bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bidirectional negative relation between young children's persistence and cheating
Authors: Zhao Li , Peng Junjie , Lee Kang
Published: September 2024

This research examined the link between persistence and cheating in 3‐ to 6‐year‐old children (2021–2022, N = 200, 100 boys; Mage = 4.85 years; all middle‐class Han Chinese). Study 1 used a challenging game to measure whether children would cheat when they were allowed to play the game unsupervised. Results indicated that children's situational, but not trait, persistence negatively correlated with cheating: the higher children's situational persistence, the less likely they cheated. Study 2 not only replicated the results of Study 1 but also discovered that children who cheated became less persistent afterward. Our research reveals a novel bidirectional relation between situational persistence and cheating and underscores the importance of nurturing persistence in early childhood as a strategy to foster honesty.
Why so many Hemiptera invasions?
Authors: Liebhold Andrew M. , Turner Rebecca M. , Bartlett Charles R. , Bertelsmeier Cleo , Blake Rachael E. , Brockerhoff Eckehard G. , Causton Charlotte E. , Matsunaga Janis N. , McKamey Stuart H. , Nahrung Helen F. , Owen Christopher L. , Pureswaran Deepa S. , Roques Alain , Schneider Scott A. , Sanborn Allen F. , Yamanaka Takehiko
Published: September 2024

Aim

The Hemiptera is the fifth‐largest insect order but among non‐native insect species is approximately tied with the Coleoptera as the most species‐rich insect order (Hemiptera comprise 20% more species than in world fauna). This over‐representation may result from high propagule pressure or from high species invasiveness. Here, we assess the reasons for over‐representation in this group by analysing geographical, temporal and taxonomic variation in numbers of historical invasions.

Location

Global.

Method

We assembled lists of historical Hemiptera invasions in 12 world regions, countries or islands (Australia, Chile, Europe, New Zealand, North America, South Africa, South Korea, Japan and the Galapagos, Hawaiian, Okinawa and Ogasawara Islands) and border interception data from nine countries (Australia, Canada, European Union, United Kingdom, Hawaii, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, USA mainland and South Africa). Using these data, we identified hemipteran superfamilies that are historically over‐represented among established non‐native species, and superfamilies that are over‐represented among arrivals (proxied by interceptions). We also compared temporal patterns of establishments among hemipteran suborders and among regions.

Results

Across all regions, patterns of over‐ and under‐representation were similar. The Aphidoidea, Coccoidea, Aleyrodoidea, Cimicoidea and Phylloxeroida were over‐represented among non‐native species. These same superfamilies were not consistently over‐represented among intercepted species indicating that propagule pressure does not completely explain the tendency of some Hemiptera to be over‐represented among invasions. Asexual reproduction is common in most over‐represented superfamilies and this trait may be key to explaining high invasion success in these superfamilies.

Conclusions

We conclude that both propagule pressure and species invasiveness are drivers of high invasion success in the Sternorrhyncha suborder (aphids, scales, whiteflies) and this group plays a major role in the exceptional invasion success of Hemiptera in general. The high historical rates of invasion by Sternorrhyncha species provide justification for biosecurity measure focusing on exclusion of this group.
Evaluating remission of type 2 diabetes using a metabolic intervention including fixed‐ratio insulin degludec and liraglutide: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Punthakee Zubin , Hall Stephanie , McInnes Natalia , Sherifali Diana , Tsiplova Kate , Kirabo Faith R. , Ransom Thomas P. P. , Harris Stewart B. , Lochnan Heather A. , Sigal Ronald J. , Ghosh Mahua , Spaic Tamara , Gerstein Hertzel C. ,   the REMIT‐IDegLira Collaborative Group
Published: September 2024

Aim

To evaluate the effect on type 2 diabetes remission of short‐term intensive metabolic intervention consisting of frequent dietary, exercise and diabetes management coaching, metformin and fixed‐ratio insulin degludec/liraglutide.

Methods

In a multicentre open‐label randomized controlled trial, insulin‐naïve participants within 5 years of diabetes diagnosis were assigned to a 16‐week remission intervention regimen or standard care, and followed for relapse of diabetes and sustained remission for an additional year after stopping glucose‐lowering drugs.

Results

A total of 159 participants aged 57 ± 10 years, with diabetes duration 2.6 ± 1.5 years, body mass index 33.5 ± 6.5 kg/m2, and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level 53 ± 7 mmol/mol were randomized and analysed (79 intervention, 80 control). At the end of the 16‐week intervention period, compared to controls, intervention participants achieved lower HbA1c levels (40 ± 4 vs. 51 ± 7 mmol/mol; p < 0.0001), and lost more weight (3.3 ± 4.4% vs. 1.9 ± 3.0%; p = 0.02). There was a lower hazard of diabetes relapse overall in the intervention group compared to controls (hazard ratio 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.45, 0.88; p = 0.007), although this was not sustained over time. Remission rates in the intervention group were not significantly higher than in the control group at 12 weeks (17.7% vs. 12.5%, relative risk [RR] 1.42, 95% CI 0.67, 3.00; p = 0.36) or at 52 weeks (6.3% vs. 3.8%, RR 1.69, 95% CI 0.42, 6.82) following the intervention period.

