bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uncovering the Risks of Anticancer Therapy Through Incident Report Analysis Using a Newly Developed Medical Oncology Incident Taxonomy
Authors: Jacobson Joseph O. , Zerillo Jessica A. , Doolin James , Stuver Sherri O. , Revette Anna , Mulvey Therese
Published: November 2023

Background

Incident reporting systems were developed to identify possible and actual harm in healthcare facilities. They have the potential to capture important safety trends and to enable improvements that can mitigate the risk of future patient harm and suffering. We recently developed and validated a taxonomy specific for medical oncology designed to enhance the identification, tracking, and trending of incidents that may lead to patient harm. The current project was designed to test the ability of such a taxonomy to be applied across different organizations delivering medical oncology care and to identify specific risks that could result in future harm.

Methods

We analyzed 309 randomly selected medical oncology–related incident reports from 3 different cancer centers that had been posted between January 2019 and December 2020. Each report was assigned up to 2 incident categories. We used a 2-step process to reconcile reviewer discrepancies. In a secondary analysis, each of the incidents was reviewed and recoded to identify events which may result in major or catastrophic harm.

Results

Three hundred four incidents met criteria for inclusion. Three hundred incidents (98.7%) were successfully coded. Sixty-seven percent of incidents were encompassed by the following 4 of 21 categories: prescriber ordering (22%), nursing care (15%), pharmacy (14%), and relational/communication issues (15%). Of 297 evaluable incidents, 47% did not reach the patient, 44.7% reached the patient without harm, 7.7% caused minor injury, and 0.7% caused severe injury or death. Submission rates by physicians varied between the 3 sites accounting for 1.7%, 10.7%, and 16.1% of reports. Secondary analysis identified 9 distinct scenarios that may result in major or catastrophic patient harm.

Conclusions

A medical oncology–specific incident reporting taxonomy has the potential to increase our understanding of inherent risks and may lead to process improvements that improve patient safety.
Two novel alkalitolerant species Pseudalkalibacillus spartinae sp. nov. and Pseudalkalibacillus sedimenti sp. nov.
Authors: Liu Guo-Hong , Han Shuang , Li Bing , Li Rui-Li , Shi Huai , Chen Qian-Qian , Alwathnani Hend A. , Rensing Christopher , Zhou Shun-Gui
Published: November 2023

In this study, two novel alkalitolerant strains (FJAT-53046T and FJAT-53715T) were isolated from sediment samples collected in Zhangzhou, PR China. Phylogeny based on 16S rRNA gene sequences suggested that strains FJAT-53046T and FJAT-53715T were new members of the genus

Pseudalkalibacillus

. The two novel strains showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to

Pseudalkalibacillus hwajinpoensis

DSM 16206T, with values of 97.4 and 97.6 %, respectively. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between the two strains and the reference strain were 77.2 and 79.6 %, 20.9 and 30.2 %, respectively, which were below the prokaryotic species delineation thresholds. The ANI and dDDH values between strains FJAT-53046T and FJAT-53715T were 86.0 and 30.2 %, respectively, suggesting that they belonged to different species in the genus

Pseudalkalibacillus

. The major respiratory quinone in both strains was MK-7 and the major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. Diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine were the major polar lipids in both novel strains. Combined with results stemming from the determination of physical and biochemical characteristics, chemical properties, and genome analysis, strains FJAT-53046T and FJAT-53715T are proposed to represent two novel species of the genus

Pseudalkalibacillus

, for which the names Pseudalkalibacillus spartinae sp. nov. and Pseudalkalibacillus sedimenti sp. nov. are proposed. The type strains are FJAT-53046T (=GDMCC 1.3077T=JCM 35611T) and FJAT-53715T (=GDMCC 1.3076T=JCM 35610T), respectively.
WhatIsMyGene: Back to the Basics of Gene Enrichment
Authors: Hodge Kenneth , Saethang Thammakorn
Published: November 2023

WIMG Abstract

Since its inception over 20 years ago, gene enrichment has been largely associated with curated gene lists (e.g. GO) that are constructed to represent various biological concepts; the cell cycle, cancer drivers, protein-protein interactions, etc. Researchers expect that a comparison of their own lab-generated lists with curated lists should produce insight. Despite the abundance of such curated lists, we here show that they rarely outperform comparisons against existing individual lab-generated datasets when measured using standard statistical tests of study/study overlap. This demonstration is enabled by the WhatIsMyGene database, which we believe to be the single largest compendium of transcriptomic and micro-RNA perturbation data. The database also houses voluminous proteomic, cell type clustering, lncRNA, epitranscriptomic (etc.) data. In the case of enrichment tools that do incorporate specific lab studies in underlying databases, WIMG generally outperforms in the simple task of reflecting back to the user known aspects of the input set (cell type, the type of perturbation, species, etc.), enhancing confidence that unknown aspects of the input may also be revealed in the output. A limited number of GO lists are included in the database. However, these lists are assigned backgrounds, meaning that GO lists that are replete with abundant entities do not inordinately percolate to the highest ranking positions in output. We delineate a number of other features that should make WIMG indispensable in answering essential questions such as “What processes are embodied in my gene list?” and “What does my gene do?”
Automated segmentation by deep learning of neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in brain sections of Alzheimer’s Disease Patients
Authors: Ingrassia Lea , Boluda Susana , Jimenez Gabriel , Kar Anuradha , Racoceanu Daniel , Delatour Benoît , Stimmer Lev
Published: November 2023

