bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concept analysis of “Insufficient health literacy” in older adults and refinement of a diagnosis proposal
Authors: da Silva Serejo Cardoso Rachel , Santana Rosimere Ferreira , Delphino Tallita Mello , Gomes Brandão Marcos Antônio , de Souza Priscilla Alfradique , Lopes Camila Takáo
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to conduct a thorough analysis of the concept of insufficient health literacy (IHL) in older adults and to refine a nursing diagnosis proposal while considering the specific characteristics of this demographic.

Methods

A comprehensive concept analysis was undertaken using Walker & Avant's method as a framework.

Findings

A systematic search across seventeen databases yielded 29 relevant studies for inclusion. Through analysis, we identified 15 antecedents, 3 attributes, and 7 consequents associated with IHL in older adults.

Conclusions

The concept analysis brought clarity to the understanding of IHL within older adults, facilitating the refinement of a diagnosis proposal. This process was instrumental in establishing a diagnostic structure that accounts for the unique needs and challenges faced by older adults.

Implications for nursing practice

The structured diagnosis derived from the concept analysis provides a solid theoretical foundation for nurses specializing in Gerontology. By tailoring care interventions to address the specific requirements of older adults, this framework enhances the quality of nursing practice and contributes to improved patient outcomes in geriatric care settings.
The role of phacoemulsification surgery in the incidence rate of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Authors: Nielsen Birgitte Romme , Alberti Mark , Høgild Morten Lyng , Bek Toke , Thinggaard Benjamin Sommer , Grauslund Jakob , Christensen Ulrik , la Cour Morten
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To investigate changes in the incidence rate of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) surgery over time and to determine to what extent these changes can be attributed to pseudophakia.

Methods

This nationwide cohort study was based on national patient registries. The study population comprised individuals at risk of RRD aged 40 years and above from 2006 to 2021 in Denmark. The primary outcome was RRD incidence, and the exposure was phacoemulsification surgery. A chart review was conducted to validate and examine the lens status of the outcome.

Results

The crude and age‐adjusted incidence rate of RRD in the Danish population increased significantly during the study period. The largest increase in RRD was seen in phakic RRD (phRRD) (65%), whereas pseudophakic RRD (pRRD) accounted for 35% of the total increase. A chart review revealed that 17% of phRRDs were misclassified as pseudophakic, resulting in pRRD accounting for a total of 45% of the increase in RRD. The prevalence of pseudophakia in Denmark grew significantly for all age groups and for both sexes (p = 10−6) from 2006 to 2021, but the 1‐year incidence of pRRD in the pseudophakic population was constant throughout the entire period.

Conclusion

The incidence rate of RRD is continuing to increase in Denmark. The increase in phRRD remains undetermined, and while the risk of pRRD seemed to be constant during the study period, 45% of the overall increase in RRD could be attributed to the rise of a growing pseudophakic population.
Implications of Jatropha curcas L. cake feed on swine health: A microbiota‐gut‐brain axis perspective
Authors: Zhang Zhenyu , Zhao Hua , Chen Xiaoling , Tian Gang , Liu Guangmang , Cai Jingyi , Jia Gang
Published: May 2024

The safety of Jatropha curcas L. cake (JCC) in animal feed remains under scrutiny, despite the advent of low phorbol ester (PE) variants. This study investigates the impact of low PE JCC on swine health when used as a protein feed. Pigs were fed a 5% JCC diet with a PE concentration of 0.98 mg/kg, which surprisingly still induced toxicity. Symptoms included depression, decreased food intake, increased diarrhea, along with hypothalamus and colon lesions. The toxicity was associated with a decrease in antioxidant enzymes, an increase in inflammatory cytokines in the hypothalamus, plasma, and colon, and a rise in pro‐inflammatory colon microbes and metabolites. Disturbances in neurotransmitters further suggest that this toxicity is related to disruption of the microbiota‐gut‐brain axis, indicating that JCC's toxic elements are not solely due to PE. The sensitivity of pigs to JCC underscores the need for thorough detoxification prior to its use as feed. These findings significantly contribute to the discourse on the safety of low PE JCC in animal feed, highlighting implications for both the feed industry and public health.
Flower visitor networks: Reduced reproductive success driven by antagonists in a hummingbird‐pollinated species
Authors: Gélvez‐Zúñiga Irene , Costa Fernanda V. , Teixido Alberto L. , Ashworth Lorena , Aguilar Ramiro , Fernandes G. Wilson
Published: May 2024

