bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fetal rotation examined with ultrasound in a sub‐Saharan population: A longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Bagandanshwa Kenneth , Mchome Bariki , Kibona Upendo , Gaffur Raziya , Salum Ibrahim , Kavishe Adelaida , Mushi Cecilia , Mlay Pendo , Masenga Gileard , Egenberg Signe , Eggebø Torbjørn Moe
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Occiput posterior (OP) position rates at birth are 5%–8% in studies mainly comprising white European women. The anthropoid pelvis is common in black African women. This pelvic shape has a narrow anterior segment and an ample room posteriorly. The fetal head is wider posteriorly, and the OP position may be favorable in women with an anthropoid pelvic shape. We aimed to examine the fetal rotation with ultrasound longitudinally during the active phase of labor in a sub‐Saharan population. We also aimed to examine associations between fetal position, delivery mode, and duration of labor.

Material and Methods

The study was conducted at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre in Moshi, Tanzania from the 19th of November 2023 to 13th of April 2024. Women with a single fetus in cephalic presentation, gestational age >37 weeks, without previous or pre‐labor cesarean section were eligible. Fetal position was classified as occiput anterior (OA) from 10 to 2 o'clock, occiput transverse (OT) at 3 or 9 o'clock, and OP position from 4 to 8 o'clock.

Results

The study participants comprised 215 women. Fetal positions at admission, in the first and second stage of labor and at birth are presented in the graphical figure. In all, 65/215 (30.2%) fetuses were in OP position at admission, 59/204 (28.9%) in the first stage, 38/210 (18.1%) in the second stage and 35/215 (16.3%) were delivered in OP position. The OP rates at birth were 25/92 (27.2%) in nulliparous and 10/123 (8.1%) in parous women. The operative delivery rate was 10/157 (6.4%) in women with ultrasound assessed fetal position as OA in the second stage (six cesarean section and four vacuum extractions), and 28/48 (58.3%) in the non‐OA group (27 cesarean section and one vacuum extraction) (p < 0.01). The hazard ratio for delivery in the second stage was 0.26 (95% CI 0.13–0.52) for the non‐OA vs the OA group in nulliparous women and 0.25 (95% CI 0.12–0.52) in parous women.

Conclusions

The persistent OP position rate at birth was higher than previously reported, and the operative intervention rate was nine time higher in women with the fetus in non‐OA vs OA position in the second stage.
Determination of the optimal obesity‐adjusted dosing weight for enoxaparin
Authors: Roberts Gregory W. , De Menezes Caceres Viviane , Damiani Anthony , Scarfo Nicholas , Williams Desmond B. , Russell Patrick T.
Published: November 2024

Aims

The ideal dosing weight metric for enoxaparin remains elusive. Dosing remains focused on actual body weight, which may inadvertently increase the risk of bleeding in those with obesity, or ideal weight, which may underdose those with obesity. Our aim was to determine the optimal obesity‐adjusted enoxaparin dosing weight.

Methods

Multisite retrospective data were collected over a 2.0‐year period for those with minimum 48 h of in‐hospital twice‐daily enoxaparin and factor anti‐Xa level 3–5 h postdose (n = 220). Multiple linear regression calculated the associated variance between a range of nominal dosing weights and factor anti‐Xa levels, adjusted for renal function. Dosing weights were calculated as ideal body weight (IBW) and then adjusted for increasing percentages of weight above IBW, i.e. IBW + 10% above IBW, IBW + 20% etc. up to actual body weight. A similar approach was used for lean body weight (LBW).

Results

For body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 optimal variance explained by dosing weight metrics was at IBW + 40% (23%) and similarly for LBW + 40% (23%). Using actual body weight (ABW) had lowest associated variance with factor anti‐Xa levels (18%) followed by unadjusted IBW (13%) or unadjusted LBW (19%). In those with body mass index <30 kg/m2 there was similar associated variance in the ranges of IBW + 20–50% and LBW 10–40% (21%).

Conclusion

Compared to IBW + 40% or LBW + 40% use of ABW to calculate dose was poorly associated with factor anti‐Xa levels, as was IBW or LBW. IBW + 40% and LBW + 40% require further study as a dosing weight metric and may provide a more consistent factor anti‐Xa response in those with obesity.
From old to new: Repurposed drugs in the battle towards curing sickle cell disease
Authors: El Hoss Sara , Bazoum Haoua
Published: November 2024

This commentary discusses the therapeutic potential of drug repurposing in sickle cell disease, highlighting the efficacy of hydroxyurea in enhancing fetal haemoglobin and the work of Raz et al. discussing the potential of using memantine for improving cognitive function, while emphasizing the need for further research.

