bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural genomic variation in the inbred Scandinavian wolf population contributes to the realized genetic load but is positively affected by immigration
Authors: Smeds Linnéa , Huson Lars S. A. , Ellegren Hans
Published: February 2024

When populations decrease in size and may become isolated, genomic erosion by loss of diversity from genetic drift and accumulation of deleterious mutations is likely an inevitable consequence. In such cases, immigration (genetic rescue) is necessary to restore levels of genetic diversity and counteract inbreeding depression. Recent work in conservation genomics has studied these processes focusing on the genetic diversity of single nucleotide polymorphisms. In contrast, our knowledge about structural genomic variation (insertions, deletions, duplications and inversions) in endangered species is limited. We analysed whole‐genome, short‐read sequences from 212 wolves from the inbred Scandinavian population and from neighbouring populations in Finland and Russia, and detected >35,000 structural variants (SVs) after stringent quality and genotype frequency filtering; >26,000 high‐confidence variants remained after manual curation. The majority of variants were shorter than 1 kb, with a distinct peak in the length distribution of deletions at 190 bp, corresponding to insertion events of SINE/tRNA‐Lys elements. The site frequency spectrum of SVs in protein‐coding regions was significantly shifted towards rare alleles compared to putatively neutral variants, consistent with purifying selection. The realized genetic load of SVs in protein‐coding regions increased with inbreeding levels in the Scandinavian population, but immigration provided a genetic rescue effect by lowering the load and reintroducing ancestral alleles at loci fixed for derived SVs. Our study shows that structural variation comprises a common type of in part deleterious mutations in endangered species and that establishing gene flow is necessary to mitigate the negative consequences of loss of diversity.
Learning from positive deviants in fisheries
Authors: Schiller Laurenne , Britten Gregory L. , Auld Graeme , Worm Boris
Published: February 2024

Despite progress in the management of assessed fish populations, many countries lag behind international commitments to restore overexploited stocks to healthy abundances. Here we use a mixed‐methods positive deviance approach, also known as ‘bright spot’ analysis, to understand what drives the successful governance of exploited species by learning from positive outliers, or ‘deviants’. We use Canada as a case study, identifying factors driving the abundance of 230 commercially exploited fish and invertebrate populations, of which only 28% were classified at healthy abundance in 2022. We first applied a generalized linear model to test how diverse socio‐ecological fishery attributes relate to stock health. We found healthier stocks are positively and significantly correlated with certain management regions, more selective gears, eco‐certification, and high fishery value. Counterintuitively, healthier stocks were also associated with high inherent fishing vulnerability and the absence of reference points. We then used fishery expert surveys and interviews to investigate the social and institutional characteristics of stocks healthier than expected, given their circumstances. We found that fisheries targeting these positive outliers have lower conflict among users, balanced stakeholder involvement in data collection and decision‐making, and improved accounting of mortality sources. Lessons from these positive deviants can be applied to improve underperforming management systems that are struggling to reverse overexploitation in Canada and elsewhere. More generally, we suggest that a positive deviance approach, already used in public health, could be a promising tool to learn about successful fisheries management interventions, and the diverse actors responsible for ensuring these interventions are successful.
PHGDH knockdown increases sensitivity to SR1, an aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonist, in colorectal cancer by activating the autophagy pathway
Authors: Li Hong‐Ming , Li Xiang , Xia Ran , Zhang Xing , Jin Tong‐Zhao , Zhang Hong‐Sheng
Published: February 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has emerged as the third most prevalent and second deadliest cancer worldwide. Metabolic reprogramming is a key hallmark of cancer cells. Phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) is over‐expressed in multiple cancers, including CRC. Although the role of PHGDH in metabolism has been extensively investigated, its effects on CRC development remains to be elucidated. In the present study, it was demonstrated that PHGDH expression was significantly up‐regulated in colorectal cancer. PHGDH expression was positively correlated with that of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and its target genes, CYP1A1 and CYP1B1, in CRC cells. Knockdown of PHGDH reduced AhR levels and activity, as well as the ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione. The selective AhR antagonist stemregenin 1 induced cell death through reactive oxygen species‐dependent autophagy in CRC cells. PHGDH knockdown induced CRC cell sensitivity to stemregenin 1 via the autophagy pathway. Our findings suggest that PHGDH modulates AhR signaling and the redox‐dependent autophagy pathway in CRC, and that the combination of inhibition of both PHGDH and AhR may be a novel therapeutic strategy for CRC.
A global assessment of environmental and climate influences on wetland macroinvertebrate community structure and function
Authors: Epele Luis B. , Williams‐Subiza Emilio A. , Bird Matthew S. , Boissezon Aurelie , Boix Dani , Demierre Eliane , Fair Conor G. , García Patricia E. , Gascón Stephanie , Grech Marta G. , Greig Hamish S. , Jeffries Michael , Kneitel Jamie M. , Loskutova Olga , Maltchik Leonardo , Manzo Luz M. , Mataloni Gabriela , McLean Kyle , Mlambo Musa C. , Oertli Beat , Pires Mateus Marques , Sala Jordi , Scheibler Erica E. , Stenert Cristina , Wu Haitao , Wissinger Scott A. , Batzer Darold P.
Published: February 2024