Flower–animal interactions encompass a continuum of mutualistic to antagonistic behaviors. Although the importance of pollinators in interaction networks has been widely reported, the role of floral antagonists remains overlooked. In Collaea cipoensis, an endemic shrub from southeastern Brazil, we modeled an individual‐based network assessing the flower visitors' functional behavior and tested if plant centrality increases fitness. Centrality indicates how well‐connected a given plant is with the rest of the conspecifics through shared flower visitors. Specifically, we tested if flower visitor interactions are amplified by many‐flowered individuals, and whether the relationship between centrality and plant fitness encompasses the effects of mutualists or antagonists. Subsequently, we quantified each visiting species' effectiveness. Antagonistic interactions were the most frequent in the network (97% of visits), primarily conducted by the nectar‐robbing bee Trigona spinipes (66%), which was also the most central species and detrimental antagonist. The hummingbirds Colibri serrirostris and Eupatomena macroura were the most efficient pollinators, with a high contribution to the quantity—floral visitation—and the quality—viable seeds—components, respectively. Many‐flowered plants showed greater centrality, which boosted the plant's cohesion in the network and increased flower visitation. Accordingly, many‐flowered plants were better connected, mainly due to antagonistic visitors. Thus, centrality increases were not positively translated into more reproductive success. Our results reinforce the dynamic scenarios of flower–animal interactions, with consequences to plant reproductive ecology. We highlight the importance of incorporating distinct types of interactions to unveil the complexity of interacting systems, that when not explored, hide potential evolutionary consequences for plant reproductive success.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
Exploring digital biomarkers using smartphones for fatigue assessment in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sakurai Kenzo , Takao Naoki , Nakano Yoko , Imai Takeshi , Isahaya Kenji , Yamano Yoshihisa
Published: May 2024

Objectives

The treatment goals for multiple sclerosis (MS) are shifting from relapse inhibition to the improvement of long‐term prognosis and quality of life (QoL). Fatigue reduces QoL in patients with MS. The methods for assessing and treating fatigue, particularly those that are easily applicable in clinical settings remain unestablished. This study aimed to explore and identify digital biomarkers related to fatigue using smartphones.

Methods

The patients with MS attending the Department of Neurology at St. Marianna University School of Medicine (Kanagawa, Japan) were surveyed via mail and responses were obtained online. The survey items included patient background such as age and sex, Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), which is one of the patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) and serves as a questionnaire method for assessing fatigue, as well as self‐assessments of depression, sleep, and pain. Additionally, the number of steps recorded on smartphones was collected as personal health records (PHRs) along with the time spent using smartphones.

Results

Overall, 27 (18 female) participants responded (response rate: 46.6%). The mean age was 41.0 ± 14.6 y and the majority (12 participants) had a disease duration of <5 y. According to self‐assessments, moderate or higher symptoms of depression, sleep disturbances, and pain were observed in 13 participants, 10 participants, and 6 participants, respectively. The daily number of steps ranged from 805 to 15 263 (median of 4514 steps). The number of steps was negatively correlated with FAS (r = −0.47, P = .02), and in cases with any physical disability, the number of steps was negatively correlated with FAS (r = −0.69, n = 0.01).

Conclusion

The number of steps automatically measured by smartphones could be a digital biomarker reflecting fatigue in MS patients.
Mesenchymal stem cell‐derived exosomes improve neurogenesis and cognitive function of mice with methamphetamine addiction: A novel treatment approach
Authors: Fallahi Solmaz , Zangbar Hamid Soltani , Farajdokht Fereshteh , Rahbarghazi Reza , Ghiasi Fariba , Mohaddes Gisou
Published: May 2024

Background

Methamphetamine (METH) is a psychostimulant substance with highly addictive and neurotoxic effects, but no ideal treatment option exists to improve METH‐induced neurocognitive deficits. Recently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)‐derived exosomes have raised many hopes for treating neurodegenerative sequela of brain disorders. This study aimed to determine the therapeutic potential of MSCs‐derived exosomes on cognitive function and neurogenesis of METH‐addicted rodents.

Methods

Male BALB/c mice were subjected to chronic METH addiction, followed by intravenous administration of bone marrow MSCs‐derived exosomes. Then, the spatial memory and recognition memory of animals were assessed by the Barnes maze and the novel object recognition test (NORT). The neurogenesis‐related factors, including NeuN and DCX, and the expression of Iba‐1, a microglial activation marker, were assessed in the hippocampus by immunofluorescence staining. Also, the expression of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF‐α and NF‐κB, were evaluated by western blotting.

Results

The results showed that BMSCs‐exosomes improved the time spent in the target quadrant and correct‐to‐wrong relative time in the Barnes maze. Also, NORT's discrimination index (DI) and recognition index (RI) were improved following exosome therapy. Additionally, exosome therapy significantly increased the expression of NeuN and DCX in the hippocampus while decreasing the expression of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF‐α and NF‐κB. Besides, BMSC‐exosomes down‐regulated the expression of Iba‐1.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that BMSC‐exosomes mitigated METH‐caused cognitive dysfunction by improving neurogenesis and inhibiting neuroinflammation in the hippocampus.
Reframing wildlife disease management problems with decision analysis
Authors: McEachran Margaret C. , Harvey Johanna A. , Mummah Riley O. , Bletz Molly C. , Teitelbaum Claire S. , Rosenblatt Elias , Rudolph F. Javiera , Arce Fernando , Yin Shenglai , Prosser Diann J. , Mosher Brittany A. , Mullinax Jennifer M. , DiRenzo Graziella V. , Couret Jannelle , Runge Michael C. , Grant Evan H. Campbell , Cook Jonathan D.
Published: May 2024