Commentary on: Raz et al. Memantine treatment in sickle cell disease: A 1‐year study of its effects on cognitive functions and neural processing. Br J Haematol 2025; 206:689‐702.
Involuntary remembering and ADHD: Do individuals with ADHD symptoms experience high volumes of involuntary memories in everyday life?
Authors: Mace John H. , HaileMariam Assegedetch , Zhu Jian , Howell Natalie
Published: November 2024

Spontaneous mind wandering has been implicated as a feature of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and researchers have wondered if spontaneous remembering is also a feature of ADHD. In this study, we compared spontaneous cognition, principally involuntary autobiographical memories, in participants who scored inside the ADHD range on BAARS‐IV to those who scored outside of the ADHD range. In Study 1, participants reported their involuntary memories and spontaneous thoughts on a laboratory measure of involuntary memory (the vigilance task), as well as estimated their daily involuntary memory frequencies on a separate questionnaire. The results showed that ADHD range participants did not differ from non‐ADHD range participants in reports of involuntary memories and spontaneous thoughts on the vigilance task, but ADHD range participants estimated higher daily involuntary memory frequencies than non‐ADHD range participants on the questionnaire. Additionally, on the questionnaire, ADHD participants reported that their involuntary memories were less positive and more repetitive than non‐ADHD participants. In Study 2, participants recorded their naturally occurring involuntary memories in a structured diary for 48 hours. The results showed that ADHD range participants had more involuntary memories than non‐ADHD range participants, and they also reported that they experienced them as less positive.
Decision‐Making Under Risk in the Market for Illegal Drugs: A Supply‐Side Analysis
Authors: Dalal Ardeshir J. , Raju Sudhakar
Published: November 2024

Most economic models of the illegal drugs market focus on demand‐side behavior. However, in imperfectly competitive markets such as the illegal drugs market, it is the seller who determines price. Moreover, even models that focus on supply‐side behavior often ignore key factors such as risk. This paper develops an expected utility model of a risk‐averse seller. We find that under risk aversion, increasing punishment costs (i.e., severity) is more effective than increased enforcement (i.e., certainty) and demand reduction is more effective than interdiction. If risk neutrality is assumed, increases in severity and certainty have the same deterrent effect. Under risk neutrality, the deterrent effect of demand reduction policies dominates all other interdiction policies. These results lend theoretical reinforcement to the growing policy bias in favor of demand‐side intervention.
Associations Between Childcare Physical Activity and Sedentary Time and Early Childhood Developmental Outcomes: A Compositional and Isotemporal Substitution Analysis
Authors: Phillips Sophie M. , Bourke Matthew , Bruijns Brianne A. , Vanderloo Leigh , Loh Aidan , Saravanamuttoo Kendall , Tucker Patricia
Published: November 2024

Background

Physical activity and sedentary time are independently associated with health and developmental outcomes in preschool children. However, the integrated nature of these behaviours on early life outcomes, particularly during childcare hours, is currently understudied. As such, the aim of this study was to examine the association between preschool children's physical activity and sedentary time during childcare and various developmental outcomes (psychosocial, cognitive and fundamental movement skills).

Methods

A total of 107 preschool children (Mage: 41 ± 6 months) recruited from London, Canada, wore ActiGraph wGT3X‐BT accelerometers during childcare hours to measure their sedentary time, light intensity physical activity (LPA) and moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA). Developmental outcomes, including psychosocial health (internalising, externalising, prosocial behaviour), indicators of cognitive development (memory, inhibitory control) and fundamental movement skills (locomotor control, object control, total fundamental movement), were assessed using validated tools. Compositional regression and isotemporal substitution models were estimated to examine how movement compositions in childcare were associated with developmental outcomes.

Results

Engaging in more MVPA relative to LPA and sedentary time was associated with fewer internalising symptoms and better total fundamental movement skills and object control skills, whilst spending more time in LPA relative to MVPA and sedentary time was associated with more internalising symptoms and worse object control skills. Isotemporal substitution models suggested that theoretically increasing sedentary time or engaging in MVPA at the expense of time engaging in LPA during childcare is associated with lower internalising symptoms.

Conclusion

The findings of this study provide preliminary evidence that engaging in MVPA during childcare, at the expense of time in LPA or sedentary time, is associated with children's fundamental movement skills and psychosocial development. Further longitudinal research is required, with larger samples of young children, to assess the mechanisms through which childcare movement behaviour compositions may interact with developmental outcomes, including contextualising both sedentary time and LPA.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05359536
A UK wide survey of general surgeons' experience of the primary repair of obstetric anal sphincter injuries
Authors: Elsaid Nada , Thomas Gregory P. , Carrington Emma V. , Fernando Ruwan J. , Vaizey Carolynne J.
Published: November 2024

Aim

Obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIs) are associated with devastating consequences, mainly faecal incontinence. A timely and correct repair is necessary to reduce the risk of maternal morbidity. The aim was to explore the experience and practice of on‐call general surgeons in the acute repair of OASIs.

Method

A cross‐sectional, observational questionnaire study was performed. Registrars and consultants participating in an emergency general surgical rota in the UK were included. A 33‐item questionnaire was disseminated over a 9‐month period from April 2023. A descriptive, thematic analysis of the data was undertaken.

Results

In all, 310 responses were analysed. 42.3% of colorectal respondents (of which 29% were pelvic floor specialists), 24.3% of general surgeons, 16.7% of hepato‐biliary surgeons and 13.7% of upper gastrointestinal surgeons were contacted to assist with an acute repair. Of those contacted, 52.3% typically assisted with a 3C or 4 tear, 54.2% received no training and 95.5% performed less than three acute repairs in the previous year. 57.6% of all respondents were not confident at all in the repair of these injuries, 55% highlighted a lack of experience and 36% mentioned a curricular gap.