Estimating organisms' responses to environmental variables and taxon associations across broad spatial scales is vital for predicting their responses to climate change. Macroinvertebrates play a major role in wetland processes, but studies simultaneously exploring both community structure and community trait responses to environmental gradients are still lacking. We compiled a global dataset (six continents) from 756 depressional wetlands, including the occurrence of 96 macroinvertebrate families, their phylogenetic tree, and 19 biological traits. Using Bayesian hierarchical joint species distribution models (JSDMs), we estimated macroinvertebrate associations and compared the influences of local and climatic predictors on both individual macroinvertebrate families and their traits. While macroinvertebrate families were mainly related to broad‐scale factors (maximum temperature and precipitation seasonality), macroinvertebrate traits were strongly related to local wetland hydroperiod. Interestingly, macroinvertebrate families and traits both showed positive and negative associations to the same environmental variables. As expected, many macroinvertebrate family occurrences were positively associated with temperature, but a few showed the opposite pattern and were found in cooler or montane regions. We also found that wetland macroinvertebrate communities would likely be affected by changing climates through alterations in traits related to precipitation seasonality, temperature seasonality, and wetland area. Temperature increases may negatively affect collector and shredder functional groups. A decrease in precipitation could lead to reductions in wetland area benefiting drought‐tolerant macroinvertebrates, but it may negatively affect macroinvertebrates lacking those adaptations. Wetland processes may be compromised through broad‐scale environmental changes altering macroinvertebrate family distributions and local hydroperiod shifts altering organism traits. Our complementary family‐based and trait‐based approaches elucidate the complex effects that climate change may produce on wetland ecosystems.
Dispersal limitation shapes distance‐decay patterns of European spiders at the continental scale
Authors: Martín‐Devasa Ramiro , Jiménez‐Valverde Alberto , Leprieur Fabien , Baselga Andrés , Gómez‐Rodríguez Carola
Published: February 2024

Aim

To assess the relative relevance of dispersal limitation and species sorting as drivers of spatial turnover between spider faunas of European territories.

Location

Continental Europe.

Time period

Present.

Major taxa studied

Spiders (Order Araneae).

Methods

We analysed how distance‐decay patterns differ between northern and southern Europe (broadly, territories covered vs. not covered by ice sheets during the last glacial maximum, respectively) in 15 spider families, using standardized distances to allow a direct comparison between parameters (i.e. slope and intercept) of climatic and spatial distance‐decay models. Thus, we assessed North–South differences in parameters of spatial and, independently, climatic distance‐decay models, and whether those differences are explained by family‐specific traits related to dispersal ability.

Results

Climatic and spatial distance‐decay patterns are very similar in northern Europe, where climatic and spatial distances are highly correlated. In contrast, slopes are steeper in spatial than in climatic distance‐decay curves in southern Europe, where climatic and spatial distances are decoupled. Moreover, family traits related to dispersal ability explained the North–South difference in spatial distance‐decay slopes, as well as the amount of nestedness‐resultant dissimilarity between southern and northern spider faunas.

Main conclusions

Our results suggest that differences in beta diversity patterns between northern and southern Europe reflect the strength of dispersal limitation in spiders, which varies across families and leads to different degrees of disequilibrium with current climatic conditions depending on the taxon. Moreover, in the South of Europe, where spatial and climatic distances are uncorrelated, spatial distance‐decay models are steeper and have larger explanatory power than climatic distance‐decay models, which suggests that dispersal limitation is the main factor shaping current beta diversity patterns of European spiders at the continental scale.
The competence‐control dilemma and the institutional design of European Union agencies
Authors: Rittberger Berthold , Ruffing Eva , Weinrich Martin , Wonka Arndt
Published: February 2024

In the past decades, European Union (EU) agencies have proliferated to address a plethora of governance problems. When designing EU agencies, EU legislators confront a tension: Legislators want agencies to be competent problem‐solvers, but they also want to keep agencies under control. How do EU legislators balance these two imperatives? We argue that agencies' political principals do not necessarily have to trade competence for control, and vice versa, but can draw on different institutional strategies – manipulating agencies' decision‐making and decision‐maker independence – to mitigate the competence‐control dilemma. Drawing on an original dataset on EU agencies' formal independence, we demonstrate empirically that principals customize EU agencies' independence to match the respective competence and control demands that come with specific agency tasks: regulation, authorization, implementation and information. The paper makes an important contribution to the literature on the drivers of the EU's agencification and to debates on the institutional design of regulatory institutions in the EU and beyond.
Understanding the contemporary history of urban economic change: The case of entrepreneurial innovation
Authors: Huggins Robert , Thompson Piers
Published: February 2024

