bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Georgian Literary Needlework Pictures, Realization, and Iconic Meaning‐Making
Authors: Jung Sandro
Published: May 2024

This article examines a group of Georgian needlework pictures based on late eighteenth‐century cabinet prints of literary works. Focusing on how these needlework productions were realized, including which decisions regarding the colour of silk thread and chromatic patterns, as well as visual revision, were made by the female silkworker, the article seeks to introduce these pictures as meaningful remediations of printed visual literary culture. The silkworks will be shown to advance interpretations of and to provide framing for six literary characters and the ways in which their stories were iconically rendered by the silkworkers.
The geopolitics of supply chains: EU efforts to ensure security of supply
Authors: Glencross Andrew
Published: May 2024

Recently, the EU launched a number of initiatives to prevent the weaponising of supply chains and build resilience against interruptions. This article explores attempts to ensure security of supply in three sectors: semiconductors, pharmaceuticals and critical raw materials. The analysis contrasts the measures taken in each sector in order to highlight commonalities and explain differences in approach and impact. This comparison of the EU's three principal policies for mitigating supply chain disruption shows the EU has equipped itself with more policy tools in the area of critical raw materials. The argument put forward to explain this prioritisation is that the weaponisation of critical raw materials has already taken place and risks stoking a political backlash against the EU green deal. Consequently, the evidence shows how the EU's geoeconomic hedging marks a move away from an overriding commitment to free markets as part of the postwar liberal international order. Rather, the EU is experimenting with market‐directing mechanisms involving state aid, stockpiling and regulatory interventions in the name of security of supply. This change illustrates not just the fraying of the liberal international trade order but also the part that the EU is playing in this transformation.
Government subsidies and income smoothing
Authors: Pappas Kostas , Walker Martin , Xu Alice Liang , (Colin) Zeng Cheng
Published: May 2024

This study examines the relationship between government subsidies and income smoothing using a sample of US‐listed firms. We find that subsidized firms smooth their earnings more aggressively than their unsubsidized peers. This finding is consistent with the reasoning that subsidized firms bear higher political costs and have more incentives to smooth earnings to avoid public attention. In addition, smoothing by subsidized firms is more pronounced when the subsidies are granted through non‐tax‐related channels than through tax‐based channels, and the positive association between government subsidies and income smoothing is stronger for firms under higher public scrutiny and with less transparent information environments. Further analysis shows that smoothing by subsidized firms serves mainly to obfuscate earnings and that subsidized firms that smooth earnings tend to continue receiving subsidies in the future. Overall, our results help explain the role of government subsidies in shaping firms' accounting and disclosure choices.
Amygdala neuronal dyshomeostasis via 5‐HT receptors mediates mood and cognitive defects in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Wu Xin‐Rong , Zhu Xiao‐Na , Pan Yuan‐Bo , Gu Xue , Liu Xian‐Dong , Chen Si , Zhang Yu , Xu Tian‐Le , Xu Nan‐Jie , Sun Suya
Published: May 2024

Behavioral changes or neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSs) are common features in dementia and are associated with accelerated cognitive impairment and earlier deaths. However, how NPSs are intertwined with cognitive decline remains elusive. In this study, we identify that the basolateral amygdala (BLA) is a key brain region that is associated with mood disorders and memory decline in the AD course. During the process from pre‐ to post‐onset in AD, the dysfunction of parvalbumin (PV) interneurons and pyramidal neurons in the amygdala leads to hyperactivity of pyramidal neurons in the basal state and insensitivity to external stimuli. We further demonstrate that serotonin (5‐HT) receptors in distinct neurons synergistically regulate the BLA microcircuit of AD rather than 5‐HT levels, in which both restrained inhibitory inputs by excessive 5‐HT1AR signaling in PV interneurons and depolarized pyramidal neurons via upregulated 5‐HT2AR contribute to aberrant neuronal hyperactivity. Downregulation of these two 5‐HT receptors simultaneously enables neurons to resist β‐amyloid peptides (Aβ) neurotoxicity and ameliorates the mood and cognitive defects. Therefore, our study reveals a crucial role of 5‐HT receptors for regulating neuronal homeostasis in AD pathogenesis, and this would provide early intervention and potential targets for AD cognitive decline.
Effects of increasing instrument size and taper on the disinfection and shaping of mandibular incisors
Authors: Barbosa Ana Flávia Almeida , Silva Emmanuel João Nogueira Leal , Versiani Marco Aurélio , Lima Carolina Oliveira , Oliveira Letícia de Almeida Pereira Reis , Massa Graziela dos Santos , Eustáquio Thayná Cristine da Silva , Lopes Ricardo Tadeu , Sassone Luciana Moura
Published: May 2024

