bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disparities in geospatial patterns of cancer care within urban counties and structural inequities in access to oncology care
Authors: McGee‐Avila Jennifer K. , Richmond Jennifer , Henry Kevin A. , Stroup Antoinette M. , Tsui Jennifer
Published: May 2023

Objective

To examine geospatial patterns of cancer care utilization across diverse populations in New Jersey—a state where most residents live in urban areas.

Data Sources/Study Setting

We used data from the New Jersey State Cancer Registry from 2012 to 2014.

Study Design

We examined the location of cancer treatment among patients 20–65 years of age diagnosed with breast, colorectal, or invasive cervical cancer and investigated differences in geospatial patterns of care by individual and area‐level (e.g., census tract‐level) characteristics.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Multivariate generalized estimating equation models were used to determine factors associated with receiving cancer treatment within residential counties, residential hospital service areas, and in‐state (versus out‐of‐state) care.

Principal Findings

We observed significant differences in geospatial patterns of cancer treatment by race/ethnicity, insurance type, and area‐level factors. Even after adjusting for tumor characteristics, insurance type, and other demographic factors, non‐Hispanic Black patients had a 5.6% higher likelihood of receiving care within their own residential county compared to non‐Hispanic White patients (95% CI: 2.80–8.41). Patients insured with Medicaid and those without insurance had higher likelihoods of receiving care within their residential county compared to privately insured individuals. Patients living in census tracts with the highest quintile of social vulnerability were 4.6% more likely to receive treatment within their residential county (95% CI: 0.00–9.30) and were 2.7% less likely to seek out‐of‐state care (95% CI: −4.85 to −0.61).

Conclusions

Urban populations are not homogenous in their geospatial patterns of cancer care utilization, and individuals living in areas with greater social vulnerability may have limited opportunities to access care outside of their immediate residential county. Geographically tailored efforts, along with socioculturally tailored efforts, are needed to help improve equity in cancer care access.
Organisational voice and employee‐focused voice: Two distinct voice forms and their effects on burnout and innovative behavior
Authors: Shipton Helen , Kougiannou Nadia , Do Hoa , Minbashian Amirali , Pautz Nik , King Daniel
Published: May 2023

Scholars and practitioners have long emphasised the importance of employees speaking up about workplace issues. Yet, voice research remains divided on fundamental questions such as underlying purpose. Drawing on the Job Demands‐Resources Model, this study offers an integrative perspective, building on the idea that the interests of employees and managers are distinct concerning the purpose of voice. This article draws on responses from a cross‐sectional national online survey distributed by YouGov, with a survey design that ensured that only those employed within an organisational setting with a reporting structure would be included in the data. The sample size used for the analysis (N = 1858) was representative of the UK workforce regarding gender, full‐ or part‐time work status, organisation size and industry. The exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis provides empirical evidence of two alternative and distinct voice forms: organisational and employee‐focused. Results show that while organisational voice is associated with significantly higher innovative behaviour and higher levels of burnout, employee‐focused voice is significantly and negatively associated with employee burnout. Lastly, our analysis reveals that while the total effect of organisational voice on burnout is positive, employee‐focused voice, partially mediating the organisational voice‐burnout relationship, exerts a countervailing effect, lowering burnout. Accordingly, organisations are advised to promote both voice forms, given their unique, positive effects, first on the employee (ameliorating burnout) and second on strategically important outcomes (innovative behaviours). Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Self‐demise of soft rot bacteria by activation of microbial predators by pectin‐based carriers
Authors: Sason Gal , Yedidia Iris , Nussinovitch Amos , Chalegoua Errikos , Pun Manoj , Jurkevitch Edouard
Published: May 2023

Soft rot pectobacteria (SRP) are phytopathogens of the genera Pectobacterium and Dickeya that cause soft rots on a wide range of crops and ornamental plants. SRP produce plant cell wall degrading enzymes (PCWDEs), including pectinases. Bdellovibrio and like organisms are bacterial predators that can prey on a variety of Gram‐negative species, including SRP. In this research, a low methoxyl pectin (LMP)‐based immobilization system for B. bacteriovorus is established. It takes advantage that pectin residues induce PCWDE secretion by the pathogens, bringing upon the release of the encapsulated predators. Three commercial LMPs differing in the degree of esterification (DE) and amidation (DA) were tested as potential carriers, by examining their effect on SRP growth, enzymes secretion and substrate breakdown. A clear advantage was observed for pectin 5 CS with the lowest DE and DA content. The degradation of 5 CS pectin‐based carriers was further optimized by reducing cross‐linker and pectin concentration, by adding gelatin and by dehydration. This resulted in SRP‐induced disintegration of the carrier within 72 h. The released encapsulated predator caused a large decrease in SRP population while its own significantly increased, demonstrating the efficiency of this system in which the pathogen brings about its own demise.
The microbial landscape in bioturbated mangrove sediment: A resource for promoting nature‐based solutions for mangroves
Authors: Booth Jenny M. , Fusi Marco , Marasco Ramona , Daffonchio Daniele
Published: May 2023