In the opening decades of the twenty‐first century certain cities around the world emerged as hubs of entrepreneurial innovation. This paper explores this urban economic change phenomenon through in‐depth and comparative qualitative analysis. It focuses on the recent contemporary history of New York, Los Angeles, London, Berlin, Tokyo and Shanghai prior to the global COVID pandemic. Based on an analysis of the drivers, mechanisms and processes of change, it is found that these cities acted as places of possibility for many individuals who previously may have been unlikely to engage in entrepreneurship. The cities were found to have established new development paths through entrepreneurial innovation stemming from co‐creation network dynamics, with key human agents playing pivotal roles. Common elements include the rise of venture capital, the growth of entrepreneurial cultures, and institutional policy changes. Notably, entrepreneurial innovation was found to be closely tied to changes in large corporates. This innovation evolved through the proliferation of new infrastructure such as co‐working spaces and innovation incubators, with each city being utilised as a test‐bed for new ideas. Finally, the emergence of a darker side to entrepreneurial innovation is found in terms of growing urban inequality.
Eptacog beta for the management of patients with haemophilia A and B with inhibitors: A European perspective
Authors: Miesbach Wolfgang , Carcao Manuel , Mahlangu Johnny , Dargaud Yesim , Jimenez‐Yuste Victor , Hermans Cédric
Published: February 2024

Eptacog beta (activated), a recombinant human factor VIIa (rFVIIa), was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2020 (SEVENFACT®, LFB & HEMA Biologics) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in 2022 (CEVENFACTA®, LFB). In Europe, eptacog beta is indicated for the treatment of bleeds and the prevention of bleeds during surgery or invasive procedures in adults and adolescents (≥12 years old) with congenital haemophilia A or B with high‐titre inhibitors (≥5 BU) or with low‐titre inhibitors who are expected to have a high anamnestic response to factor VIII or factor IX, or to be refractory to increased dosing of these factors. The efficacy and safety of eptacog beta were evaluated in three Phase III clinical studies, PERSEPT 1, 2 and 3. For the EMA filing dossier, the analysis of data from PERSEPT 1 and 2 differed from the analysis used to support the filing in the US. In this review, we summarise current data regarding the mode of action, clinical efficacy and safety of eptacog beta for the management of haemophilia A and B in patients with inhibitors from a European perspective. In addition to providing a valuable summary of the analyses of the clinical data for eptacog beta conducted for the EMA, our review summarises the potential differentiators for eptacog beta compared with other current bypassing agents.
The performance of an artificial intelligence‐based computer vision mobile application for the image diagnosis of genital dermatoses: a prospective cross‐sectional study
Authors: Mehta Nikhil , Khan Ejaz , Choudhary Rajat , Dholakia Dhwani , Goel Sachin , Gupta Somesh
Published: February 2024

Background

There is a huge demand–supply gap between the incidence of genital dermatoses (including sexually transmitted infections and non‐venereal genital dermatoses) and physicians trained to manage them.

Objectives

To find out the performance of an artificial intelligence (AI)‐based mobile application in the image diagnosis of genital dermatoses, and to compare it with primary care physicians (PCPs) and dermatologists.

Methods

Photos of the genital diseases of consecutive patients presenting to the STD and genital diseases clinic were included. The gold standard diagnosis was established by the consensus of two certified dermatologists after examination and one positive investigation. Image diagnoses by the DermaAId application, two PCPs, and two dermatologists were recorded and compared to the gold standard diagnosis and to each other.

Results

A total of 257 genital disease images, including 95 (37.0%) anogenital warts, 60 (22.2%) lichen sclerosus, 20 (7.8%) anogenital herpes, 15 (5.8%) tinea cruris, 14 (5.4%) molluscum contagiosum, 9 (3.5%) candidiasis, 8 (3.1%) scabies, 6 (2.3%) squamous cell carcinomas, were included. The top‐1 correct diagnosis rate of the application was 68.9%, compared to the 50.4% of the PCPs and 73.2% of the dermatologists. The application significantly outperformed PCPs with regard to the correlation with the gold standard diagnosis (P < 0.0001), and matched that of the dermatologists.

Conclusions

AI‐based image diagnosis platforms can potentially be a low‐cost rapid decision support tool for PCPs, integrated with syndromic management programs and direct‐to‐consumer services, and address healthcare inequities in managing genital dermatoses.
Performance of mid‐upper arm circumference to identify adolescents with obesity and metabolic syndrome: NHANES 2011–2018 analysis
Authors: Jima Beshada Rago , Sisay Binyam Girma , Feyesa Ilili , Hassen Hamid Yimam
Published: February 2024

Background

Mid‐upper arm circumference (MUAC) was recommended for screening of adolescents with obesity, although its diagnostic performance with respect to high‐precision assessment of body composition remains unknown.

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of MUAC in identifying obesity and metabolic syndrome in U.S. adolescents.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data (2011–2018) of adolescents aged 12–19. We calculated the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and likelihood ratios of MUAC in identifying obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Results

In our study, data of 5496 adolescents, including 2665 females, were analysed. The prevalence of obesity was higher in boys (14%) than girls (10%), whilst metabolic syndrome was more common in males (2.6%) than females (1.7%). The area under the curve (AUC) of MUAC in identifying obesity was 0.69 in boys and 0.86 in girls, whilst the AUC of MUAC in identifying metabolic syndrome was 0.91 in boys and 0.87 in girls. The optimal MUAC cut‐off for identifying adolescents with obesity was 28.3 cm in boys (sensitivity: 64.8%, specificity: 85.5%) and 30.8 cm in girls (sensitivity: 67.9%, specificity: 90.1%).

