bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Values of tumor volume on magnetic resonance imaging for a surgical approach to endometrial cancer
Authors: López‐González Elga , Rodríguez‐Jiménez Alberto , Rojas‐Luna José Antonio , Daza‐Manzano Cinta , Gómez‐Salgado Juan
Published: August 2023

Objective

To analyze the relationship between tumor volume in Endometrial Cancer (EC) on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and lymph node metastasis to establish which patients benefit from omitting the lymphadenectomy.

Methods

A retrospective observational study with 194 patients with EC identified between 2016 and 2021 at the Juan Ramón Jiménez University Hospital, Huelva (Spain) was carried out. Preoperative MRI of 127 patients was assessed. The tumor volume was analyzed on MRI by the ellipsoid formula and another alternative method with a manual ROI in different sections. Risk factors for node metastases were analyzed to understand its relationship and to identify an optimum criterion for the tailored surgery.

Results

Univariate analysis showed risk factors for lymph node metastases were histological grade (p = 0.001), tumor with a volume greater than >25 cm3 (p < 0.001), lymphovascular space invaded (p = 0.007), and preoperative Ca 125 serum >28 (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that tumor volume index >25 cm3 was an independent risk factor for lymph node metastases. The patients without significant proposed risk factors (volume index >25 cm3 [OR = 0.64], Ca 125 > 28 [OR = 0.32], and high histological grade [OR = 2.6]) did not present lymph node metastases, independent of myometrial invasion.

Conclusions

Lymphadenectomy can be omitted in patients with Endometrioid carcinoma that do not have any of the following risk factors: high‐grade tumor, elevated Ca 125 (>28), and tumor volume on MRI greater than 25 cm3. Tumor volume might predict the state of lymph nodes in EC and it could give information regarding surgical management.
Examining disparities in large‐scale patient‐reported data capture using digital tools among cancer patients at clinical intake
Authors: Rollison Dana E. , Gonzalez Brian D. , Turner Kea , Jim Heather S. L. , Zhao Yayi , Amorrortu Rossybelle P. , Howard Rachel , Ghia Kavita M. , Ngo Bryan , Reisman Phillip , Moore Colin , Perkins Randa , Keenan Robert J. , Sallman David A. , Naso Cristina M. , Robinson Edmondo J. , Vadaparampil Susan T. , Simmons Vani N. , Schabath Matthew B. , Gilbert Scott M.
Published: August 2023

Background

Patient‐reported data can improve quality of healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. Moffitt Cancer Center (“Moffitt”) administers the Electronic Patient Questionnaire (EPQ) to collect data on demographics, including sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), medical history, cancer risk factors, and quality of life. Here we investigated differences in EPQ completion by demographic and cancer characteristics.

Methods

An analysis including 146,142 new adult patients at Moffitt in 2009–2020 was conducted using scheduling, EPQ and cancer registry data. EPQ completion was described by calendar year and demographics. Logistic regression was used to estimate associations between demographic/cancer characteristics and EPQ completion. More recently collected information on SOGI were described.

Results

Patient portal usage (81%) and EPQ completion rates (79%) were consistently high since 2014. Among patients in the cancer registry, females were more likely to complete the EPQ than males (odds ratio [OR] = 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.14–1.20). Patients ages 18–64 years were more likely to complete the EPQ than patients aged ≥65. Lower EPQ completion rates were observed among Black or African American patients (OR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.56–0.63) as compared to Whites and among patients whose preferred language was Spanish (OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.36–0.44) or another language as compared to English. Furthermore, patients with localized (OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.12–1.19) or regional (OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.12–1.20) cancer were more likely to complete the EPQ compared to those with metastatic disease. Less than 3% of patients self‐identified as being lesbian, gay, or bisexual and <0.1% self‐identified as transgender, genderqueer, or other.

Conclusions

EPQ completion rates differed across demographics highlighting opportunities for targeted process improvement. Healthcare organizations should evaluate data acquisition methods to identify potential disparities in data completeness that can impact quality of clinical care and generalizability of self‐reported data.
A Bayesian network meta‐analysis for acute thrombosis after lower extremity artery endovascular treatment
Authors: Teng Lequn , Zhang Yongbao , Fang Jie , Liu Xinnong , Shi Tao , Qu Chengjia , Li Jialiang , Shen Chenyang
Published: August 2023

Background

Various endovascular treatment devices have been widely used in the lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD). Their patency efficiency for target lesions has been well studied and reported. Comparison of the risk of acute thrombosis events between the different endovascular treatment devices is unclear.

Aims

To rank the risk of acute thrombosis events when bare metal stents (BMSs), covered stents (CSs), drug‐eluting stents (DESs), drug‐coated balloons (DCBs), and conventional percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty (PTA) are used to treat LEAD through Bayesian network meta‐analysis.

Methods

We performed a network meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing the risk of 1‐year postoperative acute thrombosis between BMSs, CSs, DESs, DCBs, and PTA for treating LEAD. Bayesian random models were used for pooled endovascular treatment modality comparisons. We ranked these treatment modalities via the Bayesian method according to their surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) and estimated probabilities.

