bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Pivotal Role of an Early Post‐Acute Cardiac Rehabilitation as an Evidence‐Based Management of Left Ventricular Assist Device Patients
Authors: Pistono Massimo , Giordano Andrea , Gnemmi Marco , Gambarin Fabiana Isabella , Granata Mario , Imparato Alessandro , Temporelli Pier Luigi , Mannucci Letizia , Prolo Silvia , Corrà Ugo
Published: January 2025

Background

Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) implantation is an important treatment option for patients with advanced CHF. Referral to an early, intensive cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program in these patients seems still underused. This observational descriptive study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of an early intensive CR program in LVAD recipients, also comparing results with a matched group of advanced HFrEF patients.

Methods

The study involved patients with LVAD implantation due to HFrEF who were admitted to our intensive post‐acute CR program from several surgery wards from 2009 to 2023. They underwent a twice‐a‐day individualized exercise program and physiotherapeutic treatment, according to clinical stability and functional assessment. The study exclusively focused on the in‐hospital rehabilitation period and documented cardiac and non‐cardiac complications, including the Hemocompatibility‐Related Adverse Events (HRAEs). The Barthel index (BI) was used to assess functional recovery from admission to discharge. Results in a subgroup of 210 LVAD patients matched on a 1:1 basis with an HFrEF population were also analyzed.

Results

One patient died during the inward rehabilitation period (respiratory failure). The majority (70.0%) of patients improved their disability (BI 67 ± 24 to 84 ± 23, p < 0.001). HRAEs occurred in 25 patients (9.1%). Compared to the HFrEF group, LVAD patients showed similar improvement in disability (p = 0.54).

Conclusions

The study suggests that an early intensive post‐acute CR program can significantly improve functional capacity and disability in LVAD patients, similar to HFrEF patients admitted to the same program. Our data support scientific recommendations suggesting participation of LVAD to a CR.
First insight into gemstones on historical ecclesiastical artefacts in Sicily (17th‐19th centuries): A non‐invasive survey
Authors: Fugazzotto Maura , Caggiani Maria Cristina , Spironello Marilisa Yolanda , Barone Germana , Mazzoleni Paolo
Published: January 2025

A wide production of ecclesiastical artefacts is traceable in Sicily between the 17th and 19th centuries, admirable in many diocesan museums. Nevertheless, these artefacts were never studied from an archaeometric point of view: Beyond their historical value, it is time to understand whether the information concerning the decorating gemstones is reliable. In situ investigations through portable instrumentations (Raman spectroscopy and portable X‐ray fluorescence) were performed on the gems decorating monstrances, a reliquary, and an archbishop's insignia, kept in two museums at Caltagirone (Sicily). The analyses in some cases confirmed the identification, whereas in others they contradicted the pre‐existing information.
Motivating tones to enhance education: The effects of vocal awareness on teachers' voices
Authors: Paulmann Silke , Weinstein Netta
Published: January 2025

Background

Effective classroom communication is key to shaping the learning environment and inspiring student engagement. And, it's not just what is said, but how it's said, that influences students. Yet, few (current or future) teachers receive education on vocal pedagogy.

Aims

This study examined the impact of raising vocal awareness in teachers on their voice production through delivering a voice training program.

Method

Specifically, we explored how primary school teacher trainees produced motivational (either soft, warm, and encouraging, or harsh, pressuring, and controlling) and neutral communications before and after the delivery of a voice education program that concentrated on raising voice awareness, vocal anatomy, exercise techniques (e.g. breath control, voice modulation), and voice care. Hypotheses: We hypothesised that trainees' voice production would change over the course of the program and lead to more ‘prototypical’ displays of motivational prosody (e.g. softly spoken encouraging intentions vs. harshly spoken controlling intentions).

Results

Results indicated a noticeable difference when communicating motivational intentions between pre‐ and post‐training voice samples: post training, trainees spoke more slowly and with reduced vocal effort irrespective of motivational intention, suggesting that raising vocal awareness can alter classroom communications.

