bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brief international cognitive assessment for MS (BICAMS) and NEDA maintenance in MS patients: A 2‐year follow‐up longitudinal study
Authors: Leveraro E. , Cellerino M. , Lapucci C. , Dighero M. , Nasone L. , Sirito T. , Boccia D. , Cavalli N. , Bavestrello G. , Uccelli A. , Boffa G. , Inglese M.
Published: December 2024

Background

The Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) has been validated in many cross‐sectional studies. However, longitudinal data on BICAMS subset trajectories and their correlation with disease activity during follow‐up are scarce.

Objectives

We aimed to (i) assess BICAMS changes in MS patients initiating high‐efficacy disease‐modifying‐treatments (DMTs), (ii) compare these changes based on maintenance of “no‐evidence‐of‐disease‐activity” (NEDA‐3) status over 24 months, and (iii) determine baseline clinical parameters predictive of cognitive changes.

Methods

We enrolled 101 MS patients (mean age:40,45 ± 11; Relapsing–Remitting‐MS:81%) initiating highly‐effective‐DMTs. Patients underwent Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), BICAMS, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), at baseline and after 24 months. Regression‐based change index (RB‐CI) had been used for cognitive change evaluation over follow‐up.

Results

During follow‐up, 78 (77.3%) patients maintained NEDA‐3 status. Considering a 90% of confidence levels for RB‐CI, 12 (11.9%) improved at SDMT, 13 (12.9%) at CVLT‐II and 13 (12.9%) at BVMT‐R; while 7 (6.9%) were classified as worsened at SDMT, 11 (10.9%) at CVLT‐II and 8 (7.9%) at BVMT‐R. SDMT scores significantly improved at follow‐up for the entire group (p = 0.003) and in patients maintaining NEDA‐3 (p < 0.001). The multivariable regression model assessing the SDMT improvement (n = 12; z = 1.65), was significant and explained 21% of the variance (p = 0.038; Nagelkerke R2 = 0.212). Lower EDSS proved to be an independent predictor of SDMT reliable improvement (p = 0.027) in our sample.

Conclusions

Our findings showed that early disease activity control—especially in patients with low baseline disability—may yield significant benefits even in terms of cognitive performance.
Factors associated with placebo response rate in randomized controlled trials of antiseizure medications for focal epilepsy
Authors: Kerr Wesley T. , Suprun Maria , Kok Neo , Reddy Advith S. , McFarlane Katherine N. , Kwan Patrick , Somerville Ernest , Bagiella Emilia , French Jacqueline A.
Published: December 2024

Objective

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are necessary to evaluate the efficacy of novel treatments for epilepsy. However, there have been concerning increases in the placebo responder rate over time. To understand these trends, we evaluated features associated with increased placebo responder rate.

Methods

Using individual‐level data from 20 focal‐onset seizure trials provided by seven pharmaceutical companies, we evaluated associations with change in seizure frequency in participants randomized to placebo. We used multivariable logistic regression to evaluate participant and study factors associated with differing rates of 50% reduction in seizure frequency during blinded placebo treatment, as compared to pre‐randomization baseline seizure frequency. In addition, we focused on the association of placebo responder rate with pre‐randomization baseline seizure frequency and country of recruitment.

Results

In the pooled analysis of 1674 participants randomized to placebo, a higher 50% responder rate (50RR) was associated with a shorter duration of epilepsy (p = .006), lower baseline seizure rate (p = .002), fewer concomitant antiseizure medications (p = .004), absence of adverse events (p < .001), more trial arms (p = .006), and geographic region (p < .001). Mixture modeling indicated a significantly higher 50RR in Bulgaria, Croatia, India, and Canada (42% in the higher group vs 22% in the lower group comprising all 40 other countries, p < 10−15). In addition, there was a significantly higher 50RR in participants with a baseline seizure frequency of six or fewer seizures per 28 days (29% vs 21%, p = .00018).

Significance

These results can assist future RCTs in estimating the expected placebo responder rate, which may lead to more reliable power estimates. Higher placebo responder rate was associated with markers of less‐refractory epilepsy. There were concerning significant differences in placebo responder rate by country and geographic region as well as an elevated placebo responder rate in participants with baseline seizure frequency close to the minimum eligibility criteria.
Stress‐Based Fracture Model to Describe Ductile Fracture Behavior in Various Stress States
Authors: Wu Pengfei , Lou Yanshan
Published: December 2024

Being aimed at the strain path–related ductile fracture characteristic, this research develops a two‐component stress‐based DF2016 fracture model with 10 parameters through combining two single‐component corresponding fracture model with the addition form. This model possesses high flexibility to describe the ductile fracture behavior in various stress states. Stress‐based fracture‐related variables of the specimens with 10 different structures for WE43 alloy are captured, and the hardening behavior is with some strength differential effect. These fracture stresses have a strong sensitiveness to stress triaxiality and Lode parameter. Fracture loci of WE43 alloy are constructed by the proposed model with the smaller prediction error of 0.25683 than the stress‐based DF2016 fracture model (0.527). The reliability and high flexibility of the developed model are further uncovered through the description of ductile fracture behavior of AA2024‐T351 alloy. This research provides a valuable tool for predicting fracture failure of metals in engineering applications.
Predicting the Effects of Ozone on Long‐Term Growth of Aspen Trees Using Response Functions Developed From Seedlings Grown in Field Chambers
Authors: Herrick Jeffrey D. , Kaylor S. Douglas , Dubois Jean‐Jacques B.
Published: December 2024