Results

Nineteen studies (38 study arms; 2758 patients) were included. The Bayesian network ranking of treatments indicated that DCB had the lowest risk of acute thrombosis, PTA had the second‐lowest risk of thrombosis, and CS, BMS, and DES had the highest risk of thrombosis. Regarding the treatment efficacy, the OR values of the loss of primary patency were significantly lower for DCB (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.30‐0.62), DES (OR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.14‐0.94), and CS (OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.18,0.56) than for PTA. When BMS was used as a reference, only the OR for CS was significantly lower (OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.21‐0.82). Correspondingly, the Bayesian ranking of treatments from better to worse target lesion primary patency was CS, DES, DCB, BMS, and PTA.

Conclusion

With the available research evidence and according to the network analysis ranking, DES appears to have the highest risk of acute thrombosis and DCB appears to have the lowest risk.
MnSe/Co0.85Se/N‐CNFs as Binder‐Free Anodes for Sodium/Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Xu Changsheng , Liu Lihao , Wu Kewei , Wang Jie , Yang Hao , Chen Jieai , Zhou Guangpeng , Hu Xuebu
Published: August 2023

MnSe and Co0.85Se embedded in nitrogen‐doped carbon nanofibers (MnSe/Co0.85Se/N‐CNFs) were synthesized by electrospinning and high‐temperature calcination, and evaluated for the first time as sodium/potassium‐ion battery anode material via constant current charge/discharge, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.Ex‐situ XRD revealed the potassium storage mechanism of MnSe/Co0.85Se/N‐CNFs, indicating that its capacity was mainly provided by the conversion reaction. Compared with MnSe/N‐CNFs and Co0.85Se/N‐CNFs, the reversible capacity and cycling performance of MnSe/Co0.85Se/N‐CNFs were significantly improved due to the synergistic effect of bimetals. The MnSe/Co0.85Se/N‐CNFs electrode showed a charging capacity of 262.3 mAh g−1 after 700 cycles at 1 A g−1 in Na‐ion batteries and a discharge capacity of 183.4 mAh g−1 after 400 cycles at 0.1 A g−1 in K‐ion batteries, The results showed that binder‐free binary metal MnSe/Co0.85Se/N‐CNFs have a certain development prospect as anode for sodium/potassium‐ion batteries.
Constructing long‐cycling crystalline C3N4‐based carbonaceous anodes for sodium‐ion battery via N configuration control
Authors: Wang Ying , Li Hongguan , Di Shuanlong , Zhai Boyin , Niu Ping , Kelarakis Antonios , Wang Shulan , Li Li
Published: August 2023

Carbon nitrides with two‐dimensional layered structures and high theoretical capacities are attractive as anode materials for sodium‐ion batteries while their low crystallinity and insufficient structural stability strongly restrict their practical applications. Coupling carbon nitrides with conductive carbon may relieve these issues. However, little is known about the influence of nitrogen (N) configurations on the interactions between carbon and C3N4, which is fundamentally critical for guiding the precise design of advanced C3N4‐related electrodes. Herein, highly crystalline C3N4 (poly (triazine imide), PTI) based all‐carbon composites were developed by molten salt strategy. More importantly, the vital role of pyrrolic‐N for enhancing charge transfer and boosting Na+ storage of C3N4‐based composites, which was confirmed by both theoretical and experimental evidence, was spot‐highlighted for the first time. By elaborately controlling the salt composition, the composite with high pyrrolic‐N and minimized graphitic‐N content was obtained. Profiting from the formation of highly crystalline PTI and electrochemically favorable pyrrolic‐N configurations, the composite delivered an unusual reverse growth and record‐level cycling stability even after 5000 cycles along with high reversible capacity and outstanding full‐cell capacity retention. This work broadens the energy storage applications of C3N4 and provides new prospects for the design of advanced all‐carbon electrodes.
Strong metal–support interaction boosts the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution capability of Ru nanoparticles supported on titanium nitride
Authors: Wang Xin , Yang Xiaoli , Pei Guangxian , Yang Jifa , Liu Junzhe , Zhao Fengwang , Jin Fayi , Jiang Wei , Ben Haoxi , Zhang Lixue
Published: August 2023

Ruthenium (Ru) has been regarded as one of the most promising alternatives to substitute Pt for catalyzing alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), owing to its inherent high activity and being the cheapest platinum‐group metal. Herein, based on the idea of strong metal–support interaction (SMSI) regulation, Ru/TiN catalysts with different degrees of TiN overlayer over Ru nanoparticles were fabricated, which were applied to the alkaline electrolytic water. Characterizations reveal that the TiN overlayer would gradually encapsulate the Ru nanoparticles and induce more electron transfer from Ru nanoparticles to TiN support by the Ru–N–Ti bond as the SMSI degree increased. Further study shows that the exposed Ru–TiN interfaces greatly promote the H2 desorption capacity. Thus, the Ru/TiN‐300 with a moderate SMSI degree exhibits excellent HER performance, with an overpotential of 38 mV at 10 mA cm−2. Also, due to the encapsulation role of TiN overlayer on Ru nanoparticles, it displays super long‐term stability with a very slight potential change after 24 h. This study provides a deep insight into the influence of the SMSI effect between Ru and TiN on HER and offers a novel approach for preparing efficient and stable HER electrocatalysts through SMSI engineering.
High‐dimensional variable selection accounting for heterogeneity in regression coefficients across multiple data sources
Authors: Yu Tingting , Ye Shangyuan , Wang Rui
Published: August 2023

