bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two cases of eosinophilic pustular folliculitis successfully treated with abrocitinib
Authors: Cai Liting , Yan Yunling , Li Yang , Lin Junjie , She Xinyan , Wang Xiaohua
Published: May 2024

Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF) is a rare, non‐infectious, inflammatory disease characterized by an eosinophil‐dominated infiltrate within and around pilosebaceous units. Sometimes, EPF manifests with eruptions in follicle‐free areas, although it is not common, and treatment may be difficult. In this case study we report two patients with refractory EPF who presented with eruptions of both classic follicle areas and follicle‐free areas. These two patients were successfully treated with abrocitinib after treatment failure with several traditional therapies, such as indomethacin, steroids, and cyclosporin. One patient achieved complete remission at week 4 and the other at week 1, with no reported adverse effects. Therefore, we believe that abrocitinib may be a viable and safe therapeutic option for refractory EPF.
Network structure indicators predict ecological robustness in food webs
Authors: Tang Yi , Wang Fengzhen , Zhou Wenhao
Published: May 2024

Food web robustness is a critical aspect of ecosystem stability and has been extensively studied in ecology. However, the potential of machine learning techniques in predicting food web robustness and the identification of key network structure indicators have not been fully explored. We compared the suitability of different machine learning methods and assessed the relative importance of network structure indicators for predicting the robustness of food webs. We utilized a variety of food web datasets spanning different ecosystems to calculate network structure indicators, which include average distance (AD), betweenness centrality (BC), directional connectivity (C), closeness centrality (CC), diameter (D), degree centrality (DC), edge betweenness centrality (EBC), number of links (L), linkage density (LD), and number of nodes (N). We then compared the performance of machine learning methods, including artificial neural network (ANN), random forest (RF), least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and decision tree (DT), and evaluated the relative importance of network structure indicators on robustness predictions. The results demonstrate that the RF model has the best performance (MAE = 0.0178, RMSE = 0.0263, R2 = 0.9063). Meanwhile, the CC indicator has a significant impact in predicting robustness of food webs. It is suggested that both the RF model and the CC indicator should be considered seriously in predicting food web robustness. This research elucidates the differential outcomes when various machine learning methodologies and indicators are employed to predict the robustness of food webs. It significantly enhances our understanding by demonstrating the precise capability of machine learning models in forecasting the robustness of food webs.
Sonographic risk stratification of FDG‐avid thyroid nodules using the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System
Authors: Ren Tianchi , Lavender Ilona , Coombs Peter , Nandurkar Dee
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The increasing usage of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for detection and monitoring of malignancy has led to an increase in incidental detection of thyroid nodules. Nodules that demonstrate increased avidity for 2‐[18F]‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose (FDG) have been shown to carry a high incidence of malignancy and warrant further investigation. At present, there has been limited research on the risk stratification of FDG‐avid thyroid incidentalomas. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the ACR TIRADS classification in the risk stratification of such nodules.

Methods

Data were collected retrospectively for FDG‐avid thyroid incidentalomas over a 10‐year period. Nodules were characterised using the TIRADS classification and, subsequently, underwent fine‐needle aspirate cytology. Cytological findings were classified using the Bethesda reporting system. Non‐diagnostic samples (Bethesda class I) were excluded. The remaining samples were divided into two groups: benign (Bethesda class II) or suspicious for malignancy/malignant (Bethesda class III or above).

Results

Thirty‐six percent of low‐risk nodules and 45% of high‐risk nodules were malignant, respectively (P = 0.516). The sensitivity and specificity of TIRADS for detection of malignant nodules were 56% and 54%, respectively. There were no malignant TIRADS 1 or 2 nodules. The absence of any suspicious sonographic features had a 1.0 negative predictive value.

Conclusions

FDG‐avid nodules classified as TIRADS 1 or 2 or have no suspicious ultrasound features have a 0% incidence of malignancy and thus may not require further assessment with fine‐needle aspirate cytology (FNA) when detected incidentally. FDG‐avid nodules that are TIRADS 3 or above should undergo FNA regardless of size due to the high risk of malignancy and poor sensitivity of the TIRADS classification system.
Electroconvulsive therapy in the maintenance phase of psychotic unipolar depression
Authors: Al‐Wandi Ahmed , Landén Mikael , Nordenskjöld Axel
Published: May 2024

Objective

To determine whether the rates of readmissions and suicide vary in psychotic unipolar depression based on whether patients receive maintenance electroconvulsive therapy (M‐ECT) following the initial series of ECT, and to examine if there is an age‐dependent association.

Methods

We used Swedish national registries to identify hospitalized patients with psychotic unipolar depression, treated 2008–2019 who received ECT during their hospital stay. The patients who received subsequent M‐ECT within 14 days after discharge were compared with those who did not. The primary composite outcome was time to readmission due to a psychiatric disorder, suicide attempt, or suicide within 2 years from discharge. Data were analyzed using Cox regression adjusted for previous psychiatric admissions, age, sex, comorbidity, and pharmacological treatment. We also conducted a within‐individual analysis using the sign‐test, with patients having ≥1 hospital episode followed by M‐ECT and ≥1 hospital episode without M‐ECT.

