bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of novel myelodysplastic syndromes prognostic subgroups by integration of inflammation, cell-type composition, and immune signatures in the bone marrow
Authors: Gerlevik Sila , Seymen Nogayhan , Hama Shan , Mumtaz Warisha , Thompson I. Richard , Jalili Seyed R. , Kaya Deniz E. , Iacoangeli Alfredo , Pellagatti Andrea , Boultwood Jacqueline , Napolitani Giorgio , Mufti Ghulam J. , Karimi Mohammad M.
Published: March 2024

Mutational profiles of Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) have established that a relatively small number of genetic aberrations, including SF3B1 and SRSF2 spliceosome mutations, lead to specific phenotypes and prognostic subgrouping. We performed a Multi-Omics Factor Analysis (MOFA) on two published MDS cohorts of bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) and CD34+ cells with three data modalities (clinical, genotype, and transcriptomics). Seven different views, including immune profile, inflammation/aging, Retrotransposon (RTE) expression, and cell-type composition, were derived from these modalities to identify the latent factors with significant impact on MDS prognosis. SF3B1 was the only mutation among 13 mutations in the BMMNC cohort, indicating a significant association with high inflammation. This trend was also observed to a lesser extent in the CD34+ cohort. Interestingly, the MOFA factor representing the inflammation shows a good prognosis for MDS patients with high inflammation. In contrast, SRSF2 mutant cases show a granulocyte-monocyte progenitor (GMP) pattern and high levels of senescence, immunosenescence, and malignant myeloid cells, consistent with their poor prognosis. Furthermore, MOFA identified RTE expression as a risk factor for MDS. This work elucidates the efficacy of our integrative approach to assess the MDS risk that goes beyond all the scoring systems described thus far for MDS.
eATP/P2X7R axis drives nanoparticle induced neutrophil recruitment in the pulmonary microcirculation
Authors: Li Chenxi , Liu Qiongliang , Han Lianyong , Immler Roland , Rathkolb Birgit , Secklehner Judith , Hrabe de Angelis Martin , Yildirim Ali Önder , Nicke Annette , Carlin Leo M. , Sperandio Markus , Stoeger Tobias , Rehberg Markus
Published: March 2024

Exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) is frequently associated with adverse cardiovascular effects. In contrast, NPs in nanomedicine hold great promise for precise lung-specific drug delivery, especially considering the extensive pulmonary capillary network that facilitates interactions with bloodstream-suspended particles. Therefore, exact knowledge about interactions and effects of engineered NPs with the pulmonary microcirculation are instrumental for future application of this technology in patients. To unravel the real-time dynamics of intravenously delivered NPs and their effects in the pulmonary microvasculature, we employed intravital microscopy of the mouse lung. PEG amine-modified quantum dots (aQDs) with a low potential for biomolecule and cell interactions and carboxyl-modified quantum dots (cQDs) with a high interaction potential were used, representing two different NP subtypes.

Only aQDs triggered rapid neutrophil recruitment in microvessels and their subsequent recruitment to the alveolar space. Application of specific inhibitors revealed that the aQDs induced neutrophil recruitment was linked to cellular degranulation, TNF-α, and DAMP release into the circulation, particularly extracellular ATP (eATP). Stimulation of the ATP-gated P2X7R induced the expression of E-selectin on microvascular endothelium with the subsequent E-selectin depended neutrophilic immune response. Leukocyte integrins (LFA-1 and MAC-1) mediated adhesion and reduction in neutrophil crawling velocity on the vascular surface.

In summary, this study unravels the complex cascade of neutrophil recruitment during NP-induced sterile inflammation. Thereby we demonstrate novel adverse effects for NPs in the pulmonary microcirculation and provide critical insights for optimizing NP-based drug delivery and therapeutic intervention strategies, to ensure their efficacy and safety in clinical applications.

Graphical Abstract
Benchmarking clustering, alignment, and integration methods for spatial transcriptomics
Authors: Hu Yunfei , Li Yikang , Xie Manfei , Rao Mingxing , Shen Wenjun , Luo Can , Qin Haoran , Baek Jihoon , Zhou Xin Maizie
Published: March 2024

Spatial transcriptomics (ST) is advancing our understanding of complex tissues and organisms. However, building a robust clustering algorithm to define spatially coherent regions in a single tissue slice, and aligning or integrating multiple tissue slices originating from diverse sources for essential downstream analyses remain challenging. Numerous clustering, alignment, and integration methods have been specifically designed for ST data by leveraging its spatial information. The absence of benchmark studies complicates the selection of methods and future method development. Here we systematically benchmark a variety of state-of-the-art algorithms with a wide range of real and simulated datasets of varying sizes, technologies, species, and complexity. Different experimental metrics and analyses, like adjusted rand index (ARI), uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) visualization, layer-wise and spot-to-spot alignment accuracy, spatial coherence score (SCS), and 3D reconstruction, are meticulously designed to assess method performance as well as data quality. We analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each method using diverse quantitative and qualitative metrics. This analysis leads to a comprehensive recommendation that covers multiple aspects for users. The code used for evaluation is available on GitHub. Additionally, we provide jupyter notebook tutorials and documentation to facilitate the reproduction of all benchmarking results and to support the study of new methods and new datasets (https://benchmarkst-reproducibility.readthedocs.io/en/latest/).
Traveling waves link human visual and frontal cortex during working memory-guided behavior
Authors: Luo Canhuang , Ester Edward F.
Published: March 2024

