bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of autoimmune comorbidities on multiple sclerosis course: An observational multicenter study
Authors: Nociti Viviana , Romozzi Marina , Prosperini Luca , Clerici Valentina Torri , Ragonese Paolo , Gallo Antonio , Maniscalco Giorgia Teresa , Di Filippo Massimiliano , Buscarinu Maria Chiara , Lorefice Lorena , Pinardi Federica , Gajofatto Alberto , Cavalla Paola , Buttari Fabio , Ferraro Diana , De Luca Giovanna , Solaro Claudio , Gasperini Claudio , Cocco Eleonora ,   RIREMS Study Group
Published: December 2024

Background

The study aims to examine the age and disability levels at diagnosis in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), with and without autoimmune comorbidities (AC), and the effect of AC on NEDA‐3 status and to characterize AC associated with MS, comparing also therapeutic approaches between MS patients with and without other AC.

Methods

This population‐based, multicentric study enrolled patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) with AC (AC group) or without AC (reference group) from 14 MS centers. Demographical, clinical features, treatment information, MRI activity, EDSS, and no evidence of disease activity (NEDA‐3) status were assessed at T36 (enrollment time) and T0 (36 months prior).

Results

Eight hundred seventy‐three RRMS patients were included; 215 (24.7%) presented with at least one AC. The AC group was characterized by higher proportion of female patients than reference group (p = 0.008). Patients with AC, compared to reference group, exhibited older age at MS onset and MS diagnosis, and higher EDSS score at diagnosis, at T0 (all p < 0.001), and T36 (p = 0.03). The proportion of patients reaching EDSS 4 was higher in reference group than AC group (p = 0.03). People in AC group were more often treated with glatiramer acetate, natalizumab, and rituximab, whereas PwMS from reference group with interferon‐beta and fingolimod at T0 and T36. The risk of losing NEDA‐3 was lower in AC group (OR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.43–0.86, p = 0.005).

Conclusions

AC are common in PwMS and can be related to a delay in onset, diagnosis and higher disability at MS presentation. However, the coexistence of AC is not associated with a worse prognosis.
Blood pressure variability and functional outcome after decompressive hemicraniectomy in malignant middle cerebral artery infarction
Authors: Jung Jae Wook , Kang Ilmo , Park Jin , Jeon Sang‐Beom
Published: December 2024

Background and Purpose

Malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (MMI) is a severe condition with a high mortality rate. While decompressive hemicraniectomy has been demonstrated to reduce mortality, there is limited knowledge regarding blood pressure (BP) management following the surgery. This study aimed to investigate whether early blood pressure variability after surgery is associated with functional outcomes.

Methods

This study was a retrospective cohort analysis of patients with MMI who underwent decompressive hemicraniectomy. We calculated BP variability (BPV) by measuring BP hourly over a 72‐h period following surgery. We investigated the association between BPV parameters and functional outcomes at 3‐month. Additionally, we analyzed which specific time intervals within the 72 h post‐surgery BPV were associated with functional outcomes.

Results

A total of 110 patients were eligible for analysis. The mean age was 63.1 ± 13.1 years, and 57 (51.8%) were men. Among the systolic BPV parameters, the coefficient of variance showed a significant association with functional outcomes at 3‐month (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.69–0.95), and this association remained significant after adjusting for the antihypertensive agents use (AOR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.70–0.95). In contrast, diastolic BPV parameters did not show a significant association with functional outcomes. Systolic BPV during the 0‐ to 24‐h period of the 72‐h observation was significantly associated with functional outcomes (AOR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.76–0.98).

Conclusion

Our study identified a significant association between systolic BPV and 3‐month functional outcomes in MMI patients who underwent decompressive hemicraniectomy. This association persisted regardless of the use of antihypertensive agents, particularly during the hyperacute phase within the first 24 h post‐surgery.
“Oxford Responsibility” and the Promise of Ecumenical Social Ethics
Authors: MacDonald Gary B.
Published: December 2024

A concept of “Oxford Responsibility” shaped ecumenical social ethics at the Oxford Conference on Church, Community, and State of 1937. Organized by the Life and Work movement, the conference drew on the thought of Christian realism. Its social method comprised a unifying ecclesiology encompassing political and missional concern; an understanding of human freedom and dignity rooted in divine creation over against the modern project; and the dialogical social method of the middle axiom, providing provisional guidelines for action within particular historical and cultural contexts. This article uses the term “Oxford Responsibility” to refer to a society whose members and institutions act in accordance with human value and freedom, in obedience to the will of God, toward the achievement of justice within the limits and contingencies of human finitude, culture, and history. Having emerged in the global crises of the 1930s, the conference's method offers resources for the church in contemporary society.
Nathan Söderblom and the Universal Christian Conference on Life and Work
Authors: Jonson Jonas
Published: December 2024

