bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Greece: Political Developments and Data in 2023
Authors: MYLONAS HARRIS
Published: November 2024

The year 2023 was marked by two national elections during the summer months, as well as regional and municipal elections in October. New Democracy dominated electorally in both. Another key political change was the resignation of the head of the Coalition of the Radical Left, Alexis Tsipras, following his party's devastating defeats in national elections. He was replaced in internal elections later that year by Stefanos Kasselakis—a political newcomer with no prior experience. The deadly Tempi train crash, wildfires across the country, hooligan violence, and the devastating floods caused by Storm Daniel in Thessaly raised issues about the effectiveness of the government and added to the general mistrust of politics and politicians. In October, Greece regained investment grade in its credit rating from Standard & Poor's Global Ratings. Inflation, at 3.5 per cent in December, continued to be top of mind for most citizens. The devastating consequences of gender‐based violence persisted this year, with a staggering 15 femicides recorded in total.
High‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and adenocarcinoma in situ with a negative HPV cervical screening test. The role of HPV‐ISH testing: A retrospective review
Authors: Sandeford Jonathan , Herbst Unine , Lum Trina , Anderson Lyndal , Pather Selvan
Published: November 2024

Australia has transitioned to primary Human Papillomavirus (HPV) screening; however, high‐risk HPV (hrHPV)‐negative high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and adenocarcinoma in situ have been reported. HPV in situ hybridisation (ISH) testing has been proposed to reclassify these cases. This study identified hrHPV‐negative lesions and assessed HPV‐ISH. A total of 89 of 1468 patients (6.06%) had hrHPV‐negative lesions, and HPV‐ISH revealed five (5.75%) reclassified positive cases. No demographical differences were found between groups. Current population‐level screening is effective. HPV‐ISH was not effective for reclassification. This small, significant population requires further study to assess the phenomenon and augment detection given the implications of misidentification.
Haemorrhagic and thromboembolic outcomes in pregnant patients with mechanical heart valves who undergo interruption of anticoagulation for birth – A case series
Authors: Aboud Lily , Tanner Helen , Parsonage William , Lust Karin , Callaway Leonie
Published: November 2024

Background

Anticoagulant therapy prevents thrombosis and thromboembolic events in patients with mechanical heart valves. Bridging anticoagulation around the time of birth represents a unique challenge. Few retrospective reviews or case series exist examining peripartum outcomes with bridging anticoagulation.

Aims

Review of peripartum and postpartum anticoagulation management, with a focus on postpartum complications.

Materials and methods

Design: case series, single centre. Setting: Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Australia between 1 January, 2000, and 1 August, 2022. Population: all pregnant women with mechanical heart valves (any type) who birthed. Main outcome measures: intrapartum and postpartum haemorrhage, thrombosis, thromboembolic complications, cardiac events, readmission, and maternal death.

Results

There were 18 women, with 23 births. Sixteen births were via caesarean section (70%). Fourteen women (61%) experienced at least one significant haemorrhagic complication, one woman required a peripartum hysterectomy, one woman experienced atrial fibrillation, and one had a valvular thromboembolic complication. No maternal cerebral thromboses or maternal deaths were recorded.

Conclusions

Women with mechanical heart valves who undergo bridging anticoagulation are associated with significant maternal morbidity. Most postpartum haemorrhagic complications were associated with bridging unfractionated heparin infusions in the first postnatal week. Bridging anticoagulation practices varied widely. Ongoing pooled data are required to inform evidence‐based guidelines for postpartum anticoagulation management.
Altered sleep and inflammation are related to outcomes in neonatal encephalopathy
Authors: Hurley Tim , Stewart Philip , McCarthy Robert , O'Dea Mary , Kelly Lynne , Daly Mandy , Butler John , McCarthy Rob , Miletin Jan , Sweetman Deirdre , Byrne Angela , Colleran Gabrielle , Bhroin Megan Ni , Bokde Arun L. W. , Molloy Eleanor J.
Published: November 2024

Aim

Immune dysregulation and delayed onset of sleep wake cycling (SWC) are associated with worse outcome in neonatal encephalopathy (NE), however the association between sleep and immune dysfunction in NE remains unclear. Aimed to evaluate association of sleep and systemic inflammation with outcomes in NE.

Methods

Amplitude‐integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) recordings were collected on infants undergoing therapeutic hypothermia (TH). Duration to onset of (SWC) and sleep quality (SQ) were examined. Blood samples collected during the first 2 days of life. Thirteen pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory serum cytokines were quantified. Adverse outcome defined as death or abnormal MRI brain.

Results

Earlier onset of SWC and better SQ had less adverse outcomes. SQ provided better prognostic value and showed better interobserver agreement compared to duration to SWC. Better SQ associated with lower cytokines EPO and interleukin (IL)‐1β. In infants with unfavourable outcome, shorter duration to SWC was associated with higher EPO and better SQ was associated with lower TNF‐α.

