bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postoperative electrocardiography changes: To worry or not to worry
Authors: Lee Chihjen , Shin Janet , Bereliani Arash , Capiendo Liza , Firoozmand Eiman , Yumul Roya
Published: November 2023

Abnormal postoperative electrocardiograms are not uncommon, oftentimes leading to further cardiac workup especially when the findings are new and not easily explainable. A forty‐year‐old woman, with a history of left breast cancer status post bilateral mastectomies and reconstructions, presented for robot‐assisted low‐anterior resection secondary to rectal cancer. Postoperative electrocardiogram showed poor R wave progression, biphasic T waves in V2‐4, and possible anterior wall ischemia. Her electrocardiogram from 6 years ago was normal. No recent electrocardiogram was available for comparison. Initially, the abnormal postoperative electrocardiogram appeared worrisome. However, the patient was completely asymptomatic, and all vital signs were normal. Cardiac point‐of‐care ultrasound showed normal parasternal long and short axis views. The biphasic T waves in V2‐4 were suggestive of Wellens syndrome, but the accompanying poor R wave progression was not consistent with the diagnostic criteria. The anesthesiologist then remembered the patient's history of the presence of a left breast implant and suspected it might have caused the changes on the electrocardiogram. A literature search did find one publication that shows approximately 45% of patients with breast implants present with electrocardiogram changes, including poor R wave progression and negative T waves. Therefore, no further cardiac workup was ordered for our patient. She was discharged home 3 days later. Breast implants and electrocardiogram changes are a lesser‐known topic. Obtaining a pre‐operative electrocardiogram should be considered in patients with previous breast implants, to serve as a baseline for comparison if the patient were to need another electrocardiogram in the future.
Automated quantitative evaluation of fetal atrioventricular annular plane systolic excursion before and after intrauterine blood transfusion in pregnancies affected by red blood cell alloimmunization
Authors: Zamprakou Aikaterini , Söderhult Ingrid , Ferm‐Widlund Kjerstin , Ajne Gunilla , Johnson Jonas , Herling Lotta
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Maternal red blood cell alloimmunization during pregnancy can lead to hemolysis and various degrees of fetal anemia, which can be treated with intrauterine blood transfusion (IUT) to prevent adverse outcomes. Knowledge about fetal myocardial function and adaptation is limited. The aim of the present study was to measure fetal atrioventricular plane displacement before and after IUT and compare these measurements with previously established reference ranges.

Material and methods

An observational study was conducted on pregnant women affected by red blood cell alloimmunization. Fetal echocardiography was performed before and after IUT. The atrioventricular plane displacement of the left and right ventricular walls and interventricular septum, described as mitral, septal, and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE, SAPSE, and TAPSE, respectively), was assessed using color tissue Doppler imaging with automated analysis software. A Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare the z scores to the normal mean before and after IUT.

Results

Twenty‐seven fetuses were included. The mean z score for pre‐IUT MAPSE was significantly increased compared with the reference ranges, +0.46 (95% confidence interval [CI] +0.17 to +0.75; p = 0.039), while the mean z scores for post‐IUT SAPSE and TAPSE were significantly decreased, −0.65 (95% CI −1.11 to −0.19; p < 0.001) and −0.60 (95% CI −1.04 to −0.17; p = 0.003), respectively. The difference in atrioventricular plane displacement z scores before and after IUT was statistically significant in all three locations. The median difference between the pre‐IUT and post‐IUT z scores was −0.66 (95% CI −1.03 to −0.33, p < 0.001) for MAPSE, −1.05 (95% CI −1.43 to −0.61, p < 0.001) for SAPSE, and −0.60 (95% CI −1.19 to −0.01, p = 0.046) for TAPSE.

Conclusions

This study suggests that atrioventricular plane displacement, when determined using automated analysis software, may represent a quantitative parameter, describing fetal myocardial function and adaptation before and after IUT.
Pregnancy outcomes following routine early provision of intrauterine device after first‐trimester induced abortion—A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial with a 5‐year follow up
Authors: Pohjoranta Elina , Suhonen Satu , Mentula Maarit , Gissler Mika , Heikinheimo Oskari
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Women undergoing an induced abortion are highly fertile and at risk of subsequent unplanned pregnancy. We recently completed a randomized clinical trial showing that routine provision of intrauterine device (IUD) at the time of abortion significantly reduced the risk of subsequent abortion during a 5‐year follow up. As the use of highly effective contraception may affect all subsequent pregnancies, we analyzed the rate and distribution of all subsequent pregnancies (deliveries, miscarriages, and abortions), and the risk factors for these various pregnancy outcomes in the above‐mentioned randomized clinical trial.

Material and methods

We enrolled adult women requesting first‐trimester induced abortion and candidates for IUD for post‐abortion contraception. Women (n = 751) were randomized to receive an IUD (either levonorgestrel‐releasing IUD or copper IUD) by the clinic responsible for abortion care vs. routine care of IUD provision in primary health care with oral contraceptives for interval contraception. In the present secondary analysis, we identified all deliveries, miscarriages, and abortions in the intervention (n = 375) and control (n = 373) cohorts during the 5‐year follow up using the Finnish national registries. The trial is registered at Clinical Trials (NTC01223521).