This article discusses the organization of the Universal Christian Conference on Life and Work in Stockholm in 1925, its significance for the 20th‐century ecumenical movement, and the central role played by Swedish Archbishop Nathan Söderblom. It describes Söderblom's repeated efforts during the First World War to bring churches together to work for peace and how he originally hoped that what might become the Stockholm conference would be organized by the World Alliance for Promoting International Friendship through the Churches, as well as his determination that Orthodox churches should be present in Stockholm. The article then gives an account of the proceedings of the Stockholm conference and how it demonstrated the diversity of the unity of the church.
Orthodox Participation in the Universal Christian Conference on Life and Work, Stockholm, 1925
Authors: Vasilevich Natallia
Published: December 2024

This article examines the participation of Orthodox representatives in the Universal Christian Conference on Life and Work held in Stockholm in 1925. It highlights the contributions of Orthodox hierarchs and theologians to key themes such as social ethics, international relations, and cooperative efforts among Christian communions. Despite their active involvement, the Orthodox presence at the conference has so far been underresearched. The article emphasizes the significance of the Orthodox Church, particularly the Patriarchate of Constantinople, in shaping the conference's agenda and fostering ecumenical dialogue. It also discusses the urgent call for Christian unity in addressing contemporary societal challenges and underlines the importance of Orthodox participation in advancing the goals of the ecumenical movement during a critical period in world history.
Ecumenical Social Ethics and Action in a Fractured World
Authors: Gnanadason Aruna
Published: December 2024

This article discusses the history of ecumenical social ethics and action since the Universal Christian Council on Life and Work in Stockholm in 1925, and especially the work of the Church and Society programme of the World Council of Churches following its founding in 1948. It recounts how in the 1960s, perspectives on ecumenical social ethics were challenged by voices from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The article examines especially the role played by women in the search for just structures in church and society and in seeking to respond to the challenges of globalization. It concludes with a discussion of the Theology of Life programme in the 1990s and the process to find Alternatives to Globalization Addressing People and the Earth (AGAPE).
Point Class‐Adaptive Transformer (PCaT): A Novel Approach for Efficient Point Cloud Classification and Segmentation
Authors: Mushtaq Husnain , Deng Xiaoheng , Jinag Ping , Wan Shaohua , Javed Rawal , Ullah Irshad
Published: December 2024

Recent 3D point cloud classification has predominantly focused on local spatial attention, neglecting distant contextual relationships due to the inherent sparsity of LiDAR‐generated data over longer distances. Existing 3D object detection methods prioritize local features, hindering the extraction of semantic information. Despite attempts with transformers, methods often reduce computations through local spatial attention, neglecting content class and scarcely establishing connections among distant global points. Our proposed point class‐adaptive transformer (PCaT) addresses these limitations by establishing long‐range feature dependencies while significantly reducing computations. PCaT includes three key modules: the class‐adaptive transformer (CaT), which utilizes local self‐attention and global self‐attention based on class similarity to facilitate an efficient trade‐off between capturing extended‐global dependencies and managing computational challenges; nested binary clustering (NbC), which dynamically partitions queries into multiple clusters based on content features in each Transformer block; and the AfA, which aggregates high‐dimensional features using max‐pooling alongside a residual MLP component and low‐dimensional features using average pooling and a CaT block. Additionally, PCaT incorporates point cloud segmentation via local–global feature aggregation (PcSeg) to facilitate effective point cloud segmentation. Extensive experimentation on the ModelNet40, ScanObjectNN, and S3DIS datasets demonstrates the superior performance and reasonable stability of PCaT compared with existing methods. PCaT achieves 94.2% overall accuracy (OA) and mIoU scores of 89.2% and 86.2% for the ScanObjectNN and S3DIS datasets, respectively.
The effect of task authenticity on second language writing product and process: The case of a morphologically complex language – Russian
Authors: Kogan Vita , Révész Andrea , Cheung Suet‐sin
Published: December 2024

There is compelling empirical evidence suggesting that more authentic learning tasks improve second language learners' motivation and learning (Long, 1996; Van Lier, 2014). However, most research on this topic has focused on Germanic and Romance L2 languages, primarily in the context of speaking skills. Little is known about the effect of task authenticity on L2 writing, especially in languages other than English. The present study investigated how increased task authenticity, operationalized as writing to a real recipient rather than an imaginary friend, affected L2 writing in Russian—a language that exhibits a high level of morphological complexity (Gilabert & Castellví, 2019; Nuss & Martelle, 2022). We adopted a mixed‐methods approach to investigate participants' writing behaviors and underlying cognitive processes. Twenty‐eight intermediate and advanced L1 English speakers, learning Russian as an L2, completed both more and less authentic writing tasks involving composing letters to either real or imaginary recipients. Dependent‐sample t‐tests revealed a significant effect of task authenticity on subordination complexity and fluency. Specifically, participants wrote texts with fewer subordinate clauses and exhibited a slower writing pace in more authentic tasks. These findings underscore the importance of investigating writing processes alongside writing products to achieve a more nuanced understanding of L2 writing.
Shared Genetic Links Between Sleep, Neurodevelopmental and Neuropsychiatric Conditions: A Genome‐Wide and Pathway‐Based Polygenic Score Analysis
Authors: Fahey Laura , Lopez Lorna M.
Published: December 2024