This study assessed canal preparation effects on disinfection and dentin preservation. Thirty mandibular incisors were paired into two experimental groups (n = 10). Following contamination, the initial microbial sample was collected. Instruments 30/0.03 (Group 1) and 30/0.05 (Group 2) were employed and a second sample was obtained. Canals were enlarged using instruments 40/0.03 and 40/0.05, respectively, and a third sample was collected. Final irrigation was performed, and sample S4 obtained. A final scan evaluated volume, surface area, unprepared areas, removed dentin and dentin thickness. Data were analysed using Student t‐test, Mann–Whitney, Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn tests. A significant difference was observed between S1 and other time points (p < 0.05). Comparison between groups showed no differences in bacterial loads and in the percentage of microbial reduction (p > 0.05). Group 2 exhibited greater reduction in dentin thickness than group 1 in the mesial aspect of the root (p < 0.05). Instrument 30/0.03 might provide effective disinfection and safety during mandibular incisors canal preparation.
Can open cholecystectomy be taught by cadaveric simulation?
Authors: Killoran Callie Breanne , de Costa Alan
Published: May 2024

Background

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the current standard of treatment for surgical gallbladder removal as it has an overall improved post‐operative recovery compared to Open Cholecystectomy (OC). This has resulted in the loss of exposure to surgical trainees and the associated technical skills and decision‐making required to convert to OC. The aim of this study is to provide construct validity to the proposition that cadaveric simulation can be used successfully to teach and learn open cholecystectomy.

Methods

Participants (n = 25) were surveyed on a 9‐point questionnaire using a 5‐point Likert scale to determine their opinion on cadaveric simulation as a tool for teaching OC.

Results

Overall respondents deemed the tool as highly translatable. There was no significant correlation in the responses between candidates versus tutors (P = 0.05,r = 0.51).

Conclusions

The outcome of the survey revealed that participants agreed that cadaveric simulation is a positive learning tool to aid in OC.
Can regional anticoagulation with calcium‐free dialysate be extended to maintenance hemodialysis?
Authors: Petitclerc Thierry , Béné Bernard
Published: May 2024

Background

Regional anticoagulation in hemodialysis avoids the use of heparin, which is responsible for both hemorrhagic and non‐hemorrhagic complications. Typically, blood is decalcified by injecting citrate into the arterial line of the extracorporeal circuit. Calcium‐free dialysate improves anticoagulation efficacy but requires injection of a calcium‐containing solution into the venous line and strict monitoring of blood calcium levels. Recent improvements have made regional anticoagulation with calcium‐free dialysate safer and easier.

Observations

(1) Adjusting the calcium injection rate to ionic dialysance avoids the risk of dyscalcemia, thus making unnecessary the monitoring of blood calcium levels. This adjustment could be carried out automatically by the hemodialysis monitor. (2) As calcium‐free dialysate reduces the amount of citrate required, this can be supplied by dialysate obtained from currently available concentrates containing citric acid. This avoids the need for citrate injection and the risk of citrate overload. (3) Calcium‐free dialysate no longer needs the dialysate acidification required for avoiding calcium carbonate precipitation in bicarbonate‐containing dialysate.

Conclusions

Regional anticoagulation with calcium‐free dialysate enables an acid‐ and heparin‐free procedure that is more biocompatible and environmentally friendly than conventional bicarbonate hemodialysis. The availability of specific acid‐free concentrates and adapted hemodialysis monitors is required to extend this procedure to maintenance hemodialysis.
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children: A review
Authors: Benvenuto Simone , Avcin Tadej , Taddio Andrea
Published: May 2024

Aim

To comprehensively review the literature on multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS‐C).

Methods

Narrative review of relevant studies published between April 2020 and January 2024.

Results

MIS‐C is a SARS‐CoV‐2‐related hyperinflammatory syndrome developing 2–6 weeks after COVID‐19 in genetically susceptible individuals. Persisting fever, mucocutaneous manifestations, GI and cardiac involvement, together with lymphopenia and elevated inflammatory and cardiac markers are the main clinical features. It is believed to recognise some pathogenetic and clinical overlap with Kawasaki disease. New case definitions have been proposed after an assessment of the diagnostic performance of existing criteria; epidemiological criterion is however progressively losing its usefulness as the pandemic turns into an endemic and in the areas with the highest rates of COVID‐19 vaccination. Current guidelines recommend both intravenous immunoglobulin and glucocorticoids in the first‐line immunomodulatory treatment, mainly based on comparative retrospective cohorts; the actual role of biologics remains to be adequately established. Strict follow‐up is mandatory, especially for those with severe cardiac involvement, as longitudinal studies evaluate the long‐term evolution of cardiac damage.

Conclusion

In this paper, we review the epidemiological, pathogenetic, clinical and prognostic features of MIS‐C, and outline the main questions which still remain unanswered after more than 3 years of research.
Editorial: High qHBsAg—Is it a good or bad signal? Authors' reply
Authors: Lin Hsin‐Che , Jeng Wen‐Juei , Yang Hwai‐I
Published: May 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Lin et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17915 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17965.
Stressors in the family‐work system, family‐friendly management practice assessment and dedication to work: A comparative analysis between fathers and mothers
Authors: Kulik Liat
Published: May 2024

The study explored the correlations between stressors in the family‐work system, the assessment of family‐friendly management practices, and work dedication among parents in Israel, with a comparison between fathers and mothers. The research sample included 317 Jewish parents, each with at least one child under the age of 10 (158 mothers, 159 fathers). Quantitative methods were employed, and data were collected by the Israeli Panels Research Institute. Women tend to make more accommodation requests for childcare and experience greater discrimination at work than fathers. Accommodation requests and assessments of non‐family‐friendly management practices correlated with feelings of being discriminated against among both men and women. However, discrimination correlated negatively to work dedication only among women. Negative experiences at work contribute more to explaining the dedication of women to work than the dedication of men.