Results

A total of 1873 patients were included, of which 130 received M‐ECT. There was no statistically significant group difference regarding the primary outcome in the whole sample. However, when stratified by age, there was a significant difference in favor of M‐ECT for patients >65 years (adjusted hazard ratio 0.55, 95% confidence interval 0.35–0.87). The within‐individual analysis, including 46 patients, significantly favored M‐ECT.

Conclusion

M‐ECT was not associated with a differential risk of the composite of readmission and suicide in psychotic depression. Among patients >65 years, M‐ECT was significantly associated with a decreased risk of the outcome. The possibility of residual confounding cannot be excluded.
Factors associated with decreased ovarian reserve in Crohn's disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Foulon Arthur , Richard Nicolas , Guichard Camille , Yzet Clara , Breuval Coraline , Gondry Jean , Cabry‐Goubet Rosalie , Michaud Audrey , Fumery Mathurin
Published: May 2024

Introduction

It is still unclear whether Crohn's disease (CD) might be associated with diminished ovarian reserve (OvR) and factors influencing anti‐Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels in CD are poorly known.

Material and Methods

We conducted a comprehensive literature search of multiple electronic databases from inception to June 2022 to identify all studies reporting AMH levels or factors associated with diminished OvR in patients with CD.

Results

Of the 48 studies identified in our search, eight (including 418 patients with CD) were finally included. The mean difference (95% confidence interval [CI]) in the AMH level between pooled CD patients and controls was −0.56 (−1.14 to 0.03) (p = 0.06). A history of CD‐related surgery was not associated with a lower OvR (odds ratio, OR [95% CI] 1.34, [0.66–2.7]; p = 0.4). While disease activity and perianal disease seems associated with a low OvR, disease location (L2 vs. L1, OR [95% CI] = 95% CI [0.47–7.4]; p = 0.4) and L3 vs. L1 (OR [95% CI] = 1.44 [0.67–3.12]; p = 0.3), CD medication, and disease behavior were not.

Conclusions

Our systematic review and meta‐analysis did not identify a significantly low OvR in patients with CD. Contrary to CD‐related surgery risk factor, active disease was associated lower AMH levels.
Child‐health nurses' experiences from using pictorial support with families within child‐health services in Sweden
Authors: Carlsson Emilia , Hüls Aina , Myrén Disa , Jansson Ann , Larsson AnnaKarin
Published: May 2024

Aim

To gain insight into child‐health nurses' experiences of using pictorial support in health visits within child‐health services.

Methods

A qualitative study involving interviews conducted with 17 child‐health nurses in Sweden. The interview data were analysed using content analysis.

Results

The nurses experienced that pictorial support could facilitate communication with families and increase opportunities for children to participate in child‐health services, although it may come with challenges. This theme can be broken down into three main categories: (1) Pictorial support makes interaction with families clearer and easier and is used in different ways; (2) The design and extensiveness of the pictorial support can create obstacles; and (3) Pictorial support influences children's attitudes towards, and participation in, health visits.

Conclusion

Pictorial support is an important and useful tool in child‐health nurses' own work and improves their communication with children and caregivers during health visits. It can also increase children's participation and help them express themselves. Communicative tools such as pictorial support are very helpful to healthcare professionals striving to offer child‐ and family‐centred care.
Letter: Fibrates may be safe and effective in patients with primary biliary cholangitis and decompensated cirrhosis—Authors' reply
Authors: Burghart Lukas , Hofer Benedikt Silvester , Halilbasic Emina , Simbrunner Benedikt , Staettermayer Albert Friedrich , Trauner Michael , Reiberger Thomas
Published: May 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Hofer et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17908 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18044.
Population structure and reproductive aspects of Callinectes ornatus (Decapoda: Brachyura) present in the bycatch of shrimp fisheries in northeastern Brazil
Authors: Reis‐Júnior Josafá , da Rosa Leonardo Cruz , Freire Kátia Meirelles Felizola
Published: May 2024

This study aimed at analysing the population structure and reproductive aspects of Callinectes ornatus present in the bycatch of shrimp fisheries off Sergipe (northeastern Brazil), and at comparing the findings with other regions. Samples were obtained monthly from shrimp trawlers based in the Pirambu municipality (11°S–37°W) from May/2015 to May/2016. Each specimen of C. ornatus was separated, identified and weighed (TW, total weight, g). Carapace length (CL, mm) and width (CW, not including lateral spines, mm) were measured, and the sex and stage of morphological maturity were identified. A total of 403 females and 427 males of C. ornatus were found and analysed. The overall sex ratio did not differ from 1:1. Males were larger and heavier than females. Biometric relations (CL‐CW and TW‐CW) were different between sexes. The size at first morphological maturity (CWm) was 38.20 mm for females and 44.00 mm for males. The reproductive and recruitment periods were continuous, with some peaks throughout the year. Despite C. ornatus being a frequent species in shrimp bycatch, its exploitation status is still unknown.
Long‐term prescribed opioid use after hospitalization or emergency department presentation among opioid naïve adults (2014–2020)—A population‐based descriptive cohort study
Authors: Gillies Malcolm B. , Chidwick Kendal , Bharat Chrianna , Camacho Ximena , Currow David , Gisev Natasa , Degenhardt Louisa , Pearson Sallie‐Anne
Published: May 2024

Aims

The aim of this work is to describe opioid initiation and long‐term use after emergency department (ED) visits or hospitalizations in New South Wales, Australia, by patient, admission and clinical characteristics.