Genetic correlations have been reported between chronotype and both autism (AUT) and schizophrenia (SCZ), as well as between insomnia and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder (BP), schizophrenia (SCZ) and major depression (MDD). Our study aimed to investigate these shared genetic variations using genome‐wide and pathway‐based polygenic score analyses. We computed polygenic scores using summary statistics from genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) of ADHD (N = 225,534), AUT (N = 46,350), BP (N = 353,899), MDD (N = 500,199) and SCZ (N = 160,779). We tested their performance in predicting chronotype (N = 409,630) and insomnia (N = 239,918) status of UK Biobank participants. For pathway‐based polygenic scores, we restricted genetic variation to SNPs that mapped to genes within 1377 Reactome pathways. Genome‐wide polygenic scores for AUT, BP, MDD and SCZ were associated with an evening chronotype (p < 2.2 × 10−16, p = 4.8 × 10−3, p = 8.07 × 10−4 and p < 2.2 × 10−16, respectively). Polygenic scores for ADHD, AUT, BP, MDD SCZ were associated with insomnia (p < 2.2 × 10−16, p = 2.93 × 10−3, p = 2.9 × 10−7, p < 2.2 × 10−16 and p = 8.86 × 10−3, respectively). While pathway‐based polygenic score analysis identified the KEAP1‐NRF2 (p = 1.29 × 10−8) and mRNA Splicing‐Minor Pathways (p = 1.52 × 10−8) as enriched for genetic variation overlapping between chronotype and BP, the majority of tested pathways yielded null findings, suggesting that specific shared genetic mechanisms between sleep‐related phenotypes and neurodevelopmental/psychiatric conditions (NDPC) may be limited to a subset of pathways. Colocalisation analysis identified BP‐associated SNPs in CUL3 and SF3B1 as being linked to changes in their expression. Our results strengthen evidence for shared genetic variation between NDPC and sleep‐related phenotypes. We identify the KEAP1‐NRF2 and mRNA Splicing‐Minor Pathways as potentially mediating the disrupted circadian rhythm phenotype of BP.
Relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and falls in older adults: A population‐based study
Authors: de Figueiredo Julia Araujo , Garcia Magno Conceição , Oliveira Aldair J
Published: December 2024

Aim

The present study investigated the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and episodes and severity of falls in older adults.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study drew on data from the Brazilian 2019 National Health Survey. The sample consisted of 18 991 older adults (aged ≥60 years). CRF was obtained through a non‐exercise model for estimating VO2max, and the people were classified as low, moderate or high CRF. Logistic and multinomial regression models were used. Odds ratios (ORs) and their respective confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated.

Results

Older adults with strong CRF are 29% (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.52–0.92) less likely to suffer falls than those with poor CRF. High levels of CRF were also associated with non‐severe falls. However, no associations were found between CRF and severe falls with fractures and medical intervention.

Conclusion

Although good CRF levels can reduce the chance of falls, this protection does not extend to falls with more severe consequences, such as fractures and the need to seek medical care. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2025; 25: 167–172.
Interfacial microstructures and thermal/electrical conductivity of high‐temperature co‐fired alumina ceramic substrates
Authors: Hao Yalong , Zhang Guanglei , Bai Letian , Yang Zhigang , Jin Huajiang , Gao Shan
Published: December 2024

The thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties of the metal–ceramic interface in ceramic substrates are now critical in the performance and reliability of electronic equipments. This study systematically investigated the interfacial properties between platinum and alumina in HTCC substrates. Results revealed that a high interfacial bonding strength of approximately 1 GPa was achieved between platinum and alumina, which was attributed to minimized thermal stress, reduced interface defects due to the incorporation of ultrafine alumina powders in the platinum paste, and the closely matched thermal expansion coefficients of Pt and Al2O3. Meanwhile, the thermal conductivity was 98.33 W/m·K at 25°C, and the electrical conductivity was 1.67 × 107 S/m at 20°C. As a result, high‐temperature Co‐fired ceramics substrates with strong interfacial bonding between platinum and alumina, coupled with excellent thermal and electrical properties, are promising materials for advanced electronic packaging.
The Impact of Public Health and Social Measures (PHSMs) on SARS‐CoV‐2 Transmission in the WHO European Region (2020–2022)
Authors: Liu Yang , Diamond Charlie , Abbott Sam , Wong Kerry , Schmidt Tanja , Edmunds W. John , Pebody Richard , Jit Mark
Published: December 2024

Background

Between 2020 and 2022, countries used a range of different public health and social measures (PHSMs) to reduce the transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2. The impact of these PHSMs varied as the pandemic progressed, variants of concern (VOCs) emerged, vaccines rolled out and acceptance/uptake rates evolved. In this study, we assessed the impact of PHSMs in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region during VOC phases.

Methods

We relied on time series data on genome sequencing, PHSMs, health outcomes and physical contacts. Panel regression models were used to assess the association between PHSMs and SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission (approximated using time‐varying reproduction numbers). The interpretation of these regression models was assisted by hierarchical clustering, which was used to detect the temporal co‐occurrence of PHSMs. Generalised linear models were used to check if PHSMs are associated with physical contacts.

