bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regaining control over opioid use? The potential application of auricular transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation to improve opioid treatment in China
Authors: Colzato Lorenza , Elmers Julia , Xu Xiaolei , Zhou Qiang , Hommel Bernhard , Beste Christian
Published: October 2023

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a critical problem in China and is accompanied by depression and deficits in cognitive control. In China, the most successful intervention for OUD is the community drug rehabilitation where methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) plays a key role. Even though methadone for the treatment of OUD can be helpful, it can cause severe somatic side‐effects, which limit its effectivity. Even worse, it can have detrimental effects on cognitive control, which is crucial to regain control over drug intake. Here, we consider the potential use of auricular transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (atVNS) as an addition to MMT for opioid withdrawal treatment. Compared to other non‐invasive brain stimulation methods, atVNS also targets the locus coeruleus (LC) important for noradrenaline (NA) synthesis. NA is an essential neurotransmitter impacted in opioid withdrawal and also critically involved in cognitive control processes. Its ADD‐ON to MMT might be a useful mean to improve mood and enhance cognitive control processes impacted in OUD. We discuss the translational advantages of atVNS in China such as the cultural acceptance of the modality of treatment similar to electroacupuncture. Additionally, the wearability of the ear electrode and at‐home self‐administration without intense medical supervision makes of atVNS a useful tool to enhance clinical and cognitive outcomes especially in everyday life situation. We discuss how atVNS can be integrated in tele‐medical health approaches allowing that innovative treatments can widely be disseminated and continued even in situations of restricted medical access.
Impact of reserve area on reproduction of a moth‐pollinated Stackhousia Sm. (Celastraceae) species in a fragmented landscape
Authors: Blackall Alex G. , Mackay Duncan A. , Whalen Molly A.
Published: October 2023

Landscape disturbance frequently results in reduced pollination and reproduction of animal‐pollinated plants. However, few studies globally, and no studies in Australia, have focused on the impact(s) on plants with nocturnal moth pollinators. This study measured natural levels of reproduction of the common, nocturnally moth‐pollinated plant Stackhousia aspericocca Schuch. ssp. Cylindrical inflorescence (W.R.Barker 1418) (Celastraceae) across a range of reserves of varying sizes within a fragmented landscape of southern Australia. We hypothesized that plant reproduction would show a positive relationship with reserve area. Nocturnal pollinator surveys confirmed that night‐flying settling moths of the families Geometridae and Noctuidae visited flowers of S. aspericocca ssp. Cylindrical inflorescence in the study region, and 8 out of 16 captured, flower‐visiting moths carried more than 100 pollen grains of the study species (overall mean ± SD: 616.69 ± 1155.70). Two individuals of the common geometrid moth Oenochroma vinaria each carried over 3000 pollen grains. Thus, visiting moths may remove and carry large amounts of pollen. In contrast to our initial hypothesis, however, plant reproduction, measured as proportional fruit‐set and mean seed number per fruit, showed no relation to reserve area across two consecutive years, and mean levels of plant reproduction were spatially similar throughout the fragmented landscape of the study region. It is hypothesized that the reproductive resilience of S. aspericocca ssp. Cylindrical inflorescence in the study region is due to effective pollination by common, night‐flying moths, which may utilize both the reserves and their surrounding matrix to complete their life cycle(s).
Tendências e lacunas no estudo do efeito do fogo nas interações planta‐animal em ecossistemas brasileiros
Authors: Ballarin Caio S. , Mores Guilherme José , de Goés Guilherme Alcarás , Fidelis Alessandra , Cornelissen Tatiana
Published: October 2023

As interações planta‐animal são ubíquas nos ecossistemas terrestres. Elas contêm informações ecológicas relevantes para orientar a conservação da biodiversidade e as práticas de restauração. Embora as interações planta‐animal sejam particularmente sensíveis a distúrbios, o conhecimento sobre como o fogo, um impulsionador significativo de mudanças na estrutura e no funcionamento do ecossistema, afeta essas relações ainda é limitado. Nesse sentido, a avaliação de como os estudos investigam os efeitos do fogo sobre as interações planta‐animal por meio de uma revisão sistemática mostra‐se relevante para orientar a agenda de pesquisas futuras. Neste trabalho, examinamos os estudos sobre os efeitos do fogo nas interações planta‐animal realizados no Brasil, que abriga muitos ecossistemas diferentes, propensos e sensíveis ao fogo, e que também abriga várias espécies de plantas e animais. Com o apoio de um banco de dados integrativo, resumimos os principais objetivos, metodologias e grupos taxonômicos usados em estudos que abordam os efeitos do fogo nas interações planta‐animal e apontamos algumas deficiências que pesquisas futuras devem evitar bem como lacunas que devem ser preenchidas. Em suma, 39 estudos publicados de 1995 a 2022 atenderam aos nossos critérios de inclusão no banco de dados. A maioria deles foi realizada no Cerrado e avaliou principalmente as interações formiga‐planta ou planta‐polinizador. Além disso, os estudos foram em geral elaborados com abordagens experimentais inadequadas que geralmente desconsideram atributos relevantes do fogo, que são fatores importantes da estrutura e do funcionamento do ecossistema. Em suma, nossa revisão mostra que os estudos que avaliam esse tópico apresentam um viés geográfico e taxonômico, que ignora interações planta‐animal específicas, e que ainda temos uma compreensão superficial dos efeitos do fogo sobre as interações planta‐animal nos ecossistemas brasileiros.
Control decision‐making systems for Anacampsis phytomiella in cashew orchards as a function of insecticide spray method and irrigation use
Authors: de Freitas Damaris Rosa , Mota Maria do Socorro Cavalcante de Souza , Carmo Daiane das Graças do , Picanço Mayara Moledo , Lopes Mayara Cristina , Pancieri Guilherme Pratissoli , Mesquita Antônio Lindemberg Martins , Gondim Rubens Sonsol , Picanço Marcelo Coutinho
Published: October 2023

