bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trait‐based mechanistic approach highlights global patterns and losses of herbivore biomass functional diversity
Authors: Berzaghi Fabio , Zhu Dan , Alroy John , Ciais Philippe
Published: February 2024

Mammalian herbivores play a pivotal role in Earth System processes by affecting biogeochemical cycles and ecosystem functioning, potentially leading to significant repercussions on atmosphere–biosphere feedbacks. Global dynamic models of mammalian populations can improve our understanding of their ecological role at large scales and the consequences of their extinctions. However, such models are still lacking and mammals are poorly integrated in Earth System Science.

We developed a mechanistic global model of terrestrial herbivore populations simulated with 37 functional groups defined through the analysis of eco‐physiological traits across all extant herbivores (2599 species). We coupled this model with a global vegetation model to predict herbivores' maximum potential biomass in pre‐industrial and at present‐day and to study the environmental drivers explaining the distribution of herbivore biomass. Present‐day biomass was estimated by accounting for anthropogenic activity causing habitat and range losses.

We show that natural ecosystems could have sustained a potential wild herbivore wet biomass of 330 Mt (95% CI: 245–417), comprised of 193 Mt (95% CI: 177–208) by large species (body mass >1–10 kg, depending on functional group) and 138 Mt (95% CI: 68–209) by small species. We estimate that the remaining present‐day large herbivores biomass is 82 Mt (95% CI: 32–133), reduced by 57% due to anthropogenic activity; consequently, small herbivores currently dominate global herbivore biomass with 98 Mt (95% CI: 91–106, −29%). Losses vary greatly across climatic zones and functional groups, suggesting that size is not the only discriminant feature of biomass decline.

Actual evapotranspiration is the most important driver of total, large and small herbivore biomass and explains 64%, 59% and 49% of its variation, respectively. Distribution of modelled and observed large herbivores' biomass suggested a high dependency on energy and water with more biomass in hot and wet areas. These results challenge the notion that large herbivore biomass peaks primarily in ecosystems with intermediate precipitation levels such as savannas.

Outside Africa and the Tropics, pre‐industrial biomass hotspots occur in areas today dominated by humans; this could undermine the recovery of larger species biomass in certain areas. Our herbivore biomass estimates provide a quantitative benchmark for setting conservation and rewilding goals at large spatial scales. The herbivore model and functional classification create new opportunities to integrate mammals into Earth System Science and models.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Fungal symbiont diversity drives growth of Holcus lanatus depending on soil nutrient availability
Authors: Sinanaj Besiana , Pressel Silvia , Bidartondo Martin I. , Field Katie J.
Published: February 2024

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi frequently colonise plant roots and can affect plant morphology and physiology through their contribution to plant nutrition. However, the functional role of AM fungi in the presence of other microbial symbionts, including widespread Mucoromycotina ‘fine root endophytes’ (MFRE) fungi, remains largely unknown.

While both AM fungi and MFRE transfer nutrients, including nitrogen, from inorganic and organic sources to host plants, their combined effects on co‐colonised plants have only been investigated in liverworts. Here, we compare the morphology and physiology of the grass Holcus lanatus grown with an AM fungal community versus a more diverse symbiotic fungal community containing both AM fungi and MFRE.

Holcus lanatus plants were grown in the presence of either a diverse MFRE+AM fungi soil inoculum or a multi‐species AM fungal inoculum. Plant traits associated with growth were quantified, along with fungal transfer of 15N tracer to plants from a variety of sources (ammonium chloride, alanine, glycine and algal necromass).

Holcus lanatus grown with the AM fungal community had greater root and shoot growth during early development and prior to the addition of 15N‐labelled sources, compared with plants grown with the more diverse symbiotic fungal community. When nitrogen sources were made available to the fungal symbionts in the pot microcosms, plants growing with the MFRE+AM fungi soil inoculum had a faster growth rate than plants growing with the AM fungal community. At harvest, H. lanatus grown with the AM fungal community had a larger biomass, and there were no differences in 15N tracer assimilation in plants across the two fungal community treatments.

Our results demonstrate that the diversity of fungal inocula in conjunction with soil nutrient availability determine the benefits derived by plants from diverse fungal symbionts. Our research contributes to understanding host plant outcomes in diverse multi‐symbiont scenarios.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Pushing the limits of C3 intrinsic water use efficiency in Mediterranean semiarid steppes: Responses of a drought‐avoider perennial grass to climate aridification
Authors: Ren Wei , García‐Palacios Pablo , Soliveres Santiago , Prieto Iván , Maestre Fernando T. , Querejeta José Ignacio
Published: February 2024

Intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi) reflects the trade‐off between photosynthetic carbon gain and water loss through stomatal conductance and is key for understanding dryland plant responses to climate change. Stipa tenacissima is a perennial tussock C3 grass with an opportunistic, drought‐avoiding water use strategy that dominates arid and semiarid steppes across the western Mediterranean region. However, its ecophysiological responses to aridification and woody shrub encroachment, a major land‐use change in drylands worldwide, are not well‐understood.

We investigated the variations in leaf stable isotopes (δ18O, δ13C, δ15N), nutrient concentrations (N, P, K), and culm water content and isotopic composition (δ18O, δ2H) of paired pure‐grass and shrub‐encroached S. tenacissima steppes along a 350 km aridity gradient in Spain (10 sites, 160 individuals).