Conclusion

The results underscore the importance of vocal awareness training to create a supportive and autonomy‐enhancing learning environment.
New evidence finds young people in Mainland China are now bicultural
Authors: Wang Yi‐meng , Wang Feng‐yan , Talhelm Thomas , Chen Yi‐qun
Published: January 2025

This study reports new evidence that young people in Mainland China are now bicultural. We followed the established method of testing biculturalism by priming participants with images from two different cultures and measuring whether those images activate different thought styles. First, we replicated findings from 25 years ago that college students in Hong Kong are bicultural (Study 1). Next, we found that priming Mainland Chinese college students with Chinese culture increased external attributions (which are more common in China), whereas priming American culture increased internal attributions (which are more common in the US; Study 2). Next, we tested a “negative control” group that we expected should not respond to bicultural primes. Older adults who were born before China's Reform and Opening policy in 1978 showed no evidence of biculturalism (Study 3). This new evidence extends biculturalism to Mainland China, and it provides a crucial negative control test for biculturalism research.
A Hybrid Lagrangian–Eulerian Formulation of Thin‐Shell Fracture
Authors: Fan L. , Chitalu F. M. , Komura T.
Published: January 2025

The hybrid Lagrangian/Eulerian formulation of continuum shells is highly effective for producing challenging simulations of thin materials like cloth with bending resistance and frictional contact. However, existing formulations are restricted to materials that do not undergo tearing nor fracture due to the difficulties associated with incorporating strong discontinuities of field quantities like velocity via basis enrichment while maintaining continuity or regularity. We propose an extension of this formulation to simulate dynamic tearing and fracturing of thin shells using Kirchhoff–Love continuum theory. Damage, which manifests as cracks or tears, is propagated by tracking the evolution of a time‐dependent phase‐field in the co‐dimensional manifold, where a moving least‐squares (MLS) approximation then captures the strong discontinuities of interpolated field quantities near the crack. Our approach is capable of simulating challenging scenarios of this tearing and fracture, all‐the‐while harnessing the existing benefits of the hybrid Lagrangian/Eulerian formulation to expand the domain of possible effects. The method is also amenable to user‐guided control, which serves to influence the propagation of cracks or tears such that they follow prescribed paths during simulation.
Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Unknown Primary—Who Can Be Offered Surgery as the Sole Treatment Modality? A Systematic Review
Authors: Takhar Arunjit , Wilkie Mark D. , Srinivasan Devraj , King Emma
Published: January 2025

Objective

Evaluate the role of surgery as the sole treatment modality for patients with cervical head and neck squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary (HNSCCUP).

Design

Systematic review of observational cohort studies with qualitative synthesis.

Setting

PubMed, Ovid EMBASE, and Cochrane Controlled register of Trials (CENTRAL) were screened from January 2000 up to October 2021.

Participants

Patients with HNSCCUP after completing diagnostic workup subsequently treated with single‐modality surgery.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcome was 3‐year overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes included disease‐free survival (DFS), primary emergence, regional recurrence, and distant metastasis.

Results

Fourteen eligible studies were identified, including 1780 patients, of whom 294 received surgery as their sole treatment (seven studies) with 3‐year OS ranging from 43.9% to 100%. 3‐year DFS was reported in four studies (n = 62) ranging from 42.8% to 67.0%. 5‐year OS and DFS were available in three studies (n = 31), ranging from 36.6% to 75.0%, and 43.6% to 67.0%, respectively. The rate of primary emergence ranged from 11.1% to 33.3% (seven studies, n = 157), regional relapse from 0.0% to 50.0% (five studies, n = 60) and distant metastasis from 0.0% to 3.3% (three studies, n = 45). Patients undergoing surgery as a sole treatment had predominantly p16/HPV positive N1 (TNM7) disease without ECS.

Conclusion

Outcomes for HNSCCUP patients undergoing surgery alone range widely in the literature but may be reasonable in a subset of patients with early‐stage p16/HPV positive disease. Data is lacking for p16/HPV negative disease where the potential primary site is more varied and primary emergence appears more common.
Generic Competencies in Dentistry: Students' and Teachers' Perceptions of Their Professional Relevance and Their Development in Undergraduate Studies at Universidad Diego Portales of Chile
Authors: Soto‐Araya Milena , Baños Josep E. , Pérez Jorge , Moyano Elisabeth
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Generic competencies are transferable skills, knowledge and attitudes essential for personal and professional development and not restricted to any particular field. Evidence shows the relevance of incorporating them into the dentistry curriculum. However, defining which competencies to prioritise is complex and requires input from the academic community. This research aimed to understand the perception of dentistry students and teachers at Universidad Diego Portales regarding the importance of generic competencies in the profession and their development during undergraduate studies.