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) is one of the main tropical fruit trees, and its chestnuts are the most consumed in the world. Cashew orchards are managed under irrigated and unirrigated conditions, and pesticides are applied manually (hand sprayer) or by a tractor‐powered sprayer. The chestnut moth Anacampsis phytomiella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is the primary pest that attacks cashew chestnuts, causing losses of up to 53% in yield in the orchards. Sampling plans and economic injury levels (EILs) are part of the decision‐making systems of integrated pest management (IPM) programmes. The EIL varies according to the method of insecticide spraying (hand sprayer or tractor) and in irrigated and unirrigated cashew orchards.

This study aimed to determine the EIL and a sequential sampling plan for A. phytomiella in cashew orchards.

Decision‐making systems were determined using data collected from 44 orchards over 3 years. EILs ranged from 0.53 to 1.53 for chestnuts attacked by the pest in bunches with 10 chestnuts, depending on irrigation and insecticide spray methods. The sequential sampling plan was validated using field‐collected data (providing correct decisions in 100% of the fields and an average time saving of 83.65%), operational characteristic (OC) and average sample number curves.

In conclusion, determined decision‐making systems can be incorporated into IPM programmes for A. phytomiella in cashew orchards, as they enable correct, rapid and cost‐effective pest control decisions.
The organ of vision morphology of the southern two‐toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus Linnaeus, 1758; Pilosa, Choloepodidae)
Authors: Klećkowska‐Nawrot Joanna , Barszcz Karolina , Stegmann Krzysztof O. , Goździewska‐Harłajczuk Karolina
Published: October 2023

The Choloepus didactylus is a species belonging to the Choloepodidae family of the Folivora suborder. This study concerns the anatomical, morphometrical, histological and histochemical examination of the eye tunics, eyelids and orbital glands in the three adult Choloepus didactylus coming from the Wroclaw Zoological Garden. The cornea consists of four layers since Bowman's membrane was absent. The presence of palisades of Vogt formed from 14/15 to 20/21 layers of epithelial cells was demonstrated. Macroscopically, the tapetum lucidum was not identified, while degenerative choroidal tapetum lucidum cellulosum was found microscopically. The ciliary muscle was found with our histological approach. The pupil was round in shape (post‐mortem). The presence of tarsal glands has not been demonstrated in both eyelids. The conjunctiva‐associated lymphoid tissue (CALT) has been shown in the upper and lower eyelids. The superficial gland of the third eyelid produced a seromucous secretion. The third eyelid was shaped like a curved arch and composed of hyaline cartilage. The deep gland of the third eyelid was big and multilobar acinar simple with serous character. The lacrimal gland produced mucous secretion. The results of our research indicate that the features of the eye anatomy in the southern two‐toed sloth (C. didactylus) are also typical of the Folivora suborder and have common features and differences with Vermilingua.
A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial with mannan‐conjugated birch pollen allergoids
Authors: Mösges Ralph , Zeyen Christoph , Raskopf Esther , Acikel Cengizhan , Sahin Hacer , Allekotte Silke , Cuevas Mandy , Shamji Mohamed H. , Subiza José Luis , Casanovas Miguel
Published: October 2023

Background

There is still great need to develop new strategies to improve the efficacy of allergen immunotherapies with optimal safety standards for patients. A new promising approach is to couple allergoids to mannan. The objective of this phase IIa/IIb study was to identify the optimal dose of mannan‐conjugated birch pollen allergoids for the short‐course treatment of birch pollen–induced allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.

Methods

For this prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, dose‐finding study, 246 birch pollen–allergic adults received 0.5 mL placebo or 1000, 3000 or 10,000 mTU/mL of mannan‐conjugated birch pollen allergoids at five pre‐seasonal visits. Efficacy was assessed by comparing allergic rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms and use of anti‐allergic medication during the peak of the birch pollen season 2020. Immunologic, tolerability and safety effects were also analysed.

Results

The highest dose of mannan‐conjugated birch pollen allergoids reduced the combined symptom and medication score during the peak birch pollen season by a median of 24.7% compared to placebo. The production of Bet v 1 specific IgG4 significantly increased in a dose‐dependent manner (3.6‐ and 4.5‐fold) in the 3000 and 10,000 mTU/mL groups. The Bet v 1 specific IgE/IgG4 ratio was also strongly reduced (up to −70%). No fatalities nor serious adverse events were reported, and no adrenaline was used. In total, four systemic reactions occurred (two grade I and two grade II).

