bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of deformed wing virus in the greenhouse for possible horizontal transmission of virus in honey bee colony
Authors: You Euijin , Moon KyungHwan , Kim Hyemin , Kim Young Ho
Published: November 2023

The honey bee Apis mellifera L. is a crucial insect in the agricultural industry and natural ecosystem by being a major pollinator. Nevertheless, honey bee population has been recently facing a decline. Among the several factors responsible for this decline, deformed wing virus (DWV) is considered a primary cause that negatively affects honey bee health. DWV is a cosmopolitan honey bee pathogen and causes morphological disadvantages in individual honey bees and colony collapse. Regarding the horizontal transmission of DWV, in addition to Varroa destructor, a well‐known major vector of DWV, flowers have recently been implied as a transmission route. Therefore, in this study, we detected DWV from various substances, including flowers, honey bee feces, pupa, larva, nurse bee, surface of nurse bee, pollen collected by forager bee, and forager bee samples in four strawberry greenhouses, which could suggest the potential for the horizontal transmission of DWV in the semi‐field condition. We also detected DWV in pollen collected by DWV‐negative forager bees, implying that flowers can serve as a potential source of virus infection. These findings suggest that the surrounding environment such as shared floral sources affects the spread of DWV.
Small molecule multitarget antiangiogenic inhibitor treatments for advanced thymic epithelial tumors: A retrospective study
Authors: Shen Wanji , Jin Ying , Yu Ying , Chen Ning , Fan Yun
Published: November 2023

Background

Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are rare malignant tumors with limited treatment options. No established second‐line treatment regimen is available following the preferred first‐line chemotherapy, resulting in unsatisfactory efficacy and poor prognosis for patients with advanced TETs. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of small molecule multitarget antiangiogenic inhibitors as well as the prognostic factors for advanced TETs.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted using data from a real‐world database. Clinical information and survival follow‐up data were collected from 52 patients with advanced TETs who received small molecule multitarget antiangiogenic inhibitors at Zhejiang Cancer Hospital between August 10, 2016 and August 10, 2022. The short‐term efficacy of the treatments, survival time of the patients, and relevant prognostic factors of advanced TETs were analyzed.

Results

Out of the 52 patients included in this study, 16 had thymoma and 36 had thymic carcinoma. The 52 patients had an overall response rate of 21.1% and a disease control rate of 94.2%. In addition, the median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 8.05 months, and the overall survival (OS) was 25.00 months. Apatinib was given to 33 patients, anlotinib to 15 patients, and sunitinib or lenvatinib to four patients. Only seven patients received antiangiogenic inhibitors as their first‐line therapy, 27 patients as their second‐line therapy, and 18 patients as third‐line or subsequent therapy. Meanwhile, 42 patients received monotherapy with an antiangiogenesis inhibitor, while 10 patients received combination therapy. Univariate analysis indicated that the combined treatment was associated with a superior OS (p = 0.044); multivariate analysis indicated that the combined treatment was an independent prognostic factor for PFS (p = 0.014) and OS (p = 0.012).

Conclusion

The findings suggest that small molecule multitarget antiangiogenic inhibitors are efficacious as second or post‐line treatments as a viable alternative treatment option for patients with advanced TETs.
Hazardous alcohol consumption and perioperative complications in a cardiac surgery patient. A retrospective study
Authors: Nissilä Eliisa , Suojaranta Raili , Hynninen Marja , Dahlbacka Sebastian , Hästbacka Johanna
Published: November 2023

Background

We investigated the prevalence and effects of hazardous alcohol consumption on perioperative complications in cardiac surgery patients. Preoperative hazardous alcohol consumption has been associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications in noncardiac patient populations.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data from the Finnish Intensive Care Consortium database and electronic patient records on all cardiac surgery patients treated in the intensive care units (ICUs) of Helsinki University Hospital (n = 919) during 2017. Data on preoperative alcohol consumption were routinely collected using the alcohol use disorder identification test consumption (AUDIT‐C) questionnaire. We analyzed perioperative data and outcomes for any associations with hazardous alcohol consumption. Outcome measures were length of stay in the ICU, re‐admissions to ICU, bleeding and infectious complications, and incidence of postoperative arrhythmias.

Results

AUDIT‐C scores were available for 758 (82.5%) patients, of whom 107 (14.1%) fulfilled the criteria for hazardous alcohol consumption (AUDIT‐C score of 5/12 or higher for women and 6/12 or higher for men). Patients with hazardous alcohol consumption were younger, median age 59 (IQR 52.0–67.0) vs. 69.0 (IQR 63.0–74.0), p < .001, and more often men 93.5% vs. 71.9%, p < .001 than other patients and had an increased risk for ICU re‐admissions [adjusted OR (aOR) 4.37 (95% CI, 1.60–11.95)] and severe postoperative infections aOR 3.26 (95% CI, 1.42–7.54).

