bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ceramide‐based risk score CERT‐1 improves risk prediction for overall mortality and adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with and without cardiovascular disease: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Mantovani Alessandro , Lunardi Gianluigi , Bonapace Stefano , Molinero Agustin E. , Morandin Riccardo , Fiorio Veronica , Molon Giulio , Byrne Christopher D. , Targher Giovanni
Published: December 2024

Aims

Whether the plasma‐based ceramide‐based risk score CERT1 improves risk prediction for cardiovascular disease (CVD) is uncertain.

Materials and Methods

Baseline and follow‐up data were combined from two cohorts, 334 patients with established/suspected CVD and 196 patients with type 2 diabetes followed for a median of 74 months (interquartile range 54–79 months). For the calculation of CERT1 risk score, we measured four specific plasma ceramides [Cer(d18:1/16:0), Cer(d18:1/18:0) and Cer(d18:1/24:1)] and their ratios to Cer(d18:1/24:0). Based on the CERT1 risk score, patients were split into four risk categories (low, moderate, increased or high risk). The primary outcome was a composite of overall mortality and incident nonfatal CVD outcomes (including myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke or permanent atrial fibrillation).

Results

One hundred and thirty‐nine patients developed the primary composite outcome (72 nonfatal CVD outcomes and 67 total deaths) during follow‐up. Baseline CERT1 risk categories were significantly associated with the risk of developing the primary composite outcome (adjusted HR for high vs. low‐risk category 2.43, 95% CI 1.39–4.22, p = 0.002, and adjusted HR for increased vs. low‐risk category 2.16, 95% CI 1.28–3.63, p = 0.004). Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis showed that adding CERT1 risk score to traditional CVD risk factors and pre‐existing CVD, improved the discriminatory capability of the regression model for predicting the primary composite outcome (AUROC 0.691 [95% CI 0.674–0.769] vs. 0.722 [95% CI 0.642–0.742], p = 0.0275).

Conclusions

The ceramide‐based risk score CERT1 risk score improves risk prediction for long‐term risk of overall mortality and adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with and without CVD.
Macroecological patterns of rodent population dynamics shaped by bioclimatic gradients
Authors: Soininen Eeva M. , Magnusson Magnus , Jepsen Jane U. , Eide Nina E. , Yoccoz Nigel G. , Angerbjörn Anders , Inge Breisjøberget Jo , Ecke Frauke , Ehrich Dorothee , Framstad Erik , Henttonen Heikki , Hörnfeldt Birger , Killengreen Siw , Olofsson Johan , Oksanen Lauri , Oksanen Tarja , Tveito Ole Einar , Ims Rolf A.
Published: December 2024

Long‐term studies of cyclic rodent populations have contributed fundamentally to the development of population ecology. Pioneering rodent studies have shown macroecological patterns of population dynamics in relation to latitude and have inspired similar studies in several other taxa. Nevertheless, such studies have not been able to disentangle the role of different environmental variables in shaping the macroecological patterns. We collected rodent time‐series from 26 locations spanning 10 latitudinal degrees in the tundra biome of Fennoscandia and assessed how population dynamics characteristics of the most prevalent species varied with latitude and environmental variables. While we found no relationship between latitude and population cycle peak interval, other characteristics of population dynamics showed latitudinal patterns. The environmental predictor variables provided insight into causes of these patterns, as 1) increased proportion of optimal habitat in the landscape led to higher density amplitudes in all species and 2) mid‐winter climate variability lowered the amplitude in Norwegian lemmings and grey‐sided voles. These results indicate that biome‐scale climate and landscape change can be expected to have profound impacts on rodent population cycles and that the macro‐ecology of such functionally important tundra ecosystem characteristics is likely to be subjected to transient dynamics.
Profiles of Perfectionism and Their Relations to Task Disengagement, Test Anxiety, and Depression in South Korean High School Students: The Mediating Role of Achievement Goals
Authors: Chung Yoonkyung , Shin Joo Yeon
Published: December 2024

This study examined the profiles of 437 South Korean high school students, defined by their scores on four subscales of perfectionism (i.e., organisation, personal standards, concern for mistakes, and doubts about actions) from a person‐centered perspective. We then assessed the mean differences across class memberships in the levels of task disengagement, test anxiety, and depression. Latent profile analysis identified four distinct profiles of individuals: non‐perfectionist, average‐mixed perfectionist, adaptive perfectionist, and high‐mixed perfectionist. Adaptive perfectionists exhibited the most adaptive features across academic and psychological indicators, whereas high‐mixed perfectionists exhibited the most maladaptive features. Compared with adaptive perfectionists, non‐perfectionists and average‐mixed perfectionists pursued mastery goals to a lesser extent, leading to increased task disengagement and depression. Implications for the role of mastery goals in designing interventions to support students' efforts to engage in tasks and decrease test anxiety and depression were suggested. Directions for future research were also discussed.
Tumor Lysis Syndrome in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients Treated With a Venetoclax Based Regimen
Authors: Rowe Margaret , Babushok Daria , Carroll Martin , Carulli Alison , Frey Noelle , Gill Saar , Hexner Elizabeth , Hirsh Rebecca , Hossain Nasheed , Lai Catherine , Loren Alison , Luger Selina , Maillard Ivan , McCurdy Shannon , Matthews Andrew , Martin Mary Ellen , Paralkar Vikram R , Perl Alexander , Porter David , Pratz Keith , Stadtmauer Edward , Bruno Ximena Jordan
Published: December 2024