Conclusion

Earlier onset of SWC or better SQ showed less systemic inflammation and fewer adverse outcomes. SQ during TH provided better prognostic information than time of onset of SWC. Modulation of circadian rhythm in infants with NE may have an immunomodulatory role, leading to improved outcomes.
Rapid laboratory diagnosis of urinary tract infection, with or without antibiotic decision support–a small pilot study investigating accuracy and clinical impact
Authors: Nilsen Einar , Berg Kristine Karlsrud , Åhrberg Fabian , Jacobsen Eivor Johanne Nordstrand , Øvstehus Kasper Kavli , Otte Erik
Published: November 2024

The study evaluated the accuracy and clinical impact of rapid diagnostics (RD) with or without antibiotic decision support (ADS) for hospitalized patients with urinary tract infections. A two‐centre prospective intervention was conducted with 230 patients divided into three groups: RD‐only (n = 59), RD plus ADS (n = 56) and a control group (n = 115). Mean laboratory turnaround time for RD was 10 h and 50 min. Of 115 microorganisms, 108 were correctly identified. The error rate for rapid susceptibility determination was 0.85%. Total antibiotic consumption, measured in defined daily doses (DDD), was lower in the intervention groups compared to the control group (ADS: 10.3 DDD, p = 0.01; RD: 10.9 DDD, p = 0.06; control: 13.0 DDD). No significant differences were observed in the use of broad‐spectrum antibiotics (p = 0.816). Adherence to antibiotic guidelines was significantly better in the ADS group compared to the control group (p = 0.015) (RD vs control; p = 0.261). The ADS group also received fewer doses of ineffective antibiotics (ADS: 1.8 doses, p = 0.012; RD: 2.4 doses, p = 0.195; control: 3.4 doses). Length of hospital and ICU stays or 30‐day readmission rates did not differ across groups. No in‐hospital mortality was observed in any group.
Resting‐State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Reveals the Effects of rTMS on Neural Activity and Brain Connectivity After Experimental Stroke
Authors: Hu Jian , Hua Yan , Li Congqin , Zhang Anjing , Wang Yuyuan , Bai Yulong
Published: November 2024

Aims

Limited understanding of neurobiological mechanisms of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) prevents us from choosing optimal therapeutic regimen for patients to improve therapeutic efficiency. Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI) has been demonstrated to obtain comparable functional readouts across species.

Methods

Intermittent and continuous theta burst stimulation were used to stimulate ipsilesional and contralesional hemisphere, respectively, during the subacute phase after stroke. We used a rat middle cerebral artery occlusion stroke model. The amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations and functional connectivity analyses of rs‐fMRI were chosen to detect neuron activity and functional connectivity. The expression of neuron activation marker c‐Fos and axonal plasticity marker GAP43 was examined by an immunochemistry method to corroborate the results of rs‐fMRI.

Results

iTBS altered the long‐term neuronal activity in bilateral sensorimotor cortex, whereas cTBS influenced immediate neuronal activity of bilateral sensorimotor cortex. In addition, cTBS enhanced interhemispheric and intrahemisheric functional connectivity in contralesional hemisphere, accompanied by axonal and dendritic remodeling in the perilesional cortical areas and contralesional homologous areas after large stroke.

Conclusion

rTMS exerted complex effects on brain structural and functional connectivity in addition to affecting cortical excitability. cTBS promoted the compensatory effect of contralesional hemisphere after stroke with large lesions.
Clinical pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ongericimab: A potential long‐acting PCSK9 monoclonal antibody in healthy subjects and patients with hypercholesterolemia: Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase Ia and Ib/II studies
Authors: Jiang Juanjuan , Xu Li , Chai Lin , Guan Xiaoyuan , Zhang Li , Liu Hong , Yan Yan , Li Lili , Zhao Yi , Bai Xuelian , Tian Lei , Jia Youhong
Published: November 2024

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) increases plasma low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐C) by decreasing the expression of the LDL‐receptor on hepatic cells. Ongericimab (JS002) is a novel PCSK9 monoclonal antibody that exhibits a long‐acting LDL‐C lowering effect by exclusively inhibiting PCSK9 in pre‐clinical studies. Two randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials were conducted to evaluate the safety, tolerability, efficacy, immunogenicity, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic profiles of ongericimab in healthy subjects and patients with hypercholesterolemia. Eighty‐four healthy subjects in the phase Ia study received a single dose of placebo or ongericimab (15–450 mg). Ninety patients with hypercholesterolemia in the phase Ib/II study received placebo or ongericimab 150 mg Q2W, 300 mg Q4W, or 450 mg Q4W for 12 weeks. Ongericimab exhibited non‐linear kinetics. The apparent clearance decreased as the dosage increased, with terminal elimination half‐life (t1/2) values of 4.5–6.5 days. Overall, ongericimab was well tolerated in both studies. A single dose of ongericimab reduced LDL‐C levels by 30%–73% in healthy subjects, and repeated doses of ongericimab reduced LDL‐C levels by 67%–80% in patients with hypercholesterolemia. At the end of the dosing interval in the phase Ib/II study, over 70% of patients' LDL‐C levels decreased by more than 50% from baseline. The results showed that ongericimab had a significant long‐acting LDL‐C lowering effect with good safety and potential for clinical application.
Benefits of combining SGLT2 inhibitors and pioglitazone on risk of MASH in type 2 diabetes—A real‐world study
Authors: Lee Chi‐Ho , Lui David Tak‐Wai , Mak Lung‐Yi , Fong Carol Ho‐Yi , Chan Kylie Sze‐Wing , Mak Jimmy Ho‐Cheung , Cheung Chloe Yu‐Yan , Chow Wing‐Sun , Woo Yu‐Cho , Yuen Man‐Fung , Seto Wai‐Kay , Lam Karen Siu‐Ling
Published: November 2024

Aims

Both pioglitazone and glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1RA) alone improve metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in randomized clinical trials, whereas preclinical studies suggested MASH benefits with sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i). In the real world, patients with type 2 diabetes often require multiple agents for glycaemic control. Here, we investigated the benefits of combining these agents on risks of MASH.