Cortical traveling waves, or global patterns of activity that extend over several centimeters of the cortical surface, are a key mechanism for guiding the spatial propagation of neural activity and computational processes across the brain. Recent studies have implicated cortical traveling waves in successful short- and long-term memory encoding, storage, and retrieval. However, human memory systems are fundamentally-action oriented: eventually, the contents of memory must be utilized to produce appropriate behaviors. Cortical traveling waves could contribute to the production and control of memory-guided behaviors by flexibly routing information between brain areas responsible for storing memory content and brain areas responsible for planning and executing actions. Here, using short-term memory as a test case, we report evidence supporting this possibility. By applying image-based analyses to published human EEG studies, we show that the initiation of a memory-guided behavior is accompanied by a low-frequency (2-6 Hz) feedforward (occipital to frontal) traveling wave that predicts intra- and inter-individual differences in response onset, while the termination of a memory-guided behavior is followed by a higher frequency (14-32 Hz) feedback (frontal-to-occipital) traveling wave. Control analyses established that neither waveform could be explained by nuisance factors (e.g., propagation of visually-evoked potentials, eye movements, or passive volume conduction). Moreover, both waveforms required an overt behavior: when participants selected task-relevant memory content and prepared but did not yet execute an action based on this content, neither waveform was observed. Our findings suggest a role for traveling waves in the generation and control of memory-guided behaviors by flexibly organizing the timing and direction of interactions between brain regions involved in memory storage and action.
The occurrence ofAerococcus urinaeequiand non-aureus Staphylococci in raw milk negatively correlates withEscherichia coliclinical mastitis
Authors: Jung Dongyun , Park Soyoun , Kurban Daryna , Dufour Simon , Ronholm Jennifer
Published: March 2024

Escherichia coliis a common environmental pathogen associated with clinical mastitis (CM) in dairy cattle. There is an interest in optimizing the udder microbiome to increase the resistance of dairy cattle toE. coliCM; however, the details of which members of the healthy udder microbiota may play a role in antagonizingE. coliare unknown. In this study, we characterized the bacterial community composition in raw milk collected from quarters of lactating Holstein dairy cows that developedE. coliCM during lactation, including milk from both healthy and diseased quarters (n=1,172). The milk microbiome from infected quarters was compared before, during, and after CM. A combination of 16S rRNA gene amplicon and shotgun metagenomic sequencing were used generate datasets with a high level of both depth and breadth. The microbial diversity present in raw milk significantly decreased in quarters experiencingE. coliCM, indicating thatE. colidisplaces other members of the microbiome. However, the diversity recovered very rapidly after infection. Two genera:Staphylococcus, Aerococcus,and the familyOscillospiraceaewere significantly more abundant in healthy quarters with low inflammation. Species of these genera:Staphylococcus auricularis, Staphylococcus haemolyticus,andAerocussus urinaeequiwere identified by shotgun metagenomics. Thus, these species are of interest for optimizing the microbiome to discourageE. colicolonization without triggering inflammation.

Importance

In this study we show thatE. colioutcompetes and displaces several members of the udder microbiome during CM, but that microbial diversity recovers post-infection. In milk from quarters which remained healthy, the community composition was often highly dominated byS. auricularis, S. haemolyticus, A. urinaeequi,andS. marcescenswithout corresponding increases in somatic cell count (SCC). Community dominance by these organisms, without inflammation, could indicate that these species could be potential prophylactics that could contribute to colonization resistance for the pathogen and prevent future instances ofE. coliCM.
Post-embryonic tail development through molting of the freshwater shrimpNeocaridina denticulata
Authors: Adachi Haruhiko , Moritoki Nobuko , Shindo Tomoko , Arakawa Kazuharu
Published: March 2024

Background

Understanding postembryonic morphogenesis through molting in arthropods has recently become a focus of developmental biology. The hierarchical mechanisms of epithelial sheet folds play a significant role in this process.Drosophilais a well-studied model for holometabolous insects, with extensive research on imaginal disc growth. While developmental processes in other arthropods have been described, live imaging of morphological changes is challenging due to the macroscopic movements and hard cuticles.Neocaridina denticulata, a crustacean, presents unique tail morphogenesis through molting, which makes it the potential model. This study investigated the development of the tail inNeocaridina denticulatathrough histological analysis andin vivolive imaging using fluorescent probes. This study also performed long-read sequencing of the whole genome for future genetic tools.

