bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short Squeezes After Short‐Selling Attacks
Authors: STICE‐LAWRENCE LORIEN , WONG YU TING FORESTER , ZHAO WUYANG
Published: January 2025

We estimate the prevalence and drivers of short squeezes after short‐selling attacks. Positive returns after attacks have a disproportionate tendency to fully reverse and are accompanied by heightened short covering, consistent with the presence of short squeezes. We assess and find no support for non‐squeeze drivers of these positive return reversals and show they are more likely to be accompanied by squeeze‐related news articles, increased stock volatility, and disruptions in the stock lending market. Using positive return reversals as a proxy for short squeezes, we estimate that 15% of short attacks experience squeezes, and squeeze risk increases with short sellers’ visibility but decreases with the credibility of their evidence. Additionally, squeezes appear to be precipitated by actions of firms and investors, including insider purchases, share recalls, retail investor trading, and firm disclosures. Our findings quantify a material risk and check on activist short selling and are especially timely given recent proposed short‐selling restrictions.
Accounting fraud detection through textual risk disclosures in annual reports: From the perspective of SEC guidelines
Authors: Zhu Xiaoqian , Wu Huidong , Chang Yanpeng , Li Jianping
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the use of textual risk disclosures in annual reports to detect accounting fraud. We developed an indicator system based on Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) guidelines to evaluate the quality of risk disclosures. An analysis of 41,343 financial reports from US listed companies revealed that textual risk disclosures enhance fraud detection accuracy and function as an early warning system. The performance of these disclosures surpasses traditional analyses of the Management Discussion and Analysis section. Our findings highlight the value of textual risk disclosures in identifying accounting fraud and underscore the crucial role of regulatory guidelines in ensuring financial integrity.
Potential Predictors of Biological Therapy Intensification in Moderate‐To‐Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Multicentre Study
Authors: Melgosa Ramos Francisco Javier , García Ruiz Ramón , Martorell Antonio
Published: January 2025

Moderate‐to‐severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a debilitating disease that often requires biological therapy. Despite the effectiveness of approved doses, some patients experience partial or loss of response over time, leading to the need for dose intensification. This retrospective multicentre study aimed to identify predictors of biological therapy intensification in HS patients. The results showed that prior use of biological treatments and biosimilar adalimumab were significant predictors of intensification, suggesting closer monitoring may be needed for certain patient profiles to optimise treatment outcomes.
Aging Selectively Alters PRR and ISG Expression in Endo‐ and Ecto‐Cervical Stromal Fibroblasts From the Human Female Reproductive Tract
Authors: Patel Mickey V. , Shen Zheng , Hopkins Daniel C. , Barr Fiona D. , Wira Charles R.
Published: January 2025

Problem

Aging alters immune function in women and can lead increased risk of infections, particularly in the female reproductive tract (FRT).

Method of Study

To determine how aging affects innate immune responses in the cervical stroma of the FRT, we isolated endocervical (CX) and ectocervical (ECX) stromal fibroblasts and determine if their expression of multiple pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and responses to viral stimulation varied with menopause and age.

Results

Constitutive expression of most PRRs did not vary with age or menopausal status in either cell type. However, the expression of TLR7, MDA5, and NOD2 by ECX stromal fibroblasts significantly increased in post‐menopausal women, while the expression of NOD1 by CX stromal fibroblast also significantly increased in post‐menopausal women. When stratified by age, the expression of TLR6 by CX stromal fibroblasts, and MDA5 and NOD2 by ECX stromal fibroblasts increased significantly with increasing age. Stimulation with the dsRNA viral mimic HMW poly (I:C), a ligand for MDA5, resulted in significantly increased expression of the Type I interferons (IFN) IFNβ and IFNε, the Type III interferon IFNλ1, and interferon‐stimulated genes (ISGs) MxA, OAS2, and ISG15 in both cell populations. However, upregulation of IFNβ, IFNλ1, MxA, OAS2, and ISG15 in response to poly (I:C) significantly declined with increasing post‐menopausal age in ECX stromal fibroblasts. There was no effect of age or menopause on either IFN or ISG expression in CX stromal fibroblasts.

Conclusion

Overall, these studies demonstrate that ECX and CX fibroblasts are phenotypically distinct populations and that increasing post‐menopausal age reduces IFN and ISG upregulation in ECX stromal fibroblasts in response to viral stimulation, potentially leading to decreased protection against incoming viral pathogens in older post‐menopausal women.
Causal Relationship Between Antibody‐Mediated Immune Responses of Chlamydia trachomatis Infection and Reproductive Tract Complications: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Hong Yanggang , Wang Yi
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Characterized as a prevalent sexually transmitted infection, Chlamydia trachomatis is intimately associated with reproductive tract complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility. However, the causal relationships between C. trachomatis infection and reproductive tract complications remain elusive.

Methods

To investigate the causal relationships between C. trachomatis antibodies and seven reproductive tract complications, we conducted a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. The fundamental data were originated from the genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) database. While the influences of C. trachomatis antibodies on reproductive tract complications such as tubal factor infertility (TFI) and PID have been assessed, the reverse MR analysis examined how these complications impacted C. trachomatis antibodies.