Culm water isotopes revealed that S. tenacissima is a shallow‐rooted grass that depends heavily on recent rainwater for water uptake, which may render it vulnerable to increasingly irregular rainfall combined with faster topsoil drying under climate warming and aridification. With increasing aridity, S. tenacissima enhanced leaf‐level WUEi through more stringent stomatal regulation of plant water flux and carbon assimilation (higher δ13C and δ18O), reaching exceptionally high δ13C values (−23‰ to −21‰) at the most arid steppes. Foliar N concentration was remarkably low across sites regardless of woody shrub encroachment, evidencing severe water and N co‐limitation of photosynthesis and productivity. Shrub encroachment decreased leaf P and K but did not affect S. tenacissima water status. Perennial grass cover decreased markedly with both declining winter rainfall and shrub encroachment suggesting population‐level rather than individual‐level responses of S. tenacissima to these changes.

The fundamental physiological constraints of photosynthetic C3 metabolism combined with low foliar N content may hamper the ability of S. tenacissima and other drought‐avoider species with shallow roots to achieve further adaptive improvements in WUEi under increasing climatic stress. A drought‐avoiding water use strategy based on early stomatal closure and photosynthesis suppression during prolonged rainless periods may thus compromise the capacity of semiarid S. tenacissima steppes to maintain perennial grass cover, sustain productivity and cope with ongoing climate aridification at the drier parts of their current distribution.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
‘Beware of dalals’: a moral world of health market brokerage in Bangladesh
Authors: Perkins Janet E.
Published: February 2024

Anthropological enquiry into brokers and brokerage practice provides a prime entry point for making sense of social change. This article tends to the ways in which the trope of the broker and the everyday practice of those identified as enacting brokerage act as linchpins in broader moral grappling during a period of rapid social change. It draws from the ethnographic context of brokerage discursively constituted and enacted within maternal health markets in Bangladesh, focusing on the trope and actual practice of those identified as morally compromised dalals: brokers bringing women and families from public to private health institutions. It argues that the trope of the dalal operates as a metaphor for immorality ascribed to morally ambiguous spaces of the private health sector, a way for people to contend with a moral discomfort integral to applying market logics to health services enacted largely outside the jurisdiction of formal regulatory mechanisms. The practice of those identified as embodying dalals, in contrast, while flourishing in these conditions, is rooted in economic precarity, primarily of young men with limited power waiting for better opportunities, who negotiate and balance moral and economic imperatives in their line of work.
Jung's Erotic Phenomenology: I. A New Translation
Authors: Wallace Wes
Published: February 2024

In the introduction to The Psychology of the Transference (1946), Carl Jung sketched out a theory of “erotic phenomenology” which condenses his teaching about sexuality and romantic love into a very concise summary. But the meaning of this passage is obscured in the English translation given in the Collected Works of C. G. Jung. I propose here a new translation which makes Jung’s meaning clearer, along with a commentary which explains it in the context of Freudian drive theory and German 19th century philosophy. Invoking the concepts of instinct, mind, and Eros (both the passion and the divine figure), Jung’s theory says that male sexual desire can be cultivated or repressed in four distinct ways, each associated with a female symbolic figure or anima image: Eve, Helen, Mary and Sophia.
Assessing iPhone LiDAR & Recon‐3D for determining area of origin in bloodstain pattern analysis
Authors: Stevenson Stephanie , Liscio Eugene
Published: February 2024

Bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) has proven to be a useful tool in forensic and criminal investigations for quite some time. Traditionally, documenting a crime scene for a bloodletting event was completed using manual techniques, physical strings, and a tape measure. In more recent years, laser scanners and 3D software programs have become a preferred method to capture accurate data that improves the validity and reliability of BPA. The initial cost of laser scanning equipment is relatively high, rendering these systems inaccessible to some police and smaller agencies. Recon‐3D is a newly developed iPhone application that utilizes the iPhone LiDAR sensor in combination with video data to create 3D point clouds of crime scenes. To assess the viability of Recon‐3D for area of origin analysis, two tests were performed. One was a series of bloodstain impacts which were analyzed in FARO Zone 3D software, while the second was a series of 6 repeated Recon‐3D scans of two 90‐degree walls which was then compared to the FARO Focus S350 scanner using CloudCompare software. A total of eight impact patterns were made at three different distances from a wall. The area of origin was measured and compared to the known location of the blood source. The average total 3D error for the area of origin set at 25, 50, and 100 cm from two perpendicular walls was found to be 6.04, 15.16, and 36.59 cm, respectively. These results are similar to past studies where programs such as HemoSpat have been used. The results of the point cloud comparison show that on average, 95% of the points from Recon‐3D fall below a threshold of 3.6 mm when compared to a FARO Focus S350 laser scanner. Thus, the results of this test suggest that Recon‐3D is an accurate and affordable scanning application for bloodstain patterns at crime scenes and the data provide acceptable results for area of origin analysis in BPA programs which accept laser scanner data.
Removal of inflammatory factors and prognosis of patients with septic shock complicated with acute kidney injury by hemodiafiltration combined with HA330‐II hemoperfusion
Authors: Zhou Juan , Li Haopeng , Zhang Lei , Chen Guangjian , Wang Gang , Zhu HuiHui , Hao Yingxin , Wu Gang
Published: February 2024

Introduction

To explore the effect of CRRT using CVVHDF + HP on the removal of inflammatory mediators in patients with septic shock complicated with AKI.

