bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment and follow‐up of children with chronic myeloid leukaemia in chronic phase (CML‐CP) in the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) era—Two decades of experience from the Tata Memorial Hospital paediatric CML (pCML) cohort
Authors: Roy Moulik Nirmalya , Keerthivasagam Swaminathan , Pandey Ankita , Agiwale Jayesh , Hegde Kriti , Chatterjee Gaurav , Dhamne Chetan , Prasad Maya , Chichra Akanksha , Srinivasan Shyam , Mohanty Purvi , Jain Hemani , Shetty Dhanlaxmi , Tembhare Prashant , Patkar Nikhil , Narula Gaurav , Subramanian Papagudi G. , Banavali Shripad
Published: December 2023

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have drastically improved the outcomes of pCML (paediatric CML) but data on long‐term off‐target toxicities of TKIs in children are scarce. In this single‐centre, retrospective cum prospective study of pCML in chronic phase, we report our experience of treating 173 children with imatinib and following them for long‐term toxicities. Mean (SD) time to attain CHR, CCyR and MMR were 3.05 (2.1), 10.6 (8.4) and 43.4 (31.8) months respectively. DMR was not attained in 59 (34%) patients at last follow‐up. Ten patients were switched to second‐generation TKIs (2G‐TKIs; nilotinib = 1/dasatinib = 9) due to poor/loss in response, of which seven had kinase domain mutations. Three patients progressed to the blastic phase. At a median follow‐up of 84 (3–261) months, the 5‐year EFS and OS for the entire cohort were 96.9% (95% CI: 93.4–100) and 98.7% (95% CI: 96.9–100) respectively. Screening for long‐term toxicities revealed low bone density and hypovitaminosis D in 70% and 80% respectively. Other late effects included short stature (27%), delayed puberty (15%), poor sperm quality (43%) and miscellaneous endocrinopathies (8%). Children younger than 5 years at diagnosis were more susceptible to growth and endocrine toxicities (p = 0.009). Regular monitoring for long‐term toxicities, timely intervention and trial of discontinuation whenever feasible are likely to improve the long‐term outlook of pCML.
Impact of lymphovascular invasion on survival in surgically treated upper tract urothelial carcinoma: a nationwide analysis
Authors: Cirulli Giuseppe Ottone , Corsi Nicholas , Rakic Ivan , Stephens Alex , Chiarelli Giuseppe , Finati Marco , Davis Matthew , Tinsley Shane , Sood Akshay , Buffi Nicolò , Lughezzani Giovanni , Carrieri Giuseppe , Salonia Andrea , Briganti Alberto , Montorsi Francesco , Rogers Craig , Abdollah Firas
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To assess the prognostic ability of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) as a predictor of overall survival (OS) using a large North American cohort.

Patients and Methods

Our cohort included 5940 patients with clinical M0 UTUC who underwent a radical nephroureterectomy (RNU), between 2010 and 2016, within the National Cancer Database. The main variable of interest was LVI status, and its interaction with pathological nodal (pN) status. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to depict the OS also stratifying patients on LVI status. Cox regression analysis tested the impact of LVI status on OS after accounting for the available covariates.

Results

The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age at diagnosis was 71 (63–78) years and most patients had pathological T1 stage disease (48.6%). Nodal status was pN0, pN1 and pNx in 45.8%, 6.3% and 47.9%, respectively. Overall, 22.1% had LVI. The median (IQR) follow‐up time was 32.6 (16.0–53.3) months. At the 5‐year postoperative follow‐up, the estimated OS rate was 28% in patients with LVI vs 66% in those without LVI (P < 0.001). When patients were stratified based on nodal status those rates were 32% vs 68% in pN0 patients (P < 0.001), 23% vs 30% in pN1 patients (P = 0.8), and 28% vs 65% in pNx patients (P < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, the presence of LVI was associated with less favourable OS (hazard ratio 1.79, 95% confidence interval 1.60–1.99; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our study assessed the impact of LVI on OS in patients with UTUC in a large North American nationwide cohort. Our series, as the largest to date, indicate that LVI is associated with less favourable survival outcomes in patients with UTUC after RNU, and this variable could be used in counselling patients about their prognosis and might be a useful tool for future trials to risk‐stratify patients.
Occupational performance and participation in children with developmental coordination disorders before and during Covid‐19
Authors: Kolit Zeynep , Temizkan Ege , Kara Özgün Kaya , Kara Koray , Şahin Sedef
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects children's occupational performance and participation. It is known that the Covid pandemic has adversely affected the whole world in many areas. We aim to investigate the occupational performance and participation of children with DCD before and during the COVID‐19.

Methods

Sixty‐five children aged 5–12 years included in the study were assessed by the Canadian Measure of Occupational Performance and the Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth.

Results

Statistically significant differences were detected in occupational performance and satisfaction scores (p < 0.01). Additionally, except for ‘involvement in the home environment’ (p > 0.05), there were statistically significant differences in all other areas of participation (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The occupational performance and participation of children with DCD are impacted during COVID‐19. In addition, it is seen that the desire of families to change regarding participation has increased due to COVID‐19. It would be beneficial to include strategies to improve these areas in the rehabilitation processes.
Can angiotropism and lymphovascular invasion refine the current cutaneous melanoma staging system?
Authors: Namubiru Patricia , Dalleywater William , Lashin Shaimaa , Elsheikh Somaia
Published: December 2023

Background

Several prognostic factors for primary cutaneous melanoma (PCM) have been identified, and these predict metastasis and survival, to a certain extent. We sought to determine the frequency of angiotropism (AT) and lymphovascular invasion (LVI) in PCM and the relationship between AT, LVI, and other clinicopathological parameters and patient's prognosis.