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with complex neuropathological features, such as phosphorylated tau (p-tau) positive neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and neuritic plaques (NPs). The quantitative evaluation of p-tau pathology is a key element for the diagnosis of AD and other tauopathies. Assessment of tauopathies relies on semi-quantitative analysis and does not consider lesions heterogeneity (e.g., load and density of NFTs vs NPs).

In this study, we developed a deep learning-based workflow for automated annotation and segmentation of NPs and NFTs from AT8-immunostained whole slide images (WSIs) of AD brain sections. Fifteen WSIs of frontal cortex from four biobanks with different tissue quality, staining intensity and scanning formats were used for the present study. We first applied an artificial intelligence (AI-)-driven iterative procedure to improve the generation of pathologist validated training datasets for NPs and NFTs. This procedure increased the annotation quality by more than 50%, especially for NPs when present in high density. Using this procedure, we obtained an expert validated annotation database with 5013 NPs and 5143 NFTs. As a second step, we trained two U-Net convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for accurate detection and segmentation of NPs or NFTs. The workflow achieved a high accuracy and consistency, with a mean Dice similarity coefficient of 0.81 for NPs and 0.77 for NFTs. The workflow also showed good generalization performance across different patients with different staining and tissue quality. Our study demonstrates that artificial intelligence can be used to correct and enhance annotation quality especially for complex objects, even when intermingled and present in high density, in brain tissue. Furthermore, the expert validated databases allowed to generate highly accurate models for segmenting discrete brain lesions using a commercial software. Our annotation database will be publicly available to facilitate human digital pathology applied to AD.
Instantaneous phase of rhythmic behaviour under volitional control
Authors: Lancia Leonardo
Published: November 2023

The phase of a signal representing a cyclic behavioural pattern provides valuable information for understanding the mechanisms driving the observed behaviour. Methods usually adopted to estimate the phase, which are based on projecting the signal onto the complex plane, have strict requirements on its frequency content, which limits their application. To overcome these limitations, input signals can be processed using band-pass filters or decomposition techniques. In this paper, we briefly review these approaches and propose a new one. Our approach is based on the principles of Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD), but unlike EMD, it does not aim to decompose the input signal. This avoids the many problems that can occur when extracting a signal’s components one by one. The proposed approach estimates the phase of experimental signals that have one main oscillatory component modulated by slower activity and perturbed by weak, sparse, or random activity at faster time scales. We illustrate how our approach works by estimating the phase dynamics of synthetic signals and real-world signals representing knee angles during flexion/extension activity, heel height during gait, and the activity of different organs involved in speech production.
Myeloperoxidase-dependent tyrosine halogenation potentiates α-defensins functions
Authors: Foti Alessandro , Hurwitz Robert , Textoris-Taube Kathrin , Mülleder Michael , Biswas Abin , Fahjen Pauline , Winkler Moritz , Abu Abed Ulrike , Humme Daniel , Thee Stephanie , Prasse Antje , Seeliger Benjamin , Ralser Markus , Zychlinsky Arturo
Published: November 2023

Neutrophils are immune cells specialized in detecting and eliminating microbes through potent cytotoxic mechanisms. Most of the neutrophil antimicrobial proteins are stored in intracellular organelles called granules, which are rapidly mobilized to direct the neutrophil cytotoxic machinery against the microbe. However, it remains unclear how the cytotoxic mechanisms cooperate with each other to minimize self-damage and allow an efficient immune response. Here we show that after neutrophil activation, highly oxidative myeloperoxidase-derived hypohalous acids target the antimicrobial peptides α-defensin 1-3, leading to chlorination of tyrosine 21 and iodination of tyrosine 16. We observe α-defensin 1-3 halogenation in rat neutrophils, and notably, in sputum samples from Cystic Fibrosis patients as well as inStreptococcus pneumoniaebronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) andStaphylococcus aureusskin abscesses infected patients. Importantly, halogenated α-defensins are more efficient immunomodulators and anti-toxin mediators than the non-modified peptides, indicating that this rare post-translational modification is important for inflammation.
CTCF regulates anxiety and depression like behavior and maintenance of neuronal identity in the adult mouse brain
Authors: Davis Liron , Chatterjee Ipsita , Getselter Dmitriy , Elliott Evan
Published: November 2023

CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) is a chromatin binding factor that binds to DNA sequence specific sites and, together with cohesin complex, establishes chromatin loops and regulates gene expression. CTCF was previously implicated as a major contributor in neural development. Genetic aberrations in CTCF are associated with intellectual disability, aggression, attention deficit, and autistic behavior. Previous mice-model studies have identified a necessary role for CTCF during development of CaMKIIa expressing excitatory neurons in the ability of learning and memory. However, it is not clear if CTCF is only necessary for development in the brain, or also in maintenance of neuronal functions and behavior in the adulthood. In the current study, adulthood-specific knockout of CTCF in excitatory neurons induced an elevation in anxiety and depression related behavior and a decrease in seeking social novelty. Depression and apathy-like behavior was reversed by treatment with serotonin specific reuptake inhibitor sertraline. Golgi staining analysis reveals major regression of dendritic complexity in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. In parallel, there is increased DNA compaction and decreased global H3K9 acetylation. Single nuclei RNA sequencing confirms a retreat in neuronal subtype identity in excitatory neurons after knockout. Gene ontology analysis display upregulation of genes that related regulation of cell population, neuronal development and neuronal differentiation and migration. These findings determine that CTCF is required for a propriate function of the mature excitatory neurons, independent of roles during development.

Significance Statement

The gene CTCF is an important regulator of gene expression. Mutations in CTCF have been identified in individuals with a range of neurodevelopmental disorders, including intellectual disability and autism. However, it is unknown if CTCF is important only for neuronal development, or plays functional roles in the brain during adulthood. The current study finds that CTCF deletion during adulthood in excitatory neurons induces a behavioral phenotype that that includes increase in anxiety and depression-like behavior and changes in social behavior. In addition, CTCF depletion in adulthood affects the morphology, identity and gene expression of these specific types of neurons. Therefore, CTCF is not only important in brain development, but also in maintenance of proper neuronal function and behavior during adulthood.
A Comparative Analysis of US and UK Site Self-Assessment of Practices in Recruiting and Meeting the Needs of Diverse Patient Populations in Clinical Trials
Authors: Phiri Peter , Foster Diana , Shah Bupendra , Sajid Sana , Lewis Lynis , Rathod Shanaya , Delanerolle Gayathri , Shi Jian Qing
Published: November 2023

Background

The comparative analysis of site practices in recruiting and outreach of diverse patient populations in clinical trials is needed for a harmonious approach to navigating solutions for improving patient diversity globally. With the availability of the Diverse Site Assessment Tool (DSAT), such analyses have become feasible.

Methods

This study presents a comparison of self-reported data related to diversity best practices using the DSAT by members of clinical trials research sites from three distinct cohorts in the United States (US) and United Kingdom (UK). The Diverse Site Assessment Tool (DSAT) is a 25-item self-report measure, exploring best practices for the recruitment of diverse patient populations during clinical trials. The DSAT was administered online via the Qualtrics XM platform. DSAT data for each of these cohorts were retrieved and scored and individual item means were used to conduct reliability, descriptive and inferential statistical analysis.

Findings

Results indicate that the DSAT is an exceptionally reliable instrument for self-assessment of diversity best practices. Results also showed that among the three DSAT sections, the section of patient focused services shows the lowest scores regardless of the cohort and that DSAT section scores were considerably different between the 2 US cohorts as well as between the US and UK cohorts. Overall, DSAT scores were higher for US cohorts than for the UK cohort.

Interpretation

Different stakeholders from the US and UK might want to examine the findings of this study carefully and discuss its implications for their own country, sites within it and discuss how harmonized efforts for diversity in clinical trials can be established.

Funding

Funded by the The Society of Clinical Research Sites, USA.
Metaverse technologies in product management, branding and communications: virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, non-fungible tokens and brain-computer interface
Authors: Kshetri Nir
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To examine the effects of the metaverse on firms’ marketing activities.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual paper.

Findings

It provides evidence of the growing importance of different value capture mechanisms in the metaverse.

Originality/value

Among the first articles on this topic.
Financing constraints and corporate investment decision: evidence from an emerging economy
Authors: Abdeljawad Islam , Abu Alia Muiz , Demaidi Muhannad
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Existing theories on the determining factors of corporate investment decisions raise the importance of financial market imperfections in explaining investment behavior. Many factors have been proposed as drivers of investment, mainly in developed economies, while emerging countries have almost been neglected. The main purpose of this study is to examine the effect of financing constraints on the investment behavior of a small context, namely, Jordan, with an imperfect environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study considers panel data regressions from the industrial companies traded at the Amman Stock Exchange with a total of 1,058 firm-year observations.

Findings

The results are able to demonstrate that business size, tangibility, market-to-book ratio, profitability, financial slack and leverage are major drivers of investment choices. The results support the importance of information asymmetry in explaining the investment behavior of firms. Nonetheless, the Q-theory is in place, as is firm agility.