Materials and Methods

74 teachers and 256 students participated, representing 55% of the study population. The Tuning Latin America project's generic competencies questionnaire was used, assessing 27 competencies in terms of relevance, ranking, and development.

Results

A positive perception regarding the importance of generic competencies was observed, with over 90% of participants considering them quite or highly relevant. When ranking, five skills stood out: three from the learning process, one from social values, and one from interpersonal skills. Regarding the development of such skills, both teachers and students expressed that many competencies were not well implemented; over 50% of participants considered 14 of the presented skills as poorly developed or not developed at all.

Discussion

Each programme must select generic competencies for their students' training, as this definition varies according to the consulted group and country.

Conclusions

Both teachers and students recognised the professional relevance of generic competencies in dentistry. Both groups perceived that many were not adequately developed in the curriculum.
Incidence of childhood and youth epilepsy: A population‐based prospective cohort study utilizing current International League Against Epilepsy classifications for seizures, syndromes, and etiologies
Authors: Vikin Truls , Lossius Morten I. , Brandlistuen Ragnhild E. , Chin Richard F. , Aaberg Kari M.
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study was undertaken to describe incidence and distribution of seizures, etiologies, and epilepsy syndromes in the general child and youth population, using the current International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) classifications.

Methods

The study platform is the Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). Epilepsy cases were identified through registry linkages facilitated by Norway's universal health care system and mandatory reporting to the Norwegian Patient Registry. A standardized protocol guided medical record review, leading to validation of diagnoses and classification of seizures, epilepsy types, syndromes, and etiologies based on the latest ILAE criteria.

Results

MoBa included 111 365 participants aged 12–21 years by the end of follow‐up on December 31, 2020. We identified 1053 children and youth with epilepsy (CYE). A defined epilepsy syndrome and/or identified etiology was found in 76% of CYE in this population‐based study. Seizure types exhibited variation by age at onset. Focal epilepsies were predominant, occurring in 61% of CYE, whereas generalized epilepsies were identified in 24% of CYE. Standard clinical assessment identified etiology in 30% of CYE and in 55% with onset age < 2 years. Structural and identified genetic etiologies constituted 21% and 10%, respectively. Including presumed genetic and rare etiologies, 53% exhibited known etiology. A defined ILAE epilepsy syndrome was found in 53% of CYE. The cumulative incidence per 1000 children of the following ILAE epilepsy syndrome groups were as follows: self‐limited epilepsies, 2.25; idiopathic generalized epilepsies, 1.75; and developmental and/or epileptic encephalopathies, 2.62.

Significance

Using the new ILAE classifications, this population‐based childhood study provides incidences of seizures, epilepsies, and epilepsy syndromes. Half of epilepsy cases are classified as an ILAE epilepsy syndrome with its prognostic and therapeutic implications, but a substantial proportion of cases still have unknown etiology.
Atp1a2 and Kcnj9 Are Candidate Genes Underlying Sensitivity to Oxycodone‐Induced Locomotor Activation and Withdrawal‐Induced Anxiety‐Like Behaviors in C57BL/6 Substrains
Authors: Goldberg Lisa R. , Baskin Britahny M. , Beierle Jacob A. , Adla Yahia , Kelliher Julia C. , Yao Emily J. , Kirkpatrick Stacey L. , Reed Eric R. , Jenkins David F. , Cox Jiayi , Luong Alexander M. , Luttik Kimberly P. , Scotellaro Julia A. , Drescher Timothy A. , Crotts Sydney B. , Yazdani Neema , Ferris Martin T. , Johnson W. Evan , Mulligan Megan K. , Bryant Camron D.
Published: January 2025