Venetoclax with hypomethylating agents (HMA) is the standard of care for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in patients ineligible for intensive chemotherapy and is associated with tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). TLS prophylaxis and the use of Cairo Bishop versus Howard diagnostic criteria are not standardized. Here we report TLS prophylaxis and incidence in a retrospective cohort of 100 consecutive AML patients treated with venetoclax and HMA. Thirty four patients developed laboratory Cairo Bishop TLS; 8 of these met criteria for clinical Cairo Bishop TLS. Only 6 of patients met Howard TLS criteria. Fourteen patients had spontaneous TLS. Ninety two out of 100 patients had a white blood cell count (WBC) < 25 000 cells/μL at treatment start. Prophylaxis like the original venetoclax trial with allopurinol (56%), intravenous fluids (21%), and frequent lab monitoring (56%) was less common. There was a trend toward increased Cairo Bishop TLS in patients with WBC ≥ 15 000 cells/μL. In our study Howard TLS criteria better identified patients with significant TLS. Aggressive TLS prophylaxis was uncommon in our cohort and is likely unnecessary for most patients at low risk of TLS.
Underrepresentation of Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma in Clinical Trials for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Puckrin Robert , Owen Carolyn , Peters Anthea
Published: December 2024

Background

Although chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) are the same biologic disease entity and warrant identical treatment approaches, patients with SLL have frequently been excluded from clinical trials in CLL.

Methods

This study assessed the representation of patients with SLL among Phase II or III clinical trials cited in the 2024 National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) treatment guidelines.

Results

Patients with SLL were explicitly eligible for only 21 (38%) of the 56 clinical trials for CLL, comprising 222 (6%) of the 3440 enrolled patients. Notably, 380 patients with SLL were enrolled in 16 separate non‐CLL clinical trials alongside patients with indolent B‐cell lymphomas such as follicular lymphoma. In CLL trials, patients with SLL were included in a greater proportion of studies evaluating BTK inhibitors (67%) or BTK/BCL2 inhibitor combinations (67%) compared to BCL2 inhibitors (0%) or chemoimmunotherapy (0%).

Conclusions

Although recent and upcoming trials show a promising trend toward the inclusion of patients with SLL, further advocacy is needed to raise awareness of the biological similarities between CLL and SLL and to promote the representation of patients with SLL in CLL/SLL clinical research.
Geochemical and microbial responses to limestone and peat treatment of incubated hypermonosulfidic sediments
Authors: Kononova Liubov , Johnson Anders , Engblom Sten , Stén Pekka , Yu Changxun , Österholm Peter , Kessler Vadim , Seisenbaeva Gulaim , Dopson Mark , Åström Mats , Högfors‐Rönnholm Eva
Published: December 2024

Fine‐grained hypermonosulfidic sediments are widespread on the coastal plains of the northern Baltic Sea that when drained, cause the formation and dispersion of acid and toxic‐metal species. In this study, a 30‐month laboratory oxidation experiment with such a sediment was performed in incubation cells. To minimize or prevent acidification, limestone was applied in two grain sizes: agricultural limestone with particles that were all <3.15 mm and half of them <0.80 mm, and fine‐grained limestone with a median grain size of 2.5 μm. The amount of limestone applied corresponded to the theoretical acidity contained in the sulfides, as well as four times that amount. Another treatment included addition of peat to the low limestone dose to test its effects on immobilizing sufhur and metals. The pH of the drainage water and solid phase decreased to pH <4.0 in the control, and to pH <5.0 in the coarse‐grained low‐limestone treatment, but remained near‐neutral in the other treatments. Hence, the fine‐grained limestone effectively hindered acidity formation in contrast with the coarse‐grained limestone when applied in amounts corresponding to the potential acidity held in the sulfides. The limestone treatments further overall decreased the rate of pyrite oxidation, slowed down the movement of the oxidation front, strongly minimized the formation of dissolved and solid‐phase labile Al, and caused formation of gypsum as well as more labile secondary Fe(III) phases than corresponding Fe phases formed in the control. The limestone and peat treatments also caused shifts in the 16S rRNA gene‐based microbial communities, where the control developed acidophilic iron and sulfur oxidizing communities that promoted acidity and metal release. Instead, the limestone‐treated unacidified incubations developed acid tolerance to neutrophilic communities of iron and sulfur oxidizers that promoted sulfate formation without acidity release. The results showed that limestone treatments have several biogeochemical effects, and that using a fine‐grained limestone as amendment was favourable in terms of minimizing acidity formation and metal release.
Toward the Development of the Trojan Female Technique in Pest Insects: Male‐Specific Influence of Mitochondrial Haplotype on Reproductive Output in the Seed Beetle Acanthoscelides obtectus
Authors: Lea Vlajnić , Uroš Savković , Jelena Jović , Sanja Budečević , Biljana Stojković , Mirko Đorđević
Published: December 2024