Materials and Methods

Longitudinal changes in FibroScan‐aspartate aminotransferase (FAST) score were measured in 888 patients with type 2 diabetes. Use of pioglitazone, GLP1RA and/or SGLT2i was defined as continuous prescriptions of ≥180 days prior to their last reassessment FibroScan. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the associations between use of these agents and FAST score changes.

Results

Over a median follow‐up of 3.9 years, the increasing number of these agents used was significantly associated with more reductions in FAST score (p for trend <0.01). Dual combination was independently associated with a higher likelihood of achieving low FAST score at reassessment than single use of any of these agents (odds ratio [OR] 2.84, p = 0.01). Among the different drug combinations, using SGLT2i and pioglitazone (median dose 15 mg daily) together, as compared to not using any of these three agents, was associated with a higher likelihood of both low FAST score at reassessment (OR 6.51, p = 0.008) and FAST score regression (OR 12.52, p = 0.009), after adjusting for changes in glycaemic control and body weight during the study.

Conclusions

Combining SGLT2i and pioglitazone is a potentially useful strategy to ameliorate ‘at‐risk’ MASH in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Understanding Parkinson disease in Spain: Genetic and clinical insights
Authors: Gómez‐Garre Pilar , Martín‐Bórnez Miguel , Muñoz‐Delgado Laura , Díaz‐Belloso Rafael , Periñán María Teresa , Bonilla‐Toribio Marta , Buiza‐Rueda Dolores , Macías‐García Daniel , Jesús Silvia , Adarmes‐Gómez Astrid , Ojeda Elena , Luque‐Ambrosiani Antonio , García‐Díaz Sergio , Sánchez Rocío Pineda , Carrillo Fátima , Mir Pablo
Published: November 2024

Background and purpose

Parkinson disease (PD) is a complex and heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorder with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, determined by a complex interplay of environmental and genetic factors. This study aimed to investigate genetic variants associated with PD and assess their impact on the disease phenotype through genotype–phenotype correlations.

Methods

We employed a targeted resequencing panel to analyze 27 genes linked to PD in a cohort of 1185 PD patients from southern Spain. Variants were categorized based on the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics pathogenicity criteria. Demographic and clinical data were also collected.

Results

Among the patients analyzed, 13.5% carried potential disease‐causing pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in 12 different genes, indicating significant genetic heterogeneity. The most frequently affected genes were LRRK2, PRKN, and GBA1 (accounting for 72.1% of positive cases). Sex‐specific differences were observed, with a higher proportion of female patients carrying LRRK2 variants. Differences in age at onset and clinical features were also observed among the different mutated genes. Notably, variants in genes associated with atypical parkinsonism presented distinct clinical presentations, highlighting the importance of genetic factors in the differential diagnosis.

Conclusions

Our study provides valuable information on the genetic landscape of PD and its clinical manifestations. The observed genotype–phenotype correlations, along with sex‐specific differences, emphasize the complexity of PD pathogenesis, underlining the importance of personalized approaches to PD diagnosis and treatment. Further investigations into genetic interactions and population‐specific effects are warranted to enhance our understanding of PD etiology and improve patient care.
Incontinence‐Associated Dermatitis‐Like Skin Changes Induced by the Application of Absorbent Pads Containing Bacteria and Artificial Urine in Rats
Authors: Horinouchi Ai , Mugita Yuko , Tomida Sanai , Takizawa Chihiro , Haba Daijiro , Sanada Hiromi , Nakagami Gojiro
Published: November 2024

Incontinence‐associated dermatitis (IAD) is one of the most serious complications in older people with incontinence. Controlling urine property in absorbent pads could be effective for preventing IAD caused by bacterial urine. However, no animal model has been established to evaluate their effectiveness. This study aimed to induce IAD‐like skin changes using absorbent pads containing bacterial urine and to confirm their pathophysiology in rats. Hairless Wistar Yagi rats were divided into the bacteria‐containing urine (BU) and the bacteria‐free urine (U) groups. A 10‐h‐attachment of absorbent pads containing artificial urine with/without bacteria to the skin pretreated with sodium lauryl sulfate was performed repeatedly for 5 days. Macroscopic findings and skin barrier function were examined every day, and histological changes, inflammatory responses and bacterial quantification in tissue samples were examined on Day 5. The BU group exhibited significant skin redness from Day 3, significant elevation of transepidermal water loss from Day 1, and histological changes, including significantly thickened epidermis, abnormal keratinocyte differentiation and erythrocyte leakage. Inflammation, confirmed by higher myeloperoxidase‐positive cells, elevated tumour necrosis factor‐α expression, and vascular endothelial damage, indicated by CD31 and pentraxin 3‐positive cells, were observed in the BU group. The bacterial quantification showed no significant difference between the groups. IAD‐like skin changes including histological changes and inflammation were suggested to be caused by urine properties altered by bacteria. This study proposed a new animal model for evaluating the effectiveness of absorbent pads in controlling the urine properties of bacterial urine on preventing IAD.
Projecting Untruncated Climate Change Effects on Species' Climate Suitability: Insights From an Alpine Country
Authors: Adde Antoine , Külling Nathan , Rey Pierre‐Louis , Fopp Fabian , Brun Philipp , Broennimann Olivier , Lehmann Anthony , Petitpierre Blaise , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Pellissier Loïc , Altermatt Florian , Guisan Antoine
Published: November 2024