Methods

This study included 538 cases of PCM diagnosed between 2003 and 2016. It comprised 246 females and 292 males whose clinicopathological variables were evaluated with respect to LVI and AT using univariate and multivariate analyses. Overall survival (OS) was assessed by Kaplan–Meier (KM) analysis and Cox regression multivariate analysis.

Results

AT occurred more frequently than LVI. Ulceration, mitotic rate, and Breslow thickness were found to be highly associated with both LVI and AT (p < 0.01). All LVI+ cases had AT, with a significant positive correlation (p < 0.01). Both AT and LVI predicted lymph node (LN) metastasis (odds ratio [OR] = 1.47, 1.12, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed LN metastasis, Breslow thickness, LVI, and AT as predictors of OS. LVI and AT independently predicted adverse OS by Cox regression analysis (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.66, 1.49, respectively) and with KM survival analysis.

Conclusion

AT is a marker for angiotropic extravascular migratory tumor spread (angiotropic EVMM), and LVI is a marker for intra‐lymphovascular tumor spread. Both predict poor prognosis. Given its ease of detection, AT could be adopted as a histologpathological feature in the routine assessment of primary cutaneous malignant melanoma cases.
We returned home empty‐handed: COVID‐19, care, and contested citizenship of Naga migrant workers in northeast India
Authors: Décobert Anne , Aier Akumsungla , Breen Michael , Jamir Sashipokim , Kechu Pangernungba , Kikon Dolly , Mabefam Matthew Gmalifo
Published: December 2023

COVID‐19 highlighted interconnections between matters of identity and citizenship, vulnerability, and inclusion in/exclusion from systems of care in times of crisis. Migrant workers from Nagaland state, northeast India, were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic's socioeconomic consequences. The public health emergency brought into question who is ‘Indian’ and the citizenship rights attached to that identity, heightening migrants' exclusion from central structures. Communitarian responses in Nagaland enhanced resilience in the face of often inadequate government responses; however, COVID‐19 also exposed structural inequalities within and between Naga communities. This study shows that identity‐based citizenship regimes and multi‐nation federalism interact to increase minorities' exclusion during crises, and that crises can strengthen both divisions and solidarity at the local level in multi‐nation federal systems. Inclusion in and exclusion from systems of care are shaped by and can reshape notions of identity and citizenship, underlining the need for inclusive sociopolitical systems to mitigate crises in multi‐nation federal states.
Neural complexity and the spectral slope characterise auditory processing in wakefulness and sleep
Authors: Alnes Sigurd L. , Bächlin Lea Z. M. , Schindler Kaspar , Tzovara Athina
Published: December 2023

Auditory processing and the complexity of neural activity can both indicate residual consciousness levels and differentiate states of arousal. However, how measures of neural signal complexity manifest in neural activity following environmental stimulation and, more generally, how the electrophysiological characteristics of auditory responses change in states of reduced consciousness remain under‐explored. Here, we tested the hypothesis that measures of neural complexity and the spectral slope would discriminate stages of sleep and wakefulness not only in baseline electroencephalography (EEG) activity but also in EEG signals following auditory stimulation. High‐density EEG was recorded in 21 participants to determine the spatial relationship between these measures and between EEG recorded pre‐ and post‐auditory stimulation. Results showed that the complexity and the spectral slope in the 2–20 Hz range discriminated between sleep stages and had a high correlation in sleep. In wakefulness, complexity was strongly correlated to the 20–40 Hz spectral slope. Auditory stimulation resulted in reduced complexity in sleep compared to the pre‐stimulation EEG activity and modulated the spectral slope in wakefulness. These findings confirm our hypothesis that electrophysiological markers of arousal are sensitive to sleep/wake states in EEG activity during baseline and following auditory stimulation. Our results have direct applications to studies using auditory stimulation to probe neural functions in states of reduced consciousness.
Positive effects of plant diversity on dry matter yield while maintaining a high level of forage digestibility in intensively managed grasslands across two contrasting environments
Authors: Golińska Barbara , Vishwakarma Rishabh , Brophy Caroline , Goliński Piotr
Published: December 2023