Biocontrol techniques that impair reproductive capacity of insect pests provide opportunities to control the dynamics of their populations while minimizing collateral damage to non‐target species and the environment. The Trojan Female Technique, or TFT, is a method of the trans‐generational fertility‐based population control through the release of females that carry mitochondrial DNA mutations that negatively affect male, but not female, reproductive output. TFT is based on the evolutionary hypothesis that, due to maternal inheritance of mitochondria, mutations which are beneficial or neutral in females but harmful in males can accumulate in the mitochondrial genome without selection acting against them. Although TFT has been theoretically substantiated, empirical work to date has focused only on Drosophila melanogaster populations, while the existence of male‐biased mutations and the TFT approach in economically important pest species remain unexplored. Here, we examined the sex‐specific effects of three distinct and naturally occurring mitochondrial haplotypes (MG1a, MG1d, and MG3b) on several reproductive and life history traits in the seed beetle Acanthoscelides obtectus. Our results revealed that males harboring the MG3b mitotype exhibited lower early fecundity and fertility, while there were no effects on females or longevity in either sex. Our experiments provide support for the existence of the mitochondrial variant that specifically impairs male reproductive output in pest insects. These results can be harnessed to further develop TFT as a novel form of biocontrol with broad applicability to economic pests and disease vector insects.
Physicochemical and functional properties of a novel clodronate‐containing chelating gel: A comparative in vitro study
Authors: Wright Patricia P. , Diamond Elise S. , Selvaprithiviraj Vignesh , Peters Ove A.
Published: December 2024

Aim

All commercial chelating gels contain EDTA which reacts chemically with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). This research aimed to develop a non‐EDTA clodronate gel and to measure physicochemical and functional gel properties of the novel and commercial gels.

Methodology

A 1.37 M clodronate gel was made by combining polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400 and tetrasodium clodronate. File‐Eze™, Glyde™, Odontoprep®, RC‐Prep®, SlickGel™ ES and the clodronate gel were tested in pH, density and viscosity experiments. pH: A pH meter was used at 23°C. Viscosity: A rheometer recorded viscosity at a shear rate of 10/s at 35°C. Free available chlorine (FAC): NaOCl reactivity with the clodronate gel was compared to a 4% NaOCl control by measuring FAC with iodometric titration. Tissue Dissolution: File‐Eze, Glyde, RC‐Prep and clodronate gel mixtures with 4% NaOCl, PBS (phosphate buffered saline) (negative control) and 4% NaOCl (positive control) were tested. Percentage weight losses of porcine palatal mucosa were recorded over 5 min at 35°C. Smear Layer Removal (SLR): Scanning electron micrography and ImageJ software assessed the SLR ability of File‐Eze, Glyde, RC‐Prep, clodronate gel, PBS (negative control) and 15% EDTA (positive control) by calculating the area fraction percentage of the image occupied by open dentinal tubules (AF%).

Results

pH: Values ranged from 5.78 ± 0.09 (RC‐Prep) to 11.34 ± 0.05 (clodronate gel). Viscosity: Ranges were 6390 ± 290 (File‐Eze) to 714 ± 50 mPa.s (Odontoprep). FAC: The clodronate gel differed significantly from 4% NaOCl (p < 0.0001, two‐way anova, Šídák's tests), albeit with small absolute differences. Tissue Dissolution: All gel–NaOCl mixtures, except for clodronate gel‐NaOCl, differed significantly to 4% NaOCl (p < 0.0001, one‐way AVOVA, Tukey's multiple comparisons test). Weight losses were: 4% NaOCl, 30.0 ± 3.7%; clodronate gel‐4% NaOCl, 29.2 ± 3.5%; whilst other gel–4% NaOCl mixtures ranged from 2.8 ± 2.0% to −0.6 ± 4.5% and PBS was −0.13 ± 3.3%. SLR Ability: Median AF%s were: 15% EDTA‐9.7%; File‐Eze‐8.7%; clodronate gel‐5.8%; Glyde‐2.5%; RC‐Prep‐2.2%; PBS‐0.22%. All gels differed to 15% EDTA (p < 0.0001, Kruskal–Wallis, Dunn's tests) except File‐Eze.