Results

The forward MR analysis revealed that the upregulation of MOMP A antibodies was significantly associated with a reduced risk of TFI (OR = 0.932, p = 0.007), while MOMP D antibodies were associated with a reduced risk of ectopic pregnancy (EP) (OR = 0.923, p = 0.005). However, no significant causal interactions were identified for other reproductive complications. Moreover, the reverse MR analysis indicated that cervicitis was significantly correlated with lower MOMP A antibody levels (OR = 0.900, p = 0.016).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the protective effects of C. trachomatis antibodies, particularly MOMP A and MOMP D, against TFI and EP, respectively. It also emphasizes the potential role of cervical inflammation in shaping immune responses to C. trachomatis. These insights provide a foundation for future research to develop immune‐targeted therapies and integrated approaches for preventing and managing C. trachomatis‐related reproductive tract complications.
Instructional design features in ultrasound‐guided regional anaesthesia simulation‐based training: a systematic review
Authors: Sekhavati Pooyan , Wild Tristan , Martinez Ingrid D. P. C. , Dion Pierre‐Marc , Woo Michael , Ramlogan Reva , Boet Sylvain , Shorr Risa , Gu Yuqi
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Ultrasound‐guided regional anaesthesia enhances pain control, patient outcomes and lowers healthcare costs. However, teaching this skill effectively presents challenges with current training methods. Simulation‐based medical education offers advantages over traditional methods. However, the use of instructional design features in ultrasound‐guided regional anaesthesia simulation training has not been defined. This systematic review aimed to identify and evaluate the prevalence of various instructional design features in ultrasound‐guided regional anaesthesia simulation training and their correlation with learning outcomes using a modified Kirkpatrick model.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted including studies from inception to August 2024. Eligibility criteria included randomised controlled trials; controlled before‐and‐after studies; and other experimental designs focusing on ultrasound‐guided regional anaesthesia simulation training. Data extraction included study characteristics; simulation modalities; instructional design features; and outcomes.

Results

Of the 2023 articles identified, 62 met inclusion criteria. Common simulation modalities included live‐model scanning and gel phantom models. Instructional design features such as the presence of expert instructors, repetitive practice and multiple learning strategies were prevalent, showing significant improvements across multiple outcome levels. However, fewer studies assessed behaviour (Kirkpatrick level 3) and patient outcomes (Kirkpatrick level 4).

Discussion

Ultrasound‐guided regional anaesthesia simulation training incorporating specific instructional design features enhances educational outcome; this was particularly evident at lower Kirkpatrick levels. Optimal combinations of instructional design features for higher‐level outcomes (Kirkpatrick levels 3 and 4) remain unclear. Future research should standardise outcome measurements and isolate individual instructional design features to better understand their impact on clinical practice and patient safety.
An approach to Hemequity: Identifying the barriers and facilitators of iron deficiency reduction strategies in low‐ to middle‐income countries
Authors: Ge Shiliang , Ali Saif , Haldane Victoria , Bekdache Carine , Tang Grace H. , Sholzberg Michelle
Published: January 2025

Approximately 1.92 billion people worldwide are anaemic, and iron deficiency is the most common cause. Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) disproportionately affects women of reproductive age and remains under‐addressed in low‐ to middle‐income countries (LMICs). The primary objective of our scoping review is to evaluate the barriers and facilitators to IDA management in LMICs by using an intersectionality‐enhanced implementation science lens adapted from the consolidated framework for implementation research and the theoretical domains framework. A total of 53 studies were identified. Contextual barriers included the deprioritization of IDA risk, unequal gender norms and stigma from the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Regional poverty, conflict and natural disasters led to supply chain barriers. Individual‐level facilitators included partner support and antenatal care access while barriers included forgetfulness and having medical comorbidities. Successful interventions also utilized education initiatives to empower women in community decision‐making. Moreover, community mobilization and the degree of community ownership determined the sustainability of IDA reduction strategies. IDA is not only a medical problem, but one that is rooted in the sociocultural and political context. Future approaches must recognize the resilience of LMIC communities and acknowledge the importance of knowledge translation rooted in community ownership and empowerment.
Guidance and Considerations When Performing Data‐Validity Checks
Authors: Cimpian Joseph R. , Timmer Jennifer D. , Kim Taek H.
Published: January 2025

This response to a Commentary by Delgado‐Ron, Jeyabalan, Watt, and Salway (2024) on Cimpian, Timmer, and Kim's (2023) paper discusses and clarifies some key issues in applying the new data‐validity sensitivity analysis proposed by Cimpian et al. (2023). The differences in the applications of the method by Delgado‐Ron et al. (2024) and Cimpian et al. (2023) present an opportunity to recognize the possibilities of this method, while also noting some challenges and limitations. This response‐commentary focuses on five key areas: (1) surmising a set of likely motivations of the survey respondents, (2) selecting the screener items, (3) considering the outcomes examined, (4) reflecting on null results in a sensitivity analysis, and (5) recognizing the advantages and disadvantages of the ease of this new method.
A Unique Case of MBD5 and CCM2 Deletions Leading to a Severe Neurological Phenotype With Prolonged Status Epilepticus
Authors: Silva Sebastián , Venegas Viviana , Valenzuela Marcela , Retamales‐Moreno Álvaro , Muñoz‐Castro Carolina , Acevedo Hernán , Marengo Juan‐José , Okubo Mariko , Takada Sanami , Miyake Noriko
Published: January 2025