Public significance statement

The findings indicate that for both genders, perceptions of management as non‐family‐friendly and the frequency of accommodation requests are positively correlated with experiences of discrimination among working parents. However, the experience of discrimination is negatively correlated with work dedication only among mothers. These findings underscore the importance of organizations pursuing a family‐friendly agenda. Advancing such an agenda is pivotal, as it could mitigate experiences of discrimination and thereby contribute indirectly to employee well‐being.
Value change, reprogenetic technologies, and the axiological underpinnings of reproductive choice
Authors: Rueda Jon
Published: May 2024

Value change is a phenomenon that is gaining increasing attention in ethical analyses of technologies. However, a comprehensive study of how reprogenetic technologies and values coevolve is lacking. To remedy this gap, in this overview article, I address the relationship between reprogenetics and value change. This contribution thus argues for the importance of investigating the phenomenon of value change in relation to the technological controversies discussed in bioethics. To meet this goal, I begin by clarifying, first, how technologies shape reproductive choice. I then clarify what “values” and “moral values” are, how reprogenetic technologies are value laden, and what values are often discussed in reprogenetics debates. Next, I show five types of value changes that have occurred in advance in reproductive and genetic technologies. Finally, I argue for the bioethical relevance of discussing future techno‐value change, pointing out the descriptive and normative challenges of this philosophical endeavor.
Client‐centered flexible planning of home‐based postpartum care: A randomized controlled trial on the quality of care
Authors: Lambermon Fleur J. , van Duijnhoven Noortje T. L. , Dedding Christine , Kremer Jan A. M.
Published: May 2024

Background

Standardization of health systems often hinders client‐centered care. This study investigates whether allowing more flexibility in the planning range of the Dutch home‐based postpartum care service improves its quality of care, as innovative approach to client‐centered care.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted (2017–2019), in which pregnant women who intended to breastfeed were assigned into two groups (1:1). The intervention group was allowed to receive care up to the 14th‐day postpartum, instead of the first 8–10 consecutive days (“usual care”). Primary outcome measure was the proportion of newborns still receiving exclusively breastmilk on final caring day of the service. This so‐called successful breastfeeding rate is currently used by the Dutch health sector to measure the quality of care. Secondary outcome measures were self‐care experience, overall care experience, and exclusive breastfeeding duration rate.

Results

Based on data from 1275 participants, there was no difference in exclusive breastfeeding on final caring day (86,7% intervention group vs. 88,9% control group, RR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.98–1.07). Both groups showed similar self‐care experiences. Women in the intervention group had slightly poorer overall care experience and lower exclusive breastfeeding duration rates.

Conclusions

This study found no effect on the quality of care when allowing more flexibility in the planning range of home‐based postpartum care. Women can, therefore, be offered more flexibility to suit them. Given the confusion in interpreting the sector's current main quality indicator, we call for an inclusive dialogue on how to best measure the quality of home‐based postpartum care.
Labor shortages and agricultural trucking rates
Authors: Richards Timothy J. , Rutledge Zachariah , Castillo Marcelo
Published: May 2024

In the United States, truck rates for perishable food, the per‐mile rate charged for trucking services to move perishable food from farms to stores, rose substantially in the post‐COVID‐19 pandemic era. We argue that rising truck rates is a signal of a broader shortage of truckers, but the connection between labor shortages, rising truck rates, and a lack of trucking services has yet to be established empirically. In this paper, we develop an empirical examination based on an equilibrium job search, matching, and bargaining framework in which we estimate the role of labor shortages in accelerating driver‐wage growth, and truck rates for agricultural products. We estimate the model by combining US Bureau of Census Current Population Survey data on truck driver wages with USDA‐Agricultural Marketing Service Service data on truck rates to establish the linkage between trucker supply and the demand for trucking services. We find that the COVID‐19 pandemic was responsible for a rise in for‐hire trucker wages of some , a rise in average truck rates of nearly and that the gap between trucker‐job openings and successful matches explains a significant, but small, rise in truck rates.
PSA: an effective method for predicting horizontal gene transfers through parsimonious phylogenetic networks
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Wang Juan , Yu Jing
Published: May 2024

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) from one organism to another, according to some researchers, can be abundant in the evolution of species. A phylogenetic network is a network structure that describes the HGTs among species. Several studies have proposed methods to construct phylogenetic networks to predict HGTs based on parsimony values. Existing definitions of parsimony values for a phylogenetic network are based on the assumption that each gene site or segment evolves independently along different trees in the network. However, in the current study, we define a novel parsimony value, denoted the p definition, for phylogenetic networks, considering that a gene as a whole typically evolves along a tree. Using Simulated Annealing, a new method called the Phylogeny with Simulated Annealing (PSA) algorithm is proposed to search for an optimal network based on the p definition. The PSA method is tested on the simulated data. The results reveal that the parsimonious networks constructed using PSA can better represent the evolutionary relationships of species involving HGTs. Additionally, the HGTs predicted using PSA are more accurate than those predicted using other methods. The PSA algorithm is publicly accessible at http://github.com/imustu/sap.
Patients' perspective on their drug therapy after bariatric surgery: A quantitative, cross‐sectional interview study
Authors: Schiek Susanne , Drotleff Melissa , Schueler Dorit , Heinitz Katrin , Frisch Annett , Selig Lars , Remane Yvonne , Dietrich Arne , Blüher Matthias , Bertsche Thilo
Published: May 2024