Tropospheric ozone (O3) is among the most pervasive and harmful air pollutants known to affect ecosystems. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency and other agencies are tasked with protecting plants and ecosystems from harmful O3 exposures. Controlled exposure experiments conducted in field open‐top chambers (OTCs) with small tree seedlings have been used to estimate empirical models of tree growth in response to O3 exposure for more than 16 species. While this experimental method makes it possible to obtain detailed exposure‐response data, it remains uncertain whether predictions of empirical models parameterized using those data are sufficiently accurate when applied to trees grown in uncontrolled natural environments for long periods. We used O3 exposure‐response relationships developed from several OTC studies of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) seedlings to predict the growth of the same species in the Aspen FACE “free‐air” O3 exposure experiment in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, over 11 years. We acquired individual tree growth data and hourly O3 exposure from the ambient and elevated O3 plots in the Aspen FACE experiment, computed annual exposure using the same metrics of O3 exposure as were used in the OTC seedling experiments, and generated predictions of growth in the Aspen FACE exposures. A simple empirical model parameterized using the OTC seedling data accurately predicted the percent above‐ground biomass loss due to O3 exposure in the Aspen FACE trees for all 11 years. In the Aspen FACE experiment, the effect of O3 exposure was established in early years and continued to be observed in later years without worsening. Our study suggests that O3 exposure‐response relationships obtained from OTC seedling studies can be used to make inferences about effects on larger trees. These results imply that researchers can use these relationships with confidence when estimating risks of O3 pollution across the United States.
Clinical Applications of Bone Marrow CD34 Immunohistochemistry (BM CD34 IHC) Assay: International Council for Standardization in Hematology (ICSH) Guidelines
Authors: Torlakovic Emina Emilia , Calvo Katherine R. , George Tracy , Hyjek Elizabeth , Lee Szu‐Hee , Porwit Anna , Sabattini Elena , Saft Leonie , Zhou Xiaoge , Tzankov Alexandar
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Investigation of bone marrow (BM) trephine biopsies and/or clot sections by CD34 immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing has been used by pathologists for several decades, and its clinical value has been well established with QBEND10 being the most frequently used primary antibody (Ab) clone. However, most other parameters related to the IHC protocol as well as the readout vary widely between clinical laboratories and in the published literature. The ICSH Working Group having reviewed the published evidence has established guidelines that will help to harmonize performance and reporting of CD34 IHC on BM biopsies.

Methods

The methodology is based on the published “guidelines for guidelines” (GRADE, AGREE) with modifications to the specific laboratory medicine environment and to specific key questions. Review of the published literature resulted in 49 articles relevant to clinical applications of the BM CD34 IHC. Five key questions were addressed including testing indications, technical performance, readout methodology, terminology, and reporting.

Results

A total of 23 guidelines were grouped according to the key questions.

Conclusion

BM CD34 IHC testing is complex with both the protocol and the pathologist's readout requiring validation to ensure reported results are reproducible and accurate. The readout/interpretation must be adapted to a specific purpose of the assay (clinicopathological question) and the type and overall sample quality. Standardized terminology and reporting are essential if CD34 IHC assay is being used for clinical diagnostics.
Efficacy of docetaxel addition to next‐generation androgen receptor‐axis‐targeted therapies and androgen deprivation therapy in metastatic hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer: A tumor volume‐specific analysis
Authors: Chen Wei , Yoshida Soichiro , Miura Noriyoshi , Fukuda Shohei , Waseda Yuma , Tanaka Hajime , Fujii Yasuhisa
Published: December 2024

Background

The effectiveness of docetaxel in addition to next‐generation androgen receptor‐axis‐targeted therapies and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for metastatic hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) remains unclear. We evaluated the efficacy of this combination through tumor volume‐specific analysis.

Methods

Individual patient data were reconstructed from seven clinical trials focusing mHSPC (ARASENS, PEACE‐1, TITAN, ENZAMET, ARCHES, STAMPEDE, and LATITUDE) through the Shiny method. Overall survival (OS), radiological progression‐free survival (rPFS), and time to castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) were analyzed in the overall cohort and tumor volume‐specific (high/low) subgroups. Sensitivity analyses were performed based on treatment methods and metastasis onset.

Results

In 6931 cases, adding docetaxel to ARAT and ADT did not significantly improve OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.95–1.22, p = 0.27), rPFS (HR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.73–1.05, p = 0.16), or time to CRPC (HR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.80–1.18, p = 0.74). High‐volume disease showed a non‐significant trend toward improved OS with the triplet regimen. Low‐volume disease showed a similar trend. Sensitivity analyses for second‐generation androgen receptor inhibitors indicated potentially less advantageous OS with docetaxel addition, but no significant differences when stratified by tumor volume. Analyses of the docetaxel‐naïve, abiraterone, and synchronous metastasis subgroups showed no statistically significant differences in OS compared with the overall population and volume‐stratified cases.