Results

The tail ofNeocaridinawas found to undergo two major changes with the first ecdysis. Firstly, the branches of the uropods are cleared, and secondly, the telson undergoes convergent elongation. Cross-sectional analysis revealed that uropod and telson branching occurs immediately after hatching in the form of cuticle branching. The surface structure of the developmental tail suggested that telson elongation is achieved by the extension of anisotropic furrows in the cuticle during ecdysis. Anisotropy of cuticle furrows was associated with the epithelial cell shape, and the anisotropy of cell shape was found to occur during development from post-hatching. We also established anin vivolive imaging system with UV-LED resin and detected the changes of tail development over time.in vivolive imaging analysis revealed that telson contraction occurs gradually prior to ecdysis. Furthermore, we have also provided a draft genome ofNeocaridina.

Conclusion

Neocaridina denticulatais a valuable model for studying morphogenesis in arthropods through molting. The tail undergoes complex changes involving cuticle branching, anisotropic furrows, and cellular dynamics.in vivolive imaging system provides insights into the developmental process, and the draft genome enhances the potential for genetic tools in future studies. This research contributes to the understanding of arthropod morphogenesis and provides a foundation for further developmental and cytological investigations inNeocaridina.
Controlled Protein-Membrane Interactions Regulate Self-Organization of Min Protein Patterns
Authors: Hasani Mergime , Esch Katharina , Zieske Katja
Published: March 2024

Self-organizing protein patterns play an essential role in life, governing important cellular processes, such as polarization and division. While the field of protein self-organization has reached a point where basic pattern-forming mechanisms can be reconstituted in vitro using purified proteins, understanding how cells can dynamically switch and modulate these patterns, especially when transiently needed, remains an interesting frontier. Here, we demonstrate the efficient regulation of self-organizing protein patterns through modulation of simple biophysical membrane parameters. Our investigation focusses on the impact of membrane affinity changes on Min protein patterns at lipid membranes composed of E. coli lipids or minimal lipid composition and we present three major results. First, we observed the emergence of a diverse array of pattern phenotypes, ranging from waves to snowflake-like structures. Second, we establish the dependency of these patterns on the density of protein-membrane linkers. Finally, we demonstrate the fine-tuning of snow-flake-like patterns by regulating membrane charge through lipid composition. Our results demonstrate the significant influence of membrane linkage as a straightforward biophysical parameter governing protein pattern formation. Our research points towards a simple yet intriguing mechanism by which cells can adeptly tune and switch protein patterns on the mesoscale.
Transforming urban industrial landscapes through art tourism – a gentrification aesthetics model from Abu Dhabi’s case
Authors: Slak Nataša , Mura Paolo
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the opinions of business owners in an industrial area of Abu Dhabi that could be potentially turned into an art tourism destination.

Design/methodology/approach

By mobilizing the concept of “gentrification aesthetics,” the authors use a recall technique to explore support toward art from business owners, regression analyses to understand how the type and content of art predicts gentrification support and chi-square to research the differences between respondents who support the area to become a creative place and those who do not.

Findings

A model that explains the connection between gentrification aesthetics and art tourism is presented.

Research limitations/implications

The authors’ proposed model results from testing the possibilities for expanding art tourism specifically and may not apply to other types of tourism. Future research is needed to understand whether and how the model can be applied to other forms of tourist consumption.

Practical implications

The current research presents a case study on how tourism can be strategically expanded into more rural places in a city.

Social implications

The authors found significant differences between respondents who would like to see Mussafah becoming a creative place in five years and those who believe Mussafah needs to be(come) something else.

Originality/value

While work on tourism gentrification has been conducted, the nexus between gentrification aesthetics and art tourism cannot be found. Their relation can help to expend (art) tourism from busy cultural attractions to industrial areas. The present research fills this gap.
Comparison of face-to-face and online flipped learning: academic achievement, epistemological and pedagogical beliefs
Authors: Şahin Şeyma , Kılıç Abdurrahman
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The ultimate objective of this study is to compare the impact of face-to-face and online flipped learning on students' academic achievements and their perspectives on learning and teaching, offering valuable insights to the field.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilized a quasi-experimental research method that involves pre-test and post-test control groups.

Findings

The results indicated that face-to-face and online flipped learning positively impacted learning, with comparable contributions to academic achievement. However, we found that online flipped learning did not affect students' beliefs about learning and teaching, while face-to-face flipped learning positively influenced them.

