bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Precipitation anomalies may affect productivity resilience by shifting plant community properties
Authors: Perez Sierra , Hammond Mark , Lau Jennifer
Published: December 2024

Climate change is causing marked shifts to historic environmental regimes, including increases in precipitation events (droughts and highly wet periods). Relative to droughts, the impacts of wet events have received less attention, despite heavy rainfall events increasing over the past century. Further, impacts of wet and dry events are often evaluated independently; yet, to persist and maintain their ecosystem functions, plant communities must be resilient to both precipitation events. This is particularly critical because while community properties can modulate the resilience (resistance, recovery, and invariability) of ecosystem functions to precipitation events, community properties can also respond to precipitation events. As a result, community responses to wet and dry years may impact the community's resilience to future events.

Using two decades (2000–2020) of annual net primary productivity data from early successional grassland communities, we evaluated the plant community properties regulating primary productivity resistance and recovery to contrasting precipitation events and invariability (i.e. long‐term stability). We then explored how resilience‐modulating community properties responded to precipitation.

We found that community properties—specifically, evenness, dominant species (Solidago altissima) relative abundance, and species richness—strongly regulate productivity resistance to drought and predict productivity invariability and tended to promote resistance to wet years. These community properties also responded to both wet and dry precipitation extremes and exhibited lagged responses that lasted into the next growing season. We infer that these connections between precipitation events, community properties, and resilience may lead to feedbacks impacting a plant community's resilience to subsequent precipitation events.

Synthesis. By exploring the impacts of both drought and wet extremes, our work uncovers how precipitation events, which may not necessarily impact productivity directly, could still cryptically influence resilience via shifts in resilience‐promoting properties of the plant community. We conclude that these precipitation event‐driven community shifts may feedback to impact long‐term productivity resilience under climate change.
Associations between rural hospital closures and acute and post‐acute care access and outcomes
Authors: Hoffman Geoffrey J. , Ha Jinkyung , Fan Zhaohui , Li Jun
Published: December 2024

Objective

To determine whether rural hospital closures affected hospital and post‐acute care (PAC) use and outcomes.

Study Setting and Design

Using a staggered difference‐in‐differences design, we evaluated associations between 32 rural hospital closures and changes in county‐level: (1) travel distances to and lengths of stay at hospitals; (2) functional limitations at and time from hospital discharge to start of PAC episode; (3) 30‐day readmissions and mortality and hospitalizations for a fall‐related injury; and (4) population‐level hospitalization and death rates.

Data Sources and Analytic Sample

100% Medicare claims and home health and skilled nursing facility clinical data to identify approximately 3 million discharges for older fee‐for‐service Medicare beneficiaries.

Principal Findings

We found that hospitals that closed compared to those remaining open served more minoritized, lower‐income populations, including more Medicaid and fewer commercial patients, and had lower profit margins. Following a closure, quarterly hospitalization rates (111.6 quarterly hospitalizations per 10,000 older adults; 95% CI: 53.4, 170.9) and average hospital lengths of stay increased (0.34 days; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.56 days). We observed no change in the average distance between patients' residential ZIP code and the hospital used (0.29 miles; 95% CI: −1.06, 1.64 miles); average number of standardized ADL limitations at PAC (0.08 SDs from the pre‐closure average; 95% CI: −0.12, 0.28 SDs); or PAC time to start (0.02 days; 95% CI: −1.2, 1.2 days). Among more isolated hospitals, closures were associated with an increase in the likelihood of readmission (0.10 percentage‐points; 95% CI: 0.00, 0.19).

Conclusions

Closures were not associated with notably worsened health care access, function, or health, potentially because closures triggered care delivery adjustments involving increased numbers of patients seeking out higher quality care.
Recent advances in examining the factors influencing the efficacy of biocides against Listeria monocytogenes biofilms in the food industry: A systematic review
Authors: Arthur Michael , Afari Edmund Larbi , Alexa Elena‐Alexandra , Zhu Mei‐Jun , Gaffney Michael T. , Celayeta Jesus Maria Frias , Burgess Catherine M.
Published: December 2024