Drug therapy in patients who have undergone bariatric surgery is challenging. We aimed to investigate the patients' perspective on their drug therapy. This should allow deriving tailored measures to better support patients and their healthcare professionals with drug therapy after bariatric surgery. We conducted a quantitative telephone‐based interview study with patients who have undergone bariatric surgery. The interview consisted of assessments in three parts: (i) current drug therapy: prescription, administration and adherence, (ii) changes after bariatric surgery and (iii) adverse events. (i) The 105 enrolled patients were taking a median of 10 (range: 3–30) drugs. In 1017 of 1080 drugs (94%), expectations in drug effectiveness were (rather) met. Of the 105 patients, 27% reported difficulties in drug administration, 44% forgot to take their drugs at least one time and 20% reported deviations from the prescription. (ii) Sixteen percent of the patients observed changes in drug effectiveness or tolerability—additionally to therapy adjustment by physicians. (iii) Seventy‐four percent recognised at least one adverse event right before and/or after bariatric surgery, most frequently in gastrointestinal disorders. Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery have to deal with many difficulties in drug handling and adverse events. Our study emphasises the need for better and more individual support for patients with their drug therapy after bariatric surgery and, therefore, suggests a multidisciplinary approach that includes pharmacists. The stronger involvement of the patients' perspective seems to be a valuable source in research and practice.
Disposable grasper‐integrated flexible cystoscope for ureteral stent removal in transplanted patients; focus on feasibility, safety, and patient experience. Results and micro‐cost analysis from a tertiary referral center
Authors: Bosio Andrea , Alessandria Eugenio , Gozzo Claudia , Vercelli Eugenia , Micai Luca , Bertello Glauco , Pasquale Giovanni , Sedigh Omidreza , Oderda Marco , Biancone Luigi , Gontero Paolo
Published: May 2024

Introduction & objectives

To evaluate ureteral stent removal (SR) using a grasper‐integrated disposable flexible cystoscope (giFC—Isiris ®, Coloplast ®) after kidney transplantation (KT), with a focus on feasibility, safety, patient experience, and costs.

Material and methods

All consecutive KT undergoing SR through giFC were prospectively enrolled from January 2020 to June 2023. Patient characteristics, KT and SR details, urine culture results, antimicrobial prescriptions, and the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTI) within 1 month were recorded. A micro‐cost analysis was conducted, making a comparison with the costs of SR with a reusable FC and grasper.

Results

A total of 136 KT patients were enrolled, including both single and double KT, with 148 stents removed in total. The median indwelling time was 34 days [26, 47]. SR was successfully performed in all cases. The median preparation and procedure times were 4 min [3,5]. and 45 s[30, 60], respectively. The median Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score was 3 [1, 5], and 98.2% of patients expressed willingness to undergo the procedure again. Only one episode of UTI involving the graft (0.7%) was recorded. Overall, the estimated cost per SR procedure with Isiris ® and the reusable FC was 289.2€ and 151,4€, respectively.

Conclusions

This prospective series evaluated the use of Isiris ® for SR in a cohort of KT patients, demonstrating feasibility and high tolerance. The UTI incidence was 0.7% within 1 month. Based on the micro‐cost analysis, estimated cost per procedure favored the reusable FC.
Hepatitis C viremic lung transplantation to aviremic recipients: Comprehensive outcomes and post‐transplant viremia
Authors: Khan Sarah , Mazumder Ritika , Wang Xiaofeng , Wang Yifan , Sims Omar T , Budev Marie , Carey William
Published: May 2024

Background/aims

Direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy has revolutionized solid organ transplantation by providing an opportunity to utilize organs from HCV‐viremic donors. Though transplantation of HCV‐viremic donor organs into aviremic recipients is safe in the short term, midterm data on survival and post‐transplant complications is lacking. We provide a midterm assessment of complications of lung transplantation (LT) up to 2 years post‐transplant, including patient and graft survival between HCV‐viremic transplantation (D+) and HCV‐aviremic transplantation (D‐).

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study including 500 patients from 2018 to 2022 who underwent LT at our quaternary care institution. Outcomes of patients receiving D+ grafts were compared to those receiving D‐ grafts. Recipients of HCV antibody+ but PCR‐ grafts were treated as D‐ recipients.

Results

We identified 470 D‐ and 30 D+ patients meeting inclusion criteria. Crude mortality did not differ between groups (p = .43). Patient survival at years 1 and 2 did not differ between D+ and D‐ patients (p = .89, p = .87, respectively), and graft survival at years 1 and 2 did not differ between the two groups (p = .90, p = .88, respectively). No extrahepatic manifestations or fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis (FCH) occurred among D+ recipients. D+ and D‐ patients had similar rates of post‐transplant chronic lung allograft rejection (CLAD) (p = 6.7% vs. 12.8%, p = .3), acute cellular rejection (60.0% vs. 58.0%, p = .8) and antibody‐mediated rejection (16.7% vs. 14.2%, p = .7).