Methods

A total of 20 patients between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2021, were included. The patients were randomly divided into the treatment group (CVVHDF + HP) and the control group (CVVHDF). Changes in inflammatory factors, including IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, TNF‐α, PCT, and CRP were compared. Other observed measures were also analyzed, for example, Lac, Scr, BUN, SOFA, and norepinephrine (NE) dosage. The clinical outcomes of both groups were followed up for 28 days.

Results

The IL‐6 and PCT levels in the treatment group were significantly lower (p = 0.005, 0.007). Although the IL‐1β, TNFα, and CRP levels in the treatment group decreased, there were no statistical differences (p > 0.05). There were significant differences in Lac, SOFA, and NE dosage levels between both groups (p = 0.023, 0.01, 0.023). Survival analysis showed that the 28‐day survival rate was significantly higher in the treatment group.

Conclusion

CRRT using CVVHDF+HP can effectively remove inflammatory factors and improve the prognosis of patients.
Surgical resection of an intraluminal tumor in the azygos vein with an unknown primary site causing superior vena cava syndrome
Authors: Monden Yuki , Une Dai , Torigoe Hidejiro , Isoda Tetsuya , Kamaguchi Suzuka , Yoshida Kenji , Hirami Yuji , Nakai Mikizo
Published: February 2024

Intraluminal tumor in the azygos vein is a rare disease that can cause superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome. Radiotherapy and endovascular stenting with or without chemotherapy are reported to have a high clinical success rate for the management of SVC syndrome with malignancy, but a poor survival rate. Here, we report a 69‐year‐old man who presented with swelling of the face and upper extremities, who was diagnosed with SVC syndrome caused by an intraluminal tumor in the azygos vein. Enhanced chest computed tomography revealed an intraluminal mass with a filling defect from the azygos vein to the SVC, with no extravascular extension or dissemination of the primary tumor. Surgical resection of the mass en bloc with the azygos vein and SVC reconstruction was performed. A poorly differentiated carcinoma was diagnosed on postoperative pathological evaluation. Twelve months after resection, the patient was well with no signs of recurrent disease. This case highlights that surgical resection should be considered as a treatment of choice for the management of SVC syndrome caused by an intraluminal malignancy in the azygos vein.
Roles of lncLingo2 and its derived miR‐876‐5p in the acquisition of opioid reinforcement
Authors: Yang Hongyu , Zhang Xiuning , Zhang Minglong , Lu Yun , Xie Bing , Sun Shaoguang , Yu Hailei , Cong Bin , Luo Yixiao , Ma Chunling , Wen Di
Published: February 2024

Recent studies found that non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs) played crucial roles in drug addiction through epigenetic regulation of gene expression and underlying drug‐induced neuroadaptations. In this study, we characterized lncRNA transcriptome profiles in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of mice exhibiting morphine‐conditioned place preference (CPP) and explored the prospective roles of novel differentially expressed lncRNA, lncLingo2 and its derived miR‐876‐5p in the acquisition of opioids‐associated behaviours. We found that the lncLingo2 was downregulated within the NAc core (NAcC) but not in the NAc shell (NAcS). This downregulation was found to be associated with the development of morphine CPP and heroin intravenous self‐administration (IVSA). As Mfold software revealed that the secondary structures of lncLingo2 contained the sequence of pre‐miR‐876, transfection of LV‐lncLingo2 into HEK293 cells significantly upregulated miR‐876 expression and the changes of mature miR‐876 are positively correlated with lncLingo2 expression in NAcC of morphine CPP trained mice. Delivering miR‐876‐5p mimics into NAcC also inhibited the acquisition of morphine CPP. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis and dual‐luciferase assay confirmed that miR‐876‐5p binds to its target gene, Kcnn3, selectively and regulates morphine CPP training‐induced alteration of Kcnn3 expression. Lastly, the electrophysiological analysis indicated that the currents of small conductance calcium‐activated potassium (SK) channel was increased, which led to low neuronal excitability in NAcC after CPP training, and these changes were reversed by lncLingo2 overexpression. Collectively, lncLingo2 may function as a precursor of miR‐876‐5p in NAcC, hence modulating the development of opioid‐associated behaviours in mice, which may serve as an underlying biomarker and therapeutic target of opioid addiction.
A study on fruit fly host range reveals the low infestation rate of Bactrocera dorsalis (Tephritidae) in Mayotte
Authors: Moquet Laura , Dupin Tim , Maigné Louis , Huat Joel , Chesneau Thomas , Delatte Hélène
Published: February 2024

The oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) is one of the world's most invasive and polyphagous fruit pests. It causes severe damage throughout its range and can devastate the entire fruit harvest in unprotected orchards. In 2007, B. dorsalis was detected in Mayotte, where it now ranks ninth on the list of fruit fly species of economic importance. This tropical island is a good study area to analyse the host range of B. dorsalis and its interactions with other resident fruit fly species.