Results

The overall delivery, miscarriage, and abortion rates were 42.0, 12.0 and 32.1/1000 years of follow up (yFU). Any new pregnancy occurred in 98 women in the intervention and in 129 women in the control cohort (hazard ratio 0.73, 95% confidence interval 0.56–0.95, p = 0.023). The effect of routine IUD provision in reducing pregnancies was limited to the first 2 yFU. The number of subsequent induced abortions and of women undergoing it were significantly reduced, and time to abortion was prolonged by the intervention. However, the overall number, the number of women with subsequent delivery or miscarriage, and the times to these events were not significantly affected. History of previous pregnancy (delivery or abortion) and smoking were risk factors for subsequent induced abortion, but not for delivery or miscarriage.

Conclusions

Routine provision of IUD as part of abortion care did not reduce the rates of delivery or miscarriage during the 5‐year follow up. The rates of all pregnancies and the need of subsequent induced abortion were reduced by IUD provision during the first 2 yFU.
Thermographic analysis of the corneal surface in epi‐on and epi‐off corneal crosslinking for keratoconus
Authors: Fredriksson Anneli , Elving Sofie , Saric Amanda , Winther Niclas , Viberg Andreas , Behndig Anders
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To analyse the temperature of the corneal surface in keratoconus during corneal customized crosslinking (CXL) with a preserved epithelium (epi‐on) under oxygen flow, and epi‐off CXL in room air, and to assess the effect of pre‐heating the oxygen.

Methods

This masked, intra‐individual comparing randomized study included 14 participants with bilateral progressive keratoconus treated with bilateral CXL: one eye with epi‐on CXL under a flow of 2.5 L/min oxygen; the fellow eye with epi‐off CXL in room air. In a second setting involving 12 healthy participants, room‐tempered oxygen was flushed over one eye and oxygen pre‐heated to 37°C over the fellow eye. The corneal surface temperature was assessed with infrared photography.

Results

A reduction in corneal surface temperature was seen from the pre‐treatment application of topical riboflavin in the epi‐off group (−1.1 ± 1.0°C, p < 0.001). The temperature increased during the first half of the CXL treatment in both groups (+0.7 ± 1.2°C, p = 0.041 for epi‐on; +0.7 ± 0.9°C, p = 0.023 for epi‐off CXL, respectively). In epi‐on CXL an overall temperature increase was seen during the treatment (+0.8 ± 1.2°C, p = 0.016). In the second setting, pre‐heating the oxygen rendered a surface temperature increase of +1.8 ± 0.2°C (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In epi‐off CXL, the application of topical room‐tempered riboflavin decreases the corneal surface temperature, likely due to increased evaporation. A slight temperature increase is seen during CXL with both epi‐on and epi‐off CXL, albeit far below the corneal safety limit. The corneal temperature can, however, be increased by applying pre‐heated oxygen, a possible approach to modify or augment the treatment effect in CXL.
Meta‐analysis: Impact of intragastric balloon therapy on NAFLD‐related parameters in patients with obesity
Authors: Aoko Olufemi , Maharaj Tobias , Boland Fiona , Cheriyan Danny , Ryan John
Published: November 2023

Background

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease affecting approximately 25% of adults in the western world. Intragastric balloon (IGB) is an endoscopic bariatric therapy ‐a therapeutic endoscopic tool that has shown promise in inducing weight loss. Its role in the treatment of NAFLD is yet to be established.

Aim

To evaluate the effect of IGB as a treatment option in NAFLD.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE (PubMed) and EMBASE from inception to September 2022. We included studies evaluating the impact of IGB on obesity with the assessment of one or more liver‐related outcomes and studies primarily evaluating the impact of IGB on NAFLD. We included comparative and non‐comparative studies; primary outcomes were liver‐related NAFLD surrogates.

Results

We included 19 studies with 911 patients. IGB demonstrated an effect on NAFLD parameters including NAFLD activity score (NAS): mean difference (MD): −3.0 [95% CI: −2.41 to −3.59], ALT: MD: −10.40 U/L [95% CI: −7.31 to −13.49], liver volume: MD ‐397.9 [95% CI: −212.78 to 1008.58] and liver steatosis: MD: −37.76 dB/m [95% CI: −21.59 to −53.92]. There were significant reductions in non‐liver‐related outcomes of body weight, BMI, glycated haemoglobin and HOMA‐IR.

Conclusion

Intragastric balloons may play an important role in addressing the treatment gap in NAFLD management.
What you see is what you get? Building confidence in ESG disclosures for sustainable finance through external assurance
Authors: Boiral Olivier , Brotherton Marie‐Christine , Talbot David
Published: November 2023