Originality/value

As distance learning becomes increasingly important in our modern era, this research aims to explore the use of active learning methods, including discussion, writing, animation, drawing, association, analysis, knowledge measurement and games, in virtual learning environments, such as online flipped learning. The study seeks to enhance the existing literature on the impact of face-to-face and online flipped learning models on student success. Additionally, it aims to address a significant gap in the literature by determining the effect of these models on students' epistemological and pedagogical beliefs, which can impact their motivation, learning outcomes, academic achievements and decision-making processes.
Measuring supply chain finance: a study of scale development and validation in the emerging market context
Authors: Ali Zulqurnain
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Financing remains a serious concern for firms and is considered the main hurdle in the growth and development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Recently, a new stream of financing (SCF; supply chain finance) has emerged to meet the financing issues of SMEs. Therefore, measuring SCF is essential to support SMEs’ operations. This study aims to develop and validate the SCF scale based on extant literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a mixed-method approach, this study recruited different samples of SME entrepreneurs to confirm the internal consistency, assess construct validity and check the item structure of the SCF scale in AMOS.

Findings

The outcomes of confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated the six factors of SCF (inventory financing, working capital optimization, reverse financing, fixed assets financing, logistics financing and order cycle financing) spread over 21 items. An interitem solid structure of the SCF scale offers invaluable contributions to the supply chain management literature.

Practical implications

This research supports SME entrepreneurs to obtain secure financing at the best cost, mitigating the risk of default, supporting the buyers’ payment terms, providing early payment to suppliers and strengthening the firm’s value chains. SMEs can obtain financing per their requirements to support their operational business processes. Moreover, SMEs can plan, manage and control finance-related transactional activities by correctly identifying financing solutions.

Originality/value

The present study contributes to SCM literature by developing and validating the SCF scale. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study that redefined SCF and identified its six dimensions.
Research data management competencies of researchers in selected public universities in South Africa
Authors: Mthembu Mpilo Siphamandla , Ocholla Dennis N.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

In today's global and competitive corporate environment characterised by rapidly changing information, knowledge and technology (IKT), researchers must be upskilled in all aspects of research data management (RDM). This study investigates a set of capabilities and competencies required by researchers at selected South African public universities, using the community capability model framework (CCMF) in conjunction with the digital curation centre (DCC) lifecycle model.

Design/methodology/approach

The post-positivist paradigm was used in the study, which used both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Case studies, both qualitative and quantitative, were used as research methods. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic rules and regulations, semi-structured interviews with 23 study participants were conducted online via Microsoft Teams to collect qualitative data, and questionnaires were converted into Google Forms and emailed to 30 National Research Foundation (NRF)-rated researchers to collect quantitative data.

Findings

Participating institutions are still in the initial stages of providing RDM services. Most researchers are unaware of how long their institutions retain research data, and they store and backup their research data on personal computers, emails and external storage devices. Data management, research methodology, data curation, metadata skills and technical skills are critically important RDM competency requirements for both staff and researchers. Adequate infrastructure, as well as human resources and capital, are in short supply. There are no specific capacity-building programmes or strategies for developing RDM skills at the moment, and a lack of data curation skills is a major challenge in providing RDM.

Practical implications

The findings of the study can be applied widely in research, teaching and learning. Furthermore, the research could help shape RDM strategy and policy in South Africa and elsewhere.

Originality/value

The scope, subject matter and application of this study contribute to its originality and novelty.
Research on interference compensation methods for color image sensors based on iterative learning
Authors: Wen Qiang , Chen Lele , Jin Jingwen , Huang Jianhao , Wan HeLin
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Fixed mode noise and random mode noise always exist in the image sensor, which affects the imaging quality of the image sensor. The charge diffusion and color mixing between pixels in the photoelectric conversion process belong to fixed mode noise. This study aims to improve the image sensor imaging quality by processing the fixed mode noise.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an iterative training of an ergoable long- and short-term memory recurrent neural network model, the authors obtain a neural network model able to compensate for image noise crosstalk. To overcome the lack of differences in the same color pixels on each template of the image sensor under flat-field light, the data before and after compensation were used as a new data set to further train the neural network iteratively.

Findings

The comparison of the images compensated by the two sets of neural network models shows that the gray value distribution is more concentrated and uniform. The middle and high frequency components in the spatial spectrum are all increased, indicating that the compensated image edges change faster and are more detailed (Hinton and Salakhutdinov, 2006; LeCun et al., 1998; Mohanty et al., 2016; Zang et al., 2023).

Originality/value

In this paper, the authors use the iterative learning color image pixel crosstalk compensation method to effectively alleviate the incomplete color mixing problem caused by the insufficient filter rate and the electric crosstalk problem caused by the lateral diffusion of the optical charge caused by the adjacent pixel potential trap.
Speculations on the loss of regeneration derived from developmental modifications during land adaptation in some evolutionary lineages of animals
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo
Published: March 2024