Two field campaigns were carried out from 2012 to 2014 and from 2019 to 2021. We collected fruit from all over the island in cultivated and non‐cultivated areas and compared the infestation rates between the two periods.

We detected six fruit fly species, including the common species Dacus ciliatus, Neoceratitis cyanescens, Ceratitis capitata, B. dorsalis and two rarer species, Dacus etiennellus and Trirhithrum nigerrimum.

The most surprising result was the low occurrence of B. dorsalis, with only seven host plant species identified out of a total of 84 plant species. Infestation rates were low for these host plant species, even in the case of mango (11.71 flies/kg) and Indian almond (0.97 fly/kg), which are considered to be major host plants of B. dorsalis.

Bactrocera dorsalis seems to have a lower impact in Mayotte than in other parts of the world. We discuss the possible causes of the weak infestation rates observed, which could provide the key to regulating the species on the island.
Machinery structure, machinery subsidies, and agricultural productivity: Evidence from China
Authors: Meng Meng , Yu Leng , Yu Xiaohua
Published: February 2024

Although agricultural machinery is indispensable for modern agriculture, the effect of machinery structure on food production is rarely scrutinized. Machinery structure, referring to the proportion of high‐capacity machines which are represented by tractors with relatively high horsepower, is used to measure the scale of agricultural machinery. In response, this article investigates how agricultural machinery structurally impacts grain production theoretically and empirically, with particular emphasis on the effects of capacity structure and subsidy policy. The article estimates a Translog production function with a panel dataset covering 126 counties across Xinjiang and Hubei provinces in China from 2002 to 2012. Though we find the general elasticity of output with respect to machinery inputs is .03, the capacity structure of agricultural machines could impact agricultural production by inducing the reallocation of other input factors. Along with the upsizing of farming machines, we observe the complementarity between machinery horsepower and land inputs in production increases, while the joint effect of machinery and fertilizer decreases. The positive land channel is found in areas with fewer high‐capacity machines, while the negative fertilizer channel occurs when there are more large machines.
Principles for management of hip fracture for older adults taking direct oral anticoagulants: an international consensus statement
Authors: Mitchell R. J. , Wijekulasuriya S. , Mayor A. , Borges F. K. , Tonelli A. C. , Ahn J. , Seymour H. ,   the Fragility Fracture Network Hip Fracture Audit Special Interest Group
Published: February 2024

Hip fracture is a common serious injury among older adults, yet the management of hip fractures for patients taking direct oral anticoagulants remains inconsistent worldwide. Drawing from a synthesis of available evidence and expert opinion, best practice approaches for managing patients with a hip fracture and who are taking direct oral anticoagulants pre‐operatively were considered by a working group of the Fragility Fracture Network Hip Fracture Audit Special Interest Group. The literature and related clinical guidelines were reviewed and a two‐round modified Delphi study was conducted with a panel of experts from 16 countries and involved seven clinical specialities. Four consensus statements were achieved: peripheral nerve blocks can reasonably be performed on presentation for patients with hip fracture who are receiving direct oral anticoagulants; hip fracture surgery can reasonably be performed for patients taking direct oral anticoagulants < 36 h from last dose; general anaesthesia could reasonably be administered for patients with hip fracture and who are taking direct oral anticoagulants < 36 h from last dose (assuming eGFR > 60 ml.min‐1.1.73 m‐2); and it is generally reasonable to consider recommencing direct oral anticoagulants (considering blood loss and haemoglobin) < 48 h after hip fracture surgery. No consensus was achieved regarding timing of spinal anaesthesia. The consensus statements were developed to aid clinicians in their decision‐making and to reduce practice variations in the management of patients with hip fracture and who are taking direct oral anticoagulants. Each statement will need to be considered specific to each individual patient's treatment.
Where Asylum and Austerity Meet: Deservingness and In/Exclusion in Rochdale
Authors: Sheldrick Alistair
Published: February 2024

The UK's asylum and social welfare systems have both been transformed by major organisational changes, funding cuts, and privatisations through a decade of austerity. With this, asylum‐seeker accommodation and the impacts of welfare reform have become increasingly concentrated in already‐impoverished, peripheral urban areas such as Rochdale, Greater Manchester. Despite these parallels, scholarship and commentary in the UK has tended to consider welfare and border regimes in relative isolation. Based on ethnographic work conducted in two charity drop‐centres in the town, this article addresses this gap by exploring how the UK's converging politics and geographies of asylum and welfare governance shape everyday negotiations of deservingness and social in/exclusion.
Carbonous Concealment: Governing “Wild” Substances and Subterranean Storage in an Era of Climate Change
Authors: Field Sean
Published: February 2024

Drawing on ethnographic field research that I conducted in Houston, Texas since late 2018, I explore subterranean storage arrangements utilised by the US hydrocarbon industry. I argue that storage is vital not only to its pluri‐temporal strategies but to the outward projection of good governance. Natural gas, I show, has evolved from excess nuisance, to liability, to potential asset turned commodity in ways that parallel unfolding understandings and treatments of carbon dioxide. Governance and subterranean carbonous storage arrangements, I argue, are tied to the materiality of liquid versus gaseous hydrocarbons and to how understandings of this materiality have changed. Paying attention to what these storage spaces mean and to whom can lend insights into why storage is utilised and to what effect.
Can common institutional ownership inhibit the formation of zombie firms? Evidence from China
Authors: Ding Hao
Published: February 2024