Conclusion

Cardiac surgery patients with a history of hazardous alcohol consumption are younger than other patients and are predominantly men. Hazardous alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of severe postoperative infections and ICU re‐admissions.
Stock liquidity and tone of press releases
Authors: Gong Rong
Published: November 2023

This paper presents evidence that higher stock liquidity makes firms increase tone of press releases. I find that firms with higher stock liquidity have higher tone in press releases, relative to the tone of news initiated by media, than firms with lower stock liquidity. This relation is stronger for firms with greater short‐term pressure, that is, with greater transient institutional ownership, greater sensitivity of manager's wealth to stock price, and more analyst coverage. This finding suggests that stock liquidity, by producing short‐term pressure on firms, leads firms to boost press release tone.
Performance of International Classification of Disease‐10 codes in detecting emergency department patients with opioid misuse
Authors: Chhabra Neeraj , Smith Dale , Pachwicewicz Paul , Lin Yiqi , Bhalla Sameer , Maloney Caitlin M. , Blue Mennefer , Lee Power , Sharma Brihat , Afshar Majid , Karnik Niranjan S.
Published: November 2023

Background and Aims

Accurate case discovery is critical for disease surveillance, resource allocation and research. International Classification of Disease (ICD) diagnosis codes are commonly used for this purpose. We aimed to determine the sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) of ICD‐10 codes for opioid misuse case discovery in the emergency department (ED) setting.

Design and Setting

Retrospective cohort study of ED encounters from January 2018 to December 2020 at an urban academic hospital in the United States. A sample of ED encounters enriched for opioid misuse was developed by oversampling ED encounters with positive urine opiate screens or pre‐existing opioid‐related diagnosis codes in addition to other opioid misuse risk factors.

Cases

A total of 1200 randomly selected encounters were annotated by research staff for the presence of opioid misuse within health record documentation using a 5‐point scale for likelihood of opioid misuse and dichotomized into cohorts of opioid misuse and no opioid misuse.

Measurements

Using manual annotation as ground truth, the sensitivity and specificity of ICD‐10 codes entered during the encounter were determined with PPV adjusted for oversampled data. Metrics were also determined by disposition subgroup: discharged home or admitted.

Findings

There were 541 encounters annotated as opioid misuse and 617 with no opioid misuse. The majority were males (54.4%), average age was 47 years and 68.5% were discharged directly from the ED. The sensitivity of ICD‐10 codes was 0.56 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.51–0.60), specificity 0.99 (95% CI, 0.97–0.99) and adjusted PPV 0.78 (95% CI, 0.65–0.92). The sensitivity was higher for patients discharged from the ED (0.65; 95% CI, 0.60–0.69) than those admitted (0.31; 95% CI, 0.24–0.39).

Conclusions

International Classification of Disease‐10 codes appear to have low sensitivity but high specificity and positive predictive value in detecting opioid misuse among emergency department patients in the United States.
Hypersensitivity reactions to proton pump inhibitors. An EAACI position paper
Authors: Bavbek Sevim , Kepil Özdemir Seçil , Bonadonna Patrizia , Atanaskovic‐Markovic Marina , Barbaud Annick , Brockow Knut , Laguna Martinez Jose , Nakonechna Alla , Pagani Mauro , Arcolacı Alessandra , Lombardo Carla , Torres Maria J.
Published: November 2023

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are invaluable therapeutic options in a variety of dyspeptic diseases. In addition to their well‐known risk profile, PPI consumption is related to food and environmental allergies, dysbiosis, osteoporosis, as well as immediate and delayed hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs). The latter, although a rare event, around 1%–3%, due to the extraordinarily high rate of prescription and consumption of PPIs are related to a substantial risk. In this Position Paper, we provide clinicians with practical evidence‐based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of HSRs to PPIs. Furthermore, the unmet needs proposed in the document aim to stimulate more in‐depth investigations in the topic.
Patient perspectives of quality of life in chronic limb‐threatening ischemia: a qualitative study
Authors: Shan Leonard L. , Telianidis Stacey , Westcott Mark J. , Debono Deborah , Davies Alun H. , Choong Peter F.
Published: November 2023

Background

Quality of life (QOL) is an outcome that matters to patients with chronic limb‐threatening ischemia (CLTI). However, we identified the lack of and need for a CLTI‐specific QOL instrument. Our group is developing this instrument which requires a deep understanding of patient perspectives of QOL in CLTI.

Methods

Qualitative inquiry with patient and public involvement was performed in accordance with the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research. Reflexive thematic analysis of semi‐structured interviews was conducted within a constructivist‐interpretivist research paradigm. Data were organized and managed in NVivo. Techniques to enhance trustworthiness included maintaining an audit trail, member checking, mentoring, and peer‐debriefing. Patient and the public were consulted for feedback on codes, themes, and thematic maps.

Results

Thirteen participants (median age: 74 years, range: 43–90 years) with a variety of patient demographics were interviewed. Four themes were developed on QOL in CLTI: (i) ‘independence as key to life satisfaction’, (ii) ‘change in identity when continuity is needed’, (iii) ‘coping with intractable disease’, and (iv) ‘not wanting to be alone’. Member checking with patient and public involvement confirmed the relevance and centrality of these themes to the lived experiences of patients with CLTI.