Heterozygous pathogenic variants in MBD5 (MIM*611472) and CCM2 (MIM*607929) cause autosomal dominant intellectual developmental disorder 1 (MIM#156200) and cerebral cavernous malformations‐2 (MIM#603284), respectively. Both conditions may present with seizures, epilepsy, and status epilepticus. However, super‐refractory status epilepticus, defined as seizures lasting more than 24 h, has not been described in either condition. Herein, we describe the case of a 14‐year‐old boy with a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a heterozygous MBD5 deletion as well as multiple cerebral cavernous malformations caused by a CCM2 deletion, who presented with prolonged super‐refractory status epilepticus. After 2 months of status epilepticus that was refractory to several anticonvulsants and a ketogenic diet, the patient underwent a surgical corpus callosotomy, which controlled the seizures. Genetic analysis revealed MBD5 and CCM2 deletions. We hypothesize that the co‐occurrence of these two deletions in the patient interplayed synergistically, leading to a more severe clinical phenotype than those caused by either of the two independent conditions. We highlight the relevance of corpus callosotomy as a surgical option in severe cases of status epilepticus in which a brain focal resection is not feasible.
Evaluation of the efficacy of natural orifice specimen extraction surgery versus conventional laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cao Yu , He Mingze , Liu Zheng , Chen Kuo , Denis Khlusov , Zhang Jin , Zou Jinqi , Semchenko Bagdan S. , Efetov Sergey K.
Published: January 2025

Aim

Natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) has gained significant importance in treating cancers. The current study is a meta‐analysis that aimed to assess the short‐term efficacy and long‐term prognostic impact of NOSES and conventional laparoscopic (CL) surgery in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Method

Published reports in several medical databases up to February 2024 were searched and information pertinent to outcomes of NOSES and CL in retrospective and randomized studies to treat CRC was collected. Pooled weighted/standardized mean difference (WMD/SMD), odds ratio (OR) and hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a fixed‐effects model or random‐effects model, and meta‐analysis was subsequently performed using Stata.

Results

Thirty‐one studies with a total of 4637 patients were included in this meta‐analysis. When compared with CL, NOSES had significant advantages in several indicators, such as wound infection [OR = 0.22 (95% CI 0.13–0.38); Z = 5.56, p = 0], incisional hernia [OR = 0.24 (95% CI 0.11–0.54); Z = 3.44, p = 0.001], blood loss [WMD = −10.17 (95% CI −14.75 to −5.60); Z = 4.36, p = 0], incision length [WMD = −4.94 (95% CI −5.27 to −4.60); Z = 29.10, p = 0.00], postoperative pain [WMD = −1.43 (95% CI −1.69 to −1.18); Z = 11.02, p = 0.00], use of additional analgesics [OR = 0.57 (95% CI 0.39–0.82); Z = 3.06, p = 0.002], hospital stay [WMD = –1.25 (95% CI −1.58 to –0.93); Z = 7.65, p = 0.00], gastrointestinal recovery [WMD = −13.42 (95% CI −17.77 to −9.07); Z = 6.05, p = 0.00], first flatus [WMD = −0.50 (95% CI −0.68 to −0.32); Z = 5.34, p = 0.00] and cosmetic result [WMD = 2.11 (95% CI 0.92–3.30); Z = 3.47, p = 0.001]. However, NOSES required a significantly longer duration of surgery [WMD = 14.13 (95% CI 6.70–21.56); Z = 3.73, p = 0.00]. There were no significant differences in postoperative anastomotic leakage, intra‐abdominal infection, lymph node harvest, proximal and distal margins, 5‐year disease‐free and 5‐year overall survival and pelvic floor function.

Conclusion

NOSES is considered an efficient surgical method of treatment for CRC that allows patients to have long‐term favourable oncological outcomes while recovering faster with minimal pain. However, these findings still require confirmation through studies on large population cohorts.
Optineurin Cooperates With NRF2 to Regulate Tooth Root Morphogenesis by Controlling Mitochondrial Dynamics and Apoptosis
Authors: Liu Haojie , Zhang Xinyu , Ge Xiao , Hsu ChingCho , Wang Yan , Chen Simai , Yan Xingzhi , Xu Rongyao , Ma Junqing , Guo Shuyu
Published: January 2025