Methods

This is a population‐based cohort study, including all hospitalizations and ED visits between 2014 and 2020, linked to medicine dispensings, deaths and cancer registrations (Medicines Intelligence Data Platform), among adults with no opioid dispensings in the previous year. Outcome measures were opioid initiations (dispensed within 7 days of discharge) and long‐term use (90 days of continuous exposure, 90–270 days after initiation).

Results

The cohort included 16 153 096 admissions by 4.2 million opioid‐naïve adults; 39.0% were ED presentations without hospital admission, 16.8% hospital admissions via ED and 44.2% direct hospital admissions. Opioids were initiated post‐discharge for 6.2% of ED, 8.3% of hospital via ED and 10.0% of direct hospital admissions; of these 1.0%, 2.5% and 0.5% progressed to long‐term opioid use, respectively. Initiation was lowest in obstetric admissions without surgery (1.0%), and highest among trauma admissions (25.4%), obstetric admissions with surgical intervention (19.8%) and non‐trauma surgical admissions (12.0%). Long‐term use was highest among medical admissions via ED (3.5%), trauma admissions (2.3%) and ED alone (1.0%). From 2014 to 2020, overall opioid initiations decreased 16% from 8.7% to 7.2%, and long‐term opioid use decreased 33% from 1.3% to 0.8%.

Conclusions

Both opioid initiation and long‐term use decreased over time; however, the higher rates of long‐term use following trauma, and medical admissions via ED, warrant further surveillance. Strategies supporting appropriate prescribing and access to multidisciplinary pain services will facilitate best practice care.
Number sense‐arithmetic link in Grade 1 and Grade 2: A case of fluency
Authors: Ma Mei , Likhanov Maxim , Zhou Xinlin
Published: May 2024

Background

Recent research suggested fluent processing as an explanation on why number sense contributes to simple arithmetic tasks—‘Fluency hypothesis’.

Aims

The current study investigates whether number sense contributes to such arithmetic tasks when other cognitive factors are controlled for (including those that mediate the link); and whether this contribution varies as a function of participants' individual maths fluency levels.

Sample

Four hundred and thirty‐seven Chinese schoolchildren (186 females; Mage = 83.49 months) completed a range of cognitive measures in Grade 1 (no previous classroom training) and in Grade 2 (a year later).

Methods

Number sense, arithmetic (addition and subtraction), spatial ability, visuo‐spatial working memory, perception, reaction time, character reading and general intelligence were measured.

Results

Our data showed that the link between number sense and arithmetic was weaker in Grade 1 (Beta = .15 for addition and .06 (ns) for subtraction) compared to Grade 2 (.23–.28), but still persisted in children with no previous maths training. Further, math's performance in Grade 1 did not affect the link between number sense and maths performance in Grade 2.

Conclusion

Our data extended previous findings by showing that number sense is linked with simple maths task performance even after controlling for multiple cognitive factors. Our results brought some evidence that number sense‐arithmetic link is somewhat sensitive to previous formal maths education. Further research is needed, as the differences in effects between grades were quite small, and arithmetic in Grade 1 did not moderate the link at question in Grade 2.
Canadian cancer trials group LY.17: A randomized phase II study evaluating novel salvage therapy pre‐autologous stem cell transplant in relapsed/refractory diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma—outcome of rituximab‐dose‐intensive cyclophosphamide, etoposide, cisplatin (R‐DICEP) versus R‐GDP
Authors: Stewart Douglas A. , Kuruvilla John , Lee David , Dudebout Jill J. , Chua Neil , Larouche Jean‐François , Baetz Tara , Shafey Mona , Abdel‐Samad Nizar , Robinson Sue , Fleury Isabelle , Fraser Graeme , Skrabek Pamela , Kukreti Vishal , Kelly Jesse , Hay Annette E. , Shepherd Lois E. , Chen Bingshu E. , Crump Michael
Published: May 2024

The Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) LY.17 is an ongoing multi‐arm randomized phase II trial evaluating novel salvage therapies compared with R‐GDP (rituximab, gemcitabine, dexamethasone and cisplatin) in autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT)‐eligible patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (RR‐DLBCL). This component of the LY.17 trial evaluated a dose‐intensive chemotherapy approach using a single cycle of inpatient R‐DICEP (rituximab, dose‐intensive cyclophosphamide, etoposide and cisplatin) to achieve both lymphoma response and stem cell mobilization, shortening time to ASCT. This report is the result of the protocol‐specified second interim analysis of the 67 patients who were randomized to either 1 cycle of R‐DICEP or to 3 cycles of R‐GDP. The overall response rate (ORR) was 65.6% for R‐DICEP and 48.6% for R‐GDP. The ASCT rate was 71.9% versus 54.3%, and 1‐year progression‐free survival rate was 42% versus 32%, respectively, for R‐DICEP versus R‐GDP. Although the improvement in ORR for R‐DICEP versus R‐GDP exceeded the pre‐specified 10% threshold to proceed to full accrual of 64 patients/arm, higher rates of grade 3–5 toxicities, and the need for hospitalization led to the decision to stop this arm of the study. CCTG LY.17 will continue to evaluate different salvage regimens that incorporate novel agents.
Treatment options for immune‐related adverse events associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Chen Yu Hua , Kovács Tamás , Ferdinandy Péter , Varga Zoltán V.
Published: May 2024