Conclusion

There is no difference in midterm patient or graft survival between D+ and D‐LT. No extrahepatic manifestations of HCV occurred. No differences in any type of rejection including CLAD were observed, though follow‐up for CLAD was limited. These results provide additional support for the use of HCV‐viremic organs in selected recipients in LT.
Optimal policies for nutrition administration to very low birth weight infants
Authors: Sengul Orgut Irem , Falciglia Gustave H. , Smilowitz Karen
Published: May 2024

Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants (birth weight 1500 grams) are at risk of postnatal growth restriction. Understanding how nutrition is associated with growth and how these associations vary based on infant characteristics and comorbidities is important to reduce postnatal growth restriction. We propose a three‐step analytical framework: (i) We use unsupervised Clustering techniques to identify subgroups within a cohort of VLBW infants based on infant characteristics, diagnoses, and treatments. (ii) For each cluster, we use Multilevel Modeling to explore the associations between calorie or protein intake and growth velocity (GV) for varying time windows. (iii) We build Mixed‐Integer Programming Models to achieve simple rule‐based policies that physicians can use to classify infants into one of the identified subgroups. We use electronic health records from VLBW infants at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago, IL, born between 2011 and 2014. We find that clustering separates infants into two clusters, with Cluster 1 having smaller infants with more comorbidities than Cluster 2. Initial clustering on only sex and birth weight provides results similar to clustering on later‐life diagnoses and treatments. Multilevel models with Clustering provide better model fit than models without clustering. For Cluster 1, there is a significant association between GV and protein but not calories. For Cluster 2, both protein and calories are individually associated with growth. We develop accurate and sparse scoring systems to help clinicians identify infants at higher risk of growth restriction and consider nutrition regimens accordingly.
Pork barrel in Türkiye: Distributive politics in the allocation of public investments into Turkish electorates
Authors: Ulubaşoğlu Mehmet Ali , Yaraşır Tülümce Sevinç
Published: May 2024

We investigate the political factors involved in the allocation of public investments into Turkish electoral districts. Using a unique data set covering detailed individual characteristics of approximately 2000 Turkish MPs over five legislative periods during 1987–2004, we show that the composition of several legislator characteristics in an electorate, such as the level of education, area of tertiary degree, and former profession, matters in the way pork barrel occurs across electorates. The findings also indicate a strong presence of partisan motivations and targeted support for opposition groups and ideological strongholds in public investment allocations. We also document evidence that a stronger right‐wing tendency in the cabinet, a single‐party government, fractionalized voter preferences, and higher voter turnout in the electorate are all associated with increased public investments into specific geographic constituencies.
Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) rearing and growth optimization as a sustainable food source using various larval diets under laboratory conditions
Authors: Shah Azaz Ali , Usman Amjad , Khan Sarzamin , Khan Faheem , Ahmed Nazeer , Al‐Mekhlafi Fahd A. , Wadaan Muhammad A. , Malook Saif ul , Iqbal Toheed , Ullah Misbah , Sohail Kamran , Ali Hamid , Ali Ijaz
Published: May 2024

A new approach to supplying foods and feeds that are high in protein has emerged in the form of insect farming. Insect‐farmed food may also serve as part of a sustainable diet for humans. The mealworm Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is the most widely consumed insect worldwide. In this study, 10 larval diets were tested in the laboratory to determine their suitability for mass‐feeding mealworms at 28 °C and 60–65% r.h., in a completely randomized design. Various larval diets had a significant impact on the biological features of T. molitor. The larvae, pupae, and adults were greater on diets containing wheat bran alone and wheat bran in combination with maize and porridge. Larval mortality was significantly higher (60.7%) on a diet with porridge alone, compared to a control diet, followed by diets with porridge in combination with barley (55.6%) or maize (50.6%). Sex ratio was also affected by the tested larval diets. Female hatch (65%) was higher than male hatch (35%) on diet containing wheat bran alone as compared to all other diets. The findings contribute to optimizing mealworm rearing practices for sustainable food production and promote the potential use of mealworms as a viable protein source – especially livestock diets based on mealworm reared on wheat bran show promise.
Are osseous cyst‐like lesions in the subchondral bone of the proximal phalanx a precursor to fracture and how are they best managed?
Authors: Smith Matthew R. W.
Published: May 2024

Osseous cyst‐like lesions (OCLL) in the proximal subchondral bone of the proximal phalanx have been seen in association with fractures of the proximal phalanx and other bone abnormalities consistent with prodromal fracture pathology. There is reasonable circumstantial evidence to support that OCLL in this location can be a precursor to fracture. Repair of short incomplete sagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx with cortical bone screws placed in lag fashion has been associated with good clinical and variable radiographic outcomes. Stabilisation of OCLL by placement of a cortical screw in lag fashion appears a logical approach, but the outcome following surgery should be critically evaluated before a wider recommendation is made.
Doc‐KG: Unstructured documents to knowledge graph construction, identification and validation with Wikidata
Authors: Salman Muhammad , Haller Armin , Méndez Sergio J. Rodríguez , Naseem Usman
Published: May 2024

