bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical outcomes and predictive value for major complications of robot‐assisted radical cystectomy of real‐world data in a single institution in Japan
Authors: Yasuda Yosuke , Numao Noboru , Fujiwara Ryo , Takemura Kosuke , Yoneoka Yusuke , Oguchi Tomohiko , Yamamoto Shinya , Yonese Junji
Published: March 2024

Objective

The objective of the study was to describe the surgical outcome of robot‐assisted radical cystectomy and predictive factors for major complications in real‐world clinical practice at a single institution in Japan.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 208 consecutive patients undergoing robot‐assisted radical cystectomy at our institution between 2019 and 2023. Patient and disease characteristics, intraoperative details, and perioperative outcomes were reviewed. Postoperative complications were defined as minor complications (Clavien–Dindo grades 1–2) or major complications (grades 3–5). Predictors of complications were examined using multivariable logistic analysis.

Results

Overall, 147 men and 61 women, median age 70 years (interquartile range, 62–77), were included in this study. Median operative time and estimated blood loss were 8.4 h and 185 mL, respectively; 11 patients (5%) received intraoperative blood transfusions. For urinary diversions, ileal conduit, neobladder, and cutaneous ureterostomy were performed in 153 (74%), 49 (24%), and 6 (3%) patients, respectively. Urinary diversions were primarily performed with extracorporeal urinary diversion. In total, 140 complications occurred in 111 patients (53%) within 30 days. Of these patients, 31 major complications occurred in 28 patients, and one perioperative death (0.5%) with a postoperative cardiovascular event. Multivariable analysis showed only prolonged operative time (odds ratio: 4.34, 95% confidence interval: 1.82–10.35, p < 0.01) was the independent risk factor for major complications.

Conclusions

This study reports surgical outcomes at our single institution. Prolonged operative time was a significant prognostic factor for major complications. As far as we know, this study reports the largest number of robot‐assisted radical cystectomy cases at a single center in Japan.
Ligand binding properties of three odorant‐binding proteins in striped flea beetle Phyllotreta striolata towards two phthalate esters
Authors: Xiao Yong , Wu Yuhong , Lei Chunmei , Yin Fei , Peng Zhengke , Jing Xiangfeng , Zhang Yongjun , Li Zhenyu
Published: March 2024

Odorant‐binding proteins (OBPs) initiate insect olfactory perception and mediate specific binding and selection of odorants via uncertain binding mechanisms. We characterized the binding characteristics of four OBPs from the striped flea beetle Phyllotreta striolata (SFB), a major cruciferous crop pest. Tissue expression analysis revealed that the two ABPII OBPs (PstrOBP12 and PstrOBP19) were highly expressed mainly in the antenna, whereas the two minus‐C OBPs (PstrOBP13 and PstrOBP16) showed a broad expression pattern. Competitive binding assays of cruciferous plant volatiles showed that PstrOBP12, PstrOBP16 and PstrOBP19 had very strong binding capacities for only two phthalate esters (Ki < 20 μM), and PstrOBP13 specifically bound to four aromatic volatiles (Ki < 11 μM). Fluorescence quenching assays displayed that two phthalate esters bound to three PstrOBPs via different quenching mechanisms. PstrOBP12/PstrOBP16–diisobutyl phthalate and PstrOBP19–bis(6‐methylheptyl) phthalate followed static quenching, while PstrOBP12/PstrOBP16–bis(6‐methylheptyl) phthalate and PstrOBP19–diisobutyl phthalate followed dynamic quenching. Homology modelling and molecular docking displayed that PstrOBP12–diisobutyl phthalate was driven by H‐bonding and van der Waals interactions, while PstrOBP16–diisobutyl phthalate and PstrOBP19–bis(6‐methylheptyl) phthalate followed hydrophobic interactions. Finally, behavioural activity analysis demonstrated that phthalate esters exhibited different behavioural activities of SFB at different doses, with low doses attracting and high doses repelling. Overall, we thus revealed the different binding properties of the three PstrOBPs to two phthalate esters, which was beneficial in shedding light on the ligand‐binding mechanisms of OBPs.
Prevention and treatment of HPV‐related cancer through a mRNA vaccine expressing APC‐targeting antigen
Authors: Li Xiaoxuan , Wang Huiyan , Lai Wujiang , Liao Jinrong , Mo Wenyu , Huang Keke , He Liqing , Liang Xiaomei , Yu Zhibin , Xu Jiang , Hua Xianwu , Hou Fujun , Ding Jun , Jia William Wei‐Guo , Zhang Kuan , Wang Yifeng
Published: March 2024

Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with multiple malignancies. Developing therapeutic vaccines to eliminate HPV‐infected and malignant cells holds significant value. In this study, we introduced a lipid nanoparticle encapsulated mRNA vaccine expressing tHA‐mE7‐mE6. Mutations were introduced into E6 and E7 of HPV to eliminate their tumourigenicity. A truncated influenza haemagglutinin protein (tHA), which binds to the CD209 receptor on the surface of dendritic cells (DCs), was fused with mE7‐mE6 in order to allow efficient uptake of antigen by antigen presenting cells. The tHA‐mE7‐mE6 (mRNA) showed higher therapeutic efficacy than mE7‐mE6 (mRNA) in an E6 and E7+ tumour model. The treatment resulted in complete tumour regression and prevented tumour formation. Strong CD8+ T‐cell immune response was induced, contributing to preventing and curing of E6 and E7+ tumour. Antigen‐specific CD8+ T were found in spleens, peripheral blood and in tumours. In addition, the tumour infiltration of DC and NK cells were increased post therapy. In conclusion, this study described a therapeutic mRNA vaccine inducing strong anti‐tumour immunity in peripheral and in tumour microenvironment, holding promising potential to treat HPV‐induced cancer and to prevent cancer recurrence.
Association between stress and catecholamines with painful TMD in children
Authors: Restrepo‐Serna Claudia , Santamaría‐Villegas Adriana
Published: March 2024

Background

Studying biomarkers in children with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine may reveal factors like screen time or sleep loss that affect these biomarkers and predict TMD‐related pain, offering new research opportunities.

Aim

To determine the association between stress and catecholamines with myofascial pain and headache related to TMD in children.

Design

Sixty‐six 9‐ to 11‐year‐old children assisting at the clinics of Pediatric Dentistry of Universidad CES participated in the study. Myofascial pain and headache attributed to TMD were determined according to the Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (DC/TMD) Axis I. Stress was evaluated with the Perceived Stress Scale—Children (PSS‐C), and a 24‐h urine sample was analyzed using liquid chromatography to assay catecholamines. Single and multiple regression analyses were performed.

Results

Children with a mean age of 10.3 years participated in the study. The mean score of stress was 29 ± 4. Perceived stress, dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine were statistically significant predictors of myofascial pain and headache attributed to TMD in the single‐ and multiple variable logistic regression analyses.

Conclusion

Stressful states and its biological biomarkers increase the probability of developing myofascial pain and headache attributed to TMD in children.
Thriving in a bruising job: How high achieving IT professionals can cope with occupational demands
Authors: Mattern Jana , Tarafdar Monideepa , Klein Stefan , Schellhammer Stefan
Published: March 2024

We report on a study of high performing IT professionals in a global IT services company, whose exceptional performance in a highly demanding work environment raises the question of how they cope with their occupational demands. While literature has focused primarily on technology‐induced stressors and associated coping behaviours of IT users, our study examines distinctive coping behaviours of IT professionals in response to diverse occupational demands. We combine qualitative interviews and heart rate variability data from an exemplar sample of 15 high performing IT professionals to provide insights into their psychological and physiological strain levels respectively. Our participants exhibit four strain levels, each related to a distinctive combination of coping behaviours, which we abductively theorise as coping portfolios. We find that high performing IT professionals with both a low psychological and physiological strain level apply a broad and varied portfolio of coping behaviours in response to diverse occupational demands. We contribute to IS research on IT professionals by studying the coping behaviours of an exemplar sample of high performing IT professionals in a leading IT firm. Theoretically, we complement the established concepts of coping flexibility and coping repertoires by introducing the notion of coping portfolios.
Influence of (Ta Nb Ti V) C powders synthesized by molten salt at low temperature on densification and properties of high entropy carbide ceramics
Authors: An Hongbin , Chen Ruoyu , Li Saisai , Huang Lingfeng , Jia Wenbao , Wu Qianfang , Mao Aiqing
Published: March 2024

Powder synthesis is crucial for achieving the densification and facilitating widespread applications of high entropy carbide (HEC). Specifically, the production of fine particle‐size powders is essential to enhance the densification of HECs. Consequently, this paper proposes the molten salt method for synthesizing HEC powders. The synthesis process successfully yielded (Ta Nb Ti V) C powders with a particle size of only 0.44 µm at 1400°C, exhibiting a uniform distribution of each element. Subsequent densification of (Ta Nb Ti V) C within the 1700–1900°C temperature range was carried out using spark plasma sintering. It was observed that as the densification temperature increased, the densification and mechanical properties of HEC significantly improved. This study presents innovative ideas for the preparation of HEC at lower temperatures.
Peak frequency mapping of atypical atrial flutter
Authors: Karatela Maham F. , Dowell Robert S. , Friedman Daniel J. , Jackson Kevin P. , Thomas Kevin L. , Piccini Jonathan P.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Peak frequency (PF) mapping is a novel method that may identify critical portions of myocardial substrate supporting reentry. The aim of this study was to describe and evaluate PF mapping combined with omnipolar voltage mapping in the identification of critical isthmuses of left atrial (LA) atypical flutters.

Methods and Results

LA omnipolar voltage and PF maps were generated in flutter using the Advisor HD‐Grid catheter (Abbott) and EnSite Precision Mapping System (Abbott) in 12 patients. Normal voltage was defined as ≥0.5 mV, low‐voltage as 0.1−0.5 mV, and scar as <0.1 mV. PF distributions were compared with ANOVA and post hoc Tukey analyses. The 1 cm radius from arrhythmia termination was compared to global myocardium with unpaired t‐testing. The mean age was 65.8 ± 9.7 years and 50% of patients were female. Overall, 34 312 points were analyzed. Atypical flutters most frequently involved the mitral isthmus (58%) or anterior wall (25%). Mean PF varied significantly by myocardial voltage: normal (335.5 ± 115.0 Hz), low (274.6 ± 144.0 Hz), and scar (71.6 ± 140.5 Hz) (p < .0001 for all pairwise comparisons). All termination sites resided in low‐voltage regions containing intermediate or high PF. Overall, mean voltage in the 1 cm radius from termination was significantly lower than the remaining myocardium (0.58 vs. 0.95 mV, p < .0001) and PF was significantly higher (326.4 vs. 245.1 Hz, p < .0001).