Conclusion

Surgeons may be called to assist with an acute OASI repair, particularly in cases of severe anatomical disruption. This occurs infrequently. There is a lack of consensus as to who is responsible for these injuries. Obstetricians have structured training in both the recognition and repair of these injuries. This paper serves to highlight the lack of training for surgeons who report doing this surgery despite lacking the required competences.
Discourses of Land Conflicts in Indonesia
Authors: Berenschot Ward , Saraswati Nisrina
Published: November 2024

This article analyses how rural Indonesians involved in land conflicts articulate their claims vis‐à‐vis palm oil companies and government. Addressing a long‐standing debate about the relative importance of laws and rights in the contentious politics of marginalized citizens in the Global South, the authors examine statements of community spokespersons as published in regional newspapers from four Indonesian provinces. They find that this discourse is characterized by an emphasis on social norms and customary traditions, while laws, regulations and conceptions of justice are rarely invoked. The authors argue that this modest and comparatively ‘rightless’ discourse is a consequence of the character of the marginalization facing rural Indonesians. The combination of relative powerlessness and an unreliable legal system forces rural Indonesians to avoid an assertive claiming of rights and, instead, to adopt a more muted and polite tone to cultivate the goodwill of companies and local authorities.
Managing diabetic chronic kidney disease in pregnancy: Current clinical practice and uncertainties
Authors: Banerjee Anita , Brackenridge Anna
Published: November 2024

Background

Pre‐gestational diabetes occurs in approximately 1% of pregnancies in the UK and increases the risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. More women with type 2 than type 1 diabetes are now becoming pregnant and tend to have higher rates of obesity and other multi‐morbidities. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 5%–10% of pregnant women with type 1 diabetes and about 2%–3% with type 2 diabetes. Diabetic chronic kidney disease (DCKD) increases the risk of preeclampsia, preterm birth, Caesarean section, small for gestational age (SGA) infant and infant admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and risks are higher compared to those with diabetes without CKD and those with CKD from other causes. Definitions of CKD in pregnancy are not standardised, and studies are generally small, observational, heterogenous, mainly include women with type 1 diabetes and often predate modern diabetes management such as continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pumps. Therefore, there is a lack of robust data to guide practice and clinical guidelines offer conflicting advice, without precise detail.

Aims

We present our approach to caring for women with diabetes and CKD in pregnancy based on available guidelines and clinical experience.

Discussion and Conclusion

Our practice is to aim for intensive targets for blood pressure and glycaemic control pre and during pregnancy, lower than suggested in many guidelines. The importance of multidisciplinary team work and patient centred care is emphasised. Using standardised prospective data collection to better understand the prevalence and outcomes of diabetes and CKD in contemporary pregnancy populations, is recommended to drive future improvements in care.
Protection of beta cells against cytokine‐induced apoptosis by the gut microbial metabolite butyrate
Authors: Jørgensen Kasper Suhr , Pedersen Signe Schultz , Hjorth Siv Annegrethe , Billestrup Nils , Prause Michala
Published: November 2024

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is characterized by immune cell infiltration in the islets of Langerhans, leading to the destruction of insulin‐producing beta cells. This destruction is driven by secreted cytokines and cytotoxic T cells inducing apoptosis in beta cells. Butyrate, a metabolite produced by the gut microbiota, has been shown to have various health benefits, including anti‐inflammatory and anti‐diabetic effects. In this study, we investigated the potential protective effects of butyrate on cytokine‐induced apoptosis in beta cells and explored the underlying mechanisms. Insulin‐secreting INS‐1E cells and isolated mouse islets were treated with interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β) or a combination of IL‐1β and interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) in the presence or absence of butyrate. We analyzed apoptosis, nitric oxide (NO) levels, expression of stress‐related genes, and immune cell migration. Our results demonstrated that butyrate significantly attenuated cytokine‐induced apoptosis in both INS‐1E cells and mouse islets, accompanied by a reduction in NO levels. Butyrate also decreased the expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers such as Chop, phosphorylated eIF2α and Atf4, as well as some pro‐apoptotic genes including Dp5 and Puma. Butyrate reduced the cytokine‐induced expression of the chemokine genes Cxcl1 and Cxcl10 in mouse islets, as well as the chemotactic activity of THP‐1 monocytes toward conditioned media from IL‐1β‐exposed islets. In conclusion, these findings indicate that butyrate protects beta cells from cytokine‐induced apoptosis and ER stress, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent to prevent beta cell destruction in T1D.
CENTRAL BANK DIGITAL CURRENCY AND PRIVACY: A RANDOMIZED SURVEY EXPERIMENT
Authors: Choi Syngjoo , Kim Bongseop , Kim Young Sik , Kwon Ohik
Published: November 2024