Conclusions

An intensive remission‐induction intervention including fixed‐ratio insulin degludec/liraglutide reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes relapse within 1 year without sustained remission.
Both low and high body iron stores relate to metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women: Findings from the VIKING Health Study‐Shetland (VIKING I)
Authors: Suárez‐Ortegón Milton Fabian , McLachlan Stela , Fernández‐Real José Manuel , Wilson James F. , Wild Sarah H.
Published: September 2024

Background

There are conflicting results among studies on the association between serum ferritin (SF) and metabolic syndrome (MetS), and by groups of sex/menopausal status. To date, there are no studies on British populations. The SF‐MetS association might be U/J‐shaped. We evaluated whether SF was independently associated with MetS (harmonized definition) in people from Shetland, Scotland.

Methods

We analysed cross‐sectional data from the Viking Health Study‐Shetland (589 premenopausal women [PreMW], 625 postmenopausal women [PostW] and 832 men). Logistic regressions using two approaches, one with the lowest sex and menopausal status‐specific ferritin quartile (Q) as the reference and other using the middle two quartiles combined (2–3) as the reference, were conducted to estimate the SF‐MetS association. The shape of the association was verified via cubic spline analyses. The associations were adjusted for age, inflammatory and hepatic injury markers, alcohol intake, smoking and BMI.

Results

Prevalence of MetS was 18.3%. Among PostMW both low and high SF were associated with MetS (fully adjusted odds ratios [95% confidence interval] compared to the middle two quartiles combined were: 1.99 [1.17–3.38] p =.011 for Q1 and 2.10 [1.27–3.49] p =.004 for Q4) This U‐shaped pattern was confirmed in the cubic spline analysis in PostMW with a ferritin range of 15–200 ug/L. In men, a positive association between ferritin quartiles with Q1 as the reference, did not remain significant after adjustment for BMI.

Conclusion

Extreme quartiles of iron status were positively associated with MetS in PostMW, while no SF‐MetS associations were found in men or PreMW. The ferritin‐MetS association pattern differs between populations and U/J‐shaped associations may exist.
MyofAPPcial: Construct validity of a novel technological aid for improving clinical reasoning in the management of myofascial pain syndrome
Authors: Valera‐Calero Juan Antonio , Varol Umut , Ortega‐Santiago Ricardo , Navarro‐Santana Marcos José , Díaz‐Arribas María José , Buffet‐García Jorge , Plaza‐Manzano Gustavo
Published: September 2024

Background

Physiotherapists encounter challenges in diagnosing myofascial trigger points (MTrPs), which are crucial for managing myofascial pain but difficult due to their complex referred pain patterns. We aimed to assess if an interactive software (MyofAPPcial) can enhance the ability of physical therapists specialized in musculoskeletal disorders (as clinicians and as researchers and educators) to identify referred pain patterns associated with specific MTrPs and to explore their opinion about incorporating this technology regularly into their professional setting.

Methods

After developing the app, a descriptive cross‐sectional survey study was conducted. Participants were asked about their demographic characteristics, professional experience, two knowledge tests (first without and later with MyofAPPcial support) and the 18‐item mHealth app usability questionnaire.

Results

Fifty‐nine participants completed the survey (47.5% clinicians and 62.5% researchers/educators). Groups were comparable in terms of age, gender and professional experience (p > .05). However, clinicians coursed shorter specific MPS trainings (p = .007) and handle more cases a week (p < .001). In the first knowledge test, participants in both the groups were more accurate in identifying pain maps of highly prevalent MTrPs than those with a moderate or low prevalence (p < .001), with no differences between the groups for individual items (all, p > .05) nor the total score (p > .05). In the second knowledge test, perfect scores were obtained for all items in both the groups. Finally, MyofAPPcial scored high satisfaction and app usefulness, with no difference between clinicians and researchers/educators (except greater convenience of use for researchers/educators p = .02).

Conclusions

MyofAPPcial enhances physiotherapists' ability to accurately identify MTrPs, with a good acceptation among clinicians and researchers/educators.
Impact of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and COVID‐19 pandemic on the morbidity and mortality of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients in Valencia, Spain
Authors: García‐Casanova Pilar H. , Pérez‐Martínez Pablo , Sevilla Teresa , Doménech Rosalía , León Montserrat , Vázquez‐Costa Juan F.
Published: September 2024

Background and purpose

The purpose was to describe the risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection, hospitalization for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and related death and to assess the impact of the pandemic in the survival of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients.

Methods

The risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, hospitalization for COVID‐19 and related death was assessed in ALS patients alive between March 2020 and July 2022. To evaluate its impact in the overall survival of ALS patients, the survival of patients who died before and during the pandemic was compared.

Results

Amongst 263 ALS patients alive during the pandemic, 62 got infected during the study period (infection rate 14.34 per 100 person‐years). Most infections (68%) occurred during the sixth wave (November 2021 to January 2022) and most patients (67%) were vaccinated at the time of infection. The hospitalization rate due to COVID‐19 was 4.16 per 100 person‐years. The multivariable model confirmed non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) use prior to infection as a risk factor for hospitalization (odds ratio [OR] = 7.96, p = 0.003) and COVID‐19 vaccination as a protective factor (OR = 0.093, p = 0.025) independent of age, sex and gastrostomy. Within 30 days after infection, 7% of non‐ventilated patients started NIV and five patients (8.06%) died, of whom four were previously ventilated. The median survival of ALS patients was similar before and during the pandemic and no effect was found in the Cox regression model (hazard ratio 1.02, p = 0.89).