Conclusions

The thematic outputs contribute important insights into what QOL truly means to patients with CLTI and what matters for their QOL. The content validity of the new CLTI‐specific QOL instrument is improved by giving patients voice. This study highlights the value of qualitative inquiry and patient and public involvement in vascular surgical research.
Identity development and adjustment during emerging adulthood from a gender perspective
Authors: Sánchez‐Queija Inmaculada , Domínguez‐Alarcón Paula , Díez Marta , Parra Águeda
Published: November 2023

Identity development is a key task during emerging adulthood. The goals of the present study are to validate the Spanish version of the Dimensions of Identity Development Scale (DIDS) and to explore the relationship between identity dimensions and adjustment (flourishing and distress), from a gender perspective. The sample comprised 1502 Spanish university students (60.1% women). The results reveal that the DIDS is valid in the Spanish context and that significant gender differences were observed in some dimensions of identity development, with men scoring higher for identification with commitment and women scoring higher for exploration in depth and ruminative exploration. Finally, both dimensions of commitment and ruminative exploration had a stronger effect on men's than on women's adjustment, suggesting that the integration of the self has more impact on men's outcomes than on women's. These findings highlight the need to include the gender perspective in all future research in order to gain deeper insight into the relationship between the identity development process and adjustment during emerging adulthood.
Characteristics and long‐term outcome in a large series of chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia patients including 104 formerly referred to as oligomonocytic
Authors: Castaño‐Díez Sandra , Pomares Helena , Esteban Daniel , Guijarro Francesca , Jiménez‐Vicente Carlos , Zugasti Inés , Álamo José Ramón , Mayayo Víctor Torrecillas , López‐Guerra Mònica , de la Fuente Cristina , Charry Paola , Cortés‐Bullich Albert , Bataller Álex , Maluquer Clara , Colomer Dolors , Rozman María , Arnan Montserrat , Xicoy Blanca , Esteve Jordi , Díaz‐Beyá Marina
Published: November 2023

Recently modified diagnostic criteria for chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMML) have lowered the cut‐off for absolute monocytosis. In the largest series to date, we have analysed 313 CMML patients, including 104 with oligomonocytic (OM)‐CMML. Five‐year survival was longer for OM‐CMML than for other patients (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified OM‐CMML as a favourable prognostic factor (HR 0.58; p = 0.002). The 5‐year cumulative incidence of progression to classical CMML was 47%. Older age and transfusion dependence were adverse prognostic factors for OM‐CMML. Our results support the inclusion of OM‐CMML in the CMML category as a subtype with superior outcomes.
Unveiling the link between genetic alterations in gamma secretase and BCMA surface density in multiple myeloma
Authors: Cowan Andrew J. , Green Damian J.
Published: November 2023

Cattaneo et al. report a unique case of a multiple myeloma patient with elevated B‐cell maturation antigen (BCMA) surface density, potentially due to genetic alterations in the gamma‐secretase protease complex—responsible for BCMA cleavage from plasma cells. No mutations in the BCMA gene were detected, but there was partial deletion of PSEN1 and amplification of PSEN2 (components of the gamma‐secretase complex), which may explain the lack of response to the gamma‐secretase inhibitor DAPT. This case, along with recent published literature, underscores the significance of gamma secretase in modulating BCMA density and the potential impact of its genetic alterations.

Commentary on: Cattaneo et al. Genetic defects of gamma‐secretase genes in a multiple myeloma patient with high and dysregulated BCMA surface density: A case report. Br J Haematol 2024;204:571‐575.
Supporting effective shared decision‐making in surgical context: Why framing of choices matters for high‐risk patients and clinicians
Authors: Ludwiczak Agata , Stephens Timothy J. , Prowle John , Pearse Rupert , Osman Magda
Published: November 2023

Aim

In the context of high‐risk surgery, shared decision‐making (SDM) is important. However, the effectiveness of SDM can be hindered by misalignment between patients and clinicians in their expectations of postoperative outcomes. This study investigated the extent and the effects of this misalignment, as well as its amenability to interventions that encourage perspective‐taking.

Method

Lay participants with a Charlson Comorbidity Index of ≥4 (representing patients) and surgeons and anaesthetists (representing doctors) were recruited. During an online experiment, subjects in both groups forecast their expectations regarding short‐term (0, 1 and 3 months after treatment) and long‐term (6, 9 and 12 months after treatment) outcomes of different treatment options for one of three hypothetical clinical scenarios – ischaemic heart disease, colorectal cancer or osteoarthritis of the hip – and then chose between surgical or non‐surgical treatment. Subjects in both groups were asked to consider the scenarios from their own perspective (Estimation task), and then to adopt the perspective of subjects in the other study group (Perspective task). The decisions of all participants (surgery vs. non‐surgical alternative) were analysed using binomial generalized linear mixed models.

Results

In total, 55 lay participants and 54 doctors completed the online experiment. Systematic misalignment in expectations between high‐risk patients and doctors was observed, with patients expecting better surgical outcomes than clinicians. Patients forecast a significantly higher likelihood of engaging in normal activities in the long term (β = −1.09, standard error [SE] = 0.20, t = −5.38, p < 0.001), a lower likelihood of experiencing complications in the long term (β = 0.92, SE = 0.21, t = 4.45, p < 0.001) and a lower likelihood of experiencing depression in both the short term and the long term (β = 1.01, SE = 0.19, t = 5.38, p < 0.001), than did doctors. Compared with doctors, patients forecast higher estimates of experiencing complications in the short term when a non‐surgical alternative was selected (β = −0.91, SE = 0.26, t = −3.50, p = 0.003). Despite this misalignment, in both groups surgical treatment was strongly preferred (estimation task: 88.7% of doctors and 80% of patients; perspective task: 82.2% of doctors and 90.1% of patients).