Conclusions

MUAC was a good indicator of both obesity and metabolic syndrome, with higher accuracy in girls.
Chromatin‐binding deubiquitinase MYSM1 acts in haematopoietic progenitors to control dendritic cell development and to program dendritic cell responses to microbial stimulation
Authors: Mousa Marwah , Liang Yue , Tung Lin Tze , Wang HanChen , Krawczyk Connie , Langlais David , Nijnik Anastasia
Published: February 2024

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most significant antigen presenting cells of the immune system, critical for the activation of naïve T cells. The pathways controlling DC development, maturation, and effector function therefore require precise regulation to allow for an effective induction of adaptive immune response. MYSM1 is a chromatin binding deubiquitinase (DUB) and an activator of gene expression via its catalytic activity for monoubiquitinated histone H2A (H2A‐K119ub), which is a highly abundant repressive epigenetic mark. MYSM1 is an important regulator of haematopoiesis in mouse and human, and a systemic constitutive loss of Mysm1 in mice results in a depletion of many haematopoietic progenitors, including DC precursors, with the downstream loss of most DC lineage cells. However, the roles of MYSM1 at the later checkpoints in DC development, maturation, activation, and effector function at present remain unknown. In the current work, using a range of novel mouse models (Mysm1flCreERT2, Mysm1flCD11c‐cre, Mysm1DN), we further the understanding of MYSM1 functions in the DC lineage: assessing the requirement for MYSM1 in DC development independently of other complex developmental phenotypes, exploring its role at the later checkpoints in DC maintenance and activation in response to microbial stimulation, and testing the requirement for the DUB catalytic activity of MYSM1 in these processes. Surprisingly, we demonstrate that MYSM1 expression and catalytic activity in DCs are dispensable for the maintenance of DC numbers in vivo or for DC activation in response to microbial stimulation. In contrast, MYSM1 acts via its DUB catalytic activity specifically in haematopoietic progenitors to allow normal DC lineage development, and its loss results not only in a severe DC depletion but also in the production of functionally altered DCs, with a dysregulation of many housekeeping transcriptional programs and significantly altered responses to microbial stimulation.
A phased strengthening of laboratory capacity in the Eastern Mediterranean Region during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Meredith Luke W. , Aboualy Mustafa , Ochola Rachel , Ozel Mehmet , Abubakar Abdinasir , Barakat Amal
Published: February 2024

The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) faces ongoing challenges in its public health system due to limited resources, logistical issues, and political disruptions. The COVID‐19 pandemic accelerated the need for stronger laboratory capacities to handle the increased demand for testing. In a phased response, EMR countries utilized the National Influenza Centers to rapidly establish and scale molecular testing for SARS‐CoV‐2, the causative agent of COVID‐19. The expansion of capacity included strong collaborations between public health bodies and private and academic sectors to decentralize and expand testing to the subnational level. To ensure that the quality of testing was not impacted by rapid expansion, national and subnational laboratories were enrolled in external quality assurance programs for the duration of the response. Implementation of genomic surveillance was prioritized for variant tracking, leading to the establishment of regional sequencing reference laboratories and the distribution of MinION sequencing platforms to complex emergency countries who previously had limited experience with pathogen sequencing. Challenges included a lack of technical expertise, including in implementing novel diagnostic assays and sequencing, a lack of bioinformatics expertise in the region, and significant logistical and procurement challenges. The collaborative approach, coordinated through the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office, enabled all 22 countries to achieve SARS‐CoV‐2 diagnostic capabilities, highlighting the pivotal role of laboratories in global health security.
The impact of cognitive behavioural therapy‐based psychological intervention on emotional improvement in elderly patients with extensive burns
Authors: Yu Hong‐Mei , Wang Ling , Pan Cui‐Zhen
Published: February 2024

To evaluate the efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) as a psychological intervention for elderly patients with extensive burns, focusing on its impact on emotional well‐being, self‐efficacy and quality of life. A prospective, randomized study involving 200 elderly burn patients was conducted from November 2021 to January 2023. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either standard care (control group) or burn care based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT‐B) (study group), with 100 patients in each group. Outcome measures included the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain assessment, 36‐item Short Form Survey (SF‐36) for quality of life, General Self‐Efficacy Scale (GSES) and Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale (RSES). The study revealed that CBT‐based intervention significantly reduced anxiety and depression scores compared with standard care (p < 0.05). Additionally, patients in the CBT group exhibited improved self‐efficacy, self‐esteem and quality of life (p < 0.05). CBT proves to be a valuable intervention for elderly burn patients, effectively addressing emotional distress and enhancing their psychological well‐being. By modifying negative cognitive patterns, providing coping mechanisms and fostering problem‐solving skills, CBT‐based care contributes to a more positive recovery experience and improved quality of life.
A highly stable and conductive cerium‐doped Li7P3S11 glass‐ceramic electrolyte for solid‐state lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Mirtaleb Amirhossein , Wang Ruigang
Published: February 2024