Conclusions

This study shows a high risk of severe COVID‐19 amongst ALS patients requiring NIV. Nevertheless, the pandemic showed no impact in the overall survival of ALS patients, probably due to a high vaccination rate and an adequate access to healthcare resources.
Biochemical analyses reveal new insights into RCAN1/Rcn1 inhibition of calcineurin
Authors: Ren Yan , Chen Hui , Zhao Shan‐Yue , Ma Lei , He Qing‐Xia , Gong Wei‐Bin , Wu Jia‐Wei , Yao Hong‐Wei , Wang Zhi‐Xin
Published: September 2024

Calcineurin is a serine/threonine protein phosphatase that is highly conserved from yeast to human and plays a critical role in many physiological processes. Regulators of calcineurin (RCANs) are a family of endogenous calcineurin regulators, which are capable of inhibiting the catalytic activity of calcineurin in vivo and in vitro. In this study, we first characterized the biochemical properties of yeast calcineurin and its endogenous regulator Rcn1, a yeast homolog of RCAN1. Our data show that Rcn1 inhibits yeast calcineurin toward pNPP substrate with a noncompetitive mode; and Rcn1 binds cooperatively to yeast calcineurin through multiple low‐affinity interactions at several docking regions. Next, we reinvestigated the mechanism underlying the inhibition of mammalian calcineurin by RCAN1 using a combination of biochemical, biophysical, and computational methods. In contrast to previous observations, RCAN1 noncompetitively inhibits calcineurin phosphatase activity toward both pNPP and phospho‐RII peptide substrates by targeting the enzyme active site in part. Re‐analysis of previously reported kinetic data reveals that the RCAN1 concentrations used were too low to distinguish between the inhibition mechanisms [Chan B et al. (2005) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 102, 13075]. The results presented in this study provide new insights into the interaction between calcineurin and RCAN1/Rcn1.
Tall Bornean forests experience higher canopy disturbance rates than those in the eastern Amazon or Guiana shield
Authors: Jackson Toby D. , Fischer Fabian J. , Vincent Grégoire , Gorgens Eric B. , Keller Michael , Chave Jérôme , Jucker Tommaso , Coomes David A.
Published: September 2024

The future of tropical forests hinges on the balance between disturbance rates, which are expected to increase with climate change, and tree growth. Whereas tree growth is a slow process, disturbance events occur sporadically and tend to be short‐lived. This difference challenges forest monitoring to achieve sufficient resolution to capture tree growth, while covering the necessary scale to characterize disturbance rates. Airborne LiDAR time series can address this challenge by measuring landscape scale changes in canopy height at 1 m resolution. In this study, we present a robust framework for analysing disturbance and recovery processes in LiDAR time series data. We apply this framework to 8000 ha of old‐growth tropical forests over a 4–5‐year time frame, comparing growth and disturbance rates between Borneo, the eastern Amazon and the Guiana shield. Our findings reveal that disturbance was balanced by growth in eastern Amazonia and the Guiana shield, resulting in a relatively stable mean canopy height. In contrast, tall Bornean forests experienced a decrease in canopy height due to numerous small‐scale (<0.1 ha) disturbance events outweighing the gains due to growth. Within sites, we found that disturbance rates were weakly related to topography, but significantly increased with maximum canopy height. This could be because taller trees were particularly vulnerable to disturbance agents such as drought, wind and lightning. Consequently, we anticipate that tall forests, which contain substantial carbon stocks, will be disproportionately affected by the increasing severity of extreme weather events driven by climate change.
Development of the coreHEM mental health patient‐reported outcome measure – A novel mental health outlook measure for people with haemophilia
Authors: Clearfield Elizabeth , Chang Hsing‐Yuan , Janssen Ellen M. , Majid Tabassum , Messner Donna A. , Coffin Donna , Jain Mohit , Monahan Paul E. , Valentino Leonard A. , Witkop Michelle , Skinner Mark W.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Currently, no quality‐of‐life instrument exists that captures the full experience of the mental health outlook (MHO), a coreHEM core outcome, in people with haemophilia, including the potential transformational experience of receiving gene therapy.

Aim

To describe the methods used to develop a content validated patient‐reported outcome measure (PROM) that measures MHO for people with haemophilia.

Methods

A conceptual framework, developed from a literature/evidence review, was used to create an interview guide and draft a questionnaire. Males aged 15 or older with severe/moderate haemophilia were eligible to participate in concept elicitation or cognitive debriefing interviews. The conceptual framework was refined based on a thematic analysis of concept elicitation interviews and PROM items were developed from the conceptual framework. Cognitive debriefing sessions that prioritised relevance and understanding of the PROM were held in two rounds; items were updated iteratively.

Results

A conceptual framework with five domains (stigma, anxiety, depression, life interference and identity) was constructed from over 300 identified MHO concepts. Fifty‐three participants took part in interviews. After 32 concept elicitation interviews, the framework was updated by including eight new sub‐concepts and eliminating two. Updates to the questionnaire included items added or removed and improved wording. The final coreHEM MHO PROM has 26 questions in two sections (general mental health associated with haemophilia, and a gene therapy section).