The immunotherapy revolution with the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) started with the clinical use of the first ICI, ipilimumab, in 2011. Since then, the field of ICI therapy has rapidly expanded — with the FDA approval of 10 different ICI drugs so far and their incorporation into the therapeutic regimens of a range of malignancies. While ICIs have shown high anti‐cancer efficacy, they also have characteristic side effects, termed immune‐related adverse events (irAEs). These side effects hinder the therapeutic potential of ICIs and, therefore, finding ways to prevent and treat them is of paramount importance. The current protocols to manage irAEs follow an empirical route of steroid administration and, in more severe cases, ICI withdrawal. However, this approach is not optimal in many cases, as there are often steroid‐refractory irAEs, and there is a potential for corticosteroid use to promote tumour progression. This review surveys the current alternative approaches to the treatments for irAEs, with the goal of summarizing and highlighting the best attempts to treat irAEs, without compromising anti‐tumour immunity and allowing for rechallenge with ICIs after resolution of the irAEs.
Postoperative morbidity following Hartmann's procedure in comparison to anterior resection and abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer—a population‐based study
Authors: Mariusdottir Elin , Jörgren Fredrik , Lydrup Marie‐Louise , Buchwald Pamela
Published: May 2024

Aim

There is ongoing controversy regarding the extent to which Hartmann's procedure (HP) should be used in rectal cancer treatment. This study was designed to investigate 30‐day postoperative morbidity and mortality following HP, anterior resection (AR) and abdominoperineal resection (APR) for rectal cancer using a national registry.

Methods

All patients operated for rectal cancer, tumour height 5–15 cm, between the years 2010 and 2017, were identified through the Swedish colorectal cancer registry.

Results

A total of 8476 patients were included: 1210 (14%) undergoing HP, 5406 (64%) AR and 1860 (22%) APR. HP was associated with an increased risk of intra‐abdominal infection (OR 1.7, CI 1.26–2.28, P = 0.0004) compared to AR and APR, while APR was related to an increased risk of overall complications (OR 1.18, CI 1.01–1.40, P = 0.040). No significant difference was observed in the rate of reoperations and readmissions between HP, AR and APR, and type of surgical procedure was not a risk factor for 30‐day mortality. Findings from a subgroup analysis of patients with a tumour 5–7 cm from the anal verge revealed that HP was not associated with increased risk for complications or 30‐day mortality.

Conclusions

For patients where AR is not appropriate HP is a valid alternative with a favourable outcome. APR was associated with the highest overall 30‐day complication rate.
Tissue specific stem cell therapy for airway regeneration
Authors: Park Dan Bi , Lee Jae Yoon , Kim Sung Won , Kim Do Hyun
Published: May 2024

Secondary atrophic rhinitis (AR), a consequence of mucosal damage during nasal surgeries, significantly impairs patient quality of life. The lack of effective, lasting treatments underscores the need for alternative therapeutic strategies. A major impediment in advancing research is the scarcity of studies focused on secondary AR. Our study addresses this gap by developing an animal model that closely mirrors the histopathological changes observed in patients with secondary AR. These changes include squamous metaplasia, goblet cell hyperplasia, submucosal fibrosis, and glandular atrophy. Upon administering human nasal turbinate stem cells embedded in collagen type I hydrogel in these models, we observed ciliary regeneration. This finding suggests the potential therapeutic benefit of this approach. Our animal models not only emulate the clinical manifestations of secondary AR but also serve as valuable tools for evaluating the efficacy of cell‐based biotechnological interventions.
Assessment of immunosuppression induction with basiliximab compared to antithymocyte‐globulin in adult heart transplant patients
Authors: Eberhardt Theresa E. , Kim Daniel H. , Nethersole Shannon , Pearson Glen J.
Published: May 2024

Background

Patients undergoing heart transplants are at risk of rejection which can have significant morbidity and mortality. Induction immunosuppression at the time of transplant reduces the early risk and has additional benefits. The induction agent of choice within our program was changed from rabbit antithymocyte‐globulin (rATG) to basiliximab, so it was necessary to evaluate whether this had any impact on patient outcomes.

Objectives

Our primary objective was to describe rejection, infection, and other outcomes in adult heart transplant patients at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton, Canada.

Methods

This study was a nonrandomized, retrospective cohort study.

Results

Sixty‐three patients were included with median ages 50 years versus 54 years. More female patients received rATG (20% vs. 42.4%). The most common indication for transplant in both cohorts was ICM (63.3% vs. 57.6%). Patients who received rATG had significantly higher PRA (0% vs. 43%, p < .001). Acute rejection episodes were similar between basiliximab and rATG at 3 months (16.7% vs. 15.1%; p = 1.0) and 6‐months (30.0% vs. 18.1%; p = .376). Infections were not statistically different with basiliximab compared to rATG at 3‐months, 43.3% vs. 63.6% and at 6‐months 60.0% vs. 66.7%). There were no fatalities in either group.