The exponential growth of textual data in the digital era underlines the pivotal role of Knowledge Graphs (KGs) in effectively storing, managing, and utilizing this vast reservoir of information. Despite the copious amounts of text available on the web, a significant portion remains unstructured, presenting a substantial barrier to the automatic construction and enrichment of KGs. To address this issue, we introduce an enhanced Doc‐KG model, a sophisticated approach designed to transform unstructured documents into structured knowledge by generating local KGs and mapping these to a target KG, such as Wikidata. Our model innovatively leverages syntactic information to extract entities and predicates efficiently, integrating them into triples with improved accuracy. Furthermore, the Doc‐KG model's performance surpasses existing methodologies by utilizing advanced algorithms for both the extraction of triples and their subsequent identification within Wikidata, employing Wikidata's Unified Resource Identifiers for precise mapping. This dual capability not only facilitates the construction of KGs directly from unstructured texts but also enhances the process of identifying triple mentions within Wikidata, marking a significant advancement in the domain. Our comprehensive evaluation, conducted using the renowned WebNLG benchmark dataset, reveals the Doc‐KG model's superior performance in triple extraction tasks, achieving an unprecedented accuracy rate of 86.64%. In the domain of triple identification, the model demonstrated exceptional efficacy by mapping 61.35% of the local KG to Wikidata, thereby contributing 38.65% of novel information for KG enrichment. A qualitative analysis based on a manually annotated dataset further confirms the model's excellence, outshining baseline methods in extracting high‐fidelity triples. This research embodies a novel contribution to the field of knowledge extraction and management, offering a robust framework for the semantic structuring of unstructured data and paving the way for the next generation of KGs.
Oral frailty, appetite and dietary variety in late‐stage older adults: A cross‐sectional study (the STudy of lAte‐stage oldeR adulTs in Tottori; START Tottori)
Authors: Nakagawa Sayuri , Miura Kazuhito , Arai Eri , Taira Kenshu , Watanabe Yutaka , Shirobe Maki , Motokawa Keiko , Ohara Yuki , Iwasaki Masanori , Hirano Hirohiko , Ono Takahiro , Adachi Akira , Watanabe Takao , Yamazaki Yutaka
Published: May 2024

Aim

Efforts to combat frailty and preserve good health in older adults have highlighted oral frailty as an early indicator of overall frailty. Individuals showing oral frailty are at an elevated risk of insufficient nutritional intake compared with those without oral frailty; however, underlying mechanisms remain poorly explored. In this cross‐sectional study, we aimed to examine the link between oral frailty and undernutrition, especially regarding poor appetite and low dietary diversity.

Methods

The analysis included 2727 late‐stage older adults (mean age 79.9 ± 4.3 years) who underwent dental checkups in a prefecture in Japan from 2016 to 2020. The examination involved a questionnaire survey (covering basic information, frailty screening index, appetite index: Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire; and dietary variety: Dietary Variety Score) and a measurement survey (including intraoral confirmation, oral diadochokinesis and masticatory efficiency test). Individuals with three or more indications of poor oral function, identified through oral function assessment, were defined as showing oral frailty. Binomial logistic regression and path analyses examined associations among oral frailty, Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire and Dietary Variety Score.

Results

Among those analyzed, 1208 (44.3%) participants were categorized into the oral frailty group. Binomial logistic regression analysis showed that Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (odds ratio for oral frailty per 1‐point increase 0.88, 95% confidence interval 0.84–0.93) and Dietary Variety Score (odds ratio 0.95, 95% confidence interval 0.92–0.98) were significantly associated with oral frailty. The path analysis showed individual associations between each examined factor.

Conclusions

Oral frailty was associated with decreased appetite and dietary variety in late‐stage older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 626–633.
Rcn1, the fission yeast homolog of human DSCR1, regulates arsenite tolerance independently from calcineurin
Authors: Takasaki Teruaki , Bamba Asuka , Kukita Yuka , Nishida Aiko , Kanbayashi Daiki , Hagihara Kanako , Satoh Ryosuke , Ishihara Keiichi , Sugiura Reiko
Published: May 2024