Contemporary wildlife disease management is complex because managers need to respond to a wide range of stakeholders, multiple uncertainties, and difficult trade‐offs that characterize the interconnected challenges of today. Despite general acknowledgment of these complexities, managing wildlife disease tends to be framed as a scientific problem, in which the major challenge is lack of knowledge. The complex and multifactorial process of decision‐making is collapsed into a scientific endeavor to reduce uncertainty. As a result, contemporary decision‐making may be oversimplified, rely on simple heuristics, and fail to account for the broader legal, social, and economic context in which the decisions are made. Concurrently, scientific research on wildlife disease may be distant from this decision context, resulting in information that may not be directly relevant to the pertinent management questions. We propose reframing wildlife disease management challenges as decision problems and addressing them with decision analytical tools to divide the complex problems into more cognitively manageable elements. In particular, structured decision‐making has the potential to improve the quality, rigor, and transparency of decisions about wildlife disease in a variety of systems. Examples of management of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, white‐nose syndrome, avian influenza, and chytridiomycosis illustrate the most common impediments to decision‐making, including competing objectives, risks, prediction uncertainty, and limited resources.
Metabolomic signatures of carfilzomib‐related cardiotoxicity in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Shabnaz Samia , Nguyen Trang N. , Williams Roy , Rubinstein Samuel M. , Garrett Timothy J. , Tantawy Marwa , Fradley Michael G. , Alomar Mohammed E. , Shain Kenneth H. , Baz Rachid C. , Lenihan Daniel , Cornell Robert F. , Lu Qing , Gong Yan
Published: May 2024

As a treatment for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (MM), carfilzomib has been associated with a significant risk of cardiovascular adverse events (CVAE). The goals of our study were to evaluate the metabolomic profile of MM patients to identify those at high risk prior to carfilzomib treatment and to explore the mechanisms of carfilzomib‐CVAE to inform potential strategies to protect patients from this cardiotoxicity. Global metabolomic profiling was performed on the baseline and post‐baseline plasma samples of 60 MM patients treated with carfilzomib‐based therapy, including 31 who experienced CVAE, in a prospective cohort study. Baseline metabolites and post‐baseline/baseline metabolite ratios that differ between the CVAE and no‐CVAE patients were identified using unadjusted and adjusted methods. A baseline metabolomic risk score was created to stratify patients. We observed a lower abundance of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (T‐UDCA) in CVAE patients at baseline (odds ratio [OR] = 0.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.21–0.94, p = 0.044) compared with the no‐CVAE patients. A metabolite risk score was able to stratify patients into three risk groups. The area under the receiver‐operating curve of the model with clinical predictors and metabolite risk score was 0.93. Glycochenodeoxycholic acid (OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.31–0.87, p = 0.023) was significantly lower in post‐baseline/baseline ratios of CVAE patients compared with no‐CVAE patients. Following metabolomic analysis, we created a baseline metabolite risk score that can stratify MM patients into different risk groups. The result also provided intriguing clues about the mechanism of carfilzomib‐CVAE and potential cardioprotective strategies.
Digital dermatopathology implementation: Experience at a multisite academic institution
Authors: Proffer Sydney L. , Reinhart Jacob , Ridgeway Jennifer L. , Barry Barbara , Kamath Celia , Gerdes Erin Wissler , Todd Austin , Cervenka Derek J. , DiCaudo David J. , Sokumbi Olayemi , Johnson Emma F. , Peters Margot S. , Wieland Carilyn N. , Comfere Nneka I.
Published: May 2024

Background

Technology has revolutionized not only direct patient care but also diagnostic care processes. This study evaluates the transition from glass‐slide microscopy to digital pathology (DP) at a multisite academic institution, using mixed methods to understand user perceptions of digitization and key productivity metrics of practice change.

Methods

Participants included dermatopathologists, pathology reporting specialists, and clinicians. Electronic surveys and individual or group interviews included questions related to technology comfort, trust in DP, and rationale for DP adoption. Case volumes and turnaround times were abstracted from the electronic health record from Qtr 4 2020 to Qtr 1 2023 (inclusive). Data were analyzed descriptively, while interviews were analyzed using methods of content analysis.

Results

Thirty‐four staff completed surveys and 22 participated in an interview. Case volumes and diagnostic turnaround time did not differ across the institution during or after implementation timelines (p = 0.084; p = 0.133, respectively). 82.5% (28/34) of staff agreed that DP improved the sign‐out experience, with accessibility, ergonomics, and annotation features described as key factors. Clinicians reported positive perspectives of DP impact on patient safety and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that DP has a high acceptance rate, does not adversely impact productivity, and may improve patient safety and care collaboration.
Association between two novel anthropometric measures and type 2 diabetes in a Chinese population
Authors: Wang Di , Chen Ziting , Wu Yinru , Ren Jiaojiao , Shen Dong , Hu Guifang , Mao Chen
Published: May 2024

Aims

To investigate the associations of conicity index (C‐index) and relative fat mass (RFM) with incident type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among adults in China.