Privacy protection is among the key features to consider in the design of central bank digital currency (CBDC). Using a nationally representative sample of over 3,500 participants, we conduct a randomized online survey experiment to examine how the willingness to use CBDC as a means of payment varies with the degree of privacy protection and information provision on the privacy benefits of using CBDC. We find that both factors significantly increase participants’ willingness to use CBDC by up to 64% when purchasing privacy‐sensitive products. Our findings provide useful insights regarding the design and the public's adoption of CBDC.
Comparing the efficacy of Zinc Oxide versus Vaseline prophylactic dressings in preventing sacral pressure injuries in patients admitted to the intensive care unit
Authors: Zarrin Nasim , Rafiei Hossein , Safari Alamuti Fateme , Sohrabi Laleh , Rashvand Farnoosh
Published: November 2024

Preventing pressure injuries is a primary objective for care and treatment teams in intensive care units (ICUs). Therefore, the current study aimed to compare the efficacy of Zinc Oxide and Vaseline prophylactic dressings in preventing sacral pressure injuries in patients admitted to the ICU. This clinical trial was conducted in the ICU in 2023. The study population included patients at moderate to high risk for pressure injuries based on the Braden scale criteria. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to one of five groups using random allocation software: (1) the intervention group receiving Zinc Oxide as a prophylactic dressing, (2) the intervention group using Zinc Oxide as a topical application, (3) the intervention group with Vaseline as a prophylactic dressing, (4) the intervention group using Vaseline as a topical application and (5) the control group. Participants were homogenous regarding demographic information in all five groups. The frequency distribution of pressure injuries across the five groups was analysed using the Chi‐square test. The results revealed no pressure injuries were observed in the Zinc Oxide and Vaseline with dressing groups. In contrast, the Zinc Oxide without dressing group had five cases, the Vaseline without dressing group had six cases and the Control group had 14 cases of pressure injuries. These differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The results of this study showed that Zinc Oxide and Vaseline as preventive dressings in the sacral area of patients admitted to ICUs can be considered an effective and affordable strategy for healthcare providers.
Transient institutional ownership, costly external finance and corporate cash holdings
Authors: Im Hyun Joong , Park Heungju , Pathan Shams , Faff Robert
Published: November 2024

We investigate and robustly show that transient institutional ownership (IO) has a positive effect on the level and value of corporate cash holdings. Further, using a regression discontinuity design exploiting the Russell 1000/2000 index reconstitution as an exogenous shock to transient IO, we show that the effects of transient IO on cash holdings are causal. Additionally, our analysis shows that transient institutions exacerbate debtholder–shareholder conflicts, thereby increasing the cost of debt. Overall, our results suggest that transient institutions make cash holdings more valuable because financing by debt becomes more costly.
Phylogenetic Diversity and Dispersion of Angiosperms in Plant Communities Along an Elevational Gradient in the Western United States
Authors: Qian Hong , Zhang Jian
Published: November 2024

Aim

Phylogenetic niche conservatism predicts that species tend to retain the ecological traits of their ancestors. Accordingly, communities developing under more stressful conditions should be more strongly structured by environmental filtering than communities in less stressful conditions, and thus would exhibit lower phylogenetic dispersion and diversity. Elevational gradients offer unique opportunities to studying, among others, phylogenetic structure patterns across climatic gradients because the geographic distance of the same length of a climatic gradient is much shorter along an elevational gradient than along a latitudinal gradient. Here, we examine the relationship of phylogenetic diversity and dispersion of angiosperms in local communities with elevation and climate along a temperate elevational gradient.

Location

The Siskiyou Mountains in the western United States.

Taxon

Angiosperms.

Methods

Phylogenetic diversity and dispersion of angiosperms in 236 local communities distributed along an elevational gradient ranging from 533 to 2103 m were related with elevation, mean annual temperature and annual precipitation using correlation and regression analyses. Variation partitioning analysis was conducted to assess the relative importance of temperature and precipitation in affecting phylogenetic diversity and dispersion.

Results

Phylogenetic diversity and dispersion in angiosperm communities generally decrease with increasing elevation but the opposite pattern is observed in the middle segment of the elevational gradient. The patterns are more conspicuous for herbaceous plants than for woody plants. Temperature is more strongly associated with phylogenetic diversity and dispersion of angiosperm communities compared to precipitation.

Main Conclusions

The patterns of phylogenetic diversity and dispersion in angiosperm communities along the elevational gradient in the Siskiyou Mountains are consistent with the tropical niche conservatism hypothesis, which predicts that communities in areas with lower temperature and precipitation would have lower phylogenetic diversity and dispersion.
Stent‐in‐Stent Intervention for Pulmonary Vein in Stent Restenosis: A Long‐Term Follow‐Up Case Report
Authors: Buzwani Buzwani , Iversen Elisabeth , Ørn Stein , Herstad Jon , Chen Jian , Schuster Peter
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Pulmonary vein (PV) restenosis develops with reported incidence rates of up to 50%. Balloon angioplasty seems to be the widely preferred treatment of choice.

Method and Results

A 54‐year‐old man with long history of atrial fibrillations developed PVS secondary to multiple radiofrequency ablation procedures. The stenosis was treated with a stent. 8.5 years later he presented with an in‐stent restenosis that was successfully treated with a stent‐in‐stent strategy. He has since remained asymptomatic over 3 years of follow‐up.