Conclusion

All doses of mannan‐conjugated birch pollen allergoids can be considered as safe. Since the application of 10,000 mTU/mL resulted in the highest efficacy, this dose qualifies for further investigation.
Inflammatory markers and androstenedione modify the effect of serum testosterone on obesity among men: Findings from a Chinese population
Authors: Huan Changsheng , Wang Mian , Song Yu , Jia Zexin , Wei Dandan , Wang Lulu , Xu Qingqing , Wang Juan , Zhao Mengzhen , Geng Jintian , Shi Jiayu , Ma Cuicui , Mao Zhenxing , Wang Chongjian , Huo Wenqian
Published: October 2023

Background

Few studies are available on the relationship of androstenedione with inflammation and obesity and the effect of androstenedione and inflammation on the association between testosterone and obesity. This study intended to examine the mediation effect of inflammatory markers on the association of testosterone with obesity and the moderation effect of androstenedione on the association of testosterone with inflammation and obesity in Chinese rural men.

Materials and methods

This cross‐sectional research enrolled 2536 male rural inhabitants from the Henan Rural Cohort study. The serum concentrations of testosterone and androstenedione were determined by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Linear and logistic regression were used to examine the relationships between testosterone, inflammatory markers, and obesity. Mediation and moderation analyses were carried out to evaluate the potential effects of inflammatory markers on the relationship between testosterone and obesity, as well as androstenedione on the relationships of testosterone with inflammation and obesity.

Results

After adjusting for confounding factors, the results showed that testosterone and androstenedione were negatively related to obesity, and inflammatory markers were positively associated with obesity. Besides, testosterone and androstenedione were negatively associated with inflammatory markers. Mediation analysis showed that white blood cell, neutrophil, monocyte, and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein had mediating effects on the association between testosterone and obesity. The most vital mediator was high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, and its proportion of the effect was 11.02% (defined by waist circumference), 11.15% (defined by waist‐to‐hip ratio), 12.92% (defined by waist‐to‐height ratio), and full mediating effect (defined by body mass index). Moreover, androstenedione played negative moderation effects on the associations of testosterone with inflammation and obesity.

Conclusion

Inflammatory markers and androstenedione were first found to have modifying effects on the association of testosterone with obesity. Higher levels of testosterone and androstenedione could reduce the inflammation level and risk of obesity, indicating their potential roles in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.
Trajectories of financial distress during the COVID‐19 pandemic and their associations with mental health and substance use outcomes in a cohort of young adults
Authors: Chase Erin , Calhoun Brian H. , Khosropour Christine M. , Lee Christine M. , Rhew Isaac C.
Published: October 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic has led to unprecedented life disruptions among young adults, including increased job insecurity and financial strain. Mental health problems and substance use have also increased during the pandemic, with young adults particularly vulnerable to experiencing these challenges. This study examines trajectories of financial distress among young adults during the pandemic and their associations with depression, anxiety, and hazardous alcohol and cannabis use. Data from 473 young adults (ages 22–29) recruited in the Northwest United States were collected from April/May 2020 to July/August 2021. Financial distress trajectories were identified using growth mixture modeling. Negative binomial models were used to examine associations between financial distress trajectories and distal outcomes of depression, anxiety, alcohol, and cannabis use. Three distinct trajectories were identified, revealing Low, Moderate, and High financial distress experiences. Individuals with “Moderate” and “High” trajectories showed significantly greater depressive and anxiety symptom scores compared with those in the “Low” financial distress trajectory group. Trajectories were not associated with subsequent levels of alcohol or cannabis use. Young adult mental health remains a priority during periods of economic downturn. Providers must be aware of the psychological challenges imposed by financial distress among young adults to address worsening mental health symptoms.
Effects of fermentative quality of corn silage on lactation, blood metabolites, and rumen fermentation in dairy cows
Authors: Kamiya Yuko , Suzuki Tomoyuki , Oikawa Kohei , Kobayashi Hisami , Tohno Masanori , Nakakubo Ryoh , Matoba Masaaki , Nemoto Takahiro , Minami Kosuke , Imamura Gaku , Yoshikawa Genki
Published: October 2023

We investigated the effect of fermentation quality of corn silage on dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield, ruminal fermentation, methane (CH4) emissions, and plasma metabolites in lactating cows. Six lactating Holstein cows were used in a 2 × 2 crossover design with two dietary treatments containing high quality corn silage with lower pH (high group) or low quality corn silage with higher pH (low group). The cows were fed partial mixed ration (PMR containing 50%DM of each corn silage) ad libitum plus 0.7 kg/day of concentrates at milking. The DMI of cows in the low group (24.8 kg/day) tended to be lower (p < 0.10) than that in the high group (26.8 kg/day). The dietary treatment did not affect milk yield or milk fat, protein, or lactose concentrations. The ruminal acetic acid proportion of the low group was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of the high group. The CH4 emission per DMI of the low group tended to be higher (p < 0.10) than that of the high group. The plasma concentration of the total cholesterol (TCHO) and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase of the low group were significantly higher than those of the high group.
Drug‐related deaths in a university hospital: Comparison to previous decades
Authors: Kauppila Mirjam , Backman Janne T. , Niemi Mikko , Lapatto‐Reiniluoto Outi
Published: October 2023