Climate projections for continental Europe indicate drier summers, increased annual precipitation, and less snowy winters, which are expected to cause shifts in species' distributions. Yet, most regions/countries currently lack comprehensive climate‐driven biodiversity projections across taxonomic groups, challenging effective conservation efforts. To address this gap, our study evaluated the potential effects of climate change on the biodiversity of an alpine country of Europe, Switzerland. We used a state‐of‐the art species distribution modeling approach and species occurrence data that covered the climatic conditions encountered across the full species' ranges to help limiting niche truncation. We quantified the relationship between baseline climate and the spatial distribution of 7291 species from 12 main taxonomic groups and projected future climate suitability for three 30‐year periods and two greenhouse gas concentration scenarios (RCP4.5 and 8.5). Our results indicated important effects of projected climate changes on species' climate suitability, with responses varying by the taxonomic and conservation status group. The percentage of species facing major changes in climate suitability was higher under RCP8.5 (68%) compared to RCP4.5 (66%). By the end of the century, decreases in climate suitability were projected for 3000 species under RCP8.5 and 1758 species under RCP4.5. The most affected groups under RCP8.5 were molluscs, algae, and amphibians, while it was molluscs, birds, and vascular plants under RCP4.5. Spatially, by 2070–2099, we projected an overall decrease in climate suitability for 39% of the cells in the study area under RCP8.5 and 10% under RCP4.5, while projecting an increase for 50% of the cells under RCP8.5 and 73% under RCP4.5. The most consistent geographical shifts were upward, southward, and eastward. We found that the coverage of high climate suitability cells by protected areas was expected to increase. Our models and maps provide guidance for spatial conservation planning by pointing out future climate‐suitable areas for biodiversity.
Unveiling Shadows: Challenges Encountered by Mental Health Nurses and Health Cadres in the Delivery of Care to Persons With Mental Illness in Indonesia
Authors: Warsini Sri , Kristanti Martina Sinta , Saifudin I. Made Moh Yanuar , Fitryasari Rizki , Marthoenis Marthoenis , Usher Kim
Published: November 2024

Mental health nurses and health cadres in Indonesia who provide care to persons with mental illness (PWMI) report encountering several challenges and obstacles to the delivery of quality care. At present, there is a paucity of research on this topic. The objective of this study was to examine the challenges encountered by mental health nurses and health cadres in their interactions with the families of PWMI in the community. This descriptive qualitative study employed focus group discussions, conducted in three Indonesian cities: Banda Aceh, Surabaya and Yogyakarta. Thematic analysis was utilised to analyse the data. The study revealed that the theme of this research is nurses and health cadres experienced challenging family behaviours toward a PWMI. The initial subtheme of family behaviour is ‘concealing the PWMI.’ This subtheme encompasses instances where families attempted to hide the mental health condition of the PWMI. The second subtheme is ‘unsupportive families’. This subtheme is characterised by reluctance to engage in treatment or outright rejection of hospital care. This is often due to factors such as familial busyness. The third subtheme is ‘poor parenting styles’. This subtheme highlights how inadequate parenting practices, domestic violence and lack of family support contribute to stress and exacerbation of mental disorders in PWMI. The fourth subtheme is ‘hidden motive related to wills and testaments’, which reveals how families may attempt to manipulate treatment to remove the inheritance rights of PWMI. The fifth subtheme is ‘abandonment by family’, which describes scenarios where families completely neglect PWMI, leading to inadequate care and medication adherence. The final subtheme, ‘removal of PWMI from family units’, describes instances where families sent PWMI to mental health facilities for permanent separation, sometimes even relocating to another city. To address these issues, a comprehensive approach is required that considers both the affected individuals and their families. An understanding of the motivations behind these behaviours is essential for the development of targeted interventions that promote family support, reduce stigma and improve the overall mental health environment in communities.
Progress in Agronomic Crops Lodging Resistance and Prevention: A Review
Authors: Rehman Muzammal , Luo Dengjie , Mubeen Samavia , Pan Jiao , Cao Shan , Saeed Wajid , Chen Peng
Published: November 2024

Crop lodging is recognised as one of the yield‐limiting factors in agricultural production. Therefore, better understanding to improve lodging resistance and to prevent lodging‐induced losses in agronomic crops is necessary. Besides yield losses, lodging severely affects the crop harvesting process and increases the production cost. However, achieving the objective of higher crop yields and yield quality without increasing lodging risk is quite challenging. To this end, it is essential to interpret the underlying mechanism of plant stem buckling and failure of root anchorage and optimise the fundamental trade‐off between lodging resistance and yield performance in agronomic crops. In the present review, we made an effort to discuss recent and innovative research insights that guarantee greater lodging resistance along with advanced lodging prevention strategies while sustaining higher crop yield and yield quality.
Opportunistic sighting of a silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis) aggregation in the subtropical southwest Atlantic
Authors: Corrêa Ana Laura Tribst , Mello Thayná Jeremias , Candido Carolina Ferreira
Published: November 2024

Silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis) populations in the South Atlantic Ocean are listed as vulnerable under the IUCN. In fact, this species is classified as critically endangered in Brazil under the Ministry of the Environment. The present study reports the first opportunistic sighting of an aggregation of 250–300 silky sharks in the Alcatrazes Archipelago Wildlife Refuge. Aggregation sites are important in the life cycle of silky sharks, and identifying these sites is essential for conservation efforts.
Simulation Study on Heat and Moisture Transfer in Cross‐Flow Drying Aeration of Bulk Corn in a Cone‐Bottom Silo Using Natural and Low‐Temperature Air
Authors: Yang Kaimin , Dong Xiaoqian , Wang Yuancheng , Chu Fengjiao
Published: November 2024

Using variable temperature and relative humidity of natural air based on local climatic conditions for natural drying aeration of grain is an energy‐saving and efficient method. The study of heat and moisture transfer within grain piles during natural air and low‐temperature air drying aeration of bulk corn in low‐humidity areas, which can provide theoretical support for selecting efficient and low‐consumption grain drying processes and practical applications. In this study, the mathematical model of the coupled heat and moisture transfer dynamics in the dry silo was verified using experimental datum of grain storage drying aeration experiment, and the relative error was less than 5% between the simulated and the experimental datum. Based on this validated model, the temperature and moisture content variations of in‐silo bulk corn drying were simulated by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulation techniques. The simulations included continuous drying aeration with daily average, hourly average temperature and relative humidity of the local natural air, and low‐temperature air drying aeration with heated up to 3°C over the ambient temperature, as well as intermittent drying aeration. Drying effectiveness and economic efficiency were also analyzed and evaluated. The costs for continuous drying aeration with hourly average of natural air and low‐temperature, intermittent drying aeration with hourly average of natural air are 0.032, 0.042, and 0.016 CNY/kg, respectively. Compared to traditional high‐temperature hot air drying, the costs of these methods were reduced by 0.048, 0.038, and 0.064 CNY/kg, respectively.
Effect of Lingual Nerve Block and Localised Somatosensory Abnormalities in Patients With Burning Mouth Syndrome—A Randomised Crossover Double‐Blind Trial
Authors: Yang Guangju , Jin Jianqiu , Wang Kelun , Baad‐Hansen Lene , Liu Hongwei , Cao Ye , Xie Qiu‐Fei , Svensson Peter
Published: November 2024

Aims

To investigate the effect of a lingual nerve block on spontaneous pain in patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS) and to estimate associated somatosensory abnormalities by quantitative sensory testing (QST).

Protocol and Methods

A standardised QST battery including cold detection threshold (CDT), warmth detection threshold (WDT), thermal sensory limen (TSL), paradoxical heat sensation (PHS), cold pain threshold (CPT), heat pain threshold (HPT), mechanical pain threshold (MPT), wind‐up ratio (WUR) and pressure pain threshold (PPT) was performed at the oral mucosa of the most painful site and intraoral control site in 20 BMS patients, and at the tongue and cheek mucosa in 22 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls. The effect of a lingual nerve block on spontaneous burning pain reported by the BMS patients on a 0–10 cm visual analogue scale (VAS) was investigated in a randomised double‐blind crossover design using (1 mL) lidocaine (lido) or saline (sal) with an interval of 1 week. The BMS patients were grouped into ‘central’ and ‘peripheral’ mechanisms based on the effect of the lingual nerve injections. For each BMS patient, Z‐scores and Loss/Gain scores were computed. Differences among groups and sites were analysed using a two‐way ANOVA. Differences within group were assessed by paired t‐test.

Results

The 20 BMS patients were characterised on the basis of VAS changes (ΔLido—ΔSal) as a peripheral BMS subgroup (n = 9) with pain relief more than 1 cm on the VAS and a central BMS subgroup (n = 11) with pain relief less than 1 cm. BMS patients (n = 20) had lower sensitivity to thermal stimuli (i.e., CDT, WDT, TSL, CPT, HPT and PPT) and higher sensitivity to mechanical stimuli (i.e., PPT) compared with controls (p ≤ 0.007). Based on Loss/Gain coding, L1G0 (loss of thermal somatosensory function with no somatosensory gain, 55.0%) was the most frequent coding in the BMS group, which was higher than 11.4% in the control group (p < 0.001). Surprisingly, there was no significant difference between the peripheral and central BMS subgroups with regard to the Z‐scores of any of the nine QST parameters (p > 0.097).

Conclusions

The results of the lingual nerve blocks demonstrated two distinct phenotypes with either peripheral or central mechanisms but no direct impact on somatosensory function. Overall, somatosensory function in BMS patients seems abnormal in the painful areas compared to matched controls with a conspicuous loss of thermosensory function.
Your Body, My Business: Risk Governance in A Psychiatric Nursing Home
Authors: Chuang Li‐Yu , Shu Bih‐Ching , Wang Hsiu‐Yun , Ouyang Wen‐Chen , Chen Chih‐Hsuan , Chang Ling‐Hui
Published: November 2024

Introduction

A crucial long‐term care resource for individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) in Taiwan is provided by psychiatric nursing homes. Given the higher incidence of physical illnesses and accidents among individuals with SMI, ensuring patient safety is an important aspect of quality care. However, there is limited literature exploring how the staff provides safe care for individuals with SMI.