In this report, a facile wet chemical method using acetonitrile combined with thermal annealing was used to prepare Li2S‐P2S5 (LPS) based glass‐ceramic electrolytes with (1 wt%, 3 wt%, and 5 wt% Ce2S3) and without Ce2S3 doping. The crystal structure, ionic conductivity, and chemical stability of Li7P3S11 glass‐ceramic electrolytes were examined at varying temperatures (250–350°C). The results indicated that the highest ionic conductivity of 3.15 × 10−4 S cm−1 for pure Li7P3S11 was observed at a temperature of 325°C. By incorporating 1 wt% Ce2S3 and subjecting it to a heat treatment at 250°C, the glass ceramic electrolyte attained a remarkable ionic conductivity of 7.7 × 10−4 (S cm−1) at 25°C. Furthermore, it exhibited a stable and extensive electrochemical potential range, reaching up to 5 volts when compared to the Li/Li+ reference electrode. By tuning the glass transition and crystallization temperature, cerium doping seems to make Li7P3S11 more chemically stable, compared to its original 70Li2S‐30P2S5 counterpart. According to Raman and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses, cerium doping inhibits the decomposition of highly conductive P2S74‐ (pyro‐thiophosphate) to PS43− and P2S64−. Doped LPS has a greater crystallinity and more uniform microstructure than pure LPS, according to XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy analysis. Consequently, Li7P2.9Ce0.1S11 electrolyte shows great potential as a solid‐state electrolyte for constructing high‐performance sulfide‐based all‐solid‐state batteries.
Avoiding impacts of phylogenetic tip‐state‐errors on dispersal and extirpation rates in alpine plant biogeography
Authors: Bätscher Livio , de Vos Jurriaan M.
Published: February 2024

Aim

Many biogeographic analyses require some form of automated state assignment to tips of phylogenetic trees, reflecting a species presence or absence in a particular area, e.g., a biome. As datasets get exponentially larger, such procedures may increasingly induce errors (here called tip‐state‐error), but the specific algorithmic cause and consequence on downstream estimation of dispersal and extinction rates remains poorly known. We aim to improve automated tip‐scoring methods in the context of the alpine biome by leveraging elevation information. We document the profound effect of tip‐state‐errors on Dispersal‐Extirpation‐Cladogenesis (DEC) models.

Location

The European Alpine Arc.

Taxon

Three thousand three hundred seventeen vascular plant species, emphasizing six focal genera: Campanula, Carex, Festuca, Ranunculus, Saxifraga, and Viola.

Methods

We use GBIF data to classify whether species occur above the upper climatic treeline using a newly developed algorithm ElevDistr or a gridded landscape model of thermal belts, under various filtering thresholds. We compared classification performance using the Flora Alpina as validation data. To determine if tip‐state‐error biases the dispersal and extirpation rate estimation, we fit DEC models for selected clades using tip‐states from different classification models.

Results

ElevDistr is less error prone than other approaches. Filtering thresholds lower the false positive rate but increase the false negative rate. Inflated false positive rates bias the dispersal rate estimation upward, while inflated false negative rates lead to upward bias in extirpation rate estimation.

Main Conclusions

Even moderate tip‐state‐error may lead to profound systematic bias in dispersal and extinction rate estimation if an unbalanced ratio between false positive and false negative rates occurs. Therefore, careful validation is imperative, though ElevDistr alleviates this problem in the context of the alpine environment. Overall, our results suggest contrasting rates of alpine biome shifts across the studied genera and have major implications for studies addressing the likelihood of niche evolution versus geographic dispersal.
Complete free wall isolation of arrhythmogenic persistent left superior vena cava
Authors: Sekihara Takayuki , Oka Takafumi , Ozu Kentaro , Sakata Yasushi
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is one of the major sources of triggers and drivers of atrial fibrillation (AF). There has been no established PLSVC ablation procedure to eliminate the arrhythmogenicity along the entire length of PLSVC.

Methods and Results

A 70‐year‐old woman with a history of two previous catheter ablations for AF, mitral valvuloplasty, and an unroofed coronary sinus‐type atrial septal defect closure underwent the redo AF ablations. The AF trigger and driver were identified within the patient's enlarged PLSVC. The AF was treated by complete PLSVC free wall isolation.

Conclusion

Complete PLSVC free wall isolation may be an effective ablation method to eliminate the arrhythmogenicity along the entire length of the PLSVC.
Associations of dietary antioxidant intake with periodontal health among US adults: An exploratory mediation analysis via mitochondrial function
Authors: Cao Ruoyan , Li An , Geng Fengxue , Pan Yaping
Published: February 2024

Aim

To assess the relationship between dietary antioxidant intake and periodontal health in US adults and the potential role of mitochondrial function.