The local abiotic and environmental conditions of a grass‐based farming system may influence the agricultural benefits of mixtures in comparison to pure stands. We investigated the effects of species identities and interactions between grass, legume, and herb species on dry matter yield and sward digestibility and explored how contrasting environments may affect these relationships. We established experimental plots across 11 mixtures and 4 monocultures of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), white clover (Trifolium repens L.), and red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) established at two seeding densities in two sites Brody and Szelejewo (Poland) and managed them over a 3‐year period. The two sites were close geographically and had similar climates, but differed in soil types (Luvisols and Cambisols, respectively). We confirmed that the annual DM yields were generally higher on Cambisols soil as compared to Luvisols soil; both individual species effects and species interaction strengths differed across the two contrasting environments. The predicted annual DM yield for the 4‐species mixtures in general gave comparable or higher yields compared to monocultures across the 3 years, with the mixtures giving around 10%–30% higher yields than the weighted average of the monocultures of the constituent species. Analysing the transgressive overyielding it turned out that there was no significant difference between the 4‐species mixtures and best performing monoculture. The benefits of species diversity in our study was greater on less productive site because we found larger overyielding of the 4‐species sward on the Luvisols soil than on the Cambisols soil. Additionally, the effect of mixtures composed by 4‐species increased the yield stability compared to monocultures in the 3‐year period of our study, particularly on Cambisols soil. Sward digestibility applied to average values did not differ much between sites with mixtures performing similarly to monocultures. The reason for that could have been the dynamics of sward botanical composition during study years shifted towards increased perennial ryegrass and decreased proportions of chicory in the sward as well as the observed phenomenon that the species in mixed swards progressed to successive growth stages more slowly than in pure sowing.
Monitoring wader breeding productivity
Authors: Jarrett David , Lehikoinen Aleksi , Willis Steve
Published: December 2023

A robust understanding of the mechanisms driving demographic change in wild animal populations is fundamental to the delivery of effective conservation interventions. Demographic change can be driven by variation in adult survival, recruitment of juveniles into the breeding population or breeding productivity – the number of fledglings produced per breeding pair. Across Europe, low breeding productivity in wader populations has been a significant driver of population decline, increasing the importance of gathering accurate data on breeding productivity. Monitoring wader breeding productivity is challenging because finding nests can be time‐consuming and requires experienced fieldworkers; wader chicks are nidifugous and difficult to count due to their cryptic behaviour; and waders often have high re‐laying rates following nest failure, meaning that hatching or fledging can be highly asynchronous. This paper reviews approaches to estimating breeding productivity where fieldworkers either record the agitation or alarm‐calling behaviour of adults with dependent young, make direct observations of broods on survey visits, or both. Using a systematic literature search (restricted to Europe where most of these studies have taken place) we identified 38 peer‐reviewed papers which used this approach. The productivity metrics produced can be divided into the following categories: (i) ‘Hatching Success’ (HS), (ii) ‘Fledging Success’ (FS) and (iii) ‘Young Fledged Per Pair’ (YFP), from the coarsest to the most precise. The first two metrics are most often used when direct observations of broods are not possible due to the behaviour of broods or vegetation structure; YFP is preferred if brood counts are possible. Design of an appropriate metric depends on (i) whether accurate brood counts are possible; (ii) whether adults exhibit diagnostic agitation behaviour when young are present; (iii) whether individual breeding territories are separable; (iv) whether re‐nesting rates are assumed to be high; and (v) the availability of experienced surveyors (particularly where behavioural observations are required). Globally there are many wader species for which the methods described here could provide valuable information and we hope this review encourages further development or adoption of these methods.
It is not a mere piece of the mainland: Fluvial islands contribute to regional spider diversity in a seasonally flooded Amazonian archipelago
Authors: de Carvalho Thiago Gomes , Gasnier Thierry Ray , Borges Sérgio Henrique
Published: December 2023

Islands and analogous insular habitats are found in several ecological contexts. With the exception of oceanic islands, however, the contribution of these insular habitats to regional biodiversity remains poorly investigated, especially in tropical regions. We investigated the understory spider assemblages in an Amazonian river archipelago to evaluate the contribution of fluvial islands to regional spider diversity.

We collected spiders on 30 islands ranging from 1 to 1527 ha and at 23 sites in mainland habitats represented by continuous igapó flooded forests and terra firme forests. Spiders were collected by shaking the vegetation over a white sheet during a standardised time of 30 min.

From 1404 adult individuals, we identified 290 spider species or morphospecies, with 150 species being recorded on the fluvial islands, 122 in the igapó flooded forests and 103 in the terra firme forests. Spider assemblages of fluvial islands exhibit lower alpha diversity and equitability compared with mainland habitats. The species composition of fluvial islands was significantly distinct from that of mainland habitats, even when compared with neighbouring igapó flooded forests. Several families and species of spider were significantly associated with a particular habitat, including 8 families and 10 species identified as indicators of fluvial islands.

Fluvial islands effectively contribute to regional diversity since their spider fauna is not a mere impoverished subset of species from mainland habitats. Events that alter the flood pulse in Amazonian rivers (e.g., construction of hydroelectric dams) could threaten the unique biological assemblages of the floodplain habitats, especially the fluvial islands.
Physicochemical stability of Pickering emulsion stabilised by green tea polysaccharide conjugates‐soy protein isolate complex and its delivery of curcumin
Authors: Li Yongyu , Liu Xiulin , Li Shengqi , Li Mengyang , Cheng Shuiyuan , Fang Tianqi , Cao Wendan , Wang Yongyong , Fang Lijuan , Chen Xiaoqiang
Published: December 2023