Tooth root development is a complex process essential for tooth function, yet the role of root dentin development in tooth morphogenesis is not fully understood. Optineurin (OPTN), linked to bone disorders like Paget's disease of bone (PDB), may affect tooth root development. In this study, we used single‐cell sequencing of embryonic day 16.5 (E16.5), postnatal day 1 (P1), and P7 mouse teeth, as well as embryonic and adult human teeth, to show that OPTN is vital for odontoblastic differentiation. In Optn−/− mice, we observed short root deformities and defective dentin, with impaired apical papilla differentiation and increased apoptosis. In vitro OPTN downregulation in stem cells of the apical papilla (SCAPs) exacerbated apoptosis and hindered odontoblastic differentiation. RNA‐seq analysis revealed significant differences in mitochondrial dynamics between control and OPTN knockout SCAPs. We discovered that OPTN influences mitochondrial dynamics primarily by promoting fission, leading to odontoblastic differentiation and mineralisation. Mechanistically, OPTN cooperates with NRF2 to regulate mitochondrial fission via DRP1 phosphorylation and affects the transcription of BCL2. Rescue experiments using an activator of NRF2 in ex vivo organ cultures and local gingival injection experiments confirmed these findings. Therefore, we concluded that OPTN, interacting with NRF2, acts as a key regulator of SCAPs mitochondrial dynamics, mineralisation and apoptosis during tooth development. These findings provide fresh insights into the mechanisms underlying tooth root development.
Paediatric‐to‐adult transition in type 1 diabetes: A two‐centre experience of a structured program, 2014 to 2022
Authors: Vermillac Gaëlle , Lafont Charlotte , Godot Cécile , Kerbourc'h Stéphanie , Gazagnes Agnès Sola , Mosnier‐Pudar Helen , Dehghani Léa , Mallone Roberto , Larger Etienne , Polak Michel , Dubois‐Laforgue Danièle , Beltrand Jacques
Published: January 2025

Background

Transition from paediatric to adult healthcare is a turning point for patients with Type 1 diabetes (T1D). A gradual coordinated process connecting paediatric and adult healthcare providers may improve adherence to adult follow‐up.

Aims

To describe a transition process developed jointly by paediatric and adult diabetology units and compare patients progressing or not to follow‐up in adult care setting.

Materiel and Methods

Retrospective study in one paediatric and one adult diabetology department. Patients following from 2014 to 2021 in the paediatric department were eligible.

Results

At transition, the 183 patients included had a median age of 19 [18.5–19.5] years, T1D duration of 10.5 [7.0–14.0] years, and HbA1c of 8.4% [7.5–9.2%]; 30.6% were treated by continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion. Two years after exiting paediatric care, the subgroup transitioning to adult care at the planned site (n = 137) had a median HbA1c of 7.8% [7.0–8.7]; 13.1% had retinopathy (non‐significant change), and 10.8% had changed their insulin treatment. Of the remaining 46/183 (25.1%) patients, 33/46 (71.7%) had no adult care visits at any site reported. Independent predictors of non‐adherence to adult follow‐up were younger age at TID diagnosis (adjusted odds ratio, 0.91 [0.83–0.99]) and higher pre‐transition HbA1c (+1.39 [1.11–1.80]). Among the 52 (28.4%) patients who completed a questionnaire on perceptions, 88.5% reported being well prepared and 90.5% a neutral or positive impact on their diabetes.

Conclusion

With a gradual coordinated transition process, most T1D patients attended adult care follow‐up visits. Younger age at diagnosis and worse glycaemic control were associated with lack of adherence to planned adult care follow‐up.
Association between the changes in the estimated glucose disposal rate and new‐onset cardiovascular disease in middle‐aged and elderly individuals: A nationwide prospective cohort study in China
Authors: Yan Lunqing , Zhou Zhe , Wu Xing , Qiu Yumin , Liu Zhefu , Luo Lifang , Yang Yang , Lu Xi , He Jiang , Xia Wenhao
Published: January 2025

Aims

Previous studies have shown that eGDR and TyG, as indicators of insulin resistance (IR), were key risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Our study further explored the relationship between eGDR change and new‐onset CVD, and compared the predictive value of eGDR change, eGDR and TyG.

Materials and Methods

A total of 2895 participants without CVD at baseline from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were included, using K‐means clustering and cumulative eGDR to measure eGDR change between 2012 and 2015. Cox and restricted cubic splines (RCS) regression models assessed the relationship between eGDR change and new‐onset CVD. The predictive value of TyG, eGDR and eGDR change for outcomes was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI).

Results

During a mean follow‐up of 4.42 years, 581 CVD cases occurred, including 389 heart disease cases and 249 stroke cases. Participants with consistently low eGDR had a higher new‐onset CVD risk (HR: 2.51, 95%CI: 2.04–3.09). A stepwise increase of outcomes was observed with the increased cumulative eGDR (p for trend <0.001). Further analysis showed the correlation between cumulative eGDR and outcomes was linear. Compared to eGDR and TyG, cumulative eGDR exerted greater predictive effect as evaluated by area under curve, IDI and NRI.