The incidence of fatal adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in hospitals varies widely, and ADRs are often underreported. The impact of medical safety processes is not easily evaluated, and although medical practice changes constantly, little is known about ADR trends. This study concentrated on the current incidence and properties of fatal ADRs occurring in a university hospital and compared the results with two previous studies performed in the same hospital. We investigated retrospectively all 1236 deaths that occurred during 2019 in the Helsinki University Hospital. All the cases were evaluated by a team of experts, and the causality was assessed using the categories by World Health Organization and Uppsala monitoring centre. Suicides were excluded. Among death cases, we identified 65 certain or probable ADR cases (5.3%), representing 0.011% of all hospital admissions. Cytostatics and antithrombotics remained the largest drug classes, with neutropenia or sepsis and bleedings as the most common fatal ADRs. Compared with our earlier studies, warfarin caused less, and direct oral anticoagulants caused more fatal bleedings, reflecting the drug usage among the population. In contrast to earlier studies, contrast media and insulin did not cause any fatal ADRs, which may reflect an improvement in pharmacovigilance awareness among healthcare workers.
The role of differential exposure and susceptibility to heavy drinking linking income inequalities and tooth loss: An investigation of the alcohol harm paradox using a four‐way decomposition analysis
Authors: Oliveira Leandro Machado , Sfreddo Camila Silveira , Ardenghi Thiago Machado , Nascimento Gustavo G. , Demarco Flávio Fernando , Zanatta Fabrício Batistin
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To examine the extent to which the effect of income inequalities on tooth loss is attributable to differential exposure and susceptibility to heavy drinking in older Brazilian adults.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis using data from The Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSI‐Brazil 2015–2016), a nationally representative sample of community‐dwelling people aged 50 years and over. Causal mediation analysis based on the counterfactual outcome framework decomposed the effect of income on tooth loss mediated by heavy drinking into four components (four‐way decomposition): controlled direct effect (neither mediation nor interaction), reference interaction (interaction only), mediated interaction (both mediation and interaction) and pure indirect effect (mediation only). Proportions of effect attributable to each component were calculated to estimate the differential exposure (the sum of the third and fourth components) and differential susceptibility (the sum of the second and third components) to heavy drinking.

Results

The analytical sample comprised 8114 participants. After adjusting for covariates, 7.3% (95% CI: 3.8%; 10.9%) and −39.5% (95% CI: −75.8%; −3.3%) of the effects of income on tooth loss were attributable to differential exposure and susceptibility to heavy drinking, respectively, consistent with the alcohol harm paradox. When setting non‐functional dentition as outcome, only the effect of differential susceptibility remained (−81.7% [95% CI: −128.2%; −35.2%]).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that individuals of low‐income groups appear to be more susceptible to the effects of heavy drinking on tooth loss.
A novel non‐recurrent CNV deletion involving TBX4 and leaving TBX2 intact causes congenital alveolar dysplasia
Authors: Bzdęga Katarzyna , Biela Mateusz , Deutsch Gail H. , Kitzmiller Joseph A. , Rydzanicz Małgorzata , Płoski Rafał , Whitsett Jeffrey A. , Śmigiel Robert , Karolak Justyna A.
Published: October 2023

Congenital alveolar dysplasia (CAD) belongs to rare lethal lung developmental disorders (LLDDs) in neonates, manifesting with acute respiratory failure and pulmonary arterial hypertension refractory to treatment. The majority of CAD cases have been associated with copy‐number variant (CNV) deletions at 17q23.1q23.2 or 5p12. Most CNV deletions at 17q23.1q23.2 were recurrent and encompassed two closely located genes, TBX4 and TBX2. In a few CAD cases, intragenic frameshifting deletions or single‐nucleotide variants (SNVs) involved TBX4 but not TBX2. Here, we describe a male neonate who died at 27 days of life from acute respiratory failure caused by lung growth arrest along the spectrum of CAD confirmed by histopathological assessment. Trio‐based genome sequencing revealed in the proband a novel non‐recurrent ~1.07 Mb heterozygous CNV deletion at 17q23.2, encompassing TBX4 that arose de novo on the paternal chromosome. This is the first report of a larger‐sized CNV deletion in a CAD patient involving TBX4 and leaving TBX2 intact. Our results, together with previous reports, indicate that perturbations of TBX4, rather than TBX2, cause severe lung phenotypes in humans.
Toward transparent taxonomy: an interactive web‐tool for evaluating competing taxonomic arrangements
Authors: Vernygora Oksana V. , Sperling Felix A. H. , Dupuis Julian R.
Published: October 2023