Materials and Methods

A total of 10 813 participants aged over 18 years in Shenzhen Longhua district were enrolled in a follow‐up study conducted from 2018 to 2022. The participants were categorized based on quartiles (Q) of C‐index and RFM. The Cox proportional hazards model was performed to examine the relationships between C‐index, RFM and the risk of T2DM.

Results

After adjusting for potential confounding factors, including age, sex, occupation, marital status, education level, smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical exercise, hypertension status, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and total cholesterol (TC), both C‐index and RFM showed positive and independent associations with risk of T2DM. The multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for T2DM risk in participants in C‐index Q3 and Q4 compared with those in C‐index Q1 were 1.50 (1.12, 2.02) and 1.73 (1.29, 2.30), and 1.94 (1.44, 2.63), 3.18 (1.79, 5.64), 4.91 (2.68, 9.00) for participants in RFM Q2, Q3 and Q4 compared with RFM Q1. These differences were statistically significant (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

C‐index and RFM are strongly associated with new‐onset T2DM and could be used to identify the risk of diabetes in large‐scale epidemiological studies.
Long‐term changes in frailty and incident type 2 diabetes: A prospective cohort study based on the UK Biobank
Authors: Sun Ying , Li Weihao , Zhou Yinuo , Wang Bin , Tan Xiao , Lu Yingli , Zhu Jingjing , Shi Wentao , Wang Ningjian
Published: May 2024

Aims

To estimate the association between long‐term changes in frailty and the risk of incident type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and to evaluate the effect of preventing the worsening of frailty on the risk of T2DM.

Methods

We included 348 205 participants free of baseline T2DM and with frailty phenotype (FP) data from the UK Biobank; among them, 36 175 had at least one follow‐up assessment. According to their FP score, participants were grouped into nonfrailty, prefrailty and frailty groups. Frailty assessed at baseline and at follow‐up was used to derive the trajectory of frailty (ΔFP). Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Compared with those in the nonfrailty group at baseline, the HRs of T2DM for the prefrailty and frailty groups were 1.38 (95% CI 1.33–1.43) and 1.69 (95% CI 1.59–1.79), respectively (both p < 0.001), in the multivariable‐adjusted model. During a median follow‐up of 5.4 years after the final assessment, data for 472 T2DM patients were recorded. A 1‐point increase in the final FP was associated with a 25% (95% CI 1.14–1.38; p < 0.001) increased risk of T2DM. For the trajectory of frailty, each 0.5‐point/year increase in ΔFP was associated with a 52% (95% CI 1.18–1.97; p < 0.001) greater risk of T2DM, independent of the FP score at baseline. Compared with those that remained in the nonfrailty group, the greatest risk of T2DM over time was prefrailty aggravation (HR 3.03, 95% CI 2.00–4.58; p < 0.001). Using the frailty index did not materially change the results.

Conclusions

Long‐term changes in frailty were associated with the risk of incident T2DM, irrespective of baseline frailty status. Preventing the worsening of frailty may reduce T2DM risk.
Prognostic value of left atrial strain in aortic stenosis: A systematic review
Authors: Lacy Spencer C. , Thomas James D. , Syed Mushabbar A. , Kinno Menhel
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Aortic stenosis (AS) is a common valvular heart disease with high morbidity and mortality. Recently, the association between peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) and AS clinical outcomes has been identified. This systematic review evaluates the prognostic value of PALS for adverse events in AS.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature review to identify clinical studies that evaluated Speckle–Tracking Echocardiography (STE)‐derived PALS to predict adverse outcomes in patients with AS. We excluded studies that compared echocardiography to computed tomography and studies that focused on diseases other than AS.

Results

We included 18 studies reporting on 2660 patients. Patients with symptomatic AS had decreased PALS when compared to patients with asymptomatic AS. Patients with AS who had adverse events had decreased PALS when compared to patients with AS with no events. Each unit increase of PALS was independently associated with decreased risk for the primary endpoint. PALS cut‐off values were associated with increased risk for the primary endpoint.

Conclusion

This systematic review suggests PALS as an independent predictor for cardiovascular events in patients with AS and highlights the importance of evaluating LA mechanics for AS prognosis.
Evolution of Chinese futures markets from a high frequency perspective
Authors: Li Zhengqiang , Wang Tao , Drapeau Samuel , Tao Xuan
Published: May 2024

High‐frequency trading (HFT) and algorithmic trading (AT) have attracted considerable attention from the academic and regulatory communities, often highlighted for their contributions to enhancing market liquidity. However, the distinctive market framework in China may alter the operational dynamics of intraday trading, indicating that traditional HFT/AT paradigms might not fully apply. This study investigates the evolution of market quality in China from an HFT/AT perspective, using publicly available high‐frequency data for six futures products traded on the Shanghai Futures Exchange and the Dalian Commodity Exchange. Our findings reveals improvements in contract continuity and liquidity diversification from a daily perspective. Furthermore, the intraday analysis—especially following the increased availability of more granular data to market participants—suggests the emergence of more sophisticated algorithmic traders who enhance liquidity provision and contribute to reduced slippage costs for investors and hedgers.
First description of redds of the only non‐introgressed population of a critically endangered salmonid in a stream vulnerable to droughts
Authors: Duchi Antonino
Published: May 2024