Conclusions

The instrument is content‐validated and can be used as an exploratory outcome. MHO scores can be measured and compared to give more insight into patient quality of life.
The effect of Bacillus subtilis fermentation of Australian sweet lupin on its mineral composition and in vitro bioaccessibility
Authors: Wickramasinghe Niranjani , Soares Mario , Jayasena Vijay , Coorey Ranil , Johnson Stuart K.
Published: September 2024

Fermentation may beneficially increase the bioaccessibility of minerals in legumes. In this study, the contents and in vitro bioaccessibilities of Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn were determined in lupin whole seed and dehulled seed during soaking, cooking and then fermentation with Bacillus subtilis into a natto analogue. For total mineral content, a significant loss (P < 0.05) of Mg was observed after cooking for both whole and dehulled seed. During pre‐processing, the Ca bioaccessibilities of whole and dehulled were highest (P < 0.05) in the soaked seed and for Mg was highest (P < 0.05) in the cooked samples. At all fermentation times, the bioaccessibility of all minerals was higher (P < 0.05) in the dehulled than the whole seed. Significant increases (P < 0.05) in bioaccessibility during fermentation were observed for Fe at 48 h and Zn 24 h in dehulled seed, providing the first evidence for the beneficial effect of lupin fermentation by B. subtilis in terms of Fe and Zn availability.
Exploring particle‐based stabilisation of Pickering emulsions in food, aquaculture, and industrial applications
Authors: Abdul Hadi Nabilah , Ashaari Aisyah , Matos María , Wan Rasdi Nadiah
Published: September 2024

Emulsions are combinations of two‐phases of immiscible liquids, where one liquid is dispersed throughout the other liquid with the help of emulsifiers such as surfactants. Surfactants, which are emulsifiers composed of small amphiphilic molecules, have several drawbacks. These include being non‐biodegradable and releasing various chemical compounds into the environment. Consequently, they are not ideal for prolonged use. Solid particles can be an alternative candidate to stabilise emulsions, forming what are known as Pickering emulsions (PEs). It has shown that PEs exhibited greater encapsulation efficiency (EE) of other substances up to 98%, which is more than twice compared with that of surfactant‐stabilised emulsions. Due to its irreversible adsorption, PEs has been recognised in various industries such as cosmetics, food, biomedical and aquaculture which have potential in targeted drug and nutrient delivery to the fish, water management, feed enhancement and stress reduction in aquaculture species. Thus, this review will be discussing on (i) emulsion stability and performance, (ii) solid particles in stabilising Pickering emulsions, (iii) use of PEs in various industries, (iv) nanotechnology in PEs to optimise aquaculture, (v) potential of PEs as drug delivery in fish culture, (vi) PEs as agents in water quality management, and (vii) PEs as encapsulation of stress‐relieving compounds, (viii) PEs as fish and fish feed enhancer, (ix) innovations of chitosan‐based PEs from aquaculture by‐product, and (x) innovations of PEs from fisheries by‐product. This review would provide insight into future research on enhancing the sustainability and functionality of Pickering emulsions by exploring novel, environmentally friendly solid particles and incorporating advanced nanotechnology techniques to further improve Pickering emulsions stability.
Cassava starch‐based film infused with biogenic selenium nanoparticles (bio‐SeNPs) to reduce foodborne pathogens
Authors: Nogueira Matheus Henrique , de Carvalho Luana , Peron dos Santos André Ricardo , Furlaneto Márcia Cristina , Maia Luciana Furlaneto
Published: September 2024

The urgent investigation of antimicrobial films is imperative to mitigate the proliferation of pathogens in food, extending product shelf life and ensuring food safety, crucial aspects for public health and the sustainability of the global food system. We developed cassava starch‐based films containing 1% and 2% biogenic selenium nanoparticles (Bio‐SeNPs) produced by enterocin MF5 to assess antimicrobial activity. The addition of Bio‐SeNPs altered the luminosity and gave a reddish hue to the films. UV–visible, FTIR, and thermogram analyses revealed intermolecular interactions between the starch and Bio‐SeNPs. Scanning electron microscopy showed a smooth and homogeneous surface of the nanocomposite films. Water vapour permeability ranged from 9.4 to 0.68 g mm h−1 m−2 kPa−1, lower than control values. Swelling values were higher in the film containing 1% Bio‐SeNPs, and water vapour transmission was lower. The films exhibited MICs of 5.5 μL mL−1 for Listeria spp., 10.9 μL mL−1 for Salmonella spp., and 250 μL mL−1 for Escherichia coli. Antimicrobial activity ranged from 1.5–1.9 log and 1.6–2.0 log in liquid medium and dry film, respectively, after 24 h. The films were also applied to cherry tomatoes without altering their characteristics compared to the positive control. Our study demonstrated the high potential of using Bio‐SeNPs in biodegradable films to prevent food contamination.
Calcium caseinate enhancement of bread and its role in manipulating the glycaemic response and antioxidant potential of the product
Authors: Idahagbon Nosa B. , Kumar Lokesh , Nicholas Robert J. , Oluyemi Mary B. , Brennan Charles S.
Published: September 2024

