bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) is associated with neurodegeneration and amyloid deposition in Alzheimer’s disease: A [18F]PSS232 PET/MRI study
Authors: Wang Jie , He Yingfang , Chen Xing , Huang Lin , Li Junpeng , You Zhiwen , Huang Qi , Ren Shuhua , He Kun , Schibli Roger , Mu Linjing , Guan Yihui , Guo Qihao , Zhao Jun , Xie Fang
Published: January 2024

Background

Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) is involved in regulating integrative brain function and synaptic transmission. Aberrant mGluR5 signaling and relevant synaptic failure play a key role in the initial pathophysiological mechanism of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The study aims to investigate the association between mGluR5 availability and AD’s biomarkers and cognitive function.

Methods

We examined 35 individuals with mGluR5 tracer [18F]PSS232 to assess mGluR5 availability, and with [18F]Florbetapir PET to assess global amyloid deposition, and [18F]FDG PET to assess glucose metabolism. The plasma neurofilament light (NfL) and p-tau181 levels in a subset of individuals were measured (n = 27). The difference in mGluR5 availability between the AD and normal control (NC) groups was explored. The associations of mGluR5 availability with amyloid deposition, glucose metabolism, gray matter volume (GMV), neuropsychological assessment scores, and plasma biomarkers were analyzed.

Results

The mGluR5 availability was significantly reduced in AD patients’ hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus compared to NCs. Global amyloid deposition was positively associated with mGluR5 availability in the AD group and reversely associated in the NC group. The mGluR5 availability was positively correlated with regional glucose metabolism in the overall and stratified analyses. The availability of mGluR5 in the hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus demonstrated a strong relationship with the GMV of the medial temporal lobe, plasma p-tau181 or NfL levels, and global cognitive performance.

Conclusions

[18F]PSS232 PET can quantify the changes of mGluR5 availability in the progression of AD. mGluR5 availability correlated not only with neuropathological biomarkers of AD but also with neurodegenerative biomarkers and cognitive performance. mGluR5 may be a novel neurodegenerative biomarker, and whether mGluR5 could be a potential therapeutic target for AD needs to be further studied.
Warthin-like variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma with lymph node metastases: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Hryshchyshyn Andrii , Bahrii Andrii , Botsun Pavlina , Chuba Volodymyr
Published: January 2024

Background

We present a rare case of thyroid lesion marked as the Warthin-like variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (WLV-PTC) with lymph node metastases. A proper preoperative identification is difficult because of unspecific cytology features and common ultrasound characteristics of this malignant tumor. The long-term prognosis cannot be thoroughly described due to the scarcity of data. The purpose of the presentation is to show common characteristics and long-term survival rates of an uncommon variant of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Therefore, the data represented in this article can make a significant contribution to future investigations.

Case presentation

A 40-year-old Ukrainian woman had a lesion in the thyroid gland, which was accidentally diagnosed during medical checkup. Ultrasound (US) features were similar to the common suspicious nodule. It had typical signs of suspicion for malignancy (TI-RADS-4) on the background of thyroiditis. A thorough investigation of the neck showed lymph nodes with nonspecific US features on both lateral compartments. Lymph nodes were hypoechoic, oval-shaped and 10 mm wide, with regular contours, low central vascularity, with preserving hilar fat, without cystic formation. The patient did not have any complaints or changes in the hormone status. No hereditary findings linked with cancer were discovered. The woman had been living for a long time in the country with a high level of insolation, which was atypical for the ordinary environment of the patient. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of the lesion was done and the Bethesda system 6 result was obtained. Total thyroidectomy with central lymph node dissection was accomplished. The histological conclusion was WLV-PTC on the background of lymphocytic infiltration of the gland with metastasis to the lymph nodes. The inpatient radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation (100 mCi) was subsequently performed. Hormone withdrawal was used followed by RAI. In one year after the surgery the level of thyroglobulin (Tg) was 0.2 ng/ml. Up to the present time the five-year follow-up has not demonstrated any signs of recurrence relying on a level of Tg (< 0.04 ng/ml), Tg antibodies (< 14 IU/ml), neck US without any structural disease.

Conclusion

WLV-PTC resembles salivary gland tumors with similar histological features. This variant is not well known, but often associated with a stroma lymphocytic infiltration and a low risk of lymph node metastases. It is regarded that this rare subtype has similar long-term survival rates as classic papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).
ZNF283, a Krüppel-associated box zinc finger protein, inhibits RNA synthesis of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus by interacting with Nsp9 and Nsp10
Authors: Yi Heyou , Ye Ruirui , Xie Ermin , Lu Lechen , Wang Qiumei , Wang Shaojun , Sun Yankuo , Tian Tao , Qiu Yingwu , Wu Qianwen , Zhang Guihong , Wang Heng
Published: January 2024