Controlling Listeria monocytogenes and its associated biofilms in the food industry requires various disinfection techniques, including physical, chemical, and biological treatments. Biocides, owing to their ease of use, cost‐effectiveness, dissolvability in water, and efficacy against a wide range of microorganisms, are frequently selected options. Nonetheless, concerns have been raised about their efficacy in controlling L. monocytogenes biofilm, as laboratory‐based and commercial studies have reported the persistence of this bacterium after cleaning and disinfection. This review systematically examined scientific studies, sourced from the Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases between January 2010 and May 2024, that investigated the effectiveness of the most commonly used biocides in the food industry against L. monocytogenes biofilms. A total of 92 articles which met the screening criteria, were included, with studies utilizing biocides containing sodium hypochlorite, quaternary ammonium compounds, and peroxyacetic acid being predominant. Studies indicated that several key factors may potentially influence biocides’ efficacy against L. monocytogenes biofilms. These factors included strain type (persistent, sporadic), serotype, strain origin (clinical, environmental, or food), surface type (biotic or abiotic), surface material (stainless steel, polystyrene, etc.), incubation time (biofilm age) and temperature, presence of organic matter, biocide's active agent, and the co‐culture of L. monocytogenes with other bacteria. The induction of the viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state following disinfection is also a critical concern. This review aims to provide a global understanding of how L. monocytogenes biofilms respond to biocides under different treatment conditions, facilitating the development of effective cleaning and disinfection strategies in the food industry.
Thermal‐assisted pressure processing: effects of marination, temperature, and pressure level on physicochemical, color and textural parameters of Superficial pectoralis beef muscle
Authors: Silva Paz Reynaldo Justino , Sancho Ana Maria , Vaudagna Sergio Ramón , Szerman Natalia
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of salt addition and different thermal‐assisted pressure processing (TAPP) conditions (temperature and pressure levels) on technological, chromatic, and textural parameters and lipid oxidation of Superficial pectoralis beef muscle. A factorial design with three factors was applied: KCl/NaCl marination (marinated samples MS; non‐marinated samples, NMS), temperature during high‐pressure processing (50, 70°C), and pressure level (0.1, 200, and 300 MPa). All factors affect the water‐holding capacity of beef, which is important to ensure both high yields and optimal tenderness and juiciness in the final product. MS treated at 50°C had the highest yield values, regardless of applied pressure level. TAPP modified the color parameter values of raw samples, resulting in brighter and less reddish. After cooking, color differences remained, indicating that this process did not fully reverse the changes induced by TAPP treatments. MS had lower shear force values than NMS. The presence of salts slightly diminished shear force values. A similar texture profile was obtained for NMS treated at 70°C and 300 MPa and MS treated at 50°C and 200 MPa. NMS and MS treated at 70°C and 0.1 MPa had the highest thiobarbituric acid reactive substance values. Based on the results, marinated samples treated at 200 MPa and 50°C were selected for treatment. TAPP could be an innovative technology for the development of value‐added beef products with assured texture.

Practical Application

Beef tenderness is an essential attribute in consumer satisfaction and purchase decisions. However, several factors affect tenderness, such as the amount of connective tissue, muscle contraction in rigor mortis, and proteolysis. The development of ready‐to‐cook products with guaranteed tenderness by applying thermally assisted pressure processing would benefit both the industry and consumers.
Diminished relational energy: How and when LMX ambivalence leads to leader‐directed counterproductive work behavior
Authors: Chen Lixin , Weng Qingxiong , Popelnukha Anastasiia , Jiang Hui , Wang Yanfen
Published: December 2024

Researchers have often examined the leader‐member exchange (LMX) relationship from a univalent perspective, using a continuum from low to high exchange quality. This perspective has overlooked the possibility that employees may perceive their LMX relationships as both high and low quality (known as LMX ambivalence). In the present study, we draw on the transactional theory of stress and coping to examine how LMX ambivalence influences employees' interpersonal behaviors toward their leaders. In Study 1, a three‐wave field study with 338 Chinese employees, we found that the experience of LMX ambivalence can decrease relational energy and lead to an increase in avoidance‐ and approach‐oriented counterproductive work behaviors towards leaders (CWBs‐L). Furthermore, LMX importance intensifies the negative effects of LMX ambivalence on relational energy. Study 2 employed a scenario‐based method to compare the effects of ambivalent LMX relationships with positive and negative LMX relationships and provided additional evidence for our hypotheses. This research contributes to a broader understanding of behavioral responses to LMX ambivalence.
Agriculturally developed areas reduce genetic connectivity for a keystone Neotropical ungulate
Authors: Baptista Mozart Sávio Pires , Keuroghlian Alexine , Tambosi Leandro Reverberi , Côrtes Marina Corrêa , de Góes Maciel Fernanda , Cirino Douglas William , Schmaedecke Gabriela , Biondo Cibele
Published: December 2024

Modified landscapes can restrict the movement of organisms, leading to isolation and reduced population viability, particularly for species with extensive home ranges and long‐distance travel, such as white‐lipped peccaries (WLPs, Tayassu pecari). Previous studies have indicated that forested areas favor WLP herd movements, but the impact of the non‐forested areas on their genetic connectivity is unknown. In this study, we used land use and land cover maps and population genetic data to investigate the impact of non‐forested matrices on WLP's genetic connectivity in the Pantanal floodplain and surrounding Cerrado plateau of central‐west Brazil. We compared isolation‐by‐distance (IBD), isolation‐by‐barrier, and isolation‐by‐resistance models and tested 39 hypotheses within a modeling framework. Finally, we identified the optimal areas for ecological corridors based on the most effective landscape model. Barrier and landscape resistance were more strongly correlated with genetic relatedness than the IBD model. The model that received the most robust support considered only forest as habitat. All other classes formed a matrix that impeded gene flow, including agriculture, grassland, savannah, and paved and unpaved roads. WLP herds living in landscapes with reduced forest cover are more vulnerable to the effects of genetic isolation. To maintain gene flow, conservation programs should prioritize strategies that strengthen connections between habitats, including facilitating wildlife road‐crossing structures and creating/restoring ecological corridors to link isolated habitat fragments.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
The ScotCap registry: An evaluation of 1000 colon capsule endoscopy procedures carried out in Scotland
Authors: MacLeod C. , Rajapaksha N. , Brown C. , Hudson J. , Asif Z. , Watson A. J. M. ,   the ScotCap clinical leads
Published: December 2024

Aim

Colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) has been deployed in Scotland as an alternative to colonoscopy. The aim of this work was to report the outcomes of patients undergoing CCE in Scotland from the national CCE registry.