Informative and consistent taxonomy above the species level is essential to communication about evolution, biodiversity and conservation, and yet the practice of taxonomy is considered opaque and subjective by non‐taxonomist scientists and the public alike. While various proposals have tried to make the basis for the ranking and inclusiveness of taxa more transparent and objective, widespread adoption of these ideas has lagged. Here, we present TaxonomR, an interactive online decision‐support tool to evaluate alternative taxonomic classifications. This tool implements an approach that quantifies the criteria commonly used in taxonomic treatments and allows the user to interactively manipulate weightings for different criteria to compare scores for taxonomic groupings under those weights. We use the butterfly taxon Argynnis to demonstrate how different weightings applied to common taxonomic criteria result in fundamentally different genus‐level classifications that are predominantly used in different continents and geographic regions. These differences are objectively compared and quantified using TaxonomR to evaluate the kinds of criteria that have been emphasized in earlier classifications, and the nature of the support for current alternative taxonomic arrangements. The main role of TaxonomR is to make taxonomic decisions transparent via an explicit prioritization scheme. TaxonomR is not a prescriptive application. Rather, it aims to be a tool for facilitating our understanding of alternative taxonomic classifications that can, in turn, potentially support global harmony in biodiversity assessments through evidence‐based discussion and community‐wide resolution of historically entrenched taxonomic tensions.
Predicting glucocorticoid resistance in multiple sclerosis relapse via a whole blood transcriptomic analysis
Authors: Bagnoud Maud , Remlinger Jana , Joly Sandrine , Massy Marine , Salmen Anke , Chan Andrew , Karathanassis Dimitris , Evangelopoulos Maria‐Eleptheria , Hoepner Robert
Published: October 2023

Aims

Treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses consists of short‐term administration of high‐dose glucocorticoids (GCs). However, over 40% of patients show an insufficient response to GC treatment. We aimed to develop a predictive model for such GC resistance.

Methods

We performed a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis following the transcriptomic assay of whole blood samples from stable, relapsing GC‐sensitive and relapsing GC‐resistant patients with MS in two different European centers.

Results

We identified 12 genes being regulated during a relapse and differentially expressed between GC‐sensitive and GC‐resistant patients with MS. Using these genes, we defined a statistical model to predict GC resistance with an area under the curve (AUC) of the ROC analysis of 0.913. Furthermore, we observed that relapsing GC‐resistant patients with MS have decreased GR, DUSP1, and TSC22D3 mRNA levels compared with relapsing GC‐sensitive patients with MS. Finally, we showed that the transcriptome of relapsing GC‐resistant patients with MS resembles those of stable patients with MS.

Conclusion

Predicting GC resistance would allow patients to benefit from prompt initiation of an alternative relapse treatment leading to increased treatment efficacy. Thus, we think our model could contribute to reducing disability development in people with MS.
Killing of orangutans in Kalimantan ‐ Community perspectives on incidence and drivers
Authors: Massingham Emily , Meijaard Erik , Ancrenaz Marc , Mika Dino , Sherman Julie , Santika Truly , Pradipta Lengga , Possingham Hugh P. , Dean Angela J.
Published: October 2023

Despite decades of conservation management, many orangutan populations are on the brink of extinction. This is primarily due to habitat loss and direct killings. A study from 2008/2009 suggested that killing was impacting orangutan populations at a rate sufficient to cause local extinctions. As an illegal and taboo behavior that is difficult to measure, killing has been severely understudied since. We conducted 431 interviews in 79 villages across Kalimantan in 2020/2021. Ours is the first quantitative field study in more than 10 years to assess the state of killing of orangutans. We aimed to: (1) assess the current state of killing of orangutans in Kalimantan and compare this to the previous study; (2) determine whether conservation projects are affecting killing; and (3) explore drivers of killing. We examined killing of orangutans across villages with forest conservation projects, orangutan conservation projects, and no conservation projects. We assessed the existence of killing and used scenarios to examine perceived norms about illegal behavior relating to orangutans. We then used matching techniques to assess whether projects have any impact on these indicators. Overall, our findings suggest that killing has occurred in recent times, and our data does not indicate a clear attenuation of the behavior. As such, we argue that killing may still present a substantial threat to Bornean orangutan populations. We also found no statistically significant evidence that conservation projects are reducing killing. Conservation project managers could seek to understand the drivers of killing, and to invest in interventions that address these drivers. Research suggests that current allocation of conservation funding has been ineffective at abating orangutan population decline. We argue that a key part of improving Bornean orangutan conservation practice involves directly addressing killing of orangutans and the underlying drivers of killing.
Academia and industry agreement on a feasibility tool for first‐time‐in‐human clinical trial units
Authors: Moraga Paloma , Prieto Paula , Conradie Almari , Benhayoun Majda , Rousell Vicki , Davy Maria , Fuhr Uwe , Antonijoan Arbos Rosa , Abad‐Santos Francisco , Portolés Antonio , Van Duinen Jolanda , Carcas Antonio J. , Borobia Alberto M. ,   the ERA4TB Consortium
Published: October 2023