Aim

Investigates how the staff in a psychiatric nursing home managed residents' activities to mitigate risks and reduce physical injuries.

Method

Using a qualitative approach and drawing from Foucault's concept of ‘disciplinary power’, data were collected from field observations and staff interviews.

Results

Three themes emerged: (1) a gaze for efficiency, where checklists, timetables and spatial arrangements were used to efficiently manage residents' bodies; (2) controlling the deviant body, which entailed procedures to monitor and prevent risk behaviours and bodily signs through broad safety measures and (3) your body, my business, which described the reduced autonomy of residents over their behaviours as the responsibility largely shifted to the staff.

Discussion

The predominant risk management framework, driven by safety considerations, comprises residents' autonomy and undermines compassionate caring.

Implications for Practice

Risk management should actively involve both staff and residents in decision‐making.
Exploring the protective role of jelly capsules in jelly‐nest tree frog eggs based on proteomic and peptidomic studies
Authors: Wang S. , Gao Y. , Wei S. , Ben J. , Yan F.
Published: November 2024

Typically, frog eggs are aquatic, being deposited and undergoing development within freshwater habitats. However, certain species within the Rhacophoridae have evolved reproductive modes that are non‐aquatic. The jelly‐nest tree frog (Feihyla palpebralis) has terrestrial eggs that are enclosed in gel, with embryos detaching from the aquatic milieu during the embryonic phase. The jelly enveloping these embryos performs a critical role in defense against biotic and abiotic threats in the terrestrial environment. To investigate the protective function of the jelly, we characterized its proteome and peptidome. In total, 83 proteins were identified and categorized into eight main groups: protease inhibitors, glycoproteins, cytoskeleton proteins, nucleotide‐binding proteins, regulatory proteins, metabolic enzyme, glycoprotein hormones, and oxidative stress‐related proteins. These proteins are believed to play a role in protecting the eggs by creating biochemical and physical barriers, maintaining moisture and structural integrity, and preventing oxidative damage. In addition, 1642 peptides were isolated from tree frog jelly envelopes. Among these, RPPGFSPFR showed predator deterrent properties, LPF and AVPYPQ performed anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activities, and IYSP functioned as a proteinase inhibitor. These findings help to clarify the protective mechanisms involved in the egg development process of the jelly‐nest tree frog.
On the use of receiver operating characteristic area under the curve in eyewitness memory research
Authors: Riesthuis Paul , Otgaar Henry
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Eyewitness memory research has reformed police practices and policy and is sometimes relied upon in legal proceedings. Due to the practical implications derived from this research, it is imperative to evaluate how practical recommendations are postulated. To assess the practical relevance of research, effect sizes and their interpretation play a pivotal role.

Methods

We examined how the frequently used effect size Area Under the Curve (AUC) obtained via Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves are used and interpreted in eyewitness memory research. We identified 157 eyewitness memory related articles that conducted ROC curve analyses resulting in 1580 AUCs.

Results

Approximately 90% of the AUCs were only interpreted via statistical significance. The majority of studies did not report 95%CIs for their AUCs. Finally, power analyses were frequently not conducted or not reproducible.

Conclusions

To improve the practical inferences of eyewitness memory research, we recommend establishing a smallest effect size of interest, focusing on 95%CIs, and conducting reproducible power analyses.
Whole‐Genome Resequencing Reveals Polygenic Signatures of Directional and Balancing Selection on Alternative Migratory Life Histories
Authors: Moran Peter A. , Colgan Thomas J. , Phillips Karl P. , Coughlan Jamie , McGinnity Philip , Reed Thomas E.
Published: November 2024

Migration in animals and associated adaptations to contrasting environments are underpinned by complex genetic architecture. Here, we explore the genomic basis of facultative anadromy in brown trout (Salmo trutta), wherein some individuals migrate to sea while others remain resident in natal rivers, to better understand how alternative migratory tactics (AMTs) are maintained evolutionarily. To identify genomic variants associated with AMTs, we sequenced whole genomes for 194 individual trout from five anadromous–resident population pairs, situated above and below waterfalls, in five different Irish rivers. These waterfalls act as natural barriers to upstream migration and hence we predicted that loci underpinning AMTs should be under similar divergent selection across these replicate pairs. A sliding windows based analysis revealed a highly polygenic adaptive divergence between anadromous and resident populations, encompassing 329 differentiated genomic regions. These regions were associated with 292 genes involved in various processes crucial for AMTs, including energy homeostasis, reproduction, osmoregulation, immunity, circadian rhythm and neural function. Furthermore, examining patterns of diversity we were able to link specific genes and biological processes to putative AMT trait classes: migratory‐propensity, migratory‐lifestyle and residency. Importantly, AMT outlier regions possessed higher genetic diversity than the background genome, particularly in the anadromous group, suggesting balancing selection may play a role in maintaining genetic variation. Overall, the results from this study provide important insights into the genetic architecture of migration and the evolutionary mechanisms shaping genomic diversity within and across populations.
Habitat Association Predicts Population Connectivity and Persistence in Flightless Beetles: A Population Genomics Approach Within a Dynamic Archipelago
Authors: Meramveliotakis Emmanouil , Ortego Joaquín , Anastasiou Ioannis , Vogler Alfried P. , Papadopoulou Anna
Published: November 2024