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a viral pathogen with substantial economic implications for the global swine industry. The existing vaccination strategies and antiviral drugs offer limited protection. Replication of the viral RNA genome encompasses a complex series of steps, wherein a replication complex is assembled from various components derived from both viral and cellular sources, as well as from the viral genomic RNA template. In this study, we found that ZNF283, a Krüppel-associated box (KRAB) containing zinc finger protein, was upregulated in PRRSV-infected Marc-145 cells and porcine alveolar macrophages and that ZNF283 inhibited PRRSV replication and RNA synthesis. We also found that ZNF283 interacts with the viral proteins Nsp9, an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and Nsp10, a helicase. The main regions involved in the interaction between ZNF283 and Nsp9 were determined to be the KRAB domain of ZNF283 and amino acids 178–449 of Nsp9. The KRAB domain of ZNF283 plays a role in facilitating Nsp10 binding. In addition, ZNF283 may have an affinity for the 3' untranslated region of PRRSV. These findings suggest that ZNF283 is an antiviral factor that inhibits PRRSV infection and extend our understanding of the interactions between KRAB-containing zinc finger proteins and viruses.
Aiming at a moving target: economic evaluation of adaptation strategies under the uncertainty of climate change and CO2 fertilization of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.)
Authors: Sperlich Dominik , Hanewinkel Marc , Yousefpour Rasoul
Published: January 2024

Key message

Drought severely worsened till 2100 and eventually outplayed growth-enhancing CO2 fertilization turning productivity gains into losses for beech and fir. Most scenarios generated notable losses in profitability but economic tipping points were later than for productivity due to lag effects related to discounting. Time mixture of fir and shortening rotation can counteract economic risks under climate change, but requires early admixture and moderate establishment costs.

Context

Adaptation strategies to climate change (CC) such as establishing mixed forests are often based on ecological understanding while economic rationale is often disregarded.

Aims

This paper studies CC uncertainty on productivity and profitability of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.). Besides, the economic consequences to actively adapt beech forests by admixing Silver fir are investigated.

Methods

We used the process-based forest growth model GOTILWA + to simulate RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 climatic projection by the MPI-ESM-LR global circulation model (MPI-ESM-LR) with the CO2 fertilization effect (eCO2) switched on and off. We analysed the sensitivity of the land expectation value (LEV) on CC and economic parameters.

Results

CC initially increased productivity, but declined after a tipping point (2040–2070) and later also profitability (2045–2100). RCP8.5 had positive, RCP2.6 negative and RCP4.5 neutral effects on LEV. Switching off eCO2 turned RCP8.5 from the most profitable to the least profitable scenario and the opposite for RCP2.6. CC generally reduced optimal rotation (Ropt) being scenario dependant, but comparatively more for fir than beech. Admixing fir created an economic benefit when implemented before stand age 50 of beech. This benefit was nullified with protection costs for browsing control (fencing or tree shelters).

Conclusions

Economic parameters (not CC) were the major source of uncertainty stemming from discounting factors and establishment costs. Admixture of fir and shortening rotation can provide a solution to tackle economic and climate uncertainties, but requires early admixture and browsing control.
Generating chord progression from melody with flexible harmonic rhythm and controllable harmonic density
Authors: Wu Shangda , Yang Yue , Wang Zhaowen , Li Xiaobing , Sun Maosong
Published: January 2024

Melody harmonization, which involves generating a chord progression that complements a user-provided melody, continues to pose a significant challenge. A chord progression must not only be in harmony with the melody, but also interdependent on its rhythmic pattern. While previous neural network-based systems have been successful in producing chord progressions for given melodies, they have not adequately addressed controllable melody harmonization, nor have they focused on generating harmonic rhythms with flexibility in the rates or patterns of chord changes. This paper presents AutoHarmonizer, a novel system for harmonic density-controllable melody harmonization with such a flexible harmonic rhythm. AutoHarmonizer is equipped with an extensive vocabulary of 1462 chord types and can generate chord progressions that vary in harmonic density for a given melody. Experimental results indicate that the AutoHarmonizer-generated chord progressions exhibit a diverse range of harmonic rhythms and that the system’s controllable harmonic density is effective.
Methodological review of NMA bias concepts provides groundwork for the development of a list of concepts for potential inclusion in a new risk of bias tool for network meta-analysis (RoB NMA Tool)
Authors: Lunny Carole , Veroniki Areti-angeliki , Higgins Julian P. T. , Dias Sofia , Hutton Brian , Wright James M. , White Ian R. , Whiting Penny , Tricco Andrea C.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Network meta-analyses (NMAs) have gained popularity and grown in number due to their ability to provide estimates of the comparative effectiveness of multiple treatments for the same condition. The aim of this study is to conduct a methodological review to compile a preliminary list of concepts related to bias in NMAs.

Methods and analysis

We included papers that present items related to bias, reporting or methodological quality, papers assessing the quality of NMAs, or method papers. We searched MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library and unpublished literature (up to July 2020). We extracted items related to bias in NMAs. An item was excluded if it related to general systematic review quality or bias and was included in currently available tools such as ROBIS or AMSTAR 2. We reworded items, typically structured as questions, into concepts (i.e. general notions).

Results

One hundred eighty-one articles were assessed in full text and 58 were included. Of these articles, 12 were tools, checklists or journal standards; 13 were guidance documents for NMAs; 27 were studies related to bias or NMA methods; and 6 were papers assessing the quality of NMAs. These studies yielded 99 items of which the majority related to general systematic review quality and biases and were therefore excluded. The 22 items we included were reworded into concepts specific to bias in NMAs.