Results

We identified four phases based on the dominating VOC in the WHO European Region: wild type (before early 2021), Alpha (early to mid‐2021), Delta (mid‐to‐late 2021) and Omicron (after late 2021). ‘School closure’, ‘stay‐at‐home requirement’ and ‘testing policy’ were consistently associated with lower transmission across VOC phases. The impact of most PHSMs varied by VOC phases without clear increasing or decreasing trends as the pandemic progressed. Several PHSMs associated with lower transmission were not associated with fewer physical contacts.

Conclusions

The impact of PHSMs evolved as the pandemic progressed—although without clear trends. The specific mechanisms by which some PHSMs reduce SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission require further research.
Structural relaxation and reheating shrinkage of alkali‐free aluminosilicate glasses induced by thermal cycling
Authors: Huang Yuxiang , Jin Liangmao , Cao Shengshuo , Li Luyao , Wang Jing , Han Jianjun
Published: December 2024

Glass substrate for organic light‐emitting diodes (OLED) requires to undergo several heating processes and thus makes a thermal shrinkage of glass substrate. The shrinkage leads to a pixel shifting and becomes a key factor affecting OLED panel quality. To understand the thermal shrinkage process, it is crucial to study the structural relaxation and thermodynamic characteristics of glass substrate around the glass transition temperature. In this work, the network structure of alkali‐free aluminosilicate glasses and their structural relaxation in the glass transition temperature range were studied by both experiment and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The alkali‐free aluminosilicate glasses with 15.3–22.1 mol% alkali‐earth oxides (RO) were prepared, and their reheating shrinkage and enthalpy relaxation were measured to reflect the structural relaxation during thermal cycling. As the RO content increased from 15.3 to 22.1 mol%, the CTE25–300°C increased from 3.00 × 10−6 to 4.13 × 10−6/°C, and the strain point decreased from 780 to 744°C. The reheating shrinkage of 4 × 4 × 40 mm glass rods also increased from 4.01 to 9.51 ppm, and the volume shrinkage primarily occurred in the initial stages of holding at 600°C. The enthalpy relaxation of the glass was measured using differential scanning calorimetry, and there were very small enthalpy relaxation in alkali‐free aluminosilicate glasses due to their good thermal stability. Therefore, MD simulations were employed to calculate the potential energy and evaluate the structural relaxation. The potential energy of the glasses during thermal cycling revealed a significant energy hysteresis upon reheating, and the structural relaxation occurred at relatively low temperature with the increasing addition of RO contents. Further analysis confirmed that the structural relaxation of glasses was mainly due to the structural arrangement of alkali‐earth metal ions, including the changes in bond length, angles, coordination number, and atomic mean‐square distance.
Exploring Midwives' and Nurse‐Midwives' Professional Identity and How Midwifery May Be Best Represented in the Public Realm: A Global Convergent Parallel Mixed‐Methods Study
Authors: Pezaro Sally , Zarbiv Gila , Jones Jude , Lilei Feika Mariama , Fitzgerald Laura , Lukele Sanele , McMillan‐Bohler Jacquelyn , Baloyi Olivia B. , Maravic Da Silva Ksenija , Grant Christine , Bayliss‐Pratt Lisa , Hardtman Pandora
Published: December 2024

Aims

With respect to midwives and nurse‐midwife populations (1) measure and (2) explore professional identity and (3) explore how the midwifery profession may be best represented in the public realm.

Design

Convergent Parallel Mixed‐Methods Design.

Methods

A web‐based survey was used to collect data from 860 midwives and nurse‐midwives from 102 countries between February and July 2022. Qualitative data were analysed inductively via reflexive thematic analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS.

Results

Nurse‐midwives had a statistically significant higher professional identity score than midwives. Subthemes included pride and passion in midwifery and nurse‐midwifery; motivational religiosity; celebrating role diversity and a call for the separation of nursing and midwifery. Subthemes outlining barriers to the development of a healthy professional identity related to lack of professional recognition in society and lack of respect from other professions. Subthemes related to the representation of midwifery included (1) imagery (e.g., real midwives) and (2) mediums (e.g., statues). Diminished professional identity and the conflation of midwifery with nursing were negatively associated with the recruitment and retention of midwives.

Conclusion

This is the first study to measure and investigate the professional identity of midwives and nurse‐midwives concomitantly and explore how midwifery may be best represented in the public realm. Public monuments highlighting both the art and science of midwifery along with the separation of midwifery from the nursing profession and enhanced role diversity may boost the professional identity of midwives overall.

Implications for the Profession

Midwives' professional identity, status and recognition in society are key to improved perinatal outcomes, recruitment and retention. Findings will inform interventions designed to enhance the professional identity and public representation of midwives worldwide.

Impact

This research demonstrates midwives diminished professional identity. Findings will be used to bolster the midwifery profession to improve perinatal outcomes, along with the recruitment and retention of midwives to the benefit of childbearing people and their families worldwide.

Patient or Public Contribution

Global webinars were used to engage midwives and nurse‐midwives in shaping the design and direction of this research.