Conclusions

Patients with mHSPC did not show significant improvement with docetaxel addition to ARAT‐based regimens, regardless of tumor volume. Further research is needed to identify potential beneficiaries of this combination therapy.
Mechanism of starvation induced autophagy and apoptosis in the midgut of silkworm, Bombyx mori, based on calcium homeostasis
Authors: Cheng Jialu , Qin Xueling , Han Bing , Gu Haoyi , Zou Hongbing , Peng Peiling , Mao Zhongxu , Li Bing
Published: December 2024

Starvation can induce autophagy and apoptosis in intestinal cells. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, we investigated autophagy and apoptosis in the midgut of the model insect, silkworm (Bombyx mori), focusing on calcium homeostasis. The results indicated that the body weight of silkworms decreased, along with damage to the morphology of their digestive tracts and midguts after starvation treatment. Additionally, mitochondrial swelling, autophagy and apoptosis were observable. Further investigation revealed that starvation upregulated the transcription of Ca2+ release channel‐associated genes (e.g., BmIP3R, BmRyR) but suppressed the expression of Ca2+ efflux genes (BmPMCA), resulting in Ca2+ overload in midgut cells and subsequent upregulation of BmCalpain transcription. In addition, starvation increased the transcription of key autophagy genes (BmATG5, BmATG7, BmATG8) and the expression of the LC3‐II protein. Upon prolonged starvation, the NtATG5 protein levels increased, a process that facilitated the transition from autophagy to apoptosis. These results indicate that Ca2+ overload activates the calpain‐mediated apoptosis pathway and promotes apoptosis of midgut cells. The present study reveals the significant role that Ca2+ plays in the occurrence and transformation of autophagy and apoptosis induced by starvation treatment, thus providing a new research strategy for investigating the damage caused by starvation in biological organisms.
Yield and Forage Quality of the New Forage Perennial Legume Bituminaria bituminosa var. albomarginata cv. Lanza in Response to Rainfall Reduction and Competition
Authors: Fernández‐Habas Jesús , Real Daniel , Vanwalleghem Tom , Leal‐Murillo José Ramón , Fernández‐Rebollo Pilar
Published: December 2024

Bituminaria bituminosa is a promising drought‐tolerant perennial legume which could reduce the vulnerability of Mediterranean livestock systems to drought. A 3‐year field split‐plot experiment was carried out in southern Spain to test the response of Bituminaria bituminosa cv. Lanza (tedera) to a 24% annual rainfall reduction and competition in terms of yield and forage quality. The experiment included a whole‐plot factor, Rainfall, with two treatments, 24% annual rainfall reduction and no rainfall reduction, and two subplot factors: Species (tedera and alfalfa) and Stand (pure and mixed). In the sowing year, tedera in pure stands was as productive as alfalfa in rainfed conditions (2740 kg ha−1). In the second year, a suitable distribution of rainfall until April and a mild winter allowed production of tedera of 9526 kg ha−1 compared to 1811 kg ha−1 of alfalfa. In the third year, both species had a similar yield of 1843 kg ha−1. Rainfall reduction marginally affected (p < 0.1) the species production. The 24% rainfall reduction had less impact on tedera than management and the contrasting weather over years. In the second year, rainfall reduction caused a decline in the yield of, on average, 36% in alfalfa and 17% in tedera. Contrary to the previous year, in the third year, both species showed a similar increase in yield under reduced rainfall due to a possible protective effect of the rainout shelters in winter. Tedera suffered from frost damage indicating the cold tolerance of cv. Lanza may not be enough to persist in some Mediterranean areas of the Iberian Peninsula. Competition strongly affected both species, leading to failure, especially in tedera, whose establishment may be severely limited by fast‐growing grasses. Tedera showed suitable forage quality, especially in the leaf fraction (CP = 16%). However, uncut tedera developed lignified stems that caused a great decline in forage quality. Rainfall reduction had little or no impact on forage quality.
Melatonin Reduces Mito‐Inflammation in Ischaemic Hippocampal HT22 Cells and Modulates the cGAS–STING Cytosolic DNA Sensing Pathway and FGF21 Release
Authors: Carloni Silvia , Nasoni Maria Gemma , Casabianca Anna , Orlandi Chiara , Capobianco Loredana , Iaconisi Giorgia Natalia , Cerioni Liana , Burattini Sabrina , Benedetti Serena , Reiter Russel J. , Balduini Walter , Luchetti Francesca
Published: December 2024

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key event in many pathological conditions, including neurodegenerative processes. When mitochondria are damaged, they release damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that activate mito‐inflammation. The present study assessed mito‐inflammation after in vitro oxygen–glucose deprivation as a representation of ischaemia, followed by reoxygenation (OGD/R) of HT22 cells and modulation of the inflammatory response by melatonin. We observed that melatonin prevented mitochondrial structural damage and dysfunction caused by OGD/R. Melatonin reduced oxidative damage and preserved the enzymatic activity for complexes I, III and IV, encoded by mitochondrial DNA, which were reduced by OGD/R. No effect was observed on complex II activity encoded by nuclear DNA. The release of mtDNA into the cytosol was also prevented with a consequent reduction of the cGAS–STING pathway and IFNβ and IL‐6 production. Interestingly, melatonin also increased the early release of the fibroblast growth factor‐21 (FGF‐21), a mitokine secreted in response to mitochondrial stress. These data indicate that melatonin reduces mito‐inflammation and modulates FGF‐21 release, further highlighting the key role of this molecule in preserving mitochondrial integrity in OGD/R deprivation‐type ischaemic brain injury.
Causal Effect of Smoking and Cessation on Tooth Loss
Authors: Baumeister Sebastian‐Edgar , Listl Stefan , Holtfreter Birte , Nascimento Gustavo G. , Leite Fabio R. M.
Published: December 2024

Aim

To estimate the causal effects of smoking and cessation on tooth loss using instrumental variable (IV) analysis.