Conclusions

The gels varied in physical properties, but none of them both dissolved organic tissue in NaOCl mixtures and removed smear layer well. Thus, none of the gels tested possessed all functional properties required of a chelating gel for glide path creation.
Institutional investors and workplace safety
Authors: Chung Chune Young , Choi Wonseok , Pham Huy
Published: December 2024

This study examines how institutional investors influence workplace safety. Using data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, we find that firms with higher institutional ownership have significantly lower injury and illness rates, especially those with dedicated investors who are geographically proximate to their establishments and high union coverage levels. Our analysis indicates that such firms adopt employee‐friendly corporate cultures and invest in organizational capital and workplace safety. Overall, this study offers novel and robust evidence of the monitoring role of institutional investors in shaping workplace safety outcomes.
Dislocation and amorphous ribbons strengthening in tungsten silicide under high pressure and temperature
Authors: Zeng Yingying , Liang Hao , Pu Jieru , Liu Lei , Pan Xiaolong , Luo Hao , Niu Zhenwei , Zhang Wei , Bian Liang
Published: December 2024

Tungsten disilicide (WSi2) is a promising material for high‐temperature applications due to its excellent mechanical properties and superior thermal stability. This study aims to investigate the mechanisms underlying the performance enhancement of polycrystalline WSi2 and tungsten silicide (W‐Si) composites synthesized by high‐temperature and high‐pressure (HPHT) strategies, focusing on their phase composition and microstructure. The results show that high pressure can effectively reduce the synthesis temperature of the tungsten silicide system, with the phase composition and microstructure of the products being dominated by the treatment temperature. The high intergranular strain resulting from the reactive process and the HPHT environment facilitated the formation of high‐density dislocations, including dislocation arrays and networks with multiple orientations, especially near the grain boundaries. Additionally, a 3‐nm thick amorphous ribbons were identified between these boundaries. This microstructure, characterized by high‐density dislocations and amorphous ribbons, confers exceptional mechanical properties and oxidation resistance. The differences in oxidation behavior between powder and bulk WSi2 samples underscore the complex relationship between phase stability and material properties under varying processing conditions. These findings indicate that dislocations and amorphous ribbons can achieve in high‐temperature ceramics with strong covalent bonding, which is essential for the design and synthesis of advanced W‐Si‐based ceramics.
Canada goose fecal microbiota correlate with geography more than host‐associated factors
Authors: Gil Joshua C. , Skeen Heather R. , Cuellar Celeste , Hird Sarah M.
Published: December 2024

Gut microbiota interact with host biology in numerous important ways. The forces shaping the composition, diversity, and function of the microbiota vary within and between species. Avian microbiota often correlate more strongly with sampling location specific environmental variables than with host‐associated factors such as age, but robust, range‐wide sampling is rare. To better understand the connection between geographic distance and the microbiota, fecal samples were collected from non‐migratory Canada goose populations across the United States. We expected that geographically closer populations would be exposed to more similar environmental microbes and would therefore have more similar gut microbiota. We hypothesized that intrinsic host‐associated factors would have a weak correlation to gut microbial composition and geographic distance would have a stronger correlation. We found that some components of Canada goose microbiota are present in a majority of the geese, including four bacterial phyla, five families, and three genera. However, there were significant differences in microbial alpha diversity based on state of origin as well as significant positive correlations between geography and beta diversity. Supervised machine learning models were able to predict the state and flyway of origin of a fecal sample based on bacterial composition alone. Distance−decay analysis showed a significant positive relationship between geographic distance and beta diversity. Our work provides novel insights into the microbiota of the Canada goose and supports the hypothesis that avian microbiota are influenced by the host's environment. This work also suggests that there is a minimum geographic distance, likely associated with sufficient variation in habitat, climate, and local food sources, that must be reached before significant differences in the microbiota between two populations can be detected.
Exploring the Role of the Metaverse in English Speaking Proficiency Tests
Authors: Shin Dongkwang , Kwon Suh Keong , Noh Wonjun Izac , Hwang Yohan
Published: December 2024

Background

This study examines the evolution of English speaking proficiency test methods, which have traditionally relied on face‐to‐face interactions to assess communicative language competence. Recently, computer‐based language tests have also been used on a larger scale, albeit with concerns about their impact on measurement.

Objectives

This paper investigates the potential of the metaverse in the context of Oral Proficiency Interviews (OPI) for evaluating the speaking proficiency of English learners. Specifically, the research centres on the utilisation of one of the recently emerging metaverse platforms (Zepeto) to conduct OPI tests based on the comparison of the results obtained from the traditional face‐to‐face tests and an online video conferencing platform (Zoom).

Methods

A total of 60 EFL young pupils participated in three different speaking tasks via the three modes given in a counter‐balanced order. The test scores of the three modes were rated and analysed to examine the degree to which different test modes had an effect on them. A questionnaire with 10 items (plus one sub‐question) was used to investigate participants' experiences and perceptions of three speaking assessment modes.

Results and Conclusions

The results show that test‐takers performed significantly better in the metaverse test mode than in the other two modes, while no significant difference was found between the face‐to‐face and online video conferencing modes. The sub‐scores of speaking test criteria such as task completion, pronunciation, language use and fluency were also analysed for comparison, and similar results were found except for the sub‐scores of the language use criteria. Responses to the questionnaire also showed that the metaverse platform was the most helpful and preferred mode.

Implications for Practice

Based on the findings, this study suggests that the new testing modes incorporated with virtual environments have great potential to be alternatives to traditional testing modes.
Research Trends and Hotspots on Family Caregivers of Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder From 2002 to 2022: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Lan Kunyi , Jia Xinlei , Gao Shumin , Feng Zhendong , Jia Meixiang , Yue Weihua , Wei Ya Bin , Liu Jia Jia
Published: December 2024

Problems

Family caregivers of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (FC‐ASD) have been reported to experience high levels of physical and psychological distress. This bibliometric study aimed to analyze the research trends, collaboration and knowledge dissemination pertaining to FC‐ASD over the past 20 years.