Practical implications

Policies to reduce information asymmetry are immediately needed to help firms increase investments by providing them with access to training, technology and market information. They also should enhance the firms’ opportunities for growth. Moreover, they should make it easier for businesses to access financial slack, such as by improving access to credit and financial institutions. They also can work to improve the financial infrastructure to meet the financing needs of businesses. Finally, smaller businesses should be assisted by improving their ability to invest and grow.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies, if any, to investigate this issue in a distinct environment. Despite the unique characteristics of Jordan, the findings are applicable to other countries that experience comparable political and economic circumstances because Jordan has traits common to many emerging nations.
Succession intentions of daughters in family businesses: experiences from Sri Lanka
Authors: Ramos Hazel Melanie , Zhan Likun , Jayasinghe Harini
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the succession intentions of daughters in family businesses in Sri Lanka by shedding light on the motives behind their willingness to succeed in the family business.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews was used to explore the factors that may influence succession intentions among a group of seven prospective successor-daughters.

Findings

Findings showed that while a majority of the daughters sampled have positive succession intentions, there were a few who were either undecided or unwilling. Interestingly, what motivated some daughters to be willing successors was also considered demotivating for others. Daughters perceived succession in family businesses to be impacted by both personal and family background, traditional gender-role expectations and other socio-cultural factors.

Originality/value

Findings from this study provide key insights into gender-related issues with regard to succession in family businesses.
An amperometric sensor based on gamma-irradiated PANI-ZnO-NiO nanocomposite thin films for Escherichia coli detection in water
Authors: Abdullah Huda , Naim Norshafadzila Mohammad , Shum Kok Seng , Abdul Hamid Aidil , Othman Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan , Selvanathan Vidhya , Yap Wing Fen , Mustaza Seri Mastura
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Regular monitoring of bacteria, especially Escherichia coli, in wastewater is crucial to ensure the maintenance of public health. Amperometric detection proves to be a fast, sensitive and economically viable solution for E. coli enumeration. This paper reported a prototype amperometric sensor based on PANI-ZnO-NiO nanocomposite thin films prepared by sol–gel method and irradiated with gamma ray. The purpose of this study is to investigate the sensor performance of PANI-ZnO-NiO nanocomposite thin films to detect E. coli in water.

Design/methodology/approach

The films were varied with different compositions of ZnO and NiO by using the formula PANI-(ZnO)1-x-(NiO)x, with x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8. PANI-ZnO-NiO nanocomposite thin films were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to study the crystallinity and surface morphology of the films. The sensor performance was conducted using the current–voltage (I-V) measurement by testing the films in clean water and E. coli solution.

Findings

XRD diffractograms show the peaks of ZnO (1 0 0) and NiO (1 0 2). AFM analysis shows the surface roughness, and the grain size of PANI-ZnO-NiO thin films decreases when the concentration ratios of NiO increased. I-V curves show the difference in current flow, where the current in E. coli solution is higher than the clean water.

Originality/value

PANI-(ZnO)1-x-(NiO)x nanocomposite thin film with the highest concentration of ZnO performed the highest sensitivity among the other concentrations, which can be used to indicate the presence of E. coli bacteria in water.
Integrating variation in bacterial‐fungal co‐occurrence network with soil carbon dynamics
Authors: Chen Lijun , Dini‐Andreote Francisco , Liu Hongqiang , Wang Huaxiang , Dumbrell Alex , Wang Zhengye , Chen Xingyu , Chen Fangfang , Chen Xiaolong , Wu Lichao , Jiang Yuji
Published: November 2023

Bacteria and fungi are core microorganisms in diverse ecosystems, and their cross‐kingdom interactions are considered key determinants of microbiome structure and ecosystem functioning. However, how bacterial‐fungal interactions mediate soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics remains largely unexplored in the context of artificial forest ecosystems.

Here, we characterised soil bacterial and fungal communities in four successive planting of Eucalyptus and compared them to a neighbouring evergreen broadleaf forest. Carbon (C) mineralisation combined with five C‐degrading enzymatic activities was investigated to determine the effects of successive planting of Eucalyptus on SOC dynamics.

Our results indicated that successive planting of Eucalyptus significantly altered the diversity and structure of soil bacterial and fungal communities and increased the negative bacterial‐fungal associations. The bacterial diversity significantly decreased in all Eucalyptus plantations compared to the evergreen forest, while the fungal diversity showed the opposite trend. The ratio of negative bacterial‐fungal associations increased with successive planting of Eucalyptus due to the decrease in SOC, ammonia nitrogen (NH4+‐N), nitrate nitrogen (NO3−‐N) and available phosphorus (AP). Structural equation modelling indicated that the potential cross‐kingdom competition, based on the ratio of negative bacterial‐fungal correlations, was significantly negatively associated with the diversity of total bacteria and keystone bacteria, thereby increasing C‐degrading enzymatic activities and C mineralisation.