Material and Methods

Data from the Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), conducted from 1995 to 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2012 in 50 U.S. states and Washington DC, were merged with cigarette pack prices and smoking ban data from the CDC ‘Tax Burden on Tobacco’ and ‘State Tobacco Activities Tracking and Evaluation’ (STATE) System. Prices and bans served as IVs for ever smoking and cessation in a control function IV model for self‐reported edentulism and loss of 6+ teeth. IV models were adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, type 2 diabetes, state unemployment rates, state health expenditures, and state fixed effects.

Results

Ever smoking cigarettes increased the risk of edentulism by 2.6% (95% CI: 2.3%–2.8%) and the risk of loss of 6+ teeth by 10.7% (95% CI: 10.0%–11.3%). Smoking cessation reduced risks of edentulism and loss of 6+ teeth by 7.6% (95% CI: −7.8% to −742%) and 13.5% (95% CI: −13.7% to 13.3%), respectively.

Conclusion

This study provides robust evidence that smoking increases tooth loss risk, while cessation significantly reduces it, emphasizing the oral health benefits of tobacco control policies.
Annual Research Review: Cash transfer programs and young people's mental health – a review of studies in the United States
Authors: Jaffee Sara R. , Lin George , Fowle Matthew Z. , Reina Vincent J.
Published: December 2024

Worldwide, more than one in 10 children or adolescents is diagnosed with a mental disorder. Cash transfer programs, which aim to reduce poverty and improve life outcomes by providing direct cash assistance to families and incentivizing or enabling spending on education, health service use, dietary diversity and savings, have been shown to improve the mental health and well‐being of young people in low‐ and middle‐income countries. The goal of this review is to describe cash transfer programs in the United States, to describe potential mechanisms by which cash transfer programs could improve child and adolescent mental health and to summarize any evidence of the impact of cash transfer programs. We conclude that much of the evidence on the relationship between cash transfer programs and child and adolescent mental health in the United States is based on a relatively small set of studies. Although most of these studies find that cash transfer programs are associated with reductions in emotional or behavioural health problems, effect sizes are small. For potential mechanisms of cash transfer effects, the strongest evidence is that cash transfer programs increase child‐related expenditures and savings and increase time spent with children. Evidence is mixed on whether cash transfer programs improve maternal mental health, parental disciplinary practices or children's exposure to violence.
Effectiveness for adding or switching from other incretin‐related drugs to oral semaglutide in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Oya Junko , Shimizu Mika , Kubota Ryo , Suda Rika , Nagkagami Tomoko
Published: December 2024

Aims/Introduction

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of oral semaglutide after adding to or switching from incretin‐related drugs by assessing the changes in HbA1c and body weight (BW) in participants with type 2 diabetes in clinical settings.

Materials and Methods

A total of 368 participants were divided into groups according to antidiabetic medications before oral semaglutide treatment; incretin‐related drug‐naïve (naïve), switching from dipeptidyl peptide‐4 inhibitors (DPP‐4i) or glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1 RA) groups. Adjusted mean changes in HbA1c and BW at 6 months after oral semaglutide administration were compared among the three groups. Similar analyses were performed in the GLP‐1 RAs group between GLP‐1RAs before switching.

Results

Mean change of HbA1c in DPP‐4i and GLP‐1 RA groups was −0.67% (95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.79 to −0.54) and −0.13% (95% CI: −0.40 to 0.15), respectively, which were significantly smaller than incretin‐related drug‐naïve group; −0.85% (95% CI: −1.08 to −0.62). Mean change in BW between the naïve and DPP‐4i groups had no differences; however, these changes were lower in the GLP‐1 RA group than in the naïve group. Mean change in HbA1c between pretreatment with GLP‐1 RAs had no differences; however, the mean change in BW in the dulaglutide group was significantly higher than that in the injectable semaglutide group.