The main objective of this study is to understand the value of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure assurance in the context of the development of sustainable finance standards and laws. This study is based on an analysis of 188 comment letters submitted by such actors in the context of public consultations on the development of three new sustainable finance initiatives (the CFA Institute, the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK, and the New Zealand parliament). The study shows these actors' nuanced and often quite critical perceptions of the effectiveness of external assurance in preventing greenwashing and their reservations about its mandatory nature. These actors have raised various criticisms, including concerns about the vagueness surrounding verification practices; the lack of expertise available to conduct assurance in a new, specialized, and complex field; the costs of the assurance process, particularly for small players; and the lack of control over the reliability of the ESG data used. This article contributes to several emerging trends in the literature—in particular, research on governance practices to prevent greenwashing, on the institutionalization of sustainable finance standards and laws, and on the role of rational myths in the assurance process for ESG disclosures.
Feasibility for non‐invasive prenatal fetal blood group and platelet genotyping by massively parallel sequencing: A single test system for multiple atypical red cell, platelet and quality control markers
Authors: McGowan Eunike C. , O'Brien Helen , Sarri Mia E. , Lopez Genghis H. , Daly James J. , Flower Robert L. , Gardener Glenn J. , Hyland Catherine A.
Published: November 2023

Non‐invasive prenatal tests (NIPT) to predict fetal red cell or platelet antigen status for alloimmunised women are provided for select antigens. This study reports on massively parallel sequencing (MPS) using a red cell and platelet probe panel targeting multiple nucleotide variants, plus individual identification single nucleotide polymorphisms (IISNPs). Maternal blood samples were provided from 33 alloimmunised cases, including seven with two red cell antibodies. Cell‐free and genomic DNA was sequenced using targeted MPS and bioinformatically analysed using low‐frequency variant detection. The resulting maternal genomic DNA allele frequency was subtracted from the cell‐free DNA counterpart. Outcomes were matched against validated phenotyping/genotyping methods, where available. A 2.5% subtractive allele frequency threshold was set after comparing MPS predictions for K, RhC/c, RhE/e and Fya/Fyb against expected outcomes. This threshold was used for subsequent predictions, including HPA‐15a, Jka/Jkb, Kpa/Kpb and Lua. MPS outcomes were 97.2% concordant with validated methods; one RhC case was discordantly negative and lacked IISNPs. IISNPs were informative for 30/33 cases as controls. NIPT MPS is feasible for fetal blood group genotyping and covers multiple blood groups and control targets in a single test. Noting caution for the Rh system, this has the potential to provide a personalised service for alloimmunised women.
Gender (in)equality at the kitchen table: A diary study on how Parents' coordination facilitates an equal task division and relationship quality
Authors: Riedijk Larisa , Aarntzen Lianne , van Veelen Ruth , Derks Belle
Published: November 2023

Although women's labour force participation has increased, women still lag behind in financial independence and men in spending time on parenting. Insight in individuals' explicit conversations with their partner about how to coordinate daily household, childcare and paid work may help to overcome these persistent inequalities. Using a daily diary design, the present study examined to what extent daily conversations with the partner about household, childcare and paid work can boost a more equal, fair task division and relationship quality among Dutch mothers and fathers in a heterosexual relationship (N = 1235 daily reported conversations nested in 157 participants; 66.2% female). Mixed model results showed that (1) on days when participants conversed more with their partner about household tasks, they reported a more egalitarian task division and higher satisfaction with and fairness of the task division, and higher relationship quality (2) this higher daily satisfaction with and perceived fairness of the task division (but not egalitarianism) were, in turn, associated with higher relationship quality and (3) conversations had limited spill‐over effects to the next day, stressing the importance of daily coordination. Together, these findings imply that daily household coordination helps parents to overcome traditional gender roles and align with their desired work/family division.
A service evaluation exploring clients' experiences of being on a waiting list for individual psychological therapy with a community learning disability team
Authors: Hall Laura
Published: November 2023

Background

Service user involvement is imperative in the delivery of mental health services. However, a paucity of research has explored how individuals with a learning disability find waiting for therapy. Therefore, this project aimed to explore how service users accessing a community learning disability team experienced waiting for psychological therapy.

Methods

Ten adults on a waiting list for psychological therapy in Yorkshire, UK completed a semistructured interview, which explored their experiences of being on the waiting list. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Five superordinate themes were drawn from the analysis. Participants recalled long waits for therapy, struggled waiting and were unsure when therapy would start. Relief and hopefulness were common when they were put forward for therapy. Difficulties reading and/or remembering letters were prominent. Keeping busy and support from others helped participants cope while waiting. Participants would have valued additional support including having someone on call, regular check‐ins and information on other appropriate services.