Regeneration varies largely among metazoans. Aside molecular processes, this epiphenomenon depends on the biological complexity and evolutive history of each species during the adaptation to their specific environment. While most species adapted to marine or freshwater conditions can extensively regenerate, those adapted to terrestrial conditions and parasitism lost the ability to regenerate. They are mainly represented from ascelmintes evolving eutely and numerous arthropods and amniotes. High regeneration can only occur in water‐adapted species and requires high tissue hydration, indirect development through metamorphosis and often also presence of asexual propagation. Metamorphosis allows the anatomical‐physiological transformation of a larva in an adult through an initial destructive phase followed by a constructive (regenerative) phase. Invertebrates and vertebrates that possess genomes including metamorphic genes can re‐utilize in part or largely similar genes for the regeneration of lost organs. I submit that during land adaptation in both invertebrates and vertebrates the initial larval stages and metamorphosis were lost or altered as some key genes, including those for telomerases, could no longer be expressed in the dry environment. Consequently, also the initial regenerative ability was lost while other epiphenomena were gained, including complex immunity and behaviour but also an evident process of ageing.
Overcoming confusion and stigma in habitat fragmentation research
Authors: Riva Federico , Koper Nicola , Fahrig Lenore
Published: March 2024

Anthropogenic habitat loss is widely recognized as a primary environmental concern. By contrast, debates on the effects of habitat fragmentation persist. To facilitate overcoming these debates, here we: (i) review the state of the literature on habitat fragmentation, finding widespread confusion and stigma; (ii) identify consequences of this for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management; and (iii) suggest ways in which research can move forward to resolve these problems.

Confusion is evident from the 25 most‐cited fragmentation articles published between 2017 and 2021. These articles use five distinct concepts of habitat fragmentation, only one of which clearly distinguishes habitat fragmentation from habitat area and other factors (‘fragmentation per se’). Stigmatization is evident from our new findings that fragmentation papers are more charged with negative sentiments when compared to papers from other subfields in the environmental sciences, and that fragmentation papers with more negative sentiments are cited more.

While most empirical studies of habitat fragmentation per se find neutral or positive effects on species and biodiversity outcomes, which implies that small habitat patches have a high cumulative value, confusion and stigma in reporting and discussing such results have led to suboptimal habitat protection policy. For example, government agencies, conservation organizations, and land trusts impose minimum habitat patch sizes on habitat protection. Given the high cumulative value of small patches, such policies mean that many opportunities for conservation are being missed.

Our review highlights the importance of reducing confusion and stigma in habitat fragmentation research. To this end, we propose implementing study designs in which multiple sample landscapes are selected across independent gradients of habitat amount and fragmentation, measured as patch density. We show that such designs are possible for forest habitat across Earth's biomes. As such study designs are adopted, and as language becomes more precise, we expect that confusion and stigma in habitat fragmentation research will dissipate. We also expect important breakthroughs in understanding the situations where effects of habitat fragmentation per se are neutral, positive, or negative, and the reasons for these differences. Ultimately this will improve efficacy of area‐based conservation policies, to the benefit of biodiversity and people.
Aberrant TIMP‐1 production in tumor‐associated fibroblasts drives the selective benefits of nintedanib in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Duch Paula , Díaz‐Valdivia Natalia , Gabasa Marta , Ikemori Rafael , Arshakyan Marselina , Fernández‐Nogueira Patricia , Llorente Alejandro , Teixido Cristina , Ramírez Josep , Pereda Javier , Chuliá‐Peris Lourdes , Galbis José Marcelo , Hilberg Frank , Reguart Noemí , Radisky Derek C. , Alcaraz Jordi
Published: March 2024

The fibrotic tumor microenvironment is a pivotal therapeutic target. Nintedanib, a clinically approved multikinase antifibrotic inhibitor, is effective against lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) but not squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Previous studies have implicated the secretome of tumor‐associated fibroblasts (TAFs) in the selective effects of nintedanib in ADC, but the driving factor(s) remained unidentified. Here we examined the role of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1), a tumor‐promoting cytokine overproduced in ADC‐TAFs. To this aim, we combined genetic approaches with in vitro and in vivo preclinical models based on patient‐derived TAFs. Nintedanib reduced TIMP‐1 production more efficiently in ADC‐TAFs than SCC‐TAFs through a SMAD3‐dependent mechanism. Cell culture experiments indicated that silencing TIMP1 in ADC‐TAFs abolished the therapeutic effects of nintedanib on cancer cell growth and invasion, which were otherwise enhanced by the TAF secretome. Consistently, co‐injecting ADC cells with TIMP1‐knockdown ADC‐TAFs into immunocompromised mice elicited a less effective reduction of tumor growth and invasion under nintedanib treatment compared to tumors bearing unmodified fibroblasts. Our results unveil a key mechanism underlying the selective mode of action of nintedanib in ADC based on the excessive production of TIMP‐1 in ADC‐TAFs. We further pinpoint reduced SMAD3 expression and consequent limited TIMP‐1 production in SCC‐TAFs as key for the resistance of SCC to nintedanib. These observations strongly support the emerging role of TIMP‐1 as a critical regulator of therapy response in solid tumors.
Role of advanced endoscopy in the management of inflammatory digestive diseases (pancreas and biliary tract)
Authors: Ueki Toshiharu , Maruo Toru , Igarashi Yoshinori , Yamamiya Akira , Tominaga Keiichi , Irisawa Atsushi , Yoshida Hitoshi , Kamisawa Terumi , Takenaka Mamoru , Isayama Hiroyuki
Published: March 2024