Conclusion

Oral semaglutide reduced HbA1c levels and BW after adding or switching from other incretin‐related drugs in Japanese participants with type 2 diabetes.
An Exploratory Study Using Innovative Graphical Network Analysis to Model Eye Movements in Spatial Reasoning Problem Solving
Authors: Man Kaiwen , Lakin Joni M.
Published: December 2024

Eye‐tracking procedures generate copious process data that could be valuable in establishing the response processes component of modern validity theory. However, there is a lack of tools for assessing and visualizing response processes using process data such as eye‐tracking fixation sequences, especially those suitable for young children. This study, which explored student responses to a spatial reasoning task, employed eye tracking and social network analysis to model, examine, and visualize students' visual transition patterns while solving spatial problems to begin to elucidate these processes. Fifty students in Grades 2–8 completed a spatial reasoning task as eye movements were recorded. Areas of interest (AoIs) were defined within the task for each spatial reasoning question. Transition networks between AoIs were constructed and analyzed using selected network measures. Results revealed shared transition sequences across students as well as strategic differences between high and low performers. High performers demonstrated more integrated transitions between AoIs, while low performers considered information more in isolation. Additionally, age and the interaction of age and performance did not significantly impact these measures. The study demonstrates a novel modeling approach for investigating visual processing and provides initial evidence that high‐performing students more deeply engage with visual information in solving these types of questions.
The simple morphology of the sunfish heart
Authors: Jensen Bjarke , Lauridsen Henrik
Published: December 2024

The evolutionary conservation of the building plan of the heart suggests this organ is under substantial form–function constraints. Its form varies to such a degree, however, that it questions whether we understand the form–function relations of the heart. A previously published image of the heart of the sunfish (Mola mola, Tetraodontiformes) indicates the presence of an exceptionally simple topology of the chambers. Here, we describe the gross morphology of the sunfish heart (N = 7) because, we assess, this expands the known spectrum of cardiac form that is compatible with function. The usual teleost piscine compartments were present, guarded by valved junctions: sinus venosus, atrium, ventricle, and bulbus arteriosus. Especially, the ventricle was much displaced ventrally and the atrium was dorso‐ventrally elongate. The ventricular central cavity exhibited a simple 90‐degree curve, or a‐quarter circle, and opened into an almost vertical bulbus arteriosus. Overall, the normal piscine S‐topology of the cardiac chambers (when seen from the left) appeared distorted to a simpler J‐shape. When compared to other fish, including a tetraodontiform boxfish, these highly unusual characters appeared to have evolved recently. The distantly related spotted tinselfish (Xenolepidichthys dalgleishi) resembles sunfish in shape, its heart is almost J‐shaped, but the ventricle was sac‐like and typically piscine. Surprisingly, the ventricular wall had a comparatively high proportion of compact myocardium, approximately 34%. The relative mass of the sunfish heart was typically piscine, approximately 0.08% of body mass. In conclusion, the sunfish heart may be the least curved cardiac structure described for any fully formed vertebrate.
Bank Funding Risk, Reference Rates, and Credit Supply
Authors: COOPERMAN HARRY , DUFFIE DARRELL , LUCK STEPHAN , WANG ZACHRY , YANG YILIN (DAVID)
Published: December 2024

Corporate credit lines are drawn more heavily when funding markets are stressed. This elevates expected bank funding costs. We show that credit supply is dampened by the associated debt‐overhang cost to bank shareholders. Until 2022, this impact was reduced by linking the interest paid on lines to a credit‐sensitive reference rate like the London interbank offered rate (LIBOR). We show that transition to risk‐free reference rates may exacerbate this friction. The adverse impact on credit supply is offset if drawdowns are expected to be deposited at the same bank, which happened at some of the largest banks during the global financial crisis and COVID recession.
Hepatitis B Care and Treatment in Zanzibar, Tanzania: A Demonstration Project Following 2015 WHO Treatment Guidelines, 2017–2021
Authors: Said Sanaa S. , Shadaker Shaun , McMahon Brian J. , Armstrong Paige A. , Beckett Geoff A. , Kamili Saleem , Harris Aaron M.
Published: December 2024

Zanzibar, a low‐resource semiautonomous region of Tanzania, has an estimated prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections of 3.6%. To assess the feasibility of care and treatment, a 5‐year hepatitis B demonstration project was implemented in Zanzibar during January 2017–December 2021, following the 2015 WHO HBV care and treatment guidelines. Participants included adults (aged ≥ 18 years) who tested positive for HBV surface antigen and tested negative for HIV and hepatitis C antibody. Participants were examined for clinical signs of liver disease and testing was conducted at baseline to assess treatment eligibility and every 6–12 months thereafter. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) was provided at no cost to treatment‐eligible participants. Clinical and laboratory data were analysed to assess improvement in proximal disease outcomes. Among 596 participants enrolled, the median age was 32 years (IQR 26–39) and 365 (61%) were male. Of those enrolled, 268 (45%) returned for ≥ 1 follow‐up visit, with a median of 511 days of follow‐up. Overall, 58 patients initiated treatment: 15 met treatment criteria based on liver cirrhosis alone; 13 by APRI > 1.5; among those with HBV DNA results, six met criteria based on HBV DNA levels and ALT activity; 24 met ≥ 2 criteria. Significant decreases in ALT activities, APRI scores and HBV DNA levels were observed among those treated. This hepatitis B care and treatment programme was demonstrated to be feasible in a low‐resource setting. Despite challenges, testing and linkage to care is critical to decrease the global burden of hepatitis B.
Role of Plant Specialists in Fine‐Scale Diversity–Area Relationships (DARs) in Southern European Atlantic Coastal Dunes
Authors: Campos Juan Antonio , Liendo Diego , Biurrun Idoia , Torca Marta , García‐Mijangos Itziar
Published: December 2024

Questions

Species–area relationships (SARs) have traditionally focused on species richness only. However, other diversity components, such as phylogenetic diversity (phylogenetic diversity–area relationships [PDARs]), can also be measured at different spatial scales, providing a more comprehensive picture of the importance of spatial scale on plant diversity. Here, we focus on coastal dune habitats along the sea‐inland gradient. We ask: (1) do fine‐scale SAR and PDAR patterns change along the dune gradient? (2) is the phylogenetic structure of plant communities scale‐dependent along this gradient? (3) does the rate of increase in taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity change along this gradient? (4) do specialist and/or generalist species influence these patterns?

