardiology care.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that opportunities exist for early identification and follow-up of hazardous alcohol use within routine cardiology care. Several barriers, including low knowledge, stigma, a lack of ownership, and a greater focus on other risk factors, must be addressed prior to the implementation of SBI in cardiology. To meet current clinical guidelines, there is a need to increase awareness and to improve pathways to addiction care. In addition, there may be a need for clinicians dedicated to alcohol interventions within cardiology services.

Registration

OSF (osf.io/hx3ts).
More than the sum of its parts: uncovering emerging effects of microbial interactions in complex communities
Authors: Geesink Patricia , ter Horst Jolanda , Ettema Thijs J G
Published: March 2024

Microbial communities are not only shaped by the diversity of microorganisms and their individual metabolic potential, but also by the vast amount of intra- and interspecies interactions that can occur pairwise interactions among microorganisms, we suggest that more attention should be drawn towards the effects on the entire microbiome that emerge from individual interactions between community members. The production of certain metabolites that can be tied to a specific microbe-microbe interaction might subsequently influence the physicochemical parameters of the habitat, stimulate a change in the trophic network of the community or create new micro-habitats through the formation of biofilms, similar to the production of antimicrobial substances which might negatively affect only one microorganism but cause a ripple effect on the abundance of other community members. Here, we argue that combining established as well as innovative laboratory and computational methods is needed to predict novel interactions and assess their secondary effects. Such efforts will enable future microbiome studies to expand our knowledge on the dynamics of complex microbial communities.
An experience of multidisciplinary tutorials sessions about antibiotics in the third year of pharmacy studies in Angers, France: learning assessment and evaluation of students’ feelings by a mixed approach
Authors: Taisne Audrey , Legeay Samuel , Baglin Isabelle , Duval Olivier , Eveillard Matthieu
Published: March 2024

For undergraduate pharmacy students, the first step of antimicrobial stewardship learning objectives is to integrate antimicrobial knowledge from the foundational sciences. We hypothesised that using a multidisciplinary approach including two sessions of tutorials could be relevant in term of students’ interest, satisfaction and learning retention time. The evaluation of students’ feelings was based on a questionnaire including different dimensions and three focus groups with four students. Quantitative data were analysed with the EPI-INFO 7.2 software and a thematic analysis was implemented for qualitative data by using NVivo 12 software. The evaluation of students’ learning concerned both short-time learning retention (STLR) and medium-time learning retention (MTLR), six months after the last session. Overall, 63 students responded to the questionnaire. Most of them appreciated the tutorials according to the different dimensions envisaged. Focus groups confirmed the interest of students for the multidisciplinary approach, interactions with teachers and opportunities of learning transfers. Concurrently, a lack of self-efficacy, low confidence towards the other students, external regulation of motivation and poor autonomy were recorded for some participants. Finally, there was no significant decrease between the scores of the STLR assessment and those of the MTLR assessment (58.5 ± 12.1/100 and 54.4 ± 8.9/100, respectively).
‘Le cinéma n’est que la fiente de la culture’: negotiating the position and content of French culture in postwar Britain
Authors: Faucher Charlotte
Published: March 2024

In the early 1950s French diplomats pondered over how much space to grant to forms of popular culture within French cultural diplomacy in Britain, which had largely relied on academic culture over the previous decades. The debate over what forms of culture were suitable for a British audience intensified over the role that should be given to cinema. This article argues that the democratization of cultural diplomacy in the postwar period did not follow the same rationale as the processes of democratization taking place in mainland France at the same time. For diplomats in Britain organizing film screenings and participative encounters around the French language and arts, the aim was not to build a more equal and open society, but rather to ensure that as broad an audience as possible understood the values of France and its significance for Britain and the world.
Chromosome-Scale Genome Assembly for Clubrush (Bolboschoenus planiculmis) Indicates a Karyotype with High Chromosome Number and Heterogeneous Centromere Distribution
Authors: Ning Yu , Li Yang , Lin Hai Yan , Kang En Ze , Zhao Yu Xin , Dong Shu Bin , Li Yong , Xia Xiao Fei , Wang Yi Fei , Li Chun Yi
Published: March 2024