Location, dimensions, substrate and depth of the redds of the only non‐introgressed population of the critically endangered Mediterranean trout Salmo cettii Rafinesque 1810 were investigated over 2 days, in January–February 2021, in a reach located in the headwaters of Tellesimo stream, Sicily. The habitat type (pool, riffle and glide) was identified for all the 13 redds observed; lengths, widths, depths and substrate size were measured in a sample of them. Eighty‐five percent of the redds were located in pools and 15% in glides; no redd was found in riffles. The median total redd length was 80 cm (range: 43–580 cm; n = 11), and the median total area was 0.20 m2 (range: 0.01–2.09 m2; n = 11). The median size of dominant substrate in pot was 0.65 cm (range: 0.20–2 cm) and in tailspill 1.25 cm (range: 0.50–2.00 cm). Redds were found at median water depth of 27.5 cm (range: 12–98 cm). These results represent the first description of the characteristics of the spawning nests of this autochthonous salmonid.
Exploring undiscovered public knowledge in neuroscience
Authors: França Thiago F. A.
Published: May 2024

In this essay, I argue that the combination of research synthesis and philosophical methods can fill an important methodological gap in neuroscience. While experimental research and formal modelling have seen their methods progressively increase in rigour and sophistication over the years, the task of analysing and synthesizing the vast literature reporting new results and models has lagged behind. The problem is aggravated because neuroscience has grown and expanded into a vast mosaic of related but partially independent subfields, each with their own literatures. This fragmentation not only makes it difficult to see the full picture emerging from neuroscience research but also limits progress in individual subfields. The current neuroscience literature has the perfect conditions to create what the information scientist Don Swanson called “undiscovered public knowledge”—knowledge that exists in the mutual implications of different published pieces of information but that is nonetheless undiscovered because those pieces have not been explicitly connected. Current methods for rigorous research synthesis, such as systematic reviews and meta‐analyses, mostly focus on combining similar studies and are not suited for exploring undiscovered public knowledge. To that aim, they need to be adapted and supplemented. I argue that successful exploration of the hidden implications in the neuroscience literature will require the combination of these adapted research synthesis methods with philosophical methods for rigorous (and creative) analysis and synthesis.
Interactive effects of climate warming and management on grassland soil respiration partitioning
Authors: Barneze Arlete S. , Whitaker Jeanette , McNamara Niall P. , Ostle Nicholas J.
Published: May 2024

Grassland ecosystems are important for the provision of food, fuel and fibre. They represent globally important carbon (C) reservoirs that are under pressure from intensive management and ongoing climate change. How these drivers of change will interact to affect grassland soil C and nitrogen (N) cycling and heterotrophic and autotrophic respiration remains uncertain. Roots and mycelia in grassland soil are important regulators of ecosystem functioning and likely to be an influential determinant of CO2 fluxes responses to global change. The aim of this study was to investigate the interactive effect of climate warming and grassland management on soil respiration originating from roots rhizosphere, mycelia and free‐living microbes. The experiment used a block design to measure the interactive effects of warming, nitrogen addition, aboveground biomass (AGB) removal on belowground respiration in a temperate grassland ecosystem. An in‐growth core method using cores with different mesh sizes was used to partition belowground respiration due to its simplicity of design and efficacy. We found that basal respiration (free‐living microorganisms) was the highest (58.5% of the total emissions), followed by that from roots (22.8%) and mycelia (18.7%) across all treatments. Warming reduced basal respiration whilst AGB removal increased it. An antagonistic interaction between warming and nitrogen addition reduced root respiration, and a three‐way interaction between warming, nitrogen addition and AGB removal affected mycelial respiration. The results show different contributions of belowground biota to soil respiration, and how interactions between climate change and grassland management may influence effects on soil respiration.
NETmicroplastic in agricultural soil and its impact on soil properties
Authors: Preininger Claudia , Hackl Evelyn , Stagl Viktoria
Published: May 2024

Implementing “soil health” means sustainable management of agricultural soils, avoiding toxicities, and sensible use of resources to minimize waste. In this context, the use of plastic in agriculture in form of plastic products, the application of polymers and additives in fertilizers, and plastic input through littering and tyre wear demands our special attention. Uncertainty and open questions relating to effects of plastic and its degradation products such as microplastic (MP) on the soil environment, the soil biota, and human health partly result from the lack of robust and standardized detection and measurement methods. Also, environmental, economic, and societal problems around MPs in soil cannot be adequately addressed due to lack of coordination among the various relevant players and initiatives in research and policy. NETmicroplastic (www.net-microplastic.eu) responds to the need of connecting among a fragmented research & innovation and policy landscape by creating a community‐supported environment. The network fosters provision of solid data for science‐based impact assessment of MP in soil together with much‐needed technological innovations, including biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastic. Here, we reflect upon a number of action fields that are key to the NETmicroplastic initiative from small to large‐scale perspectives. In addition, we portray the overall awareness situation around MP in soil.
Worldwide diversity in mammalian life histories: Environmental realms and evolutionary adaptations
Authors: Beccari E. , Capdevila P. , Salguero‐Gómez R. , Carmona C. P.
Published: May 2024