Conclusions

Sustained low eGDR was related to an increased risk of new‐onset CVD in middle‐aged and elderly population. Continuous monitoring of eGDR significantly enhances the accuracy of new‐onset CVD risk stratification, which may reduce the incidence of new‐onset CVD.
Ependymoma in a filly
Authors: de Sousa M. C. , Ferreira A. F. M. S. C. , Peixoto T. C. , dos Reis S. D. S. , Dias D. C. R. , Leal P. V.
Published: January 2025

The goal of this case report is a description of the clinical presentation and diagnosis of ependymoma in a Quarter Horse filly with neurological clinical signs. Macroscopic examination identified an irregular, reddish, gelatinous mass with infiltrative growth in the fourth ventricle and choroid plexus. Histopathological findings revealed the proliferation of moderately pleomorphic ependymal cells, which compressed and infiltrated the adjacent parenchyma. The cells presented a papillary arrangement forming single or multiple layers, sometimes organised in the form of rosettes with a central area filled with eosinophilic amorphous material. The cells were characterised by sparse, basophilic cytoplasm, round to ovoid nuclei, granular chromatin and inconspicuous nucleoli. Neoplastic cells were immunopositive for S‐100 and vimentin. Macroscopic and microscopic findings are compatible with a final diagnosis of ependymoma. In young animals, although less frequently reported, neoplasia should be considered a differential diagnosis for animals presenting with neurologic signs.
Comparison of two techniques to blind end jejunum and ileum for jejunocaecostomy in horses
Authors: Chanutin Sierra , Bauck Anje G. , Roberts John F. , Denagamage Thomas N. , Freeman David E.
Published: January 2025

Background

Jejunocaecostomy (JC) is frequently required to bypass diseased ileum as a side‐to‐side (SS) anastomosis with blind end closure of the small intestine. The effects of the blind end closure method on the performance of the anastomosis have not been studied.

Objectives

To compare handsewn and stapled blind end closures of the ileum and jejunum.

Study design

In vivo experiments.

Methods

JC was performed with either Parker–Kerr (PK; 6 horses) or oversewn stapled technique (OS; 6 horses) to close jejunum and ileum for an SS anastomosis. At surgery, peritoneal fluid was analysed and various anastomotic measurements and time to complete the anastomosis were recorded. Physical and haematological findings and serum amyloid A (SAA) were recorded postoperatively. At necropsy on day 7, anastomotic measurements and peritoneal fluid analysis were repeated. Tissues collected at surgery and necropsy underwent histological and immunohistological evaluations.

Results

Two PK horses developed intussusception of the jejunal blind end into the caecum and another PK horse was euthanised because of anastomotic impaction. One OS horse had mild postoperative colic. Postoperative peripheral neutrophil counts and SAA were similar between groups but SAA significantly (0.5 mg/L [0.3, 0.7], p < 0.001) increased with time in both. The OS jejunal blind ends (4.7 cm [4.41, 6.85]) were significantly larger (PK = 3.5 cm [3.3, 4.08], p = 0.004) and the OS blind ends (18.6 min ± 1.32) were significantly slower to complete (11.3 min ± 0.37, p = 0.002). Inflammation developed between the everting staple line and inverting suture line in the OS closure and along transected edges in the PK. Peritoneal fluid total protein increased significantly between surgery (19 g/L [19, 19]) and necropsy (34 g/L [30, 41], p < 0.001) without differences between groups.

Main limitations

Small sample size and short follow‐up.

Conclusion

Both blind‐end techniques could be acceptable, although more complications developed with the PK method. The anastomotic intussusceptions were unexpected and possibly unique to the anastomotic design.
A year in the molecular life sciences: 2024 highlights
Authors: Hmeljak Julija , Khawaja Hajrah , Martin Seamus
Published: January 2025

The FEBS Journal editorial team reviews the articles we published in 2024 and reflects on the year's highlights. The articles summarised here broadly cluster in three themes—molecular and cell biology across species, immunology, and cutting‐edge methods—whilst still showcasing the diversity of the scientific fields the journal covers. We look forward to many more excellent articles in 2025 and hope these highlights will inspire you to submit your next manuscript to The FEBS Journal.
Grasses of Saudi Arabia: A Review
Authors: Sayed Osama H. , Masrahi Yahya S.
Published: January 2025

Grasses are found in all Saudi Arabia habitats. Their success pertains to diverse growth habits, specific morpho‐anatomical features and distinctive photosynthetic attributes. Their composite evolution involved Early‐Cenozoic appearance in open‐habitats, Mid‐Cenozoic dominance in temperate regions and Late‐Cenozoic spread into tropics. This process is reflected in composite grassland development with Paleogene appearance of open‐habitat grasslands, Mid‐Neogene expansion of temperate grasslands and Late‐Neogene spread of tropical savannas. Holocene grass domestication involved genetic changes that induced traits pivotal for grass spread into new habitats. Palaeoanthropological evidence also revealed a crucial interplay between grass domestication and human agrarian history. Saudi Arabia diverse topography, vast latitudinal span, and steep altitudinal gradient encourage broad grass diversity distributed over saline saltmarshes, dry sand dunes, dry desert plains, arid desert pavements, cool highlands and cold mountains. This review briefly discusses grass origin, evolution, domestication and photosynthesis. It concisely describes geodiversity and climate of Saudi Arabia and presents comprehensive analysis of its grass origin, domestication, taxonomy, diversity, tolerance and photosynthesis. Grass distribution is also extensively discussed in relation to climatic gradients, edaphic properties, grass chorology and photosynthetic attributes crucial for species acclimation potential.
Cognitive impairment and domain‐specific life satisfaction among older adults: Findings from the Korean National Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Song Inmyung , Kim Dong‐Sook
Published: January 2025

Background

Overall life satisfaction among older adults is associated with cognitive impairment. However, little is known regarding its influence on satisfaction with specific domains of life, such as health, income status, and marital relationship. This study aims to analyze the relationship between cognitive impairment and satisfaction with specific domains of life in older Koreans.