Conclusions

This project led to a range of recommendations to inform a psychology waiting list standard operating procedure, service developments and improve the waiting list experience for service users. A future project exploring parent and carer experiences of the waiting list is warranted.
Ganoderic acid A slows osteoarthritis progression by attenuating endoplasmic reticulum stress and blocking NF‐Κb pathway
Authors: Liu Yuan , Zhou Chuankun , Tan Jianye , Wu Tianlong , Pan Chongzhi , Liu Jiahao , Cheng Xigao
Published: November 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative pathology, however, there exists a lack of cost‐effective pharmacological interventions that efficaciously inhibit its progression. ganoderic acid A (GAA), a triterpenoid derived from Ganoderma lucidum, possesses antiapoptotic and ‐inflammatory effects. Our objective was to better understand the therapeutic effects of GAA on OA as well as to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of its action. To establish an OA cell model in vitro, chondrocytes (CHONs) were treated with interleukin (IL)‐1β. Subsequently, the investigation was conducted afterward according to the following indicators: cell viability, apoptosis, inflammation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. Western blotting analysis (WB) was employed to assess both endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and proteins associated with the nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) signaling pathway. Furthermore, based on molecular docking studies, GAA exhibits a significant binding competence to p65. OA mouse models were constructed by performing a destabilization medial meniscus (DMM) operation. Moreover, histopathology and immunohistochemistry were used to determine the GAA therapeutic effect in reducing OA in vivo. Our findings revealed that GAA has antiapoptotic, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐ECM degradation effects by inhibiting the ER stress and NF‐κB axis in CHONs in vitro. Furthermore, our findings suggest that GAA may attenuate the progression of osteoarthritis in vivo. GAA can protect CHONs by regulating apoptosis, ECM changes, and inflammation thereby preventing OA progression. These promising results indicate that GAA may be a therapeutic agent for OA treatment.
HIV‐1 Gag MA domain binds to cardiolipin in a binding mode distinct from virus assemble mediator PI(4,5)P2
Authors: Tateishi Hiroshi , Chinen Takuma , Fukuda Ryota , Radwan Mohamed O. , Shimagaki Kazunori , Koga Ryoko , Masuda Takashi , Okamoto Yoshinari , Sakamoto Arisa , Misumi Shogo , Otsuka Masami , Fujita Mikako , Anraku Kensaku
Published: November 2023

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) Gag protein is responsible for facilitating HIV‐1 virion assembly and budding. Our study demonstrates that cardiolipin (CL), a component found in the inner mitochondrial membrane, exhibits the highest binding affinity to the N‐terminal MA domain of the HIV‐1 Gag protein within the lipid group of host cells. To assess this binding interaction, we synthesized short acyl chain derivatives of CL and employed surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis to determine the dissociation constants (Kd) for CL and the MA domain. Simultaneously, we examined the Kd of D‐myo‐phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) derivatives, known to play a crucial role in virion formation. Among all the derivatives, Tetra‐C7‐CL exhibited the lowest Kd value (Kd = 30.8 ± 6.9 μM) for MA binding on the CL analog‐immobilized sensorchip, indicating a higher affinity. Similarly, the Kd value of Di‐C7‐PIP2 (Kd = 36.6 ± 4.7 μM) was the lowest on the PI(4,5)P2 analog‐immobilized sensorchip. Thus, Tetra‐C7‐CL binds to the MA domain using a distinct binding mode while displaying a comparable binding affinity to Di‐C7‐PIP2. This discovery holds significant implications for comprehending the virological importance of CL–MA domain binding, such as its subcellular distribution, including mitochondrial translocation, and involvement in viral particle formation in concert with PI(4,5)P2. Furthermore, this study has the potential to contribute to the development of drugs in the future.
Discovery of small molecule c‐Maf inhibitors using molecular docking‐based virtual screening, molecular dynamics simulation, and biological evaluation
Authors: Hu Zhiwei , Zeng Yindi , Zhang Yaxin , Zhang Qiurong , Xu Jinge , Liu Linlin
Published: November 2023

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a prevalent plasma cell malignancy in the blood system that remains incurable. Given the abnormally high expression of c‐Maf in most MM patients, targeting c‐Maf presents an attractive therapeutic approach for treating MM malignancies. In this study, we employed a combined strategy involving molecular docking‐based virtual screening, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, and molecular mechanics/generalized Born surface area (MM/GBSA) free energy calculation on existing FDA‐approved drugs. Six compounds were selected for further experimental assay: vemurafenib, sorafenib, sildenafil, fluvastatin, erlotinib, and glimepiride. Among these compounds, sorafenib and glimepiride exhibited significant inhibition of myeloma cell proliferation in the RPMI‐8226 cell line. Moreover, both compounds simultaneously downregulated c‐Maf protein expression to induce G1 phase arrest and apoptosis in myeloma cells. Collectively, sorafenib and glimepiride may be considered promising candidates for developing more potent c‐Maf inhibitors in the future.
Cascading effects of Chinese American parents' COVID‐19 racial discrimination and racial socialization on adolescents' adjustment
Authors: Ren Huiguang , Cheah Charissa S. L. , Cho Hyun Su , Aquino Ana Katrina
Published: November 2023

Using a three‐wave longitudinal sample of 108 Chinese American parent‐adolescent dyads (Mparent‐ageW1 = 45.44 years, 17% fathers; Madolescent‐ageW1 = 13.34 years, 50% boys), this study examined the effects of parents' COVID‐19‐related racial discrimination experiences on adolescents' ethnic identity exploration and anxiety as mediated by parents' awareness of discrimination (AOD) socialization and moderated by parents' anxiety and racial socialization competency (RSC). Parents' racial discrimination experiences in 2020 predicted adolescents' greater ethnic identity exploration or greater anxiety in 2022 via parents' greater use of AOD in 2021, depending on the levels of parents' anxiety and RSC. These findings highlighted individual and contextual factors impacting racial socialization processes in Chinese American families.
College applications and enrollment effects of the Common Application
Authors: Page Darren
Published: November 2023