Conclusion

Our case demonstrates stenting as a viable alternative strategy with potentially favorable long‐term outcome.
Comparative study of gut content microbiota in freshwater fish with different feeding habits: A case study of an urban lake
Authors: Li Zaitian , Lv Junsheng , Chen Jun , Sun Fengzhu , Sheng Ruozhu , Qin Yueyun , Rao Lihua , Lu Tao , Sun Liwei
Published: November 2024

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in various physiological functions of the host and can be modulated by numerous factors, including feeding habit or trophic level. In this study, the impact of host feeding habits on the gut microbiota of freshwater fish was explored. Ten fish species, classified into four feeding habit categories (herbivorous, omnivorous, planktivorous, and carnivorous) were sampled from West Lake, a renowned urban scenic lake, and their gut content microbiota was analysed using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. A total of 2531 operational taxonomic units, belonging to 34 bacterial phyla, were identified, with 33.4% shared across all feeding habits. Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were the predominant phyla. However, at the family level, Peptostreptococcaceae and Clostridiaceae_1 were the most dominant. Microbiota composition diversity was highest in herbivorous fish, followed by omnivores, carnivores, and planktivores. Statistically significant differences in microbiota diversity were found between different feeding categories, except for the omnivores, which did not differ from the carnivores or planktivores. The most abundant predicted metabolic pathways across all feeding habits were similar, with amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, metabolism of cofactors and vitamins, and metabolism of other amino acids being dominant. However, comparing the relative abundance of gene functions between different feeding habits revealed notable variations across most comparisons. Co‐occurrence network analysis for each feeding habit revealed that all networks were dominated by the strong positive correlation among pairs of bacterial genera abundances, while the basic properties varied, implying differences in gut microbiota interactions based on the feeding habit. In conclusion, these results confirmed that the feeding habit could affect the structure and composition of the gut content microbiota but also changed their functions and interactions.
Development of Three Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Assays for the Rapid Visual Detection of Spiroplasma eriocheiris
Authors: Xiu Yunji , Feng Ruixin , Yang Zongrui , Jiang Lirong , Lin Yiping , Xu Qingyue , Zheng Dong , Zhou Shun
Published: November 2024

Spiroplasma eriocheiris is a pathogen in the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis and is associated with tremor disease. S. eriocheiris infects virtually all artificially bred crustaceans, resulting in significant economic losses to the aquaculture industry in China. Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) is considered a promising technology for the rapid and sensitive detection of disease. For the rapid detection of S. eriocheiris, this study established basic RPA, RPA‐EXO and RPA‐LFD, which were visualised via agarose gel electrophoresis, SYBR Green I, fluorescence signals and test lines on lateral flow dipsticks. Specific primers and probes were designed based on the 16S ribosomal RNA sequence of S. eriocheiris. The optimal primer pairs for the basic RPA, RPA‐EXO and RPA‐LFD were RPA‐F3/R3, RPA‐F3/R3 and RPA‐LFD‐F3/R3, respectively. The optimal temperatures and times of basic RPA, RPA‐EXO and RPA‐LFD were 37°C for 25 min, 39°C for 30 min and 39°C for 10 min, respectively. The specificity test indicated that in addition to the positive test results for S. eriocheiris, the other five DNA templates tested negative, demonstrating strong specificity. The results of the sensitivity test revealed that the detection limits of RPA, RPA‐EXO and RPA‐LFD were 5.77 × 10−2, 5.77 × 10−4 and 1.52 × 10−6 ng/μL, respectively, indicating high sensitivity. This study established three methods for the detection of S. eriocheiris that are characterised by a constant temperature, rapid response, high sensitivity and strong specificity.
Effectiveness and Safety of Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir in Italian Children and Adolescents With Chronic Hepatitis C: A Real‐Word, Multicenter Study
Authors: Stinco Mariangela , Rubino Chiara , Bartolini Elisa , Nuti Federica , Paolella Giulia , Nebbia Gabriella , Silvestro Erika , Garazzino Silvia , Nicastro Emanuele , D'Antiga Lorenzo , Zanchi Chiara , Morra Laura , Iorio Raffaele , Di Dato Fabiola , Maggiore Giuseppe , Sartorelli Maria Rita , Comparcola Donatella , Stracuzzi Marta , Giacomet Vania , Musto Francesca , Pinon Michele , Calvo Pierluigi , Carloni Ines , Zallocco Federica , Cananzi Mara , Trapani Sandra , Indolfi Giuseppe
Published: November 2024

Background & Aims

Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) has been approved by the European Medicine Agency (EMA) and by the US Food and Drug Administration (US‐FDA) for the treatment of children and adolescents from 3 years of age with chronic hepatitis C virus (CHC) infection. The aim of this study was to confirm the real‐world effectiveness and safety of GLE/PIB in children and adolescents (3 to < 18 years old) with CHC.

Methods

This prospective, multicentre study involved 11 Italian centres. Children and adolescents (from 3 to < 18 years of age) received a weight‐based dose (up to 300/120 mg) of GLE/PIB once daily for 8 weeks. The effectiveness endpoint was sustained virological response 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12). Safety was assessed by adverse events (AE) and clinical/laboratory data.