Opioid use disorder is heritable, yet its genetic etiology is largely unknown. C57BL/6J and C57BL/6NJ mouse substrains exhibit phenotypic diversity in the context of limited genetic diversity which together can facilitate genetic discovery. Here, we found C57BL/6NJ mice were less sensitive to oxycodone (OXY)‐induced locomotor activation versus C57BL/6J mice in a conditioned place preference paradigm. Narrow‐sense heritability of OXY‐induced locomotor activity traits ranged from 0.22 to 0.31, implicating suitability for genetic analysis. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping in an F2 cross identified a chromosome 1 QTL explaining 7%–12% of the variance in OXY locomotion and anxiety‐like withdrawal in the elevated plus maze. A second QTL for EPM withdrawal behavior on chromosome 5 near Gabra2 (alpha‐2 subunit of GABA‐A receptor) explained 9% of the variance. To narrow the chromosome 1 locus, we generated recombinant lines spanning 163–181 Mb, captured the QTL for OXY locomotor traits and withdrawal, and fine‐mapped a 2.45‐Mb region (170.16–172.61 Mb). Transcriptome analysis identified five, localized striatal cis‐eQTL transcripts and two were confirmed at the protein level (KCNJ9, ATP1A2). Kcnj9 codes for a potassium channel (GIRK3) that is a major effector of mu opioid receptor signaling. Atp1a2 codes for a subunit of a Na+/K+ ATPase enzyme that regulates neuronal excitability and shows functional adaptations following chronic opioid administration. To summarize, we identified two candidate genes underlying the physiological and behavioral properties of opioids, with direct preclinical relevance to investigators employing these widely used substrains and clinical relevance to human genetic studies of opioid use disorder.
Postoperative circulating tumor cells predict the benefits of tyrosine kinase inhibitor for hepatocellular carcinoma after transplantation
Authors: Guo De‐Zhen , Zhang Shi‐Yu , Yang Man , Xu Yang , Wang Peng‐Xiang , Guo Wei , Huang Xiao‐Wu , Fan Jia , Zhou Jian , Yang Xin‐Rong , Cheng Jian‐Wen
Published: January 2025

Aim

Circulating tumor cells (CTC) have shown promise in predicting the outcomes of adjuvant treatments for several malignancies. The clinical significance of CTC in predicting the efficacy of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) administration in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was unclear.

Methods

A total of 429 patients who underwent liver transplantation for HCC had provided 335 preoperative and 373 postoperative blood samples that could be used for CTC detection (pre‐CTC and post‐CTC). The association of the pre‐CTC and post‐CTC findings with the efficacy of TKI administration was assessed. Additionally, CTC surveillance was performed in 27 patients during TKI administration.

Results

Patients with detectable post‐CTC, instead of pre‐CTC, showed a significantly longer time to recurrence when receiving a TKI after liver transplantation for HCC (hazard ratio 0.57; P = 0.042). Whereas patients without detectable post‐CTC did not benefit from the TKI administration (P = 0.270). Furthermore, we also found that patients who persistently harbored CTC during TKI administration showed significantly higher early recurrence rates (≤1 year; 40% vs. 5.9%, P < 0.001) and a shorter time to recurrence (HR 7.03; P < 0.001) than those whose CTC status switched from positive to negative. In addition, longitudinal CTC monitoring demonstrated that CTC tended to reflect drug resistance during TKI administration.

Conclusions

The postoperative CTC level could predict the efficacy of TKI treatment for HCC patients after liver transplantation. Dynamic monitoring for CTC during treatment could sensitively reflect the response to the TKI, the development of drug resistance, and foresee tumor recurrence.
Morphological differences between wild and game‐farm Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) in North America
Authors: Halligan Susannah L. , Schummer Michael L. , Fournier Auriel M. V. , Lavretsky Philip , Davis J. Brian , Downs Cynthia J. , Musni Vergie
Published: January 2025