Materials and Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional study using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014. Dietary antioxidant intake was evaluated using three diet‐related indices: dietary oxidative balance score (DOBS), dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) of antioxidant vitamins and composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI). Periodontal parameters included attachment loss (AL) and probing pocket depth (PPD). Mitochondrial dysfunction was assessed using the methylmalonic acid (MMA) level. Weighted multivariable linear regression analyses were employed to investigate the association between dietary antioxidant intake and periodontal status. Additionally, exploratory mediation analyses were conducted to determine the mediating effect of MMA on the association.

Results

Totally, 5520 participants were included in our study. Participants with higher DOBS and DTAC scores had lower mean AL/PPD and MMA values. CDAI was negatively associated with mean AL and PPD. Furthermore, MMA mediated 9.4% and 4.9% of the associations between DOBS and mean AL and mean PPD, respectively. MMA also accounted for 7.2% and 3.3% of the association between DTAC and mean AL and PPD, respectively.

Conclusions

The findings support that dietary antioxidant intake helps in improving periodontal health, possibly and partially by enhancing mitochondrial function.
CEO extraversion and the cost of equity capital
Authors: Adebambo Biljana , Bowen Robert M. , Malhotra Shavin , Zhu Pengcheng
Published: February 2024

We examine whether CEO extraversion, an important personality trait associated with leadership, is associated with firms' expected cost of equity capital. We measure CEO extraversion using CEOs' speech patterns during the unscripted portion of conference calls. After controlling for multiple CEO and firm‐specific variables, we find a strong positive incremental association between CEO extraversion and firms' expected cost of capital. Moreover, cost of equity increases when a more extraverted CEO replaces a less extraverted CEO. In addition, we find that firms with relatively extraverted CEOs take more risk and exhibit lower credit ratings, which is associated with higher cost of equity capital. These results are statistically and economically meaningful and do not appear to be driven by reverse causality, endogenous matching, look‐ahead bias, or bias in analysts' earnings forecast.
Qualitative investigations into floodways under extreme flood loading
Authors: Greene Isaac Samuel , Gunasekara Chamila , Lokuge Weena , Karunasena Warna
Published: February 2024

The Australian use of the term floodway refers to a trafficable transverse structure designed to facilitate the safe crossing of watercourses. Floodways are also commonly referred to as fords and causeways. This research explores areas of focus through experimental, numerical and survey methods to improve floodway resilience with regard to flood risk management. The industry‐based survey provides a dataset relating to user experiences, deduces the likeliness of floodways to sustain damage, defines several key focus areas, and reveals that the current risk levels are primarily managed without significant investigation into design. A floodway experimental and numerical simulation program was developed to investigate the lateral forces induced through debris impact using scaled models in a soil box and finite element analysis. Qualitatively, crack propagation and displacement correlated closely with the strain concentrations and displacements in the numerical simulation, with failure attributed to tensile strength being exceeded, followed by plastic strain development within the soil elements. It was concluded through this research that floodway failure during flood is complex and can be attributed to several different failure modes including concrete failure, yielding of adjoining soil material, and hydraulically via scour.
Medical aid in dying to avoid late‐stage dementia
Authors: Pope Thaddeus Mason , Brodoff Lisa
Published: February 2024

Many patients with dementia want the option of using medical aid in dying (MAID) to end their lives before losing decision‐making capacity and other abilities that impact their desired quality of life. But, for over two decades, it has been widely understood that these patients cannot (solely because of their dementia diagnosis) satisfy three statutory eligibility requirements in all U.S. MAID laws: (1) decisional capacity, (2) the ability to self‐administer the life‐ending medications, and (3) a terminal condition with 6 months or less to live. Now, because of recent statutory amendments together with the use of voluntarily stopping eating and drinking (VSED) to quickly advance to a terminal condition, this dementia exclusion from MAID might no longer apply. If combining VSED and MAID is now a possibility for patients with dementia, then clinicians need more guidance on whether and when to support patients seeking to take this path. In this article, we begin to provide this guidance. First, we describe the recent case of an Oregon patient with early‐stage Alzheimer's dementia who successfully used VSED to qualify for and use MAID. Second, we discuss prior barriers to using VSED as a bridge to MAID for people with dementia. Third, we describe recent legal changes that might make this path now possible.
Sexual function and correlates among adults aged 50+ years in China: Findings from the sexual well‐being (SWELL) study
Authors: Wang Bingyi , Peng Xin , Fu Leiwen , Lu Zhen , Li Xinyi , Tian Tian , Xiao Xin , Zhang Weijie , Guo Zhihui , Ouyang Lin , Wang Ying , Yu Maohe , Wu Guohui , Wu Dan , Tang Weiming , Tucker Joseph D. , Cai Yong , Zou Huachun
Published: February 2024

Background

Sexual function is an important yet understudied aspect of overall health and well‐being in older adults. We aimed to examine sexual function and its correlates among people 50 years and older in China.

Methods

We enrolled people aged 50 years and older recruited from four regions in China between September 2021 and July 2022 in a multicenter cross‐sectional study. Data were collected through an investigator‐administered questionnaire about demographic characteristics, health characteristics, and sexual function status. Logistic regression was used to assess correlates of lower sexual function (the highest quintile of the sex‐specific population distribution of Natsal‐SF scores [i.e., lower functioning compared with the remaining]).