Conclusions

Our study did not demonstrate differences in rejection with basiliximab compared to rATG. Mortality did not differ, but basiliximab‐treated patients had fewer infections and infection‐related hospitalizations than those treated with rATG. Larger studies with longer durations are needed to more completely describe the differences in rejection and infectious outcomes.
Banff‐based histologic chronicity index is associated with graft failure but has poor interobserver reproducibility
Authors: Lin Wei‐Chou , Wen Mei‐Chin , Hsu Yong‐Chen , Kuo Chien‐Yi , Chen Tai‐Di
Published: May 2024

Background

Antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR) often leads to chronic kidney allograft damage and is a critical cause of allograft failure. The Banff classification, used to diagnose AMR, has become complex and challenging for clinicians. A Banff‐based histologic chronicity index (CI) was recently proposed as a simplified prognostic indicator. Its reliability and reproducibility have not been externally validated.

Methods

This study investigated 71 kidney allograft biopsies diagnosed with AMR. Interobserver reproducibility of the recently proposed CI and its components (cg, cv, ct, and ci) were assessed. The association between CI and allograft failure was analyzed, and CI cut‐off values were evaluated by Cox proportional hazards regression and Kaplan–Meier estimator with log‐rank test.

Results

The study confirmed the association of CI with allograft failure, but also revealed that the assessment of CI varied between pathologists, impacting its reproducibility as a prognostic tool. Only 49 (69.0%) of the biopsies showed complete agreement on the proposed cut‐off value of CI < 4 or CI ≥ 4. Furthermore, this cut‐off did not reliably stratify allograft failure. Notably, the cg score, which carries significant weight in the CI calculation, had the lowest agreement between observers (kappa = .281).

Conclusions

While a simplified prognostic indicator for AMR is needed, this study highlights the limitations of CI, particularly its poor interobserver reproducibility. Our findings suggest that clinicians should interpret CI cautiously and consider establishing their own cut‐off values. This study underscores the need to address interobserver reproducibility before CI can be widely adopted for AMR management.
Racial–ethnic differences in liver transplant waitlist outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma before and after recent changes to allocation policy
Authors: Mazur Rafal D. , Cron David C. , Goldberg David S. , Yeh Heidi , Dageforde Leigh Anne
Published: May 2024

Background

In May 2019, liver transplant (LT) allocation policy changed to limit MELD exception points for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to median MELD at transplant minus three (MMaT‐3). We evaluated this policy's impact on waitlist outcomes for HCC candidates, by race and ethnicity, hypothesizing that the introduction of the MMaT‐3 reduced inequities in waitlist outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of the Scientific Registry for Transplant Recipients, including all adult LT candidates (N = 10 751) who received HCC exception points from May 17, 2017 to May 18, 2019 (pre‐policy; N = 6627) to May 19, 2019 to March 1, 2021 (post‐policy; N = 4124). We compared incidence of LT and waitlist removal for death or becoming too sick pre‐ and post‐policy for non‐Hispanic White, non‐Hispanic Black, Hispanic/Latinx, and Asian patients using competing risk regression adjusted for candidate characteristics.

Results

One‐year cumulative incidence of LT decreased significantly pre‐/post‐policy among White (77.4% vs. 64.5%; p < .01) and Black (76.2% vs. 63.1%; p < .01) candidates only, while a 1‐year incidence of death/non‐LT waitlist removal decreased significantly only among Hispanics (13.4% vs. 7.5%; p < .01). After covariate adjustment, the effect of the policy change was a significantly decreased incidence of LT for White (SHR: .63 compared to pre‐policy; p < .001), Black (SHR: .62; p < .001), and Asian (SHR: .68; p = .002), but no change for Hispanic patients. Only Hispanic patients had a significant decrease in death/waitlist removal after the policy change (SHR:  .69; p = .04). Compared to White patients in the pre‐policy era, Hispanic (SHR:  .88, p < .007) and Asian candidates (SHR:  .72; p < .001) had lower unadjusted incidence of LT. This disparity was mitigated in the post‐policy era where Hispanic patients had higher likelihood of LT than Whites (SHR: 1.22; p = .002). For the outcome of death/non‐LT waitlist removal, the only significant difference was a 42% lower incidence of waitlist removal for Asian compared to White patients in the post‐policy era (SHR:  .58; p = .03).

Conclusion

Among LT recipients with HCC, racial/ethnic subpopulations were differentially affected by the MMAT‐3 policy, resulting in a post‐policy reduction of some of the previous disparities.
The Sectoral Politics of Industrial Policy Making in Brazil: A Polanyian Interpretation
Authors: de Gaspi Renato H. , da Silva Pedro Perfeito
Published: May 2024