This paper measures college applicants' response to the expansion of the Common Application, an online platform that reduces the time costs of additional applications to its member colleges. When a local college becomes a member institution, applicants are more likely to use the Common Application, submit more applications, send more ACT score reports, and are more likely to enroll in member colleges. Low‐income applicants respond more strongly and are also more likely to enroll in private colleges instead of public colleges. The results are consistent with behavioral responses rather than sensitivity to time costs.
Fabric colour measurement in the small region of CIELab colour space using a scanner‐based subtractive clustering fuzzy inference system
Authors: Hasanlou Elham , Shams Nateri Ali , Izadan Hossein
Published: November 2023

Digital devices are increasingly being used in the colour measurement of textile‐made materials. Proper scanner characterisation is crucial for accurate and consistent colour measurement. In the present study a fuzzy inference system based on subtractive clustering, called FIS_SC method, for the colorimetric characterisation of a scanner to measure the colour of the fabrics in a small region of a colour space is proposed. The results of the proposed method for 16 colour sets were obtained and compared with the results of the scanner characterisation using polynomial regression and neural network method. It was shown that the FIS_SC method successfully characterised the scanner in the small colour space, so that its mean of the colour difference was lower than the polynomial regression and neural network methods in almost all colour sets.
Right ventricular function in severe aortic stenosis assessed by echocardiography and MRI
Authors: Holmberg Erica , Tamás Éva , Nylander Eva , Engvall Jan , Granfeldt Hans
Published: November 2023

Background

The prevalence of aortic valve stenosis (AS) is increasing due to an ageing population. Despite that right ventricular function has prognostic value for postoperative outcome, the right ventricle (RV) is not extensively studied and often not routinely assessed in AS. Our aim was to explore the relation between severe AS and RV function in a surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) cohort, comparing two imaging modalities for RV evaluation.

Methods

Patients with severe AS, underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) before SAVR. RV dysfunction was defined as one or more of the following: tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) < 17 mm, RV free wall strain (RVFWS) > −20% by TTE and RV ejection fraction (RVEF) <50% by CMR.

Results

Sixteen (33%) patients were found to have RV dysfunction. Patients with RV dysfunction showed significantly lower indexed aortic valve area, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction as well as RV and LV stroke volumes compared to patients with maintained RV function. All patients with reduced RVEF also had changes in TAPSE or RVFWS and a larger number of patients had a reduced longitudinal RV function despite a normal RVEF.

Conclusion

In a SAVR cohort one‐third of the patients had RV dysfunction, defined by RVEF, TAPSE or RVFW strain. Echocardiography detected subtle changes in RV function before RVEF was reduced. It is likely that the more pronounced the AS, the more frequent the occurrence of RV dysfunction.
Incidence and risk factors for recurrence of ampullary adenomas after endoscopic papillectomy: Comparative analysis of familial adenomatous polyposis and sporadic ampullary adenomas in an international multicenter cohort
Authors: Singh Achintya D. , Burke Carol A. , Draganov Peter V. , Bapaye Jay , Nishimura Makoto , Ngamruengphong Saowanee , Kushnir Vladimir , Sharma Neil , Kaul Vivek , Singh Aparajita , Bapaye Amol , Banerjee Debdeep , Bayudan Alexis , De Leon Mariajose Rojas , Singh Ritu R. , Mony Shruti , Gandhi Ashish , Hollander Thomas , Bittner Krystle , Beauvais Jacques , Lyu Ruishen , Liska David , Stevens Tyler , Walsh Matthew , Bhatt Amit
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Endoscopic papillectomy (EP) is a minimally invasive therapy for the management of ampullary adenomas (AA). We conducted this multicenter study to assess the incidence of and factors related to the recurrence of AA after EP in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) compared to sporadic AA.

Methods

We included patients who underwent EP for AA at 10 tertiary hospitals. Adenomatous tissue at the resection site at the time of surveillance endoscopies was considered recurrent disease.

Results

In all, 257 patients, 100 (38.9%) with FAP and 157 (61%) patients with sporadic AA, were included. Over a median of 31 (range, 11–61) months, recurrence occurred in 48/100 (48%) of patients with FAP and 58/157 (36.9%) with sporadic AA (P = 0.07). Two (2%) FAP patients and 10 (6.3%) patients with sporadic AA underwent surgery for recurrence. On multivariable regression analysis, the recurrence in FAP was higher than in sporadic patients after the first year of follow‐up. AA size (hazard ratio [HR] 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.001, 1.056), periampullary extension (HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.5, 4.01), and biliary duct dilation (HR 2.04, 95% CI 1.2, 3.4) increased the risk, while en bloc resection (HR 0.6, 95% CI 0.41, 0.9) decreased the risk of recurrence.

Conclusion

Recurrence rates are high after EP. Most recurrences in sporadic patients occur within the first year of follow‐up, but after the first year of follow‐up in patients with FAP. Recurrences are higher with larger adenomas, biliary duct dilation, and periampullary extensions, and may be mitigated by en bloc resection. These factors should be considered in decision‐making with the patients.
How do organizations in Chinese agriculture perceive sustainability certification schemes? An exploratory analysis
Authors: Wang Xiaorui , Hu Shen
Published: November 2023

Motivation

Initiatives to promote sustainable practices in agriculture in China have been little documented in the literature. Preliminary investigations suggested that the way agricultural certification schemes worked in China differed considerably from such schemes in Europe and the United States.