Method

Patients undergoing CCE in NHS Scotland between 1 August 2020 and 1 August 2021 were included in this study. Symptomatic and surveillance patients were vetted to undergo CCE by clinicians in four NHS Scotland health boards. Patient data were collected prospectively by an eHealth system managing CCE referral and report sign off. CCE procedural data were collected by a managed service carrying out CCE procedures. Data from both sources were compiled in the national CCE registry managed by Public Health Scotland.

Results

One thousand and eighty‐seven patients were included in this study. The median age of patients was 60 years and 58.3% of patients were female. A haemoglobin(Hb) count was available for 657 (60.4%) patients and the mean value was 139 g/L. Faecal immunochemical test results were available for 762 (70.1%) patients, and of those with a test result 79.0% had a result ≥10 μgHb/g. The rates of complete test, adequate bowel preparation and successful test were 57.0%, 59.2% and 56.9%, respectively. Following CCE, no further test, colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy or gastroscopy were required for 42.0%, 34.1%, 22.7% and 2.6% of patients, respectively. Two (0.2%) patients experienced capsule retention with obstruction.

Conclusion

These are the first reported outcomes from the ScotCap registry; they demonstrate that CCE is a safe alternative to colonoscopy and a significant proportion of patients avoid colonoscopy when CCE is implemented nationally.
Reported outcomes following cytoreductive surgery for colorectal peritoneal metastases: A systematic review to inform evidence‐based practice and international consensus
Authors: Raichurkar Pratik , Brown Kilian , Koh Cherry , Dela Cruz Annie , Sitharthan Darshan , Moran Brendan , Ansari Nabila , Ahmadi Nima , Solomon Michael , Steffens Daniel
Published: December 2024

Aim

Cytoreductive surgery provides a chance for long‐term survival and cure in selected patients with colorectal peritoneal metastases. As clinical and academic interest in this field increases, heterogeneity in outcome reporting hinders the valid and meaningful synthesis of data into high‐quality meta‐analyses. The aim of this systemic review was to investigate variability in outcome reporting following cytoreductive surgery with or without intraperitoneal chemotherapy for colorectal peritoneal metastases.

Method

Five electronic databases [MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL)] were interrogated from 2000 to October 2023 to identify all reported outcomes in the current literature. Extracted outcomes were catalogued and reviewed by a multidisciplinary working group into standardized terms and domains.

Results

A total of 294 studies, from 5112 screened, were included for analysis. We extracted 2903 outcomes verbatim from included studies and catalogued them into 85 standardized outcomes across seven outcome domains. The most frequently reported domains were survival, in 274 (93%) studies, and pathological outcomes, in 232 (79%) studies. Outcomes pertaining to function and life impact were only reported in seven (2%) studies. Reported outcomes were only defined in 35% of cases, and significant variability existed between definitions.

Conclusion

This systematic review highlights the heterogeneity of outcome measurement and reporting following cytoreductive surgery for colorectal peritoneal metastases. Patient‐reported outcomes are relatively underrepresented in the current literature. The results of this review will inform an international collaborative effort to create a core outcome set to address these issues.
The association between acute transverse myelitis and COVID‐19 vaccination in Korea: Self‐controlled case series study
Authors: Lim Eunsun , Kim Yoo Hwan , Jeong Na‐Young , Kim Su‐Hyun , Won Heehyun , Bae Jong‐Seok , Choi Nam‐Kyong ,   COVID‐19 Vaccine Safety Committee (CoVaSC).
Published: December 2024

Background

Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) has been reported as a potential association between COVID‐19 vaccination. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between the COVID‐19 vaccination and ATM.

Methods

A self‐controlled case series study was performed using a large database that combine the COVID‐19 vaccine registry and the national claims database. The COVID‐19 vaccination data included information on individuals aged 18 and above who received COVID‐19 vaccination from February 26, 2021, to August 31, 2022. The claims database covered the entire Korean population for the period between January 1, 2002 to August 31, 2022. Patients who develop ATM within 1–42 days following COVID‐19 vaccination were included. The observation period was 270 days after the first dose of the COVID‐19 vaccine. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using a conditional Poisson regression model.

Results

A total of 159 ATM patients were included. Among them, 82 (51.6%) were male, and mean age was 55.4 (±17.4) years. The IRR was 2.41 (95% CI: 1.76–3.30) for the ATM risk within 1–42 days after COVID‐19 vaccination. The IRR by vaccine product was 3.31 (95% CI: 1.81–6.05) for ChAdOx1‐S; 1.99 (95% CI: 1.30–3.03) for BNT162b2; 2.57 (95% CI: 1.14–5.97) for mRNA‐1273; and 3.33 (95% CI: 0.30–36.44) for Ad26.COV2.S.