Mammalian life history strategies can be characterised by a few axes of variation, conforming a space where species are positioned based on the life history strategies favoured in the environment they exploit. Yet, we still lack global descriptions of the diversity of realised mammalian life history and how this diversity is shaped by the environment. We used six life history traits to build a life history space covering worldwide mammalian adaptation, and we explored how environmental realms (land, air, water) influence mammalian life history strategies. We demonstrate that realms are tightly linked to distinct life history strategies. Aquatic and aerial species predominantly adhere to slower life history strategies, while terrestrial species exhibit faster life histories. Highly encephalised terrestrial species are a notable exception to these patterns. Furthermore, we show that different mode of life may play a significant role in expanding the set of strategies exploitable in the terrestrial realm. Additionally, species transitioning between terrestrial and aquatic realms, such as seals, exhibit intermediate life history strategies. Our results provide compelling evidence of the link between environmental realms and the life history diversity of mammals, highlighting the importance of differences in mode of life to expand life history diversity.
The changing landscape of electrical stimulation language mapping with subdural electrodes and stereoelectroencephalography for pediatric epilepsy: A literature review and commentary
Authors: Reecher Hope M. , Bearden Donald J. , Koop Jennifer I. , Berl Madison M. , Patrick Kristina E. , Ailion Alyssa S.
Published: May 2024

Electrical stimulation mapping (ESM) is used to locate the brain areas supporting language directly within the human cortex to minimize the risk of functional decline following epilepsy surgery. ESM is completed by utilizing subdural grid or depth electrodes (stereo‐electroencephalography [sEEG]) in combination with behavioral evaluation of language. Despite technological advances, there is no standardized method of assessing language during pediatric ESM. To identify current clinical practices for pediatric ESM of language, we surveyed neuropsychologists in the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Consortium. Results indicated that sEEG is used for functional mapping at >80% of participating epilepsy surgery centers (n = 13/16) in the United States. However, >65% of sites did not report a standardized protocol to map language. Survey results indicated a clear need for practice recommendations regarding ESM of language. We then utilized PubMed/Medline and PsychInfo to identify 42 articles that reported on ESM of language, of which 18 met inclusion criteria, which included use of ESM/signal recording to localize language regions in children (<21 years) and a detailed account of the procedure and language measures used, and region‐specific language localization outcomes. Articles were grouped based on the language domain assessed, language measures used, and the brain regions involved. Our review revealed the need for evidence‐based clinical guidelines for pediatric language paradigms during ESM and a standardized language mapping protocol as well as standardized reporting of brain regions in research. Relevant limitations and future directions are discussed with a focus on considerations for pediatric language mapping.
Lesions sub‐diagnostic of endometrioid intra‐epithelial neoplasia/atypical hyperplasia: value of morphology and immunohistochemistry in predicting neoplastic outcome
Authors: Wyvekens Nicolas , Mutter George L , Nucci Marisa R , Kolin David L , Parra‐Herran Carlos
Published: May 2024

Aims

Areas of gland crowding that do not fulfil diagnostic criteria of endometrioid intra‐epithelial neoplasia (EIN) are often encountered in endometrial biopsies. In this study, we document the prevalence of neoplastic outcome in patients with these subdiagnostic lesions (SL) and assess the utility of morphological features and a three‐marker immunohistochemistry panel (PAX2, PTEN, beta‐catenin) to predict outcome.

Methods and results

Of 430 women with SL on endometrial sampling at Brigham and Women's Hospital between 2001 and 2021 with available follow‐up biopsy, 72 (17%) had a neoplastic outcome (EIN or endometrioid carcinoma). Multilayered epithelium and mitoses in SL were statistically associated with a neoplastic outcome. Abnormal three‐marker staining was observed in 93% (53 of 57) of SL with neoplastic outcome and 60% (37 of 62) of a control group with benign outcome. Among the 72 patients with neoplastic outcome, EIN/carcinoma tissue was available in 33; of these, 30 (91%) showed abnormal staining for one or more markers. Remarkably, in 84% of these cases the EIN/carcinoma had the aberrant expression seen in the preceding SL. Based on a prevalence of 17%, the positive and negative predictive values of abnormal staining in one or more markers were 24 and 97%, respectively.