When analyzing data combined from multiple sources (e.g., hospitals, studies), the heterogeneity across different sources must be accounted for. In this article, we consider high‐dimensional linear regression models for integrative data analysis. We propose a new adaptive clustering penalty (ACP) method to simultaneously select variables and cluster source‐specific regression coefficients with subhomogeneity. We show that the estimator based on the ACP method enjoys a strong oracle property under certain regularity conditions. We also develop an efficient algorithm based on the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) for parameter estimation. We conduct simulation studies to compare the performance of the proposed method to three existing methods (a fused LASSO with adjacent fusion, a pairwise fused LASSO and a multidirectional shrinkage penalty method). Finally, we apply the proposed method to the multicentre Childhood Adenotonsillectomy Trial to identify subhomogeneity in the treatment effects across different study sites.
Clustering and semi‐supervised classification for clickstream data via mixture models
Authors: Gallaugher Michael P. B. , McNicholas Paul D.
Published: August 2023

Finite mixture models have been used for unsupervised learning for some time, and their use within the semisupervised paradigm is becoming more commonplace. Clickstream data are one of the various emerging data types that demand particular attention because there is a notable paucity of statistical learning approaches currently available. A mixture of first‐order continuous‐time Markov models is introduced for unsupervised and semisupervised learning of clickstream data. This approach assumes continuous time, which distinguishes it from existing mixture model‐based approaches; practically, this allows account to be taken of the amount of time each user spends on each webpage. The approach is evaluated and compared with the discrete‐time approach, using simulated and real data.
A realistic approach to evaluating the effect of baseline lipid profile in postcoronary artery bypass grafting surgery
Authors: Sheikhy Ali , Fallahzadeh Aida , Sadeghian Saeed , Pashang Mina , Karimi Abbas Ali , Bagheri Jamshid , Ahmadi‐Tafti Hossein , Hosseini Kaveh
Published: August 2023

Background

There are still many uncertainties in the association between lipid profile and postcoronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) outcomes. Although simplifying the association to linear equations makes it understandable but cannot explain many findings.

Hypothesis

There is a nonlinear associatin between lipid profile indices and adverse outcomes after CABG.

Methods

A total of 17 555 patients who underwent isolated CABG between 2005 and 2016 were evaluated. During the median follow‐up of 75.24 months, the Restricted Cubic Splines (RCS) estimated from the Cox regression model adjusted for all possible confounders was applied to show a nonlinear relationship of lipid profile contents with the “ln hazard ratio” of mortality and major cerebro‐cardiac events (MACCE).

Results

The relationship between LDL‐C and HDL‐C with all‐cause mortality was nonlinear (nonlinear p were .004 and <.001, respectively). The relationship between remnant cholesterol and all‐cause mortality was linear (linearity p = .023). Among men, those in the highest LDL‐C level (Q4, LDL‐C > 114) and those in the lowest HDL‐C level (Q1, HDL‐C < 30) showed a significantly higher risk of all‐cause mortality compared to other groups (compared with Q3, LDL‐C Q4, HR = 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.02–1.26, p = .014; HDL‐C Q1, HR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.01–1.31, p = .041). Female patients in the lowest HDL‐C level (Q1, HDL‐C < 30) showed a significantly higher (compared with Q3, HR = 1.14, 95% CI:1.01–1.31, p = .028) and those in the highest HDL‐C level (Q4, HDL‐C > 43) showed a significantly lower (compared with Q3, HR = 0.74, 95% CI:0.58–0.98, p = .019) risk of all‐cause mortality.

Conclusion

Determining a universal cut off for components of lipid profile may be misleading and should better be revised. Extreme values (very low or very high) for HDL‐C and LDL‐C have different effects on cardiovascular outcomes.
Dental implant treatment for two adjacent missing teeth in the esthetic region: A systematic review and 10‐year results of a prospective comparative pilot study
Authors: Meijer Henny J. A. , Stellingsma Kees , Pol Christiaan W. P. , Vissink Arjan , Gareb Barzi , Raghoebar Gerry M.
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The aim of the systematic review was to compare studies on implant‐supported two‐unit cantilever crowns with two adjacent implant‐supported crowns in the anterior region. The second aim was to assess in a 10‐year prospective comparative pilot study, hard and soft peri‐implant tissue changes in patients with a missing central and adjacent lateral upper incisor, treated with either an implant‐supported two‐unit cantilever crown or two single implant‐supported crowns.

Materials and Methods

Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched (last search March 1, 2023). Inclusion criteria were studies reporting outcomes of two missing adjacent teeth in the esthetic region and treated with a single implant‐supported two‐unit cantilever fixed dental prosthesis, or with two solitary implant‐supported crowns. Outcome measures assessed included implant survival (primary), changes in marginal bone and gingiva level, restoration survival, subjective and objective esthetic scores, papilla volume, mid‐facial marginal mucosa level, probing depth, bleeding on probing, and biological and technical complications with ≥1‐year follow‐up. In addition, in a 10‐year pilot study, the same outcome measures were assessed of five patients with a single implant‐supported two‐unit cantilever crown and compared with five patients with two adjacent single implant‐supported crowns in the esthetic zone.