Conclusion

These findings indicated an increased risk of ATM following COVID‐19 vaccination within 42 days. An association with the risk of ATM was found both for viral vector and mRNA vaccines.
Diagnosis of Synchytrium endobioticum: the importance of sample pretreatment to determine the infectivity of resting spores in bioassays
Authors: Tlapák Hana , Chilla Friederike , Schmitt Anne‐Kristin , Büttner Peter , Flath Kerstin , Pucher Anna
Published: December 2024

Potato wart disease, caused by the soil‐borne, obligate biotrophic fungus Synchytrium endobioticum, is one of the most important diseases of cultivated potatoes. The fungus does not produce hyphae, but produces very thick‐walled sporangia (resting spores), so an infection with S. endobioticum results in a long‐term contamination of fields. Chemical control of the disease is not possible; consequently, potato production on infested fields is prohibited for many years. Reliable diagnosis of S. endobioticum is essential to preserve cultivation areas. A critical step is to determine the infectivity of resting spores. The new implementing regulation (EU) 2022/1195 recommends a bioassay based on soil samples in addition to microscopic analysis. The aim of this study was to evaluate soil‐based bioassays for their ability to determine the infectivity of resting spores in infested soils. It was shown that the resting spores could be in a dormant state, in which they do not infect potatoes. In some cases, this dormancy could be broken by a certain sequence of moistening and aerating the soil. Reactivation of soil is therefore recommended prior to soil‐based bioassays. Microscopic analysis could not distinguish between dormant and infectious resting spores.
Managing Friends and Foes: Sanctioning Mutualists in Mixed‐Infection Nodules Trades off With Defense Against Antagonists
Authors: Wendlandt Camille E. , Basu Saumik , Montoya Angeliqua P. , Roberts Paige , Stewart Justin D. , Coffin Allison B. , Crowder David W. , Kiers E. Toby , Porter Stephanie S.
Published: December 2024

Successful plant growth requires plants to minimize harm from antagonists and maximize benefit from mutualists. However, these outcomes may be difficult to achieve simultaneously, since plant defenses activated in response to antagonists can compromise mutualism function, and plant resources allocated to defense may trade off with resources allocated to managing mutualists. Here, we investigate how antagonist attack affects plant ability to manage mutualists with sanctions, in which a plant rewards cooperative mutualists and/or punishes uncooperative mutualists. We studied interactions among wild and domesticated pea plants, pea aphids, an aphid‐vectored virus (Pea Enation Mosaic Virus, PEMV), and mutualistic rhizobial bacteria that fix nitrogen in root nodules. Using isogenic rhizobial strains that differ in their ability to fix nitrogen and express contrasting fluorescent proteins, we found that peas demonstrated sanctions in both singly‐infected nodules and mixed‐infection nodules containing both strains. However, the plant's ability to manage mutualists in mixed‐infection nodules traded off with its ability to defend against antagonists: when plants were attacked by aphids, they stopped sanctioning within mixed‐infection nodules, and plants that exerted stricter sanctions within nodules during aphid attack accumulated higher levels of the aphid‐vectored virus, PEMV. Our findings suggest that plants engaged in defense against antagonists suffer a reduced ability to select for the most beneficial symbionts in mixed‐infection tissues. Mixed‐infection tissues may be relatively common in this mutualism, and reduced plant sanctions in these tissues could provide a refuge for uncooperative mutualists and compromise the benefit that plants obtain from mutualistic symbionts during antagonist attack. Understanding the conflicting selective pressures plants face in complex biotic environments will be crucial for breeding crop varieties that can maximize benefits from mutualists even when they encounter antagonists.
Leveraging Transfer Learning Domain Adaptation Model With Federated Learning to Revolutionise Healthcare
Authors: Verma Priyanka , Bharot Nitesh , Breslin John G. , O'Shea Donna , Mishra Anand Kumar , Vidyarthi Ankit , Gupta Deepak
Published: December 2024

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare has been witnessing an increasing interest. Particularly, federated learning (FL) has become favourable due to its potential for enhancing model quality whilst maintaining data privacy and security. However, the effectiveness of present FL methodologies could underperform under non‐IID conditions, characterised by divergent data distributions across clients. The globally constructed FL model may suffer potent issues by allowing the least‐performing models to equal participation. Thus, we propose a new accuracy‐based FL approach (FedAcc) which only takes into account the clients' validation accuracy to consider their participation during global aggregation, also called Smart Healthcare Amplified (SHA). However, with limited supervised data it is challenging to increase the model performance thus concept of transfer learning (TL) is used. TL enables the global model to integrate knowledge from precomputed systems, resulting in an efficient model. However, the complexity of the global system is amplified by these TL models, leading to challenges related to vanishing gradients, particularly when dealing with a substantial number of layers. To mitigate this, we present a Transfer Learning Domain Adaptation Model (TLDAM). TLDAM employs a two‐layered sequentially trained TL model, which contains approximately 50% fewer layers compared to traditional TL models. TLDAM is trained on multiple datasets such as MNIST and CIFAR10, to enhance its knowledge and make it domain‐adaptive. Moreover, experimental results conducted on the UCI‐HAR dataset reveal the supremacy of our proposed framework with an accuracy of 94.2990%, F‐score of 94.2820%, precision of 94.3058%, and recall of 94.2993% over traditional FL techniques and state‐of‐the‐art techniques.
Recognition at the Heart of the Complex Situations Experienced by People With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain
Authors: Mellier Jessica , Balis Aurélie , Defraine Fabian , Vanderhofstadt Quentin , Biagi Léa Di , Schetgen Marco , D'Ans Pierre , Foucart Jennifer , Mahieu Céline , Bengoetxea Ana
Published: December 2024

Objective

Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMSP) is frequent in chronic diseases, decreasing the quality of life of these patients. In a survey conducted in Belgium in 2019, chronic pain was named by patients as the main factor of complexity in their lives. The objective of our research was to provide elements to understand why and how CMSP contributes to the complexity of these people's lives.

Design

Qualitative study through semi‐structured interviews.