Globally, soils and sediments are affected by the bioturbation activities of benthic species. The consequences of these activities are particularly impactful in intertidal sediment, which is generally anoxic and nutrient‐poor. Mangrove intertidal sediments are of particular interest because, as the most productive forests and one of the most important stores of blue carbon, they provide global‐scale ecosystem services. The mangrove sediment microbiome is fundamental for ecosystem functioning, influencing the efficiency of nutrient cycling and the abundance and distribution of key biological elements. Redox reactions in bioturbated sediment can be extremely complex, with one reaction creating a cascade effect on the succession of respiration pathways. This facilitates the overlap of different respiratory metabolisms important in the element cycles of the mangrove sediment, including carbon, nitrogen, sulphur and iron cycles, among others. Considering that all ecological functions and services provided by mangrove environments involve microorganisms, this work reviews the microbial roles in nutrient cycling in relation to bioturbation by animals and plants, the main mangrove ecosystem engineers. We highlight the diversity of bioturbating organisms and explore the diversity, dynamics and functions of the sediment microbiome, considering both the impacts of bioturbation. Finally, we review the growing evidence that bioturbation, through altering the sediment microbiome and environment, determining a ‘halo effect’, can ameliorate conditions for plant growth, highlighting the potential of the mangrove microbiome as a nature‐based solution to sustain mangrove development and support the role of this ecosystem to deliver essential ecological services.
Water supply, waste assimilation, and low‐flow issues facing the Southeast Piedmont Interstate‐85 urban archipelago
Authors: Jackson C. Rhett , Wenger Seth J. , Bledsoe Brian P. , Shepherd J. Marshall , Capps Krista A. , Rosemond Amy D. , Paul Michael J. , Welch‐Devine Meredith , Li Ke , Stephens Timothy , Rasmussen Todd C.
Published: May 2023

Rapidly growing cities along the Interstate‐85 corridor from Atlanta, GA, to Raleigh, NC, rely on small rivers for water supply and waste assimilation. These rivers share commonalities including water supply stress during droughts, seasonally low flows for wastewater dilution, increasing drought and precipitation extremes, downstream eutrophication issues, and high regional aquatic diversity. Further challenges include rapid growth; sprawl that exacerbates water quality and infrastructure issues; water infrastructure that spans numerous counties and municipalities; and large numbers of septic systems. Holistic multi‐jurisdiction cooperative water resource planning along with policy and infrastructure modifications is necessary to adapt to population growth and climate. We propose six actions to improve water infrastructure resilience: increase water‐use efficiency by municipal, industrial, agricultural, and thermoelectric power sectors; adopt indirect potable reuse or closed loop systems; allow for water sharing during droughts but regulate inter‐basin transfers to protect aquatic ecosystems; increase nutrient recovery and reduce discharges of carbon and nutrients in effluents; employ green infrastructure and better stormwater management to reduce nonpoint pollutant loadings and mitigate urban heat island effects; and apply the CRIDA framework to incorporate climate and hydrologic uncertainty into water planning.
Whole genome sequencing of Penicillium and Burkholderia strains antagonistic to the causal agent of kauri dieback disease (Phytophthora agathidicida) reveals biosynthetic gene clusters related to antimicrobial secondary metabolites
Authors: Byers Alexa K. , Condron Leo , O'Callaghan Maureen , Waipara Nick , Black Amanda
Published: May 2023

Phytophthora agathidicida is a virulent soil pathogen of Aotearoa New Zealand's iconic kauri tree species (Agathis australis (D. Don) Lindl.) and the primary causal agent of kauri dieback disease. To date, only a few control options are available to treat infected kauri that are expressing symptoms of dieback disease. Previous research has identified strains of Penicillium and Burkholderia that inhibited the mycelial growth of P. agathidicida in vitro. However, the mechanisms of inhibition remain unknown. By performing whole genome sequencing, we screened the genomes of four Penicillium and five Burkholderia strains to identify secondary metabolite encoding biosynthetic gene clusters (SM‐BGCs) that may be implicated in the production of antimicrobial compounds. We identified various types of SM‐BGCs in the genome of each strain, including polyketide synthases (PKSs), non‐ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs), and terpenes. Across all four of the Penicillium strains, five SM‐BGCs were detected that encoded the biosynthesis of napthopyrone, clavaric acid, pyranonigrin E, dimethyl coprogen and asperlactone. Across all five of the Burkholderia strains, three SM‐BGCs were detected that encoded the biosynthesis of ornibactin, pyochelin and pyrrolnitin. Our analysis detected numerous SM‐BGCs which could not be characterised. Further efforts should be made to identify the compounds encoded by these SM‐BGCs so that we can explore their antimicrobial potential. The potential inhibitory effects of the compounds encoded by the SM‐BGCs identified in this study may be worthy of further investigation for their effect on the growth and virulence of P. agathidicida.
The Iraqi state's legitimacy deficit: Input, output and identity‐based legitimacy challenges
Authors: Eriksson Jacob , Grief Isaac
Published: May 2023