Methods

This study provided an analysis of documents indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC), published from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2022. VOSviewer and R Package “bibliometrix” were used to conduct performance analysis, coauthorship analysis and keyword co‐occurrence analysis.

Findings

A total of 9522 articles were included in this study. The number of annual publications has increased sharply. The United States of America demonstrated the highest scientific productivity, and Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders published the most papers on this topic. Clusters of research hotspots suggested five primary areas received considerable attention, including caregivers' burden and psychiatric problems, needs and experiences, skills training and intervention, reports of ASD symptoms, comorbidities and prevalence, as well as specific populations and periods of FC‐ASD.

Conclusions

Over the past two decades, there has been a progressive increase in the number of publications in the field of FC‐ASD. There is a need for further research focused on multidisciplinary, family‐centered and telehealth‐based interventions, as well as qualitative studies aimed at exploring the experiences of FC‐ASD.
Sending Out an SMS: Automatic Enrollment Experiments for Overdraft Alerts
Authors: GRUBB MICHAEL D. , KELLY DARRAGH , NIEBOER JEROEN , OSBORNE MATTHEW , SHAW JONATHAN
Published: December 2024

At‐scale field experiments at major U.K. banks show that automatic enrollment into “just‐in‐time” text alerts reduces unarranged overdraft and unpaid item charges 17% to 19% and arranged overdraft charges 4% to 8%, implying annual market‐wide savings of £170 million to £240 million. Incremental benefits from “early‐warning” alerts are statistically insignificant, although economically significant effects are not ruled out. Prior to the experiments, over half of overdrafts could have been avoided by using lower‐cost liquidity available in savings and credit card accounts. Alerts help consumers achieve less than half of these potential savings.
Development and Clinical Detection of Rapid Molecular Diagnostic System for Pathogenic Dermatophytes of Tinea Capitis of Multiple Centres in China
Authors: Zhu Peiqiu , Shao Jin , Wang Ruojun , Xiao Yuanyuan , Zhou Yabin , Li Qian , Song Yinggai , Wan Zhe , Li Ruoyu , Yu Jin
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Tinea capitis remains a common fungal infection in children worldwide. Species identification is critical for determining the source of infection and reducing transmission. In conventional methods, macro‐ and microscopic analysis is time‐consuming and results in slow fungal growth or low specificity. We propose a rapid real‐time diagnostic PCR method that allows species‐specific identification of dermatophytes, including the Microsporum canis complex, Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex, Trichophyton rubrum complex and Trichophyton tonsurans, in patients with tinea capitis.

Methods

Hair and scrapings samples were collected from 231 patients with tinea capitis who were positive for fungal elements via direct microscopy with potassium hydroxide. Each sample was subjected to a two‐step real‐time PCR (RT–PCR) assay, which was designed on the basis of differences in the DNA fragments of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and β‐tubulin covering the Microsporum canis complex, T. mentagrophyte complex, T. rubrum complex, T. tonsurans, T. verrucosum, T. schoenleinii and N. gypseum.

Results

In total, 186/231 samples (80.52%) were positive for fungal culture. The two‐step RT–PCR was positive in 215/231 samples (93.07%), among which 179 were culture positive. The combined efficacy was 96.81%, which was significantly different when the RT–PCR assays were performed in parallel with fungal culture. A total of 126 samples (54.55%) were identified as Microsporum canis by fungal culture, among which the positive rate of M. canis complex RT–PCR was 97.62% (123/126). A total of 45 samples were negative for fungal culture, of which 80.0% (36/45) were positive by RT–PCR, and the percentage of M. canis complex‐positive samples was 53.33% (24/45). The RT–PCR assays were negative for 16/231 samples, among which 7 were culture positive, including M. canis (n = 3), T. violaceum (n = 3) and N. gypseum (n = 1).

Conclusion

We developed a new diagnostic assay system using a rapid real‐time TaqMan PCR assay with specific primers that can be applied in routine laboratory practice for hair and skin samples of tinea capitis to detect dermatophytes and increase diagnostic efficiency.
A Network Analysis of Quality of Life Among Older Adults With Arthritis
Authors: Wi Dahee , Park Chang G. , Lee Jiae , Kim Eunjin , Kim Yoonjung
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Arthritis, one of the most common chronic diseases among older people, greatly impairs quality of life through a variety of physical and psychological challenges. This study used network analysis to gain a deeper understanding of the relationships between the indicators of quality of life in older adults with arthritis depending on duration of disease.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study used data from 874 older adults with osteoarthritis and/or rheumatoid arthritis who answered the eighth (2019–2021) Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We used network analyses of these data to investigate eight indicators of quality of life (pain, climbing stairs, vitality, working, depression, sleep, happiness and memory loss). Participants were divided into two groups depending on the duration of their arthritis (group A: < 10 years, group B: ≥ 10 years).