Conclusion

When high‐risk surgery is discussed, a non‐surgical option may be viewed as ‘doing nothing’, hence reducing the sense of agency and control. This biases the decision‐making process, regardless of the expectations that doctors and patients might have about the outcomes of surgery. Therefore, to improve SDM and to increase the agency and control of patients regarding decisions about their care, we advocate framing the non‐surgical treatment options in a way that emphasizes action, agency and change.
Effects of Iconicity in Recognition Memory
Authors: Sidhu David M. , Khachatoorian Nareg , Vigliocco Gabriella
Published: November 2023

Iconicity refers to a resemblance between word form and meaning. Previous work has shown that iconic words are learned earlier and processed faster. Here, we examined whether iconic words are recognized better on a recognition memory task. We also manipulated the level at which items were encoded—with a focus on either their meaning or their form—in order to gain insight into the mechanism by which iconicity would affect memory. In comparison with non‐iconic words, iconic words were associated with a higher false alarm rate, a lower d’ score, and a lower response criterion in Experiment 1. We did not observe any interaction between iconicity and encoding condition. To test the generalizability of these findings, we examined effects of iconicity in a recognition memory megastudy across 3880 items. After controlling for a variety of lexical and semantic variables, iconicity was predictive of more hits and false alarms, and a lower response criterion in this dataset. In Experiment 2, we examined whether these effects were due to increased feelings of familiarity for iconic items by including a familiar versus recollect decision. This experiment replicated the overall results of Experiment 1 and found that participants were more likely to categorize words that they had seen before as familiar (vs. recollected) if they were iconic. Together, these results demonstrate that iconicity has an effect on memory. We discuss implications for theories of iconicity.
Event Knowledge in Large Language Models: The Gap Between the Impossible and the Unlikely
Authors: Kauf Carina , Ivanova Anna A. , Rambelli Giulia , Chersoni Emmanuele , She Jingyuan Selena , Chowdhury Zawad , Fedorenko Evelina , Lenci Alessandro
Published: November 2023

Word co‐occurrence patterns in language corpora contain a surprising amount of conceptual knowledge. Large language models (LLMs), trained to predict words in context, leverage these patterns to achieve impressive performance on diverse semantic tasks requiring world knowledge. An important but understudied question about LLMs’ semantic abilities is whether they acquire generalized knowledge of common events. Here, we test whether five pretrained LLMs (from 2018's BERT to 2023's MPT) assign a higher likelihood to plausible descriptions of agent−patient interactions than to minimally different implausible versions of the same event. Using three curated sets of minimal sentence pairs (totaln= 1215), we found that pretrained LLMs possess substantial event knowledge, outperforming other distributional language models. In particular, they almost always assign a higher likelihood to possible versus impossible events (The teacher bought the laptopvs.The laptop bought the teacher). However, LLMs show less consistent preferences for likely versus unlikely events (The nanny tutored the boyvs.The boy tutored the nanny). In follow‐up analyses, we show that (i) LLM scores are driven by both plausibility and surface‐level sentence features, (ii) LLM scores generalize well across syntactic variants (active vs. passive constructions) but less well across semantic variants (synonymous sentences), (iii) some LLM errors mirror human judgment ambiguity, and (iv) sentence plausibility serves as an organizing dimension in internal LLM representations. Overall, our results show that important aspects of event knowledge naturally emerge from distributional linguistic patterns, but also highlight a gap between representations of possible/impossible and likely/unlikely events.
News for nature: Communicating biodiversity importance and conservation challenges in Guinea‐Bissau, West Africa, through local media and online platforms
Authors: Ferreira da Silva Maria Joana , Minhós Tania , Sampaio‐Dias Susana
Published: November 2023

Guinea‐Bissau, an important regional biodiversity hotspot in West Africa, faces the challenge of raising awareness among the general public about the significance of natural resources for rural communities' survival and the need for biodiversity conservation. This knowledge gap hinders conservation efforts as initiatives are deemed irrelevant or unnecessary. A climate of political vulnerability, financial uncertainty and threats to media freedom are further obstacles to conservation biology. Researchers lack established communication platforms for academic dissemination. In this paper, we introduce the initiative News for Nature/PRIMACTION (2020–2022), which aimed to establish a communication channel between researchers and media agents. The project had two primary objectives: firstly, to raise awareness among the Guinea‐Bissau society about the importance of national biodiversity and conservation challenges; and secondly, to enhance the capacity of specific communicators and opinion makers. The project had several important outputs, including: i) a bi‐monthly newspaper section focused on “biodiversity conservation in Guinea‐Bissau”, ii) three radio‐theatre episodes performed by a well‐known group and broadcasted nationally, iii) one song composed and sung by famous musicians, with an introduction by Jane Goodall, and iv) a website providing technical resources for journalists covering biodiversity and conservation news. Collaborators mentioned the lack of logistical conditions for traveling in the country as a major impediment in reporting conservation‐related news. We emphasize the significance of establishing direct contact and articulation between researchers and local media to promote conservation research in West African countries. In countries where science communication and environmental education outreach are not well‐established, it is crucial to bridge the challenges faced by the communities in different regions of the same country. This is especially urgent in cases where such challenges are significant.
Does high‐normal blood pressure lead to excess cardiovascular disease events and deaths in Chinese people? A post‐hoc analysis of the 30‐year follow‐up of the Da Qing IGT and Diabetes Study
Authors: Wang Haixu , He Siyao , Wang Jinping , An Yali , Wang Xuan , Li Guangwei , Sun Ningling , Gong Qiuhong ,   for the Da Qing Diabetes Prevention Outcome Study Group
Published: November 2023