This article analyses the nature of the legitimacy deficits of the post‐2003 Iraqi state and the grounds upon which alternative political orders have been proposed. The theoretical framework groups possible changes into three types: redistribution, regime change and secession. Empirically, the article illustrates these dynamics through two contemporary challenges to the Iraqi state: the Islamic State of Iraq and al‐Sham (ISIS), and the Tishreen protest movement. The intention is not to compare and contrast the two, as they are widely divergent types of alternative orders, but rather to reflect on the nature of their grievances against the Iraqi state, and the role of identity in shaping their alternative visions. The article argues that identity is key to understanding both the perceived legitimacy failures of the state and the political alternatives proposed, but also efforts by the political elite to delegitimise these challenges to the state. Finally, the Iraqi case demonstrates that the role of identity in legitimation is fluid and contingent rather than static and deterministic, with the salience of different identities shifting over time and being affected by other forms of legitimacy.
Prognostic and predictive value of CD163 expression and the CD163/CD68 expression ratio for response to adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with surgically resected lung squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yanagawa Naoki , Shikanai Shunsuke , Sugai Mayu , Koike Yoshihiko , Asai Yoshinari , Tanji Takayuki , Sugimoto Ryo , Osakabe Mitsumasa , Uesugi Noriyuki , Saito Hajime , Maemondo Makoto , Sugai Tamotsu
Published: May 2023

Background

Macrophages infiltrating the tumor microenvironment are defined as tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs). TAMs can be polarized into different phenotypes, that is, proinflammatory M1 macrophages or anti‐inflammatory M2 macrophages. Particularly, M2 macrophages promote angiogenesis, wound healing, and tumor growth. This study aimed to evaluate whether M2 TAMs can serve as a useful marker to predict prognosis and benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with surgically resected lung squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs).

Methods

We examined 104 patients with SCC. Tissue microarrays were constructed, and the density of TAMs was analyzed by immunohistochemistry for expression of CD68 and CD163. The relationship between CD68 and CD163 expression and the CD163/CD68 expression rate and clinicopathological characteristics including patient outcomes were investigated. In addition, propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was conducted to test the hypothesis that these cells significantly influenced chemotherapy responses.

Results

Univariate analysis revealed that pathological stage, CD163 expression, and the CD163/CD68 expression ratio were significant prognostic factors. Multivariate analysis showed that these factors were all independent prognostic factors. Thirty‐four pairs were determined by using PSM analysis. Patients with a low CD163/CD68 expression ratio benefited more from adjuvant chemotherapy than those with a high ratio.

Conclusion

We suggest that M2 TAMs may be a useful marker to predict prognosis and differential benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with surgically resected lung SCCs.
Impact of prior alcohol use on the subsequent development of cancer cachexia in male and female mice
Authors: Laudato Joseph A. , Tice Abigail L. , Johnson Bonde R. , Russo Allyson , Rossetti Michael L. , Bridges Blake O. , Egan Arthur , Gordon Bradley S. , Steiner Jennifer L.
Published: May 2023

Background

Alcohol is a carcinogen and its intake prior to developing cancer and throughout its duration exacerbates cancer cachexia in rodent models. However, the effects on cancer cachexia of stopping alcohol prior to tumor establishment are unknown.

Methods

Male and female mice consumed either a nonalcohol control liquid diet (CON) or a 20% ethanol (kcal/day) liquid diet (EtOH) for 6 weeks. All mice then consumed a control diet and mice in the cancer groups were inoculated with C26 colon cancer cells. Gastrocnemius muscles were collected and analyzed after ~2 weeks.

Results

Skeletal muscle weight and male epididymal and female perigonadal fat mass were reduced more by the combination of cancer and prior EtOH than either exposure alone in both males and females. In males, protein synthesis was reduced by 30% following alcohol exposure, while no reductions were observed in female mice. AMPK Thr172 phosphorylation was increased in both male and female EtOH‐Cancer groups, while Akt Thr308 phosphorylation was reduced only among males in EtOH‐Cancer mice. Substrates in the mTORC1 pathway were reduced by cancer in both males and females, but prior alcohol intake only reduced phosphorylation of 4E‐BP1 Ser65 and rpS6 Ser240/244 to a greater extent in male, but not female, mice. Autophagic and proteasomal signaling were largely unaffected by prior alcohol intake in cancer mice, despite a greater increase in Murf1 mRNA in both sexes.

Conclusions

Prior alcohol consumption accelerates or worsens the onset of certain aspects of cancer cachexia in a sex‐dependent manner, with males being more sensitive to these exposures, even with abstinence from alcohol prior to tumor initiation.
Inflammatory cytokines in alcohol use disorder patients are lower in smokers and users of smokeless tobacco
Authors: Bolstad Ingeborg , Lien Lars , Moe Jenny Skumsnes , Pandey Sumita , Toft Helge , Bramness Jørgen G.
Published: May 2023

Background

Smoking and alcohol use often co‐occur, and the use of nicotine‐containing products is particularly common among persons with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Recent evidence shows that chronic alcohol use leads to inflammation through increased gut permeability and dysregulated cytokine levels. While cigarette smoking also has detrimental health effects, nicotine has immune dampening effects in some settings. Preclinical evidence demonstrates that nicotine can dampen alcohol‐induced inflammation, but inflammatory responses after nicotine use has not been studied in persons with AUD. This study compared the level of circulating cytokines in abstinent AUD inpatients who were non‐tobacco users, smokers, users of Swedish snus, or dual tobacco users.

Methods

We collected blood samples and information about somatic and mental health and tobacco habits from 111 patients in residential treatment for AUD and 69 healthy controls. Levels of interferon (IFN)‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, IL‐17a, IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐1 receptor antagonist (ra), and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)‐1 were examined using a multiplex assay.