Synthesis and applications: Our results highlight the regulatory role of the negative bacterial‐fungal association in enhancing the correlation between bacterial diversity and C mineralisation. This suggests that promoting short‐term successive planting in the management of Eucalyptus plantations can mitigate the impact of this association on SOC decomposition. Taken together, our study advances the understanding of bacterial‐fungal negative associations to mediate carbon mineralisation in Eucalyptus plantations, giving us a new insight into SOC cycling dynamics in artificial forests.
Depressive symptoms, right ventricular function, and muscular strength are associated with peak oxygen uptake in patients with implantable left ventricular assist devices
Authors: Kitagaki Kazufumi , Aoki Tatsuo , Miura Hiroyuki , Shimada Yukihiro , Konishi Harumi , Tsukamoto Yasumasa , Noguchi Teruo
Published: November 2023

Background

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is among the most effective treatment options for patients with severe heart failure. Although previous studies have examined the factors related to peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2), they were limited by the few patients involved and their focus on medical and physical functions. Therefore, this study comprehensively examined the factors associated with peak VO2, which is an important prognostic factor in patients with implantable LVADs.

Methods

Eighty‐nine patients who underwent initial LVAD implantation and were eligible for cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) between May 2014 and September 2021 were included. The patients' mean age was 48 ± 12 years, and 70% were males. Based on previous studies, the cut‐off was set at 12 and 14 mL/kg/min for patients taking β‐blocker and those not taking β‐blockers, respectively. Furthermore, factors associated with peak VO2 were examined using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

The mean time from surgery to CPX administration was 73 ± 40 days. The high group had a higher cardiac index, right ventricular stroke work index (RVSWI), and isometric knee extensor muscular strength and lower Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) and B‐type natriuretic peptide values than the low group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that RVSWI and KEMS were positively correlated, whereas PHQ‐9 was negatively associated with peak VO2.

Conclusion

Right ventricular function, depressive symptoms, and lower limb muscular strength were associated with exercise capacity in patients with implantable LVADs.
Social safety nets and productivity outcomes: Evidence and implications for Bangladeshi rice growers
Authors: Salam Md Abdus , Anik Asif Reza
Published: November 2023

Using national representative cross‐sectional data from 8846 rice growing plots in Bangladesh, we analyze the impact of social safety net programs (SSNPs) on rice farmers' productivity and efficiency. This study applied the propensity score matching (PSM) approach to correct the possible self‐selection biases arising from observed and unobserved factors affecting a household's SSNP participation decisions. The stochastic frontier production function is estimated separately for participants and non‐participants to compare yield and technical efficiency. Our results show that the output elasticities of all inputs except land and fertilizer are significantly higher for non‐participants than participants. The SSNP participants are estimated to have 1.95% higher technical efficiency than the non‐participants, while their frontier yield is 11.75% higher. The average treatment effect on treated (ATET) also confirms the yield and efficiency‐enhancing role of SSNPs, particularly in climate‐stressed areas. The study argues for widening the SSNP coverage to increase the marginal farmers' efficiency in climate‐vulnerable areas. Other policy interventions include policies to increase farmers' access to land through the proper functioning land market, education, providing literacy training, and different production inputs.
Post‐transplant сyclophosphamide after matched donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children with acute leukemia
Authors: Borovkova Anastasya Svyatoslavovna , Paina Olesya Vladimirovna , Semenova Elena Vladimirovna , Bykova Tatiana Alexandrovna , Osipova Anna Alekseevna , Slesarchuk Olga Alexandrovna , Kozhokar Polina Valerievna , Tsvetkova Lubov Alexandrovna , Rakhmanova Zhemal Zarifovna , Kozlov Andrei Vadimovich , Chukhlovin Alexei Borisovich , Kazantsev Ilya Viktorovich , Estrina Maria Arkadievna , Goloshchapov Oleg Valerievich , Bondarenko Sergei Nikolaevich , Moiseev Ivan Sergeevich , Kulagin Alexander Dmitrievich , Zubarovskaya Ludmila Stepanovna
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The data on post‐transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) in pediatric acute leukemia after matched allo‐HSCT are limited to case series. The present study aimed to assess the results of PTCy‐based GVHD prophylaxis in a large cohort of children with acute leukemia after matched allo‐HSCT.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 190 pediatric patients with acute leukemia who had a first allograft between 2008 and 2020 from a matched sibling donor (MSD) or matched unrelated donor (MUD) was carried out. In the MSD setting, GVHD prophylaxis consisted of PTCy alone (n = 28) for the study group, and calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) ± antimetabolite (n = 30) for the control group. In MUD setting, most patients in the study group received GVHD prophylaxis with PTCy+CNI+mycophenolate mofetil (n = 42, 66.7%) or PTCy+CNI+sirolimus (n = 12, 19%). All patients (n = 69) in the control group received ATG+CNI+antimetabolite.