First‐time‐in‐human (FTIH) trials are designed to generate information on the safety, tolerability, as well as the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics profile of new drugs. To ensure the safety of participants, these trials need to be conducted at specifically equipped phase I clinical trial units (CTUs). In accordance with the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) Guideline for Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and the European Union (EU) regulatory guidelines, one of the aims of the European Regime Accelerator for Tuberculosis (ERA4TB) project is to collaboratively create a feasibility tool, through a partnership between public and private entities, for the validation of CTUs selected to conduct FTIH trials. A feasibility form, encompassing nine sections, was created to gather information on the unit in relation to key attributes of FTIH trials. Collaboratively, industry and academic partners defined the minimal criteria to ensure the adherence of CTUs to the principles of ICH GCP and regulations outlined by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the execution of FTIH trials. Subsequently, all CTUs available for the project were assessed for FTIH trial eligibility. The introduction of the certification procedure through the feasibility tool within ERA4TB resulted in the accreditation of the five academic CTUs, which are now prepared to carry out FTIH trials as part of the Consortium. The developed feasibility tool aims to establish open and widely used minimum requirements for the validation of academic CTUs as FTIH units, marking it as the inaugural tool for CTU validation resulting from the collaboration between industry and academia within the ERA4TB project. The established partnership has enabled an innovative and novel way of working.
Bone marrow metabolism is affected by body weight and response to exercise training varies according to anatomical location
Authors: Ojala Ronja , Hentilä Jaakko , Lietzén Martin S. , Arponen Milja , Heiskanen Marja A. , Honkala Sanna M. , Virtanen Heidi , Koskensalo Kalle , Lautamäki Riikka , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Parkkola Riitta , Heinonen Olli J. , Malm Tarja , Lahti Leo , Rinne Juha , Eskola Olli , Rajander Johan , Pietiläinen Kirsi H. , Kaprio Jaakko , Ivaska Kaisa K. , Hannukainen Jarna C.
Published: October 2023

Aim

High body weight is a protective factor against osteoporosis, but obesity also suppresses bone metabolism and whole‐body insulin sensitivity. However, the impact of body weight and regular training on bone marrow (BM) glucose metabolism is unclear. We studied the effects of regular exercise training on bone and BM metabolism in monozygotic twin pairs discordant for body weight.

Methods

We recruited 12 monozygotic twin pairs (mean ± SD age 40.4 ± 4.5 years; body mass index 32.9 ± 7.6, mean difference between co‐twins 7.6 kg/m2; eight female pairs). Ten pairs completed the 6‐month long training intervention. We measured lumbar vertebral and femoral BM insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake (GU) using 18F‐FDG positron emission tomography, lumbar spine bone mineral density and bone turnover markers.

Results

At baseline, heavier co‐twins had higher lumbar vertebral BM GU (p < .001) and lower bone turnover markers (all p < .01) compared with leaner co‐twins but there was no significant difference in femoral BM GU, or bone mineral density. Training improved whole‐body insulin sensitivity, aerobic capacity (both p < .05) and femoral BM GU (p = .008). The training response in lumbar vertebral BM GU was different between the groups (time × group, p = .02), as GU tended to decrease in heavier co‐twins (p = .06) while there was no change in leaner co‐twins.

Conclusions

In this study, regular exercise training increases femoral BM GU regardless of weight and genetics. Interestingly, lumbar vertebral BM GU is higher in participants with higher body weight, and training counteracts this effect in heavier co‐twins even without reduction in weight. These data suggest that BM metabolism is altered by physical activity.
Evaluation of left atrial and left ventricular functions with 3D speckle‐tracking echocardiography in patients with coronary artery tortuosity
Authors: Taskin Ugur , Mammadov Ganbar , Topaloglu Caner , Koyuncu Ilhan , Dogdus Mustafa
Published: October 2023

Background

Tortuosity in the coronary arteries is a very common entity encountered during angiography. The effect of coronary artery tortuosity (CAT) on the myocardium has not been completely investigated. The aim of the current study was to assess the effects of CAT on left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) myocardial functions by 3D speckle‐tracking echocardiography (3D‐STE).

Methods

Seventy‐five patients with CAT and 80 age‐ and gender‐matched controls who proved to have normal coronary angiograms (CAG) were enrolled into the study. Following CAG, the 2D images were obtained first, and then 3D images were obtained for strain analysis.

Results

The LAS‐r, LAS‐active, and LV‐GLS were significantly depressed in the CAT (+) group (p < .001, p < .001, p = .012, respectively). The multivariate regression models demonstrated that LAS‐r (p < .001), LAS‐active (p = .009), and LV‐GLS (p = .024) were found to be independent factors predicting CAT.

Conclusion

The current study is the first to focus on the assessing both LA and LV myocardial dynamics in CAT (+) patients by strain echocardiography. The results of our study support the patients with CAT may have subclinical LA and LV myocardial involvements.
Novel 3D versus traditional transesophageal echocardiography techniques: Defining differences in the diagnosis of infective endocarditis
Authors: Tomoaia Raluca , Beyer Ruxandra Ștefana , Dădârlat‐Pop Alexandra , Șerban Adela Mihaela , Pop Dana , Zdrenghea Dumitru , Flachskampf Frank Arnold
Published: October 2023

Background

Despite the availability of current antibiotic and surgical treatment options, infective endocarditis (IE) remains associated with a high mortality rate. Even though two‐dimensional (2D) transesophageal echocardiography (TOE) is a major criteria in the diagnosis of IE, it is constrained by the single‐plane orientation. Since three‐dimensional (3D) TOE provides a comprehensive understanding of the cardiac architecture by allowing for a realistic visualization of the underlying structures in 3D space, it has attracted considerable interest in recent years.