Aim

Whether systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP) values of 130‐139/80‐89 mmHg should be defined as hypertension has been debated for decades. We aimed to characterize the effect of high‐normal BP on cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and deaths.

Methods

In total, 1726 individuals from the original Da Qing IGT and Diabetes Study were enrolled, and divided into the normal BP group (SBP <130 mmHg and DBP <80 mmHg), high‐normal BP group (SBP 130‐139 mmHg and/or DBP 80‐89 mmHg) and hypertension group (SBP ≥140 mmHg and/or DBP ≥90 mmHg). CVD events and their components were assessed from 1986 to 2016.

Results

During the 30‐year follow‐up, the high‐normal BP group was not at higher risk for CVD events [hazard ratio (HR) 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84‐1.30, p = .68], coronary heart disease (HR 1.12, 95% CI 0.77‐1.63, p = .57), stroke (HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.82‐1.34, p = .71), or CVD deaths (HR 1.15, 95% CI 0.82‐1.60, p = .41) compared with the normal BP group, after adjusting for covariates. However, the hypertension group exhibited significantly increased cardiovascular risk (CVD events, HR 1.91, 95% CI 1.48‐2.46, p < .0001; coronary heart disease, HR 1.73, 95% CI 1.12‐2.67, p = .01; stroke, HR 1.90, 95% CI 1.43‐2.52, p < .0001; CVD deaths, HR 2.07, 95% CI 1.43‐3.01, p = .0001) than the normal BP group. Subgroup analyses showed that, regardless of the presence of diabetes, high‐normal BP did not increase CVD events compared with normal BP.

Conclusions

This post‐hoc study provided no evidence that the high‐normal BP increased cardiovascular risk in the Da Qing study population, suggesting that it was reasonable to continue to define hypertension at 140/90 mmHg in China.
Changes in courtship prior to oviposition in chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) and male preference for female body size
Authors: Seki Kyosuke , Ichimura Masaki , Ihara Nozomi , Makiguchi Yuya
Published: November 2023

Male chum salmon display a courtship behaviour involving an actively “quivering” against female, which is essential for female orgasm. Because generally male prefer larger female, we determined whether the elements of quivering such as the number, the amplitude, and the distance are affected by female body size. Additionally, quivering changes towards oviposition; therefore, we also identified the essential time for the male to succeed in his courtship behaviour. We conducted two experiments to measure quivering parameters: (i) measuring the number and the amplitude of quivering by the acceleration data logger and (ii) measuring the distance between sexes during quivering by observation of recorded video. From the first experiment, there was no significant relationship between the ratio of female‐to‐male body lengths and the number and the amplitude of quivering, while an important relationship between the body length ratio and the distance between sexes from the second experiment. Therefore, we think the distance is more significant than the number or vigour of quivering for male choice, and males quiver more closely to a larger female to increase reproductive success. In addition, when the body length ratio of the sexes is 1.01, the distance during quivering is the shortest. So, there is a possibility that the reproduction of chum salmon is based on size‐assortative mating. And both experiments also showed that male quiver passively as spawning approaches. We suggest that males may not quiver actively for smooth mating as females spawning approaches.
Before and after: COVID‐19 impacts on dental students' well‐being, clinical competency and employment opportunities
Authors: Hill Eva Barron , Mastny‐Jensen Chevvy , Loch Carolina
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The onset of COVID‐19 challenged dental schools worldwide, impacting clinical training. In Australasia, New Zealand adopted a COVID‐19 ‘elimination strategy’, involving nationwide lockdowns that halted face‐to‐face education. The ‘elimination strategy’ adopted at the pandemic onset, which permitted return to ‘normal life’ in 2021, allowed the pandemic impacts and those related workforce transition to be teased out. This study aimed to evaluate perceived impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic on health and well‐being, clinical competency and employment opportunities of dental students.

Materials and Methods

Two surveys were distributed to final year dental students (n = 94; age range 20–35): one during their final semester and the second six months following graduation. Surveys included open and closed ended questions on participants' self‐perceived impacts of COVID‐19 on health and well‐being, clinical competency and employment opportunities. Average percentages were calculated and descriptive statistics performed.

Results

Pre‐graduation, participants reported COVID‐19 negatively impacted their mental and social health. Slightly lower scores on all dimensions of health post‐graduation were likely due to transitioning to the workforce. Pre‐graduation, less than half of participants felt prepared to provide the full scope of dental treatment; post‐graduation most felt confident to do so. Most participants expected COVID‐19 would negatively impact employment opportunities for their cohort, despite all participants being employed when the second survey was conducted.