Results

Sixty‐one patients (median age 12 years, interquartile range 5) were enrolled and treated between June 2020 and October 2023. Genotype distribution was as follows: 24/61 genotype 1 (39.4%), 13/61 genotype 2 (21.3%), 18/61 genotype 3 (29.5%) and 6/61 genotype 4 (9.8%). Sixty (98.4%) patients completed treatment and follow‐up. SVR12 was obtained by 60/61 patients (98.4%). One patient died because of an oncological illness while on treatment. AE occurred in 13.1% of the patients, were mild and no patients prematurely stopped treatment.

Conclusions

This study confirmed the real‐life effectiveness and safety of the 8‐week therapy with GLE/PIB for treatment of CHC in children and adolescents.
Automated seismic event detection considering faulty data interference using deep learning and Bayesian fusion
Authors: Tang Zhiyi , Guo Jiaxing , Wang Yinhao , Xu Wei , Bao Yuequan , He Jingran , Zhang Youqi
Published: November 2024

Structural health monitoring (SHM) aims to assess civil infrastructures' performance and ensure safety. Automated detection of in situ events of interest, such as earthquakes, from extensive continuous monitoring data, is important to ensure the timeliness of subsequent data analysis. To overcome the poor timeliness of manual identification and the inconsistency of sensors, this paper proposes an automated seismic event detection procedure with interpretability and robustness. The sensor‐wise raw time series is transformed into image data, enhancing the separability of classification while endowing with visual understandability. Vision Transformers (ViTs) and Residual Networks (ResNets) aided by a heat map–based visual interpretation technique are used for image classification. Multitype faulty data that could disturb the seismic event detection are considered in the classification. Then, divergent results from multiple sensors are fused by Bayesian fusion, outputting a consistent seismic detection result. A real‐world monitoring data set of four seismic responses of a pair of long‐span bridges is used for method validation. At the classification stage, ResNet 34 achieved the best accuracy of over 90% with minimal training cost. After Bayesian fusion, globally consistent and accurate seismic detection results can be obtained using a ResNet or ViT. The proposed approach effectively localizes seismic events within multisource, multifault monitoring data, achieving automated and consistent seismic event detection.
Herbicidal interference: glyphosate drives both the ecology and evolution of plant–herbivore interactions
Authors: Zhang Grace M. , Baucom Regina S.
Published: November 2024

The coevolution of plants and their insect herbivores reflects eco‐evolutionary dynamics at work – ecological interactions influence adaptive traits, which feed back to shape the broader ecological community. However, novel anthropogenic stressors like herbicide, which are strong selective agents, can disrupt these dynamics. Little is known about how the evolution of herbicide resistance may impact plant–herbivore interactions.

We performed a common garden field experiment using Ipomoea purpurea (common morning glory) and the herbicide glyphosate (Roundup) to investigate the ecological effects of herbicide exposure on insect herbivory patterns and assess the potential evolutionary consequences.

We find that plants treated with glyphosate experienced higher levels of herbivory and altered chewing herbivory damage patterns. Additionally, we found that glyphosate resistance is positively associated with herbivory resistance, and uncovered positive selection for increased glyphosate resistance, suggesting that selection for increased glyphosate resistance has the potential to lead to increased herbivory resistance.

Positive selection for glyphosate resistance, coupled with the detection of genetic variation for this trait, suggests there is potential for glyphosate resistance – and herbivory resistance via hitchhiking – to further evolve. Our results show that herbicides cannot just influence, but potentially drive the eco‐evolutionary dynamics of plant–herbivore interactions.
A nuclear phylogenomic tree of grasses (Poaceae) recovers current classification despite gene tree incongruence
Authors:   Grass Phylogeny Working Group III
Published: November 2024

Grasses (Poaceae) comprise c. 11 800 species and are central to human livelihoods and terrestrial ecosystems. Knowing their relationships and evolutionary history is key to comparative research and crop breeding. Advances in genome‐scale sequencing allow for increased breadth and depth of phylogenomic analyses, making it possible to infer a new reference species tree of the family.

We inferred a comprehensive species tree of grasses by combining new and published sequences for 331 nuclear genes from genome, transcriptome, target enrichment and shotgun data. Our 1153‐tip tree covers 79% of grass genera (including 21 genera sequenced for the first time) and all but two small tribes. We compared it to a newly inferred 910‐tip plastome tree.

We recovered most of the tribes and subfamilies previously established, despite pervasive incongruence among nuclear gene trees. The early diversification of the PACMAD clade could represent a hard polytomy. Gene tree–species tree reconciliation suggests that reticulation events occurred repeatedly. Nuclear–plastome incongruence is rare, with very few cases of supported conflict.

We provide a robust framework for the grass tree of life to support research on grass evolution, including modes of reticulation, and genetic diversity for sustainable agriculture.
Accommodative behaviour and retinal defocus in highly myopic eyes fitted with a dual focus myopia control contact lens
Authors: Meyer Dawn , Gantes‐Nuñez Javier , Rickert Martin , Murthy Nitya , Chamberlain Paul , Bradley Arthur , Kollbaum Pete
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the myopic and hyperopic defocus delivered to the retina by a dual focus (DF) myopia control contact lens when myopia exceeds 6.00 D.