Calcineurin (CN) is a conserved Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent phosphoprotein phosphatase that plays a key role in Ca2+ signaling. Regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1), also known as Down syndrome critical region gene 1 (DSCR1), interacts with calcineurin and inhibits calcineurin‐dependent signaling in various organisms. Ppb1, the fission yeast calcineurin regulates Cl−‐homeostasis, and Ppb1 deletion induces MgCl2 hypersensitivity. Here, we characterize the conserved and novel roles of the fission yeast RCAN1 homolog rcn1+. Consistent with its role as an endogenous calcineurin inhibitor, Rcn1 overproduction reproduced the calcineurin‐null phenotypes, including MgCl2 hypersensitivity and inhibition of calcineurin signaling upon extracellular Ca2+ stimuli as evaluated by the nuclear translocation and transcriptional activation of the calcineurin substrate Prz1. Notably, overexpression of rcn1+ causes hypersensitivity to arsenite, whereas calcineurin deletion induces arsenite tolerance, showing a phenotypic discrepancy between Rcn1 overexpression and calcineurin deletion. Importantly, although Rcn1 deletion induces modest sensitivities to arsenite and MgCl2 in wild‐type cells, the arsenite tolerance, but not MgCl2 sensitivity, associated with Ppb1 deletion was markedly suppressed by Rcn1 deletion. Collectively, our findings reveal a previously unrecognized functional collaboration between Rcn1 and calcineurin, wherein Rcn1 not only negatively regulates calcineurin in the Cl− homeostasis, but also Rcn1 mediates calcineurin signaling to modulate arsenite cytotoxicity.
Assessing joint health in haemophilia patients: The combined value of physical examination and ultrasound imaging
Authors: Gualtierotti Roberta , Giachi Andrea , Truma Addolorata , Arcudi Sara , Ciavarella Alessandro , Bucciarelli Paolo , Consonni Dario , Boccalandro Elena , Begnozzi Valentina , Solimeno Luigi Piero , Siboni Simona Maria , Peyvandi Flora
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Early diagnosis of joint damage is pivotal in haemophilia to prevent the occurrence and progression of haemophilic arthropathy thus providing optimal personalised management. The haemophilia joint health score version 2.1 (HJHS) is based on a physical examination of the mainly affected joints. Musculoskeletal ultrasound has demonstrated the capability to detect early changes in terms of synovitis and osteochondral damage. The haemophilia early detection with ultrasound (HEAD‐US) score has been proposed as a simple and reliable evaluation tool.

Aim

This study aims to investigate the correlation between the HJHS and the HEAD‐US scores performed by two independent operators (physical therapist and musculoskeletal ultrasound expert) for the evaluation of the joint health status of patients with haemophilia.

Methods

Consecutive adult patients independent of the severity degree were included. Elbows, knees and ankles were evaluated by a physical therapist by HJHS and by a musculoskeletal ultrasound expert following the HEAD‐US protocol.

Results

We observed a good positive correlation between HJHS and HEAD‐US (Spearman's rho 0.72). The main discrepancy in conceptually similar domains was found between the HJHS swelling and the HEAD‐US synovitis (rho 0.17), as ultrasound was able to detect even mild synovitis when HJHS swelling was scored 0 in up to 40% of cases.

Conclusions

The HJHS and HEAD‐US correlate well even when performed by two independent operators. Musculoskeletal ultrasound is particularly useful for the early detection of synovitis. The routine assessment of both scores helps clinicians define the stage and extension of joint involvement and set up a personalised treatment.
Safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of a single orally inhaled dose of PUR3100, a dry powder formulation of dihydroergotamine versus intravenous dihydroergotamine: A Phase 1 randomized, double‐blind study in healthy adults
Authors: Bodie Susan , Curran Aidan K. , Gonzalez‐Nelson Aaron C. , Perry Jason M. , Manning Debora C. , Wasilewski Margaret M.
Published: May 2024

Background

Intravenous dihydroergotamine (DHE) has well‐established efficacy for the acute treatment of migraine, but its use is limited by the need for in‐hospital administration and the nausea/vomiting associated with a high maximum plasma concentration (Cmax). Inhalation is an alternative to intravenous dosing. The surface area of the lung allows for rapid absorption of a self‐administered dose.

Objective

This study evaluated the safety, tolerability, and systemic pharmacokinetics (PK) of a dry powder formulation (PUR3100) DHE when delivered via inhalation compared to intravenous delivery.

Methods

In this double‐blind, double‐dummy Phase 1 study, healthy volunteers (N = 26) were randomized (1:1:1:1) to one of four groups: orally inhaled placebo plus intravenous DHE 1.0 mg or orally inhaled PUR3100 (0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 mg) plus intravenous placebo. Blood samples were drawn pre‐dose and at time points post‐dose over 48 h. Standard PK and safety parameters were assessed and values for Cmax and area under plasma concentration time curve (AUC) were used to assess comparative exposures of PUR3100 versus intravenous DHE.

Results

All doses of PUR3100 were associated with a lower incidence of nausea (21% vs. 86%), vomiting (0% vs. 29%), and headache (16% vs. 57%) compared to intravenous DHE. The PK profile of PUR3100 versus intravenous DHE was characterized by a similar mean time to Cmax (5 vs. 5.5 min), with reduced AUC0–2h (1120–4320 vs. 6340), and a lower Cmax (3620–14,400 vs. 45,000). Compared to intravenous DHE 1.0 mg, the highest nominal PUR3100 dose (1.5 mg), which delivers a fine‐particle dose of approximately 0.9 mg to the lungs, had a geometric mean ratio percentage (90% confidence interval [CI]) for Cmax of 32% [17.2, 59.6] and AUC0–inf of 93% (62.9, 138.5), the latter of which was not significantly different.