Conclusion

Low‐voltage, high‐PF areas may be critical targets during catheter ablation of atypical atrial flutter.
On the occurrence of a post‐larval specimen of Brosme brosme (Gadiformes: Lotidae) on Porcupine Bank (west Ireland)
Authors: Baldó Francisco , De Carlos Alejandro , Bañón Rafael
Published: March 2024

The occurrence of a small specimen of Brosme brosme (Gadiformes: Lotidae) from the Porcupine Bank is reported. A single specimen with a total length of 73.2 mm was caught with bottom trawl at a depth of 322 m depth in 2017. The specimen was identified morphologically and confirmed by molecular taxonomy using DNA barcoding. Based on the size and ontogenetic characters found, the specimen was identified as a post‐larval individual, and a pelagic habitat of the specimen seems more likely.
Neuroendocrine neoplasms: Consensus on a patient care pathway
Authors: Hooper Jessica , Jervis Nikie , Morgan Lucy , Beckett Vivienne , Hand Philippa , Higgs Kate , Munir Alia , Prinn Jenny , Pritchard D Mark , Sarker Debashis , Srirajaskanthan Raj , Ellis Catherine Bouvier
Published: March 2024

People with neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) face a multitude of challenges, including delayed diagnosis, low awareness of the cancer among healthcare professionals and limited access to multidisciplinary care and expert centres. We have developed the first patient care pathway for people living with NENs in England to guide disease management and help overcome these barriers. The pathway was developed in two phases. First, a pragmatic review of the literature was conducted, which was used to develop a draft patient care pathway. Second, the draft pathway was then updated following semi‐structured interviews with carefully selected expert stakeholders. After each phase, the pathway was discussed among a multidisciplinary, expert advisory group (which comprised the authors and the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust), who reached a consensus on the ideal care pathway. This article presents the outputs of this research. The pathway identified key barriers to care and highlighted how these may be addressed, with many of the findings relevant to the rest of the UK and international audiences. NENs are increasing in incidence and prevalence in England, compounding pre‐existing inequities in diagnosis and disease management. Effective integration of this pathway within NHS England will help achieve optimal, equitable care provision for all people with NENs, and should be feasible within the existing expert multidisciplinary teams across the country.
Interventions to improve nurse–family communication in the emergency department: A scoping review
Authors: Bissonette Sarah , Chartrand Julie , Bailey Liana , Lalonde Michelle , Tyerman Jane
Published: March 2024

Aim

To determine and describe what interventions exist to improve nurse–family communication during the waiting period of an emergency department visit.

Background

Communication between nurses and families is an area needing improvement. Good communication can improve patient outcomes, satisfaction with care and decrease patient and family anxiety.

Design

Scoping Review.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institution methodology: (1) identify the research question, (2) define the inclusion criteria, (3) use a search strategy to identify relevant studies using a three‐step approach, (4) select studies using a team approach, (5) data extraction, (6) data analysis, and (7) presentation of results.

Data Sources

Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsychInfo and grey literature were searched on 3 August 2022.

Results

The search yielded 1771 articles from the databases, of which 20 were included. An additional seven articles were included from the grey literature. Paediatric and adult interventions were found targeting staff and family of which the general recommendations were summarised into communication models.

Conclusion

Future research should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of interventions using a standardised scale, understanding the specific needs of families, and exploring the communication models developed in this review.

Implications for Clinical Practice

Communication models for triage nurses and all emergency department nurses were developed. These may guide nurses to improve their communication which will contribute to improving family satisfaction.

Reporting Method

PRISMA‐ScR.

Trial and Protocol Registration

Protocol has been registered with the Open Science Framework, registration number 10.17605/OSF.IO/ETSYB.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Product categorization of Korean rice wine (makgeolli) compared to beer and wine using sensory evaluation methods
Authors: Wong Barry , Phillips Megan , Kam Rothman
Published: March 2024

This study aims to investigate the product categorization and characterization of makgeolli (Korean rice wine [KRW]) among beer and wine samples. Projective mapping with ultra‐flash profiling (PM with UFP) (n = 68) was conducted with 12 alcoholic beverage samples, including wines, beers, and makgeolli, and showed that participants characterized wine based on fruitiness, beer on bitterness, and makgeolli on sourness. s showed that PM with UFP had a combined explained variance of 47.4% with beer, wine, and makgeolli grouped separately. However, when participants were separated based on wine knowledge, low wine knowledge participants placed Shiraz close to makgeolli indicating participants were using a different metric in grouping the alcoholic beverage samples. When participants were tasked with using polarized sensory positioning (n = 91) to characterize makgeolli and wines, participants regardless of wine knowledge showed that wine and makgeolli had unique sensory traits and thus should be categorized differently.