Methods

Individuals with high myopia were fitted bilaterally with high‐powered DF lenses containing power profiles matching a Coopervision MiSight 1 day contact lens (omafilcon A) and a Coopervision Proclear 1 day single vision (SV) lens. Wavefront measurements along the primary line of sight and across the central ±20° of the horizontal retina were acquired using a pyramidal aberrometer, while subjects accommodated to high‐contrast letter stimuli (6/12 equivalent) at six target vergences (−0.25 and −1.00 to −5.00 D). Linear mixed‐effects regression models explored the relationship between the spherical equivalent refractive error (SERE) and induced defocus.

Results

Thirteen teenagers and young adults (ages 13–32 years, mean [standard deviation, SD] age = 22.8 [4.9] years) with high myopia (SERE −6.50 to −9.25 D) were tested. The treatment optic zone of the DF lens shifted retinal defocus by the expected −2.00 D, with a mean (SD) difference (DF–SV) of −2.21 (0.18) D for the inner treatment ring. Inclusion of the treatment optic had no significant impact on accommodative accuracy (p = 0.51). Accommodative lags were larger at the nearer viewing distances, with lag increasing by approximately 0.30 D for every additional dioptre of SERE. Measured retinal defocus within the annular treatment zone was approximately −2.00 D at the foveal centre, 10° nasal and temporal and 20° nasal and reduced to −1.90 (0.57) D at 20° temporal.

Conclusions

Relative to eyes with lower levels of myopia, the increased accommodative lags and more prolate retinas of highly myopic eyes reduced the myopic retinal defocus from the DF myopia control lens, while the treatment optical zones generated the combined effect of reducing hyperopic and introducing myopic retinal defocus relative to an SV correction.
Ketamine sedation during air enema reduction of pediatric intussusception: Assessing safety and intraluminal pressure
Authors: Park Jun Sung , Kim Dahyun , Chun Min Kyo , Han Jeeho , Choi Seung Jun , Lee Jong Seung , Ryu Jeong‐Min , Lee Choong Wook , Kim Pyeong Hwa , Yoon Hee Mang , Cho Young Ah , Lee Jeong‐Yong
Published: November 2024

Background

Recent reports have demonstrated promising results regarding the use of ketamine sedation for reducing pediatric intussusception without an associated elevated risk of bowel perforation. However, data on direct intraluminal pressure are still lacking. This study aimed to investigate sedation safety, primarily by comparing intraluminal pressure.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients aged 10 years or younger, diagnosed with intussusception at a university‐affiliated pediatric emergency department (ED) between July 2021 and February 2023. These patients were categorized into two groups: sedation and non‐sedation. During regular working hours (from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays), patients were administered 1 mg/kg of intravenous ketamine for sedation during air enema reduction. Patients within non‐working hours did not receive sedative interventions.

Results

In a study of 114 patients with intussusception (median age: 25 months), 29 (25.4%) received sedatives, and 85 (74.6%) did not. Maximum intraluminal pressure during the procedure showed no significant difference between the groups (sedation: 64 mmHg, non‐sedation: 83 mmHg, p = 0.091). Bowel perforation was not observed in the overall cohort. No difference was observed in the failure rate or recurrence rate within 24 h between the two groups. Sedation with a median dose of 1 mg/kg ketamine did not cause delays in the ED process and demonstrated no adverse events while maintaining appropriate sedation depth with sequential dosing.

Conclusions

The utilization of ketamine sedation during fluoroscopy‐guided air enema reduction for pediatric intussusception was not associated with increased intraluminal pressure, increased rate of reduction failure, or bowel perforation.
Restored seagrass rapidly provides high‐quality habitat for mobile animals
Authors: Sievers Michael , Rasmussen Jasmine A. , Nielsen Benjamin , Steinfurth Rune C. , Flindt Mogens R. , Melvin Steven D. , Connolly Rod M.
Published: November 2024

Restoring seagrasses provides habitat for animals, many of which play vital roles in the maintenance, persistence, and resilience of seagrass habitat. Understanding how the maturity of restored seagrass habitats influences the colonization and condition of associated animal communities can provide insights to inform restoration methods and improve outcomes. We surveyed mobile fauna at 132 sites in Vejle fjord, Denmark, in natural seagrass, bare sand, and restored seagrass (Zostera marina; eelgrass). Seagrass was transplanted 1, 2, 3, or 4 years ago (2019–2022). In addition to abundance and diversity metrics, we quantified individual condition metrics, and conducted metabolomic analysis on lesser pipefish (Syngnathus rostellatus). Seagrass‐associated species rapidly colonized restored habitats, such as common periwinkles and Baltic prawns. Bare sites and 1‐year‐old sites harbored very similar communities. A distinct shift thereafter saw restored communities converge irrespective of habitat age, and were similar to natural sites. We observed species‐specific trends in abundance related to seagrass cover that were positive, negative, or unimodal; abundance was highest when seagrass cover was intermediate (approximately 45–70%). Morphometric indices for three fish species, and metabolomic profiles for lesser pipefish, did not differ among sites. Our study adds to the growing body of literature showing rapid faunal colonization of restored Z. marina habitats, particularly when restored in close proximity to natural eelgrass. This provides impetus for continued investments in eelgrass restoration and suggests little need for building in time lags when including biodiversity benefits of seagrass restoration in natural capital assessments for this species.
RMI1 is essential for maintaining rice genome stability at high temperature
Authors: Liu Kangwei , Wang Mengna , Wang Lengjing , Wang Xiaofeng , Feng Haiyang , Dai Qiang , Zhang Chao , Yu Hengxiu
Published: November 2024