The impact of supplementing bread with calcium caseinate was studied at substitution levels of 5%, 10% and 15%. The research assessed the baking properties, nutritional value, glycaemic response and antioxidant activity of the experimental bread samples. Addition led to a significant increase in protein content, reaching up to 22% of the total energy supply at 15% substitution. Essential amino acids, such as valine, leucine and isoleucine, more than doubled in concentration at the 15% substitution level. Furthermore, the incorporation of calcium caseinate improved the textural properties of the bread, significantly increasing the bread volume and reducing setback viscosity (P < 0.05). The predicted glycaemic response, as measured by the area under the glucose release curve, showed a notable reduction in sugar levels at 15% substitution. These results suggest that bread enriched with calcium caseinate can serve as a valuable protein source for the population, offering both enhanced nutritional benefits and favourable baking characteristics.
From dead letter to functional policy? Domestic workers' rights and “disformality” in Peru
Authors: PÉREZ Leda M. , GANDOLFI Andrea
Published: September 2024

This article examines the extent to which Peru's Law No. 31047/2020, which grants paid domestic workers full legal rights and social protection, has improved workers' access to contracts and rights. We analyse data from Peru's National Household Survey and present insights from interviews with five employers and a focus group of 11 workers. These complement statistical findings regarding the law's implementation, challenges and policy suggestions. We find that workers' rights have largely not been upheld owing to both the State's poor enforcement of the legislation and employer non‐compliance, a situation enabled by Peru's socio‐economic “disformality”.
Recognising the Parental Caregiver Burden of Children With Mental Disorders: A Systematic Mixed‐Studies Review
Authors: Pereira Travis Lanz‐Brian , Wichaikhum Orn‐Anong , Nantsupawat Apiradee , Rajendrana Priyadharshni , Baladram Sara , Shorey Shefaly
Published: September 2024

This review aims to consolidate and appraise evidence exploring the caregiver burden of parents of children with mental disorders. A mixed‐studies review structure was adopted and six electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, Scopus and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global) were searched from each database's inception date until September 2023. Thomas & Harden's thematic analysis framework was utilised for data analysis. Twenty‐three studies were included in this review. The results‐based convergent integration method identified an overarching theme titled ‘hiding behind the walls on fire, engulfed in chaos: dark and alone’, three main themes named ‘Invisible scars’: role of psychological factors on caregiver burden, navigating through social and economic influences on caregiving burden, and influence of illness‐related variables and nine subthemes. This review highlighted that the parents perceived insufficient support from healthcare providers and a lack of insight regarding their children's medical condition as the primary contributors to the burden experienced. It is imperative for healthcare professionals to collaboratively engage with parental caregivers, offering accessible treatment options for their children with mental disorders and providing comprehensive educational resources to facilitate a profound understanding of their children's mental health conditions. In addition to addressing caregivers' informational needs, the establishment of an integrated support system is advocated, one involving active participation from healthcare professionals, healthcare institutions, community resources, social services and policymakers. This holistic approach could better meet the multifaceted needs of caregivers, encompassing psychosocial, emotional and financial aspects.

Trial Registration: International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews: PROSPERO ID: CRD42022363420
Indications and outcomes of elective open chest lead extractions
Authors: Gupta Anshul R. , Power John R. , Yang Yang , Pollema Travis , Arghami Arman , Birgersdotter‐Green Ulrika , Cha Yong‐Mei
Published: September 2024

Background

Complications associated with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices may necessitate device and lead removal. An open approach to removal may be electively chosen in cases with high risk of complications or those requiring additional concomitant cardiac surgery. This study aimed to investigate outcomes of patients who underwent elective open lead extractions (OLE) at two large tertiary care centers.

Methods

The records of 29 patients undergoing elective OLE were analyzed through retrospective chart review.

Results

69 total leads were extracted from 29 patients (77% completely, 23% partially). The average age of the oldest leads was 13.3 ± 11.3 years. Infective endocarditis with severe valvular insufficiency requiring valvular intervention (41%)—an infectious etiology, and tricuspid valve intervention to correct RV lead‐related severe TR (38%)—a noninfectious etiology, were the most common reasons for OLE. 38% of the patients had additional co‐primary or secondary indications for open extraction, such as CABG and pericardiectomies. The rate of major complications and procedural failure was 3% each (1/29). 30‐day survival was 100%, and 1‐year survival was 92%. The average length of hospital stay was 15 days and higher among those undergoing OLE for infectious indications.

Conclusion

Open lead extractions offered a similar clinical success rate (97%) to transvenous extractions in this cohort and may be a viable alternative for those necessitating valvular intervention or when the risk of complications from TLE is considered very high.
Deprescribing is associated with reduced readmission to hospital: An updated meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Lee Todd C. , Bortolussi‐Courval Émilie , McCarthy Lisa M. , McDonald Emily G.
Published: September 2024

See the related reply by Fontana et al. in this issue.
Alterations in functional brain connectivity associated with developmental dyscalculia
Authors: Mateu‐Estivill Roger , Adan Ana , Grau Sergi , Rifà‐Ros Xavier , Caldú Xavier , Bargalló Núria , Serra‐Grabulosa Josep M.
Published: September 2024

Background and Purpose

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the study of resting neural networks in different neurological and mental disorders. While previous studies suggest that the default mode network (DMN) may be altered in dyscalculia, the study of resting‐state networks in the development of numerical skills, especially in children with developmental dyscalculia (DD), is scarce and relatively recent. Based on this, this study examines differences in resting‐state functional connectivity (rs‐FC) data of children with DD using functional connectivity multivariate pattern analysis (fc‐MVPA), a data‐driven methodology that summarizes properties of the entire connectome.