This article considers why Brazilian industrial policies have varied across sectors since the mid‐1990s. It relies on a Polanyian‐inspired framework to propose that the strength of counter‐movements against corporate welfare shapes the sector‐specific capacity of policy makers to exert state discipline over business interests and diverges from neoliberal scripts of industrial policy making. The authors use prototypical case studies on the automotive, animal protein and pharmaceutical sectors to support their argument. In the automotive industry, the continuous pressure from powerful and cohesive labour unions led to the emergence of a neo‐corporatist sectoral regime that was characterized by a tripartite policy design and encompassed conditionalities. In the case of animal protein, the lack of bottom‐up pressure culminated in a disembedded neoliberal sectoral regime, in which business owners received almost unconditional benefits, turning industrial policies into corporate welfare. Finally, in the pharmaceutical industry, the combination of diffuse societal demands and unions with intermediate relevance led to an embedded neoliberal sectoral regime that combined selective conditionalities with some space for non‐business participation in policy design.
Dental floss with rubber band‐formed pulley traction facilitating endoscopic full‐thickness resection of gastric submucosal tumor in gastric fundus
Authors: Fu Biao , Du Zhi‐qiang , Liu Wei‐hui
Published: May 2024

Watch a video of this article.
The meaning of “Emotion” (情) in Confucian philosophy
Authors: Tang Yan , Yu Zhiping
Published: May 2024

“Emotion” (情) is a very complex concept in Confucianism, but it can be interpreted in five dimensions. Interpreted as “innate instinct,” emotion refers to the cognitive attributes and physiological basis of emotion. Interpreted in terms of desire, it emphasizes the regulation and restriction of emotion. Construed in terms of Qi (氣), it indicates the source and path of emotion. The interpretation of emotion by nature (性) is most commonly used by Confucians and constitutes the fundamental position of Confucianism. Confucianism can both unify “nature” and “emotion” and also downgrade the status of emotion. The interpretation of emotion by Yin (陰) and Yang (陽) explains the nature and principle of emotion with the help of the rules of heaven. Ritual is based on emotional psychology, and the most basic emotional psychology of ethical life is the premise of Confucian social ritual.
Influence of body size on the dual role of isopod Porcellio scaber in seed dispersal and predation of the mycoheterotrophic plant Monotropastrum humile
Authors: Suetsugu Kenji , Yamasaki Michimasa
Published: May 2024

Endozoochorous seed dispersal by invertebrates, although infrequently documented, is gaining attention for its feasibility in plants with small seeds. Recent studies have highlighted terrestrial isopods as potential dual agents, acting both as seed dispersers and predators, especially for herbaceous plants with fleshy fruits and tiny seeds. However, the determinants of these contrasting roles are not well understood.

The present study explores intraspecific variation in Porcellio scaber, examining its dual role as a seed predator and disperser for Monotropastrum humile (Ericaceae), a plant with fleshy fruits and minute seeds (0.30–0.35 mm in length). We particularly focus on the impact of the sex and body size (5.44–11.99 mm) of the isopod P. scaber on seed dispersal or predation.

Our results indicate a significant correlation between seed dispersal effectiveness and isopod body size, with some variation attributed to sex differences. Smaller P. scaber individuals predominantly prey on seeds, whereas larger individuals are more likely to facilitate seed dispersal, maintaining seed viability.

Overall, our findings reveal that body size is a crucial factor in defining the ecological role of P. scaber. This challenges the conventional approach of using species‐level average data in seed dispersal studies, emphasising the need to consider intraspecific variations for a comprehensive understanding of seed dispersal.
Perceptual axioms are irreconcilable with Euclidean geometry
Authors: Zeki Semir , Hale Zachary F. , Beyh Ahmad , Rasche Samuel E.
Published: May 2024

There are different definitions of axioms, but the one that seems to have general approval is that axioms are statements whose truths are universally accepted but cannot be proven; they are the foundation from which further propositional truths are derived. Previous attempts, led by David Hilbert, to show that all of mathematics can be built into an axiomatic system that is complete and consistent failed when Kurt Gödel proved that there will always be statements which are known to be true but can never be proven within the same axiomatic system. But Gödel and his followers took no account of brain mechanisms that generate and mediate logic. In this largely theoretical paper, but backed by previous experiments and our new ones reported below, we show that in the case of so‐called ‘optical illusions’, there exists a significant and irreconcilable difference between their visual perception and their description according to Euclidean geometry; when participants are asked to adjust, from an initial randomised state, the perceptual geometric axioms to conform to the Euclidean description, the two never match, although the degree of mismatch varies between individuals. These results provide evidence that perceptual axioms, or statements known to be perceptually true, cannot be described mathematically. Thus, the logic of the visual perceptual system is irreconcilable with the cognitive (mathematical) system and cannot be updated even when knowledge of the difference between the two is available. Hence, no one brain reality is more ‘objective’ than any other.
Glucose transporter‐1 deficiency syndrome with extreme phenotypic variability in a five‐generation family carrying a novel SLC2A1 variant
Authors: Giugno Alessia , Falcone Elena , Fortunato Francesco , Sammarra Ilaria , Procopio Radha , Gagliardi Monica , Bauleo Alessia , de Stefano Laura , Martino Iolanda , Gambardella Antonio
Published: May 2024

Background and purpose

Glucose transporter‐1 (GLUT1) deficiency syndrome (GLUT1‐DS) is a metabolic disorder due to reduced expression of GLUT1, a glucose transporter of the central nervous system. GLUT1‐DS is caused by heterozygous SLC2A1 variants that mostly arise de novo. Here, we report a large family with heterogeneous phenotypes related to a novel SLC2A1 variant.

Methods

We present clinical and genetic features of a five‐generation family with GLUT1‐DS.