Conclusions

A list of 22 concepts was included. This list is not intended to be used to assess biases in NMAs, but to inform the development of items to be included in our tool.
Renal-protective effects of Chinese medicinal herbs and compounds for diabetic kidney disease in animal models: protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Meifang , Di Yuan Ming , Zhang Anthony Lin , Chen Junhui , Wang Ruobing , Huang Juan , Zhang Lei , Xue Charlie Changli , Liu Xusheng
Published: January 2024

Background

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a common and severe complication of diabetes that can lead to end-stage renal disease with no cure. The first-line drugs recommended by clinical guidelines fail to achieve satisfactory effects for people with DKD. A Chinese herbal medicine Tangshen Qushi Formula (TQF) shows preliminary efficacy and safety in preserving renal function for people with DKD, but the effects on comprehensive renal outcomes remain unclear. We will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of TQF herbs and their compounds identified from ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-MS/MS in diabetic animal models with renal outcomes.

Methods

This protocol complies with the guideline Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols. We will include studies investigating the effects of TQF herbs and compounds on diabetic rats or mice with renal outcomes. Six electronic databases will be searched from their inception to February 2023. Quality assessment will be conducted using SYRCLE’s risk of bias tool. Standardized or weighted mean differences will be estimated for renal outcomes (creatinine, urea, proteinuria, histological changes, oxidative stress, inflammation, and kidney fibrosis). Data will be pooled using random-effects models. Heterogeneity across studies will be expressed asI2. Sensitivity analyses will explore treatment effects in adjusted models and within subgroups. Funnel plots and Egger’s test will be used to explore publication bias.

Discussion

The results of this review will provide valuable insights into the potential effects of TQF in managing DKD. The limitation is that the included studies will be animal studies from specific databases, and the interpretation of the findings must be cautious.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42023432895. Registered on 19 July 2023 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#recordDetails).
Biogeographic survey of soil bacterial communities across Antarctica
Authors: Varliero Gilda , Lebre Pedro H. , Adams Byron , Chown Steven L. , Convey Peter , Dennis Paul G. , Fan Dandan , Ferrari Belinda , Frey Beat , Hogg Ian D. , Hopkins David W. , Kong Weidong , Makhalanyane Thulani , Matcher Gwynneth , Newsham Kevin K. , Stevens Mark I. , Weigh Katherine V. , Cowan Don A.
Published: January 2024

Background

Antarctica and its unique biodiversity are increasingly at risk from the effects of global climate change and other human influences. A significant recent element underpinning strategies for Antarctic conservation has been the development of a system of Antarctic Conservation Biogeographic Regions (ACBRs). The datasets supporting this classification are, however, dominated by eukaryotic taxa, with contributions from the bacterial domain restricted to Actinomycetota and Cyanobacteriota. Nevertheless, the ice-free areas of the Antarctic continent and the sub-Antarctic islands are dominated in terms of diversity by bacteria. Our study aims to generate a comprehensive phylogenetic dataset of Antarctic bacteria with wide geographical coverage on the continent and sub-Antarctic islands, to investigate whether bacterial diversity and distribution is reflected in the current ACBRs.

Results

Soil bacterial diversity and community composition did not fully conform with the ACBR classification. Although 19% of the variability was explained by this classification, the largest differences in bacterial community composition were between the broader continental and maritime Antarctic regions, where a degree of structural overlapping within continental and maritime bacterial communities was apparent, not fully reflecting the division into separate ACBRs. Strong divergence in soil bacterial community composition was also apparent between the Antarctic/sub-Antarctic islands and the Antarctic mainland. Bacterial communities were partially shaped by bioclimatic conditions, with 28% of dominant genera showing habitat preferences connected to at least one of the bioclimatic variables included in our analyses. These genera were also reported as indicator taxa for the ACBRs.

Conclusions

Overall, our data indicate that the current ACBR subdivision of the Antarctic continent does not fully reflect bacterial distribution and diversity in Antarctica. We observed considerable overlap in the structure of soil bacterial communities within the maritime Antarctic region and within the continental Antarctic region. Our results also suggest that bacterial communities might be impacted by regional climatic and other environmental changes. The dataset developed in this study provides a comprehensive baseline that will provide a valuable tool for biodiversity conservation efforts on the continent. Further studies are clearly required, and we emphasize the need for more extensive campaigns to systematically sample and characterize Antarctic and sub-Antarctic soil microbial communities.
A simple and label-free proximity-catalytic hairpin reaction-based method for sensitive and miRNA analysis
Authors: Pan Yanyan , Xu Yehong
Published: January 2024

Aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been shown to be linked to several crucial biological processes, including as carcinogenesis, metastasis, and progression. The advancement of innovative miRNA detection technologies can enhance the early detection of malignancies by merging with conventional diagnostic methods, such as ultrasound technology. Herein, we reported a simple, sensitive, and label-free miRNA detection method by integrating the proximity-catalytic hairpin assembly (proximity-CHA) and DNAzyme-assisted signal amplification. Compared with traditional CHA, in which the signal amplification efficiency is greatly limited by the concentration of hairpin probes, the proposed method possesses a greatly improved signal amplification efficiency. The target facilitated the non-enzymatic CHA-driven sequential formation of DNAzyme nanostructures, resulting in the effective DNAzyme-facilitated cleavage of a substrate modified with a fluorophore and quencher, leading to the production of an intensified fluorescence signal. The proximity-CHA-DNAzyme system possesses appealing analytical characteristics, making it highly promising for the analysis of many analytes in clinical research domains.
Post-intensive care syndrome follow-up system after hospital discharge: a narrative review
Authors: Nakanishi Nobuto , Liu Keibun , Hatakeyama Junji , Kawauchi Akira , Yoshida Minoru , Sumita Hidenori , Miyamoto Kyohei , Nakamura Kensuke
Published: January 2024

Background

Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) is the long-lasting impairment of physical functions, cognitive functions, and mental health after intensive care. Although a long-term follow-up is essential for the successful management of PICS, few reviews have summarized evidence for the efficacy and management of the PICS follow-up system.

Main text

The PICS follow-up system includes a PICS follow-up clinic, home visitations, telephone or mail follow-ups, and telemedicine. The first PICS follow-up clinic was established in the U.K. in 1993 and its use spread thereafter. There are currently no consistent findings on the efficacy of PICS follow-up clinics. Under recent evidence and recommendations, attendance at a PICS follow-up clinic needs to start within three months after hospital discharge. A multidisciplinary team approach is important for the treatment of PICS from various aspects of impairments, including the nutritional status. We classified face-to-face and telephone-based assessments for a PICS follow-up from recent recommendations. Recent findings on medications, rehabilitation, and nutrition for the treatment of PICS were summarized.

Conclusions

This narrative review aimed to summarize the PICS follow-up system after hospital discharge and provide a comprehensive approach for the prevention and treatment of PICS.
Estimating the change in pleural pressure using the change in central venous pressure in various clinical scenarios: a pig model study
Authors: Kyogoku Miyako , Mizuguchi Soichi , Miyasho Taku , Endo Yusuke , Inata Yu , Tachibana Kazuya , Fujino Yuji , Yamashita Kazuto , Takeuchi Muneyuki
Published: January 2024

Background

We have previously reported a simple correction method for estimating pleural pressure (Ppl) using central venous pressure (CVP). However, it remains unclear whether this method is applicable to patients with varying levels of intravascular volumes and/or chest wall compliance. This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of our method under different conditions of intravascular volume and chest wall compliance.

Results

Ten anesthetized and paralyzed pigs (43.2 ± 1.8 kg) were mechanically ventilated and subjected to lung injury by saline lung lavage. Each pig was subjected to three different intravascular volumes and two different intraabdominal pressures. For each condition, the changes in the esophageal pressure (ΔPes) and the estimated ΔPpl using ΔCVP (cΔCVP-derived ΔPpl) were compared to the directly measured change in pleural pressure (Δd-Ppl), which was the gold standard estimate in this study. The cΔCVP-derived ΔPpl was calculated as κ × ΔCVP, where “κ” was the ratio of the change in airway pressure to the change in CVP during the occlusion test. The means and standard deviations of the Δd-Ppl, ΔPes, and cΔCVP-derived ΔPpl for all pigs under all conditions were 7.6 ± 4.5, 7.2 ± 3.6, and 8.0 ± 4.8 cmH2O, respectively. The repeated measures correlations showed that both the ΔPes and cΔCVP-derived ΔPpl showed a strong correlation with the Δd-Ppl (ΔPes: r = 0.95, p < 0.0001; cΔCVP-derived ΔPpl: r = 0.97, p < 0.0001, respectively). In the Bland–Altman analysis to test the performance of the cΔCVP-derived ΔPpl to predict the Δd-Ppl, the ΔPes and cΔCVP-derived ΔPpl showed almost the same bias and precision (ΔPes: 0.5 and 1.7 cmH2O; cΔCVP-derived ΔPpl: − 0.3 and 1.9 cmH2O, respectively). No significant difference was found in the bias and precision depending on the intravascular volume and intraabdominal pressure in both comparisons between the ΔPes and Δd-Ppl, and cΔCVP-derived ΔPpl and Δd-Ppl.

Conclusions

The CVP method can estimate the ΔPpl with reasonable accuracy, similar to Pes measurement. The accuracy was not affected by the intravascular volume or chest wall compliance.
Effect of Covid pandemic on immunization status of children in tertiary care Hospital of North India: reason for partial and non-immunization a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kumar Narender , Allyhan Pinki , Aggarwal Anju
Published: January 2024

Background

Low immunization coverage in India attributes to many factors including sociodemographic factors and people’s behavior. COVID-19 pandemic resulted in disruptions in achieving optimum availability and utilization of immunization services. This study was carried out to find out the immunization status of children in the post COVID era and various factors responsible for non-immunization during the pandemic.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included parents of 225 admitted children aged 1–6 years were interviewed using a semi-structured open-ended questionnaire. Children were classified as completely immunized, partially immunized and unimmunized on the basis of vaccines missed given under first year of life. Reasons for non-immunization and delay/missed vaccination during COVID-19 pandemic were recorded.