Purpose

We investigated how sustainability certification schemes (SCSs) were perceived by farmers, processors, government staff, and other stakeholders in Chinese agriculture.

We examine three types of certification: sustainability standards for agricultural exports; organic labelling for the domestic market; and certification of ecological practices.

Methods and approach

We interviewed 16 stakeholders in 2013–2014 about their experiences and perceptions of certification. The interviews were transcribed and coded to derive themes and interpretations.

Findings

Certification was rigorous for agricultural exports because importers, mainly in high‐income countries, demanded high standards—and were prepared to pay a premium for those standards. It was in the best interests of Chinese exporters to certify their produce. Some farming companies had specific farms that were run to make sure the standards were upheld, whereas their farms producing for the domestic market operated differently.

Organic certification of produce was less systematic, with proliferation of labels used to try to convince domestic consumers that the food so labelled was safe. No single standard was used. Farmers were concerned that organic production was costly but that they would not get a price to reflect those costs. Most actors expected the state to set standards and police them.

A public scheme intended as payment for environmental services also certified land managers; but the scheme as applied operated to pay farmers on low incomes often in marginal lands an income supplement—payments were not necessarily linked to environmental objectives.

Policy implications

In China, the perception of stakeholders was that the central government should establish and monitor standards. Certification was not seen as something that private enterprise could or even should establish. This appreciation translated into dependence on central government to co‐ordinate and regulate all collective action for pursuing social and environmental sustainability, leaving little space for market‐led initiatives to flourish.
Dehydration yields distinct transcriptional shifts associated with glycogen metabolism and increases feeding in the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis
Authors: Bailey Samuel T. , Kondragunta Alekhya , Choi Hyojin A. , Han Jinlong , Rotenberg Dorith , Ullman Diane E. , Benoit Joshua B.
Published: November 2023

We examined water balance characteristics and the influence of desiccating conditions on the physiology and behavior of adult western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). Western flower thrips are globally invasive and likely to contend with shifts in water availability across their expansive geographic range. Basic water balance characteristics, including water mass and dry mass, were established for adult males and females, revealing a distinct sexual dimorphism wherein females are larger, and males retain a larger percentage of their body mass as water. Males lose relative water mass more quickly and their survival times are shorter compared to females. RNA‐seq analysis identified significant enrichment of a multitude of factors including carbohydrate transport and metabolism in dehydrated males and females. This was validated by altered glycogen levels, suggesting a rapid depletion in glycogen during dehydration. The probability of thrips feeding significantly increases when desiccation occurs, potentially to replenish water content and nutrient reserves. Our results establish the fundamental water balance characteristics of adult thrips and indicate that dehydration significantly influences the survivorship and feeding behavior of thrips; all of which being crucial factors that contribute to their capacity as vectors for plant pathogens.
Are rabid raccoons (Procyon lotor) ready for the rapture? Determining the geographic origin of rabies virus‐infected raccoons using RADcapture and microhaplotypes
Authors: Hopken Matthew W. , Piaggio Antoinette J. , Abdo Zaid , Chipman Richard B. , Mankowski Clara P. , Nelson Kathleen M. , Hilton Mikaela Samsel , Thurber Christine , Tsuchiya Mirian T. N. , Maldonado Jesús E. , Gilbert Amy T.
Published: November 2023

North America is recognized for the exceptional richness of rabies virus (RV) wildlife reservoir species. Management of RV is accomplished through vaccination targeting mesocarnivore reservoir populations, such as the raccoon (Procyon lotor) in Eastern North America. Raccoons are a common generalist species, and populations may reach high densities in developed areas, which can result in contact with humans and pets with potential exposures to the raccoon variant of RV throughout the eastern United States. Understanding the spatial movement of RV by raccoon populations is important for monitoring and refining strategies supporting the landscape‐level control and local elimination of this lethal zoonosis. We developed a high‐throughput genotyping panel for raccoons based on hundreds of microhaplotypes to identify population structure and genetic diversity relevant to rabies management programs. Throughout the eastern United States, we identified hierarchical population genetic structure with clusters that were connected through isolation‐by‐distance. We also illustrate that this genotyping approach can be used to support real‐time management priorities by identifying the geographic origin of a rabid raccoon that was collected in an area of the United States that had been raccoon RV‐free for 8 years. The results from this study and the utility of the microhaplotype panel and genotyping method will provide managers with information on raccoon ecology that can be incorporated into future management decisions.
Obesity and obesity‐associated metabolic disease conditions in Connemara ponies in Ireland
Authors: Al‐Ansari Ahmed Saleh , Golding Emma , Walshe Nicola , Mooney Carmel T. , Duggan Vivienne
Published: November 2023

Background

Equine obesity combined with insulin dysregulation (ID) is a major risk factor associated with laminitis. Some pony breeds appear to be at increased risk. However, little is known regarding the prevalence of obesity or hyperinsulinaemia as evidence of ID in Irish ponies.

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of obesity and associated endocrine/metabolic disease conditions in Connemara ponies and to determine if hyperinsulinaemia in these ponies could be predicted by morphometric or metabolic markers.