Practical Applications

Research on KRW (makgeolli) is relatively limited in Western societies and this study attempts to understand how participants categorize makgeolli in New Zealand among different alcoholic beverages using projective and characterizing methods. Based on the categorization theory, it is important to position the product properly in the food and beverage categories as consumers may use the category cues to evaluate makgeolli and use products such as beer or wine within the same category as price anchors for makgeolli's price in the market. The results showed that participants categorize makgeolli differently compared to wine and beer; therefore, it would be beneficial to position makgeolli separately. Practical applications may include creating a separate section on a restaurant beverage menu, a webpage on an alcoholic beverage seller's website, or a small sub‐section on the retail store shelf. Placing makgeolli in the wine section as previously suggested is not recommended.
Picto‐verbal representation: Types and features of unreliable narration in comics
Authors: Xu Lian
Published: March 2024

Scholars have underestimated comics as an art form. This article uses an analysis of unreliable narration to show the complexity of this narrative mechanism in comics and, in turn, the sophistication of comics. Groensteen divides comic narrators into reciters and monstrators, and this distinction provides the basis to discuss unreliable narration in comics. This article categorizes comics with unreliable narration into mono‐sequence and dual‐sequence unreliable narrations according to the picto‐verbal relationship in the works. Moreover, medium‐specific features of comics such as spatialization of time and panel designs lead to unique types of unreliability.
Histological alterations in chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) roots associated with sudden wilt syndrome
Authors: Salaria Pooja , Jain Sandeep , Kalia Anu , Anjali
Published: March 2024

Sudden wilt syndrome of chilli, an emerging and destructive disorder, is characterized by an abrupt appearance that has increased in Indo‐Gangetic alluvial plains over the past decade. The primary cause associated with the problem is water stagnation that creates hypoxic conditions in the root zone, and the plant mortality is further aggravated by soil‐borne fungi Fusarium oxysporum. The effects of sudden wilt on chilli roots were studied morphologically and histologically, using root scanning, optical microscopy and electron microscopy. Significant changes with respect to root length, projected area, number of root tips and root segments, average root diameter as well as estimated volume of roots were observed via root scanning of healthy and diseased root samples. Through optical microscopy of sections of the microtome‐cut root junctions displayed normal epidermis in healthy plants, while swollen cells indicated stress in the diseased plants. Cells of laterals and root tips in healthy plants were intact and stained strongly, but because of damaged tissues, cells in diseased plants were macerated and stained weakly. Root tips of healthy plants contained mitotic zones, whereas diseased root tips lacked mitotic zones. Electron microscopy studies revealed that sudden wilt had an adverse impact on xylem diameter, stele diameter, epidermal thickness and cortex thickness as evidenced by significantly lesser values of these parameters. The present study is the first systematic attempt to examine the morphological, histological and ultrastructural changes in chilli in response to sudden wilt syndrome.
Healthcare for people with intellectual disabilities in the Netherlands
Authors: Huisman Sylvia , Festen Dederieke , Bakker‐van Gijssel Esther
Published: March 2024

In this article, we describe the healthcare system for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) in the Netherlands. The general background about healthcare for people with ID is the same worldwide: their health needs are often unrecognized and unmet. We delineate, from a historical perspective, the steps the Netherlands has taken to change the situation for them. The Netherlands crossed a milestone in 2016 when it ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Despite challenges in establishing numbers, an estimated ID prevalence of 1.45% was determined. The Dutch healthcare system has different levels, is funded through six distinct laws, and is complicated. The Netherlands has a spectrum of disability care services that increasingly collaborate in shaping the care of people with ID. People with ID and their representatives are increasingly involved in the process of shaping this care. The general practitioner plays a central role in the Dutch healthcare system, serving as the gatekeeper to medical specialists. Furthermore, the Netherlands recognizes the role of a physician for people with ID as a medical specialization. The core competencies of the ID physician include knowledge of the etiology and consequences of ID and associated health problems. The ID physician also knows how to deal with diagnostic and therapeutic barriers. Key challenges facing ID healthcare in the Netherlands include difficulties supporting people with ID due to the increasing complexity of society, concerns about continuity of care at the transition age (18−/18+), inadequate reach of population screening programs for people with ID, and limited availability of (routine) data for research on the ID population. The Dutch government encourages research in the ID field to overcome these challenges by financially supporting academic collaboratives. Substantial progress has been made, but key challenges remain, showing that there is still great room for improvement.
Comparison of chemotherapy outcomes between normal and high serum cortisol concentration in dogs with lymphoma
Authors: Yamazaki Hiroki , Bunbai Kaito , Deguchi Tatsuya , Tamura Masahiro , Ohota Hiroshi
Published: March 2024

Background

Increased serum cortisol (COR) concentrations may induce glucocorticoid resistance by down‐regulation of glucocorticoid receptor (GCR), resulting in decreased chemotherapy efficacy in dogs with lymphoma.

Hypothesis

Investigate the relationship between serum COR concentrations and chemotherapy outcomes in dogs with lymphoma.

Animals

Thirty client‐owned dogs with lymphoma, with serum COR concentration measured using serum samples collected at diagnosis.

Methods

Retrospective study. Dogs were divided into 2 groups based on serum COR concentrations: a normal group (n = 16) with COR concentrations <6 μg/dL and a high group (14) with COR concentrations ≥6 μg/dL. We compared signalment, clinical signs, stage, type of lymphoma, adrenal gland size, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, response to chemotherapy, progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and rate of P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp)‐ and GCR‐positive cells between the 2 groups.