Tea processing often generates significant waste, resulting in resource inefficiency. However, extracting green tea polysaccharide conjugate (gTPC) from this waste has shown promising bioactivity. Previous studies have confirmed the emulsifying properties of gTPC. Yet, its use as an emulsifier is limited due to its requirement for high surface activity. The findings revealed that a 0.40 wt% soy protein isolate (SPI) and 0.50 wt% gTPC conjugate required 300 °C for complete decomposition, demonstrating the highest stability among other ratios. The Pickering emulsion, using a 0.30 wt% emulsifier ratio, exhibited exceptional stability. Moreover, it showed remarkable zeta potential and particle size stability under stressful conditions (temperature, pH and metal ions). Additionally, it effectively protected curcumin from adverse pH, light and temperature effects, with a retention rate of over 74.00%. These results highlight the gTPC/SPI combination as an effective stabiliser, offering new prospects for gTPC development and utilisation.
Changes in quality and bacterial profiles of Tualang and Kelulut honeys preserved by post‐harvest maturation
Authors: Yap Shu Khang , Chin Nyuk Ling , Niranjan Keshavan , Shah Nor Nadiah Abdul Karim , Than Leslie Thian Lung
Published: December 2023

Post‐harvest maturation of two Malaysian honeys, the Tualang and Kelulut was studied by measuring changes in physicochemical and antioxidant properties, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) contents and bacterial profiles at room temperature of 23–26  °C. After maturation at the recommended period of 26 weeks, water activity of both honeys increased between 0.89% and 2.34% while free acidity increased between 2.05% and 2.24%. Results suggested the prominence of fermentation reactions in honey during post‐harvest maturation as fructose concentration reduced by 10.6% and 1.05% for the Tualang and Kelulut honey, respectively, while HMF concentrations were kept at a safe limit of 48.00 and 61.23 mg/kg honey. The total phenolic content of Tualang and Kelulut honey increased significantly by 12.61% and 54.66% respectively. The highlight of this post‐harvest maturation process for Kelulut honey was the improvement found in antioxidant properties of DPPH radical scavenging activity by 10.01%–54.74% and also the probiotic‐like potential in terms significant increase in relative abundance of the Bacillus genera to 2.6% and Lactobacillus to 6.25% at 26 weeks. The prolonged maturation process up to 1 year however revealed continuous accumulation of HMF to values above 80 mg/kg honey, surpassing the limits by the Codex Alimentarius Commission despite improvements of antioxidant properties and bacterial profiles.
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: A disorder of T cell activation, immune regulation, and distinctive immunopathology
Authors: Jordan Michael B.
Published: December 2023

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a disorder that has been recognized since the middle of the last century. In recent decades, increasing understanding of the genetic roots and pathophysiology of HLH has led to improved diagnosis and treatment of this once universally fatal disorder. HLH is best conceptualized as a maladaptive state of excessive T cell activation driving life‐threatening myeloid cell activation, largely via interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ). In familial forms of HLH (F‐HLH), inherited defects of lymphocyte cytotoxic biology underlie excessive T cell activation, demonstrating the importance of the perforin/granzyme pathway as a negative feedback loop limiting acute T cell activation in response to environmental factors. HLH occurring in other contexts and without apparent inherited genetic predisposition remains poorly understood, though it may share some downstream aspects of pathophysiology including excessive IFN‐γ action and activation of innate immune effectors. Iatrogenic forms of HLH occurring after immune‐activating therapies for cancer are providing new insights into the potential toxicities of inadequately controlled T cell activation. Diagnosing HLH increasingly relies on context‐specific measures of T cell activation, IFN‐γ activity, and inflammation. Treatment of HLH largely relies on cytotoxic chemotherapy, though targeted therapies against T cells, IFN‐γ, and other cytokines are increasingly utilized.
Discrete‐event simulation is still alive and strong: evidence from bibliometric performance evaluation of research during COVID‐19 global health pandemic
Authors: Akpan Ikpe Justice , Shanker Murali , Offodile Onyebuchi Felix
Published: December 2023

During the Annual Operational Research Society Simulation Workshop in Worchester, UK, in 2010, a panel discussion entitled “discrete‐event simulation (DES) is dead, long live agent‐based simulation (ABS)!” was held. Subsequent debates on the topic have captured the interest of many simulation professionals and researchers. This study lends credence to the discourse with evidence. In January 2020, a global health crisis named coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) occurred, infecting and killing millions of people globally, leading to community lockdowns and travel restrictions, and bringing the world to a standstill. Scientists scrambled for quick, practical solutions to stem the tide. Operational research (OR) and management science (MS) techniques, including modeling and simulation, provide effective methods to make COVID‐19 infection forecasts, assign/optimize intensive care unit beds, initiate healthcare management/control strategies, and decision‐making. The global pandemic problems offer an opportunity to evaluate the discourse on DES's continuous relevance and potency as an OR/MS technique. Utilizing bibliometric performance evaluation and text analytics of publications addressing various COVID‐19 pandemic problems, the results show an extensive use, relevance, and impact of the DES technique across multidisciplinary domains, including medical/healthcare, social and behavioral sciences, business, molecular biosciences, and more. The intellectual structure highlights strong multidisciplinary collaboration among sources in decision sciences, healthcare, natural, behavioral, and social sciences. The social network analysis of the publications shows the contributions and collaborations among authors, institutions, and countries. The study demonstrates that DES is still alive and robust, notwithstanding the hype about ABS.
Arrhythmic risk profile in mitral valve prolapse: A systematic review and metanalysis of 1715 patients
Authors: Pistelli Lorenzo , Vetta Giampaolo , Parlavecchio Antonio , Crea Pasquale , Parisi Francesca , Magnocavallo Michele , Caminiti Rodolfo , Frea Simone , Vairo Alessandro , Desalvo Paolo , Faletti Riccardo , Gatti Marco , Dattilo Giuseppe , Parollo Matteo , Di Cori Andrea , Bongiorni Maria Grazia , De Santis Giulia , Borgi Marco , Franzino Marco , Licordari Roberto , Zucchelli Giulio , Rocca Giovanni Domenico Della , Giustetto Carla
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a common clinical condition in the general population. A subgroup of patients with MVP may experience ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (“arrhythmic mitral valve prolapse” [AMVP]) but how to stratify arrhythmic risk is still unclear. Our meta‐analysis aims to identify predictive factors for arrhythmic risk in patients with MVP.