Results

After MUD allo‐HSCT, the incidences of acute GVHD grade III‐IV and moderate/severe chronic GVHD were significantly lower in the PTCy group compared to control (6.6% vs. 35.0% and 12.7% vs. 47.1%, respectively, p < .0001). Five‐year GVHD‐free, relapse‐free survival (GRFS) after MUD allo‐HSCT was higher in the PTCy group compared to control (35.1% vs. 7.3%, p < .0001). At the same time, there was no significant difference between both groups after MSD allo‐HSCT.

Conclusions

In pediatric acute leukemia, PTCy‐based GVHD prophylaxis for MUD allo‐HSCT is a feasible and effective option that results in a low incidence of GVHD. Compared to the ATG‐based approach, PTCy provides better control of GVHD in children. In pediatric allo‐HSCT from MSD, PTCy demonstrates comparable effectiveness to conventional GVHD prophylaxis.
Predicting complex kidney drug handling using a physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic model informed by biomarker‐estimated secretory clearance and blood flow
Authors: Granda Michael L. , Huang Weize , Yeung Catherine K. , Isoherranen Nina , Kestenbaum Bryan
Published: November 2023

Kidney function‐adjusted drug dosing is currently based solely on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR), however, kidney drug handling is accomplished by a combination of filtration, tubular secretion, and re‐absorption. Mechanistic physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models recapitulate anatomic compartments to predict elimination from estimated perfusion, filtration, secretion, and re‐absorption, but clinical applications are limited by a lack of empiric individual‐level measurements of these functions. We adapted and validated a PBPK model to predict drug clearance from individual biomarker‐based estimates of kidney perfusion and secretory clearance. We estimated organic anion transporter‐mediated secretion via kynurenic acid clearance and kidney blood flow (KBF) via isovalerylglycine clearance in human participants, incorporating these measurements with GFR into the model to predict kidney drug clearance. We compared measured and model‐predicted clearances of administered tenofovir and oseltamivir, which are cleared by both filtration and secretion. There were 27 outpatients (age 55 ± 15 years, mean iohexol‐GFR [iGFR] 76 ± 31 mL/min/1.73 m2) in this drug clearance study. The mean observed and mechanistic model‐predicted tenofovir clearances were 169 ± 102 mL/min and 163 ± 80 mL/min, respectively; estimated mean error of the mechanistic model was 37.1 mL/min (95% confidence interval [CI]: 24–52.9), compared to a mean error of 41.8 mL/min (95% CI: 25–61.6) from regression model. The mean observed and model‐predicted oseltamivir carboxylate clearances were 183 ± 104 mL/min and 179 ± 89 mL/min, respectively; estimated mean error of the mechanistic model was 42.9 mL/min (95% CI: 29.7–56.4), versus error of 48.1 mL/min (95% CI: 31.2–67.3) from the regression model. Individualized estimates of tubular secretion and KBF improved the accuracy of PBPK model‐predicted tenofovir and oseltamivir kidney clearances, suggesting the potential for biomarker‐informed measures of kidney function to refine personalized drug dosing.
Utility of serum β2‐microglobulin for prediction of kidney outcome among patients with biopsy‐proven diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Uemura Takayuki , Nishimoto Masatoshi , Eriguchi Masahiro , Tamaki Hiroyuki , Tasaki Hikari , Furuyama Riri , Fukata Fumihiro , Kosugi Takaaki , Morimoto Katsuhiko , Matsui Masaru , Samejima Ken‐ichi , Tsuruya Kazuhiko
Published: November 2023

Aim

To examine whether serum β2‐microglobulin (β2‐MG) could improve the prediction performance for kidney failure with replacement therapy (KFRT) among patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN).

Methods

Patients with biopsy‐proven DN at Nara Medical University Hospital were included. The exposure of interest was log‐transformed serum β2‐MG levels measured at kidney biopsy. The outcome variable was KFRT. Multivariable Cox regression models and competing‐risk regression models, with all‐cause mortality as a competing event, were performed. Model fit by adding serum β2‐MG levels was calculated using the Akaike information criterion (AIC). The net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) indexes were used to evaluate the improvement of predictive performance for 5‐year cumulative incidence of KFRT by serum β2‐MG levels.

Results

Among 408 patients, 99 developed KFRT during a median follow‐up period of 6.7 years. A higher serum β2‐MG level (1‐unit increase in log‐transformed serum β2‐MG level) was associated with a higher incidence of KFRT, even after adjustments for previously known clinical and histological risk factors (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval {CI}]: 3.30 [1.57‐6.94] and subdistribution hazard ratio [95% CI]: 3.07 [1.55‐6.06]). The addition of log‐transformed serum β2‐MG level reduced AIC and improved the prediction of KFRT (NRI and IDI: 0.32 [0.09‐0.54] and 0.03 [0.01‐0.56], respectively).