Reporting Method

The Good Reporting of a Mixed Methods Study (GRAMMS) checklist was used to guide reporting.
Old Enough to Carry, Old Enough to Vote
Authors: Shiffrin Seana Valentine
Published: December 2024

Japa Pallikkathayil persuasively argues that abortion prohibitions treat impregnable people as less than equal citizens, subject to different treatment than other citizens whose bodies are protected from compulsory service for the benefit of others. Pallikkathayil's argument could be modified to avoid a tension with arguments for conscription, to stress that democratic equality is inconsistent with requisitioning a citizen's body to serve the needs of another specific citizen. Pallikkathayil also contends that ‘[t]he changes we would need to make to our other laws and practices to bring them into line with restrictive abortion laws are intuitively unattractive’. To complement her approach, I contend that consistency would require that if we subject minors to involuntary pregnancy and labor, then we should enfranchise minors. We lowered the voting age to 18 on the grounds that if military conscripts were ‘old enough to fight’, they were ‘old enough to vote’. Abortion restrictions conscript impregnable minors and subject them to involuntary bodily intrusions, major life disruptions, and responsibility over life and death decisions. Old enough to carry; old enough to vote. If that conclusion is unpalatable because minors seem too immature to vote, then perhaps they are too immature to be forced to carry a pregnancy and to give birth.
Bone Regeneration After Sinus Floor Elevation in an Intact Sinus or a Sinus With Prior Large Membrane Perforation: A Preclinical Study Using a Rabbit Sinus Model
Authors: Lee Sunmin , Chung Jong‐Hyuk , Thoma Daniel S. , Jung Ronald E. , Jung Ui‐Won , Shin Seung‐Yun , Lim Hyun‐Chang
Published: December 2024

Aim

To determine bone regeneration following sinus floor elevation (SFE) at sites with or without prior sinus membrane perforation.

Materials and Methods

The sinus membranes in the maxillary sinuses of 12 rabbits were intentionally perforated (≥ 5 mm) on one side, followed by application of a collagen matrix. SFE was performed on both sinuses after 8 weeks of healing, presenting two groups: SFE with a previous large sinus membrane perforation (group SFE_Perf), and in an intact sinus (group SFE). The animals were euthanized at 2 and 4 weeks after SFE. Micro‐computed tomographic and histomorphometric analyses were performed.

Results

The amount of newly formed bone within the augmented area did not differ significantly between the two groups at 2 weeks and 4 weeks (4.7 ± 1.0 mm2 vs. 5.3 ± 1.4 mm2 and 9.2 ± 1.7 mm2 vs. 10.8 ± 2.2 mm2, respectively, mean ± SD; p > 0.05). However, the amount of newly formed bone near the middle of the sinus membranes was significantly greater in group SFE than in group SFE_Perf (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the augmented volume. Fewer subepithelial glands and denser collagen fibres within the sinus membranes were observed in group SFE_Perf than in group SFE.

Conclusions

A large perforation of the sinus membrane followed by an 8‐week healing period did not jeopardize new bone formation following SFE.
Cover Image
Authors: Tavelli Lorenzo , Kripfgans Oliver D. , Chan Hsun‐Liang , Vera Rodriguez Maria , Sabri Hamoun , Mancini Leonardo , Wang Hom‐Lay , Giannobile William V. , Barootchi Shayan
Published: December 2024

The cover image is based on the article Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation of tissue revascularization following connective tissue graft at implant sites by Lorenzo Tavelli etal., https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpe.13889.

image
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized trials comparing carbetocin to oxytocin in prevention of postpartum hemorrhage after cesarean delivery in low‐risk women
Authors: Maged Ahmed M. , El‐Goly Nour A. , Turki Doaa , Bassiouny Nehal , El‐Demiry Nihal
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Carbetocin compared to oxytocin in prevention of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) after low‐risk cesarean delivery (CD).

Search Strategy

Screening of Medline, Web Of Science, Scopus, Google scholar, and clinical trials registry till January 2024 using the key words related to carbetocin, blood loss, PPH, Cesarean section and their MeSH terms was done.

Selection Criteria

This study included all RCTs conducted on women with low risk for developing PPH after CD and compared the administration of carbetocin to oxytocin without any language limitation. These studies compared carbetocin to oxytocin alone or oxytocin combined with misoprostol. The review included all doses and routes of carbetocin and oxytocin administration.

Data Collection and Analysis

The extracted data included study settings, the participants' size and characteristics, intervention details of both the study and control groups especially data about the dose route and timing of drug administration, the outcome parameters and trial registration details The reported outcomes included the requirement of additional uterotonic agents or blood transfusion, the difference between preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin, the occurrence of PPH, blood loss and drug adverse effects.

Main Results

Seventeen studies including 3667 participants were included. The need for additional uterotonic agents was evaluated in 14 studies with 3154 participants and revealed an OR of 0.53 with 95% CI of 0.39 and 0.72 (p < 0.001, I2 41%). The incidence of PPH was reported in 11 studies with 2228 participants and revealed an Odd ratio of 1.08 with 95%CI of [0.81, 1.44] (p = 0.61, I2 0%). The hemoglobin drop after the operation was evaluated in 3 studies with 1240 participants and revealed an MD of −0.08 with 95% CI of −0.10 and − 0.06 (p < 0.001, I2 0%). The need for blood transfusion was evaluated in 9 studies with 1936 participants and revealed an OR of 0.57 with 95% CI of 0.34 and 0.97 (p = 0.04, I2 0%).