Results

For group A, depression, working and climbing stairs were the most central indicators affecting quality of life. For group B, the most central quality of life indicators were depression, working, happiness, pain and sleep. In group A, the strongest associations were between depression and happiness, pain and climbing stairs and working and climbing stairs. The same strong associations were observed in group B, along with additional strong associations between depression and memory loss, sleep and happiness, pain and working and happiness and vitality. The bootstrap analyses showed that the networks were very stable and the edge weights accurately estimated.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that healthcare professionals should routinely screen for depressive symptoms and activities of daily living, especially for older people with 10 or more years of arthritis. Both psychological and physical indicators should be prioritised as key factors in self‐management interventions that aim to improve quality of life for older adults with arthritis. Sejong‐si, South Korea: Implications for Practice. This study highlights the importance of multidimensionalcare plans to improve the quality of life for older adults with arthritis. Healthcareprofessionals should adopt care strategies that simultaneously address the key psychologicaland physical indicators to effectively enhance overall quality of life.

Implications for Practice

This study highlights the importance of multidimensional care plans to improve the quality of life for older adults with arthritis. Healthcare professionals should adopt care strategies that simultaneously address the key psychological and physical indicators to effectively enhance overall quality of life.
Infantile Hemangioma With Aggressive, Early‐Onset Ulceration, and Kasabach–Merritt‐Like Phenomenon in a Newborn
Authors: Huang Charles Y. , Trinidad Hasbún María , Duffy Robert F. , Smith Robert J. , Do Ngan , Rastogi Supriya , Queenan Maria , Yang Sherry , Lee Jason B. , Perman Marissa J. , Yan Albert C.
Published: December 2024

Infantile hemangiomas (IH) are the most common benign tumors of infancy and progress through recognized stages of evolution including early proliferation, plateau, and involution. Ulceration is a common complication of IHs typically observed during the early proliferative stage characterized by rapid growth. In rare cases, ulceration is the primary clinical manifestation of IHs. We present the case of a newborn with an IH manifesting as an aggressive, early‐onset ulcerative lesion on the lower extremity associated with transient thrombocytopenia and coagulation abnormalities.
Donation After Circulatory Determination of Death in Pediatric Patients on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation at the Time of Death
Authors: Mansour Marwa , Okhuysen‐Cawley Regina , Doane Katherine , Jacobs Lauren , Coleman Ryan , Lam Fong Wilson , Ontaneda Andrea
Published: December 2024

Background

Pediatric solid organ transplantation is challenging due to the limited availability of suitable organs resulting in an increasing waitlist. Many pediatric transplant recipients receive organs from deceased donors, often after neurologic determination of death. Organ donation from patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) at the time of death has been described in adults, offering the potential for donation after circulatory determination of death (DCDD) with minimal ischemia time.

Case Description

DCDD on ECMO requires a coordinated and seamless approach from a multidisciplinary team for clinical care. In this article, we aim to describe our institutional DCDD practice guidelines, which involve withdrawing ECMO support in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) or the operating room (OR), followed by organ procurement after the declaration of death, and our experience with DCDD in 2 pediatric patients on ECMO.

In case 1, withdrawal of life‐sustaining therapies (WOLST) occurred in the PICU with transport to the OR for DCDD.

In case 2, both WOLST and DCDD occurred in the OR. In the described context, ECMO provided hemodynamic stability with minimal warm ischemia time for the donated organs.

Conclusions

This approach offers a novel resource for pediatric organ transplantation, potentially expanding the pediatric donor pool.
Can earlobe stimulation serve as a sham for transcutaneous auricular vagus stimulation? Evidence from an alertness study following sleep deprivation
Authors: Cheng Chen , Xue Xinxin , Jiao Yunyun , Du Mengyu , Zhang Mengkai , Zeng Xiao , Sun Jin‐Bo , Qin Wei , Deng Hui , Yang Xue‐Juan
Published: December 2024

Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) has garnered increasing attention as a safe and effective peripheral neuromodulation technique in various clinical and cognitive neuroscience fields. However, there is ongoing debate about whether the commonly used earlobe control interferes with the objective assessment of taVNS regulatory effects. This study aims to further explore the regulatory effects of taVNS and earlobe stimulation (ES) on alertness levels and physiological indicators following 24 h of sleep deprivation (SD), based on previous findings that both taVNS and ES showed significant positive effects. The goal is to evaluate whether ES can serve as a neutral sham condition. Using a within‐subject randomized experimental design involving 56 participants, we assessed alertness, heart rate variability (HRV), and salivary alpha‐amylase (sAA) levels in the morning of the first day. After 24 h of SD and 30 min of either taVNS or ES intervention, these indicators were re‐evaluated, and the changes in both groups were analyzed. The results indicated that both taVNS and ES improved alertness levels following SD. However, taVNS significantly increased sAA levels, indicating activation of the LC‐NE system, whereas ES significantly increased HR and reduced HRV, promoting sympathetic nervous activity. Additionally, the regulatory effect of taVNS on the alertness showed a higher correlation with SD impairment. Although taVNS and ES may involve different and separable neuromodulation mechanisms, both can enhance alertness following SD. Future studies should carefully consider the potential regulatory effects of ES when using it as a sham condition in taVNS research.
Gender Wage Gap in Early Careers: Evidence From University Graduates in China
Authors: Zhang Yue , Dong Yanyan
Published: December 2024