Setting

The study was conducted in Belgium with French‐speaking individuals. The interviews took place at the university, in a teaching hospital, in private clinics or in individuals' homes.

Participants

We included 24 individuals with CMSP and living complex situations. The recruitment was made in two phases in agreement with the grounded theory methodology and to reach the saturation of ideas.

Results

The complexity experienced by people with CMSP turns around the notion of recognition, which can be broken down into 3 spheres: intimate, social and legal. The poor quality of listening and the fragmented vision of aid and care professionals generate a feeling of loneliness and incomprehension in the face of illness. The unsuitability of the world of work, the opacity of protocols and the attitude of medical experts reveal inequalities in access to recognition for immigrants and people of low socio‐professional status.

Conclusion

The complexity of the situations experienced could be reduced by implementing health policies that facilitate: legal recognition of this illness; adaptability in the workplace; raising awareness about pain mechanisms; the risks of stigmatization and the need of interprofessional collaboration.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients and the public participated in the dissemination of our research and were able to help us with recruitment through social networks (call for participation published on Facebook by the association ‘Aidants proches’) or word of mouth. The presentation of preliminary results at conferences as well as the publication of a public article in Belgian journals (http://www.lejournaldumedecin.com/magazine/douleurs-chroniques-un-veritable-parcours-du-combattant/article-normal-63055.html?cookie_check=1671467500%22) facilitated the contact with the public.
Quantification of atrial cardiomyopathy disease severity by electroanatomic voltage mapping and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Sim Iain , Lemus Jose Alonso Solis , O'Shea Christopher , Razeghi Orod , Whitaker John , Mukherjee Rahul , O'Hare Daniel , Fitzpatrick Noel , Harrison James , Gharaviri Ali , O'Neill Louisa , Kotadia Irum , Roney Caroline H. , Grubb Neil , Newby David E. , Dweck Marc R. , Masci Pier‐Giorgio , Wright Matthew , Chiribiri Amedeo , Niederer Steven , O'Neill Mark , Williams Steven E.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Atrial late gadolinium enhancement (Atrial‐LGE) and electroanatomic voltage mapping (Atrial‐EAVM) quantify the anatomical and functional extent of atrial cardiomyopathy. We aimed to explore the relationships between, and outcomes from, these modalities in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing ablation.

Methods

Patients undergoing first‐time ablation had disease severities quantified using both Atrial‐LGE and Atrial‐EAVM. Correlations between modalities and their relationships with clinical features and arrhythmia recurrence were assessed.

Results

In 123 atrial fibrillation patients (60 ± 10 years), Atrial‐EAVM was moderately correlated with Atrial‐LGE (r = .34, p < .001), with a mean fibrosis burden of 47.2% ± 14.91%. Agreement was strongest in the highest tertile of fibrosis burden (mean of differences 16.8% (95% CI = −24.4% to 57.9%, p = .433). Fibrosis burden was greater for Atrial‐LGE than Atrial‐EAVM (50.7% ± 10.7% vs. 13.7% ± 7.13%, p < .005) for patients in the lowest tertile who were younger, had smaller atria and a greater frequency of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Both Atrial EAVM and Atrial LGE were associated with recurrence of arrhythmia following ablation (Atrial‐LGE HR = 1.02 (95% CI = 1.01–1.04), p = .047; Atrial‐EAVM HR = 1.02 (95% CI = 1.005–1.03), p = .007). A low fibrosis burden (<15%) by Atrial‐EAVM identified patients with very low arrhythmia recurrence. In contrast, a much higher fibrosis burden (>66%) by Atrial‐LGE identified patients failing to respond to ablation.

Conclusions

We demonstrate for the first time that the level of agreement between Atrial‐EAVM and Atrial‐LGE is dependent on the level of atrial cardiomyopathy disease severity. The functional consequences of atrial cardiomyopathy are most evident in patients with the highest anatomical extent of disease.
TabHLH489 suppresses nitrate signaling by inhibiting the function of TaNLP7‐3A in wheat
Authors: Yang Fan , Li Xuepeng , Liu Songyu , Lyu Jinyang , Ge Zixuan , Bai Ming‐Yi
Published: December 2024

Nitrate not only serves as the primary nitrogen source for terrestrial plants but also serves as a critical signal in regulating plant growth and development. Understanding how plant responses to nitrate availability is essential for improving nitrogen use efficiency in crops. Herein, we demonstrated that the basic helix‐loop‐helix (bHLH) transcription factor TabHLH489 plays a crucial negative regulatory role in wheat nitrate signaling. Overexpressing TabHLH489 significantly reduced nitrate‐promoted wheat growth and grain yield. Transcriptomic analysis showed that approximately 75% of nitrate‐responsive genes were no longerregulated by nitrate in the TabHLH489 overexpression lines. TabHLH489 directly interacts with TaNLP7‐3A, the wheat homolog protein of NIN‐like protein 7 (NLP7), a central transcription factor in nitrate signaling. This interaction impairs TaNLP7‐3A's ability to bind DNA, thereby inhibiting its transcriptional activity. Moreover, TabHLH489 induces the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to reduce the nuclear localization of TaNLP7‐3A, thereby diminishing its effectiveness in regulating the plant nitrogen response. These findings highlight the intricate regulatory mechanism by which TabHLH489 modulates TaNLP7‐3A activity through direct interaction and ROS‐mediated inhibition of nuclear localization. Our research highlights the critical roles of TabHLH489 and TaNLP7‐3A in modulating nitrate signaling, providing new gene targets for developing wheat varieties with enhanced nitrogen use efficiency.
Preparation and Evaluation of Complexed Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10) Antiaging Hyaluronic Acid–Vitamin C Serum for Skin Care
Authors: Arkan Yousif Hawazin , Al‐Ani Israa , Hajleh Maha N. Abu , Matalqah Sina , Dayyih Wael Abu , Al‐Dujaili Emad A.
Published: December 2024

Background

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is widely recognized for its powerful antioxidant properties, sparking considerable interest in its application within skincare treatments. However, its inherently poor water solubility has posed a major challenge in formulating effective skincare products.