Aim

The purpose of this narrative review is to discuss the advantages and pitfalls of 3D TOE in patients with IE, as well as to address emerging photo‐realistic 3D techniques that have the potential to enhance the visualization of cardiac structures in this setting.

Results

According to recent research, 3D TOE acquisitions outperform 2D acquisitions in terms of vegetation identification accuracy and embolism risk assessment. By reporting a variety of findings that are missed with 2D TOE, but which are validated by surgical examination, 3D TOE further improves the ability to identify endocarditis complications on both native and prosthetic valves. In addition to conventional 3D TOE, future developments in 3D technology led to the development of transillumination and tissue‐transparency rendering, which may improve anatomical understanding and depth perception. Due to the use of both conventional and novel 3D techniques, there are more patients who require surgical intervention, indicating that 3D TOE may have a clinical relevance on the surgical management.

Conclusion

3D TOE might fill the gaps left by 2D TOE in the diagnosis of IE.
Temporal trends of gender disparities in oral anticoagulant use in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Teppo Konsta , Airaksinen K. E. Juhani , Jaakkola Jussi , Halminen Olli , Salmela Birgitta , Kalatsova Ksenia , Kouki Elis , Haukka Jari , Putaala Jukka , Linna Miika , Aro Aapo L. , Mustonen Pirjo , Hartikainen Juha , Lehto Mika
Published: October 2023

Aims

To investigate sex‐specific temporal trends in the initiation of oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy among patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF) in Finland between 2007 and 2018.

Methods

The registry‐linkage Finnish AntiCoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation (FinACAF) Study included all patients with incident AF in Finland from 2007 to 2018. The primary outcome was the initiation of any OAC therapy.

Results

We identified 229,565 patients with new‐onset AF (50.0% women; mean age 72.7 years). The initiation of OAC therapy increased continuously during the observation period. While women were more likely to receive OAC therapy overall, after adjusting for age, stroke risk factors and other confounding factors, female sex was associated with a marginally lower initiation of OACs (unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios comparing women to men: 1.08 (1.07–1.10) and 0.97 (0.96–0.98), respectively). Importantly, the gender disparities in OAC use attenuated and reached parity by the end of the observation period. Furthermore, when only patients eligible for OAC therapy according to the contemporary guidelines were included in the analyses, the gender inequalities in OAC initiation appeared minimal. Implementation of direct OACs for stroke prevention was slightly slower among women.

Conclusion

This nationwide retrospective cohort study covering all patients with incident AF in Finland from 2007 to 2018 observed that although female sex was initially associated with a lower initiation of OAC therapy, the sex‐related disparities resolved over the course of the study period.
Anthropogenic habitat modification causes nonlinear multiscale bird diversity declines
Authors: Callaghan Corey T. , Chase Jonathan M. , McGlinn Daniel J.
Published: October 2023

Anthropogenic habitat modification is a leading contributor to biodiversity change, but it is unclear what factors, including scale, influence the magnitude of change. Changes in species richness and its scaling relationship across an anthropogenic gradient can be influenced by changes in the total number of individuals in each sample, the species abundance distribution, and/or the spatial arrangement of conspecific individuals. Here, we integrated continental‐scale citizen science data on bird occurrences across the contiguous United States – from eBird – with an analytical framework capable of dissecting the aforementioned biodiversity components to quantify bird diversity changes along an anthropogenic landscape habitat modification gradient. We found an overall decline in bird diversity along an anthropogenic modification gradient, with peak levels of bird diversity at low to moderate levels of modification. The magnitude of biodiversity change was greater at gamma than at alpha scales and was most strongly associated with a declining number of individuals along the anthropogenic gradient. Spatial species turnover was lower at higher impacted sites, but this was also due to the sampling of fewer individuals rather than changes in spatial species patchiness. Our results suggest that local‐scale management can promote bird diversity, especially at the natural–rural–suburban interface. Management efforts (e.g. managing natural habitat or preserving urban greenspaces against development) should be focused on creating, restoring, and preserving resources (e.g. nesting habitat, foraging resources) necessary for a large number of individuals, as this is the primary influence of diversity change along an anthropogenic gradient.
Pedagogy‐as‐Justice
Authors: Noroozi Nassim
Published: October 2023

Nassim Noroozi proposes a juxtaposition of pedagogy with and a characterization of it as justice. The term pedagogical here is not limited to “the educational,” nor is pedagogy limited to the methods of teaching. At the same time, the term justice will not be framed in terms of liberal conceptual grounds. Noroozi defines pedagogy as an arrangement of meaning so that it becomes impossible not to see injustice. Noroozi argues that “pedagogy‐as‐justice” concerns itself with exposing injustice in transformative ways, and as such it is an ethical undertaking. She explores how philosophizing for struggle is inherently pedagogical and, because of our perception of “the pedagogical,” how it is inherently transformative. Furthermore, she argues that seeing pedagogy as justice will consequentially deem “the arrangements of meanings to engage others in the issues pertaining to injustice” as equally important to writing or thinking about those struggles. To illustrate the above points, Noroozi analyzes a case of public philosophical engagement against war. By expanding on this case, she proposes some central attributes of pedagogy‐as‐justice, namely its preoccupation with grounding abstract and anonymous concepts in their contested historical realities; its commitment to wrestling with an “opacity of concepts” or with “dishonest reasonings” that end up promoting suffering and injustice; and its recognition of the precarities inherent in undertaking pedagogy‐as‐justice. Noroozi traces a genealogy of the concept of pedagogy‐as‐justice going back to Socratic public philosophical engagements.
Time course of EEG complexity reflects attentional engagement during listening to speech in noise
Authors: Eqlimi Ehsan , Bockstael Annelies , Schönwiesner Marc , Talsma Durk , Botteldooren Dick
Published: October 2023