Results

No significant differences were found in the demographic characteristics between the 2 groups. However, the high COR group exhibited a significantly lower response to chemotherapy, PFS, and OS compared with the normal COR group. Serum ALP activity was significantly higher in the high COR group than in the normal COR group. Adrenal gland size was also significantly larger in the high COR group. Although no significant differences were found in the rate of P‐gp‐positive cells between the 2 groups, the rate of GCR‐positive cells was significantly lower in the high COR group.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Our data suggests that measurement of serum COR concentrations may serve as a potential prognostic factor and evaluation index.
Characterizing personalized ecologies
Authors: Gaston Kevin J.
Published: March 2024

People have unique sets of direct sensory interactions with wild species, which change through their days, weeks, seasons, and lifetimes. Despite having important influences on their health and well‐being and their attitudes towards nature, these personalized ecologies remain surprisingly little studied and are poorly understood. However, much can be inferred about personalized ecologies by considering them from first principles (largely macroecological), alongside insights from research into the design and effectiveness of biodiversity monitoring programmes, knowledge of how animals respond to people, and studies of human biology and demography. Here I first review how three major sets of drivers, opportunity, capability and motivation, shape people's personalized ecologies. Second, I then explore the implications of these mechanisms for how more passively and more actively practical improvements can be made in people's personalized ecologies. Particularly in light of the declines in the richness of these ecologies that are being experienced in much of the world (the so‐called ‘extinction of experience’), and the significant consequences, marked improvement in many people's interactions and experiences with nature may be key to the future of biodiversity.
Effects of deltamethrin exposure on the cytochrome P450 monooxygenases of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) larvae from a dengue‐endemic region of northern part of West Bengal, India
Authors: Das Prapti , Das Subhajit , Saha Abhirup , Raha Debayan , Saha Dhiraj
Published: March 2024

Aedes albopictus is highly prevalent in the northern part of West Bengal and is considered to be responsible for the recent dengue outbreaks in this region. Control of this vector is largely relied on the use of synthetic pyrethroids, which can lead to the development of resistance. In the present study, larvae of three wild Ae. albopictus populations from the dengue‐endemic regions were screened for deltamethrin resistance, and the role of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs) was investigated in deltamethrin exposed and unexposed larvae. Two populations were incipient resistant, and one population was completely resistant against deltamethrin. Monooxygenase titration assay revealed the involvement of CYPs in deltamethrin resistance along with an induction effect of deltamethrin exposure. Gene expression studies revealed differential expression of five CYP6 family genes, CYP6A8, CYP6P12, CYP6A14, CYP6N3 and CYP6N6, with high constitutive expression of CYP6A8 and CYP6P12 in all the populations before and after deltamethrin exposure. From these findings, it was evident that CYPs play an important role in the development of deltamethrin resistance in the Ae. albopictus populations in this region.
Baseline chest computed tomography for diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia treated with intensive chemotherapy: A retrospective single‐centre cohort study
Authors: Janssens Emilie , Huygens Sammy , Moors Ine , Delie Anke , Kerre Tessa , Vande Weygaerde Yannick , Van Braeckel Eva , Boelens Jerina , Morbée Lieve , Schauwvlieghe Alexander
Published: March 2024

Background

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a relatively common infection in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), and is associated with high mortality rates. Optimising early detection is key to reduce the burden of IPA in this population. In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated the added value of baseline chest CT before start of classical induction chemotherapy.

Methods

Adult patients receiving first‐line intensive chemotherapy for AML were included if a baseline chest CT scan was available (±7 days). Data were collected from the electronic health record. IPA was classified using the EORTC/MSGERC 2020 consensus definitions.

Results

Between 2015 and 2019, 99 patients were included. During first‐line treatment, 29/99 (30%) patients developed a probable IPA. Baseline chest CT was abnormal in 61/99 (62%) and 14/61 (23%) patients had typical radiological signs for IPA. An abnormal scan showed a trend towards higher risk for IPA (hazard ratio (HR): 2.12; 95% CI 0.95–4.84). Ground glass opacities were a strong predictor for developing IPA (HR 3.35: 95% CI 1.61–7.00). No probable/proven IPA was diagnosed at baseline; however, a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) at baseline was only performed in seven patients. Twelve‐week mortality was higher in patients with IPA (7/26, 27% vs. 5/59, 8%; p = .024).

Conclusion

Baseline chest CT scan could be an asset in the early diagnosis of IPA and contribute to risk estimation for IPA. In patients with an abnormal baseline CT, performing a BAL should be considered more frequently, and not only in patients with radiological findings typical for IPA.
Intertidal mussels as ecosystem engineers: maintenance of invertebrate assemblages amid intertidal stress gradients
Authors: Bogdanski David , Marcos‐Almansa Lorena , Flores Augusto A. V.
Published: March 2024