Large‐scale releases of domesticated, game‐farm Mallards Anas platyrhynchos to supplement wild populations have resulted in widespread introgressive hybridization that changed the genetic constitution of wild populations in eastern North America. The resulting gene flow is well documented between game‐farm and wild Mallards, but the mechanistic consequences from such interactions remain unknown in North America. We provide the first study to characterize and investigate potential differences in morphology between genetically known, wild and game‐farm Mallards in North America. We used nine morphological measurements to discriminate between wild and game‐farm Mallards with 96% accuracy. Compared with their wild counterparts, game‐farm Mallards had longer bodies and tarsi, shorter heads and wings, and shorter, wider and taller bills. The nail on the end of the bill of game‐farm Mallards was longer, and game‐farm Mallard bills had a greater lamellae:bill length ratio than wild Mallards. Differences in body morphologies between wild and game‐farm Mallards are consistent with an artificial, terrestrial life whereby game‐farm Mallards are fed pelleted foods, resulting in artificial selection for a more ‘goose‐like’ bill. We posit that: (1) game‐farm Mallards have diverged from their wild ancestral traits of flying and filter feeding towards becoming optimized to run and peck for food; (2) game‐farm morphological traits optimized over the last 400 years in domestic environments are likely to be maladaptive in the wild; and (3) the introgression of such traits into wild populations is likely to reduce fitness. Understanding the effects of game‐farm Mallard introgression requires analysis of various game‐farm × wild hybrid generations to determine how domestically derived traits persist or diminish with each generation.
Impact of distance from liver transplant centre on outcomes following liver transplantation: an Australian single‐centre study
Authors: Chin Simone , Kench Charlotte , Cao Rena , Lee Christina , Waller Karen , Virtue Susan , West Claire , Valliani Talal , Bowen David G. , Jacob Rachael , Gill Madeleine , Pulitano Carlo , Crawford Michael , Strasser Simone I. , McCaughan Geoffrey W. , Liu Ken
Published: January 2025

Background

Access to liver transplantation (LT) is affected by geographic disparities. Higher waitlist mortality is observed in patients residing farther from LT centres, but the impact of distance on post‐LT outcomes is unclear.

Aims

To evaluate whether the distance LT recipients reside from their LT centre affects graft and patient outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively studied consecutive adult patients who received deceased donor LT at a statewide LT referral centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH), 2006–2021. The primary outcome was overall patient survival.

Results

A total of 973 patients who underwent LT during the study period were analysed. The median distance from patient residence to RPAH was 44.9 km (interquartile range 21.9–168.0). Of these, 64.2% lived ≤100 km from RPAH. Compared to patients living ≤100 km from RPAH, those living >100 km away were less likely to be male, have chronic hepatitis B as their cause of liver disease or have hepatocellular carcinoma as their primary indication for LT. Living >100 km from RPAH was associated with fewer face‐to‐face clinic visits in the first year after LT (10 vs 11 visits, P < 0.001) and fewer readmissions to RPAH (32.4% vs 67.6%, P < 0.001). Distance from RPAH, regional code and socioeconomic code did not affect long‐term graft or patient survival based on Kaplan–Meier survival analysis (log‐rank P > 0.1).

Conclusion

In our single‐centre Australian study, patients living farther from their LT centre had different demographics. Distance from the LT centre was not associated with long‐term inferior graft or patient survival after LT.
Proposal and exploration of a novel score to quantify patient‐perceived burden of inflammatory bowel disease under routine care
Authors: Pipicella Joseph L. , Gu Bonita , McNamara Jack , Wilson William , Palmer Lyle J. , Connor Susan J. , Andrews Jane M.
Published: January 2025

Background

The burden of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is often reported on from a system or cost viewpoint. We created and explored a novel patient‐perceived burden of disease (PPBoD) score in a large Australasian cohort.

Aim

To create and explore a novel patient‐perceived burden of disease (PPBoD) score in a large Australasian cohort, and correlate PPBoD scores with demographics, disease and treatment factors.

Methods

The Crohn Colitis Care Registry was interrogated in October 2023. Data from adults with IBD with an outpatient care encounter in the last 14 months among 17 centres were included. A novel PPBoD score was designed for ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn disease (CD) and IBD‐unclassified (IBDU). Correlations between PPBoD scores and demographics, disease and treatment factors were examined.