Location

Atlantic coast of SW Europe.

Methods

A nested‐plot sampling design (0.0001–100 m2) was applied in three dune habitats. Diversity–area relationships were calculated based on taxonomic (TD) and phylogenetic (PD) diversity. Null models were also applied to the latter to partial out the effect of TD on PD (PDSES) and to analyse the phylogenetic structure. Changes in the rate of increase in taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity at a fine scale along the dune gradient were analysed by means of z‐values. All analyses were performed for the whole species pool and for the subsets of dune specialists and generalists.

Results

TD and PD increased inland along the dune gradient with a significantly major contribution of specialist species. PDSES mean values in embryo and mobile dunes were positive at all grain sizes, suggesting overdispersion. However, when individual PDSES values were analysed at the different grain sizes, the prevailing phylogenetic structure in these habitats did not deviate from random expectations. In fixed dunes, PDSES suggested a decrease in phylogenetic clustering that was partly confirmed when the individual values of PDSES were analysed at different grain sizes. z‐values for TD and PD increased inland along the dune gradient, while for PDSES these values were close to zero in all three habitats. Again, specialists contributed significantly to the patterns in z‐values.

Conclusions

Dune specialists played a major role in the observed taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity patterns in Atlantic dune habitats along the sea‐inland gradient, even in fixed dunes where the contribution of generalists was higher. Once the effect of TD on PD was removed, the effect of area on phylogenetic diversity was at most modest in the three dune habitats.
Biology of One of the Most Abundant Mesopelagic Fish in Icelandic and Surrounding Waters: The Krøyer's Lantern Fish Notoscopelus kroyeri (Malm, 1861)
Authors: Matthews Charlotte S. , Kennedy James , Ólafsdóttir Anna H. , Pampoulie Christophe
Published: December 2024

Myctophids play an essential role in the marine ecosystem, linking the surface to the mesopelagic layer through diel vertical migration, and contributing to carbon sequestration. However, basic knowledge of their biology and distribution is still limited. Here, we described the length and age distribution, growth and otolith morphometrics for one of the most abundant myctophid fish of the Northeast Atlantic, the Krøyer's lantern fish Notoscopelus kroyeri (Malm, 1861). Individuals were sampled opportunistically by pelagic trawls during the International Ecosystem Summer Survey in the Nordic Seas (IESSNS) conducted in July 2020 and 2021. We provide the length–weight and otolith–fish size relationships and the size distribution for 336 N. kroyeri individuals collected along Iceland's south and west shelf, the Iceland Basin, and the Irminger Sea. Fish were primarily distributed along the Reykjanes Ridge and the continental shelf at depths between 0 and 550 m. Three size groups, corresponding to three different age groups, with individuals from 2 to 9 years old, were detected across sampling areas. We found positive allometric growth during both sampling years. Linear regressions were significant between otolith length, width and area, and fish length and weight, with adjusted r2 values ranging between 0.93 and 0.94. This study provides new information on the biology and distribution of one of the most abundant mesopelagic species in south Icelandic and surrounding waters.
Petrofabrics in the CM chondrite Kolang: Evidence for non‐spherical chondrules in the protoplanetary disk
Authors: Jenkins Laura E. , Lee Martin R. , Daly Luke , King Ashley J. , Floyd Cameron J. , Chung Peter , Griffin Sammy
Published: December 2024

The alignment of non‐spherical “flattened” chondrules into a petrofabric is a common feature of hydrated carbonaceous chondrite meteorites. This texture can form as a result of impacts at peak shock pressures exceeding 10 GPa. However, many carbonaceous chondrites with petrofabrics are unshocked. While several processes have been proposed to explain this incongruency, including erasure of shock effects by alteration (both aqueous and thermal), none have yet been confirmed. Kolang is a brecciated Mighei‐like carbonaceous chondrite wherein analysis of chondrule shape and orientation shows that it has a pronounced petrofabric defined by elongate chondrules that is shared between clasts with differing aqueous and thermal alteration histories. Its petrofabric, therefore, must have developed after the altered clasts had been juxtaposed; any sign of shock associated with impact‐driven deformation cannot have been erased. We have investigated the shock experienced by Kolang with a combination of traditional optical methods and electron backscatter diffraction. We find that the peak shock pressure experienced by Kolang was likely ~4–5 GPa, too low to generate an impact‐induced petrofabric. Kolang has not experienced sufficient shock, whether by a single or multiple impacts, to deform its chondrules from spheres into elongate chondrules. The most likely explanation, therefore, is that Kolang accreted elongate chondrules that were aligned under relatively low pressure.
Social connections, social capital and social hierarchies in medicine
Authors: Brosnan Caragh , Wright Sarah R.
Published: December 2024