Species that form complex biogenic structures may increase niche space for many others and are assumed to be paramount for whole‐assemblage stability and ecosystem functioning. Because they often ameliorate physical conditions, ecosystem engineering species are also predicted to become more important with environmental stress. Testing this hypothesis, however, has proven difficult because isolating facilitation effects along the entire stress gradient is challenging. Here we addressed motile invertebrate assemblages associated to the mid‐intertidal chthamalid barnacle cover at four rocky shores, either with (‘facilitated') or without (‘control') a secondary natural cover of small mussels (Mytilaster solisianus and Brachidontes darwinianus). Following a factorial balanced design, replicate samples were taken at three tidal heights in all sites, encompassing a clear gradient of thermal stress and desiccation potential along the vertical range of the mussel‐enriched zone. While observations on general abundance were mostly consistent with stress‐independent facilitation, results for richness, diversity and assemblage structure indicated overarching stress‐dependent responses. All these later three response variables steadily declined from the low to the high level in the control barnacle habitat but remained unaltered in the mussel‐facilitated habitat. Increased facilitation higher on the shore is mostly due to retention of stress‐vulnerable groups such as polychaetes, flatworms and large nematodes which virtually collapse in the higher control habitat, further indicating that mechanisms of mussel facilitation involve relief of environmental stress rather than protection from higher‐order consumers. Our results suggest that mussel ecosystem engineering was fully preserved during the summer season when sampling took place. Ongoing research simulating heat waves compatible to climate‐change scenarios will test whether mussel facilitation would hold over the coming decades.
Health behaviors, knowledge, screening, and attitudes toward colorectal cancer among Iraqi adults
Authors: Mohammad Burhan Fareeq , Andsoy Isil Isik
Published: March 2024

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the Iraqi population's health behaviors, knowledge, screening, attitudes toward colorectal cancer (CRC), and possible predictors that may affect their knowledge level.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Sample

One thousand three hundred sixty‐one Iraqi adults from Sulaymaniyah/Iraq.

Measurements

The odds ratio (OR) was used to find the association between knowledge of CRC and associated factors.

Results

Among participants, 6.1% had a colonoscopy, 4.0% had a sigmoidoscopy, and 60.8% heard CRC screening. Participants had low knowledge level of CRC risk factors (5.52 ± 1.39), and symptoms (3.73 ± 1.16) and had a medium knowledge of screening (4.35 ± 1.02). Respondents who retired (OR = 1.30; p = .00) and who had graduated from university (OR = 0.86; p = .01) had a high knowledge of CRC, while those who were aged 70 and above (OR = ‐1.08; p = .00) had a low knowledge of CRC. Furthermore, it was found that Iraqi adults who answered “no idea” to questions related to attitude and who answered incorrectly questions related to risk factors were likely to have low knowledge (p = .00).

Conclusions

We found a lack of knowledge, screening, and misconceptions about CRC and screening among Iraqi adults. Thus, health training and screening programs should target Iraqi populations.
Effectiveness of lapatinib for enhancing 5‐aminolevulinic acid‐mediated protoporphyrin IX fluorescence and photodynamic therapy in human cancer cell lines with varied ABCG2 activities
Authors: Howley Richard , Olsen Jordyn , Chen Bin
Published: March 2024

5‐Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is a prodrug for protoporphyrin IX (PpIX)‐mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) and fluorescence‐guided tumor surgery. We previously reported that lapatinib, a repurposed ABCG2 inhibitor, enhanced ALA‐induced PpIX fluorescence and PDT by blocking ABCG2‐mediated PpIX efflux. In the present study, we evaluated how the variation in ABCG2 activities/protein levels affected tumor cell response to the enhancement of PpIX/PDT by lapatinib and Ko143, an ABCG2 tool inhibitor. ABCG2 activities and protein levels were determined in a panel of human cancer cell lines. Effects of lapatinib and Ko143 on enhancing ALA‐PpIX fluorescence and PDT were evaluated and correlated with tumor cell ABCG2 activities. We found that both lapatinib and Ko143 enhanced ALA‐PpIX fluorescence and PDT in a dose‐dependent manner, although lapatinib exhibited lower efficacy and potency than Ko143 in nearly all cancer cell lines. The EC50 of ABCG2 inhibitors for enhancing ALA‐PpIX and PDT had a positive correlation with tumor cell ABCG2 activities, indicating that tumor cell lines with lower ABCG2 activities were more sensitive to ABCG2 inhibitors for PpIX/PDT enhancement. Our results suggest that, for optimal therapeutic enhancement, the dose of ABCG2 inhibitors needs to be tailored based on the ABCG2 expression/activity in tumors.
Comparison of Unplanned/Urgent‐Start Versus Conventional‐Start Peritoneal Dialysis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Xu Yunfen , Jiang Weizhong
Published: March 2024