Methods

This study used data from the Korean National Longitudinal Study on Aging from 2014 to 2020. Cognitive function was measured with the Mini‐Mental State Examination. Four different models are used to assess the effect of cognitive impairment on four different measures of life satisfaction. The dependent variable in each model was overall life satisfaction, satisfaction with health status, satisfaction with economic status, and satisfaction with marital relationship, respectively. A generalized estimating equation modeling approach was used to take advantage of panel data.

Results

In the weighted sample, 54.1% of the participants were women. The mean (± standard error) age of all participants was 68.9 (±0.1) years old. A total of 1671 participants (24.8%) had cognitive impairment. After adjustment of other variables, individuals without cognitive impairment were more satisfied with overall life (B = 2.75, P < 0.001), health status (B = 4.31, P < 0.001), economic status (B = 2.83, P < 0.001) and marital relationship (B = 3.36, P < 0.001) than impaired individuals.

Conclusion

Cognitive impairment in old age is significantly associated with overall life satisfaction as well as satisfaction with several domains of life, such as health, income status, and marital relationship. Cognitive impairment is more strongly associated with satisfaction with health status and marital relationship than on satisfaction with economic status. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2025; 25: 182–189.
Significance of location and extent of perineural invasion in early‐stage oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Mohamed Shima , Callanan Deirdre , Sheahan Patrick , Feeley Linda
Published: January 2025

Aims

Perineural invasion (PNI) is associated with survival in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC). There is evidence to suggest that PNI location and extent may be of additional significance. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic ability of PNI, including location and extent, in early‐stage OCSCC.

Methods and results

This was a retrospective study, with the main cohort comprising of 129 patients with pT1/T2 pN0/Nx TNM8 OCSCC. Slides were re‐reviewed in cases reported as having PNI to classify location as intratumoural (IT) and/or extratumoural (ET) and extent as unifocal (UF) or multifocal (MF). Univariate and multivariate analysis assessing impact of pathological features on survival outcomes was performed. On multivariate analysis, IT PNI was significantly associated with locoregional recurrence‐free survival (LRS) [odds ratio = 5.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.50–21.63, P = 0.01]. Disease‐specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS) were non‐significant. In comparison, ET PNI was predictive of LRS (odds ratio = 20.57, 95% CI = 3.48–121.73, P = 0.001), DSS (odds ratio = 40.47, 95% CI = 5.17–316.96, P = 0.0004) and OS (odds ratio = 11.92, 95% CI = 2.18–65.22, P = 0.004). Multifocal PNI was significant on univariate analysis for all three outcome parameters evaluated, but these findings were not maintained on multivariate assessment.

Conclusions

Extratumoural PNI is strongly predictive of survival outcomes, including OS, in early‐stage OCSCC. These findings support the reporting of PNI location as a mandatory data element. The impact of PNI extent requires further study.
Sound insulation performance of tempered vacuum glass: Theory and experiment
Authors: Yue Gaowei , Zhang Yanwen , Wang Lu , Li Minmin , Lin Haixiao , Li Yanbing
Published: January 2025

Compared with insulating glass, tempered vacuum glass (TVG) is not only safer, but also more effective in sound insulation and heat insulation. In this paper, for the sound insulation performance of tempered vacuum glass, the acoustic wave transfer model of TVG is established, and the equation for sound insulation is deduced by using wave transfer method (WTM). Then the actual sound insulation loss of tempered vacuum glass was tested based on the method of reverberation room and anechoic room. finally, the sound insulation loss of tempered vacuum glass under different factors is analyzed. The results show that the theoretical calculation results are consistent with the experimental results about the general change trend of the sound insulation. The thicker the glass, the better the sound insulation. The more the supports in vacuum layer of tempered vacuum glass, the smaller the sound insulation loss. The thickness of the vacuum layer has different sound insulation loss at different frequencies. When the thickness of the vacuum layer is about 0.25 mm, tempered vacuum glass has the best sound insulation performance. This research will have important guiding significance for the selection of building sound insulation glass and the design of sound insulation glass.
Integration of Immune Responses and Transcriptomic Signatures Reveals the Efficacy of Maternal Genetic Vaccination in a Pregnant Model and Its Neonates
Authors: Ahmed Sohail , Liu Guiqiong , Sadiq Amber , Farooq Umar , Yang Huiguo , Yongbin Liu , Yiyu Sha , Xiaodong Wang , Jiang Xunping
Published: January 2025