Results

A total of 465 women and 832 men who were sexually active in the past year were included in the analysis (mean age: 60.4 ± 7.2) [Correction added after first online publication on 12 Feb 2024. The word “years” has been changed to “year” in this sentence.]. Over a quarter of all participants were dissatisfied with their sex life. Notably, 92 women and 167 men were categorized as having a lower sexual function. Age (in men only), living in urban areas, general health status, being underweight or overweight (in men only), and having depressive symptoms were associated with lower sexual function. Among all participants, 43.1% of men and 54.0% of women experienced sexual response problems lasting 3 months or more. Less than one‐third of all participants had sought help or advice for sex life in the past year.

Conclusions

Sexual dysfunction and sexual dissatisfaction are prevalent among older adults in China and are associated with self‐assessed poor health. More efforts are needed to better understand sexual health needs and tailor service provision.
Nutritional interventions as modulators of the disease activity for idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: a scoping review
Authors: Sánchez‐Rosales Abril I. , Posadas‐Calleja Juan G. , Serralde‐Zúñiga Aurora E. , Quiroz‐Olguín Gabriela
Published: February 2024

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are chronic, autoimmune connective tissue diseases associated with significant morbidity and disability. Nutrients can activate the immune system and contribute to chronic low‐grade inflammation (LGI). Chronic muscle inflammation leads to imbalanced pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokines, causing inadequate nutrition, weight loss and muscle weakness during a negative cycle. Owing to its potential to modulate LGI in various diseases, the Mediterranean diet (Med Diet) has been extensively studied. This scoping review explores the nutritional implications and recommendations of the Med Diet as a treatment for immune‐mediated diseases, focusing on the gaps in IIM nutritional interventions. A comprehensive literature search of the MEDLINE and EBSCO databases between September 2018 and December 2022 was performed. We identified that the Med Diet and its specific components, such as omega‐3 (nω3) fatty acids, vitamin D and antioxidants, play a role in the dietary treatment of connective tissue‐related autoimmune diseases. Nutritional interventions have demonstrated potential for modulating disease activity and warrant further exploration of IIMs through experimental studies. This review introduces a dietary therapeutic approach using the Med Diet and related compounds to regulate chronic inflammatory processes in IIMs. However, further clinical studies are required to evaluate the efficacy of the Med Diet in patients with IIMs. Emphasising a clinical–nutritional approach, this study encourages future research on the anti‐inflammatory effects of the Med Diet on IIMs. This review highlights potential insights for managing and treating these conditions using a holistic approach.
Nucleus accumbens neurons dynamically respond to appetitive and aversive associative learning
Authors: Deseyve Catarina , Domingues Ana Verónica , Carvalho Tawan T. A. , Armada Gisela , Correia Raquel , Vieitas‐Gaspar Natacha , Wezik Marcelina , Pinto Luísa , Sousa Nuno , Coimbra Bárbara , Rodrigues Ana João , Soares‐Cunha Carina
Published: February 2024

To survive, individuals must learn to associate cues in the environment with emotionally relevant outcomes. This association is partially mediated by the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a key brain region of the reward circuit that is mainly composed by GABAergic medium spiny neurons (MSNs), that express either dopamine receptor D1 or D2. Recent studies showed that both populations can drive reward and aversion, however, the activity of these neurons during appetitive and aversive Pavlovian conditioning remains to be determined. Here, we investigated the relevance of D1‐ and D2‐neurons in associative learning, by measuring calcium transients with fiber photometry during appetitive and aversive Pavlovian tasks in mice. Sucrose was used as a positive valence unconditioned stimulus (US) and foot shock was used as a negative valence US. We show that during appetitive Pavlovian conditioning, D1‐ and D2‐neurons exhibit a general increase in activity in response to the conditioned stimuli (CS). Interestingly, D1‐ and D2‐neurons present distinct changes in activity after sucrose consumption that dynamically evolve throughout learning. During the aversive Pavlovian conditioning, D1‐ and D2‐neurons present an increase in the activity in response to the CS and to the US (shock). Our data support a model in which D1‐ and D2‐neurons are concurrently activated during appetitive and aversive conditioning.

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Genetic deletion of hormone‐sensitive lipase in mice reduces cerebral blood flow but does not aggravate the impact of diet‐induced obesity on memory
Authors: Skoug Cecilia , Rogova Oksana , Spégel Peter , Holm Cecilia , Duarte João M. N.
Published: February 2024