Methods

We performed fc‐MVPA on resting‐state images of a sample composed of a group of children with DD (n = 19, 8.06 ± 0.87 years) and an age‐ and sex‐matched control group of typically developing children (n = 23, 7.76 ± 0.46 years).

Results

Analysis of fc‐MVPA showed significant differences between group connectivity profiles in two clusters allocated in both the right and left medial temporal gyrus. Post hoc effect size results revealed a decreased rs‐FC between each temporal pole and the DMN in children with DD and an increased rs‐FC between each temporal pole and the sensorimotor network.

Conclusions

Our results suggest an aberrant information flow between resting‐state networks in children with DD, demonstrating the importance of these networks for arithmetic development.
Weighted discrete ARMA models for categorical time series
Authors: Weiß Christian H. , Swidan Osama
Published: September 2024

A new and flexible class of ARMA‐like (autoregressive moving average) models for nominal or ordinal time series is proposed, which are characterized by using so‐called weighting operators and are, thus, referred to as weighted discrete ARMA (WDARMA) models. By choosing an appropriate type of weighting operator, one can model, for example, nominal time series with negative serial dependencies, or ordinal time series where transitions to neighboring states are more likely than sudden large jumps. Essential stochastic properties of WDARMA models are derived, such as the existence of a stationary, ergodic, and ‐mixing solution as well as closed‐form formulae for marginal and bivariate probabilities. Numerical illustrations as well as simulation experiments regarding the finite‐sample performance of maximum likelihood estimation are presented. The possible benefits of using an appropriate weighting scheme within the WDARMA class are demonstrated by a real‐world data application.
Raman spectroscopy analysis of artificial space weathering effects of NWA 10580 CO3 meteorite
Authors: Kereszturi Ákos , Biri Sándor , Gyollai Ildikó , Juhász Zoltán , Király Csilla , Rácz Richárd , Rezes Dániel , Sulik Béla , Szabó Máté , Szalai Zoltán , Szávai Péter , Szklenár Tamás
Published: September 2024

A medium‐grade, poorly weathered CO3‐type meteorite was subjected to artificial space weathering by 1 keV protons in three subsequent steps, with gradually increasing doses from 1011 to 1017 protons per cm2. The resulting mineral modifications were identified by Raman spectroscopy, with specific emphasis on main minerals such as olivine (bands: 817, 845 cm−1), pyroxene (1007 cm−1), and partly amorphous feldspar (509 cm−1), considering variation in band shift and bandwidth (full width at half maximum, FWHM). After the first and second irradiations, variable band position changes were observed, probably from metastable alterations by Mg loss of the minerals, while the third stronger irradiation showed band shift dominated by amorphization. The olivine and pyroxene show weak increase in FWHM after the first irradiation, while more changes happened after the second and third irradiations. The flux after the third irradiation was higher than in other works, caused stronger damage in crystal lattice, partly resembling to dimerization as described by shock metamorphism. The glassy feldspar was characterized by high FWHM values already at the beginning, indicating weak crystallinity already that become even less crystallized, thus their bands disappeared after the third irradiation. Bands of hydrous minerals (goethite clay, chlorite) were not visible after the third irradiation, confirming some earlier results in the literature. Based on our results, moderately fresh surfaces could show stochastic but small spectral differences compared to the fresh most meteorites by metastable mineral alterations. The interpretation of Raman spectra of heavily space‐weathered surfaces could further benefit from the joint evaluation of alteration induced by both shock impact alteration and space weathering.
The first genetically confirmed live sighting of the Deraniyagala's beaked whale (Mesoplodon hotaula), with insights into the diversity, phylogeny, and past demographic history
Authors: Lin Wenzhi , Kang Hui , Seim Inge , Liu Binshuai , Chen Shenglan , Liu Mingming , Dong Lijun , Lin Mingli , Song Yuhang , Ouyang Mingyue , Huang Xiaoyu , Gao Yingxue , Yang Zixin , Zhang Yaolei , Wang Jiahao , Fan Guangyi , Li Songhai
Published: September 2024

Beaked whales have recently been reported in the South China Sea but with taxonomic uncertainty due to their ambiguous morphological features. Here, we sequenced three genetic markers, the control region (CR) and cytochrome b (cytb) of the mitochondrial genome and the first intron of the nuclear muscle actin gene ACTA2, of two biopsy samples collected in 2021, and revealed unambiguous clustering with sequences previously attributed to Deraniyagala's beaked whale (Mesoplodon hotaula). Phylogenetic analysis of complete mitogenomes strongly supported the close relationship between the Deraniyagala's beaked whale and the ginkgo‐toothed beaked whale (M. ginkgodens). Whole‐genome sequencing suggested a high degree of heterozygosity in the Deraniyagala's beaked whale. Ancient inbreeding may have had a greater impact than the recent inbreeding on Deraniyagala's beaked whales, but more samples are needed to draw a firm conclusion. The approximate effective population size of Deraniyagala's beaked whale was found lowest among seven examined ziphiids, which has been experiencing a steady decline since ~300,000 ya. Therefore, we suggest that the conservation status of Deraniyagala's beaked whales should be assessed when essential information is available. The results of our study provide genetic evidence of the live sighting of Deraniyagala's beaked whale in the South China Sea and are fundamental to understanding the morphological, behavioral, and ecological perspectives of this cetacean species.
Contrasting drought tolerance traits of woody plants is associated with mycorrhizal types at the global scale
Authors: Liu Xiaorong , Yu Kailiang , Liu Hui , Phillips Richard P. , He Pengcheng , Liang Xingyun , Tang Weize , Terrer César , Novick Kimberly A. , Bakpa Emily P. , Zhao Min , Gao Xinbo , Jin Yi , Wen Yin , Ye Qing
Published: September 2024