Methods

We systematically searched Medline, Cochrane, Journals@Ovid, Scopus electronic databases for studies published up to December 28, 2022 and comparing AMVP and nonarrhythmic mitral valve prolapse (NAMVP) for what concerns history, electrocardiographic, echocardiographic and cardiac magnetic resonance features. The effect size was estimated using a random‐effect model as odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD).

Results

A total of 10 studies enrolling 1715 patients were included. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) (OR: 16.67; p = .005), T‐wave inversion (TWI) (OR: 2.63; p < .0001), bileaflet MVP (OR: 1.92; p < .0001) and mitral anulus disjunction (MAD) (OR: 2.60; p < .0001) were more represented among patients with AMVP than in NAMVP. Patients with AMVP were shown to have longer anterior mitral leaflet (AML) (MD: 2.63 mm; p < .0001), posterior mitral leaflet (MD: 2.96 mm; p < .0001), thicker AML (MD: 0.49 mm; p < .0001), longer MAD length (MD: 1.24 mm; p < .0001) and higher amount of LGE (MD: 1.41%; p < .0001) than NAMVP. AMVP showed increased mechanical dispersion (MD: 8.04 ms; 95% confidence interval: 5.13–10.96; p < .0001) compared with NAMVP.

Conclusions

Our meta‐analysis proved that LGE, TWI, bileaflet MVP, and MAD are predictive factors for arrhythmic risk in MVP patients.
Correlation of ventricular pacing burden and left ventricular function in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Scully Timothy G. , Kelsang Tenzin , Backhouse Brendan , Sajeev Jithin K. , Roberts Louise , Pathik Bhupesh , Teh Andrew W.
Published: December 2023

Background

Pacemaker‐induced cardiomyopathy is a well described phenomenon in patients with preserved ejection fraction at the time of permanent pacemaker implant. One of the identified risk factors for pacemaker‐induced cardiomyopathy is the degree of ventricular pacing burden. However, it is unclear how a high right ventricular pacing burden affects patients with depressed left ventricular function at the time of pacemaker implantation. We sought to assess the relationship between right ventricular pacing and change in left ventricular function over time.

Methods

We conducted an analysis of all patients who had received either a single or dual lead cardiac implantable electronic devices, excluding biventricular devices, and had a prior transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrating an ejection fraction of less than 50%. The primary end‐point was the correlation between the percentage of ventricular pacing and the change in LV ejection fraction.

Results

Fifty eight patients with preceding heart failure had pacemakers implanted and had follow up echocardiograms. There was no correlation between the degree of ventricular pacing and the absolute change in LV function (r = .04, p = .979). None of the previously identified risk factors for pacemaker induced cardiomyopathy were predictive of a significant fall in ejection fraction.

Conclusion

The degree of RV pacing and other established risk factors for pacemaker‐induced cardiomyopathy in patients with normal left ventricular function at the time of implantation do not appear to carry the same risk in patients with pre‐existing heart failure who receive either single or dual lead pacemakers.
Considering intersectionality and interacting levels of early intervention on early brain development—a commentary on Nelson et al. (2023)
Authors: Romeo Rachel R.
Published: December 2023

It has long been recognized that an individual's experiences can metaphorically ‘get under the skin’ and become biologically embedded, thus affecting behavior and life outcomes (Hertzman, 2012). While this term is most often used to describe how adverse experiences influence biological process, it is rarely discussed how the same can be said of positive experiences, such as intervention to prevent or treat negative outcomes. In their annual review, Nelson et al. (2023) provide a timely and comprehensive review of how early intervention capitalizes on the neuroplasticity of the postnatal years, turning periods of ‘vulnerability’ to ones of ‘opportunity’. Drawing on decades of expertise, they discuss the neurobiological mechanisms of intervention in two contexts: caregiving interventions for children growing up in disadvantaged environments, and therapeutic interventions for children at elevated risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism. They thought‐provokingly describe both how early intervention operates through mechanisms of neural plasticity and how this can and should inform policy decisions to provide the greatest benefit to children. Here, I aim to underscore the importance of this review by addressing the intersection of these topics; specifically, I muse on how the scientific discovery of biological processes and the ethical imperative to support vulnerable children's development are intimately intertwined, and how this highlights both critical lines of future inquiry as well as policy implications.
“If only we'd known”: Theory of supply failure under two‐sided information asymmetry
Authors: Kauppi Katri , Brandon‐Jones Alistair , van Raaij Erik M. , Matinheikki Juri
Published: December 2023