Results

Nine articles with 11 study groups were found eligible for data extraction. Meta‐analyses of implant survival rates were 96.9% (mean follow‐up 3.4 ± 1.4 years) for the implant‐cantilever treatment and 97.6% (mean follow‐up 3.0 ± 1.8 years) for the adjacent implants treatment (p = .79). In the 10‐year comparative pilot study, no clinically relevant changes in hard and soft peri‐implant tissue levels occurred in both groups. Patient satisfaction was also high in both groups.

Conclusion

Single implant‐supported two‐unit crowns can be a viable alternative to the placement of two adjacent single implant crowns in the esthetic zone.
Doppler shift with Archimedes Optimization Algorithm for localizing unknown nodes in underwater sensor networks
Authors: S Kaliraj , B Hariharan , V Sivakumar , J S Femilda Josephin , R Siva , P N Senthil Prakash
Published: August 2023

The issue of underwater sensor network (UWSN) localization has led to the aim of techniques presented in recent years. In this paper, we develop Doppler shift with Archimedes Optimization Algorithm for localizing unknown nodes in UWSN. The projected method predicts that sink node plays a major function in managing the computational load contrasted with the remaining nodes in the network of underwater. This node localization is proceeding with frequency shifts of sound waves contrasted toward real, which are present once observer in addition source can be mobile as they do in a marine atmosphere. The proposed technique is utilized to compute the estimated position of an unknown sensor node; here Archimedes' optimization algorithm is utilized to reduce the error during localization of nodes in UWSNs. This proposed technique can be enhancing the accuracy of the localization of nodes in UWSNs. This proposed methodology can be implemented and evaluated with the help of performance metrics. To validate the proposed technique's efficiency, it is contrasted with conventional techniques like Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA).
Efficacy and associated factors of endoscopic transpapillary drainage for postoperative biliary leakage
Authors: Murata Jun , Shigekawa Minoru , Ishii Shuji , Suda Takahiro , Ikezawa Kenji , Hirao Motohiro , Matsumoto Kengo , Kegasawa Tadashi , Iwahashi Kiyoshi , Iio Sadaharu , Nakanishi Fumihiko , Nakazuru Shoichi , Yoshida Yuichi , Yamai Takuo , Sato Katsuhiko , Yoshioka Teppei , Hikita Hayato , Tatsumi Tomohide , Takehara Tetsuo
Published: August 2023

Objective

Adequate biliary decompression is important in treating bile leaks, and endoscopic transpapillary drainage is widely used for this purpose. As an indicator to evaluate the usefulness of endoscopic drainage for postoperative biliary leakage, we focused on external drain removability, which affects quality of life, after endoscopic treatment. Our aim was to clarify the success rate of external tube removal after endoscopic drainage for postoperative biliary leakage and to examine associated factors.

Methods

This was a multicenter retrospective study; 99 patients with biliary leakage at 13 institutions were enrolled between April 2014 and March 2019. Among these patients, 66 who were initially treated with endoscopic interventions for biliary leakage after cholecystectomy (n = 17) or hepatectomy (n = 49) were reviewed.

Results

In post‐cholecystectomy biliary leakage, the external‐drain‐free rate at first endoscopic intervention was 100%, and the drains, including transpapillary stents, were successfully removed in almost all cases (16/17). In contrast, in post‐hepatectomy biliary leakage, the external‐drain‐free rate was 44.9% (22/49), with all 22 of those patients eventually becoming entirely drain‐free. A lower body mass index was the only significant factor associated with freedom from external drainage in post‐hepatectomy biliary leakage (odds ratio 0.18, 95% confidence interval 0.05–0.65).

Conclusions

Initial endoscopic treatment was effective for post‐cholecystectomy biliary leakage, while approximately half of the patients with post‐hepatectomy biliary leakage required multidisciplinary management. Achieving freedom from external drainage contributes to patients’ quality of life and may be a predictor of treatment response after endoscopic therapy for postoperative biliary leakage.
Failure to control conventional cardiovascular risk factors in women with type 2 diabetes might explain worse mortality
Authors: Stedman Michael , Whyte Martin B. , Laing Ian , Fryer Anthony A. , Torres Bernardo Meza , Robinson Adam , Mannan Fahmida , Gibson J. Martin , Rayman Gerry , Heald Adrian H.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The standardised mortality rate (SMR) for people with diabetes in England is 1.5–1.7, with differences in outcomes between sexes. There has been little work examining the factors that could have an impact on this or on what may determine sex differences in outcome.

Methods

Data were extracted for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Salford (England) in 2010 for the years up to 2020, including any deaths recorded. Expected deaths were calculated from annual Office of National Statistics mortality rate and life expectancy by age and gender, adjusted for the local Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD). This provided the SMR deprivation (SMRd), and life expectancy years lost per death (LEYLD). The effects of treatment type, and clinical features on SMRd relative to sex were examined by univariable and multivariable analysis.