Theories of social capital are used to advance understanding of different types of social connections, the hierarchical space in which they are formed in medicine, and the interdependence of social and cultural capital.
Pedagogies of discomfort and disruption: A meta‐narrative review of emotions and equity‐related pedagogy
Authors: Sukhera Javeed , Atkinson Tess , Hendrikx Shawn , Kennedy Erin , Panza Michael , Rodger Susan , Watling Chris
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Discussions about equity in professional education can evoke a range of complex emotions. Approaches to emotionally challenging pedagogies may vary across professions. Comparative explorations of these approaches may yield fresh insights that could enhance our teaching and learning strategies within health professions education. Therefore, the authors sought to explore how the professional contexts of medicine, nursing and teacher education approach the role of emotions in equity‐related pedagogy.

Methods

A meta‐narrative approach was utilised to synthesise existing research on the relationship between emotions and equity‐related pedagogy in three different professions. Six databases were searched using key terms yielding 3102 titles. After screening, 58 articles were selected for extraction. Through coding and analysis, the authors sought to gain a deeper understanding of why emotions are relevant to equity‐related pedagogy in each profession, and how each profession grapples with emotional dissonance.

Results

There were both contrasting and complimentary meta‐narratives about emotions and equity‐related learning in medicine, nursing and teacher education. All three professions viewed emotions as relevant and essential for equity‐related learning. Medicine and nursing sought to make emotions accessible and explicit, while foregrounding the need for learners to build skills to understand and address emotions such as critical reflection and dialogue. Meta‐narratives in teacher education were similar to medicine and nursing; however, teacher education further emphasised the role of emotions in fostering community, trust and empathy.

Discussion

Existing meta‐narratives regarding emotions and equity‐related pedagogy in health professions suggest that medicine and nursing have acknowledged the intrinsic role that emotions play in equity‐related learning yet lag behind teacher education in considering the role of emotions as a socio‐cultural connector and mediator.
The Prophet's sandals and image‐relics: Tracing a symbol
Authors: Piscatori James
Published: December 2024

This article explores a revered relic of the Prophet Muḥammad and the ways in which its symbol was established and has evolved in the Sunni world. Four dimensions explain the symbolic power of his sandals. First, the symbol is normativised as a sign of the Prophet and his spiritual grace. Second, it is further validated through iterated though inexact histories. Third, as representations of the sandals have spread widely in the Muslim world, symbolic meanings have been shaped by differing denominational views of their devotional value. Finally, commodification has seemingly rendered the symbol less managed and more popular.
Combating plant diseases through transition metal allocation
Authors: De Aishee , Hoang Cuong V. , Escudero Viviana , Armas Alejandro M. , Echavarri‐Erasun Carlos , González‐Guerrero Manuel , Jordá Lucía
Published: December 2024

Understanding how plants fend‐off invading microbes is essential for food security and the economy of large parts of the world. Consequently, a sustained and dedicated effort has been directed at unveiling how plants protect themselves from invading microbes. Major defense hormone signaling pathways have been characterized, the identity of many immune response‐triggering molecules as well as many of their receptors have been determined, and the mechanisms of pathogen‐host arms race are being studied. In recent years, evidence for a new layer of plant innate immunity involving transition metals has been brought forward. This would link plant metal nutrition with plant immune responses and open up possible new strategies for pathogen control involving metal fertilizers instead of pesticides. In this review, we outline our current understanding of metal‐mediated plant immune response and indicate the future avenues of exploration of this topic.
In Vitro Comparison of the Effectiveness of Different Attachment Shapes and Locations on Extrusion of the Upper Left Lateral Incisor Using Thermoplastic Aligners
Authors: Bojrab Alexandra , Akbari Amin , Broyles Dustin , Magura Janine , Lear Megann , Eckert George , Chen Jie , Turkkahraman Hakan , Conley R. Scott
Published: December 2024

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of different attachment shapes and locations on the extrusion of the upper left lateral incisor (UL2) using thermoplastic aligners.

Materials and Methods

Seven typodonts were digitally printed with hemi‐ellipsoid or rectangular attachments in the incisal, middle or cervical third of the UL2. Five clear aligners were fabricated for each typodont; each was tested twice. Forces and moments were measured with an orthodontic force tester during 0.2 mm simulated extrusion of the UL2. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the effects of group, tooth, and the group‐by‐tooth interaction on the outcomes. A two‐sided 5% significance level was used for all tests.

Results

Altering attachment shape and location had a statistically significant effect on the forces and moments generated in each trial (p < 0.01), except for rectangular incisal and hemi‐ellipsoid cervical (p > 0.05). The rectangular middle attachment generated the highest extrusive force (Fz = 7.498 N), followed by hemi‐ellipsoid cervical (Fz = 6.338 N) and rectangular incisal (Fz = 5.948 N).