Results

Of the 225 children, 162 (72%; 95% CI 66–78%) were completely immunized, 55 (24.4%; 95% CI 19–30%) were partially immunized and 8 (3.6%; 95% CI 1–6%) were unimmunized. Parents with hospital deliveries, higher education level and lesser birth order were more likely to have children with better immunization status (p < 0.05). First dose of measles scheduled at 9 months and 3rd dose of pentavalent vaccine/OPV/Rotavirus vaccine scheduled at 14 weeks were most commonly missed vaccines among partially immunized. Lack of awareness (n = 36, 57.1%; 95% CI 45–70%) was the common reason for partial and non-immunization followed by illness of child (n = 21, 33.3%; 95% CI 21–45%) and COVID-19 pandemic (n = 11, 17.4%; 95% CI 8–27%). Pandemic was reason for delay in 50 (22.2%; 95% CI 17–28%) children. Restrictions of movement (64%; 95% CI 50–78%), fear of being exposed to COVID-19 (52%; 95% CI 38–66%) were the most common reasons for delay during the pandemic. Of the 50 children who had delay due to pandemic, 39 children (17.3%; 95% CI 12–22%) received their catch-up immunization after the pandemic. No child remained completely unimmunized due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions

Although COVID-19 pandemic resulted in disruptions in routine immunization services, sociodemographic factors such as awareness for immunization, parental education and various beliefs for immunization were responsible for the children remaining unimmunized or partially immunized after the pandemic.
Stumbling blocks on the path to measles-free Nepal: impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Thakur Chandan Kumar , Gupta Nitin , Pokhrel Nayanum , Adhikari Samita , Dhimal Meghnath , Gyanwali Pradip
Published: January 2024

Measles poses a significant global health threat, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the efficacy of two vaccine doses, under-5 mortality rates persist, with over 61 million delayed measles vaccinations worldwide. Nepal, striving to eliminate measles by 2023, faces a resurgence, attributing 1013 cases to inadequate vaccination and healthcare accessibility issues. Compounded by disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, the outbreak highlights the urgent need for vaccination promotion, improved healthcare access, and misinformation mitigation. This situation underscores the critical role of global collaboration and healthcare infrastructure investment to safeguard children's lives in Nepal and similar vulnerable regions.
Human influence on late Holocene fire history in a mixed-conifer forest, Sierra National Forest, California
Authors: Klimaszewski-Patterson Anna , Dingemans Theodore , Morgan Christopher T. , Mensing Scott A.
Published: January 2024

Background

Understanding pre-1850s fire history and its effect on forest structure can provide insights useful for fire managers in developing plans to moderate fire hazards in the face of forecasted climate change. While climate clearly plays a substantial role in California wildfires, traditional use of fire by Indigenous people also affected fire history and forest structure in the Sierra Nevada. Disentangling the effects of human versus climatically-induced fire on Sierran forests from paleoecological records has historically proved challenging, but here we use pollen-based forest structure reconstructions and comparative paleoclimatic-vegetation response modeling to identify periods of human impact over the last 1300 years at Markwood Meadow, Sierra National Forest.

Results

We find strong evidence for anthropogenic fires at Markwood Meadow ca. 1550 – 1750 C.E., contemporaneous with archaeological evidence for fundamental shifts in Indigenous lifeways. When we compare our findings to five other paleoecological sites in the central and southern Sierra Nevada, we find evidence for contemporaneous anthropogenic effects on forest structure across a broad swath of cismontane central California. This is significant because it implies that late 19th and early twentieth century forest structure – the structure that land managers most often seek to emulate – was in part the result anthropogenic fire and precolonial resource management.

Conclusion

We consequently suggest that modern management strategies consider (1) further incorporating traditional ecological knowledge fire practices in consultation with local tribal groups, and (2) using pollen-based reconstructions to track how forest composition compares to pre-1850 C.E. conditions rather than the novel forest states encountered in the late 20th and early twenty-first centuries. These strategies could help mitigate the effects of forecast climate change and associated megafires on forests and on socio-ecological systems in a more comprehensive manner.
Step forward towards treat-to-target management of giant cell arteritis: patients stratification aiming to targeted remission – updated guidelines
Authors: El Miedany Y , El Gaafary M , Toth M , Abdel Azim A , Palmer D , Dolbear G , Affam D , Hassan W , Tabra SA , Saber S , Abu-zaid MH
Published: January 2024

Background

The aim of this work is to develop guidelines for health care professionals in the giant cell arteritis diagnosis and management, based on patients’ stratification and targeted outcome measures.

Results

Fourteen expert panel had completed the two rounds surveys. After the end of round two, twenty three recommendations were released distributed on 8 domains. The percentage of the agreement on the recommendations was 76.9% to 100%. All 23 key questions were answered at the end of the second round with agreement upon.