Results

Patients with AUD had higher levels of seven cytokines than healthy controls. Among the AUD patients, nicotine users had lower levels of IL‐10, TNF‐α, IL‐17a, IL‐1β, IL‐8, and MCP‐1 (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our findings may indicate that nicotine has anti‐inflammatory effects in patients with AUD. Nonetheless, nicotine use cannot be recommended as a viable therapeutic option to reduce alcohol‐induced inflammation because of its other adverse effects. Additional studies of the effects of tobacco or nicotine products on cytokine patterns in relation to mental or somatic health conditions are warranted.
Sex‐specific biobehavioral regulation of persistent inflammatory pain by alcohol
Authors: Cucinello‐Ragland Jessica A. , Alrashed Noor H. , Lee Sumin , Davis Erin C. , Edwards Kimberly N. , Edwards Scott
Published: May 2023

Background

Although a large percentage of chronic pain patients consume alcohol to manage their pain, there is a significant gap in knowledge regarding the mechanisms underlying the antinociceptive effects of alcohol.

Methods

To determine the longitudinal analgesic effects of alcohol, we utilized the complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) model of inflammatory pain in adult female and male Wistar rats. Both somatic and negative motivational aspects of pain were measured using the electronic von Frey (mechanical nociception) system, thermal probe test (thermal nociception), and mechanical conflict avoidance task (pain avoidance‐like behavior). Tests were conducted at baseline and 1 and 3 weeks following intraplantar CFA or saline administration. At both time points post‐CFA, animals were treated with each of three doses of alcohol (intraperitoneal; 0, 0.5, and 1.0 g/kg) over separate days in a Latin square design.

Results

Alcohol produced dose‐dependent mechanical analgesia and antihyperalgesia in females but only antihyperalgesia in males. Although alcohol continued to attenuate CFA‐induced decreases in both thermal and mechanical nociceptive thresholds between 1 and 3 weeks post‐CFA, it appeared less effective at increasing thresholds 3 weeks after CFA induction.

Conclusions

These data suggest that individuals may develop tolerance to alcohol's ability to alleviate both somatic and negative motivational symptoms of chronic pain over time. We also discovered sex‐specific neuroadaptations in protein kinase A‐dependent phosphorylation of GluR1 subunits and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK 1/2) phosphorylation in nociceptive brain centers of animals receiving an alcohol challenge 1 week post‐CFA. Together, these findings illustrate a sex‐specific regulation of behavioral and neurobiological indices of persistent pain by alcohol.
Buddhism and M&A performance: Evidence from China
Authors: Shi Wen , Bi Xiaogang
Published: May 2023

This research explores the effect of Buddhism on mergers & acquisitions (M&As) performance, using 4622 M&A transactions of Chinese public firms from 2004 to 2018. Herein, we offer sufficient evidence that the acquirers located in higher Buddhism intensity regions performed better for both short‐ and long‐term after merger. Furthermore, we show that state ownership also plays an essential role in mitigating its effect, whilst our channel analysis indicates that the source of value creation is driven by higher deal completion rates and fewer violation cases for acquiring firms. Finally, we address the endogeneity issue, and the results remain unaffected.
Free power, irrigation, and groundwater depletion: Impact of farm electricity policy of Punjab, India
Authors: Gupta Disha
Published: May 2023

This paper examines the impact of a change in the policy regime from flat rate to free farm electricity pricing, introduced in Punjab, India in February 1997 using a difference‐in‐differences framework. Based on village‐level data from the second and the third rounds of the Minor Irrigation Census, the study finds a differential increase in the number of electric‐operated tubewells and horsepower load of pumps in Punjab as compared to an agriculturally‐similar and neighboring state, Haryana, which is taken as the control group. Through these channels, the study finds that the average groundwater depth increased by 1.9 meters more in Punjab as compared to Haryana, which is 22 percent of the baseline average groundwater depth in Punjab. Nationally‐representative well‐level data on groundwater depths from the Central Ground Water Board shows impact heterogeneity with sharper effect on groundwater depth for wells that are lying closer to the cut‐off of about 10 meters where a technological shift from centrifugal to submersible pumps is required to maintain access to groundwater pumping.
Identification of follicle‐stimulating hormone‐responsive genes in Sertoli cells during early postnatal mouse testis development
Authors: Wang Huizhen , Liu Zhenghui , Larsen Mark , Hastings Richard , Gunewardena Sumedha , Kumar T. Rajendra
Published: May 2023

Background

In the mouse testis, Sertoli cells rapidly divide during a narrow window of time pre‐pubertally and differentiate thereafter. The number of Sertoli cells determines the testis size and germ cell‐carrying capacity. Follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) binds its cognate FSH‐receptors expressed on Sertoli cells and acts as a mitogen to regulate their proliferation. Fshb−/− mutant adult male mice have reduced Sertoli cell number and testis size and reduced sperm number and motility. However, FSH‐responsive genes in early postnatal mouse Sertoli cells are unknown.

Objectives

To identify FSH‐responsive genes in early postnatal mouse Sertoli cells.

Materials and methods

A fluorescence‐activated cell sorting method was developed to rapidly purify Sertoli cells from control and Fshb−/− mice carrying a Sox9 GfpKI allele. These pure Sertoli cells were used for large‐scale gene expression analyses.