The timing of peritoneal dialysis (PD) initiation, whether conventional‐start (planned) or urgent‐start (unplanned), may impact the outcomes of PD and the rate of associated complications in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of unplanned/urgent‐start PD versus conventional‐start PD in this cohort of patients. Electronic search of MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Scopus databases was done from inception until July 2023 for studies reporting outcomes of unplanned/urgent‐start and conventional‐start PD in CKD patients. Outcomes of interest included mechanical complications, post‐procedure infections, mortality, and transfer to hemodialysis. Heterogeneity, publication bias, and the influence of individual studies on the pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were evaluated. Twenty‐seven studies were finally included in the review. The overall risk of post‐procedure infectious was comparable for both PD initiation methods (OR: 1.05; 95% CI: 0.83–1.34). Similarly, the risks for peritonitis and exit site infections did not differ significantly. However, urgent‐start PD correlated with a significantly higher risk of overall mechanical complications (OR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.23–2.34). Specifically, the risk for leaks was notably higher (OR: 2.47; 95% CI: 1.67–3.65) in the urgent‐start group compared to the conventional‐start PD group. Urgent‐start PD correlated with significantly increased mortality rates (OR: 1.83; 95% CI: 1.39–2.41). There was no difference in the likelihood of technique survival and transfer to hemodialysis. Both urgent‐start and conventional‐start PD correlated with similar risks of overall infectious complications. Urgent‐start PD resulted in significantly increased risks of mechanical complications and mortality. Our findings emphasize the need for meticulous planning and consideration when opting for PD initiation.
Modeling Effects of Rumination on Free Recall Using ACT‐R
Authors: Gupta Anmol , Kaiser Clemens , Everaert Jonas , van Vugt Marieke , Roy Partha P.
Published: March 2024

Ruminative thinking, characterized by a recurrent focus on negative and self‐related thought, is a key cognitive vulnerability marker of depression and, therefore, a key individual difference variable. This study aimed to develop a computational cognitive model of rumination focusing on the organization and retrieval of information in memory, and how these mechanisms differ in individuals prone to rumination and individuals less prone to rumination. Adaptive Control of Thought‐Rational (ACT‐R) was used to develop a rumination model by adding memory chunks with negative valence to the declarative memory. In addition, their strength of association was increased to simulate recurrent negative focus, thereby making it harder to disengage from. The ACT‐R models were validated by comparing them against two empirical datasets containing data from control and depressed participants. Our general and ruminative models were able to recreate the benchmarks of free recall while matching the behavior exhibited by the control and the depressed participants, respectively. Our study shows that it is possible to build a computational theory of rumination that can accurately simulate the differences in free recall dynamics between control and depressed individuals. Such a model could enable a more fine‐tuned investigation of underlying cognitive mechanisms of depression and potentially help to improve interventions by allowing them to more specifically target key mechanisms that instigate and maintain depression.
Degrees of the stretched Kostka quasi‐polynomials
Authors: Gao Shiliang , Gao Yibo
Published: March 2024

We provide a type‐uniform formula for the degree of the stretched Kostka quasi‐polynomial in all classical types, improving a previous result by McAllister in . Our proof relies on a combinatorial model for the weight multiplicity by Berenstein and Zelevinsky.
Circadian patterns of behaviour change during pregnancy in mice
Authors: Clarke Georgia S. , Vincent Andrew D. , Ladyman Sharon R. , Gatford Kathryn L. , Page Amanda J.
Published: March 2024

Food intake and activity adapt during pregnancy to meet the increased energy demands. In comparison to non‐pregnant females, pregnant mice consume more food, eating larger meals during the light phase, and reduce physical activity. How pregnancy changes the circadian timing of behaviour was less clear. We therefore randomised female C57BL/6J mice to mating for study until early (n = 10), mid‐ (n = 10) or late pregnancy (n = 11) or as age‐matched, non‐pregnant controls (n = 12). Mice were housed individually in Promethion cages with a 12 h light–12 h dark cycle [lights on at 07.00 h, Zeitgeber (ZT)0] for behavioural analysis. Food intake between ZT10 and ZT11 was greater in pregnant than non‐pregnant mice on days 6.5–12.5 and 12.5–17.5. In mice that exhibited a peak in the last 4 h of the light phase (ZT8–ZT12), peaks were delayed by 1.6 h in the pregnant compared with the non‐pregnant group. Food intake immediately after dark‐phase onset (ZT13–ZT14) was greater in the pregnant than non‐pregnant group during days 12.5–17.5. Water intake patterns corresponded to food intake. From days 0.5–6.5 onwards, the pregnant group moved less during the dark phase, with decreased probability of being awake, in comparison to the non‐pregnant group. The onset of dark‐phase activity, peaks in activity, and wakefulness were all delayed during pregnancy. In conclusion, increased food intake during pregnancy reflects increased amplitude of eating behaviour, without longer duration. Decreases in activity also contribute to positive energy balance in pregnancy, with delays to all measured behaviours evident from mid‐pregnancy onwards.

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Key points

Circadian rhythms synchronise daily behaviours including eating, drinking and sleep, but how these change in pregnancy is unclear.

Food intake increased, with delays in peaks of food intake behaviour late in the light phase from days 6.5 to 12.5 of pregnancy, in comparison to the non‐pregnant group.

The onset of activity after lights off (dark phase) was delayed in pregnant compared with non‐pregnant mice.

Activity decreased by ∼70% in the pregnant group, particularly in the dark (active) phase, with delays in peaks of wakefulness evident from days 0.5–6.5 of pregnancy onwards.

These behavioural changes contribute to positive energy balance during pregnancy.