Supply failures are persistent and costly in contemporary supply chains. Viewed through the lens of agency theory, such failures are potentially caused by hidden actions of the supplier under information asymmetry and goal incongruence in the buyer–supplier relationship (as principal–agent). However, by reversing the direction of information asymmetry, an alternative cause arises: hidden expectations, where the supplier has good intentions but incomplete information regarding the buyer's true preferences and specifications. Further, following a failure, the buyer forms a causal attribution and takes subsequent action. Yet these attributions suffer from cognitive biases potentially causing buyers to misattribute supply failures, leading to costly conflict and even relationship termination. Combining agency and attribution theories, this article develops a theoretical framework to explain antecedents to a buyer's attribution process under conditions of two‐sided asymmetric information. It discusses the harmful relationship effects of misattribution. The framework can assist in identifying and minimizing cognitive biases causing misattribution, hence avoiding the unintentional deterioration of relationships that often follow a supply failure. A research agenda to examine hidden expectations and misattribution is also provided.
Retrospective evaluation of hematological ratios in canine parvovirosis: 401 cases
Authors: González‐Domínguez Andrea , Cristobal‐Verdejo José Ignacio , López‐Espinar Clara , Fontela‐González Sergio , Vázquez Sergio , Justo‐Domínguez Javier , González‐Caramazana Jonatan , Bragado‐Cuesta Mónica , Álvarez‐Punzano Alicia , Herrería‐Bustillo Vicente J.
Published: December 2023

Background

The utility of neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and monocyte‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (MLR) as prognostic indicators has not been investigated in canine parvovirosis (CPV).

Hypothesis

To evaluate whether these hematological ratios obtained at hospital admission in CPV are associated with outcome or duration of hospitalization.

Animals.

Four hundred one client‐owned dogs presented with CPV. Methods‐Retrospective multicenter cohort study. Medical records were reviewed to identify dogs with CPV. Data regarding signalment, complete blood count at admission, duration of hospitalization and outcome were collected.

Results

Of the 401 dogs included in the study, 336 (83.8%) survived to discharge. The median (25th and 75th percentiles) PLR in nonsurvivors (336.56 [159.84‐635.77]) was significantly higher than in survivors (217.65 [117.67‐389.65]) (P = .003). The area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve for nonsurvival was 0.615 (95% CI [0.593‐0.691], P = .003). A cut off of 700 showed a 21.5% sensitivity and 90% specificity for nonsurvival. No association was observed between hospitalization duration and either hematological ratios or total WBC counts. The median (25th and 75th percentiles) lymphocyte count was below reference interval in all dogs and was significantly lower in the dogs which died (0.82 × 109/L [0.5‐1.87]) than in survivors (1.27 × 109/L [0.73‐2.22]) (P = .005). The median (25th and 75th percentiles) monocyte count however was lower in survivors (0.38 × 109/L [0.29‐1.59]), than in nonsurvivors (0.73 × 109/L [0.1‐2]) (P = .002).

Conclusions

Evaluation of PLR at hospital admission might be a useful marker of disease severity and could have prognostic value in dogs with CPV.
Determinants of worse liver‐related outcome according to HDV infection among HBsAg positive persons living with HIV: Data from the ICONA cohort
Authors: d’Arminio Monforte Antonella , Tavelli Alessandro , Salpini Romina , Piermatteo Lorenzo , D'Anna Stefano , Carrara Stefania , Malagnino Vincenzo , Mazzotta Valentina , Brancaccio Giuseppina , Marchetti Giulia Carla , Rosselli Del Turco Elena , Rossotti Roberto , Mussini Cristina , Antinori Andrea , Lo Caputo Sergio , Ceccherini Silberstein Francesca , Gaeta Giovanni Battista , Svicher Valentina , Puoti Massimo ,   for the Icona Foundation Study Group
Published: December 2023

Objectives

We aimed to study hepatitis D virus (HDV) prevalence and risk of progression to severe liver‐related events (SLRE) in HBsAg positive people living with HIV (PLWH) in Italy; role of HDV‐RNA copy levels, HCV coinfection and nadir CD4 counts were also investigated.

Methods

People living with HIV (PLWH) from Italian Foundation cohort Naïve antiretrovirals (ICONA) with available HBsAg and HDV Ab were enrolled. HBsAg, HDV Ab, HDV‐RNA and HDV genotypes were tested. Primary end‐point: time from first HDV screening to Severe Liver Related Events (SLRE: decompensated cirrhosis, liver transplantation, HCC). Fine‐grey regression models were used to evaluate the association of HDV Ab, HDV‐RNA, HDV/HCV coinfection, CD4 nadir and outcome. Secondary end‐points: time to SLRE or death; HDV Ab and HDV‐RNA prevalence.

Results

A total of 152/809 (18.8%) HBsAg positive PLWH showed HDV Ab reactivity; 63/93 (67.7%) were HDV‐RNA positive. Being male, persons who inject drugs (PWID), HCV Ab positive, with FIB‐4 > 3.25 were independent factors of HDV Ab positivity. In a median follow‐up of 5 years, 37 PLWH (4.1% at 5‐year) developed SLRE and 97 (12.0%) reached the SLRE or death end‐point. HDV‐RNA positive (independently from HDV‐RNA copy level) PLWH had a 4.6‐fold (95%CI 2.0–10.5) higher risk of SLRE than HDV negatives. PLWH positive for both HCV Ab and HDV Ab showed the highest independent risk of SLRE (ASHR: 11.9, 95%CI: 4.6–30.9 vs. HCV neg/HDV neg). Nadir CD4 < 200/mL was associated with SLRE (ASHR: 3.9, 95% 1.0–14.5).