Conclusion

Participants self‐rated health and clinical competency scores were lower post‐graduation when NZ returned to ‘normal life’, meaning lower scores were related to workforce transition. Dental schools need to be prepared to provide alternative forms of dental education and help mitigate mental health impacts of future major course disruptions.
Non‐random sampling measures the occurrence but not the strength of a textbook trophic cascade
Authors: MacNulty Daniel R. , Brice Elaine M. , Larsen Eric J.
Published: November 2023

Although sampling the five tallest young aspen in a stand is useful for detecting the occurrence of any aspen recruitment, this technique overestimates the population response of aspen to wolf reintroduction. Our original conclusion that random sampling described a trophic cascade that was weaker than the one described by non‐random sampling is unchanged.
New trends in legal frameworks for purpose‐driven companies—The European way(s)
Authors: Ventura Livia
Published: November 2023

The debate on corporate governance of business companies and the discussions on the concept of corporate purpose intensified. Looking at the role of law in ensuring that businesses profit from creating benefits and not from creating detriments, it is worth distinguishing between interventions designed to incentivise the former (e.g., mandatory rules on sustainability disclosure or new dual‐purpose companies) and disincentivise the latter (tort or recent supply chain due diligence laws). Nevertheless, the existence of a grey area for activities that do not materialise in tort, or the violation of other mandatory rules cannot be denied and is probably where the reconceptualisation of fiduciary duties can mediate. New legal trends in these areas are mapped with a special focus on the European context and some comparative law considerations with respect to the United Kingdom and the United States. Finally, a suggestion for the future of European harmonisation on dual‐purpose companies will be offered.
Could motor blocks be a therapeutic option for treatment‐resistant functional dystonia? A case series of three patients
Authors: Garcin Béatrice , Cinquin Amaury , Degos Bertrand , Roze Emmanuel , Schnitzler Alexis
Published: November 2023

The diagnosis of functional dystonia is challenging because it is difficult to distinguish functional dystonia from other types of dystonia. After diagnostic explanation, multidisciplinary care is recommended, but some patients are resistant to treatments. We used motor blocks in three patients with severe resistant functional dystonia of the upper limbs to test (i) whether joint contracture was present and (ii) whether motor blocks have a therapeutic effect on functional dystonia. Patient 1 showed a good and sustained therapeutic response, Patient 2 experienced a resolution of the dystonic posture that lasted for 10 days, and Patient 3 experienced no effect. Motor blocks may be a useful therapeutic option in chronic treatment‐resistant functional dystonia. The treatment effect might be achieved through the experience of normal positioning and functioning of the limb.
Lenalidomide in the treatment of anti‐myelin‐associated glycoprotein neuropathy: A phase 1 study to identify the maximum tolerated dose
Authors: Stino Amro M. , Bumma Naresh , Smith Rachel , Davalos Long , Allen Jeff , Ye Jing Christine , Pianko Matthew , Campagnaro Erica , Fierro Cassandra , Awad Abdelrahman , Murdock Ben , Pietrzak Maciej , Loszanski Gerard , Kline David M. , Efebera Yvonne , Elsheikh Bakri
Published: November 2023

Background

Anti‐myelin‐associated glycoprotein (MAG) neuropathy is a debilitating demyelinating polyneuropathy with no approved therapies. Our primary objective was to ascertain lenalidomide safety and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) in anti‐MAG neuropathy.

Methods

This phase 1b, open‐label, single‐arm, dose‐finding trial was conducted from 2019 through 2022. The original design included a dose‐escalation/extension phase followed by a dose‐expansion phase. Three doses of lenalidomide were evaluated: 10, 15, and 25 mg. The main outcome was the MTD.

Results

Eleven patients enrolled (10 men), with a mean age of 67.6 years (SD = 6.18, range 58–77 years) and mean disease duration of 8.5 years (SD = 10.9, range 1–40 years). The study terminated early due to higher‐than‐expected non‐dose‐limiting toxicity venous thromboembolism (VTE) events. The calculated MTD was 25 mg (posterior mean of toxicity probability was 0.01 with a 95% credible interval of 0.00, 0.06), but a recommended phase 2 dose of 15 mg was advised. For secondary exploratory outcomes, only EQ‐5D (−0.95, 95% CI −1.81 to −0.09) and total IgM (−162 mg/dL, 95% CI −298 to −26) showed signs of improvement by month 12.

Conclusions

Lenalidomide was associated with higher‐than‐expected VTE events in anti‐MAG neuropathy patients, despite a calculated MTD of 25 mg. A recommended phase 2 dose of 15 mg was advised. Lenalidomide did not improve disability or impairment at 12 months, although this study was not powered for efficacy. The risks of long term lenalidomide may outweigh benefit for patients with anti‐MAG neuropathy. Any future efficacy study should address VTE risk, as current myeloma guidelines appear inadequate.