Results

Of those with adequate data, 46.7% (2653/5685) had no PPBoD, 34.6% (1969/5685) had mild, 11.3% (641/5685) had moderate and 7.4% (422/5685) had significant PPBoD. New Zealanders were more likely to have higher PPBoD compared to Australians (P = 0.047). Greater PPBoD was seen in patients with CD and IBDU compared to patients with UC (P < 0.001) and females were more likely to have significant PPBoD (8.7%) than males (6.1%) (P < 0.001). People with no or mild PPBoD were more likely to be on advanced therapies (55.7% and 59.5% respectively) than those with significant PPBoD (46.3%) (P < 0.001). The proportion of people on advanced therapies in Australia was higher than in New Zealand (61.2% vs 38.5% respectively, P < 0.001). Steroid usage was significantly higher in people with greater PPBoD (significant BoD 7.1% vs no BoD 1.1%; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Most of this real‐world care cohort had no or mild PPBoD. Data suggest that higher PPBoD levels may be resolved by appropriate therapeutic escalations.
The Prevalence and Predictors of Atrioventricular Blocks in Syrian Patients Reporting to the Emergency Department During the Ongoing Conflict: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Antoun Ibrahim , Alkhayer Alkassem , Eldin Aref Jalal , Alkhayer Alamer , Yazji Khaled , Somani Riyaz , André Ng G. , Zakkar Mustafa
Published: January 2025

Background

Atrioventricular block (AVB) is a cardiac conduction disorder that can lead to significant clinical outcomes, particularly in resource‐limited and conflict‐affected regions. In Syria, healthcare infrastructure has been severely impacted by ongoing conflict, potentially affecting the prevalence and management of AVB.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study at Tishreen University Hospital in Latakia, Syria, with patients > 40 who presented to the emergency department (ED) from June 1 to August 1, 2024. Routine 12‐lead ECGs were performed, with AVB diagnoses confirmed by two independent cardiology consultants. Exclusion criteria included pre‐existing AVB, pacemaker presence, hemodynamic instability, and ECG diagnostic discrepancies. Patient demographics and comorbidities were assessed, and logistic regression analyses identified predictors of AVB.

Results

The final analysis included 692 patients, of which AVB was detected in 7% of the cohort. Patients with AVB were significantly older (median age 76 vs. 54 years, p < 0.001) and had higher rates of ischemic heart disease (IHD) (62% vs. 14%, p < 0.001) and diabetes (56% vs. 21%, p = 0.01). Logistic regression showed older age (odds ratio [OR]: 2.8, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6−5.6, p < 0.001), IHD (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.4−4.5, p < 0.001), and DM (OR: 3.9, 95% CI: 2.9−8.3, p < 0.001) were independently associated with AVB.

Conclusion

AVB prevalence in the Syrian ED setting is high, with age, IHD, and diabetes as significant predictors. Routine ECG screening in EDs may facilitate early AVB detection in at‐risk populations, especially in conflict‐affected regions with limited healthcare resources. This approach could improve outcomes by enabling timely intervention in high‐risk patients.
Physical and neurophysiological maturation associated with ADHD among previously institutionalized children: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Arnett Anne B. , Antúnez Martín , Zeanah Charles , Fox Nathan A. , Nelson Charles A.
Published: January 2025

Background

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental outcome among children with a history of early institutional care. Prior research on institutionalized children suggested that accelerated physical growth in childhood is a risk factor for ADHD outcomes.

Methods

The current study examined physical and neurophysiological growth trajectories among institutionalized children randomized to foster care treatment (n = 59) or care as usual (n = 54), and never institutionalized children (n = 64) enrolled in the Bucharest Early Intervention Project (NCT00747396, clinicaltrials.gov). Participants completed physical and electroencephalography (EEG) assessments at six time points from infancy through adolescence, as well as structured diagnostic interviews at the 54‐month and 12‐year time points. A series of multilevel growth models and cross‐lagged path models were estimated to examine associations among physical and neurophysiological maturation, treatment group, age of foster care placement, and ADHD diagnostic outcomes.