This study analyzes the gender wage gap (GWG) among early‐career graduates from an elite university specializing in finance and economics disciplines. Despite female students performing better academically, the GWG for first jobs is about 21.4%, increasing to 30.0% after 3–5 years. At the major level, significant gaps are found in Finance, Management, and Accounting, while gaps in Economics and Business are minimal. At the educational level, GWG among graduates is relatively smaller. Decomposition analysis reveals female graduates' advantages in observed characteristics act to reduce the GWG by 55.7% and 29.4% in starting wages and current wages, respectively, with more males entering the finance industry. Females with graduate degrees in mega‐cities experience a reduced GWG compared to similarly qualified males.
Brain Functional Characteristics in Football Players During Motor‐Cognitive Dual Task: Insights From fNIRS
Authors: Yin Jiahui , Gao Shengjie , Zhang Ming , Xu Gongcheng , Xu Kun , He Xin , Wang Yan , Li Zengyong , Shao Bin
Published: December 2024

Long‐term training enables professional athletes to develop concentrated and efficient neural network organizations for specific tasks. This study used functional near‐infrared spectroscopy to investigate task performance, brain functional characteristics, and their relationships in footballers during sport‐specific motor‐cognitive processes. Twenty‐four footballers (athlete group, with 18 remaining of good signal quality) and 20 non‐footballers (control group, with 16 remaining) completed four tasks: a single task (trigger buttons corresponding to the appearance direction of teammates with kicking actions), an N‐back direction task, a dual task, and an N‐back digit task. Brain activation, functional connectivity (FC), and lateralization were calculated, and their correlation with behavioral indicators was analyzed. Results showed that reaction times were shorter in footballers across all tasks. The activation value in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) decreased during dual task compared to the resting state in the athlete group. The activation values in all brain regions (except left primary sensory cortex in the single task), right DLPFC (dual task), and left premotor cortex & left supplementary motor area (left PMC & left SMA, digit task) were significantly lower in the athlete group than in the control group. Footballers exhibited higher interhemispheric FC during the direction and digit tasks, and greater leftward bias in the DLPFC during the dual task. The FC between left prefrontal cortex (PFC) ‐left PMC & left SMA and within the left PFC region was significantly positively correlated with accuracy during the dual task. Footballers showed better task performance with less impact from load, lower central energy consumption and higher sensory‐motor network connectivity during task execution, indicating a more efficient state. Enhancing brain function and related networks may improve athletes' reactive abilities and performance.
From Steppe to City: Reaching Chinese and Mongolian Voices Using a Novel Survey Methodology
Authors: Houck Shannon C.
Published: December 2024

Objective

The primary purpose of this study was to examine Chinese and Mongolian attitudes on cultural and socio‐political issues important to China–Mongolia relations across geospatial and demographic data.

Method

To investigate, this research leveraged Random Domain Intercept Technology (RDIT) to collect anonymous opt‐in survey responses from people in all 34 regions of China (N  = 5028) and in all 21 Aimags (provinces) in Mongolia (N  = 2003).

Results

Findings revealed significant points of tension between the two countries. Most notably, a majority of Chinese respondents expressed support for a Chinese and Russian invasion of Mongolia, while the majority of Mongolian respondents indicated a strong willingness to fight back.

Conclusion

This study provides novel insights from diverse voices in China and Mongolia, two understudied populations, during a critically important time for Asian geopolitics.
Do Political Endorsements Affect Support for Conspiracy Theories?
Authors: Turgeon Mathieu , Freire Alessandro
Published: December 2024

Objectives

This article examines how support for conspiracy theories is affected by political endorsement. By relying on the literature on partisan cues and the role of political identity (partisan or ideological) in shaping people's attitudes and behaviors, we argue that endorsement of conspiracy theories by political elites convergent (divergent) with one's political identity should increase (decrease) belief in said conspiracy theories.

Methods

We rely on data collected from over 10,000 respondents in Brazil to evaluate this hypothesis by embedding a wording experiment in questions tapping support for conspiracy theories.

Results

We find that partisans of the Workers' Party, a well‐established party with a strong base of supporters, are affected by political endorsements by showing greater (lower) support for conspiracy theories when endorsed by political elites convergent (divergent) with their political identity.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that political endorsements of conspiracy theories exert similar effects as endorsements of other political issues or public policies.
Indications for the use of dermal substitutes in patients with acute burns and in reconstructive surgery after burns: A systematic review
Authors: van den Bosch Anna S. , Verwilligen Robin A. F. , Pijpe Anouk , Jansen Lex B. , van der Vlies Cornelis H. , van Eck Merit E. , Burchell George L. , van Zuijlen Paul P. M. , Middelkoop Esther ,   the National Burn Care, Education & Research Group, The Netherlands
Published: December 2024