Trial Registration

Lenalidomide in Anti‐MAG Neuropathy: Phase 1b Study, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03701711, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03701711. First submitted October 10, 2018. First patient enrolled in January 2019.
Effect of short‐ versus long‐term serum glucose levels on early ischemic water homeostasis and functional outcome in patients with large vessel occlusion stroke
Authors: Klapproth Susan , Meyer Lukas , Kniep Helge , Bechstein Matthias , Kyselyova Anna , Hanning Uta , Schön Gerhard , Rimmele Leander , Fiehler Jens , Broocks Gabriel
Published: November 2023

Background and purpose

In ischemic stroke, the impact of short‐ versus long‐term blood glucose level (BGL) on early lesion pathophysiology and functional outcome has not been assessed. The purpose of this study was to directly compare the effect of long‐term blood glucose (glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c]) versus serum BGL on early edema formation and functional outcome.

Methods

Anterior circulation ischemic stroke patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy after multimodal computed tomography (CT) on admission were analyzed. Endpoints were early ischemic cerebral edema, measured by quantitative net water uptake (NWU) on initial CT and functional independence at Day 90.

Results

A total of 345 patients were included. Patients with functional independence had significantly lower baseline NWU (3.1% vs. 8.3%; p < 0.001) and lower BGL (113 vs. 123 mg/dL; p < 0.001) than those without functional independence, while HbA1c levels did not differ significantly (5.7% vs. 5.8%; p = 0.15). A significant association was found for NWU and BGL (ß = 0.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.006–0.03; p = 0.002), but not for HbA1c and NWU (ß = −0.16, 95% CI −0.53–0.21; p = 0.39). Mediation analysis showed that 67% of the effect of BGL on functional outcome was mediated by early edema formation.

Conclusion

Aggravated early edema and worse functional outcome was associated with elevated short‐term serum BGL, but not with HbA1c levels. Hence, the link between short‐term BGL and early edema development might be used as a target for adjuvant therapy in patients with ischemic stroke.
Validation and psychometric properties of a brief measure of parental attributions in a sample from Spain
Authors: Halty Lucía , Halty Amaia , Gismero Elena , Caperos Jose Manuel
Published: November 2023

The parental attribution measure (PAM) is an instrument that assesses the attributions made by parents regarding their children's behavior, for both clinical and community samples. This research has aimed at evaluating the psychometric properties of the PAM in a community sample in Spain. Data were analyzed from several samples of fathers and mothers (N1 = 253; N2 = 458, N3 = 711) who reported on their attributions and level of parental stress on the one hand and on their children's emotional insensitivity traits and behavioral problems on the other. The results did not support the original structure proposed but a unidimensional structure consisting of nine items with good psychometric properties and factorial invariance. The 9‐item PAM exhibited a positive relationship with callous unemotional traits and behavioral problems in children and with parental stress. This study provides important new insights into the psychometric properties of the PAM in a Spanish sample. It represents a significant advance, since so far there have been no other instruments to use in assessing parental attributions about their children's behavioral problems in Spanish. In short, this research is intended to evaluate the psychometric properties of the PAM in a sample of a community in Spain. The results supported a unidimensional structure composed of a 9‐item instrument with good psychometric properties and factorial invariance.
Association between immune‐related adverse events and prognosis in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors in melanoma: A surrogacy analysis
Authors: Euvrard Romain , Robert Marie , Mainbourg Sabine , Dalle Stéphane , Lega Jean‐Christophe
Published: November 2023

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) represent a breakthrough in oncology in terms of prognosis and safety. They now constitute a cornerstone in the management of metastatic melanoma. However, a new kind of adverse event called immune‐related adverse events (irAE) has emerged. These irAE could be conceptually considered as an indicator of the antitumoral immune response, but the association between irAE and prognosis is still a matter of debate.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the overall survival (OS) and the prevalence of irAE in melanoma.

Methods

MEDLINE/PubMed, WebofScience, ClinicalTrials, and WHOTrials databases were searched to identify phase 3 randomized controlled trials (RCT) assessing ICI in melanoma and published up to April 2021. A weighted regression was performed to estimate this association according to standard method of surrogacy analysis.

Results

A total of 14 RCT including 7646 patients (median age: 59.3 years) with melanoma were included. All types of ICI were represented (ipilimumab, tremelimumab, pembrolizumab, nivolumab, atezolizumab, as well as ipilimumab and nivolumab combination). irAE were frequent but rarely fatal. The combination of ICI caused more irAE than anti‐PD1 (or PDL1) and anti‐CTLA4 monotherapies. No relationship was found between the occurrence of irAE and OS (beta coefficient 0.078, R2 3%, p = 0.52), nor between cutaneous irAE and OS (beta coefficient 0.080, R2 6%, p = 0.33).

Conclusion

Although limited by the heterogeneity of ICI included in the regression and the low number of included RCT, the present study suggests an absence of association between irAE and prognosis in melanoma.
Subarctic winter warming promotes soil microbial resilience to freeze–thaw cycles and enhances the microbial carbon use efficiency
Authors: Lí Jin‐Tao , Hicks Lettice C. , Brangarí Albert C. , Tájmel Dániel , Cruz‐Paredes Carla , Rousk Johannes
Published: November 2023