Maternal vaccination is essential for safeguarding both mother and foetus from infectious diseases. This study investigated the immunogenicity and efficacy of a maternal ORF‐B2L genetic vaccine in a pregnant rat model, focusing on maternal–neonatal immune modulation, placental and neonatal spleen transcriptomics and the underlying mechanisms contributing to neonatal immune development. Female rats received intramuscular injections of either a gene vaccine (GV) containing 200 μg of recombinant ORF‐B2L DNA and 50 μg of a subunit protein or an empty plasmid as a control. Results showed significantly higher levels of specific anti‐B2L antibodies and Th1 and Th2 cytokine levels in both maternal and neonatal sera from the GV group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Transcriptome analysis identified 1295 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the placenta and 998 DEGs in the neonatal spleen, with upregulated pathways associated with immune cell recruitment, cytokine signalling and hormone regulation in the GV group. Notably, upregulated DEGs such as TLR4, ESR1 and various cytokine/chemokine‐related genes in the placenta suggest enhanced immune regulation and foetal protection. In the neonatal spleen, increased expression of IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10 and CD69 indicates enhanced T and B cell development and pathogen defence. The upregulation of IL‐1β suggests a Th1 response, while elevated IL‐10 indicates a potential Th2‐biased immunity, reflecting a balanced Th1/Th2 response that is crucial for effective adaptive immunity. Overall, maternal ORF‐B2L genetic vaccination induces a robust immune response, enhancing maternal‐foetal protection and shaping neonatal immune responses, offering valuable insights for optimizing maternal vaccination strategies.
A Conversation With Amy Racine‐Poon
Authors: Sverdlov Oleksandr
Published: January 2025

Professor Dr. Amy Racine‐Poon is best known for her interdisciplinary contributions as an applied Bayesian statistician in the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare. She was born in Hong Kong and obtained a BA with upper honors in Mathematics (1970) from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She earned a PhD in statistics from the University of California, Berkeley, under the supervision of Erich L. Lehmann. She worked as a Lecturer at the Department of Statistics at UC Berkeley (1975–1977) and as a Statistician at the Biometry Branch of the National Institute of Environmental Health in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (1977–1980). Amy moved to Basel, Switzerland, in 1981 to join Ciba‐Geiby/Novartis AG, where she worked for 42 years (1981–2023) across different therapeutic areas and stages of drug development, applying her skills in advanced statistical and pharmacometric methodologies that led to the development of large number of new drugs. During her career, she was also a Visiting Professor at the Department of Mathematics, Imperial College London (1995–1997) and a Volunteer Statistical Expert at Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Washington (2015–2019). Amy Racine‐Poon's numerous honors include the Royal Statistical Society Greenfield Industrial Medal for Innovative Use of Statistics in the Industries (1995), Fellow of the American Statistical Association (1997), Novartis Distinguished Scientist Award (1999), American Statistical Association Youden Interlaboratory Research Award (2020) and the Sheiner‐Beal Pharmacometrics Award (2024) from the American Society of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. The following conversation took place between Oleksandr Sverdlov (Alex) and Amy Racine‐Poon (Amy) in October 2024.
Chance‐Corrected Interrater Agreement Statistics for Two‐Rater Dichotomous Responses: A Method Review With Comparative Assessment Under Possibly Correlated Decisions
Authors: Tian Zizhong , Chinchilli Vernon M. , Shen Chan , Zhou Shouhao
Published: January 2025

Measurement of the interrater agreement (IRA) is critical for assessing the reliability and validity of ratings in various disciplines. While numerous IRA statistics have been developed, there is a lack of guidance on selecting appropriate measures especially when raters' decisions could be correlated. To address this gap, we review a family of chance‐corrected IRA statistics for two‐rater dichotomous‐response cases, a fundamental setting that not only serves as the theoretical foundation for categorical‐response or multirater IRA methods but is also practically dominant in most empirical studies, and we propose a novel data‐generating framework to simulate correlated decision processes between raters. Subsequently, a new estimand, which calibrates the ‘true’ chance‐corrected IRA, is introduced while accounting for the potential ‘probabilistic certainty’. Extensive simulations were conducted to evaluate the performance of the reviewed IRA methods under various practical scenarios and were summarised by an agglomerative hierarchical clustering analysis. Finally, we provide recommendations for selecting appropriate IRA statistics based on outcome prevalence and rater characteristics and highlight the need for further advancements in IRA estimation methodologies.
Revisiting Estimation of Number of Trials in Binomial Distribution
Authors: Georgieva Mina , Vidakovic Brani
Published: January 2025

Estimating the parameter when is known or simultaneous estimation of and of the binomial distribution based on independent observations has been considered by many authors over the last several decades. A range of estimators have been proposed, and questions regarding asymptotic and small sample properties received adequate treatment. In this paper, we provide an extensive review and a comprehensive performance comparison of the estimators from the literature. We propose a conceptually simple estimator of that uses the marginal likelihood when is integrated out by simultaneous optimisation w.r.t. and the hyperparameters. We compare the proposed estimator with various existing estimators and find its performance competitive and, in some scenarios, superior.
Typical Atrial Flutter: A Practical Review
Authors: Johner Nicolas , Namdar Mehdi , Shah Dipen C.
Published: January 2025