Conclusions

Varying direct attachment shape and location on the UL2 during extrusion has a significant effect on the forces and moments generated by thermoplastic aligners. The rectangular attachment located in the middle third generated the most effective extrusive force and least unwanted moment. For anchorage teeth, hemi‐ellipsoid attachments located in the cervical third were found to be the most effective in minimising the reciprocal intrusive forces and unwanted moments.
Ästhetik der Subjektivierung zwischen (post)kolonialer Unterwerfung und postmigrantischer Widerständigkeit
Authors: Rutka Anna
Published: December 2024

In Anlehnung an zeitgenössische Ansätze der Subjektivierungsforschung fokussiert der Beitrag Aspekte der Iteration und Sinnverschiebung als Strategien der Subjektivierung im autobiographisch geprägten Erzähltext Härtere Tage der Afro‐Deutschen Autorin Sharon Dodua Otoo. Mit Versatzstücken verschiedener Gattungen, narrativer Selbstobjektivierung und intertextuellen Bezügen auf Ingeborg Bachmanns Lyrik und Elie Wiesels Roman Die Nacht wird die von Widersprüchen belastete Eigenverortung ästhetisch erarbeitet. Otoos Härtere Tage verzichtet auf Eindeutigkeiten und Abgrenzungen, lässt dagegen Paradoxien und Mehrdeutigkeiten zu, knüpft an engagiert‐kritische, feministische Literatur (Bachmann) an und eröffnet damit den Blick auf widerständige Positionierung(en) der Afro‐Deutschen Literatur.
I just need a little support: Marital support and strain link to A1C for people with diabetes
Authors: Roberson Patricia N. E. , Woods Sarah B. , Mitchell Erica , Tasman Jordan
Published: December 2024

Marital quality factors (i.e., support and strain) are associated with hemoglobin A1C (A1C) for people with diabetes. However, how these marital factors might be linked to A1C, in combination, is unclear. This study uses Midlife in the United States Biomarker Project data to examine independent and moderated associations between marital strain and marital support and A1C for individuals with diabetes mellitus (N = 136). Marital strain and support interact in their association with A1C (B = −0.24, standard error [SE] = 0.11, p < .05). Simple slope analysis indicates marital strain is linked to higher A1C, but only in the context of low marital support (B = 0.63, SE = 0.29, p = .03). Meaning, the presence of moderate levels of marital support may buffer against the problematic association between marital strain and worse A1C. This may suggest interventions for individuals with diabetes to include marital partners, but harnessing and improving support in existing marital relationships may be an important target for future family‐based diabetes management interventions.
The Asian American experience in the federal workforce: How employees navigate the complexities of racialization
Authors: Northcott Emma , Pandey Sheela , Pandey Sanjay K. , Strader Eiko
Published: December 2024

The Asian American experience in the federal workforce remains poorly understood. This qualitative study, based on interviews with 41 Asian American federal workers, examines how this heterogeneous minority group experiences racialization in the U.S. federal government. The analysis of interview data revealed five aggregate dimensions that shape the experiences of Asian American federal employees: (1) racial identity formation, (2) racialization at work, (3) aspects of the federal government context such as organizational culture and practices, (4) individual strategies to overcome constraints, and (5) awareness of the political climate and social ties outside the work context. By probing how Asian American employees experience racialization and the strategies they adopt in response, this study contributes to a small but growing literature on inclusion and racialization processes beyond the Black‐White binary in the U.S. public sector.
Political Competition and the Strategic Adoption of Free Trade Agreements
Authors: Ornelas Emanuel
Published: December 2024

I study how political competition affects the feasibility of free trade agreements (FTAs). I show that the possibility of political turnover creates strategic motivations for the formation of FTAs. Specifically, a government facing a high enough probability of losing power will have an incentive to form a trading bloc to “tie the hands” of its successor. This incentive mitigates inefficiencies in the incumbent's decision to form FTAs, regardless of its bias toward special interests. An FTA can affect the likelihood of political turnover as well. Accounting for that effect, I show that an incumbent party with a known bias toward special interests could seek an FTA as a commitment device toward less distortionary policies, thereby enhancing its own electoral prospects. Overall, the analysis reveals the importance of considering the time horizon of policymakers when studying their decision to enter in FTAs.
Intergroup Contact Versus Competitive Threat: Does Immigration Change Immigration Votes? Evidence From Switzerland Using Objective Municipality‐Level Panel Data From 2010 to 2020
Authors: Mader Sebastian , Kuhn Sarah , Grossrieder Matthias
Published: December 2024

Objective

Gordon Allport's intergroup contact hypothesis and Herbert Blumer's competitive threat hypothesis have attracted a lot of attention in the social sciences and have influenced integration policies around the world. A valuable study within this field is of Brunner and Kuhn. Brunner and Kuhn investigated the causal effect of immigration on natives’ attitudes toward immigrants in Switzerland using objective municipality‐level panel data between 1970 and 2010 following an instrumental variable approach. In this article, we conceptually replicate and update the study of Brunner and Kuhn addressing two analytical limitations.

Methods

We use annual Swiss municipality‐level panel data on the culturally similar and culturally different immigrant share as well as the results of national votes on immigration policies from 2010 to 2020 applying fixed effects with individual slopes panel regression models.

Results and conclusion

Our analysis confirms the notion that cultural competitive threat may be at work for culturally different migrants in Switzerland. Additionally, intergroup contact seems to foster immigration‐friendly attitudes.