Bolboschoenus planiculmis (F.Schmidt) T.V.Egorova is a typical wetland plant in the species-rich Cyperaceae family. This species contributes prominently to carbon dynamics and trophic integration in wetland ecosystems. Previous studies have reported that the chromosomes of B. planiculmis are holocentric; i.e. they have kinetic activity along their entire length and carry multiple centromeres. This feature was suggested to lead to a rapid genome evolution through chromosomal fissions and fusions and participate to the diversification and ecological success of the Bolboschoenus genus. However, the specific mechanism remains uncertain, partly due to the scarcity of genetic information on Bolboschoenus. We present here the first chromosome-level genome assembly for B. planiculmis. Through the integration of high-quality long-read and short-read data, together with chromatin conformation using Hi-C technology, the ultimate genome assembly was 238.01 Mb with a contig N50 value of 3.61 Mb. Repetitive elements constituted 37.04% of the genome, and 18,760 protein-coding genes were predicted. The low proportion of long terminal repeat retrotransposons (∼9.62%) was similar to that reported for other Cyperaceae species. The Ks (synonymous substitutions per synonymous site) distribution suggested no recent large-scale genome duplication in this genome. The haploid assembly contained a large number of 54 pseudochromosomes with a small mean size of 4.10 Mb, covering most of the karyotype. The results of centromere detection support that not all the chromosomes in B. planiculmis have multiple centromeres, indicating more efforts are needed to fully reveal the specific style of holocentricity in cyperids and its evolutionary significance.
Distribution and Functional Analysis of Isocitrate Dehydrogenases across Kinetoplastids
Authors: Chmelová Ľubomíra , Záhonová Kristína , Albanaz Amanda T S , Hrebenyk Liudmyla , Horváth Anton , Yurchenko Vyacheslav , Škodová-Sveráková Ingrid
Published: March 2024

Isocitrate dehydrogenase is an enzyme converting isocitrate to α-ketoglutarate in the canonical tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. There are three different types of isocitrate dehydrogenase documented in eukaryotes. Our study points out the complex evolutionary history of isocitrate dehydrogenases across kinetoplastids, where the common ancestor of Trypanosomatidae and Bodonidae was equipped with two isoforms of the isocitrate dehydrogenase enzyme: the NADP+-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 with possibly dual localization in the cytosol and mitochondrion and NADP+-dependent mitochondrial isocitrate dehydrogenase 2. In the extant trypanosomatids, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 is present only in a few species suggesting that it was lost upon separation of Trypanosoma spp. and replaced by the mainly NADP+-dependent cytosolic isocitrate dehydrogenase 3 of bacterial origin in all the derived lineages. In this study, we experimentally demonstrate that the omnipresent isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 has a dual localization in both mitochondrion and cytosol in at least four species that possess only this isoform. The apparent lack of the NAD+-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase activity in trypanosomatid mitochondrion provides further support to the existence of the noncanonical TCA cycle across trypanosomatids and the bidirectional activity of isocitrate dehydrogenase 3 when operating with NADP+ cofactor instead of NAD+. This observation can be extended to all 17 species analyzed in this study, except for Leishmania mexicana, which showed only low isocitrate dehydrogenase activity in the cytosol. The variability in isocitrate oxidation capacity among species may reflect the distinct metabolic strategies and needs for reduced cofactors in particular environments.
Association Between Serum NT-proBNP and Gray Matter Atrophy Patterns in an Older Japanese Population: The Hisayama Study
Authors: Hirabayashi Naoki , Hata Jun , Furuta Yoshihiko , Nakazawa Taro , Ohara Tomoyuki , Shibata Mao , Yamashita Fumio , Kitazono Takanari , Sudo Nobuyuki , Ninomiya Toshiharu
Published: March 2024