Conclusion

Carbetocin administration during CD in women with low risk for PPH is associated with less need for additional uterotonic agents (moderate evidence), less need for blood transfusion (high evidence) and lower hemoglobin drop (high evidence) when compared to those who underwent oxytocin administration without an increase in adverse effects.
Effect of an intensive lifestyle intervention on cystatin C–based kidney function in adults with overweight and obesity: From the PREDIMED‐Plus trial
Authors: Martínez‐Montoro José Ignacio , Cornejo‐Pareja Isabel , Díaz‐López Andrés , Sureda Antoni , Toledo Estefania , Abete Itziar , Babio Nancy , Tur Josep A. , Martinez‐Gonzalez Miguel A. , Martínez J. Alfredo , Fitó Montse , Salas‐Salvadó Jordi , Tinahones Francisco J. ,   PREDIMED‐Plus Investigators
Published: December 2024

Background

Large‐scale trials evaluating a multicomponent lifestyle intervention aimed at weight loss on kidney function are lacking.

Methods

This was a post hoc analysis of the “PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea‐Plus” (PREDIMED‐Plus) randomized controlled trial, including patients with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome, measured cystatin C and creatinine. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to an intensive weight loss lifestyle intervention (intervention group [IG]) consisting of an energy‐restricted Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), physical activity promotion and behavioral support, or a control group (CG) receiving ad libitum MedDiet recommendations. The primary outcome was between‐group differences in cystatin C–based kidney function (cystatin C–based estimated glomerular filtration rate—eGFRcys—and combined cystatin C–creatinine‐based eGFR—eGFRcr‐cys) change from baseline to 12 and 36 months. Secondary outcomes included between‐group differences in creatinine‐based eGFR (eGFRcr) and urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (UACR) change and the predictive capacity of these formulas at baseline for new‐onset chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Results

A total of 1909 participants (65 ± 5 years, 54% men) were included. Twelve‐month decline in eGFRcys, eGFRcr‐cys, and eGFRcr was greater in the CG compared to the IG, with between‐group differences of −1.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 [95% confidence interval −2.92 to −0.63], −1.37 [−2.22 to −0.53], and −0.91 [−1.74 to −0.71], respectively. At 36 months, the decline in eGFRcr‐cys and eGFRcr was greater in the CG. No between‐group differences in UACR were found. Significant adjusted areas under the curve for baseline eGFRcys and eGFRcr‐cys were observed for incident CKD at 36 months, which were similar to those for eGFRcr and UACR.

Conclusions

In older adults with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome, the PREDIMED‐Plus intervention may be an optimal approach to preserve kidney function.
Description of School Outcomes Among Children With Traumatic Brain Injuries, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Concussion Surveillance System Pilot
Authors: Waltzman Dana , Peterson Alexis B. , Chang Daniel , Daugherty Jill
Published: December 2024

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common injury in children. Though research on youth TBI has largely focused on high school students, this study describes selected school outcomes after TBI in the past 12 months among children aged 5–17 years.

Methods

Data from parent‐proxy respondents from the pilot administration of the National Concussion Surveillance System (a random‐digit‐dial telephone survey with over 10,000 adult respondents) were examined. Descriptive statistics of demographic and injury characteristics of children who sustained a TBI were calculated. The association between TBI signs/symptoms and selected school outcomes were determined by multinomial logistic regressions.

Results

Among the 3557 children sampled via parent‐proxy‐reporting, 9.9% sustained a TBI in the past year. Changes in sleep or being more tired than usual, trouble concentrating, sensitivity to light or noise, and difficulty learning or remembering new things were associated with a greater risk of worse school outcomes following a TBI.

Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity

To promote a positive return to learn (RTL) experience among children following TBI, school districts may prioritize accommodations (e.g., breaks in learning, extra time for assignments) and implement existing ascending levels of academic support where warranted.

Conclusion

These findings may inform stakeholders seeking to enhance RTL and provide needed support or services for school‐aged children who sustain a TBI.
Ambulatory care utilization in the first 24 months’ postpartum by rurality and pregnancy‐related conditions: A prospective cohort study from Maine
Authors: Bebus Sydney M. , Palmsten Kristin , Lipkind Heather S. , Ackerman‐Banks Christina M. , Ahrens Katherine A.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

To estimate the rate of ambulatory care use among postpartum persons by rurality of residence and pregnancy‐related conditions.

Methods

We used Maine Health Data Organization's All Payer Claims Data for persons who delivered between 2007 and 2019 (N = 121,905). We estimated rates of ambulatory care (nonemergency department outpatient health care) utilization during the first 24 months’ postpartum by level of rurality (urban, large rural, small rural, and isolated rural) and by pregnancy‐related conditions (prenatal depression, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and gestational diabetes). To estimate rate ratios (RR), we used Poisson regression with an offset for population at risk, adjusting for potential confounders and restricting the analysis to those with continuous insurance (n = 70,431).