Climate change is predicted to cause milder winters and thus exacerbate soil freeze–thaw perturbations in the subarctic, recasting the environmental challenges that soil microorganisms need to endure. Historical exposure to environmental stressors can facilitate the microbial resilience to new cycles of that same stress. However, whether and how such microbial memory or stress legacy can modulate microbial responses to cycles of frost remains untested. Here, we conducted an in situ field experiment in a subarctic birch forest, where winter warming resulted in a substantial increase in the number and intensity of freeze–thaw events. After one season of winter warming, which raised mean surface and soil (−8 cm) temperatures by 2.9 and 1.4°C, respectively, we investigated whether the in situ warming‐induced increase in frost cycles improved soil microbial resilience to an experimental freeze–thaw perturbation. We found that the resilience of microbial growth was enhanced in the winter warmed soil, which was associated with community differences across treatments. We also found that winter warming enhanced the resilience of bacteria more than fungi. In contrast, the respiration response to freeze–thaw was not affected by a legacy of winter warming. This translated into an enhanced microbial carbon‐use efficiency in the winter warming treatments, which could promote the stabilization of soil carbon during such perturbations. Together, these findings highlight the importance of climate history in shaping current and future dynamics of soil microbial functioning to perturbations associated with climate change, with important implications for understanding the potential consequences on microbial‐mediated biogeochemical cycles.
Access, health, re‐conhecimento: Co‐crafted Brazilian discourses on sustainable food
Authors: Afonso Rita , Sarayed‐Din Luiza , Kleine Dorothea , Carvalho Cristine , Bartholo Roberto , Hughes Alex
Published: November 2023

Academic discourse on food justice and sustainable food consumption needs to be informed by empirical contributions and heterogenous conceptualisations from diverse parts of the world. This paper broadens the dialogue with a variety of voices and knowledges, rooting itself not only in the specific political and social context, but also the discursive and epistemic traditions of Brazil, which stand in dialogue with international discourses. Firstly, an analysis is offered of the multi‐stakeholder process that since the mid‐1990s shaped the discourse, theorisation and policy making on food justice and sustainable food consumption in Brazil. Emerging from this process were globally leading Brazilian policy initiatives such as Zero Hunger, the School Feeding Program, the progressive Food Guide, and co‐crafted concepts such as comida de verdade. The institutional architecture for this discourse, the National Food Council and regular conferences, were dismantled in 2019 after a change in government. Secondly, the paper presents data from 30 interviews with key stakeholders from civil society, policy, business, media and celebrity influencers, conducted at the time of the dissolution. Three key subdiscourses on sustainable food consumption emerge: access, with an emphasis on right to food; health; and re‐conhecimento, a term we use to articulate the confluence of multiple knowledges and consciousnesses, including an insistence on the cultural role of food. Throughout the interviews, co‐crafted concepts and phrases emerging from the multistakeholder process reverberated. The paper argues that the multi‐stakeholder process resulted not just in a coherent shared discourse, concepts and policy during a period of conducive policy environment, but also in collective resilience. The invisible edifice of shared ideas and commitments around this public issue is still intact and may be reactivated in future. In times of increased political polarisation, not just in Brazil, this is an important argument for investing in such long‐term multi‐stakeholder dialogue processes.
FGFR1/2/3‐rearranged carcinoma of the head and neck: expanded histological spectrum crossing path with high‐risk HPV in the sinonasal tract
Authors: Chu Ying‐Hsia , Mullaney Kerry , DiNapoli Sara E , Cohen Marc A , Xu Bin , Ghossein Ronald , Katabi Nora , Dogan Snjezana
Published: November 2023

Aims

Oncogenic FGFR1/2/3 rearrangements are found in various cancers. Reported cases in head and neck (HN) are mainly squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) with FGFR3::TACC3 fusions, a subset of which also harbour high‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV). However, the knowledge of the clinicopathological spectrum of FGFR‐rearranged head and neck carcinomas (FHNC) is limited.

Methods and results

A retrospective MSK‐fusion clinical sequencing cohort 2016–23 was searched to identify malignant tumours in the HN region harbouring FGFR1/2/3 fusion. FHNC were characterised by histological examination, immunohistochemistry and molecular analysis. Electronic medical records were reviewed. Three FHNC were identified. Two cases (cases 1 and 2) involved sinonasal tract and were high‐grade carcinomas with squamous, basaloid, glandular and/or ductal–myoepithelial features. Case 1 arose in a 79‐year‐old man and harboured FGFR2::KIF1A fusion. Case 2 arose in a 58‐year‐old man, appeared as HPV‐related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma (HMSC), and was positive for FGFR2::TACC2 fusion and concurrent high‐risk HPV, non‐type 16/18. Case 3 was FGFR3::TACC3 fusion‐positive keratinising SCCs arising in the parotid of a 60‐year‐old man. All three cases presented at stage T4. Clinical follow‐up was available in two cases; case 1 remained disease‐free for 41 months post‐treatment and case 3 died of disease 2 months after the diagnosis.

Conclusions

FHNC include a morphological spectrum of carcinomas with squamous features and may occur in different HN locations, such as parotid gland and the sinonasal tract. Sinonasal cases can harbour FGFR2 rearrangement with or without associated high‐risk HPV. Timely recognition of FHNC could help select patients potentially amenable to targeted therapy with FGFR inhibitors. Further studies are needed (1) to determine if FGFR2 rearranged/HPV‐positive sinonasal carcinomas are biologically distinct from HMSC, and (2) to elucidate the biological and clinical significance of FGFR2 rearrangement in the context of high‐risk HPV.