Results

Data from n = 11,806 (F = 5184; M = 6622) patients were included. Of these, n = 5540 were newly diagnosed and n = 3921 died (F = 1841; M = 2080). In total, n = 78,930 patient years. The expected deaths numbered n = 2596 (adjusted for age, sex, and IMD). Excess deaths were n = 1325 (F = 689; M = 636). Life expectancy years lost (LEYL) 18,989 (F = 9714; M = 9275). SMRd 1.51 (F = 1.60; M = 1.44) and LEYLD 4.84 years (F = 5.28; M = 4.46). The impact of risk factors was not different by sex. However, women had higher prevalence of % diagnosed >65 years of age; % last eGFR <60 mLs/min/1.73 m2, and lower prevalence of % prescribed ACE‐inhibitor/ARB, DPP4‐inhibitor and SGLT2‐inhibitor. Applying the male prevalence rate to the female population and expected mortality suggested n = 437 (55%) of excess T2D female deaths were attributed to sex difference in the prevalence of these risk and protective factors.

Conclusions

Outcomes in women with T2DM are worse than in men, contributed to by greater prevalence of adverse factors and less prescribing of cardioprotective medication.
Effects of litter quality on foraging behaviour and demographic parameters in Folsomia candida (Collembola)
Authors: Argote Karolina , Albert Cecile H. , Geslin Benoît , Biryol Charlotte , Santonja Mathieu
Published: August 2023

Litter quality has long been associated with demographic parameters of Collembola populations. However, little is known about the capacity of Collembola to perceive and seek better litter quality. To address this gap, three complementary laboratory experiments were carried out with the Collembola Folsomia candida. First, populations were fed on three different types of leaf litters (Quercus pubescens, Acer opalus and Prunus avium) and a control (agar‐agar‐brewer's yeast mixture) for 6 weeks to assess their impacts on demography (reproduction rate and population size). Second, the body length of individuals differentially fed with the same four types of resources was measured to assess a functional trait that can potentially affect movement parameters such as prospected area or foraging speed. Third, F. candida single individuals were exposed to the same litter quality gradient and placed at an increasing distance from the litter (from 1 to 5 cm). For 10 min, their foraging behaviour was recorded which included prospected area, foraging speed, perception distance and success in reaching the litter (foraging success). As expected, low‐quality litter (i.e. Q. pubescens) contributed to low population growth compared to the control treatment and the high‐quality litters (P. avium and A. opalus). In the third experiment, the probability of finding the resource was negatively correlated to the distance, but was unrelated to the litter quality and the Collembola body length. When resource was perceived, F. candida was able to switch from non‐directional to directional movements, with a large variability in the perception distance from a few millimetres to several centimetres. Taken together, our results indicate that litter quality plays a relevant role in Collembola demographic parameters once the population settles on litter patch, but not on foraging behaviour to select high‐quality resources.
A hierarchical neural network model for Japanese toward detecting mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Goto Tetsuji
Published: August 2023

We found that some signs of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) might be presented in a structure of a sentence and a relation between sentences talked by a man, and develop a neural network model which has an analogy with the hierarchical structure of speakers, topics, sentences and words in Japanese. We build our model based on 2‐layered bi‐directional LSTM, corresponding to words‐sentences and sentences‐topics hierarchy. As a layer corresponding to speakers, we use a linear classifier with self‐attention. The test result shows a largely improved AUC, compared with another test by using the normal 2‐layered bi‐directional LSTM with TBPTT. The result also indicates that there are some characteristic patterns in a talk by an elderly person with MCI. We classify the character vectors of topics generated from our model through learning into clusters whose number is 1/10 of the number of persons in our data. Since these clusters have almost less than 10% or more than 90% rate of positive share, we conclude that we can develop a screening method based on a talk in Japanese by an elderly person in the near future.
Connecting local and regional scales with stochastic metacommunity models: Competition, ecological drift, and dispersal
Authors: Lerch Brian A. , Rudrapatna Akshata , Rabi Nasser , Wickman Jonas , Koffel Thomas , Klausmeier Christopher A.
Published: August 2023

Despite the well known scale‐dependency of ecological interactions, relatively little attention has been paid to understanding the dynamic interplay between various spatial scales. This is especially notable in metacommunity theory, where births and deaths dominate dynamics within patches (the local scale), and dispersal and environmental stochasticity dominate dynamics between patches (the regional scale). By considering the interplay of local and regional scales in metacommunities, the fundamental processes of community ecology—selection, drift, and dispersal—can be unified into a single theoretical framework. Here, we analyze three related spatial models that build on the classic two‐species Lotka–Volterra competition model. Two open‐system models focus on a single patch coupled to a larger fixed landscape by dispersal. The first is deterministic, while the second adds demographic stochasticity to allow ecological drift. Finally, the third model is a true metacommunity model with dispersal between a large number of local patches, which allows feedback between local and regional scales and captures the well studied metacommunity paradigms as special cases. Unlike previous simulation models, our metacommunity model allows the numerical calculation of equilibria and invasion criteria to precisely determine the outcome of competition at the regional scale. We show that both dispersal and stochasticity can lead to regional outcomes that are different than predicted by the classic Lotka–Volterra competition model. Regional exclusion can occur when the nonspatial model predicts coexistence or founder control, due to ecological drift or asymmetric stochastic switching between basins of attraction, respectively. Regional coexistence can result from local coexistence mechanisms or through competition‐colonization or successional‐niche trade‐offs. Larger dispersal rates are typically competitively advantageous, except in the case of local founder control, which can favor intermediate dispersal rates. Broadly, our models demonstrate the importance of feedback between local and regional scales in competitive metacommunities and provide a unifying framework for understanding how selection, drift, and dispersal jointly shape ecological communities.
Lessons learned from over thirty years of eelgrass restoration on the US West Coast
Authors: Ward Melissa , Beheshti Kathryn
Published: August 2023