Conclusions

One‐fifth of the HBsAg positive PLWH harbour HDV infection, and are at high risk of progression to advanced liver disease. HCV contributes to worse outcomes. This population needs urgently effective treatments.
What makes a city ‘breastfeeding‐friendly’? A scoping review of indicators of a breastfeeding‐friendly city
Authors: Tan May Loong , Mohd Shukri Izz Amirah , Ho Jacqueline J. , O'Sullivan Elizabeth J. , Omer‐Salim Amal , McAuliffe Fionnuala M.
Published: December 2023

A breastfeeding‐friendly city is one where there is an enabling environment to support breastfeeding throughout the first 2 years or more of a child's life. Indicators of a breastfeeding‐friendly city have yet to be identified. What are the indicators or criteria used to define breastfeeding friendliness in a geographic area such as a city and the settings within, which we have classified as community, healthcare and workplace? Three major databases and grey literature were searched. Records were screened to identify publications describing criteria such as indicators or descriptions of a breastfeeding‐friendly setting, defined as ‘criteria‐sets’. These criteria‐sets were then categorized and summarized by settings. The search up to 2 September 2021 found 119 criteria‐sets from a range of settings: geographic locations (n = 33), community entities (n = 24), healthcare facilities (n = 28), workplaces (n = 28) and others (n = 6). Overall, 15 community, 22 healthcare and 9 workplace related criteria were extracted from the criteria‐sets. Criteria that were consistently present in all settings were policy, training & education, skilled breastfeeding support and physical infrastructure. Some criteria‐sets of geographic locations contained criteria only from a single setting (e.g., the presence of breastfeeding‐friendly cafes). Criteria‐sets were present for all settings as defined in this review, but few were actual indicators. Specifically, there were no existing indicators of a breastfeeding‐friendly city. Several common components of the criteria‐sets were identified, and these could be used in developing indicators of a breastfeeding‐friendly city. Future studies should determine which of these are important and how each can be measured.
Pituitary apoplexy in endocrinologically silent adenoma during somatostatin analog administration for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor: A case report
Authors: Shiraishi Keitaro , Akai Takuya , Tomita Takahiro , Hayashi Ryuji , Minamisaka Takashi , Kuroda Satoshi
Published: December 2023

A dopamine agonist administered for prolactinoma treatment and pituitary stimulation tests are reported as risk factors for pituitary apoplexy. We report a case of an 82‐year‐old patient who suffered from pituitary apoplexy in an endocrinologically silent adenoma during lanreotide administration. The patient was diagnosed with a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor with lymph node metastasis and treated with lanreotide for two years. An endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach was used for tumor and hematoma removal. The specimen showed growth hormone and prolactin positivity and was diagnosed as pit1‐lineage plurihormonal adenoma. The tumor also showed positivity for somatostatin receptor 2. Thus, lanreotide treatment is a risk factor for pituitary apoplexy even in silent adenoma.
Identification of novel candidate biomarkers related to immune cell infiltration in peri‐implantitis
Authors: Chen Zhen , Yan Qi , Zhang Rui , Li Yuhong , Huang Shengfu
Published: December 2023

Objective

The present study was performed to identify key biomarkers associated with immune cell infiltration in peri‐implantitis through bioinformatic analyses.

Methods

Six peri‐implantitis soft tissue samples and six healthy gingiva samples were obtained from GSE106090, and were used to identify immune‐associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in peri‐implantitis. The candidate biomarkers associated with immune cell infiltration were examined by immunohistochemical staining.

Results

We identified 2089 upregulated and 2173 downregulated genes. Upregulated DEGs were significantly associated with immune response. Ten key candidate biomarkers were identified in the PPI network, including IL1B, TLR2, TLR4, CCL4, CXCL8, IL10, IL6, CD4, CCL3, and PTPRC. The expression level of the 10 genes increased in peri‐implantitis soft tissue samples compared with healthy gingiva samples. The proportion of CD4+ T cells, iTreg, and Tfh in infiltration immune cells increased in peri‐implantitis soft tissue samples and were positively correlated with the expression level of candidate biomarkers TLR4, CCL3, CXCL8, and IL1B. Immunohistochemistry showed that there were more lymphocytes in peri‐implantitis soft tissue samples, with an increased expression level of TLR4, CCL3, CXCL8, and IL1B.

Conclusion

Identification of four novel diagnostic biomarkers was helpful for revealing the molecular mechanisms and could serve as a risk predictor for the immune microenvironment in peri‐implantitis.
Which job attributes attract individuals high in public service motivation and self‐efficacy to a public service job?
Authors: Favero Nathan , Pedersen Mogens Jin , Park Joohyung
Published: December 2023