Several population-based studies have reported that higher serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels are associated with brain morphological changes. However, no population-based studies have examined the relationship between serum NT-proBNP and various regional brain volumes in detail. We here analyzed the brain MRI data of 1 201 community-dwelling Japanese aged ≥65 years. Regional gray matter volumes (GMV) and intracranial volume (ICV) were estimated by applying voxel-based morphometry (VBM) methods. The associations of serum NT-proBNP with regional GMV/ICV were examined by analysis of covariance. The regional gray matter atrophy patterns associated with elevated serum NT-proBNP levels were investigated using VBM without a priori regions of interest. The multivariable-adjusted means of the frontal, temporal, hippocampal, parahippocampal, and entorhinal GMV/ICV decreased significantly with elevated serum NT-proBNP levels (all p for trend and q values of false discovery rate correction < .05). In VBM, elevated serum NT-proBNP levels were correlated with atrophy of the bilateral hippocampi, bilateral amygdalas, bilateral parahippocampal gyri, bilateral entorhinal areas, bilateral fusiform gyri, left middle temporal gyrus, left inferior temporal gyrus, right central operculum, right posterior orbital gyrus, bilateral middle frontal gyri, anterior cingulate gyrus and bilateral medial frontal cortices. In a sensitivity analysis excluding 254 participants with mild cognitive impairment or dementia, serum NT-proBNP levels were correlated with atrophy of the bilateral hippocampi, bilateral amygdalas, bilateral parahippocampal gyri, bilateral fusiform gyri, and left middle frontal gyrus. Our data suggest that elevated serum NT-proBNP levels are associated with gray matter atrophy in brain regions that play an important role in cognitive function.
Social Support, Health Behaviors, Self-Esteem, and Successful Aging in a Sub-Saharan African Sample of Older Adults: Test of a Sequential Mediation Model
Authors: Igbokwe Chima Charles , Ome Blessing Nneka , Chidebe Runcie C W , Igbokwe Beatrice Chinwe , Nwoke Mary Basil , Obioha Chidiebere Wisdom , Okechi Benard Chibuike , Chukwuorji JohnBosco Chika
Published: March 2024

Background and Objectives

Previous research demonstrates that social support facilitates successful aging across all cultures. However, the factors that potentially mediate the link between social support and successful aging remain unclear. This study examined whether a healthy lifestyle and self-esteem mediate the association between social support and successful aging. It was hypothesized that the relationship between social support (family, friends, and significant other) and successful aging would be serially mediated by both healthy lifestyle and self-esteem.

Research Design and Methods

Participants were 479 Nigerian retirees (53.4% female) aged 60 to 90 years (Mage = 64.81, SD = 6.86). They provided information on relevant demographic variables and completed the following measures: Fantastic Lifestyle Checklist (Fitness Appraisal), Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support Scale, and Successful Aging Inventory. Three separate regression models (family, friends, and significant other dimensions of social support) were conducted using the Hayes PROCESS macro for SPSS with 5,000 bootstrap estimates.

Results

Controlling for age and sex, family support, significant other support, friends support, healthy lifestyle, and self-esteem were directly associated with successful aging. The association between family support and successful aging was mediated by healthy lifestyle; and this was also seen for friends’ support and significant other support. The sequential path from social support to successful aging through healthy lifestyle, and then via improved self-esteem, was significant for family support and significant other support, but not friends support.

Discussion and Implications

Findings suggest that middle-aged to older adults who have strong support from their families and significant others may be more likely to engage in healthy behaviors and, in turn, experience higher levels of self-esteem, thereby aging well.
Unmet need for mental health care is common across insurance market segments in the United States
Authors: Meiselbach Mark K , Ettman Catherine K , Shen Karen , Castrucci Brian C , Galea Sandro
Published: March 2024

A substantial proportion of individuals with depression in the United States do not receive treatment. While access challenges for mental health care have been documented, few recent estimates of unmet mental health needs across insurance market segments exist. Using nationally representative survey data with participant-reported depression symptom severity and mental health care use collected in Spring 2023, we assessed access to mental health care among individuals with similar levels of depression symptom severity with commercial, Medicare, Medicaid, and no insurance. Among individuals who reported symptoms consistent with moderately severe to severe depression, 37.8% did not have a diagnosis for depression (41.0%, 28.1%, 33.6%, and 56.3% with commercial, Medicare, Medicaid, and no insurance), 51.9% did not see a mental health specialist (49.7%, 51.7%, 44.9%, and 91.8%), and 32.4% avoided mental health care due to affordability in the past 12 months (30.2%, 34.0%, 21.1%, and 54.8%). There was substantial unmet need for mental health treatment in all insurance market segments, but especially among individuals without insurance.
Analysis of resource utilization competition relationship supporting green low-carbon transformation development of the construction industry
Authors: Wang Bojun , Yang Yanping , Cao Jierui
Published: March 2024

In order to promote the green and low-carbon transformation development of China’s construction industry and support the optimal allocation of regional resources, this paper constructs a logistic mathematical model of industrial growth and analyzes the resource utilization competition between the construction industry and related industries. The results show that resource utilization competition can lead to the victory of one industry and the exclusion of another, or the stable coexistence of two competing industries, which mainly depends on the competition inhibition effect of the construction industry and related industries, and the relative size of resource load. The conclusion of this study will help the construction industry to innovate the mode and green construction technology, and promote the coordinated development of regional industrial systems.