The progress of endoscopic diagnosis and treatment for inflammatory diseases of the biliary tract and pancreas have been remarkable. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and EUS‐elastography are used for the diagnosis of early chronic pancreatitis and evaluation of endocrine and exocrine function in chronic pancreatitis. Notably, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and electrohydraulic shock wave lithotripsy have improved the endoscopic stone removal rate in patients for whom pancreatic stone removal is difficult. Studies have reported the use of self‐expanding metal stents for stent placement for pancreatic duct stenosis and EUS‐guided pancreatic drainage for refractory pancreatic duct strictures. Furthermore, EUS‐guided drainage using a double‐pigtailed plastic stent has been performed for the management of symptomatic pancreatic fluid collection after acute pancreatitis. Recently, lumen‐apposing metal stents have led to advances in the treatment of walled‐off necrosis after acute pancreatitis. EUS‐guided biliary drainage is an alternative to refractory endoscopic biliary drainage and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage for the treatment of acute cholangitis. The placement of an inside stent followed by switching to uncovered self‐expanding metal stents in difficult‐to‐treat cases has been proposed for acute cholangitis by malignant biliary obstruction. Endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage is an alternative to percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage for severe and some cases of moderate acute cholecystitis. EUS‐guided gallbladder drainage has been reported as an alternative to percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage and endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage. However, it is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each drainage method and select the optimal drainage method for each case.
Nomogram to predict recurrence risk factors in patients with non‐valvular paroxysmal atrial fibrillation after catheter radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Zhao Yueyao , Zhao Lina , Huang Quanfeng , Liao Chunyan , Yuan Yao , Cao Hongjuan , Li Aiyue , Zeng Weidan , Li Sha , Zhang Bei
Published: March 2024

Background

Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is an effective method for controlling the heart rate of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). However, recurrence is trouble under the RFCA. To gain a deeper understanding of the risk factors for recurrence in patients, we created a nomogram model to provide clinicians with treatment recommendations.

Methods

A total of two hundred thirty‐three patients with PAF treated with RFCA at Guizhou Medical University Hospital between January 2021 and December 2022 were consecutively included in this study, and after 1 year of follow‐up coverage, 166 patients met the nadir inclusion criteria. Patients with AF were divided into an AF recurrence group and a non‐recurrence group. The nomogram was constructed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. By calculating the area under the curve, we analyzed the predictive ability of the risk scores (AUC). In addition, the performance of the nomogram in terms of calibration, discrimination, and clinical utility was evaluated.

Results

At the 12‐month follow‐up, 48 patients (28.92%) experienced a recurrence of AF after RFCA, while 118 patients (71.08%) maintained a sinus rhythm. In addition to age, sex, and TRV, LAD, and TTPG were independent predictors of recurrence of RFCA. The c‐index of the nomogram predicted AF recurrence with an accuracy of .723, showing good decision curves and a calibrated nomogram, as determined by internal validation using a bootstrap sample size of 1000.

Conclusion

We created a nomogram based on multifactorial logistic regression analysis to estimate the probability of recurrence in patients with atrial fibrillation 1 year after catheter ablation. This plot can be utilized by clinicians to predict the likelihood of recurrence.
Unveiling the impacts of land use on the phylogeography of zoonotic New World Hantaviruses
Authors: García‐Peña Gabriel E. , Rubio André V.
Published: March 2024

Billions of genomic sequences and records of species occurrence are available in public repositories (e.g. National Center for Biotechnology Information, NCBI and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, GBIF). By implementing analytical tools from different scientific disciplines, data mining these databases can aid in the global surveillance of zoonotic pathogens that circulate among wildlife. We illustrate this by investigating the Hantavirus–rodent system in the Americas, i.e. New World Hantaviruses (NWH). First, we considered the circulation of pathogenic NWH among Cricetidae rodents, by inferring the phylogenetic links among 277 genomic samples of the S segment (N protein) of NWH found in 55 species. Second, we used machine learning to assess the impact of land use on the probability of presence of the rodent species linked with reservoirs of pathogenic Hantaviruses. Our results show that hosts are widely present across the Americas. Some hosts are present in the primary forest and agricultural land, but not in the secondary forest, whereas other hosts are present in secondary forest and agricultural land. The diversity of host species allows Hantavirus to circulate in a wide spectrum of habitats, in particular rural rather than urban. We highlight that public repositories of genomic data and species occurrence are very useful resources for monitoring potential enzootic transmission and spillover of zoonotic viruses in relation with the changes that humans produce in the biosphere.
Quantifying seasonal thrips population dynamics in relation to temperature and wheat senescence
Authors: Workneh Fekede , Ehrlich Brittany , Herron Benjamin , Chinnaiah Senthilraja , Gautam Saurabh , Gadhave Kiran R. , Rush Charles M.
Published: March 2024