Hormone‐sensitive lipase (HSL) is active throughout the brain and its genetic ablation impacts brain function. Its activity in the brain was proposed to regulate bioactive lipid availability, namely eicosanoids that are inflammatory mediators and regulate cerebral blood flow (CBF). We aimed at testing whether HSL deletion increases susceptibility to neuroinflammation and impaired brain perfusion upon diet‐induced obesity. HSL−/−, HSL+/−, and HSL+/+ mice of either sex were fed high‐fat diet (HFD) or control diet for 8 weeks, and then assessed in behavior tests (object recognition, open field, and elevated plus maze), metabolic tests (insulin and glucose tolerance tests and indirect calorimetry in metabolic cages), and CBF determination by arterial spin labeling (ASL) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Immunofluorescence microscopy was used to determine coverage of blood vessels, and morphology of astrocytes and microglia in brain slices. HSL deletion reduced CBF, most prominently in cortex and hippocampus, while HFD feeding only lowered CBF in the hippocampus of wild‐type mice. CBF was positively correlated with lectin‐stained vessel density. HSL deletion did not exacerbate HFD‐induced microgliosis in the hippocampus and hypothalamus. HSL−/− mice showed preserved memory performance when compared to wild‐type mice, and HSL deletion did not significantly aggravate HFD‐induced memory impairment in object recognition tests. In contrast, HSL deletion conferred protection against HFD‐induced obesity, glucose intolerance, and insulin resistance. Altogether, this study points to distinct roles of HSL in periphery and brain during diet‐induced obesity. While HSL−/− mice were protected against metabolic syndrome development, HSL deletion reduced brain perfusion without leading to aggravated HFD‐induced neuroinflammation and memory dysfunction.

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Perineuronal net deglycosylation associates with tauopathy‐induced gliosis and neurodegeneration
Authors: Logsdon Aric F. , Foresi Brian , Hu Shannon J. , Quah Emily , Meuret Cristiana J. , Le Jaden P. , Hendrickson Aarun S. , Redford Ingrid K. , Kumar Asmit , Phan Bao Anh , Doan Tammy P. , Noonan Cassidy , Hendricks Nzinga E. , Wheeler Jeanna M. , Kraemer Brian C. , Alonge Kimberly M.
Published: February 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by clinical symptoms of memory and cognitive deficiencies. Postmortem evaluation of AD brain tissue shows proteinopathy that closely associate with the progression of this dementing disorder, including the accumulation of extracellular beta amyloid (Aβ) and intracellular hyperphosphorylated tau (pTau) with neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Current therapies targeting Aβ have limited clinical efficacy and life‐threatening side effects and highlight the need for alternative treatments targeting pTau and other pathophysiologic mechanisms driving AD pathogenesis. The brain's extracellular matrices (ECM), particularly perineuronal nets (PNNs), play a crucial role in brain functioning and neurocircuit stability, and reorganization of these unique PNN matrices has been associated with the progression of AD and accumulation of pTau in humans. We hypothesize that AD‐associated changes in PNNs may in part be driven by the accumulation of pTau within the brain. In this work, we investigated whether the presence of pTau influenced PNN structural integrity and PNN chondroitin sulfate‐glycosaminoglycan (CS‐GAG) compositional changes in two transgenic mouse models expressing tauopathy‐related AD pathology, PS19 (P301S) and Tau4RTg2652 mice. We show that PS19 mice exhibit an age‐dependent loss of hippocampal PNN CS‐GAGs, but not the underlying aggrecan core protein structures, in association with pTau accumulation, gliosis, and neurodegeneration. The loss of PNN CS‐GAGs were linked to shifts in CS‐GAG sulfation patterns to favor the neuroregenerative isomer, 2S6S‐CS. Conversely, Tau4RTg2652 mice exhibit stable PNN structures and normal CS‐GAG isomer composition despite robust pTau accumulation, suggesting a critical interaction between neuronal PNN glycan integrity and neighboring glial cell activation. Overall, our findings provide insights into the complex relationship between PNN CS‐GAGs, pTau pathology, gliosis, and neurodegeneration in mouse models of tauopathy, and offer new therapeutic insights and targets for AD treatment.

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Patient and family engagement interventions for hospitalized patient safety: A scoping review
Authors: Cai Yan , Liu Yuan , Wang Cong , Liu Shanshan , Zhang Mingming , Jiang Yan
Published: February 2024

Aim

To summarize existing studies that focused on improving hospitalized patient safety through patient and family engagement interventions to identify priorities and gaps.

Design

A scoping review.

Methods

Eight databases and citations of important reviews were searched on 30 September 2022. Two researchers independently screened the records. Then, two researchers extracted the data and cross‐checked. The results were synthesized narratively, and a comparison was performed for studies from China and those from other countries.

Results

Ninety‐eight studies were included. The results indicated that patient and family engagement interventions were applied to decrease the incidence of patient safety incidents, and to improve the healthcare providers' and patients' knowledge, attitude or practice of patient safety. Most studies only engaged patients and families at the direct care level, and the engagement strategies at the organization and health system levels were insufficient. For stakeholders, many studies failed to consider patients' perspectives in intervention design and report taking staff training as a supportive strategy. Healthcare providers, especially nurses, were the main implementers of current interventions. Certain differences were observed between studies from China and those from other countries in the above aspects.

Conclusions

International interest in engaging patient and family for patient safety is growing. Future studies should enhance the patient and family engagement as a partner in various patient safety at the direct care level, and further explore the engagement at the organization and health system levels.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Nurses, as the main formal caregivers for patients, should promote patient and family engagement in patient safety, especially at direct care level. Nurse should also incorporate the perspectives of patients in the design and implementation of interventions.

Reporting Method

PRISMA‐ScR Checklist.