Findings

The mean monthly rate per 100 deliveries of ambulatory care visits was 86.1; the median number of visits was 12 (interquartile range = 6, 25). Persons living in rural areas had lower monthly rates of visits than persons living in urban areas (adjusted RR ranged from 0.87 [95% CI: 0.85, 0.89] in isolated rural areas to 0.91 [95% CI: 0.90, 0.93] in large rural areas). Persons with prenatal depression (aRR = 2.07; 95% CI: 2.04, 2.11), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (aRR = 1.07; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.10), and gestational diabetes (aRR = 1.11; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.14) had higher rates of visits than those without these conditions.

Conclusions

New practices and policies may be needed to improve postpartum ambulatory care access and utilization in rural areas. Postpartum persons with pregnancy‐related conditions are accessing ambulatory care at higher rates after delivery, which may reduce their need for acute health care use.
Autolyzed brewer's yeast enhances growth and intestinal health in early life stages of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.)
Authors: Odu‐Onikosi Sheu G. , Momoh Taofik A. , Eynon Benjamin , Pontefract Nicola , Kuri Victor , Kühlwein Holger , Merrifield Daniel L.
Published: December 2024

The early life stages of fish are critical for determining the overall productivity and sustainability of aquaculture operations. This study investigated the effects of dietary autolyzed brewer's yeast (ABY) on the growth performance and intestinal health of Nile tilapia fry (Oreochromis niloticus). A 35‐day feeding trial with 480 Nile tilapia fry across 12 experimental tanks tested the effects of diets supplemented with 1, 2, and 4 g/kg of ABY, with a control diet for comparison. The results indicated that the diet which had 1 g/kg ABY supplementation (ABY1) significantly enhanced the weight gain and specific growth rate (SGR) while reducing feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control diet. Intestinal gene expression analysis showed significant upregulation of immunoregulatory genes (tlr2, il10, il1β, and igm), and a tight junction gene (occludin) in the ABY1 group. Conversely, tnfα expression was significantly downregulated in the ABY1 and ABY2 groups, indicating a potential anti‐inflammatory effect. Histological analysis of the mid‐intestine revealed healthy morphology with no significant differences in mucosal fold length, muscularis thickness, lamina propria width, and goblet cell count among the treatment groups. The findings demonstrate that supplementing diets with ABY at 1 g/kg level enhances growth performance and modulates the intestinal immune response of Nile tilapia fry, without compromising intestinal integrity. This study offers valuable insights into using ABY as a functional feed additive to enhance Nile tilapia health and development, as well as to promote aquaculture sustainability.
Macroevolutionary inference of complex modes of chromosomal speciation in a cosmopolitan plant lineage
Authors: Tribble Carrie M. , Márquez‐Corro José Ignacio , May Michael R. , Hipp Andrew L. , Escudero Marcial , Zenil‐Ferguson Rosana
Published: December 2024

The effects of single chromosome number change—dysploidy – mediating diversification remain poorly understood. Dysploidy modifies recombination rates, linkage, or reproductive isolation, especially for one‐fifth of all eukaryote lineages with holocentric chromosomes. Dysploidy effects on diversification have not been estimated because modeling chromosome numbers linked to diversification with heterogeneity along phylogenies is quantitatively challenging.

We propose a new state‐dependent diversification model of chromosome evolution that links diversification rates to dysploidy rates considering heterogeneity and differentiates between anagenetic and cladogenetic changes. We apply this model to Carex (Cyperaceae), a cosmopolitan flowering plant clade with holocentric chromosomes.

We recover two distinct modes of chromosomal evolution and speciation in Carex. In one diversification mode, dysploidy occurs frequently and drives faster diversification rates. In the other mode, dysploidy is rare, and diversification is driven by hidden, unmeasured factors. When we use a model that excludes hidden states, we mistakenly infer a strong, uniformly positive effect of dysploidy on diversification, showing that standard models may lead to confident but incorrect conclusions about diversification.

This study demonstrates that dysploidy can have a significant role in speciation in a large plant clade despite the presence of other unmeasured factors that simultaneously affect diversification.
Deciphering the Vulnerability of Pollen to Heat Stress for Securing Crop Yields in a Warming Climate
Authors: Lohani Neeta , Singh Mohan B. , Bhalla Prem L.
Published: December 2024

Climate change is leading to more frequent and severe extreme temperature events, negatively impacting agricultural productivity and threatening global food security. Plant reproduction, the process fundamental to crop yield, is highly susceptible to heatwaves, which disrupt pollen development and ultimately affect seed‐set and crop yields. Recent research has increasingly focused on understanding how pollen grains from various crops react to heat stress at the molecular and cellular levels. This surge in interest over the last decade has been driven by advances in genomic technologies, such as single‐cell RNA sequencing, which holds significant potential for revealing the underlying regulatory reprogramming triggered by heat stress throughout the various stages of pollen development. This review focuses on how heat stress affects gene regulatory networks, including the heat stress response, the unfolded protein response, and autophagy, and discusses the impact of these changes on various stages of pollen development. It highlights the potential of pollen selection as a key strategy for improving heat tolerance in crops by leveraging the genetic variability among pollen grains. Additionally, genome‐wide association studies and population screenings have shed light on the genetic underpinnings of traits in major crops that respond to high temperatures during male reproductive stages. Gene‐editing tools like CRISPR/Cas systems could facilitate precise genetic modifications to boost pollen heat resilience. The information covered in this review is valuable for selecting traits and employing molecular genetic approaches to develop heat‐tolerant genotypes.
Short‐Term High Light Stress Analysis Through Differential Methylation Identifies Root Architecture and Cell Size Responses
Authors: Nair Akshay U. , Kundariya Hardik S. , Samantaray Devidutta , Dopp Isaac J. , Allu Annapurna Devi , Mackenzie Sally A.
Published: December 2024