Study design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The study population included registered Connemara ponies recruited through public and veterinary social media posts. Ponies underwent a physical examination and information on their management and clinical history was obtained via owner questionnaire. The body condition score (BCS) was measured using the Henneke system; cresty neck score (CNS) and regionalised adiposity were also assessed. Hyperinsulinaemia was confirmed by measuring serum basal insulin concentration (BIC) or insulin concentration after an oral sugar test (OST). Blood glucose and triglyceride concentrations were measured. Characteristics of hyperinsulinaemic and insulin‐sensitive ponies were compared by logistic regression.

Results

Two hundred ponies were included; 59 ponies (29.5%) had a BCS ≥7, 58 (29.0%) had a CNS ≥2.5 and 135 (67.5%) had regionalised adiposity; 137 (68.5%) ponies had at least one of these abnormalities. Owner‐reported history or clinical evidence of chronic laminitis was found in 92 ponies (46.0%). Hyperinsulinaemia was confirmed in 32 ponies (16.0%), including 23 of 91 (25.3%) detected by OST and 9 of 109 (8.3%) by BIC. Hypertriglyceridaemia was observed in 12 of 198 ponies (6.1%) ponies and hyperglycaemia in 11 of 197 ponies (5.6%) ponies. The odds of hyperinsulinaemia increased by a factor of 6.53 (95% confidence interval: 2.95, 15.21) when BCS was ≥7.

Main limitations

The OST was not performed in all ponies.

Conclusions

Increased adiposity, laminitis and metabolic derangements are prevalent in this native Irish pony breed.
“Listen to me!” The role of family supervision and parental phubbing in youth cyberbullying
Authors: Elboj‐Saso Carmen , Íñiguez‐Berrozpe Tatiana , Cebollero Salinas Ana , Bautista Alcaine Pablo
Published: November 2023

Background

To mitigate or prevent the effects of cyberbullying, adolescents are primarily influenced by how they have been educated and supervised at home in the use of technology.

Objective

Our main objective was to examine the association of parental phubbing and family supervision of Internet and social networks use with cyberbullying victimization and aggression.

Method

A survey was conducted to examine these factors in a sample of 1,554 students aged 10 to 18 years in the Aragon region of Spain.

Results

Family supervision is a protective factor against becoming an aggressor or a victim of cyberbullying. Aggressor and victim roles correlate with higher levels of parental phubbing. Multigroup analysis applying structural equation modeling by age and gender revealed certain differences. Gender differences were found with parental phubbing associated with boys' likelihood of being aggressors. Although family supervision protected both boys and girls, there was a stronger association for girls' parents. Fewer differences were observed for age group.

Conclusion

This study found strong relation between cyberbullying, family supervision, and parental phubbing. Our findings also suggest that cyberbullying prevention strategies need to differ depending on whether they are applied to girls or boys.

Implications

The importance of model behavior for minors to follow in their optimal use of information and communication technologies and family supervision of smartphone use should be placed at the center of cyberbullying prevention strategies.
The biophysical and compositional properties of human basement membranes
Authors: Schoenenberger Monica S. , Halfter Willi , Ferrand Alexia , Halfter Kathrin , Tzankov Alexandar , Scholl Hendrik P. N. , Henrich Paul Bernhard , Monnier Christophe A.
Published: November 2023

Basement membranes are among the most widespread, non‐cellular functional materials in metazoan organisms. Despite this ubiquity, the links between their compositional and biophysical properties are often difficult to establish due to their thin and delicate nature. In this article, we examine these features on a molecular level by combining results from proteomics, elastic, and nanomechanical analyses across a selection of human basement membranes. Comparing results between these different membranes connects certain compositional attributes to distinct nanomechanical signatures and further demonstrates to what extent water defines these properties. In all, these data underline BMs as stiff yet highly elastic connective tissue layers and highlight how the interplay between composition, mechanics and hydration yields such exceptionally adaptable materials.
Effect of microstructure on low cycle fatigue behavior of Inconel 706 at 650°C
Authors: Lee Junmin , Kim Kwangyeon , Kim Jung Gi , Kim Sangshik
Published: November 2023

Four different types of specimens were prepared from the center and the periphery of two large IN706 forged discs of commercial scale, and low cycle fatigue (LCF) tests were conducted at 650°C.

The IN706 specimens with lower LCF lives showed relatively large fraction of cleavage‐like fracture along linearly aligned η (Ni3Ti) precipitates in the area of crack propagation. The amount of η precipitates for those specimens with greater LCF lives was negligible, and the fracture mode of crack propagation was dominantly intergranular. Crack initiation was mainly by persistent slip band (PSB) cracking at the surface, and no notable difference was found for each specimen. The correlation between tensile properties, grain size, and LCF lives of IN706 at 650°C appeared to be not as significant as expected.
Fatigue evolution prediction for fiber‐reinforced plastics based on frequency‐wavenumber wavefield of guided wave using deep‐learning model
Authors: Huang Yuxiang , Zhang Chao , Tao Chongcong , Ji Hongli , Qiu Jinhao
Published: November 2023