Results

The 14 (nine living) affected members had heterogeneous phenotypes, including seizures (11/14), behavioral disturbances (5/14), mild intellectual disability (3/14), and/or gait disabilities (2/14). Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed hippocampal sclerosis in the 8‐year‐old proband, who also had drug‐responsive absences associated with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder. His 52‐year‐old father, who had focal epilepsy since childhood, developed paraparesis related to a reversible myelitis associated with hypoglycorrhachia. Molecular study detected a novel heterozygous missense variant (c.446C>T) in exon 4 of SLC2A1 (NM: 006516.2) that cosegregated with the illness. This variant causes an amino acid replacement (p.Pro149Leu) at the fourth transmembrane segment of GLUT1, an important domain located at its catalytic core.

Conclusions

Our study illustrates the extremely heterogenous phenotypes in familial GLUT1‐DS, ranging from milder classic phenotypes to more subtle neurological disorder including paraparesis. This novel SLC2A1 variant (c.446C>T) provides new insight into the pathophysiology of GLUT1‐DS.
Frontex at the epicentre of a rule of law crisis at the external borders of the EU
Authors: Marin Luisa
Published: May 2024

Next to the rule of law ‘crises’ within Member States, a new facet of this rule of law crisis is emerging at the external borders of the EU, and sees the EU border agency Frontex as its epicentre. This article illustrates the multiple facets of this crisis which concerns Frontex's functioning and activities, discussing a form of ‘agency capture’ that occurred under the mandate of the former Executive Director and a legal framework ensuring limited monitoring and transparency on operations. Subsequently, the article delves into the constitutional meaning of the rule of law for an agency such as Frontex, both for its significance on relations between authorities and individuals and for the interplay between the rule of law and accountability. The article concludes by calling for a rethinking of the accountability instruments in place, to constrain more effectively the exercise of discretion by agencies.
Finding the right plaice at the right time: Multi‐molecular analysis of flatfish reveals historical catch habitats
Authors: Dierickx Katrien , Schauer Peter , Harland Jennifer , Pipe Alan , Oueslati Tarek , Lehouck Alexander , Ervynck Anton , Wouters Wim , Von Tersch Matthew , Orton David , Alexander Michelle
Published: May 2024

Flatfish are ecologically diverse species that commonly occur in marine environments, but also in estuarine and riverine habitats. This complicates the examination of the potential role of flatfish in the ‘marine fish event horizon’, an economic shift in human exploitation from freshwater to marine fish species during the 10–11th centuries CE around the southern North Sea. This study represents the first multi‐disciplinary investigation of flatfish remains to make species‐specific interpretations of flatfish exploitation. Peptide mass fingerprinting and multi‐isotope analysis of carbon (δ13C), nitrogen (δ15N) and sulphur (δ34S) was performed on collagen from 356 archaeological flatfish and 120 comparative archaeological marine or freshwater species to explore the catch habitat of individual flatfish species between 600 and 1600 CE from the North Sea area. European flounder show signals reflecting both freshwater and marine environments, while other flatfish show only those of marine habitats. A subtle shift towards more marine exploitation towards the end of the period is identified, corresponding to the observed transition in targeted species from flounder to plaice throughout the medieval period. Sites show slight differences in δ13C and δ34S within the same species, related to the local environments. Remarkable is the high abundance of marine plaice and flounder during the early medieval period, which shows clear marine or coastal exploitation of flatfish early on, well before the previously accepted onset of the marine fish event horizon. This indicates a gradual shift from coastal to open marine fish exploitation over the medieval period.
Considering context: Current relationship satisfaction in a second‐generation model of men's physical intimate partner violence
Authors: Slep Amy M. Smith , Heyman Richard E. , Daly Kelly A. , Baucom Katherine J. W.
Published: May 2024

Despite a half‐century of scholarship devoted to explicating and disrupting the intergenerational transmission of family violence, it remains a prominent and destructive social force in the United States. Theoretical models have posited a variety of historical and concurrent risk and protective factors implicated in the trajectory from childhood violence exposure to adult perpetration. Using a second‐generation model of intimate partner violence (IPV), we integrated social learning and attachment conceptualizations to examine pathways from family‐of‐origin violence to IPV perpetration among adult men. A sample of mixed‐sex couples (N = 233) completed self‐report measures related to social learning and attachment‐based factors (e.g., violence in past relationships, child exposure, IPV attitudes, adult attachment) and participated in a 10‐min conversation about a desired area for change in their relationship. Following, each partner participated in a video‐mediated‐recall procedure assessing their anger volatility and eliciting attributions of their partners' behavior. We tested mediation pathways (consistent with social learning and attachment theories) between violence in men's families of origin and their adult IPV perpetration as a function of relationship satisfaction. The proposed model fit the data well (CFI = 0.95) but had notable modifications from the hypothesized model. Generally, social‐learning pathways were more consistent with the data. Relationship satisfaction interacted with some parameters. Results support theoretical advances in understanding IPV. Although exposure to violence in men's family of origin confers risk for later IPV, and a social learning developmental pathway is consistent with results, some of these effects are altered by relationship context.
The effect of fine particle peening on aviation gear performance, Part I: Surface integrity
Authors: Zhang Boyu , Liu Huaiju , He Yongyong , Guagliano Mario
Published: May 2024