Seagrass habitats, which provide essential ecosystem functions such as water quality improvement, biodiversity support, ocean acidification amelioration, and sediment carbon storage, are declining worldwide. Eelgrass (Zostera marina) habitats along the contiguous US West Coast are threatened by conflicting human uses and global change, resulting in significant protections of and efforts to restore areas where habitat is extant or degraded. Despite a history of eelgrass restoration in this region spanning nearly 60 years, very little work has been published on the subject. Here, we review all available literature on eelgrass restoration projects conducted in California, Oregon, and Washington. Of the 82 restoration projects included in this analysis, which were conducted from 1989 to 2020, only 6 were published in peer‐reviewed journals. Thus, despite the precedent for conducting restoration, a lack of data availability makes assessing regional success, drivers of failure, and best practices extremely difficult. From this synthesis, we find that the majority of restoration projects (73%) have been conducted for mitigation (compliance) purposes, contributing to the lack of peer‐reviewed literature on the subject. We find that while eelgrass mitigation policies serve to maintain eelgrass structure and regional acreages, they do not facilitate assessments of habitat function or incentivize advancements in regional best practices. We also find that when we could evaluate project outcomes, 32.3%–59.6% of restoration plots were unsuccessful by the end of the project, but this percentage is highly dependent on how success is defined. According to restoration practitioners, failure was likely to result from environmental factors such as light, nutrients, or macroalgal blooms, but was occasionally due to logistical factors such as restoration method or approach. From this work, we recommend a standardized, evidence‐based approach to restoration, improved data sharing practices, and careful consideration of existing eelgrass mitigation practices. As marine habitat restoration enters a new global stage, backed by public and private investment, burgeoning carbon markets, and global biodiversity initiatives, it is essential to learn from past work to understand and improve seagrass conservation and restoration success.
Atrial fibrillation ablation in patients with arrhythmia‐induced cardiomyopathy: a prospective multicentre study
Authors: González‐Ferrero Teba , Bergonti Marco , López‐Canoa José Nicolás , Arias Federico García‐Rodeja , Eiras Penas Sonia , Spera Francesco , González‐Maestro Adrián , Minguito‐Carazo Carlos , Martínez‐Sande José Luis , González‐Melchor Laila , García‐Seara Francisco Javier , Fernández‐López Jesús Alberto , Álvarez‐Castro Ezequiel , González‐Juanatey José Ramón , Heidbuchel Hein , Sarkozy Andrea , Rodríguez‐Mañero Moisés
Published: August 2023

Aims

This study aims to investigate the clinical and biochemical characteristics of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) referred for ablation who develop arrhythmia‐induced cardiomyopathy (AiCM) as well as their long‐term outcomes after catheter ablation (CA).

Methods and results

A prospective multicentre study was conducted on consecutive AF patients who underwent CA. AiCM was defined as the development of heart failure in the presence of AF and an improvement of left ventricular fraction by at least 10% at 6 months after ablation. A subgroup of patients underwent peripheral and left atrial blood samples [galectin‐3, fatty acid‐binding protein 4 (FABP4), and soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE)] at the time of the procedure. Of the 769 patients who underwent AF ablation, 135 (17.56%) met the criteria for AiCM. Independent predictors of AiCM included persistent AF, male gender, left atrial volume, QRS width, active smoking, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Biomarker analysis revealed that sRAGE, FABP4, and galectin‐3 levels were not predictive of AiCM development nor did they differ between groups or predict recurrence. There were no differences in AF recurrence between patients with and without AiCM (30.83% vs. 27.77%; P = 0.392) during a median follow‐up of 23.83 months (inter‐quartile range 9–36).

Conclusions

In the subset of patients referred for AF ablation, the development of AiCM was associated with persistent AF and CKD. Biomarker analysis was not different between groups nor predicted recurrence. Patients with AiCM benefited from ablation, with a significant improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction and similar AF recurrence rates to those without AiCM.
Preferential exclusion chromatography as a capture step for extracellular AAV harvest from adherent and suspension productions
Authors: Leskovec Maja , Raspor Andrej , Fujs Veronika , Mihevc Andrej , Štrancar Aleš
Published: August 2023