Results

We show that mouse Sertoli cells rarely divide beyond postnatal day 7. Our in vivo BrdU labeling studies indicate loss of FSH results in a 30% reduction in Sertoli cell proliferation in mice at 5 days of age. Flowsorted GFP+ Sertoli cells with maximal Fshr expression were 97%‐98% pure and mostly devoid of Leydig and germ cells as assessed by Taqman qPCR quantification of gene expression and immunolabeling of the corresponding cell‐specific markers. Large‐scale gene expression analysis identified several differentially regulated genes in flow‐sorted GFP+ Sertoli cells obtained from testis of control and Fshb−/− mice at 5 days of age. The top 25 networks identified by pathway analysis include those related to the cell cycle, cell survival and most importantly, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and molecular transport.

Discussion

Several of the FSH‐responsive genes identified in this study could serve as useful markers for Sertoli cell proliferation in normal physiology, toxicant‐induced Sertoli cell/testis injury, and other pathological conditions.

Conclusion

Our studies reveal that FSH‐regulates macromolecular metabolism and molecular transport networks of genes in early postnatal Sertoli cells most likely in preparation for establishment of functional associations with germ cells to successfully coordinate spermatogenesis.
Potentially avoidable mortality after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in Australia: an 8‐year qualitative analysis
Authors: Jolly Samantha , Chu Matthew K. W. , Gupta Aashray K. , Mitchell Jessica , Kovoor Joshua G. , Stewart Sasha K. , Babidge Wendy J. , Chan Justin C. Y. , Trochsler Markus I. , Maddern Guy J.
Published: May 2023

Background

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a commonly performed procedure worldwide. The aim of this study was to examine cases of mortality after ERCP to identify clinical incidents that are potentially preventable, to improve patient safety.

Methods

The Australian and New Zealand Audit of Surgical Mortality provides an independent and externally peer‐reviewed audit of surgical mortality pertaining to potentially avoidable issues. A retrospective review of prospectively collected data within this database was performed for the 8‐year audit period from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2016. Clinical incidents were identified by assessors through first‐ or second‐line review, and thematically coded into periprocedural stages. These themes were then qualitatively analysed.

Results

There were 58 potentially avoidable deaths following ERCP, with 85 clinical incidents. Preprocedural incidents were most common (n = 37), followed by postprocedural (n = 32) and then intraprocedural (n = 8). Communication issues occurred across the periprocedural period (n = 8). Preprocedural incidents included delay to procedure, inadequate resuscitative management, decision to perform procedure and inadequate assessment. Intraprocedural incidents comprised technical factors and inadequate support. Postprocedural incidents involved inappropriate treatment, delay in definitive surgical treatment or in recognizing complications, inappropriate second‐line intervention and inadequate assessment. Communication incidents comprised inadequate documentation, failure to escalate care and poor inter‐clinician communication.

Conclusion

Causes of mortality following ERCP are wide‐ranging, and reviewing clinical incidents associated with potentially avoidable mortality can serve to inform and educate practitioners. In collating a subset of cases in which procedure‐related mortality was deemed avoidable, a series of cautionary tales about ERCP is presented that may provide cues to practitioners on improving patient safety and inform future surgical practice.
Can sarcopenia predict survival in locally advanced rectal cancer patients?
Authors: Gartrell Richard , Qiao Jing , Kiss Nicole , Faragher Ian , Chan Steven , Baird Paul N. , Yeung Justin M.
Published: May 2023

Background

There is mounting evidence that suggests sarcopenia can be used to predict survival outcomes in patients with colon cancer. However, the effect on locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is less clear. We sought to determine the association between sarcopenia on Overall Survival and Recurrence‐free Survival (OS and RFS) in patients with LARC undergoing multimodal treatment.

Methods

A retrospective study was undertaken of all pre‐treatment stage 2–3 rectal cancer patients who underwent neo‐adjuvant treatment and surgery with curative intent between January 2010 and September 2016 at Western Health. Sarcopenia was measured on pre‐treatment staging scans at the third lumbar vertebrae and defined using cohort‐derived, sex‐specific thresholds. Primary outcomes were OS and RFS.

Results

A total of 132 patients with LARC were analysed. Sarcopenia: Hazard ratio (HR) 3.71; 95% CI, 1.28–10.75, P = 0.016 was independently associated with worse Overall Survival following multivariate analysis. There was no significant relationship between sarcopenia and RFS: Time ratio (TR) 1.67; 95% CI 0.52–5.34, P = 0.386.

Conclusion

Sarcopenia was found to be an independent risk factor for worse overall survival, but not recurrence free survival, in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer undergoing neo‐adjuvant chemo‐radiotherapy and surgery with curative intent.
Reviewing the risk of breast cancer recurrence following breast reconstruction
Authors: Huang Yang Yang , Sacks Brett , Fahey Michael T. , Farrell Gillian , Poliness Catherine , Webb Angela
Published: May 2023

Background

It is widely accepted that both autologous and alloplastic reconstruction are safe. A recent publication reported a significant association between textured implants and metastatic recurrence of breast cancer. This study aims to assess if the published results are reproducible in our cohort and to review the safety of breast reconstruction.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of adult patients undergoing mastectomy and either alloplastic or autologous breast reconstruction at a single quaternary hospital. Outcomes include disease free survival (DFS), local and recurrence free survival (LRRFS) and BIA‐ALCL. For time to event endpoints, unadjusted and multivariate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using Cox regression, and penalized Cox regression respectively.