The survival of zombie firms severely crowds out healthy corporate investment and employment growth, eventually undermining economic growth potential. Hence, how to properly address the problem of corporate zombification is an essential part of achieving high‐quality economic development in China. In recent years, the phenomenon of common institutional ownership has become increasingly widespread in the capital markets and has a significant impact on the strategic decisions of companies. There are currently two views on the corporate governance role of common institutional ownership: the synergistic governance effect and the collusive fraud effect. Using data from Chinese‐listed firms from 2009 to 2021, this paper finds that common institutional ownership can significantly inhibit the formation of zombie firms. The higher the degree of their linkage and the greater the shareholding, the more pronounced the synergistic effect. The findings remained valid after considering the endogeneity issue and conducting robustness tests. Furthermore, the mechanism test suggests that common institutional ownership inhibits the formation of zombie firms by improving internal control quality and reducing agency costs. This paper contributes to the study of how to inhibit the formation of zombie firms by identifying common institutional ownership from the perspective of external governance mechanisms. In addition, this paper enriches the research on the economic consequences of common institutional ownership. Finally, various practical implications for policymakers may be realised, which may help curb the trend of corporate zombification through equity‐based instruments.
The impact of microbiota and ketogenic diet interventions in the management of drug‐resistant epilepsy
Authors: Diaz‐Marugan Laura , Rutsch Andrina , Kaindl Angela M. , Ronchi Francesca
Published: February 2024

Aim

Drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) is a neurological disorder characterized by uncontrolled seizures. It affects between 10%–40% of the patients with epilepsy worldwide. Drug‐resistant patients have been reported to have a different microbiota composition compared to drug‐sensitive patients and healthy controls. Importantly, fecal microbiota transplantations (FMTs), probiotic and dietary interventions have been shown to be able to reduce seizure frequency and improve the quality of life in drug‐resistant patients. The classic ketogenic diet (KD) and its modifications may reduce seizures in DRE in some patients, whereas in others they do not. The mechanisms mediating the dietary effects remain elusive, although it is known that gut microbes play an important role in transmitting dietary effects to the host. Indeed, specific commensal microbes differ even between responders and non‐responders to KD treatment.

Methods

In this narrative mini‐review, we summarize what is known about the gut microbiota changes and ketogenic diets with special focus on patients with DRE.

Results and Conclusions

By highlighting unanswered questions and by suggesting future research directions, we map the route towards future improvement of successful DRE therapy.
High prevalence of MAFLD in general population: A large cross‐sectional study calls for concerted public health action
Authors: Prabhakar Tushar , Prasad Manya , Kumar Guresh , Kaushal Kanica , Shenoy Priyanka S. , Dubey Shantanu , Sarin Shiv Kumar
Published: February 2024

Background

Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a relatively new term with limited studies done in South Asian population.

Aim

To determine prevalence and clinico‐epidemiological characteristics of MAFLD in general population.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in randomly selected regions across Delhi, India. Data were collected on socio‐demographic particulars, health status and lifestyle factors. Anthropometric measurements, transient elastography, and laboratory investigations were carried out.

Results

Altogether 6146 participants (mean age: 43.1 ± 13.9 years, 48.1% males) were included. The prevalence of MAFLD was 56.4% (n = 3468), of which lean MAFLD constituted 11.3%. Higher age (OR: 2.47; 95% CI: 2.21–2.76), low education level (OR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.09–1.39), upper socio‐economic class (OR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.17–1.49), and low physical activity (OR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.03–1.28) were more common in MAFLD. The association of female sex with MAFLD differed in age groups <40 years (OR: 0.64 and 95% CI: 0.55–0.75) and >40 years (OR: 1.40 and 95% CI: 1.22–1.62) in both magnitude and direction (p < 0.001). Liver fibrosis was present in 23% of the study population (32.2% among MAFLD group). Advanced liver fibrosis was three times more common in MAFLD group (6.2% vs 1.8%, p < 0.001). Obesity and fibrosis had a statistically significant relationship and 75.8% of the individuals with advanced stages of fibrosis had obesity.

Conclusion

Nearly half of study population was found to have MAFLD. Advanced hepatic fibrosis was three times more common in these subjects. Aggressive public health measures are urgently required to raise awareness and introduce interventional strategies.
Policy whiplash: How California Title IX coordinators navigated local, state, and federal policy changes during the Trump administration
Authors: Eriksen Shelley J. , Valdivia Rebecca L. Howard , Chib Sheetal S.
Published: February 2024