Deep dermal and full‐thickness burns often result in scar sequelae such as contractures, hypertrophy, pain and itching following split‐thickness skin grafting. Dermal substitutes are currently employed alongside split‐thickness skin grafting to enhance clinical outcomes, though their indications remain a subject of ongoing debate. This systematic review aims to clarify the indications for the application of dermal substitutes in burn patients, in both acute and reconstructive settings. A comprehensive search across various databases was conducted. Studies (n = 190) assessing the indications and outcomes of dermal substitutes in acute burn patients and those requiring reconstructive surgery were included. Data extraction included the applied dermal substitute, age, total body surface area, wound depth, burn aetiology, anatomical site and exclusion criteria. The indications were derived from predetermined indications, i.e. inclusion and exclusion criteria and patient characteristics. The depth of the wound emerged as the primary indication for dermal substitute use. A one‐stage approach is recommended for deep dermal to full‐thickness wounds larger than 10 cm2, while a two‐stage approach is advised for wounds of this depth with limited donor sites or exposed bone or tendon. No definitive age or burn/scar location thresholds were identified, and careful consideration is advised for electrical and chemical burns. Contraindications include wound infections and allergies to matrix components. Limited data exist on use in patients with diabetes mellitus, chronic vascular disease, or immunocompromised status. This is the first review to address the indications for dermal substitutes in burn patients, providing valuable insights for the development of international evidence‐based treatment guidelines.
The Role of Self-regulation in Media Concentration in Mongolia: Based on The Network Theory
Authors: Battsogt Bolormaa , Gongor Gunjidmaa
Published: December 2024

Free, fair, and independent media are essential for a democracy to function effectively. Media interact with politicians and other powerful members of society, play a significant role as a public watchdog, and serve the public. However, in a free democracy, the media must be held accountable and must be transparent. Journalists must follow specific legal and ethical regulations. Regulations for the media industry are generally divided into three categories: state regulation, independent self-regulation, and co-regulation with participation from civil society. Media Councils make ethical decisions on news coverage and journalistic behaviors by applying the Code of Ethics consisting of professional journalistic standards. It is important to point out that they are independent institutions set up by the media industry. An effective media self-regulation system is essential to promote the pluralism of journalism, diversity, and independent media, as well as to ensure citizens’ rights to seek and receive reliable and credible information. Consequently, they are neither authorities nor courts.This study focuses on the above three kinds of media regulation and their advantages and disadvantages in media concentration. It will also explain the relationship between network theory and media development. Furthermore, it will discuss the advantages of and opportunities for a media self-regulation mechanism in the current media development in Mongolia, based on resolved journalistic cases by the Media Council’s Ethics Committees.
Moroccan Journalists During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Comparative Analysis of Public and Private Media
Authors: El attari Anoire , Bouchala Chaimae , Salim El Mehdi , Tenkoul Abderrahman
Published: December 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, journalists all over the world were tasked with the mission of disseminating information and providing answers to the public opinion. This paper aims at exploring the challenges that have influenced Moroccan journalists using a comparative study. Through a thematic analysis of N=30 interviews with journalists from public and private media, this study aims to study the differences in the challenges during the coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic. The results of this study identified five main themes. Challenges related to (1) the information overload and (2) organizational issues were commonly shared across the two groups. Nevertheless, (3) limitations on press freedom, (4) psychological and emotional stress, and (5) difficulties in accessing to governmental informations were expressed more by private media journalists. These results emphasize on the need for structural changes in the Moroccan media landscape by highlighting disparities between public and private media that influence the quality of the media coverage in times of crisis.
ℓp$\ell ^p$ metrics on cell complexes
Authors: Haettel Thomas , Hoda Nima , Petyt Harry
Published: December 2024

Motivated by the observation that groups can be effectively studied using metric spaces modelled on , and geometry, we consider cell complexes equipped with an metric for arbitrary . Under weak conditions that can be checked locally, we establish non‐positive curvature properties of these complexes, such as Busemann‐convexity and strong bolicity. We also provide detailed information on the geodesics of these metrics in the special case of CAT(0) cube complexes.
The Black College Athletes’ Burden: A Critical Analysis of Race, Civic Engagement, and Activism of National Collegiate Athletic Association Athletes
Authors: Cooper Joseph N. , McAulay Donald D. , Herman Joseph L.
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this manuscript is to examine racialized differences in National Collegiate Athletic Association athletes’ involvement in civic engagement, activism, and racial justice efforts during and post summer of 2020. The summer of 2020 was a period of widespread civil unrest regarding the prevalence of anti-Black racism and social injustice in the United States. International protests ensued, including several athletes across all levels of sport being engaged in efforts to change the current legal and political systems in the United States. One prominent group of activists and advocates during this period was college athletes. In 2021, the National Collegiate Athletic Association published a landmark report titled Student-Athlete Activism and Racial Justice Engagement Study. The study included 24,974 student athletes from all three divisions. The National Collegiate Athletic Association report provides insightful descriptive statistics, but what is missing is a nuanced theoretical analysis of the findings. Using critical race theory, colorblind racism, and a resistance typology, we explore the racialized meanings of the college athlete data and present implications for institutions of higher education, intercollegiate athletic programs, and college athletes.