Preferential exclusion chromatography (PXC) sometimes described as hydrophobic interaction chromatography is a well‐known, but not widely used technique for purification of Adeno‐associated viruses. It employs high molarity of preferentially excluded cosolvent (salt in our case). The downside of this method is that high molarity of salt can lead to aggregation and precipitation of different compounds from the sample. In the case of viruses that are excreted to medium, the concentration of impurities is much lower compared to cell lysates, and PXC can be used as a first chromatographic, serotype independent step to concentrate and purify adeno‐associated virus (AAV). Here, we explored PXC for adherent and suspension harvests using monolithic chromatographic columns (CIMmultus). Suspension extracellular adeno‐associated virus, serotype 9 (AAV9) harvest had more impurities compared to adherent harvest, therefore it required higher input regarding method development. Final conditions for suspension harvest included higher molarity of binding salt and using more open channel format of chromatographic column (6 µm channel size). Vector genome analysis with droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) revealed 84% and 97% recovery for suspension and adherent AAV9 harvest, respectively. After PXC capture step, adherent AAV9 was purified by already described ion exchange techniques. Overall process vector genome recovery, from clarified harvest to anion exchange elution fraction, was 54% measured by ddPCR. Residual host cell DNA was measured at 40 ng per 1E13 vector genome, and empty AAV was below 5% in final anion exchange chromatography fraction.
Design and numerical study of a bidirectional acoustic microfluidic pump enabled by microcantilever arrays
Authors: Chen Dongyang , Zheng Lican , Xie Yu , Zhang Chen , Liu Sirui , Jiang Chongjie , Zhou Wei , Luo Tao
Published: August 2023

Microfluidics offers a versatile and promising platform for various applications in biomedical and other fields, boasting cost‐effectiveness, rapid analysis time, and a compact equipment footprint. However, achieving controlled and versatile microfluidic motion within implantable devices presents a significant challenge. In this study, we propose a novel bidirectional micro‐pump design that leverages two sharp‐edge microcantilever arrays, driven by ultrasound, to enable selective flow direction by manipulating the ultrasound frequency. Through systematic numerical simulation, we demonstrate the feasibility of this design and further optimize its performance through comprehensive parametric analysis. This work provides valuable guidance for the practical development of sharp‐edge‐based acoustic micro‐pumps, particularly for potential implantable applications such as controlled drug release and in vivo sampling for advanced diagnostics.
Influence of extent and age at corpus callosotomy on seizure outcomes. A single center experience
Authors: Chourasia Nitish , Stone Scellig S. D. , Tsuboyama Melissa , Madsen Joseph R. , Ryan Morgan , Zhang Bo , Libenson Mark H. , Bolton Jeffrey , Harini Chellamani
Published: August 2023

Corpus callosotomy (CC) is a palliative treatment for drop seizures in patients with drug‐resistant nonlocalizable epilepsy. We compared drop seizure outcomes between patients undergoing anterior CC versus complete CC and examined factors impacting outcomes for drop seizures including age at CC and duration of epilepsy. A retrospective review of patients who underwent CC between 2003 and 2022 with a minimum of 6 months postsurgical follow‐up was included. Outcome measure for drop seizures included seizure reduction ≥50% from baseline as well as elimination of drop seizures. Thirty‐eight patients were included. Overall, ≥50% reduction in drop seizures occurred in nearly 70% (23 out of 33) patients with complete elimination in 58% (19 out of 33). Compared with anterior CC (n = 13), patients undergoing complete CC (n = 25) had increased likelihood of ≥50% reduction (p = 0.006) or elimination (p = 0.024) of drop seizures. Regression analysis showed that complete CC was the primary predictor for improved drop seizure outcomes (elimination, p = 0.014 or ≥50% reduction, p = 0.006), while age at CC and duration of epilepsy did not impact the outcomes. Compared to anterior CC, complete CC was significantly more likely to lead to improvement/freedom from drop seizures. Age at CC or duration of epilepsy did not influence drop seizure outcomes.
Therapeutic drug monitoring in adolescents with anorexia nervosa for safe treatment with adjunct olanzapine
Authors: Karwautz Andreas , Zeiler Michael , Schwarzenberg Julia , Mairhofer Dunja , Mitterer Michaela , Truttmann Stefanie , Philipp Julia , Koubek Doris , Glüder Maria , Wagner Gudrun , Malcher Anouk , Schöfbeck Gabriele , Laczkovics Clarissa , Rock Hans W. , Zanko Annika , Imgart Hartmut , Banaschewski Tobias , Fleischhaker Christian , Correll Christoph U. , Wewetzer Christoph , Walitza Susanne , Taurines Regina , Fekete Stefanie , Romanos Marcel , Egberts Karin , Gerlach Manfred
Published: August 2023

Objective

Medication is commonly used in anorexia nervosa (AN) despite largely missing high grade evidence. Olanzapine (OLZ) is the best‐evidenced substance used off‐label in this group, with conflicting outcome regarding BMI, clinical and safety parameters. Therefore, it is important to strictly assure quality of treatment with OLZ in AN by using ‘Therapeutic Drug Monitoring’ according to AGNP‐guidelines, including serum levels and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to support safety for adolescents with AN and attempt to generate an initial age‐ and disorder‐specific therapeutic reference range.

Method

Sixty‐five adolescents with AN (aged 10–18) treated with OLZ (98% female; 97.5% AN‐restricting‐type) were prospectively observed, ADRs reported, and correlations between dosage and serum levels measured at trough level were calculated, a preliminary therapeutic range defined.

Results

Mean dosage of OLZ was 8.15 (SD: 2.91) mg and 0.19 (SD: 0.07) mg/kg respectively, average concentration was 26.57 (SD: 13.46) ng/mL. Correlation between daily dosage/dosage per kg and serum level was 0.72 (**p < 0.001)/0.65 (**p < 0.001), respectively. ADRs with impairment were rare (6.3%). 75% improved clinically (CGI). BMI increased significantly by 1.5 kg/m2 (t = 10.6, p < 0.001). A preliminary therapeutic reference range is 11.9 and 39.9 ng/mL.