Federal Title IX policy requires institutions of higher education (IHEs) to prevent and respond to sexual misconduct. Based on 23 in‐depth interviews, this study explores California Title IX coordinator experiences at a critical policy juncture—the recension of the Obama‐era guidance and the implementation of the Trump administration Title IX rules and regulations—to understand how they responded to, implemented, or resisted federal mandates. Most California Title IX officers reported that the recension of Obama guidelines had limited impact on their daily operations because they lived in a state with more progressive social policy. Participants singled out California case law, state statues, the California Education Code and university system mandates as protective legislation to ensure survivors’ rights. By contrast, the new Title IX regulations that became law in August 2020 were perceived as more consequential. The tight implementation time frame, combined with the complicated and unfunded policy directives, imposed heavy burdens on their administrative offices. Title IX officers foresaw implementation consequences to campus safety, survivors’ willingness to report, and to the credibility of the Title IX office. Taken together, their experiences lend support to progressive state legislative action, restorative justice approaches and for a survivor bill of rights as important counterpoints to federal Title IX policy.
Pharmacology of erenumab in human isolated coronary and meningeal arteries: Additional effect of gepants on top of a maximum effect of erenumab
Authors: de Vries Tessa , Rubio‐Beltrán Eloísa , van den Bogaerdt Antoon , Dammers Ruben , Danser A. H. Jan , Snellman Josefin , Bussiere Jeanine , MaassenVanDenBrink Antoinette
Published: February 2024

Background and Purpose

Multiple drugs targeting the calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) receptor have been developed for migraine treatment. Here, the effect of the monoclonal antibody erenumab on CGRP‐induced vasorelaxation was investigated in human isolated blood vessels, as well as the effect of combining erenumab with the small molecule drugs, namely rimegepant, olcegepant, or sumatriptan.

Experimental Approach

Concentration–response curves to CGRP, adrenomedullin or pramlintide were constructed in human coronary artery (HCA) and human middle meningeal artery (HMMA) segments, incubated with or without erenumab and/or olcegepant. pA2 or pKb values were calculated to determine the potency of erenumab in both tissues. To study whether acutely acting antimigraine drugs exerted additional CGRP‐blocking effects on top of erenumab, HCA segments were incubated with a maximally effective concentration of erenumab (3 μM), precontracted with KCl and exposed to CGRP, followed by rimegepant, olcegepant, or sumatriptan in increasing concentrations.

Key Results

Erenumab shifted the concentration‐response curve to CGRP in both vascular tissues. However, in HCA, the Schild plot slope was significantly smaller than unity, whereas this was not the case in HMMA, indicating different CGRP receptor mechanisms in these tissues. In HCA, rimegepant, olcegepant and sumatriptan exerted additional effects on CGRP on top of a maximal effect of erenumab.

Conclusions and Implications

Gepants have additional effects on top of erenumab for CGRP‐induced relaxation and could be effective in treating migraine attacks in patients already using erenumab as prophylaxis.
Wound‐healing agents for palatal donor area: A network meta‐analysis
Authors: Oliveira Jovânia Alves , da Silveira Marcela Iunes , Soares Lélio Fernando Ferreira , Alves Roberta de Oliveira , Carrera Thaísa Macedo Iunes , Azevedo Mayra Resende , Oliveira Guilherme José Pimentel Lopes de , Pigossi Suzane Cristina
Published: February 2024

Background

The aim of this systematic review and network meta‐analysis (NMA) was to assess the efficacy of different wound‐healing agents for palatal donor area management after soft tissue graft harvesting.

Methods

Electronic searches in six databases were conducted for publications up to October 2023. Studies with data from patients undergoing therapeutic approaches using agents for palatal healing after gingival graft harvesting were included. Data about postoperative pain, wound‐healing and postoperative complications reported for each agent were extracted. Three different tools were used for the risk of bias within studies evaluation (Murad tool for case series and case report, RoB 2.0 tool for randomized studies and ROBINS‐I tool for non‐randomized studies). A Bayesian random effects NMA was conducted for postoperative pain levels and wound healing.

Results

Eighty‐four publications were included in the systematic review (qualitative analysis), with 14 of these subjected to NMA (quantitative analysis). The summarized results from the qualitative and quantitative analysis showed that all wound‐healing agents evaluated promoted better pain control and wound healing compared to spontaneous healing and hemostatic sponges alone. The NMA outcomes reveal that leucocyte‐ and platelet‐rich fibrin (L‐PRF) was the most effective agent in reducing postoperative pain in all analyzed periods. Moreover, the L‐PRF seems to accelerate wound healing and reduce postoperative complications compared to other agents.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the L‐PRF was the most effective agent in reducing postoperative pain, accelerating wound healing and reducing postoperative complications after harvesting soft tissue grafts from the palatal area.
Laparoscopic polyglycolic acid spacer placement for locally recurrent rectal cancer
Authors: Kobayashi Toshinori , Sekimoto Mitsugu , Miki Hisanori , Yamamoto Nobuyuki , Harino Takashi , Yagyu Takuki , Hori Soshi , Hatta Masahiko , Hashimoto Yuki , Kotsuka Masaya , Yamasaki Makoto , Inoue Kentaro
Published: February 2024

Carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) has received attention for the treatment of locally recurrent rectal cancer. When the surrounding primary organs are close to the irradiation site, a spacer is required to ensure safe irradiation. This work describes a novel technique using a bioabsorbable polyglycolic acid spacer placed laparoscopically and presents a technical report with five case studies. The short‐term surgical outcomes were as follows: mean operating time 235 min with blood loss of 38 mL. CIRT was planned, and the patients underwent irradiation within 2 months of surgery. No pelvic infections occurred, and all procedures were performed safely. Herein, were present a technical report with reference to a video of the surgical procedure.
Single‐cell RNA sequencing reveals immune cell dysfunction in the peripheral blood of patients with highly aggressive gastric cancer
Authors: Ma Rui , Zhou Xuemeng , Zhai Xiaohui , Wang Chuyue , Hu Rong , Chen You , Shi Liyang , Fang Xing , Liao Yuan , Ma Lifeng , Jiang Mengmeng , Wu Junqing , Wang Renying , Chen Jiao , Cao Taiyuan , Du Ge , Zhao Yingying , Wu Weili , Chen Haide , Li Shanshan , Lian Qizhou , Guo Guoji , Xiao Jian , Hutchins Andrew P. , Yuan Ping
Published: February 2024