Methods

This research aimed to develop and evaluate a water‐soluble CoQ10 serum by forming a complex with hydroxypropyl β‐cyclodextrin (HPβCD). The study focused on assessing its physicochemical properties, CoQ10 concentration, spread ability, viscosity, pH, physical stability, irritation potential, and diffusion performance. The complexation process was carried out using kneading and trituration techniques, with thorough characterization via validated analytical methods such as solubility tests, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses.

Results

The CoQ10–HPβCD complex prepared using the trituration technique at a 2:1 ratio (CoQ10 to HPβCD) demonstrated superior water solubility, reaching 17.5 ± 1.8 mg mL−1, the highest among the tested formulations. Moreover, this formulation achieved the greatest encapsulation efficiency, retaining 71% ± 3.8% of CoQ10. FTIR and DSC analyses confirmed the successful formation of the complex. The formulated serum exhibited shear‐thinning behavior, an optimal pH of 4.3 ± 0.2 closely aligning with the skin's natural acidity for enhanced compatibility—along with excellent spreadability and stability. Diffusion tests revealed a significant enhancement in solubility when CoQ10 was complexed, effectively overcoming its solubility barrier. Irritation tests validated the serum's safety for topical use.

Conclusion

This study successfully developed a CoQ10 serum that overcame its solubility limitation, demonstrating favorable properties for skincare application. With its strong physicochemical characteristics and biocompatibility, this formulation shows significant promise for broader incorporation into skincare products.
Tadalafil suppresses LPS‐induced inflammation and improves pregnancy outcomes in a pregnant mouse model
Authors: Yoshikawa‐Terada Kento , Takayama Erina , Uemura Midori , Toriyabe Kuniaki , Tachibana Ryota , Yajima Hideaki , Ikeda Tomoaki , Kondo Eiji , Takeuchi Hiroki
Published: December 2024

Aim

This study investigated the efficacy of tadalafil in reducing inflammation and improving pregnancy outcomes in an lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced mouse model of perinatal complications.

Methods

Pregnant C57BL/6J mice were divided into three groups: control (C), LPS (L), and LPS + tadalafil (LT). The LT group received tadalafil from 10 days post‐coitum (dpc), and LPS was administered intraperitoneally to the L and LT groups at 11 dpc. Mice were sacrificed 2 h post‐injection for inflammatory marker analysis, with plasma and placentas collected. Remaining mice were sacrificed at 14 dpc to assess miscarriage and FGR. Placental damage was scored, cytokine levels measured by ELISA, and TNFα and NF‐κB expression examined via immunohistochemistry.

Results

Fetal weight was significantly lower in the L and LT groups compared to the C group, with the LT group showing a significant increase compared to the L group. Absorption rates were significantly higher in the L group compared to the C and LT groups. At 14 dpc, placental necrosis scores were significantly higher in the L and LT groups than in the C group, while the LT group showed a significant decrease compared to the L group. Plasma inflammatory cytokine levels (TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6) were significantly elevated following LPS administration but reduced with tadalafil treatment. Additionally, TNF‐α expression and NF‐κB activity in the placenta were significantly higher in the L group compared to the C and LT groups.

Conclusions

Tadalafil reduced inflammation and improved pregnancy outcomes, suggesting its potential for managing inflammation‐related perinatal complications.
Do higher insurance premiums provoke larger reported losses? An experimental study
Authors: Morrison William G. , Ruffle Bradley J.
Published: December 2024

We investigate whether the price paid for insurance explains dishonesty in reporting an insurance claim. In our laboratory experiment, participants earn money in a real‐effort task but risk losing some of this income through one of four randomly assigned, privately observed loss amounts. Before observing their loss, participants indicate their reservation price for insurance that pays an indemnity equal to their stated loss. Participants are insured if their randomly assigned premium is less than their stated reservation price. This mechanism provides data on each participant's consumer surplus from insurance. After receiving their cash earnings minus their assigned loss in private, participants report their loss. We find that the insured report modestly but statistically insignificant larger losses than the uninsured. Among the insured, we find no clear evidence that their reporting of excess losses increases in the randomly assigned price of insurance or decreases in the consumer surplus from insurance.
Paediatric Central Nervous System Tumours: Symptomatology and Total Diagnostic Interval in a New Zealand Cohort
Authors: Verryt Cecilia M. , Cross Siobhan
Published: December 2024

Background

Central nervous system (CNS) tumours are the leading cause of paediatric oncologic death and survivors face high rates of persistent disability. Timeframe from initial symptom to diagnostic radiography [total diagnostic interval (TDI)] is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Interventions such as HeadSmart and Brain Pathways Guidelines UK have reduced TDI in the United Kingdom through public and professional education campaigns.