As a fundamental component of aviation equipment, the gear has an essential effect on the service performance of the whole machine. Fine particle peening (FPP) technology is a good choice for the precision requirements of aviation gears. Therefore, a FPP model of aviation gears was constructed based on the discrete element‐finite element coupling method (DEM‐FEM) to simulate the evolution of surface roughness and residual compressive stress, and its results were verified by experiments. The effects of FPP intensity, coverage rate, and particle diameter on surface integrity were investigated. In addition, the importance degree of the intensity, coverage rate, and particle diameter of FPP on surface integrity was carried out by the random forest decision method. It demonstrates that the surface roughness Sa was mainly influenced by the FPP intensity and particle diameter. And the distribution state of the residual compressive stress was mainly affected by the particle diameter.
Jaymoytius: A vegetarian Silurian lamprey?
Authors: Brookfield Michael E.
Published: May 2024

Jamoytius kerwoodi was a primitive, eel‐like jawless fish that lived in the Early Silurian period (444–433 myr) and lived over a stagnant bottom environment, at the transition from a marine‐influenced, probably brackish‐water, deep‐water basin to a shallower water, less saline and probably freshwater basin. Jamoytius lacked teeth and was most likely a free‐living herbivore grazing on floating plants, as were possibly many of its euphanaropid relatives. The palaeoenvironment in which it lived compares well with that of living lampreys, especially as their ectoparasitic mode of life may have evolved from ancestral grazers.
Still trouble with bleeding: Risk factors for HCV transmission in men who have sex with men and behavioural trajectories from 2019 to 2021
Authors: Schmidt Axel Jeremias , Weatherburn Peter , Wang Haoyi , Lutz Thomas , Schewe Knud , Mauss Stefan , Krznaric Ivanka , Baumgarten Axel , Boesecke Christoph , Rockstroh Jürgen K. , Christensen Stefan , Ingiliz Patrick
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To identify sexual/sex‐associated risk factors for hepatitis C transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM) and visualise behavioural trajectories from 2019 to 2021.

Methods

We linked a behavioural survey to a hepatitis C cohort study (NoCo), established in 2019 across six German HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment centres, and performed a case–control analysis. Cases were MSM with recent HCV infection, and controls were matched for HIV status (model 1) or proportions of sexual partners with HIV (model 2). We conducted conditional univariable and multivariable regression analyses.

Results

In all, 197 cases and 314 controls completed the baseline questionnaire and could be matched with clinical data. For regression models, we restricted cases to those with HCV diagnosed since 2018 (N = 100). Factors independently associated with case status included sex‐associated rectal bleeding, shared fisting lubricant, anal douching, chemsex, intravenous and intracavernosal injections, with population‐attributable fractions of 88% (model 1) and 85% (model 2). These factors remained stable over time among cases, while sexual partner numbers and group sex decreased during COVID‐19 measures.

Conclusions

Sexual/sex‐associated practices leading to blood exposure are key factors in HCV transmission in MSM. Public health interventions should emphasize the importance of blood safety in sexual encounters. Micro‐elimination efforts were temporarily aided by reduced opportunities for sexual encounters during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Controlling the formation of ionic complex vesicles through double‐tailed surfactants
Authors: Uyama Makoto , Hama Tetsuya
Published: May 2024

Objective

Liposomes are often used in cosmetics since they are naturally derived and have excellent texture enhancing capabilities. However, when preparing them by using phospholipids with unsaturated acyl groups, they easily suffer from oxidative degradation. Accordingly, hydrogenated phospholipids are preferred, however, it is difficult to prepare stable liposomes due to its high gel‐liquid crystalline phase transition temperature. On the other hand, although dialkyl dimethyl ammonium type cationic surfactants are widely known to form vesicles, they have rarely been used for skincare products except for water‐in‐oil type emulsion creams stabilized by organically modified clay minerals. We decided to overcome all of the problems above through ionic complex vesicles formed by double‐tailed cationic and anionic surfactants.

Methods

Distearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DSAC) and sodium dilauramidoglutamide lysine (DLGL) were selected as cationic and anionic surfactants, respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and small‐ and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (SWAXS) measurements were performed to confirm the DSAC/DLGL/water ternary phase diagram. Newly developed ionic complex vesicle formation was confirmed by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo‐TEM). The adsorbed cosmetic film structure on the skin in vivo was evaluated through the polarized infrared external reflection (PIR‐ER). Finally, a cosmetic lotion formula was developed and the vesicle size was determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS).

Results

DSC and SWAXS data indicated that stable vesicles could be obtained at a molar ratio of DLGL to DSAC = 6:4. At this molar ratio, multi lamellar vesicles with diameters less than 100 nm were observed through cryo‐TEM. PIR‐ER data revealed that the developed vesicles formed a highly perpendicular orientation to the human skin surface. We have succeeded in formulating a cosmetic lotion containing developed vesicles with a mean diameter of 63.2 nm, which was stable over 1 month at 0, 37, and 50°C.

Conclusions

Our newly developed vesicles can be easily obtained through a coagulation process. Also, the adsorbed film structure supported by PIR‐ER experiments implies that the developed lotion has an excellent texture that is the same as cosmetic lotions containing liposomes. Therefore, it's possible that this ionic complex vesicle could take the place of liposomes.