Highly aggressive gastric cancer (HAGC) is a gastric cancer characterized by bone marrow metastasis and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Information about the disease is limited. Here we employed single‐cell RNA sequencing to investigate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), aiming to unravel the immune response of patients toward HAGC. PBMCs from seven HAGC patients, six normal advanced gastric cancer (NAGC) patients, and five healthy individuals were analysed by single‐cell RNA sequencing. The expression of genes of interest was validated by bulk RNA‐sequencing and ELISA. We found a massive expansion of neutrophils in PBMCs of HAGC. These neutrophils are activated, but immature. Besides, mononuclear phagocytes exhibited an M2‐like signature and T cells were suppressed and reduced in number. Analysis of cell‐cell crosstalk revealed that several signalling pathways involved in neutrophil to T‐cell suppression including APP‐CD74, MIF‐(CD74+CXCR2), and MIF‐(CD74+CD44) pathways were increased in HAGC. NETosis‐associated genes S100A8 and S100A9 as well as VEGF, PDGF, FGF, and NOTCH signalling that contribute to DIC development were upregulated in HAGC too. This study reveals significant changes in the distribution and interactions of the PBMC subsets and provides valuable insight into the immune response in patients with HAGC. S100A8 and S100A9 are highly expressed in HAGC neutrophils, suggesting their potential to be used as novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets for HAGC.
Additional Cover
Authors: Csukovich Georg , Wagner Maximilian , Walter Ingrid , Burger Stefanie , Tschulenk Waltraud , Steinborn Ralf , Pratscher Barbara , Burgener Iwan Anton
Published: February 2024

The cover image is based on the Original Article Polarity reversal of canine intestinal organoids reduces proliferation and increases cell death by Georg Csukovich et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/cpr.13544. Image Credit: Georg Csukovich.

image
Approaches and reporting of alcohol and other drug testing for injured patients in hospital‐based studies: A systematic review
Authors: Lau Georgina , Ang Jia Y. , Kim Nayoung , Gabbe Belinda J. , Mitra Biswadev , Dietze Paul M. , Reeder Sandra , Beck Ben
Published: February 2024

Issue

Hospital alcohol and/or other drug (AOD) testing is important for identifying AOD‐related injuries; however, testing methods vary. This systematic review aimed to examine biological AOD testing methods from hospital‐based studies of injured patients and quantify what proportion reported key information on those testing methods.

Approach

Observational studies published in English from 2010 onwards involving biological AOD testing for injured patients presenting to hospital were included. Studies examining single injury causes were excluded. Extracted data included concentration thresholds for AOD detection (e.g., lower limits of detection, author‐defined cut‐offs), test type (e.g., immunoassay, breathalyser) and approach (e.g., routine, clinical discretion), timing of testing, sample type and the proportion of injured cases tested for AODs.

Key Findings

Of 83 included studies, 76 measured alcohol and 37 other drugs. Forty‐nine studies defined blood alcohol concentration thresholds (ranging from 0 to 0.1 g/100 mL). Seven studies defined concentration thresholds for other drugs. Testing approach was reported in 39/76 alcohol and 18/37 other drug studies. Sample type was commonly reported (alcohol: n = 69/76; other drugs: n = 28/37); alcohol was typically measured using blood (n = 60) and other drugs using urine (n = 20). Studies that reported the proportion of cases tested (alcohol: n = 53/76; other drugs: n = 28/37), reported that between 0% and 89% of cases were not tested for alcohol and 0% and 91% for other drugs. Timing of testing was often unreported (alcohol: n = 61; other drugs: n = 30).

Implications and Conclusion

Variation in AOD testing methods alongside incomplete reporting of those methods limits data comparability and interpretation. Standardised reporting of testing methods will assist AOD‐related injury surveillance and prevention.
Higher early pregnancy plasma myo‐inositol associates with increased postprandial glycaemia later in pregnancy: Secondary analyses of the NiPPeR randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chan Shiao‐Yng , Zhang Han , Wong Jui‐Tsung , Chang Hsin F. , Chen Ling‐Wei , Barton Sheila J. , Nield Heidi , El‐Heis Sarah , Kenealy Timothy , Lavalle Luca , Ramos‐Nieves J. Manuel , Godin Jean‐Philippe , Silva‐Zolezzi Irma , Cutfield Wayne S. , Godfrey Keith M. ,   NiPPeR Study Group
Published: February 2024

Aim

Myo‐inositol supplementation from ~13 weeks' gestation reportedly improves glycaemia regulation in metabolically at‐risk women, with speculation that earlier supplementation might bring further improvement. However, the NiPPeR trial of a myo‐inositol‐containing supplement starting preconception did not lower gestational glycaemia in generally healthy women. We postulated that the earlier timing of supplementation influences the maternal metabolic adaptation for gestational glycaemia regulation.