Conclusions

OLZ in the hands of specialists is a well‐tolerated and safe treatment adjunct for adolescents with AN.
The formation and evolution of Al‐rich protoliths in the southern Ribeira belt, Brazil: Insights from remnants of a Precambrian paleoweathering surface
Authors: Santos Larissa da Rocha , Fedalto Guilherme , Bahniuk Anelize Manuela , Casapula Inaiara , Oliveira Franciele , Cury Leonardo Fadel
Published: August 2023

Bauxitic clays, clayey bauxites and bauxites are residual products formed from the weathering of aluminosilicate‐rich parent rocks under wet and warm conditions. These deposits show a complex interplay between remobilisation of pre‐existing kaolinitic soils and depositional micro‐environments.

In the southern Ribeira belt, Brazil, a paleoweathering surface developed on the continental shelf of the Capiru Group passive margin strata and on its basement/source rocks. This weathering cycle gave rise to a paleosol profile on the continental domain and a karstic paleotopography on the emerged carbonate shelf. The surface and karstic nets were later caped and filled with Al‐rich materials, typical of remobilised soils, bauxitic clays, clayey bauxites and pods of karst‐type bauxites.

The age of the disconformity is Pre‐Brazilian/Pan‐African, implying a Neoproterozoic age for the weathering surface. In this study, we investigate the relationship among disconformities, paleosols and karst topography to better understand the stratigraphic control, chemical composition and mineralogy of the Al‐rich materials. We interpret this horizon as the remnants of a (meta‐)paleoweathering surface that can serve as a valuable key bed for stratigraphic correlation and paleogeographic reconstructions.

We propose that the triggering process for the genesis of the paleosol profiles, bauxitic material and bauxite pods was a coupled mechanism between favourable climate and uplift along the northern margin of the Curitiba–Angola craton, creating a karstic topography that allowed the down‐plain transport of Al‐rich materials. In a later stage, these deposits were metamorphosed, developing a series of Al silicates in unusual paragenesis, typical of Al‐rich protoliths.

The presence of these paragenesis, along with the recognition of the disconformity–paleoweathering surface pair, could be a useful tool to understand the paleoenvironmental and paleogeographic evolution of highly deformed terrains.
Patterns of vegetation expansion during dune stabilization at the decadal scale
Authors: Gao Jinjuan , Kennedy David M. , McSweeney Sarah
Published: August 2023

There is a global stabilization of coastal dunes, during which, the trajectory of vegetation expansion was rarely studied and, thus, still remains unclear. In this study, patterns and driving factors of vegetation expansion during dune stabilization were examined in three coastal dunefields in Victoria, Australia. Results show that the trajectory of vegetation expansion is fundamentally determined by dunefield topography. At the dunefield scale, vegetation colonization can take place at different parts in dunefield, including (1) the landward margins, where the ecosystem is frequently dominated by woody species and the soil is more mature with higher nutrients and water content; (2) the interdune depressions, where is usually dominated by lower elevations and shelters; and (3) the seaward deflation basins and plains, where vegetation shows a more discontinuous and patchy distribution. At the individual dune scale, vegetation usually expands vertically from the dune toe towards the upper dune slope at both the lee side and stoss face of dunes/dune ridges. The deflation basins are more likely to be free of vegetation establishment. Pre‐existing vegetation also plays a critical role in dune re‐vegetation, and subsequent vegetation expansion takes place around the vegetation patches, more usually towards the downwind direction, probably because it can provide seeds for subsequent vegetation spread. Once established, it can also change the micro‐climates by providing shelter, increasing the surface roughness and changing the wind regimes. More importantly, existing vegetation can form a ‘fertility island’ with higher nutrients, organic matter and water‐holding capacity. Conceptual models depicting the trajectory of vegetation expansion were also generalized. This research provides an original perspective and innovative insight into the patterns and driving factors of vegetation expansion during dune stabilization, under the background of global coastal ‘greening’, which could be helpful to identify opportunities for management interventions.
Plaque vicinity as a hotspot of microglial turnover in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Olmedillas Maria , Brawek Bianca , Li Kaizhen , Richter Cris , Garaschuk Olga
Published: August 2023

Microglia, the major immune cells of the brain, are functionally heterogeneous but in vivo functional properties of these cells are rarely studied at single‐cell resolution. By using microRNA‐9 regulated viral vectors for multicolor labeling and longitudinal in vivo monitoring of individual microglia, we followed their fate in the cortex of healthy adult mice and at the onset of amyloidosis in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. In wild‐type mice, microglia were rather mobile (16% of the cells migrated at least once in 10–20 days) but had a low turnover as documented by low division and death rates. Half of the migratory events were tightly associated with blood vessels. Surprisingly, basic migration properties of microglia (i.e., fraction of migrating cells, saltatory migration pattern, speed of migration, translocation distance, and strong association with blood vessels) were preserved in amyloid‐depositing brains, despite amyloid plaques becoming the major destination of migration. Besides, amyloid deposition significantly increased microglial division and death rates. Moreover, the plaque vicinity became a hotspot of microglial turnover, harboring 33% of all migration, 70% of death and 54% of division events.