Conclusions

The presence of SL warrants clinical surveillance and repeat sampling because it is followed by endometrioid neoplasia in a significant subset of patients. Normal three‐marker staining identifies women with a very low risk of neoplastic outcome. Conversely, abnormal staining is frequent in SL with benign outcome leading to poor specificity and positive predictive value.
The cynipid gall wasp Diplolepis rosae is more successful in North America than in Europe because of enemy release
Authors: László Zoltán , Looney Chris , Prázsmári Hunor , Poor Emily , Shorthouse Joseph D.
Published: May 2024

The Enemy Release Hypothesis predicts that introduced species in their new range are freed from natural enemies (e.g., pathogens, parasitoids and predators) that control their populations.

Diplolepis rosae (Hymenoptera, Diplolepididae), native to the Western Palearctic, induces readily apparent galls on wild roses (Rosa spp.) that support a robust component community of inquilines, parasitoids and hyperparasitoids in its native range. D. rosae was introduced to North America in the mid‐1800s, and has since become widespread and common across the continent.

We compared the insect communities associated with D. rosae galls from Canada and the US Pacific Northwest with those of Eastern Europe.

Throughout its introduced range, parasitism rates were lower compared with galls in their natural range. Component communities were also less diverse and species‐rich. The relationship between gall size and parasitism rates showed no significant difference between the two continents.

These results show that the component community in its introduced range is depauperate and provide support for the Enemy Release Hypothesis.
Genome evolution in intracellular parasites: Microsporidia and Apicomplexa
Authors: Khalaf Amjad , Francis Ore , Blaxter Mark L.
Published: May 2024

Microsporidia and Apicomplexa are eukaryotic, single‐celled, intracellular parasites with huge public health and economic importance. Typically, these parasites are studied separately, emphasizing their uniqueness and diversity. In this review, we explore the huge amount of genomic data that has recently become available for the two groups. We compare and contrast their genome evolution and discuss how their transitions to intracellular life may have shaped it. In particular, we explore genome reduction and compaction, genome expansion and ploidy, gene shuffling and rearrangements, and the evolution of centromeres and telomeres.
Cardiac development demystified by use of the HDBR atlas
Authors: Anderson Robert H. , Kerwin Janet , Lamers Wouter H. , Hikspoors Jill P. J. M. , Mohun Timothy J. , Chaudhry Bill , Lisgo Steven , Henderson Deborah J.
Published: May 2024

Much has been learned over the last half century regarding the molecular and genetic changes that take place during cardiac development. As yet, however, these advances have not been translated into knowledge regarding the marked changes that take place in the anatomical arrangements of the different cardiac components. As such, therefore, many aspects of cardiac development are still described on the basis of speculation rather than evidence. In this review, we show how controversial aspects of development can readily be arbitrated by the interested spectator by taking advantage of the material now gathered together in the Human Developmental Biology Resource; HDBR. We use the material to demonstrate the changes taking place during the formation of the ventricular loop, the expansion of the atrioventricular canal, the incorporation of the systemic venous sinus, the formation of the pulmonary vein, the process of atrial septation, the remodelling of the pharyngeal arches, the major changes occurring during formation of the outflow tract, the closure of the embryonic interventricular communication, and the formation of the ventricular walls. We suggest that access to the resource makes it possible for the interested observer to arbitrate, for themselves, the ongoing controversies that continue to plague the understanding of cardiac development.
Factors affecting quality of life in hepatitis B patients in Herat, Afghanistan: A case–control study
Authors: Shayan Nasar Ahmad , Rahimi Ali , Stranges Saverio , Thind Amardeep
Published: May 2024

Hepatitis B virus is a global health concern with a high death rate in Afghanistan. Limited data exist on the disease's impact on quality of life in low‐resource settings. This case–control study aims to identify potential risk factors and assess the quality of life among hepatitis B patients in Herat, Afghanistan, with a focus on sex differences. Understanding these factors can inform prevention, care, and sex‐specific interventions. A cross‐sectional study conducted at Herat Regional Hospital examined hepatitis B patients above 18 years old, between October 2020 and February 2021. The control group consisted of age and sex‐matched individuals without a history of hepatitis B. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire covering socio‐demographic characteristics, signs and symptoms of hepatitis B, and the SF‐36 questionnaire for measuring the quality of life of study participants. Statistical analysis was performed using multivariate General Linear Models, and logistic regression. We identified several potential risk factors for hepatitis B infection, including male sex, younger age groups, tobacco use, lower education levels, rural residence, family history, weak social networks, specific family structures and underlying chronic diseases (p < .05). The study found that hepatitis B cases had significantly lower mean scores across all SF‐36 components, indicating an overall reduced quality of life (p < .05). These differences were more pronounced in males, although females had lower scores in most components. Role limitations due to physical and emotional health were particularly affected. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions, sex‐specific strategies, improved healthcare access and comprehensive policies. These findings can inform prevention efforts to improve the overall quality of life of people with hepatitis B in Afghanistan.
Pediatric catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome with extensive skin involvement
Authors: Pradhan Swetalina , Sinha Asmita , Dash Gaurav , Ojha Vishnu
Published: May 2024