Aims

The overarching aim of this project is to reduce TDI for brain tumours across New Zealand. As there are no local data for TDI in paediatric CNS tumours, we sought baseline data prior to local interventions, which would then inform interventions in the next project phase.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of patients ≤ 18 years with a CNS tumour in the CHOC catchment between 2015 and 2020. Demographics, tumour type, presenting symptoms/signs, referral pathways and TDI were recorded.

Results

Of 72 cases, median TDI was 9 weeks (0–156 weeks). This was lower in patients aged < 4 years compared with > 4 years (4 weeks vs. 13 weeks), in high grade tumours compared to low grade (4 weeks vs. 13 weeks), and in other ethnicities compared with Māori/Pasifika (6 weeks vs. 16.5 weeks) (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). Symptomatology was similar to Brain Pathways, however, some signs including head circumference were poorly recorded and identify areas for improvement.

Conclusions

Median TDI is higher than recommended targets, and there is ethnic disparity. This gives impetus for local intervention, using strategies comparable to Brain Pathways.
Heritability of sleep architecture based on home polysomnography
Authors: Leocadio‐Miguel Mario , Taporoski Tâmara P. , Beijamini Felipe , Ruiz Francieli S. , Horimoto Andrea R. V. R. , Pereira Alexandre C. , Knutson Kristen L. , von Schantz Malcolm
Published: December 2024

We aimed to establish the heritability of polysomnography measures through the analysis of home polysomnography recordings from 648 participants in the Baependi Heart Study, a rural, family‐based, genetically admixed cohort based in the southeast of Brazil. Sleep polysomnography staging variables were computed, and narrow‐sense heritability values were derived. The heritability (h2) of polysomnography total sleep time was 0.18 ± 0.08 (p = 0.007). Including age and sex did not change the heritability estimates of the model. Wake after sleep onset did not show significant heritability (h2 = 0.02 ± 0.07, p = 0.39). The unadjusted model for N1 resulted in a heritability estimate of 0.22 ± 0.10 (p < 0.003), and of 0.26 ± 0.10 (p = 0.003) in the adjusted model. Time spent in N2 had an unadjusted heritability of 0.18 ± 0.09 (p = 0.01) and adjusted h2 of 0.22 ± 0.10 (p = 0.007). The heritability of the total time spent in N3 was 0.35 ± 0.09 (p < 0.001) in the unadjusted and 0.38 ± 0.09 (p < 0.001) when sex, age and age*age were considered in the model. By contrast, no variance in the total time spent in rapid eye movement could be significantly attributed to genetic variance. In terms of the heritability of the apnea–hypopnea index, 17% of its variance could be attributed to genetic factors (0.17 ± 0.08, p = 0.02). This is the first report of heritability of electroencephalographic‐derived sleep parameters from a larger population sample, and the first one performed in a population with a majority above 25 years of age. Our findings indicate the potential feasibility of future genome‐wide association studies of non‐rapid eye movement sleep stages in pooled population samples.
Alterations in gut‐derived uremic toxins before the onset of azotemic chronic kidney disease in cats
Authors: Van Mulders Laurens , Vanden Broecke Ellen , De Paepe Ellen , Mortier Femke , Vanhaecke Lynn , Daminet Sylvie
Published: December 2024

Background

Although gut‐derived uremic toxins are increased in azotemic chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats and implicated in disease progression, it remains unclear if augmented formation or retention of these toxins is associated with the development of renal azotemia.

Objectives

Assess the association between gut‐derived toxins (ie, indoxyl‐sulfate, p‐cresyl‐sulfate, and trimethylamine‐N‐oxide [TMAO]) and the onset of azotemic CKD in cats.

Animals

Forty‐eight client‐owned cats.

Methods

Nested case‐control study, comparing serum and urine gut‐derived uremic toxin abundance at 6‐month intervals between initially healthy cats that developed azotemic CKD (n = 22) and a control group (n = 26) that remained healthy, using a targeted metabolomic approach.

Results

Cats in the CKD group had significantly higher serum indoxyl‐sulfate (mean [SD], 1.44 [1.06] vs 0.83 [0.46]; P = .02) and TMAO (mean [SD], 1.82 [1.80] vs 1.60 [0.62]; P = .01) abundance 6 months before the detection of azotemic CKD. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis indicated that indoxyl‐sulfate (odds ratio [OR]: 3.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2‐9.0; P = .04) and TMAO (OR: 3.9; 95% CI: 1.4‐11; P = .03) were predictors for the onset of azotemia 6 months before diagnosis. However, renal function biomarkers creatinine, symmetric dimethylarginine, and urinary specific gravity were significantly correlated with indoxyl‐sulfate and TMAO abundance, causing a loss in predictive significance after correction for these factors.

Conclusions

Impaired gut‐derived uremic toxin handling is apparent at least 6 months before the diagnosis of azotemia, likely reflecting an already ongoing decrease in GFR, tubular function, or both. A direct causal relationship between gut‐derived uremic toxicity and the initiation of CKD in cats is still lacking.
Spinal arachnoid diverticula in cats: Clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging findings, treatment, and outcome
Authors: De Frias João Miguel , Bhatti Sofie F. M. , Nye George , Gonçalves Rita , Harcourt‐Brown Tom , Fadda Angela , Marioni‐Henry Katia , Padley Hannah , De Decker Steven
Published: December 2024

Background

Spinal arachnoid diverticulum (SAD) is considered a rare disease in cats. Previous reports mainly classified SAD in cats as acquired.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The aim of this study was to describe the signalment, clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging findings, and outcome in a group of cats with SAD.