It is well‐known that the mycorrhizal type of plants correlates with different modes of nutrient cycling and availability. However, the differences in drought tolerance between arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (EcM) plants remains poorly characterized.

We synthesized a global dataset of four hydraulic traits associated with drought tolerance of 1457 woody species (1139 AM and 318 EcM species) at 308 field sites. We compared these traits between AM and EcM species, with evolutionary history (i.e. angiosperms vs gymnosperms), water availability (i.e. aridity index) and biomes considered as additional factors.

Overall, we found that evolutionary history and biogeography influenced differences in hydraulic traits between mycorrhizal types. Specifically, we found that (1) AM angiosperms are less drought‐tolerant than EcM angiosperms in wet regions or biomes, but AM gymnosperms are more drought‐tolerant than EcM gymnosperms in dry regions or biomes, and (2) in both angiosperms and gymnosperms, variation in hydraulic traits as well as their sensitivity to water availability were higher in AM species than in EcM species.

Our results suggest that global shifts in water availability (especially drought) may alter the biogeographic distribution and abundance of AM and EcM plants, with consequences for ecosystem element cycling and ultimately, the land carbon sink.
Predictors of Postoperative Outcomes after Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Lin Fan , Hengli Lu , Zhu Kunpeng , Bao Yuchen , Pan Jianfeng
Published: September 2024

Objective

Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy is a widely used surgical technique for treating meniscus injuries, while individual differences in postoperative outcomes remain a significant concern. This retrospective study aimed to identify the factors influencing clinical outcomes following arthroscopic partial meniscectomy.

Methods

We retrospectively examined the clinical data of 52 patients who underwent arthroscopic partial meniscectomy at our institution from January to May 2022. Observation indicators, including gender, age, type of medical insurance, various surgeons, the self‐pay portion of hospital costs, and total hospital costs, were systematically recorded. Subjective symptoms were evaluated with ΔTenger, ΔLysholm, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores during follow‐up. The trends of the above questionnaires and potential predictors were statistically evaluated through regression analysis.

Results

Binary logistic analysis revealed that female patients (OR: 32.42; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.22, 473.86) and higher preoperative visual analog scale (VAS) (odds ratio [OR]: 3.58; 95% CI: 1.55, 8.28) were significantly associated with FP Lysholm score. Similarly, patients with elevated preoperative VAS (OR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.01, 2.15) were significantly more likely to have FP IKDC scores. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that traumatic meniscus tear (β = −0.324; 95% CI: −0.948, −0.036; p = 0.035) emerged as a negative independent predictor of ΔTegner, while higher preoperative VAS scores (β = 0.330; 95% CI: 0.013, 0.217; p = 0.028) were identified as positive independent predictors of ΔTegner. The duration of symptoms (β = −0.327; 95% CI: −0.010, −0.001; p = 0.023) had a negative impact on the ΔLysholm scores. Factors such as body mass index (BMI) (β = −0.250; 95% CI: −1.000, −0.020; p = 0.042), duration of symptoms (β = −0.302; 95% CI: −0.009, −0.001; p = 0.014), and preoperative VAS (β = −0.332; 95% CI: −1.813, −0.250; p = 0.011) were negatively associated with ΔIKDC scores.

Conclusion

The study offers insights into multiple factors for patient outcomes after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. Orthopedic surgeons need to consider variables such as gender, BMI, duration of symptoms, preoperative VAS, and the traumatic/degenerative types of meniscal tears to optimize postoperative outcomes.
The trade‐off between immunity and product quality of Opisthoplatia orientalis (Blattodea: Blaberidae) under low temperatures
Authors: Qiu Xiaoming , Lin Yongwen , Huang Jing , Akutse Komivi S.
Published: September 2024

Opisthoplatia orientalis Burmeister is a traditional medicinal insect in China that is mass‐produced by entrepreneur farmers. However, low temperatures pose a serious threat to the survival and quality of this insect, causing economic losses to the farmers. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that low temperatures induce a trade‐off between immunity and physical condition of O. orientalis. The phenoloxidase activity and hemocyte concentration of O. orientalis under 25°C and 5°C were measured by micro‐determination and haemocytometre, respectively. The immunocompetence of the insect was also evaluated by inoculating it with Metarhizium anisopliae M11, an entomopathogenic fungus. The physical factors (protein content, fatty acid content and body weight) of O. orientalis were determined accordingly. The results showed that phenoloxidase activity and hemocyte concentration increased from 9.21 mOD/min and 122.30 hemocyte/ml to 3.64 mOD/min and 55.70 hemocyte/ml when temperature down‐regulated from 25 to 5°C. However, the insects at 5°C had higher protein and fatty acid content, but lower body weight, than those at 25°C. Moreover, there was a significant negative correlation between immunity and protein or fatty acid content, indicating a trade‐off between immunity and physical condition in O. orientalis under low temperatures. This study provides useful insights for improving the efficiency of insect breeding and enhancing the quality of this medicinal insect.
Evaluating neonatal mortality in Malta compared with other EU countries: Exploring the influence of congenital anomalies and maternal risk factors
Authors: Wilhelm Merle , Gatt Miriam , Hrzic Rok , Calleja Neville , Zeeb Hajo
Published: September 2024