Conclusions

Among patients with biopsy‐proven DN, serum β2‐MG was an independent predictor of KFRT and improved prediction performance. In addition to serum creatinine, serum β2‐MG should probably be measured for DN.
Prevalence and clinical aspects of obstructive sleep apnea in Parkinson disease: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Maggi Gianpaolo , Giacobbe Chiara , Iannotta Federica , Santangelo Gabriella , Vitale Carmine
Published: November 2023

Background and Purpose

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) frequently occurs in Parkinson Disease (PD), probably caused by upper airway dysfunctions or shared pathogenetic mechanisms. OSA may precede PD diagnosis or worsen throughout its course, but its relationship with clinical features and dopaminergic medication remains unclear. This meta‐analysis aimed to provide a reliable estimate of OSA prevalence in the PD population (PD‐OSA) and to clarify its clinical associated factors to help clinicians in understanding the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed up to April 2023 using the PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO databases. Articles were included if they provided data on PD patients with and without OSA. Pooled prevalence for PD‐OSA was calculated using the proportions of PD participants diagnosed with OSA. Demographic and clinical features associated with PD‐OSA were explored by comparing PD patients with and without OSA.

Results

Seventeen studies were included in the meta‐analysis. Pooled OSA prevalence was 45% of a total sample of 1448 PD patients and was associated with older age, male sex, higher body mass index (BMI), more severe motor disturbances and periodic limb movements, reduced risk of rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, intake of dopamine agonists, and worse excessive daytime sleepiness. No relationship emerged with cognitive functioning and neuropsychiatric manifestations.

Conclusions

OSA affects nearly half of PD patients as a secondary outcome of predisposing factors such as older age and higher BMI in addition to PD‐related motor impairment. Future studies should focus on determining the impact of both clinical features and dopaminergic medication on the development of PD‐OSA.
Aggregate volatility risk and momentum returns
Authors: Misirli Efdal Ulas
Published: November 2023

Momentum stocks are exposed to aggregate volatility risk. This paper estimates an exponential generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedastic model of market volatility to introduce a new volatility risk factor. Winners have negative loadings on this factor, whereas losers have positive loadings. Because volatility risk carries a negative price of risk, the new factor explains 73% of momentum profits. The paper rationalizes the volatility risks of momentum portfolios using growth option arguments and explains why momentum profits are short‐lived, depend on market states, and concentrate among firms with high idiosyncratic volatility. Results are robust to controlling for other risk factors and using alternative estimation procedures.
Peatland pools are tightly coupled to the contemporary carbon cycle
Authors: Dean Joshua F. , Billett Michael F. , Turner T. Edward , Garnett Mark H. , Andersen Roxane , McKenzie Rebecca M. , Dinsmore Kerry J. , Baird Andy J. , Chapman Pippa J. , Holden Joseph
Published: November 2023

Peatlands are globally important stores of soil carbon (C) formed over millennial timescales but are at risk of destabilization by human and climate disturbance. Pools are ubiquitous features of many peatlands and can contain very high concentrations of C mobilized in dissolved and particulate organic form and as the greenhouses gases carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). The radiocarbon content (14C) of these aquatic C forms tells us whether pool C is generated by contemporary primary production or from destabilized C released from deep peat layers where it was previously stored for millennia. We present novel 14C and stable C (δ13C) isotope data from 97 aquatic samples across six peatland pool locations in the United Kingdom with a focus on dissolved and particulate organic C and dissolved CO2. Our observations cover two distinct pool types: natural peatland pools and those formed by ditch blocking efforts to rewet peatlands (restoration pools). The pools were dominated by contemporary C, with the majority of C (~50%–75%) in all forms being younger than 300 years old. Both pool types readily transform and decompose organic C in the water column and emit CO2 to the atmosphere, though mixing with the atmosphere and subsequent CO2 emissions was more evident in natural pools. Our results show little evidence of destabilization of deep, old C in natural or restoration pools, despite the presence of substantial millennial‐aged C in the surrounding peat. One possible exception is CH4 ebullition (bubbling), with our observations showing that millennial‐aged C can be emitted from peatland pools via this pathway. Our results suggest that restoration pools formed by ditch blocking are effective at preventing the release of deep, old C from rewetted peatlands via aquatic export.
Hepatic steatosis and skeletal muscle alterations during the COVID‐19 lockdown in a cohort of patients with chronic liver disease in Japan
Authors: Uchiyama Akira , Kon Kazuyoshi , Sakuma Satoshi , Sato Toshifumi , Morinaga Maki , Fukada Hiroo , Yamagata Hisafumi , Yaginuma Reiko , Fukuhara Kyoko , Yamashina Shunhei , Nojiri Shuko , Ikejima Kenichi
Published: November 2023

Aim

Following the coronavirus disease outbreak, a state of public emergency was declared worldwide, which enforced lifestyle changes. This study therefore aimed to investigate the changes in lifestyle, body composition, hepatic steatosis, and fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) under lockdown.

Methods

During the lockdown period, 1344 patients with CLD answered a lifestyle questionnaire. In 298 patients, body composition and liver stiffness measure (LSM)/controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) were analyzed by InBody and FibroScan, respectively, and serial data were obtained in 137 patients.