Heat is a critical environmental stress for plant survival. One of its harmful effects on the cells is the disruption of genome integrity. However, the mechanisms by which plants cope with heat‐induced DNA damage remain largely unknown. RMI1, a component of the RTR (RECQ4‐TOP3α‐RMI1) complex, plays a pivotal role in maintaining genome stability. In this study, we identified the target gene RMI1 by characterizing a high‐temperature‐sensitive mutant. The growth and development of rmi1‐1 seedlings carrying a non‐frameshift mutation in RMI1 were hindered at 38°C. Abnormal mitotic chromosome behaviours ultimately led to the cell death of root tips. Additionally, the presence of chromosome fragments during anaphase I caused pollen abortion and sterility in rmi1‐1 plants. Yeast two‐hybrid assays revealed that the interactions between RMI1‐1 and RECQ4 or TOP3α were weakened with increasing temperature and entirely ceased at 36°C. In contrast, the functional RMI1 maintained its interactions with RECQ4 or TOP3α under the same conditions. These results indicate that the non‐frameshift mutation in RMI1 disrupts the formation of the RTR complex at high temperatures, leading to defects in DNA repair and increased sensitivity of rmi1‐1 under heat stress. However, embryos of the rmi1‐cr2 mutant with a frameshift mutation in RMI1 exhibited complete lethality. In addition, the overexpression of RMI1 enhanced the heat tolerance in rice. These findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms that RMI1 responds to high temperatures by maintaining genome stability in rice.
CsWRKY12 interacts with CsVQ4L to promote the accumulation of galloylated catechins in tender leaves of tea plants
Authors: Zhang Yongheng , Wang Jie , Xiao Yezi , Wu Yedie , Li Nana , Ding Changqing , Hao Xinyuan , Yu Youben , Wang Lu , Wang Xinchao
Published: November 2024

Galloylated catechins in tea leaves, primarily epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin gallate (ECG), possess prominent biological activities. It is well established that EGCG and ECG are abundantly present in tender leaves but are less prevalent in mature leaves. However, the fundamental regulatory mechanisms underlying this distribution remain unknown. In this study, we integrated transcriptome data and catechin component levels in tea leaves from six leaf positions using weighted gene co‐expression network analysis. This analysis revealed a positive correlation between variations in CsWRKY12 expression and EGCG and ECG levels. Further investigation using yeast one‐hybrid and dual‐luciferase assays, as well as electrophoretic mobility shift assay, demonstrated that CsWRKY12 activated the transcription of CsSCPL4 and CsSCPL5, which encode enzymes responsible for galloylated catechins biosynthesis, by directly binding to W‐box elements in their promoters. Overexpression of CsWRKY12 in tea leaves promoted the expression of CsSCPL4 and CsSCPL5, leading to an increase in EGCG and ECG content. Moreover, we found that a VQ motif‐containing protein, CsVQ4L, interacted with CsWRKY12 and facilitated its transcriptional function by regulating the expression of CsSCPL4 and CsSCPL5. Collectively, our findings suggest that the interaction between CsWRKY12 and CsVQ4L contributes to the accumulation of galloylated catechins in tender leaves of tea plants.
Design of a nasopharyngeal tamponade device in canine cadavers
Authors: Allen‐Deal Anais , Lodzinska Joanna , Isaac Ingrid , Llewellyn Efa , Gow Adam , Breheny Craig
Published: November 2024

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of an improvised tamponade device allowing direct pressure to be applied to the canine nasopharynx.

Design

Proof‐of‐concept study using 8 canine cadavers.

Methods and Results

A tamponade device was made by placing a condom over a nasogastric tube and suturing it to match the length of the nasopharynx. The device was placed in the nasopharynx of canine cadavers via the nares and filled with diluted ioversol. Placement was then confirmed with radiography or computed tomography. Concentrated ioversol was infused into the rostral nasal cavity to assess for a nasopharyngeal seal, defined as no ioversol passing the device seen on imaging. Subjective assessment of adequate nasopharyngeal compression via digital palpation of the soft palate agreed with imaging findings. Repositioning was required in several cases, but with digital palpation, initial placement was more accurate. Subsequent effective placement and a nasopharyngeal seal were achieved in all 8 cadavers.

Conclusion

This device can be placed in the canine nasopharynx, and an adequate nasopharyngeal seal can be achieved, allowing direct compression of the nasopharynx and filling of the nasal cavity with solution. Confirmation of placement was successful with digital palpation and imaging. Further studies are required to investigate the use of this device in live patients.