Background

Globally, 240,000 babies die in the neonatal period annually due to congenital anomalies (CA). Malta reports the highest neonatal mortality rate (NMR) among EU (European Union) Countries, constituting a public health concern.

Objectives

This study describes the contribution of CA to NMR in Malta, investigating possible associations with known maternal risk factors of maternal age, nationality, and education. Additionally, it provides an update on the contribution of CA to neonatal deaths in Malta and other EU countries.

Methods

Anonymous data for births and neonatal deaths were obtained for 2006–2020 from the National Obstetrics Information System (NOIS) in Malta. Regression analyses adjusting for maternal risk factors were run on this data to explore possible associations with NMR. NMRs published by EUROSTAT 2011–2020 were used to compare mortality by underlying cause of death (CA or non‐CA causes) for Malta and other EU countries.

Results

Between 2006 and 2020, 63,890 live births with 283 neonatal deaths were registered in Malta, (NMR 4.4 per 1000 live births). CA accounted for 39.6% of neonatal deaths. No time trends were observed in either total NMR, NMR attributed to CA or mortality due to non‐CA causes. Adjusted variables revealed associations for women hailing from non‐EU, low‐income countries. Malta registered high NMRs compared to EU countries, most marked for deaths attributed to CA.

Conclusions

Between 2006 and 2020, Malta's NMR remained stable. Maternal Nationality, from non‐EU low‐income countries, was associated with higher neonatal mortality. The influx of such migrants may play a partial role in the high NMRs experienced. Malta's high NMR was primarily driven by early neonatal deaths, which included high proportions of deaths due to CA and is linked to the fact that termination of pregnancy is illegal in Malta.
Self‐concealment is associated with brooding, but not with reflection: relationship between self‐concealment and rumination among older adults
Authors: Su Xinning , Ogawa Susumu , Takahashi Yoshifumi , Shimizu Yuho , Yamashiro Daichi , Tsuchiya Toshihito , Li Yan , Kawakubo Kiyo , Furuya Tomoki , Cho Daisuke , Ito Koki , Takahashi Tomoya , Suzuki Hiroyuki
Published: September 2024

Background

Previous research found that self‐concealment was associated with rumination in younger adults. However, no study had investigated the relationship between self‐concealment and rumination in older adults. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between self‐concealment and the two subfactors of rumination: brooding and reflection, in older adults.

Methods

In this study, we investigated the relationship between self‐concealment and rumination in older adults. Considering that rumination has two subfactors: brooding, which reflects the more maladaptive aspects of rumination; and reflection, which reflects the more adaptive aspects of rumination, we separately investigated the relationship between self‐concealment and the two subfactors of rumination.

Results

We found that after controlling for other potentially relevant variables and the interrelationship between these two subfactors, self‐concealment was associated with brooding, but not with reflection.

Conclusions

Self‐concealment was only associated with the maladaptive aspect of rumination (i.e. brooding), and not with the adaptive aspects of rumination (i.e. reflection). These findings have important implications for enhancing the understanding of older adults' mental health, and imply that improving self‐concealment could potentially mitigate the maladaptive aspects of rumination, which may offer valuable insights for guiding future psychogeriatrics interventions.
Does ecological restoration meet the public's demand for proximity to the ocean? A nonmarket value evaluation based on choice experiment in China
Authors: Shan Jingzhu , Hao Yanan , Li Jingmei
Published: September 2024

Ecological restoration effectively improves the quality of the marine ecological environment and subsequently enhances the public's sense of enjoyment and well‐being. The main objective of this paper is to assess the public's preferences regarding ecological restoration attributes and quantify the extent to which ecological restoration meets the public's needs for coastal enjoyment in Jiaozhou Bay, China. The choice experiment (CE) method was used to obtain the public preferences. To correct for the potential bias caused by non‐compensatory choice behavior in CE, the study utilizes an independent availability logit (IAL) model. The results indicate that the attributes of bay ecological restoration, including nearshore water quality, coastal landscape, coastal space, and marine biodiversity, significantly and positively influence residents' utility levels. The public's willingness to pay (WTP) for improving water quality, restoring marine biological resources, increasing coastal space, and enhancing coastal landscapes in bay ecological restoration is 92.02 Chinese Yuan (CNY), 51.80 CNY, 36.60 CNY, and 31.89 CNY per household, respectively. Based on these findings, the total WTP for ecological restoration in Jiaozhou Bay is 1.54 billion CNY annually. Through comparative analysis of the estimation results between the IAL model and traditional choice models, it is found that the IAL model helps correct non‐compensatory choice bias in CE. The conclusions of this study can provide data support for the formulation of policies on bay ecological restoration and governance as well as a reference for improving the accuracy and validity of CE valuation.