Results

Four hundred and twenty‐six patients of whom 187 underwent autologous reconstruction and 239 underwent alloplastic. There were 43 cancer recurrences (24 alloplastic and 19 autologous) and 14 local regional recurrences (8 alloplastic and 4 autologous). There were 26 deaths and no instances of BIA‐ALCL. Median follow‐up time was 4.7 years. No evidence of association was found between breast reconstruction method and DFS (HR 0.87 CI: 0.47–1.58). It is uncertain whether implant texture grade was associated with increased breast cancer recurrence (HR 2.17 CI: 0.65–7.52).

Conclusion

Both autologous and alloplastic breast reconstruction have been carried out in our cohort and reconstructive modality was not associated with either reduced DFS or LRRFS. The results in this cohort show there is uncertainty between the use of textured breast implants and either local or distant breast cancer recurrence.
Automatic estimation of the cross‐sectional area of the waist of the nerve fibre layer at the optic nerve head
Authors: Kisonaite Konstancija , Yu Zhaohua , Raeme Faisal , Bendazzoli Simone , Wang Chunliang , Söderberg Per G.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Glaucoma leads to pathological loss of axons in the retinal nerve fibre layer at the optic nerve head (ONH). This study aimed to develop a strategy for the estimation of the cross‐sectional area of the axons in the ONH. Furthermore, improving the estimation of the thickness of the nerve fibre layer, as compared to a method previously published by us.

Methods

In the 3D‐OCT image of the ONH, the central limit of the pigment epithelium and the inner limit of the retina, respectively, were identified with deep learning algorithms. The minimal distance was estimated at equidistant angles around the circumference of the ONH. The cross‐sectional area was estimated by the computational algorithm. The computational algorithm was applied on 16 non‐glaucomatous subjects.

Results

The mean cross‐sectional area of the waist of the nerve fibre layer in the ONH was 1.97 ± 0.19 mm2. The mean difference in minimal thickness of the waist of the nerve fibre layer between our previous and the current strategies was estimated as CIμ (0.95) 0 ± 1 μm (d.f. = 15).

Conclusions

The developed algorithm demonstrated an undulating cross‐sectional area of the nerve fibre layer at the ONH. Compared to studies using radial scans, our algorithm resulted in slightly higher values for cross‐sectional area, taking the undulations of the nerve fibre layer at the ONH into account. The new algorithm for estimation of the thickness of the waist of the nerve fibre layer in the ONH yielded estimates of the same order as our previous algorithm.
Seasonal shifts in large mammal activity relative to fruit availability and hunting risk along a protected area boundary in Borneo
Authors: Cosby Olivia G. , Giman Belden , Ragai Roslina , Bodos Vilma , Van Deelen Timothy R. , McShea William J.
Published: May 2023

Understanding wildlife spatiotemporal dynamics at protected area boundaries is critical to conservation. In SE Asia, protected areas are often bordered by indigenous communities whose traditional practices result in increased landscape heterogeneity within their community managed forests (CF). Because SE Asian forests exhibit supra‐annual mast fruiting (3–7 yrs) and sustained fruit scarcity, wildlife using CF may benefit from greater availability of fruits and seeds encouraged by traditional management, but incur greater risk of being hunted. We examined shifts in wildlife activity in forests within and adjacent to Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary (LEWS), in Sarawak, Malaysia. Using camera traps and surveys of fruiting phenology, we related presence of fruits and seeds to shifts in large mammal activity over 3 years (October 2016–2019). We first compared relative frequency of five focal species (sun bear, bearded pig, muntjac, mouse deer, and sambar) by forest type for a given survey year and season (rainy vs. dry). We then modeled activity to assess how fruit availability, landscape features, and proxies for hunting risk, influence seasonal shifts in habitat use. Our results suggested seasonal variation in concert with increased landscape heterogeneity influenced patterns of activity. We found no evidence that CF excluded any detected mammal species, suggesting CF contribute important habitat to wildlife, particularly during periods of fruit scarcity in primary forest. However, our findings also imply increased hunting risk for wildlife attracted to resources near human settlements, emphasizing the need to consider the influence of both annual and supra‐annual seasonality when developing best practices for the sustainable management.
When partitioning is not an option: Resource availability predicts intraguild interactions in two isolated Amazonian primate assemblages
Authors: Cavalcante Thiago , Mourthé Ítalo , Barnett Adrian A. , Bicca‐Marques Júlio César
Published: May 2023