Results

More than half of the CLD patients answered decreases in physical activity and frequency of outings during lockdown, while diet was less affected. Overall, 58% of patients showed elevations in CAP values, which were not different statistically over time. Women, but not men, were more likely to increase CAP values during lockdown. Neither LSM nor serum fibrosis markers were elevated chronologically during lockdown. In men, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, and visceral fat area (VFA) were significantly increased, whereas in women, lower‐limb muscle mass was significantly decreased. Patients with decreased SMI showed elevations in CAP and VFA values, and patients who exercised less showed increases in BMI.

Conclusion

In response to lockdown, men tended to increase body fat but the degree of hepatic steatosis was less affected, while women were more likely to exacerbate hepatic steatosis with skeletal muscle loss among CLD patients. Gender‐specific approaches need to be established for management of CLD patients to avoid exacerbation or comorbidity of steatotic liver disease.
A systematic review to determine the role of public space and urban design on sense of community
Authors: Ramos‐Vidal Ignacio , de la Ossa Elsy Domínguez
Published: November 2023

The aim of this research is to determine the effect that the physical characteristics of public spaces and their perceived quality have on residents’ sense of community (SoC). A systematic review was carried out following the protocol of the PRISMA guidelines; a systematic search was conducted in the Web of Science Core Collection, resulting in the retrieval of 637 records. After several screenings, 23 studies were identified. The results suggest that the perceived quality of public spaces exerts positive effects, but of moderate intensity, on SoC (range = 0.13–0.4, Mβ = 0.24, SD = 0.1), as does the possibility of walking to public spaces within the neighbourhood (range = 0.02–0.57; Mβ = 0.22; SD = 0.21). The results indicate that designing public spaces that facilitate social interaction is the main factor for enhancing SoC. The main findings of this review justify the design of public spaces and built environments that favour interpersonal relationships between residents, serve as contexts for socialization and community participation and can be used to celebrate cultural and recreational events for promoting social capital in urban contexts.
Evolution of the Color Diagram
Authors: Gerritsen Frans
Published: November 2023

Lìghtness (value), hue, and saturation (chroma) are the three important factors to be considered in the design of a color‐order system. The development of these attributes is traced from 600 B.C. to the present. Special attention is paid to the intrinsic lightness levels of the various colors, which determine their places in color diagrams. The three‐dimensional schematic color perception diagram is described, and its utility for the designer is explained. For the artist this diagram is an important tool, helping him to understand the relationships among the colors in his work. It can aid the scientist in understanding the thought processes of the artist and designer, and in explaining their choice of color placement in a color‐order system. Such a diagram can help everyone understand the natural relationships among colors.
Partnership‐based nursing practice framework for patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and their families—A discursive paper
Authors: Jónsdóttir Helga , Halldórsdóttir Bryndís S. , Ingadóttir Thorbjörg Sóley
Published: November 2023

Aim

The increase in the number of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the disease burden, has prompted concerted efforts to improve healthcare, particularly outpatient services. In line with these attempts the Partnership‐Based Nursing Practice Theoretical Framework for People with COPD was developed to guide outpatient nursing care. The principal approach of the framework is a ‘Dialogue’ with the patients, which has four components: ‘Establishing family involvement’, ‘Assisting living with symptoms’ and ‘Facilitating access to healthcare’, with the primary goal being ‘Enhancement of the health experience’. With new knowledge, research on the framework, and extensive experience in using it, a need arose to modify the framework to maximize its clinical utility.

Design

Discursive paper.

Methods

A narrative review and critical reflection was conducted to revise the nursing practice framework via selected literature search from 2012 to 2022, research on the framework, and the authors' reflections on the clinical experience of using the framework.

Results

The nursing practice framework highlights capacities and possibilities that lie in the nurse–patient relationship. The overarching dialogue in the revised framework includes both patients and families. The action‐related component ‘Assisting living with the disease’ was added to the framework to underscore the significance of attempting to understand what may lie ahead for patients and families. The other action‐related components are as follows: ‘Assisting living with symptoms’ and ‘Facilitating access to healthcare’. The primary goal remains unchanged: enhancing the ‘Health experience’.

Conclusion

Using the revised nursing practice framework in outpatient care may help to enhance the lives of people with COPD and their families, particularly at advanced stages of the disease. It may have transferability to other groups of people living with progressive diseases dealing with complicated health problems, and to reduce the usage of costly healthcare resources such as hospital care.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

The partnership‐based nursing practice framework assumes an extension of conventional specialized respiratory service and embraces a comprehensive account for that which may influence the patient's health problems. This guidance, which holistically attends to patient‐family needs of living with complicated and progressive health predicaments, is fundamental. It contributes to strengthening the disciplinary focus of nursing, interdisciplinary collaboration, person‐family‐centred quality nursing care and inspires research initiatives. Critical reflections and updates on nursing practice frameworks, such as this revision, are essential to advance nursing and healthcare.

Patient or Public Contribution

There is no direct patient‐ or public contribution.