Employing the laser ultrasonic system, information on fatigue evolution can be captured and explicitly stored in the frequency‐wavenumber wavefield of the guided wave. This paper presents a deep‐learning architecture for processing the frequency‐wavenumber wavefield, which comprises two distinct steps: fatigue characterization and evolution prediction. Firstly, the fatigue characterization step employs a convolutional autoencoder (CAE) for compressing the frequency‐wavenumber wavefield and a fully connected network (FCN) for obtaining the fusion fatigue characteristic. Due to the high cost of experimental samples, extensive simulation‐generated wavefields are used to pre‐train the network. Subsequently, the fatigue evolution prediction model based on the latent ordinary differential equation (Latent‐ODE) is trained for the step‐by‐step prediction of fatigue evolution with a small amount of composite fatigue test data. The results validate the effectiveness of the deep‐learning architecture in characterizing fatigue and predicting its evolution, as well as the feasibility of the frequency‐wavenumber wavefield compression of guided wave.
Contrasting morphology and growth habits of Frutexites in Late Devonian reef complexes of the Canning Basin, northwestern Australia
Authors: Champenois France , George Annette D. , McNamara Kenneth J. , Shaw Jeremy , Cherdantseva Maria
Published: November 2023

Frutexites‐like microstructures are described from the exhumed Late Devonian reef complexes of the northern Canning Basin, Western Australia. Several high‐resolution imaging techniques, including X‐ray microcomputerised tomography, scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray fluorescence microscopy, were used to investigate morphology and composition in two samples. Three types of Frutexites‐like microstructures (Types I–III) have been identified. Type I, found lining an early marine cement‐filled cavity in fore‐reef grainstone facies, consists of dendritic structures formed primarily of coccoid bacteria with filamentous bacteria embedded in sheets of amorphous extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). These ferromanganiferous dendrites have laminated to spheroidal textures. Types II and III are from a toe‐of‐slope hardground. Type II grew in a crypt between two corals, is also dendritic and composed of bacilliform and filamentous bacteria embedded in an amorphous EPS sheet. The opaqueness of these ferriferous dendrites precludes more detailed description of textures. Type III grew as branching columnar microstromatolites and is composed of entwined filaments of Girvanella, Rothpletzella and Wetheredella with Fe‐enriched outer walls that generate Frutexites‐like microstructures. Types I and II resemble Frutexites sensu stricto as defined by Maslov (Stromatolites, Trudy Instituta geologicheskikh nauk Akademiya nauk SSR, 1960) and are the result of the consecutive growth and permineralisation of biofilms composed of mixed bacterial communities growing in cryptic habitats. Type III superficially resembles Frutexites sensu stricto based on macroscopic field observations, however, detailed microscopic analysis reveals that it is composed of Fe‐enriched tubular walls surrounded by Mn‐enriched calcite.
Neither multilevel governance nor battleground. Understanding the politics of immigrant integration in small and medium European localities
Authors: Caponio Tiziana , Pettrachin Andrea
Published: November 2023

This article explores the link between migration governance and politics in small and medium‐sized localities (SMsLs), asking: what modes of immigrant integration governance emerge in SMsLs?; how are these modes of governance shaped by political factors such as local governments' (LGs) political affiliation, the presence/absence of radical right parties (RPPs) in local councils and the political affiliation of governments at higher levels? To answer these questions, we selected 26 European SMsLs across seven EU countries and applied a mixed‐method design combining social network analysis and qualitative content analysis. We find that political dynamics decisively shape integration governance in SMsLs. Centre‐left LGs have more frequent and collaborative relations with nonpublic actors, especially when RRPs hold seat in local councils and support regional/national governments. Centre‐right LGs usually disengage from integration governance or, when facing strong RRPs, develop strategies to maintain control on issues perceived as highly salient. Vertical relations are either conflictual or absent in all SMsLs.
Vonoprazan‐amoxicillin dual therapy versus bismuth‐containing quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhou Ben‐Gang , Jiang Xin , Ding Yan‐Bing , She Qiang , Li Yao‐Yao
Published: November 2023

Background and Objective

Recently, vonoprazan‐amoxicillin (VA) dual therapy has been reported as a promising approach for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication. However, the effects of VA therapy versus bismuth‐containing quadruple therapy (BQT) on H. pylori eradication remains unclear. The objective of this meta‐analysis was to compare the effects of VA dual therapy with BQT for H. pylori eradication.

Methods

A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted from the beginning to September 2023, utilizing PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science database. A random‐effects model was used to perform a meta‐analysis to determine the pooled relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Moreover, trial sequential analysis (TSA) was conducted to evaluate the conclusiveness of the H. pylori eradication rate.

Results

Six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 1233 patients were included. The VA therapy has similar eradication rate (ITT analysis: 87% vs. 85.7%, RR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.93–1.09, p = 0.84; PP analysis: 92.5% vs. 93.2%, RR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.94–1.06, p = 0.97) and compliance (RR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.99–1.03, p = 0.32) compared to BQT. The VA therapy group had a significantly lower incidence of total adverse events than the BQT group (16.3% vs. 40.0%, RR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.37–0.55, p < 0.00001). The TSA result showed that the effect was conclusive.

Conclusions

Current evidence indicated that VA therapy is just as successful as BQT in eliminating H. pylori, yet it has fewer adverse events and similar compliance.