Assemblage structure and acquisition of high‐value resources will usually be affected by changes in resource availability and differential competitive abilities of assemblage members. In fragmented habitats where carrying capacity limits are exceeded due to high population densities and biomass, interspecific interactions can be expected to occur at a high frequency, potentially turning into an important cost for coexistence. We studied assemblage‐ and guild‐level patterns of interspecific interactions in two highly diverse isolated primate assemblages in southern Amazonia. Specifically, we assessed the effects of temporal variation in fruit availability on the rates of interspecific interactions between gray woolly monkeys (Lagothrix lagotricha cana), one of the largest tree‐dwelling mammals of the Amazon forests, and nine syntopic primate species. We found that fruit availability positively predicted rate of intraguild interactions in contrast to overall assemblage interaction rate. We did not find statistical evidence for the effect of fruit availability on the assemblage rates of type‐dependent (i.e., agonistic or non‐agonistic) and context‐dependent (i.e., feeding or non‐feeding) interactions. However, there was a clear trend toward increased feeding‐related and agonistic‐related interactions as fruit availability increased, with agonistic interactions mostly occurring at guild‐level. These results provide support for a significant role of fruit availability in structuring spatial–temporal intraguild interactions at our study sites. Costly interspecific interactions and spatial habitat overlap can be expected to occur at a high frequency in highly diverse assemblages living in human‐modified landscapes, which in turn, can have potentially negative impacts to the species involved.
Assessment for the timing of comprehensive genomic profiling tests in patients with advanced solid cancers
Authors: Hagio Kanako , Kikuchi Junko , Takada Kohichi , Tanabe Hiroki , Sugiyama Minako , Ohhara Yoshihito , Amano Toraji , Yuki Satoshi , Komatsu Yoshito , Osawa Takahiro , Hatanaka Kanako C. , Hatanaka Yutaka , Mitamura Takashi , Yabe Ichiro , Matsuno Yoshihiro , Manabe Atsushi , Sakurai Akihiro , Ishiguro Atsushi , Takahashi Masato , Yokouchi Hiroshi , Naruse Hirohito , Mizukami Yusuke , Dosaka‐Akita Hirotoshi , Kinoshita Ichiro
Published: May 2023

Comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) tests have been covered by public insurance in Japan for patients with advanced solid tumors who have completed or are completing standard treatments or do not have them. Therefore, genotype‐matched drug candidates are often unapproved or off‐label, and improving clinical trial access is critical, involving the appropriate timing of CGP tests. To address this issue, we analyzed the previous treatment data for 441 patients from an observational study on CGP tests discussed by the expert panel at Hokkaido University Hospital between August 2019 and May 2021. The median number of previous treatment lines was two; three or more lines accounted for 49%. Information on genotype‐matched therapies was provided to 277 (63%). Genotype‐matched clinical trials were ineligible because of an excess number of previous treatment lines or use of specific agents were found in 66 (15%) patients, with the highest proportion in breast and prostate cancers. Many patients met the exclusion criteria of one to two or more treatment lines across cancer types. In addition, previous use of specific agents was a frequent exclusion criterion for breast, prostate, colorectal, and ovarian cancers. The patients with tumor types with a low median number (two or fewer) of previous treatment lines, including most rare cancers, primary unknown cancers, and pancreatic cancers, had significantly fewer ineligible clinical trials. The earlier timing of CGP tests may improve access to genotype‐matched clinical trials, with their proportion varying by cancer type. Each relevant society needs to advocate the desirable timing of CGP testing nationwide.
Child of two worlds: How foster care workers perceive their skills in dealing with worldview differences in foster care
Authors: van de Koot‐Dees Danielle , Noordegraaf Martine , Reitsma Bernhard
Published: May 2023

Foster children often encounter worldview differences between their foster family and their birth family, for example, when participating in religious activities and practices. Foster children not only have a right to continuity in upbringing but also consistency in worldview, culture and language. Good co‐parenting relationships are important for their identity development. For these reasons, foster care workers are entrusted with the task of supporting the triadic relationship of the foster child, birth parents and foster parents in dealing with worldview differences. Based on in‐depth interviews with foster care workers (n = 16) six skills in dealing with worldview differences can be distinguished: (1) basic knowledge of worldviews and identity formation; (2) empathizing with the other; (3) inquisitiveness to discover what is essential for the other; (4) initiating worldview conversations and keeping them going; (5) fostering self‐reflection in worldview; and (6) manoeuvring between and monitoring all interests. It is helpful if birth parents are well‐informed in advance about the impact of worldview differences and if foster care workers and foster parents are aware of the identity and developmental needs of foster children to explore the worldview of the foster family and the birth family.
Morphological and genetic causes of fetal cardiomyopathies
Authors: Kohaut Eva , Ader Flavie , Rooryck Caroline , Pelluard Fanny , Bonnière Maryse , André Gwenaelle , Sauvestre Fanny , Roth Philippe , Khraiche Diala , Bessières Bettina , Attié‐Bitach Tania , Richard Pascale
Published: May 2023

Cardiomyopathies are diseases of the heart muscle with variable clinical expressivity. Most of forms are inherited as dominant trait, and with incomplete penetrance until adulthood. Severe forms of cardiomyopathies were observed during the antenatal period with a pejorative issue leading to fetal death or medical interruption of pregnancy. Variable phenotypes and genetic heterogeneity make etiologic diagnosis difficult. We report 11 families (16 cases) whose unborn, newborn or infant with early onset cardiomyopathies. Detailed morphological and histological examinations of hearts were implemented, as well as genetic analysis on a cardiac targeted NGS panel. This strategy allowed the identification of the genetic cause of the cardiomyopathy in 8/11 families. Compound heterozygous mutations in dominant adulthood cardiomyopathy genes were found in two, pathogenic variants in co‐dominant genes in one, de novo mutations in 5 including a germline mosaicism in one family. Parental testing was systematically performed to detect mutation carriers, and to manage cardiological surveillance and propose a genetic counseling. This study highlights the great diagnostic value of the genetic testing of severe antenatal cardiomyopathy both for genetic counseling and to detect presymptomatic parents at higher risk of developing cardiomyopathy.
Molecular phylogeny, divergence time, biogeography and trends in host plant usage in the agriculturally important tortricid tribe Grapholitini (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Olethreutinae)
Authors: Hu Gui‐Lin , Brown John , Heikkilä Maria , Aarvik Leif , Mutanen Marko
Published: May 2023