Conclusion

Patient stratification facilitate the initiation of an appropriate management approach for patients with giant cell arteritis aiming at achieving targeted disease remission state and prevention of visual loss and/or development of ischaemic events. Treat to Target approach is a new concept in giant cell arteritis management which aims to provide tight control to achieve and maintain disease remission. This work defined the treatment targets in relation to the disease stage.
Broadening Participation in Biology Education Research: A role for affinity groups in promoting social connectivity, self-efficacy, and belonging
Authors: Musgrove Miranda M. Chen , Ko Melissa E. , Schinske Jeffrey N. , Corwin Lisa A.
Published: January 2024

Broadening participation in BER requires that we engage researchers from underserved groups. We investigated belonging in an affinity group aimed at engaging community college faculty (CCF) in BER. Social connectivity within the group correlated with persistent activity while group belonging correlated with self-efficacy and belonging in BER.
Secondary Analysis of the Rate of Second Primary Lung Cancer From Cancer and Leukemia Group B 140503 (Alliance) Trial of Lobar Versus Sublobar Resection for T1aN0 Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Stinchcombe Thomas E. , Wang Xiaofei , Damman Bryce , Mentlick Jennifer , Landreneau Rodney , Wigle Dennis , Jones David R. , Conti Massimo , Ashrafi Ahmad S. , Liberman Moishe , de Perrot Marc , Mitchell John D. , Keenan Robert , Bauer Thomas , Miller Daniel , Altorki Nasser
Published: January 2024

Clinical trials frequently include multiple end points that mature at different times. The initial report, typically based on the primary end point, may be published when key planned co-primary or secondary analyses are not yet available. Clinical trial updates provide an opportunity to disseminate additional results from studies, published in JCO or elsewhere, for which the primary end point has already been reported.

Patients with early-stage non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who undergo curative surgical resection are at risk for developing second primary lung cancer (SPLC). Cancer and Leukemia Group B 140503 (Alliance) was a multicenter, international, randomized, phase III trial in patients with stage T1aN0 NSCLC (using the TNM staging system seventh edition) and demonstrated the noninferiority for disease-free survival between sublobar resection (SLR) and lobar resection (LR). After surgery, patients underwent computed tomography surveillance as defined by the protocol. The determination of a SPLC was done by the treating physician and recorded in the study database. We performed an analysis of the rate of SPLC (per patient per year) and the 5-year cumulative incidence in the study population and within the SLR and LR arms. Median follow-up was 7 years. The rate per patient per year in the study population, in the SLR arm, and in the LR arm was 3.4% (95% CI, 2.9 to 4.1), 3.8% (95% CI, 2.9 to 4.9), and 3.1% (95% CI, 2.4 to 4.1), respectively. The estimated 5-year cumulative incidence of SPLC in the study population, SLR arm, and LR arm was 15.9% (95% CI, 12.9 to 18.9), 17.2% (95% CI, 12.7 to 21.5), and 14.7% (95% CI, 10.6 to 18.7), respectively.
Dust to Feed, Dust to Gray: The Effect of in Utero Exposure to the Dust Bowl on Old-Age Longevity
Authors: Noghanibehambari Hamid , Fletcher Jason
Published: January 2024

Intensive agriculture and deep plowing caused topsoil erosion and dust storms during the 1930s, affecting agricultural income and land values for years. Given the growing literature on the relevance of in utero and early-life exposures, it is surprising that studies focusing on links between the Dust Bowl and later-life health have produced inconclusive and mixed results. We reevaluate this literature and study the long-term effects of in utero and early-life exposure to topsoil erosion caused by the 1930s Dust Bowl on old-age longevity. Specifically, using Social Security Administration death records linked with the full-count 1940 census, we conduct event studies with difference-in-differences designs to compare the longevity of individuals in high- versus low-topsoil-erosion counties before versus after 1930. We find intent-to-treat reductions in longevity of approximately 0.85 months for those born in high-erosion counties after 1930. We show that these effects are not an artifact of preexisting trends in longevity. Additional analyses suggest that the effects are more pronounced among children raised in farm households, females, and those whose mothers had lower education. We also provide suggestive evidence that reductions in adulthood income are a likely mechanism for the effects we document.
Push the Button
Authors: Rodwell Elizabeth
Published: January 2024

In Push the Button, Elizabeth Rodwell follows a battle over what interactivity will mean for Japanese television, as major media conglomerates took on independent media professionals developing interactive forms from new media. Rodwell argues that at the dawn of a potentially transformative moment in television history, content conservatism has triumphed over technological innovation. Despite the ambition and idealism of Japanese TV professionals and independent journalists, corporate media worked to squelch interactive broadcast projects such as smartphone-playable television and live-streamed and open press conferences before they caught on. Instead, interactive programming in the hands of major TV networks retained the structure and qualities of most other television and maintained conventional barriers between audiences and the actual space of broadcast. Despite their lack of success, the innovators behind these experiments nonetheless sought to expand the possibilities for mass media, national identity, and open journalism.
Causes and Predictors of 30-Day Readmission in Patients With Stroke Undergoing Mechanical Thrombectomy: A Large Single-Center Experience
Authors: El Naamani Kareem , Momin Arbaz A. , Hunt Adam , Jain Paarth , Oghli Yazan Shamli , Ghanem Marc , Musmar Basel , El Fadel Omar , Alhussein Abdulaziz , Alhussein Reyoof , Pedapati Vinay , Muharremi Eti , El-Hajj Jad , Tjoumakaris Stavropoula I. , Gooch M. Reid , Herial Nabeel A. , Zarzour Hekmat , Schmidt Richard F. , Rosenwasser Robert H. , Jabbour Pascal M.
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

The 30-day readmission rate has emerged as a metric of quality care and is associated with increased health care expenditure. We aim to identify the rate and causes of 30-day readmission after mechanical thrombectomy and provide the risk factors of readmission to highlight high-risk patients who may require closer care.