DNA methylation repatterning is an epigenomic component of plant stress response, but the extent that methylome data can elucidate changes in plant growth following stress onset is not known. We applied high‐resolution DNA methylation analysis to decode plant responses to short‐ and long‐term high light stress and, integrating with gene expression data, attempted to predict components of plant growth response. We identified 105 differentially methylated genes (DMGs) following 1 h of high light treatment and 193 DMGs following 1 week of intermittent high light treatment. Two distinct methylome‐predicted plant growth responses to high light treatment could be confirmed by linking methylome changes in auxin response pathways to observed changes in root architecture and methylome changes in cell cycle pathway components to endoreduplication and palisade cell enlargement. We observed methylome changes in a cyclic GMP‐dependent protein kinase in association with high light stress signalling. The ability to associate intragenic methylation repatterning with predictable plant phenotypic outcomes after a limited period of high light treatment allows for data‐based early prediction of plant growth responses. The approach also permits the dissection of gene networks underpinning plant growth adjustments during environmental change to uncover dynamic phenotype determinants.
Description of four new species of Mychonastes (Chlorophyceae) from Japanese freshwater habitats based on molecular and morphological data
Authors: Nozaki Hisayoshi , Matsuzaki Ryo , Mori Fumi , Sato Mayumi , Yamaguchi Haruyo , Higashiyama Tetsuya , Kawachi Masanobu , Tanabe Yuuhiko
Published: December 2024

Species of the green algal genus Mychonastes have been recognized as ubiquitous ultrasmall components of freshwater communities worldwide, mainly based on molecular data. However, detailed taxonomic identification of Japanese members of Mychonastes has not yet been conducted. We taxonomically identified species of 13 Mychonastes strains in the Microbial Culture Collection at the National Institute for Environmental Studies originating from Japan based on molecular data and comparative morphology. The strains were classified into 10 species, including four new species, Mychonastes ariiae Nozaki sp. nov. (NIES‐2900), Mychonastes takamurae Nozaki sp. nov. (NIES‐2334, 2336), Mychonastes kasaiae Nozaki sp. nov. (NIES‐3743) and Mychonastes gigas Nozaki sp. nov. (NIES‐2340). Ultrastructural features of the cell walls and chloroplasts of these four species were consistent with the generic concept of Mychonastes. The four new species are distinguishable from other species of Mychonastes based on differences in nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences and morphological features including the mucilaginous matrix surrounding the cells, mode of rupture of the mother cell wall during daughter cell release, formation of large colonies in liquid culture and colony morphology on agar plates. The evolution of Mychonastes species is discussed based on phylogenetic inferences obtained using a combined dataset for four chloroplast genes (psaB, rbcL, psbC and atpB) and rDNA ITS sequences.
Restoring soil multifunctionality through forest regeneration in abandoned Amazon pasturelands
Authors: Silva‐Olaya Adriana M. , España‐Cetina Gina P. , Cherubin Mauricio R. , Rodríguez‐León Carlos H. , Somenahally Anil , Blesh Jennifer
Published: December 2024

Abandoned pastures with degraded soil quality in the Amazon region often undergo succession to secondary forests. While aboveground responses to natural regeneration have been well investigated, the impacts on soil functioning are still poorly understood. Here we assessed how multiple soil functions respond to the natural regeneration of abandoned pastures in the Amazon, and how many years of forest regeneration are needed to recover soil multifunctionality. We measured key properties of the soil as proxy indicators of six soil functions: (1) support for plant growth, (2) C sequestration, (3) nutrient storage and availability, (4) resistance to degradation, (5) water and air flux regulation, and (6) biological activity along a 45‐year chronosequence of natural regeneration in northwestern Colombia, and then we calculated an index of soil multifunctionality. The results revealed significant changes in physical–chemical and biological soil indicators due to the reforestation, increasing soil multifunctionality. The largest effects were found for soil C sequestration, with a sub‐index value that was nearly two times higher after 15 years of regeneration, followed by biological activity and resistance to degradation functions that increased 1.4 and 1.3 times, respectively, after 15 years of regeneration. The overall index of soil functioning indicated a clear benefit of restoration, reaching 76% of its soil functioning capacity after 15 years of pasture abandonment. Thus, our findings provide empirical evidence that secondary forest succession can restore soils' capacity to deliver vital ecosystem services in the Amazon region, playing a critical role in ecosystem restoration.