Conclusions

Inhaled PUR3100 is associated with rapid systemic PK within the therapeutic window and an improved safety profile relative to intravenous DHE.
Microfluidics‐based EGFR mutation detection and its implication in the resource‐limited clinical setting
Authors: Joshi Pradnya , Gogte Prachi , Pai Trupti , Gurav Mamta , Dhanawade Dipika , Karnik Nupur , Deshpande Gauri , Kaushal Rajiv , Shetty Omshree
Published: May 2024

Management of lung cancer today obligates a mutational analysis of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene particularly when Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI) therapy is being considered as part of prognostic stratification. This study evaluates the performance of automated microfluidics‐based EGFR mutation detection and its significance in clinical diagnostic settings. Formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) samples from NSCLC patients (n = 174) were included in a two‐phase study. Phase I: Validation of the platform by comparing the results with conventional real‐time PCR and next‐generation sequencing (NGS) platform. Phase II: EGFR mutation detection on microfluidics‐based platform as part of routine diagnostics workup. The microfluidics‐based platform demonstrates 96.5% and 89.2% concordance with conventional real‐time PCR and NGS, respectively. The system efficiently detects mutations across the EGFR gene with 88.23% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Out of 144 samples analysed in phase II, the platform generated valid results in 94% with mutation detected in 41% of samples. This microfluidics‐based platform can detect as low as 5% mutant allele fractions from the FFPE samples. Therefore the microfluidics‐based platform is a rapid, complete walkaway, with minimum tissue requirement (two sections of 5 μ thickness) and technical skill requirement. The method can detect clinically actionable EGFR mutations efficiently and can be considered a reliable diagnostic platform in resource‐limited settings. From receiving samples to reporting the results this platform provides accurate data without much manual intervention. The study helped to devise an algorithm that emphasizes effective screening of the NSCLC cases for EGFR mutations with varying tumour content. Thus it helps in triaging the cases judiciously before proceeding with multigene testing.
Probiotics: are they beneficial?
Authors: Fehily Sasha R. , Basnayake Chamara , Wright Emily K. , Yao C. K. , Godsell Jack , Gibson Peter R. , Kamm Michael A.
Published: May 2024

There are wide‐ranging probiotic choices in Australasia. We reviewed the efficacy of probiotics for the management of gastrointestinal (GI) conditions in adults and assessed relevance to clinical practice. The benefits of probiotics were inconsistent, with a strong consensus reached for only a few of the indications. As different species/strains and combinations differ in efficacy, results cannot be extrapolated from one to another. This review endorses specific probiotics for limited indications. Efficacy of most marketed probiotic formulations remains unstudied and unproven, warranting further research.
Fat‐associated lymphoid clusters: Supporting visceral adipose tissue B cell function in immunity and metabolism
Authors: Daley Alexander D. , Bénézech Cécile
Published: May 2024

It is now widely understood that visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is a highly active and dynamic organ, with many functions beyond lipid accumulation and storage. In this review, we discuss the immunological role of this tissue, underpinned by the presence of fat‐associated lymphoid clusters (FALCs). FALC's distinctive structure and stromal cell composition support a very different immune cell mix to that found in classical secondary lymphoid organs, which underlies their unique functions of filtration, surveillance, innate‐like immune responses, and adaptive immunity within the serous cavities. FALCs are important B cell hubs providing B1 cell‐mediated frontline protection against infection and supporting B2 cell‐adaptative immune responses. Beyond these beneficial immune responses orchestrated by FALCs, immune cells within VAT play important homeostatic role. Dysregulation of immune cells during obesity and aging leads to chronic pathological “metabolic inflammation”, which contributes to the development of cardiometabolic diseases. Here, we examine the emerging and complex functions of B cells in VAT homeostasis and the metabolic complications of obesity, highlighting the potential role that FALCs play and emphasize the areas where further research is needed.
Thermal and electrical properties of single‐phase high entropy carbide ceramics
Authors: Brune Paul M. , Hilmas Gregory E. , Fahrenholtz William G. , Watts Jeremy L. , Curtarolo Stefano
Published: May 2024

Thermal and electrical properties were investigated for five nominally phase‐pure high entropy carbide ceramics. The compositions (Hf0.2Nb0.2Ta0.2Ti0.2Zr0.2)C, (Cr0.2Hf0.2Ta0.2Ti0.2Zr0.2)C, (Hf0.2Mo0.2Ta0.2Ti0.2Zr0.2)C, (Hf0.2Ta0.2Ti0.2W0.2Zr0.2)C, and (Hf0.2Mo0.2Ti0.2W0.2Zr0.2)C were synthesized by carbothermal reduction of oxides. The thermal diffusivity and heat capacity were measured from room temperature to 1800°C. The room temperature thermal conductivity ranged from 5.1 W/mK for (Hf0.2Mo0.2Ti0.2W0.2Zr0.2)C to 9.0 W/mK for (Cr0.2Hf0.2Ta0.2Ti0.2Zr0.2)C. The thermal conductivity increased over the temperature range with maximum conductivities of 19.6 W/mK measured for (Hf0.2Mo0.2Ta0.2Ti0.2Zr0.2)C to 29.7 W/mK for (Cr0.2Hf0.2Ta0.2Ti0.2Zr0.2)C at 1800°C. The electron contribution to thermal conductivity calculated from measured electrical resistivity varied from 41% to 52% of the total thermal conductivity. The tungsten and molybdenum containing compositions had higher phonon contributions while the niobium and chromium containing compositions had nearly equal electron and phonon contributions to thermal conductivity.