Auditory distractions are recognized to considerably challenge the quality of information encoding during speech comprehension. This study explores electroencephalography (EEG) microstate dynamics in ecologically valid, noisy settings, aiming to uncover how these auditory distractions influence the process of information encoding during speech comprehension. We examined three listening scenarios: (1) speech perception with background noise (LA), (2) focused attention on the background noise (BA), and (3) intentional disregard of the background noise (BUA). Our findings showed that microstate complexity and unpredictability increased when attention was directed towards speech compared with tasks without speech (LA > BA & BUA). Notably, the time elapsed between the recurrence of microstates increased significantly in LA compared with both BA and BUA. This suggests that coping with background noise during speech comprehension demands more sustained cognitive effort. Additionally, a two‐stage time course for both microstate complexity and alpha‐to‐theta power ratio was observed. Specifically, in the early epochs, a lower level was observed, which gradually increased and eventually reached a steady level in the later epochs. The findings suggest that the initial stage is primarily driven by sensory processes and information gathering, while the second stage involves higher level cognitive engagement, including mnemonic binding and memory encoding.
A scoping review of the relationship between alcohol, memory consolidation and ripple activity: An overview of common methodologies to analyse ripples
Authors: Ruelas Marina , Medina‐Ceja Laura , Fuentes‐Aguilar Rita Q.
Published: October 2023

Alcohol abuse is not only responsible for 5.3% of the total deaths in the world but also has a substantial impact on neurological and memory disabilities throughout the population. One extensively studied brain area involved in cognitive functions is the hippocampus. Evidence in several rodent models has shown that ethanol produces cognitive impairment in hippocampal‐dependent tasks and that the damage is varied according to the stage of development at which the rodent was exposed to ethanol and the dose. To the authors' knowledge, there is a biomarker for cognitive processes in the hippocampus that remains relatively understudied in association with memory impairment by alcohol administration. This biomarker is called sharp wave–ripples (SWRs) which are synchronous neuronal population events that are well known to be involved in memory consolidation. Methodologies for facilitated or automatic identification of ripples and their analysis have been reported for a wider bandwidth than SWRs. This review is focused on communicating the state of the art about the relationship between alcohol, memory consolidation and ripple activity, as well as the use of the common methodologies to identify SWRs automatically.
Body size and trophic position determine the outcomes of species invasions along temperature and productivity gradients
Authors: Dijoux Samuel , Pichon Noémie A. , Sentis Arnaud , Boukal David S.
Published: October 2023

Species invasions are predicted to increase in frequency with global change, but quantitative predictions of how environmental filters and species traits influence the success and consequences of invasions for local communities are lacking. Here we investigate how invaders alter the structure, diversity and stability regime of simple communities across environmental gradients (habitat productivity, temperature) and community size structure. We simulate all three‐species trophic modules (apparent and exploitative competition, trophic chain and intraguild predation). We predict that invasions most often succeed in warm and productive habitats and that successful invaders include smaller competitors, intraguild predators and comparatively small top predators. This suggests that species invasions and global change may facilitate the downsizing of food webs. Furthermore, we show that successful invasions leading to species substitutions rarely alter system stability, while invasions leading to increased diversity can destabilize or stabilize community dynamics depending on the environmental conditions and invader's trophic position.
Tropical and temperate differences in the trophic structure and aquatic prey use of riparian predators
Authors: Nash Liam N. , Kratina Pavel , Recalde Fátima C. , Jones John Iwan , Izzo Thiago , Romero Gustavo Q.
Published: October 2023

The influence of aquatic resource‐inputs on terrestrial communities is poorly understood, particularly in the tropics. We used stable isotope analysis of carbon and nitrogen to trace aquatic prey use and quantify the impact on trophic structure in 240 riparian arthropod communities in tropical and temperate forests. Riparian predators consumed more aquatic prey and were more trophically diverse in the tropics than temperate regions, indicating tropical riparian communities are both more reliant on and impacted by aquatic resources than temperate communities. This suggests they are more vulnerable to disruption of aquatic–terrestrial linkages. Although aquatic resource use declined strongly with distance from water, we observed no correlated change in trophic structure, suggesting trophic flexibility to changing resource availability within riparian predator communities in both tropical and temperate regions. Our findings highlight the importance of aquatic resources for riparian communities, especially in the tropics, but suggest distance from water is less important than resource diversity in maintaining terrestrial trophic structure.