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a state of hypercoagulability due to persistent antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) in the blood. Catastrophic APS (CAPS) is a severe form with higher morbidity and mortality in which there occurs widespread thrombosis in multiple organs and hence warrants early diagnosis and aggressive management. We report a case of pediatric CAPS with extensive cutaneous involvement precipitated by infection successfully treated with the combination of high dose systemic corticosteroids, antibiotics, long‐term anticoagulation, and wound care.
Carcinogenic risk in patients treated with UVA‐1 phototherapy: A 5‐year retrospective study
Authors: Cosetti Davide , Cioppa Vittoria , Rubegni Pietro , Trovato Emanuele
Published: May 2024

Background

UVA‐1 phototherapy was first used to treat atopic dermatitis and afterwards to several other skin diseases. The contribution of UVA‐1 in human photocarcinogenesis, skin photoaging, immune suppression, and hyperpigmentation is now well established. The actual contribution of UVA‐1 radiation to the development of malignant melanoma (MM) in humans cannot be excluded.

Purpose

The aim of the study is to evaluate the risk of developing skin cancers (non‐melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) and MM) in patients treated with UVA‐1 phototherapy with a 5‐year dermatological follow‐up.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study with 31 patients with morphea and atopic dermatitis treated with medium dose UVA‐1 phototherapy (34 J/cm2). All enrolled patients underwent an oncologic prevention visit annually with a 5‐year follow‐up with clinical evaluation of the entire skin surface.

Results

During the 5‐year follow‐up, we recorded a case of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in the cervical region and one case of MM on the back (pT1a). In both cases, the patients were female and affected by morphea. The Glogau 3 group is prevalent (42%), which is consistent with moderate to severe aging; the data appear to be compatible with the age.

Conclusions

This study attests that medium‐dose UVA‐1 phototherapy does not increase the risk of developing skin tumors and that UVA‐1 phototherapy is not a worsening factor of facial photoaging. The main limitation of the study is the small sample size, avoiding to obtain statistically significant values. It was not possible to analyze individually the actual daily sun exposure during the 5‐year observation period and to correlate it in terms of time and tumor development. Further studies with large sample sizes will be needed to confirm our data. Our study reaffirms how the dermatological examination performed annually is essential in the follow‐up of patients undergoing this type of therapy.
The association between family dynamics and Positive Youth Development in secondary education students
Authors: Grasmeijer Anna J. , Gomez‐Baya Diego , Camacho Carlos , Mendoza‐Berjano Ramón
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The Positive Youth Development (PYD) framework is a strengths‐based approach to adolescence that states that adolescents will thrive if nurtured by the right developmental assets. The family is one of the most important developmental assets, but studies about the relationship between family dynamics and the overall PYD of adolescents are scarce.

Objective

The present study aims to examine the associations between five family dynamics indicators and PYD, while taking into account the role of gender.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was carried out with a representative sample of adolescents from the city of Huelva, Spain (n = 1,036). Data were collected in 14 randomly selected secondary education schools. A Structural Equation Model (SEM) was tested to determine the effect of family dynamics on PYD, both for the whole sample and within each gender.

Results

The SEM for the whole sample showed a positive effect of the family dynamics factor on the PYD factor, explaining 51.8% of its variance. The indicators of satisfaction with the relationship with the mother, satisfaction with the relationship with the father, frequency of engaging in joint family activities on weekends, and frequency of sharing daily occurrences at home showed factor loadings over 0.50, while the indicator of frequency of contribution to household chores had the lowest loading. The family dynamics factor in the model with the subsample of girls explained 54.8% of the variance in PYD, while in the SEM with the subsample of boys this factor explained 47.6% of it. Additionally, among girls, the relative influence of satisfaction in the relationship with the parents, as well as of frequently discussing the day at home, is higher than among boys.

Conclusion

These results highlight a strong association between family dynamics indicators and PYD among adolescents and indicate that this relationship is stronger for girls than for boys. Intersectoral policies enhancing improvements in family dynamics (e.g., facilitating the practice of joint family activities on weekends) may have a relevant impact on PYD.
Information-Theoretic Bayesian Inference for Multi-Agent Localization and Tracking of an Radio Frequency Target With Unknown Waveform
Authors: Olsen Nathaniel R. , McKee Sasha M. , Haddadin Osama S. , Lyon Scott M. , Campbell Jared E. , Leang Kam K.
Published: May 2024

Information-theoretic motion planning and machine learning through Bayesian inference are exploited to localize and track a dynamic radio frequency (RF) emitter with unknown waveform (uncooperative target). A target-state estimator handles non-Gaussian distributions, while mutual information is utilized to coordinate the motion control of a network of mobile sensors (agents) to minimize measurement uncertainty. The mutual information is computed for pairs of sensors through a four-permutation-with-replacement process. The information surfaces are combined to create a composite map, which is then used by agents to plan their motion for more efficient and effective target estimation and tracking. Simulations and physical experiments involving micro-aerial vehicles with time difference of arrival (TDOA) measurements are performed to evaluate the performance of the algorithm. Results show that when two or three agents are used, the algorithm outperforms state-of-the-art methods. Results also show that for four or more agents, the performance is as competitive as an idealized static sensor network.