Which job attributes attract prospective high‐performing individuals to a job in the public sector? Research shows that the particular attributes of a job influence perceptions of job attractiveness. Moreover, public service motivation (PSM) and self‐efficacy are valuable individual‐level traits for public service performance. This article examines how variation within particular job attributes that are generic to many public service jobs may attract (or discourage) potential workers high in PSM and self‐efficacy—i.e., prospective high‐performers. We focus on eight job attributes encompassing total compensation, performance‐based incentives, job performance assessment, diverse service recipient characteristics, overtime commitments, and key job tasks. Using data from a pre‐registered conjoint survey experiment among 1501 US residents, we show how individuals higher in PSM and self‐efficacy (relative to their counterparts with lower levels of these traits) exhibit distinct reactions to the job attributes of performance‐based pay, service recipients’ resources and racial demographics, and key job tasks.
ZmELP1, an Elongator complex subunit, is required for the maintenance of histone acetylation and RNA Pol II phosphorylation in maize kernels
Authors: Li Jianrui , Gu Wei , Yang Zhijia , Chen Jian , Yi Fei , Li Tong , Li Jingrui , Zhou Yue , Guo Yan , Song Weibin , Lai Jinsheng , Zhao Haiming
Published: December 2023

The Elongator complex was originally identified as an interactor of hyperphosphorylated RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) in yeast and has histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity. However, the genome‐wide regulatory roles of Elongator on transcriptional elongation and histone acetylation remain unclear. We characterized a maize miniature seed mutant, mn7 and map‐based cloning revealed that Mn7 encodes one of the subunits of the Elongator complex, ZmELP1. ZmELP1 deficiency causes marked reductions in the kernel size and weight. Molecular analyses showed that ZmELP1 interacts with ZmELP3, which is required for H3K14 acetylation (H3K14ac), and Elongator complex subunits interact with RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) C‐terminal domain (CTD). Genome‐wide analyses indicated that loss of ZmELP1 leads to a significant decrease in the deposition of H3K14ac and the CTD of phosphorylated RNAPII on Ser2 (Ser2P). These chromatin changes positively correlate with global transcriptomic changes. ZmELP1 mutation alters the expression of genes involved in transcriptional regulation and kernel development. We also showed that the decrease of Ser2P depends on the deposition of Elongator complex‐mediated H3K14ac. Taken together, our results reveal an important role of ZmELP1 in the H3K14ac‐dependent transcriptional elongation, which is critical for kernel development.
OsGELP77, a QTL for broad‐spectrum disease resistance and yield in rice, encodes a GDSL‐type lipase
Authors: Zhang Miaojing , Chen Dan , Tian Jingjing , Cao Jianbo , Xie Kabin , He Yuqing , Yuan Meng
Published: December 2023

Lipids and lipid metabolites have essential roles in plant–pathogen interactions. GDSL‐type lipases are involved in lipid metabolism modulating lipid homeostasis. Some plant GDSLs modulate lipid metabolism altering hormone signal transduction to regulate host‐defence immunity. Here, we functionally characterized a rice lipase, OsGELP77, promoting both immunity and yield. OsGELP77 expression was induced by pathogen infection and jasmonic acid (JA) treatment. Overexpression of OsGELP77 enhanced rice resistance to both bacterial and fungal pathogens, while loss‐of‐function of osgelp77 showed susceptibility. OsGELP77 localizes to endoplasmic reticulum and is a functional lipase hydrolysing universal lipid substrates. Lipidomics analyses demonstrate that OsGELP77 is crucial for lipid metabolism and lipid‐derived JA homeostasis. Genetic analyses confirm that OsGELP77‐modulated resistance depends on JA signal transduction. Moreover, population genetic analyses indicate that OsGELP77 expression level is positively correlated with rice resistance against pathogens. Three haplotypes were classified based on nucleotide polymorphisms in the OsGELP77 promoter where OsGELP77Hap3 is an elite haplotype. Three OsGELP77 haplotypes are differentially distributed in wild and cultivated rice, while OsGELP77Hap3 has been broadly pyramided for hybrid rice development. Furthermore, quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping and resistance evaluation of the constructed near‐isogenic line validated OsGELP77, a QTL for broad‐spectrum disease resistance. In addition, OsGELP77‐modulated lipid metabolism promotes JA accumulation facilitating grain yield. Notably, the hub defence regulator OsWRKY45 acts upstream of OsGELP77 by initiating the JA‐dependent signalling to trigger immunity. Together, OsGELP77, a QTL contributing to immunity and yield, is a candidate for breeding broad‐spectrum resistant and high‐yielding rice.
Alternative method for determining leaf CO2 assimilation without gas exchange measurements: Performance, comparison and sensitivity analysis
Authors: Kimura Kensuke , Kumagai Etsushi , Fushimi Erina , Maruyama Atsushi
Published: December 2023

We present an alternative method to determine leaf CO2 assimilation rate (An), eliminating the need for gas exchange measurements in proximal and remote sensing. This method combines the Farquhar–von Caemmerer–Berry photosynthesis model with mechanistic light reaction (MLR) theory and leaf energy balance (EB) analysis. The MLR theory estimates the actual electron transport rate (J) by leveraging chlorophyll fluorescence via pulse amplitude‐modulated fluorometry for proximal sensing or sun‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence measurements for remote sensing, along with spectral reflectance. The EB equation is used to directly estimate stomatal conductance from leaf temperature. In wheat and soybean, the MLR‐EB model successfully estimated An variations, including midday depression, under various environmental and phenological conditions. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the leaf boundary layer conductance (gb) played an equal, if not more, crucial role compared to the variables for J. This was primarily caused by the indirect influence of gb through the EB equation rather than its direct impact on convective CO2 exchange on the leaf. Although the MLR‐EB model requires an accurate estimation of gb, it can potentially reduce uncertainties and enhance applicability in photosynthesis assessment when gas exchange measurements are unavailable.