Habitat association has been proposed to affect evolutionary dynamics through its control on dispersal propensity, which is considered a key trait for lineage survival in habitats of low durational stability. The Habitat Constraint hypothesis predicts different micro‐ and macroevolutionary patterns for stable versus dynamic habitat specialists, but the empirical evidence remains controversial and in insects mostly derives from winged lineages. We here use genome‐wide SNP data to assess the effect of habitat association on the population dynamics of two closely related flightless lineages of the genus Eutagenia (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), which are co‐distributed across the Cyclades islands in the Eastern Mediterranean but are associated with habitat types of different presumed stability: the psammophilous lineage is associated with dynamic sandy coastal habitats, while the geophilous lineage is associated with comparatively stable compact soil habitats. Our comparative population genomic and demographic analyses support higher inter‐island gene flow in the psammophilous lineage, presumably due to the physical properties of dynamic sand‐dune habitats that promote passive dispersal. We also find consistent bottlenecks in the psammophilous demes, suggesting that lineage evolution in the dynamic habitat is punctuated by local extinction and recolonisation events. The inferred demographic processes are surprisingly uniform among psammophilous demes, but vary considerably among geophilous demes depending on historical island connectivity, indicating more stringent constraints on the dynamic habitat lineage. This study extends the Habitat Constraint hypothesis by demonstrating that selection on dispersal traits is not the only mechanism that can drive consistent differences in evolutionary dynamics between stable versus dynamic habitat specialists.
A novel protein elicitor (Cs08297) from Ciboria shiraiana enhances plant disease resistance
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Li Ruolan , Fan Wei , Chen Xuefei , Tao Caiquan , Liu Shuman , Zhu Panpan , Wang Shuchang , Zhao Aichun
Published: November 2024

Ciboria shiraiana is a necrotrophic fungus that causes mulberry sclerotinia disease resulting in huge economic losses in agriculture. During infection, the fungus uses immunity elicitors to induce plant tissue necrosis that could facilitate its colonization on plants. However, the key elicitors and immune mechanisms remain unclear in C. shiraiana. Herein, a novel elicitor Cs08297 secreted by C. shiraiana was identified, and it was found to target the apoplast in plants to induce cell death. Cs08297 is a cysteine‐rich protein unique to C. shiraiana, and cysteine residues in Cs08297 were crucial for its ability to induce cell death. Cs08297 induced a series of defence responses in Nicotiana benthamiana, including the burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS), callose deposition, and activation of defence‐related genes. Cs08297 induced‐cell death was mediated by leucine‐rich repeat (LRR) receptor‐like kinases BAK1 and SOBIR1. Purified His‐tagged Cs08297‐thioredoxin fusion protein triggered cell death in different plants and enhanced plant resistance to diseases. Cs08297 was necessary for sclerotial development, oxidative‐stress adaptation, and cell wall integrity but negatively regulated virulence of C. shiraiana. In conclusion, our results revealed that Cs08297 is a novel fungal elicitor in fungi inducing plant immunity. Furthermore, its potential to enhance plant resistance provides a new target to control agricultural diseases biologically.
Unraveling the in planta population dynamics of the plant pathogen Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum by mathematical modeling
Authors: Baroukh Caroline , Gerlin Léo , Escourrou Antoine , Genin Stéphane
Published: November 2024

Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum, a plant pathogen responsible for bacterial wilt in numerous plant species, exhibits paradoxical growth in the host by achieving high bacterial densities in xylem sap, an environment traditionally considered nutrient‐poor. This study combined in vitro experiments and mathematical modeling to elucidate the population dynamics of R. pseudosolanacearum within plants.

To simulate the xylem environment, a tomato xylem‐mimicking medium was developed. Then, a mathematical model was constructed using in vitro data and employed to simulate the dynamics of bacterial density and xylem sap composition during plant infection.

The model accurately reproduced in planta experimental observations, including high bacterial densities and the depletion of glutamine and asparagine. Additionally, the model estimated the minimal number of bacteria required to initiate infection, the timing of infection post‐inoculation, the bacterial mortality rate within the plant and the rate at which bacterial putrescine is assimilated by the plant.

The findings demonstrate that xylem sap can sustain high bacterial densities, provides an explanatory framework for the presence of acetate, putrescine and 3‐hydroxybutyrate in the sap of infected xylem and give clues as to the role of putrescine in the virulence of R. pseudosolanacearum.
Ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mediated dwarfing mutation provides a basis for CaCO3 accumulation by enhancing photosynthetic performance in Ceratostigma willmottianum Stapf
Authors: Guo L. , Lai J. , Lei T. , Liu C. , Li J. , Yang L. , Gao S.
Published: November 2024

Ceratostigma willmottianum Stapf is a unique chalk gland (salt‐excreting) plant from China, with a salt gland structure that excretes white crystals of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), which has potential biomineralization and carbon sequestration functions.

Due to the narrow distribution of wild germplasm resources, there is a lack of diversity of new varieties to satisfy commercial development and scientific exploration. Therefore, we used ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis to obtain new dwarf mutant germplasm, and analysed it in terms of morphology, growth, photosynthesis, salt glands, and excretion traits.