Typical atrial flutter (AFL), defined as cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI)‐dependent macro‐re‐entrant atrial tachycardia, often causes debilitating symptoms, and is associated with increased incidence of atrial fibrillation, stroke, heart failure, and death. Typical AFL occurs in patients with atrial remodeling and shares risk factors with atrial fibrillation. It is also common in patients with a history of prior heart surgery or catheter ablation. It is characterized by a recognizable ECG pattern that is highly predictive of CTI‐dependent re‐entry in patients without iatrogenic atrial scars. Typical AFL is difficult to manage medically due to poor efficacy of rate‐controlling and antiarrhythmic drugs. Catheter ablation has been established in randomized trials to be superior to medical management in terms of safety, efficacy, and clinical outcomes including hospitalization and quality of life. Catheter ablation aims at achieving bidirectional conduction block across the CTI, which can be efficiently assessed by well‐established techniques such as differential pacing. Long‐term ablation success requires creating a stable transmural and continuous lesion, which can be optimized by systematic assessment of ablation parameters and lesion contiguity. The present review discusses the epidemiology, mechanisms, ECG characteristics, medical management, and catheter ablation of typical AFL.
Current Real‐World Status of Off‐Label Under‐ and Over‐Dose of Direct Oral Anticoagulants After Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Authors: Kino Tabito , Nogami Akihiko , Soejima Kyoko , Uno Kikuya , Kumagai Koichiro , Kurita Takashi , Fukuzawa Masayuki , Takita Atsushi , Ishizu Tomoko , Aonuma Kazutaka ,   and other members of the RYOUMA Registry Investigators
Published: January 2025

Background

Off‐label under‐ and overdosing of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is not uncommon in real‐world practice.

Objective

This study aimed to identify efficacy and safety of off‐label DOACs dose after AF ablation.

Methods

The RYOUMA registry was a prospective multicenter study of Japanese patients who underwent AF ablation between 2017 and 2018. DOAC prescriptions were categorized into on‐label standard dose, on‐label reduced dose, off‐label underdose, and off‐label overdose.

Results

The proportion of off‐label doses among patients after AF ablation varied depending on the type of DOAC, ranging from 13.5% to 34.9%. Of 2821 patients, 366 (13.0%) were prescribed an off‐label underdose and exhibited significantly higher CHADS2, CHA2DS2‐VASc, CHA2DS2‐VA, HELT‐E2S2, and HAS‐BLED scores, age, concomitant use of antiplatelets, and lower weight when compared to the on‐label standard dose (n = 1809). While the incidence of ischemic stroke after 1 year of off‐label underdose was notably low (0.28%), the rate of major bleeding was relatively high (1.7%). Off‐label overdose was prescribed to 134 patients (4.8%), who showed a significantly higher incidence of major bleeding (3.0%) compared to on‐label standard dose (0.91%; p = 0.02). The off‐label overdose group did not have any particular background and its thromboembolic risk was, conversely, low. The most likely cause of off‐label overdose was clinicians potentially overlooking dose criteria, including advanced age, low body weight, and low creatinine clearance.

Conclusions

In patients after AF ablation, off‐label DOAC overdose was infrequent, but significantly associated with higher incidence of major bleeding during the remote period after AF ablation.

Trial Registration

The study was registered as UMIN000026092 (University Hospital Medical Information Network‐Clinical Trial Registry).
Application of midnight‐noon ebb‐flow combined with five‐element music therapy in continuous nursing of patients with chronic wounds
Authors: Li Yaru , Wang Meng , Shi Zhigang , Wang Xiyu , Niu Yaojie
Published: January 2025

Background

To investigate the effect of Midnight‐noon Ebb‐flow combined with five‐element music therapy in the continuous nursing of patients with chronic wounds.

Methods

From March 2022 to November 2023, we recruited 50 eligible chronic wound patients and randomly divided them into two groups according to a random number table: the experimental group (n = 25) and the control group (n = 25). The control group was treated with conventional nursing measures. The experimental group received Midnight non Ebb flow Combined with Five element Music Therapy on the basis of the control group.

Results

The Self Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) of the experimental group (39.71 ± 4.30 points vs. 50.29 ± 3.54 points, t = 4.927，p < 0.001)、The Self Rating Depression Scale (SDS) (42.09 ± 6.23 points vs. 53.98 ± 3.50 points, t = 5.381，p < 0.001)、 The total score of the Pressure Ulcer Healing Scale (PUSH) (2.12 ± 3.71 points vs. 4.80 ± 3.76 points, t = 2.535, p = 0.015) was lower than that of the control group; The total score of the 36 item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36) (102.88 ± 5.88 vs 92.48 ± 6.99 points, t = −5.692, p < 0.001) was higher than that of the control group; Comparing the VAS scores of two groups of patients on days 1, 3, and 7, it was found that the control group was higher than the observation group at all three time points; Secondly, the effective rate of wound healing in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group (92% vs 68%, x2 = 4.500, p = 0.034).

Conclusion

Midnight‐noon Ebb‐flow combined with five‐element music therapy is a nursing intervention program with considerable benefits for the treatment of chronic wounds, such as effective progress in wound health outcomes, alleviation of patients’ anxiety, depression, and pain symptoms, and consequently improvement in quality of life.