Results

Twenty‐seven percent of the institutionalized children met research criteria for ADHD at one or both time points. Slowed, prolonged growth of height and head circumference were associated with both ADHD and delayed foster care placement. Placement in foster care versus care as usual, but not ADHD, was associated with maturation of the peak alpha frequency. Among children randomized to foster care, average theta‐beta ratio was lower among those with ADHD. There was no evidence that rapid physical maturation led to atypical cortical activity.

Conclusions

Delayed, prolonged physical growth and atypical neurophysiology from infancy through adolescence is associated with ADHD among institutionalized children, over and above the protective effects of foster care.
Growth modeling of the European grayling (Thymallus thymallus L.) in a large alpine river based on age‐at‐length, mark‐recapture, and length‐frequency data
Authors: Droll Jan , Nagel Christoffer , Pander Joachim , Ebert Sophie , Geist Juergen
Published: January 2025

Animal growth is a fundamental component of population dynamics, which is closely tied to mortality, fecundity, and maturation. As a result, estimating growth often serves as the basis of population assessments. In fish, analysing growth typically involves fitting a growth model to age‐at‐length data derived from counting growth rings in calcified structures. Additionally, fish growth can be estimated using length‐frequency data or data on changes in length derived from mark‐recapture events. In our study of the European grayling (Thymallus thymallus L.) in the alpine region of Germany, we utilized all three types of datasets to develop the initial growth model. For the age‐at‐length data from scales, we applied the traditional von Bertalanffy growth function using both a Bayesian and a frequentist approach. Furthermore, we adopted the mark‐recapture data along with the Fabens model for reparametrizing the von Bertalanffy growth model. The electronic length‐frequency analysis (ELEFAN) was employed to examine the length‐frequency data of the grayling, encompassing multiple sampling events from 2013 to 2022. Our findings indicated that the mark‐recapture data, in conjunction with the Fabens model, yielded the most plausible values for both statistical approaches. When the von Bertalanffy growth function was used, the frequentist approach generated unreasonably high values, whereas the Bayesian version produced meaningful results when appropriate priors were applied, suggesting potential issues with the age‐at‐length data related to ageing. The ELEFAN approach produced the smallest yet reasonable growth parameters, contradicting other studies on the European grayling. The lower values may be attributed to the lack of larger fish in most of the sampling events, resulting in a relatively low asymptotic length and slow growth rate. As demonstrated in this case study on grayling from the River Inn, the use of growth characteristics may be a currently underestimated yet very useful indicator of target species assessment that can nicely complement other population health indicators.
Lynch Syndrome: Similarities and Differences of Recommendations in Published Guidelines
Authors: Abu‐Freha Naim , Hozaeel Wael , Weissmann Sarah , Lerner Zlata , Ben‐Shoshan Liza , Ganayem Roba , Katz Lior H.
Published: January 2025

Background

In this review, we aimed to compare the recommendations for Lynch syndrome (LS).

Methods

We compared the LS's guidelines of different medical societies, including recommendations for cancer surveillance, aspirin treatment, and universal screening.

Results

Most guidelines for LS patients recommend intervals of 1–2 years for performing colonoscopy, though there is disagreement regarding the age to begin CRC screening (dependent on status as a MLH1/MSH2 or MSH6/PMS2 carrier). There are inconsistencies between LS guidelines for gastric cancer surveillance. Most guidelines do not recommend routine surveillance of the pancreas and small bowel. Most but not all of the guidelines support endometrial and ovarian surveillance with transvaginal ultrasound and endometrial biopsy. Only two societies recommend urological surveillance, while others recommend surveillance among high‐risk carriers with family history only. There is significant disagreement between the guidelines about the recommendation for limited or extended bowel resection among patients with CRC. Aspirin use is recommended by most societies, though some with reservations, and most of them recommend universal screening.