The incidence of thrips in the High Plains of Texas (USA) was investigated using sticky traps during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Yellow sticky traps were placed in wheat fields and collected and replaced weekly and thrips were counted under a dissecting scope. Weekly wheat reflectance measurements were taken using a hyperspectral radiometer from which normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was calculated for each measurement. Temperature (degree day) and NDVI values were then related to weekly thrips incidence using regression. Thrips incidence curvilinearly increased over time during each of the two seasons and reached a maximum in the middle of June, after which it declined sharply. There was a strong positive relationship between degree days and thrips incidence until the incidence reached a maximum, whereas the incidence was negatively related to NDVI values. Analysis of the thrips changes over time progress with the two variables together showed that degree day has greater impact on thrips incidence than NDVI. However, the steep decline in thrips abundance after its peak in mid‐June suggests that senesced wheat fields with NDVI values near zero are not significant sources of thrips, signifying the importance of wheat growth stages in the seasonal population dynamics of thrips. Overall, the 2‐year results were generally consistent in trends of thrips incidence during the season, which may need to be considered when choosing vegetable planting dates in the region.
Effects of predator species, composition and light environment on prey escape behaviours of invasive and native benthic fishes
Authors: Michels N. O. , Hrabik T. R. , Mensinger A. F.
Published: March 2024

The behaviour of two benthic species, round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) and mottled sculpin (Cottus bairdii), were examined under natural relevant downwelling light during predatory attacks by Burbot (Lota lota) and Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu). Population declines have been observed for mottled sculpin after round goby invaded the Laurentian Great Lakes, but no data exist on prey avoidance behaviours and success for either species. The activity levels of the prey species were measured in the presence and absence of predators. Predator–prey interactions were quantified for reaction, attack, capture and retention probabilities. In addition, flight initiation distance, turns per flee and a comparison between observed and optimal escape angles were used as escape metrics to examine differences in prey survival. Trials were run under downwelling irradiances calculated for Lake Superior that correlated with dark, civil twilight, and sunrise. The number of round goby movements decreased by 74% in the presence of predators while mottled sculpin movement declined by 95% compared to baselines established without predators. Round gobies were more successful at evading predation with 18.3% of mottled sculpins consumed compared to 8.5% of round gobies during a comparable number (n = 27) trials. Round gobies also fled closer to their theoretically calculated optimal angles than mottled sculpin. Greater variation in flight initiation distances at different light intensities, fleeing at optimum angles that avoid predation and a more erratic escape path led to increased escape success for round gobies. Greater success avoiding predators may be another compounding factor, combined with round goby aggression and competition, that has contributed to the success of the round goby invasion in the Laurentian Great Lakes.
Engagement and commitment in higher education: Looking at the role of identification and perception of performance
Authors: Borja‐Gil Javier , Castellanos Verdugo Mario , Oviedo‐García M. Ángeles
Published: March 2024

Within OECD countries, 20% of university students continue no further than the first year. The objective of this research is to analyse the antecedents of student commitment, so as to design action plans for reducing dropout rates within higher education. Educational engagement, student–university identification and perception of performance were analysed at the campus of Social and Juridical Sciences of Seville University (Spain). A sample of 641 valid questionnaires was used to analyse the constructs and their complex inter‐relations using Partial Least Squares‐Simultaneous Equation Modelling. The results revealed a strong relation between identification with and commitment to the university, as well as between educational engagement and identification. Universities as institutions are called on to take action to reduce high early dropout rates by encouraging educational engagement and identification with the university. Such actions might include departments for educational orientation and the promotion of activities to foster enduring links between students and universities.
Effects of cognitive reserve on cognitive frailty among older adults: A population‐based prospective cohort study
Authors: Li Yanyan , Yu Ruby , Si Huaxin , Liu Qinqin , Bian Yanhui , Yu Jiaqi , Wang Cuili
Published: March 2024

Aim

We investigated the effect of lifespan cognitive reserve and its components on cognitive frailty among older adults.

Methods

A total of 4922 participants aged ≥65 years were recruited in 2008 and were followed up in 2011 from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Cognitive frailty was determined through the simultaneous presence of physical frailty (pre‐frailty or frailty) and mild cognitive impairment, excluding concurrent dementia. The assessment of physical frailty and mild cognitive impairment was based on the Fatigue, Resistence, Ambulation, Illness, Loss of weight (FRAIL) (Fatigue, Resistence, Ambulation, Illness, Loss) and Mini‐Mental State Examination scale, respectively. The lifespan cognitive reserve consisted of education attainment, occupational complexity and later‐life leisure activities. We used logistic regression models to estimate the risk of cognitive frailty associated with the lifespan cognitive reserve and its components.

Results

A higher level of lifespan cognitive reserve, higher educational attainment or leisure activities engagement, but not occupational complexity, were associated with lower risk of incident cognitive frailty. Furthermore, cognitive, social and physical activities were associated with lower risk of incident cognitive frailty.