METHODS:

This is a retrospective study from a prospectively maintained database of 703 patients presenting for mechanical thrombectomy between 2017 and 2023. All patients who presented with a stroke and underwent a mechanical thrombectomy were included in this study. Patients who were deceased on discharge were excluded from this study.

RESULTS:

Our study comprised 703 patients, mostly female (n = 402, 57.2%) with a mean age of 70.2 years ±15.4. The most common causes of readmission were cerebrovascular events (stroke [n = 21, 36.2%], intracranial hemorrhage [n = 9, 15.5%], and transient ischemic attack [n = 1, 1.7%]).Other causes of readmission included cardiovascular events (cardiac arrest [n = 4, 6.9%] and bradycardia [n = 1, 1.7%]), infection (wound infection postcraniectomy [n = 3, 5.2%], and pneumonia [n = 1, 1.7%]). On multivariate analysis, independent predictors of 30-day readmission were history of smoking (odds ratio [OR]: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1-4.2) P = .01), distal embolization (OR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.1-8.7, P = .03), decompressive hemicraniectomy (OR: 9.3, 95% CI: 3.2-27.6, P < .01), and intracranial stent placement (OR: 4.6, 95% CI: 2.4-8.7) P < .01).

CONCLUSION:

In our study, the rate of 30-day readmission was 8.3%, and the most common cause of readmission was recurrent strokes. We identified a history of smoking, distal embolization, decompressive hemicraniectomy, and intracranial stenting as independent predictors of 30-day readmission in patients with stroke undergoing mechanical thrombectomy.
Effect of Plyometrics on Bone Mineral Density in Young Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rodricks Nathan , Deccy Stephanie , Saint Louis Marc Edwin , Quintero Daniel , Ramirez Jose , Paultre Kristopher J.
Published: January 2024

Context

Osteoporosis is a chronic bone metabolic disease characterized by decreased bone mass, leading to increased frailty and a subsequent fracture risk. Peak bone mineral density (BMD) is achieved in early adulthood and may be the most important factor leading to the development of osteoporosis in older adults.

Objective

This study aimed to analyze the effects of plyometrics on BMD in young men and premenopausal women.

Design

This study used randomized controlled trials found in MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL published between January 1, 1990, and November 1, 2022. Keywords included plyometrics, jumping, jump training, bone health, and bone mineral density. Articles were assessed for methodological quality using the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials 2010 checklist.

Eligibility Criteria

Randomized controlled trials investigating BMD in healthy premenopausal women and men between the ages of 18 and 60 yr that compared plyometrics with control were included.

Study Selection

Two reviewers independently screened 553 abstracts.

Main Outcome Measures

Mean baseline and follow-up dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scores and standard deviations were extracted to calculate the standard mean difference. After extraction, the magnitude of difference between control and treatment groups were analyzed using the Hedges and Olkin method for effect size.

Results

The 12 included studies had high methodological quality. Of the 12 studies, 10 reported statistically significant increase in BMD at ≥1 site when compared with control. Two studies showed equal improvement when compared with resistance-only training. After analysis, a large positive effect size with strongly positive correlation was seen between plyometrics and lumbar spine BMD.

Conclusion

Plyometric training is a safe and time-efficient method to improve BMD in premenopausal people 18–65 yr old. Large effect sizes were associated with increased training intensity and lasted months after the intervention was complete. Plyometrics seems to be a comparable alternative to resistance training with respect to bone health.
Culinary heritage in Asia: National and regional identities – Reflections from the field
Authors: Assmann Stephanie
Published: January 2024

This review provides an overview of research trends on culinary heritage in Asia. The first objective is to trace a shift from the appreciation of a Western tangible cultural heritage to the recognition of non-Western intangible cultural heritage, which has underlined the prominence of food as a marker for culinary nationalism or gastronationalism (DeSoucey, 2010). Asian nations promote their culinary heritage in competitive ways. The second objective is to examine the construction of a culinary heritage on regional levels through four different case studies on China and Japan. The third objective is to showcase a rich body of research in English that has emerged in response to new forms of culinary nationalism and has emphasized the analysis of food as a powerful tool for understanding politics and international relations. This review finds that the objective of heritagization on the global level often constitutes nation branding. In contrast, culinary heritage construction on regional levels may occur for various reasons, such as branding a regional specialty, providing economic opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurs, or maintaining historical bonds between a diasporic community and their town of origin.
Gastric antral vascular ectasia, also known as watermelon stomach - diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Jurasz Karolina , Podgórska Dominika , Rzeska Ewa , Sanecki Miłosz , Tomczyk Karolina , Chojnacka Natalia , Klarycki Jakub , Cymer Radosław
Published: January 2024

Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE), also referred to as watermelon stomach is a rare disease accounting for about 4% of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding. It can manifest as occult bleeding requiring transfusion or acute gastrointestinal bleeding. This condition often coexists with liver cirrhosis, autoimmune diseases, heart failure, in patients post-bone marrow transplantation, or kidney failure. It is crucial to differentiate GAVE from portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG), because despite a similar clinical presentation, the treatment for these conditions is different.