Delays in circadian behaviours during mouse pregnancy were time period and pregnancy stage specific, implying different regulatory mechanisms.
Resolving Absorbed Work and Generalized Inertia Forces From System Energy Equation—A Hamiltonian and Phase-Space Kinematics Approach
Authors: Das Tuhin
Published: March 2024

This paper develops a theoretical basis and a systematic process for resolving all inertia forces along generalized coordinates from the overall energy equation of a dynamical system. The theory is developed for natural systems with scleronomic constraints, where the potential energy is independent of generalized velocities. The process involves expansion of the energy equation, and specifically a special expansion of the kinetic energy term, from which the inertia forces emerge. The expansion uses fundamental kinematic identities of the phase space. It is also guided by insights drawn from the structure of the Hamiltonian function. The resulting equation has the structure of the D’Alembert’s equation but involving generalized coordinates, from which the Lagrange’s equations of motion are obtained. The expansion process elucidates how certain inertia forces manifest in the energy equation as composite terms that must be accurately resolved along different generalized coordinates. The process uses only the system energy equation, and neither the Hamiltonian nor the Lagrangian function are required. Extension of this theory to non-autonomous and non-holonomic systems is an area of future research.
Cultural, Linguistic, and Geographical Diversity of Participants in Australian Physical Activity Research Studies: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gilbert Stephen , Jordan Alastair , Ding Ding , Tiedemann Anne , Sherrington Catherine , Pinheiro Marina De Barros
Published: March 2024

Background: The Australian population is highly diverse in terms of cultural heritage, languages spoken, and geographical dispersion. Health outcomes are often worse among these culturally, linguistically, and geographically diverse populations, and this is reflected in rates of physical activity participation, with people from these groups often engaging in insufficient physical activity for health benefits. This research aimed to investigate if physical activity intervention studies conducted in Australia were (1) designed to recruit culturally, linguistically, and geographically diverse participants and (2) recruiting culturally, linguistically, and geographically diverse participants. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of physical activity intervention studies conducted in adults in Australia between 2015 and November 2022. Information relevant to inclusivity in study recruitment methods and diversity of recruited participants was extracted. Results: We identified and extracted data from 371 studies, of which 98 were protocol papers for which no follow-up data was available. Only 26 studies (7%) included methods to recruit culturally or linguistically diverse participants. Most studies (189, 51%) recruited participants from major city locations, with few studies recruiting from more remote locations. No studies included recruitment from very remote regions. Information on cultural, linguistic, or geographic diversity of participants recruited to physical activity studies was provided by 109 studies (40% of studies including results) with the majority recruiting White, English-speakers from major cities. Conclusions: Few Australian physical activity studies are designed to recruit culturally, linguistically, and geographically diverse participants. Due to limited reporting of the diversity of participants, comparisons with population-representative data are unreliable.
A dynamic ubiquitination balance of cell proliferation and endoreduplication regulators determines plant organ size
Authors: Chen Ying , Vermeersch Mattias , Van Leene Jelle , De Jaeger Geert , Li Yunhai , Vanhaeren Hannes
Published: March 2024

Ubiquitination plays a crucial role throughout plant growth and development. The E3 ligase DA2 has been reported to activate the peptidase DA1 by ubiquitination, hereby limiting cell proliferation. However, the molecular mechanisms that regulate DA2 remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate that DA2 has a very high turnover and auto-ubiquitinates with K48-linkage polyubiquitin chains, which is counteracted by two deubiquitinating enzymes, UBIQUITIN-SPECIFIC PROTEASE 12 (UBP12) and UBP13. Unexpectedly, we found that auto-ubiquitination of DA2 does not influence its stability but determines its E3 ligase activity. We also demonstrate that impairing the protease activity of DA1 abolishes the growth-reducing effect of DA2. Last, we show that synthetic, constitutively activated DA1-ubiquitin fusion proteins overrule this complex balance of ubiquitination and deubiquitination and strongly restrict growth and promote endoreduplication. Our findings highlight a nonproteolytic function of K48-linked polyubiquitination and reveal a mechanism by which DA2 auto-ubiquitination levels, in concert with UBP12 and UBP13, precisely monitor the activity of DA1 and fine-tune plant organ size.
MLL1 regulates cytokine-driven cell migration and metastasis
Authors: Nair Praful R. , Danilova Ludmila , Gómez-de-Mariscal Estibaliz , Kim Dongjoo , Fan Rong , Muñoz-Barrutia Arrate , Fertig Elana J. , Wirtz Denis
Published: March 2024

Cell migration is a critical contributor to metastasis. Cytokine production and its role in cancer cell migration have been traditionally associated with immune cells. We find that the histone methyltransferase Mixed-Lineage Leukemia 1 (MLL1) controls 3D cell migration via cytokines, IL-6, IL-8, and TGF-β1, secreted by the cancer cells themselves. MLL1, with its scaffold protein Menin, controls actin filament assembly via the IL-6/8/pSTAT3/Arp3 axis and myosin contractility via the TGF-β1/Gli2/ROCK1/2/pMLC2 axis, which together regulate dynamic protrusion generation and 3D cell migration. MLL1 also regulates cell proliferation via mitosis-based and cell cycle–related pathways. Mice bearing orthotopic MLL1-depleted tumors exhibit decreased lung metastatic burden and longer survival. MLL1 depletion leads to lower metastatic burden even when controlling for the difference in primary tumor growth rates. Combining MLL1-Menin inhibitor with paclitaxel abrogates tumor growth and metastasis, including preexistent metastasis. These results establish MLL1 as a potent regulator of cell migration and highlight the potential of targeting MLL1 in patients with metastatic disease.