Conclusion

Cognitive reserve, particularly educational attainment and leisure activities, can protect from cognitive frailty. This implicates that individuals should accumulate cognitive reserve in their lifespan, and older adults should actively participate in leisure activities to prevent cognitive frailty. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 398–403.
Accuracy of World Health Organisation‐grade parameters (necrosis and mitotic activity) and foci of vascular invasion in predicting prognosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma. A case–control validation study
Authors: Ragazzi Moira , Besutti Giulia , Mancuso Pamela , Rossi Paolo Giorgi , Ciarrocchi Alessia , Donati Benedetta , Manzotti Gloria , Giordano Davide , Frasoldati Andrea , Chiaruccci Federico , de de Biase Dario , Coluccelli Sara , Maloberti Thais , De Leo Antonio , Piana Simonetta , Tallini Giovanni
Published: March 2024

Aims

Tumour necrosis and/or increased mitoses define high‐grade papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). It is unclear whether angioinvasion is prognostic for PTC. Cut‐offs at five or more mitoses/2 mm2 and four or more angioinvasive foci have been empirically defined based upon data from all forms of aggressive non‐anaplastic thyroid carcinomas. Performance of tumour necrosis, mitoses and vascular invasion in predicting distant metastases when specifically applied to PTC is undefined.

Methods

We analysed 50 consecutive PTC cases with distant metastases (DM‐PTC): 16 synchronous and 34 metachronous. A total of 108 non‐metastatic PTC (N‐DM‐PTC, 15.0‐year median follow‐up) were used as controls. Invasive encapsulated follicular variant PTC was excluded. Necrosis, mitoses and angioinvasion were quantified. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC) analyses determined best sensitivity and specificity cut‐offs predictive of distant metastases.

Results

Metastases correlated with necrosis (any extent = 43.8% all DM‐PTC, 53.1% metachronous DM‐PTC versus 5% N‐DM‐PTC; P < 0.001), mitoses (P < 0.001) and angioinvasion (P < 0.001). Mitoses at five or more per 2 mm2 was the best cut‐off correlating with distant metastases: sensitivity/specificity 42.9%/97.2% all DM‐PTC (AUC = 0.78), 18.8%/97.2% synchronous DM‐PTC (AUC = 0.63), 54.6%/97.2% metachronous DM‐PTC (AUC = 0.85). Angioinvasive foci at five or more was the best cut‐off correlating with distant metastases: sensitivity/specificity 36.2%/91.7% all DM‐PTC (AUC = 0.75), 25%/91.7% synchronous DM‐PTC (AUC = 0.79) and 41.9%/91.7% metachronous DM‐PTC (AUC = 0.73). Positive/negative predictive values (PPV/NPV) were: necrosis 22.6%/98.2%; five or more mitoses 32.3%/98.2%; five or more angioinvasive foci 11.8%/97.9%. After multivariable analysis, only necrosis and mitotic activity remained associated with DM‐PTC.

Conclusion

Our data strongly support PTC grading, statistically validating World Health Organisation (WHO) criteria to identify poor prognosis PTC. Angioinvasion is not an independent predictor of DM‐PTC.
Vegetation structure and relative humidity drive the diurnal foraging activity of Malaysian giant ant workers in urban fragmented forests
Authors: Azhar Badrul , Razi Norhisham , Sanusi Ruzana , Lechner Alex , Ashraf Mohamad , Zaki Wan Mamat Wan , Jafni Farhan
Published: March 2024

The impacts of urban forest fragmentation on tropical ant foraging activity are poorly understood. The Malaysian giant ant (Dinomyrmex gigas) is among the largest ant species worldwide. Colonies of this species contribute to important ecosystem processes such as predation and nutrient cycling in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia.

Here, we compared the diurnal foraging activity of D. gigas workers in urban‐fragmented and contiguous forests, and investigated how this was shaped by key environmental factors such as vegetation structure and microclimate. Specifically, we sampled ground‐foraging D. gigas workers in four urban/semi‐urban forest patches and two contiguous forests in Peninsular Malaysia across the wet and dry seasons.

Surprisingly, we found that some urban forest patches, irrespective of area, supported greater foraging activity of D. gigas workers than contiguous forests. These differences in foraging activity were explained by differences in multiple stand‐level variables between urban forests patches and contiguous forests. Specifically, the abundance of foraging D. gigas workers increased with number of trees with Diamater at breast height (DBH) 5–30 cm, but it decreased with relative humidity, canopy cover, number of palms, number of shrubs and trees with DBH <5 cm.

Our study highlights the importance of urban forest patches, microclimate and vegetation structure for driving the diurnal foraging activity of Malaysian giant ant. Small and relatively large forest patches were of comparable importance for the maintenance of biodiversity in urban landscapes.

In the absence of landscape connectivity, reforestation is the most feasible option to restore the natural habitat of D. gigas in urban forest patches and mitigate microclimatic edge effects.