Animals

Twenty‐one client‐owned cats.

Methods

Multicenter observational retrospective review of the medical records of cats diagnosed with SAD by magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

Most cats were Domestic Short Hair (67%), male (63%), and had a wide range of ages (18 weeks to 13 years old). Neuroanatomical localization was consistent with a T3‐L3 myelopathy in 18 cats (86%) and C1‐C5 myelopathy in 3 cats (14%). One cat with a C1‐C5 myelopathy demonstrated bilateral vestibular clinical signs. One cat (5%) had fecal incontinence. Most cats demonstrated a chronic, progressive, nonlateralized, nonpainful myelopathy. No underlying previous or concurrent spinal condition was found in 48% of the cats. No difference in age, body weight, breed, sex, treatment, or outcome was found between cats with or without a concurrent spinal disorder. One cat was euthanized after diagnosis. Six cats improved, 1 deteriorated and 1 remained static after surgery, whereas 3 cats improved, 5 deteriorated and 4 remained static after medical management on the short‐term outcome. Overall, 73% (8/11) of the cats deteriorated on available long‐term follow‐up information.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Spinal arachnoid diverticulum should be considered for cats with chronic, progressive, symmetrical, nonpainful myelopathy, particularly if male and with a history of spinal disease or surgery.
Retrospective evaluation of computed tomographic‐guided Tru‐Cut biopsies in 16 dogs and 14 cats with nasal cavity mass lesions
Authors: Milne Jessica , Ekkebus Sophie , Thompson Daniel , Brash Robert
Published: December 2024

Background

Approximately 80% of nasal masses in dogs and 91% of nasal masses in cats are reported to be malignant, but the currently reported diagnostic rate of neoplasia is 54% using blind or rhinoscopic biopsy techniques.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Describe the technique of computed tomography (CT)‐guided Tru‐Cut (Tru‐Cut biopsy needle, Merit Medical Systems, Utah, USA) nasal biopsies in cats and dogs to determine the diagnostic rate of neoplasia on the first round of sampling and to evaluate the safety of the technique.

Animals

Thirty client‐owned animals, 16 dogs and 14 cats, that had CT‐guided nasal biopsies performed to investigate nasal masses.

Methods

Retrospective, single‐center, medical record review of 16 dogs and 14 cats that had CT‐guided nasal biopsies performed between 2022 and 2024.

Results

Diagnostic biopsy samples were acquired using CT‐guided Tru‐Cut sampling in 28/30 cases (93%). The diagnosis was considered clinically appropriate in 26/30 cases (87%): neoplasia in 24/30 cases (80%) and rhinitis in 2/30 cases (7%). Neoplasia was the final diagnosis in 14/16 dogs (88%) and 10/14 cats (71%).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Computed tomographic‐guided Tru‐Cut biopsies can result in a high first‐round diagnosis of neoplasia in nasal masses in cats and dogs, without clinically relevant complications. This technique is a useful alternative method of sampling nasal masses that may be difficult to access via rhinoscopy.
Drug–Drug Interactions Between DAAs and Anticoagulants or Antiplatelets: A Position Paper of the Italian Anticoagulation Clinics
Authors: Tombolini Elisabetta , Squizzato Alessandro , Podda Gian Marco , Aghemo Alessio , Ferri Nicola , Segato Simone , Poli Daniela , Donadini Marco Paolo
Published: December 2024

The natural history of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has changed after the introduction of direct‐acting antiviral agents (DAAs). Screening programs have been ongoing to reach the World Health Organisation's goal of HCV elimination by 2030, and most infected people are eligible for treatment. Given the increased cardiovascular risk in people with HCV infection and the metabolic pathways of DAAs, it is not uncommon to face the issue of drug–drug interactions (DDIs) with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs. In the absence of clinical trials, we offer suggestions to deal with DDIs in case of treatment of patients with DAAs who are also receiving antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs, based on the best available evidence from pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics studies in conjunction with clinical experience in the field of haemostasis and thrombosis.
Accelerated Neurocomputation in Human Decision‐Making Under Time Pressure
Authors: Li Shuang , Liu Sijia , Lu Yang , Liu Siyi , Li Lin , Liu Zhiyuan , Guo Xiuyan
Published: December 2024

It is common to make risky decisions under time pressure. However, there are ongoing debates regarding the interpretation of the intrinsic mechanisms through which time pressure influences risky decision‐making. The current study, combining a sequential risk‐taking task, behavioral modeling, and time‐resolved multivariate pattern analysis on electroencephalography signals, explored the intrinsic mechanisms underlying the influence of time pressure on risky decision‐making. Results from both the behavioral and neural levels indicated that under time pressure, decision‐makers enhanced their computation of the value of different options, with this computation primarily based on the potential benefits of options, and made more conservative decision. Additionally, under time pressure, decision‐makers' emotion experience was related to the indicator of valuation stage (i.e., decoding accuracy) of decision‐making and they spent less time on the subsequent selection stage. The current study highlights that, during risky decision‐making under time pressure, the brain does not suppress a particular information processing process; instead, it operates in an accelerated manner.