Methods

In total, 585 women were recruited from Singapore, UK and New Zealand for the NiPPeR study. We examined associations of plasma myo‐inositol concentrations at 7 and 28 weeks' gestation with 28 weeks plasma glucose (PG; fasting, and 1 h and 2 h in 75 g oral glucose tolerance test) and insulin indices using linear regression adjusting for covariates.

Results

Higher 7‐week myo‐inositol, but not 28‐week myo‐inositol, associated with higher 1 h PG [βadj (95% confidence intervals) 0.05 (0.01, 0.09) loge mmol/L per loge μmol/L, p = .022] and 2 h PG [0.08 (0.03, 0.12), p = .001]; equivalent to 0.39 mmol/L increase in 2 h PG for an average 7‐week myo‐inositol increase of 23.4 μmol/L with myo‐inositol supplementation. Higher 7‐week myo‐inositol associated with a lower 28‐week Stumvoll index (first phase), an approximation of insulin secretion [−0.08 (−0.15, −0.01), p = .020] but not with 28‐week Matsuda insulin sensitivity index. However, the clinical significance of a 7‐week myo‐inositol‐related increase in glycaemia was limited as there was no association with gestational diabetes risk, birthweight and cord C‐peptide levels. In‐silico modelling found higher 28‐week myo‐inositol was associated with lower gestational glycaemia in White, but not Asian, women after controlling for 7‐week myo‐inositol effects.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, our study provides the first evidence that increasing first trimester plasma myo‐inositol may slightly exacerbate later pregnancy post‐challenge glycaemia, indicating that the optimal timing for starting prenatal myo‐inositol supplementation needs further investigation.
Economic evaluations of treatment of depressive disorders in adolescents: Protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Courtney Darren , Mason Joyce , Amani Bahar , Rodak Terri , Szatmari Peter , Henderson Jo , de Oliveira Claire
Published: February 2024

Aim

Depressive disorders in adolescents are common and impairing. Evidence‐based treatments are available; however, at a cost. In the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic, we anticipate increased demand for treatment services for adolescents with depression. We also anticipate that economic resources will be strained. Identifying cost‐effective strategies to optimally treat depression in adolescents is imperative. This protocol for a scoping review aims to describe the literature with respect to economic evaluations of treatments for depression in adolescents.

Methods

We will conduct a scoping review using established methods and reporting guidelines. MEDLINE, Embase, PsyclNFO, Econlit, and the International HTA Database will be searched from inception to June 13, 2023, with an update closer to time of manuscript submission, while the NHS Economic Evaluation Database archives will be searched from inception to December 2014. Publications that contain economic evaluations, in the context of a clinical trial or a model‐based study, testing a treatment of depression in adolescents will be selected for inclusion. Extracted data items will include: economic evaluation perspectives, health outcome variables and costs used in economic evaluations, types of analyses performed, as well as quality of reporting and methodology.

Result

A narrative synthesis with summary tables will be used to describe our findings.

Conclusion

Our findings will help identify gaps in the literature with respect to economic analyses for the treatment of depression such that these gaps can be filled with future research. Policy‐makers, funders and administrators may also use our findings to inform their decisions around provision of various treatments for depression in adolescents.

Registration

osf.io/5fteb (note that information on this link will be updated upon acceptance for publication based on reviewer comments).
Dimensions and predictors of clinical and personal recovery in first‐episode psychoses: Results from a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ferrara Maria , Zaffarami Giulia , Simonelli Gabriele , Domenicano Ilaria , Vecchioni Ludovica , Toffanin Tommaso , Folesani Federica , Zotos Spyridon , Scrignoli Chiara , Bertelli Raffaella , Carozza Paola , Grassi Luigi
Published: February 2024

Introduction

First episode psychosis (FEP) services ensure higher recovery rates compared to usual care. The aim of this study was to investigate the different dimensions of recovery and its predictors.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study recruited within those admitted to the Ferrara FEP service since 2012 that at the time of analysis were still receiving psychiatric care. At admission, demographic, social and clinical information were collected. In September 2022, patients were assessed with the Health of the Nation Outcome Scale to evaluate clinical/functional recovery, the Recovery Assessment Scale to evaluate personal recovery, and the G12 item of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale to evaluate insight. Patients in recovery were compared to those not in recovery by bivariate analyses. Adjusted logistic regressions were performed to investigate predictors of recovery.

Results

Within 141 admitted, and 105 still receiving care, 54 patients completed the assessment. Most (51.9%) were in clinical/functional, 61.1% in personal recovery, and 38.8% both. Psychiatric hospitalization positively predicted clinical/functional recovery, whereas being prescribed oral antipsychotics was a negative predictor. Personal recovery was predicted by male sex and showed a negative association with overall severity of symptomatology. Those in personal recovery were more likely to have been prescribed long‐acting antipsychotics, but this was not significant in the multivariable analysis. Poor insight negatively predicted clinical/functional recovery but had no impact on personal recovery.

Conclusion

Our findings confirm that clinical/functional and personal recovery are semi‐independent dimensions and not always overlap. Further research is needed to promote interventions targeted at all recovery dimensions.