The leaf‐roller moth tribe Grapholitini comprises about 1200 described species and contains numerous notorious pests of fruits and seeds. The phylogeny of the tribe has been little studied using contemporary methods, and the monophyly of several genera remains questionable. In order to provide a more robust phylogenetic framework for the group, we conducted a multiple‐gene phylogenetic analysis of 104 species representing 27 genera of Grapholitini and 29 outgroup species. Divergence time, ancestral area, and host plant usage were also inferred to explore evolutionary trends in the tribe. Our analyses indicate that Larisa and Corticivora, traditionally assigned to Grapholitini, are best excluded from the tribe. After removal of these two genera, the tribe is found to be monophyletic, represented by two major lineages—a Dichrorampha clade and a Cydia clade, the latter of which can be divided into seven generic groups. The genus Grapholita was found to be polyphyletic, comprising three different clades, and we propose three genera to accommodate these groups: Grapholita (sensu stricto), Aspila (formerly a subgenus of Grapholita) and Ephippiphora (formerly considered a synonym of Grapholita). We summarize each generic group, including related genera not included in our analysis, providing morphological, pheromone and food plant characters that support particular branches within the molecular hypotheses. Biogeographical analyses indicate that Grapholitini probably originated in the Nearctic, Afrotropical and Neotropical regions in the Lutetian of the middle Eocene (ca. 44.3 Ma). Our results also indicate that most groups in Grapholitini originated from Fabaceae‐feeding monophagous or oligophagous ancestors, and that host plant shifts probably promoted species diversification within the tribe.
Corticospinal fibers with different origins impair in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging study
Authors: Huang Nao‐Xin , Qin Wen , Lin Jia‐Hui , Dong Qiu‐Yi , Chen Hua‐Jun
Published: May 2023

Aims

To investigate microstructural impairments of corticospinal tracts (CSTs) with different origins in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) using neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI).

Methods

Diffusion‐weighted imaging data acquired from 39 patients with ALS and 50 controls were used to estimate NODDI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) models. Fine maps of CST subfibers originating from the primary motor area (M1), premotor cortex, primary sensory area, and supplementary motor area (SMA) were segmented. NODDI metrics (neurite density index [NDI] and orientation dispersion index [ODI]) and DTI metrics (fractional anisotropy [FA] and mean/axial/radial diffusivity [MD/AD/RD]) were computed.

Results

The patients with ALS showed microstructural impairments (reflected by NDI, ODI, and FA reductions and MD, AD, and RD increases) in CST subfibers, especially in M1 fibers, which correlated with disease severity. Compared with other diffusion metrics, NDI yielded a higher effect size and detected the greatest extent of CST subfibers damage. Logistic regression analyses based on NDI in M1 subfiber yielded the best diagnostic performance compared with other subfibers and the whole CST.

Conclusions

Microstructural impairment of CST subfibers (especially those originating from M1) is the key feature of ALS. The combination of NODDI and CST subfibers analysis may improve diagnosing performance for ALS.
The impact of intestinal stoma formation on patient quality of life after emergency surgery—A systematic review
Authors: MacDonald Scott , Wong Li‐Siang , John‐Charles Rachel , McKee Tracey , Quasim Tara , Moug Susan
Published: May 2023

Aim

Elective stoma formation has a negative effect on patient quality of life (QoL), with a potential detrimental impact on body image, confidence and social functioning being shown previously. However, the impact of emergency stoma formation on QoL has been explored less frequently. This systematic review aims to synthesize all available literature exploring QoL via patient‐reported outcome measures.

Methods

A search strategy was implemented on 24 November 2022 across Embase, MEDLINE, PsycInfo and the Cochrane Library database after registration on PROSPERO (CRD42022370606). Studies were included if they used a standardized patient‐reported outcome measure, had more than five emergency stoma patients, age > 18 years and were fully published in English. Two of three independent researchers screened articles, extracted data and performed quality assessment using the Newcastle−Ottawa Scale and the Cochrane risk of bias tool.

Results

In all, 1775 articles were screened, with 16 included in the systematic review. This included 1868 emergency stoma patients (men:women 0.53; median age 64.6 years) followed up for a median of 12 months. Patients who had a Hartmann's procedure for perforated diverticulitis had poorer QoL than those who underwent primary anastomosis. There was a negligible difference in QoL between those who had a colonic stent for obstructing colorectal cancer compared with those who underwent emergency stoma formation. Female sex, end stoma formation and ileostomy formation were all identified as risk factors for poorer QoL.

Conclusion

Patients undergoing emergency stoma surgery have marginally poorer QoL compared with those undergoing similar procedures without stoma formation. Further work is required to identify risk factors associated with this and also to compare QoL after stoma reversal.