All four dwarfing mutant strains (DM1, DM2, DM3, and DM4) exhibited extreme dwarfing (62.28%, 62.28%, 74.55% and 61.68% reduction in plant height, respectively), faster growth, increased belowground root biomass, and earlier bud differentiation and flowering. Photosynthetic capacity was enhanced: chlorophyll content, maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm), effective quantum yield of PSII (ΦPSII), photochemical quenching coefficient (qP), electron transfer rate (ETR), net photosynthesis (Pn), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), stomatal conductance (Gs), and transpiration (Tr), were significantly higher in leaves of DM mutants. The density of salt glands per unit leaf area and average Ca2+ excretion rate of individual salt glands increased significantly (especially in DM2), and CaCO3 accumulation per unit leaf area was 28.57% higher than that of the wild type. Pearson correlation analysis showed that photosynthetic capacity was significantly and positively correlated with CaCO3 excretion.

The above study not only provided enriched new germplasm of C. willmottianum, but also important research material for studying the mechanism of CaCO3 excretion by salt glands and carbon sequestration capacity of biomineralization.
The evolution of muscle spindles
Authors: Banks Robert W. , Proske Uwe
Published: November 2024

Muscle spindles are stretch‐sensitive mechanoreceptors found in the skeletal muscles of most four‐limbed vertebrates. They are unique amongst sensory receptors in the ability to regulate their sensitivity by contraction of the intrafusal muscle fibres on which the sensory endings lie. Muscle spindles have revealed a remarkable diversity of functions, including reflex action in posture and locomotion, contributing to bodily self awareness, and influencing wound healing. What were the circumstances which gave rise to the evolution of such complex end‐organs? We argue that spindles first appeared in early amniotes and only later in frogs and toads. This was considered an example of convergent evolution. Spindles in amphibians and reptiles are characterised by their simple structure, pointing to key features essential for spindle function. Spindle sensitivity in amphibians and reptiles is controlled by intrafusal fibre contractions evoked by branches of motor axons supplying extrafusal muscle. Modern phylogenetic evidence has revised our views on the origin of birds, placing them closer to the dinosaurs than had previously been thought. Birds are the only group, other than mammals, which has a dedicated fusimotor innervation of spindles, another example of convergent evolution, given the widely different origins of the two groups. One factor that may have played a role here was that both groups are endotherms, allowing motor control to develop further in an optimal internal environment. This, as well as other changes within the spindle, has led to the astonishing sophistication of motor control observed especially in many modern mammals.
Speaker adaptation using codebook integrated deep neural networks for speech enhancement
Authors: Chidambar B , Naidu D. Hanumanth Rao
Published: November 2024

Deep neural network (DNN) based speech enhancement techniques have shown superior performance compared to the traditional speech enhancement approaches in handling nonstationary noise. However, their performance is often compromised as a result of mismatch between their testing and training conditions. In this work, a codebook integrated deep neural network (CI-DNN) approach is introduced for speech enhancement, which mitigates this mismatch by employing existing speaker adapted codebooks with a DNN. The proposed CI-DNN demonstrates better speech enhancement performance compared to the corresponding speaker independent DNNs. The CI-DNN approach essentially involves a post processing operation for DNN and, hence, is applicable to any DNN architecture.
Studying bats using a One Health lens: bridging the gap between bat virology and disease ecology
Authors: Gonzalez Victoria , Hurtado-Monzón Arianna M. , O'Krafka Sabrina , Mühlberger Elke , Letko Michael , Frank Hannah K. , Laing Eric D. , Phelps Kendra L. , Becker Daniel J. , Munster Vincent J. , Falzarano Darryl , Schountz Tony , Seifert Stephanie N. , Banerjee Arinjay
Published: November 2024

Accumulating data suggest that some bat species host emerging viruses that are highly pathogenic in humans and agricultural animals. Laboratory-based studies have highlighted important adaptations in bat immune systems that allow them to better tolerate viral infections compared to humans. Simultaneously, ecological studies have discovered critical extrinsic factors, such as nutritional stress, that correlate with virus shedding in wild-caught bats. Despite some progress in independently understanding the role of bats as reservoirs of emerging viruses, there remains a significant gap in the molecular understanding of factors that drive virus spillover from bats. Driven by a collective goal of bridging the gap between the fields of bat virology, immunology, and disease ecology, we hosted a satellite symposium at the 2024 American Society for Virology meeting. Bringing together virologists, immunologists, and disease ecologists, we discussed the intrinsic and extrinsic factors such as virus receptor engagement, adaptive immunity, and virus ecology that influence spillover from bat hosts. This article summarizes the topics discussed during the symposium and emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaborations and resource sharing.
Supplemental Material: Mercury efficiently volatilized but not completely removed from sediments around igneous intrusions
Authors: Frieling Joost , al. et
Published: November 2024

 Data used in this manuscript.  
Supplemental Material: Sedimentary record of oceanic plateau accretion: Revisiting the Eocene to Miocene stratigraphy of the northern Olympic Peninsula, Washington (USA)
Authors: Donaghy Erin E. , al. et
Published: November 2024

Includes additional lithofacies characterization of the peripheral rock sequence (Tables SA1–SA2; Figs. SA1–SA14), conglomerate clast composition data (Tables SB1–SB4), geochemistry data (Table SC1), and geochronologic data (Tables SD1–SD3, SE1–SE10).