Endoscopic diagnosis is necessary and in some cases, it may require further investigation and histopathological examination of the biopsy. Treatment is administered to patients with bleeding symptoms. Currently, the most commonly used treatment method is endoscopic thermal ablation using argon plasma coagulation.

The focus of this work is to present essential information regarding the clinical picture, diagnosis and treatment of watermelon stomach.
Fórmulas programáticas de negocio para los medios de comunicación: nuevas vías de monetización.
Authors: Fondevila-Gascón Joan-Francesc , Martín-Guart Ramon , Cuenca-Fontbona Joan , Gutiérrez-Aragón Óscar
Published: January 2024

La sostenibilidad financiera de los medios de comunicación es el principal reto que afronta la industria periodística
desde la irrupción de Internet y el cambio en el modelo de negocio periodístico. De una fuente de ingresos centrada
en la publicidad se está evolucionando de forma decidida hacia frmulas diversas de modelos de pago, tanto en la
versin online de los medios tradicionales como en los surgidos de forma exclusivamente digital. No obstante, los
resultados en forma de ingresos no son los esperados, ya que los medios en España acumulan en total un milln de
suscriptores de pago, por debajo de las previsiones. La evolucin de la audiencia y de los tipos de consumo obliga
a innovar sobre posibles vías alternativas de ingresos y de fidelización de las audiencias. En la investigación se
sigue una metodología cuantitativa (estadística) y cualitativa (entrevistas en profundidad y teoría fundamentada),
en una dinámica de triangulacin. Los resultados indican que el lector busca mecanismos alternativos de acceder
a los contenidos, y que los medios de comunicacin tratan de responder a ese reto adaptando las propuestas
publicitarias. Se concluye que los medios deben promover y aprovechar canales alternativos para alcanzar al lector
(como las redes sociales o la mensajería instantánea), y explorar y explotar anuncios programáticos directos a
públicos concretos y la compra programática como nueva fuente de financiación que complemente las ya existentes.
Comunicación comunitaria, políticas culturales y sostenibilidad en el Boletín Enredando (Rosario, Argentina).
Authors: Cecilia Telleria María
Published: January 2024

Desde una perspectiva que vincula la teoría de las políticas culturales, la comunicacin comunitaria y los modelos
de sostenibilidad, este artículo tiene el objetivo de analizar las estrategias de sostenibilidad en una revista cultural
de la ciudad de Rosario, llamado Boletín Enredando, que es parte de una red a nivel nacional que nuclea diversos
medios gráficos: Asociación de Revistas Culturales e Independientes de Argentina (ARECIA). Explorar y analizar esta
experiencia mediática comunitaria nos permite visualizar concretamente el ejercicio del derecho a la comunicación,
esencial en las sociedades contemporáneas democráticas. Por lo tanto, el conocimiento producido pretende
visibilizar un sector relegado en el concentrado panorama mediático argentino y contribuir en un futuro a políticas
de fomento para su sostenibilidad. A través de un enfoque etnográfico, mediante entrevistas en profundidad,
revisin de informes, normativas y documentos periodísticos, se construirá un marco interpretativo para analizar
y comprender el Boletín Enredando. En los resultados mostraremos hallazgos que remiten a las dimensiones
de sostenibilidad político-legal, organizativa, econmica, comunicacional, ecosocial e infotecnolgica. En las
conclusiones remitiremos a la adecuación de estas dimensiones y su necesaria articulación en la experiencia
mediática seleccionada.
Democracia e ciberativismo: 10 anos depois das Jornadas de Junho de 2013.
Authors: Grossi Angela Maria , de Toledo Piza João Pedro , de Lucena Ito Liliane
Published: January 2024

As Jornadas de Junho ocorridas em 2013 no Brasil marcaram profundamente os rumos da política, da democracia
e do jornalismo no país. Passados dez anos da onda de manifestações, o cenário que se desenha é de crise
democrática, com forte polarização política e impactos diversos no jornalismo profissional. O artigo tem como
objetivos apontar as mudanças ocorridas na democracia brasileira no período de 2013-2023; compreender os
impactos do neoconservadorismo nos grupos de poder, em especial os radicais de direita; e entender o papel do
ativismo digital nas mídias independentes, em contraponto à atuação de veículos hegemônicos. A metodologia
se ampara na pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, além de estudos de caso sobre a atuação de dois veículos
jornalísticos: Folha de S. Paulo e Mídia Ninja. O primeiro, de caráter hegemônico, mostrou diferentes posicionamentos
durante o mês de manifestações; já o segundo, mídia independente e radical, inovou na forma de transmissão dos
acontecimentos, com lives realizadas em meio aos protestos. Dentre os resultados, observa-se a centralidade do
ciberativismo enquanto instrumento tanto para a ascensão de populismo e do neoconservadorismo como também
combustível ao crescimento de outros veículos de mídia independentes. Além disso, observa-se a escalada de
princípios antidemocráticos legitimados sobretudo por lideranças autoritárias.