Conclusions

There are significant disparities and disagreements in the guidelines and recommendations for patients with LS, causing confusion and difficulties for clinicians. Harmonization and cooperation are needed between the societies creating LS guidelines.
Cryo‐SEM and large volume FIB‐SEM of Arabidopsis cotyledons: Degradation of lipid bodies, biogenesis of glyoxysomes and reorganisation of organelles during germination
Authors: Wanner Gerhard , Schroeder‐Reiter Elizabeth , Assaad Farhah F.
Published: January 2025

Until recently, the lack of three‐dimensional visualisation of whole cells at the electron microscopic (EM) level has led to a significant gap in our understanding of the interaction of cellular organelles and their interconnection. This is particularly true with regard to the role of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In this study, we perform three‐dimensional reconstructions of serial FIB/SEM stacks and anaglyphs derived from volume rendering, cryo‐scanning electron microscopy (cryo‐SEM) and state‐of‐the‐art electron microscopy immobilisation and imaging techniques. The results show that glyoxysomes are formed de novo in large numbers and in characteristic clusters on the ER upon germination in mesophyll cells of Arabidopsis cotyledons. The degradation of lipid bodies during germination occurs not only via the ER, which enlarges by taking up polar lipids resulting from enzymatic degradation by lipases, but also via glyoxysomes, which engulf lipid bodies. Dictyosomal (Golgi‐derived) vesicles, which fuse with glyoxysomes or their precursors, also appear to be involved in the differentiation of glyoxysomes from segments of the ER. The formation of the central vacuole is the result of the fusion of protein storage vacuoles (protein bodies), which become complex three‐dimensional structures during germination. Our observations also suggest that the vacuole plays a role in the degradation of glyoxysomes. The evidence provided in three dimensions shows that the endoplasmic reticulum plays a central role in the biogenesis and degradation of lipid bodies, the ontogeny of glyoxysomes and the development of plastids in the mesophyll cells of Arabidopsis cotyledons.
The Uptake of the Influenza Vaccine in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Greenslade Sarah , Tai Andrew
Published: January 2025

Background

Children with cystic fibrosis are more likely to become severely unwell with influenza‐associated illness compared to children without chronic lung disease. The provision of accessible influenza vaccinations is essential in the prevention of infection.

Objectives

To describe the prevalence of the influenza vaccine uptake in children with cystic fibrosis from 2016 to 2020 at a single tertiary paediatric hospital site and determine if the COVID pandemic of 2020 and the introduction of telehealth encounters affected the vaccine uptake.

Methods

A retrospective study of children with cystic fibrosis aged 6 months to 18 years who reside in South Australia was performed using the Women's and Children's Hospital (WCH) Respiratory Department cystic fibrosis database from 2016 to 2020. The Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) was used to determine vaccination status during this period.

Results

One hundred and eighty two children with cystic fibrosis were identified, one hundred and seventy two of whom vaccination records were available on the Australian Immunisation Register. Proportion of eligible patients who were vaccinated ranged from 66% to 88% in the years 2016–2019. There was no significant decrease in uptake during the COVID‐19 pandemic in 2020 (75%). Despite the introduction of Telehealth reviews in 2020 majority (66%) of patients continued to have exclusive face‐to‐face appointments, of which 73% received the vaccination. Vaccination coverage of those who received combination of Telehealth and face‐to‐face was 81%.

Conclusion

The high influenza vaccination rate of South Australian children with cystic fibrosis is consistent with rates seen in other tertiary centres globally. This study demonstrated that the pandemic and introduction of Telehealth appointments did not have any impact in the uptake of the influenza vaccination in our South Australian population.
Conversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass Into Valuable Feed for Ruminants Using White Rot Fungi
Authors: Zheng Chen , Cone John W. , van Peer Arend , Baars Johan J. P. , Hendriks Wouter H.
Published: January 2025

White rot fungi can degrade lignin and improve the nutritional value of highly lignified biomass for ruminants. We screened for excellent fungi‐biomass combinations by investigating the improvement of digestibility of wheat straw, barley straw, oat straw, rapeseed straw, miscanthus, new reed, spent reed from thatched roofs, and cocoa shells after colonisation by Ceriporiopsis subvermispora (CS), Lentinula edodes (LE), and Pleurotus eryngii (PE) (indicated by increased in vitro gas production [IVGP]). First, growth was evaluated for three fungi on all types of biomass, over a period of 17 days in race tubes. CS grew faster than LE and PE on all types of biomass. LE did not grow on cocoa shells, while growth rate of CS and PE on cocoa shells was lower compared to other types of biomass. After this first screening, all types of biomass, excluding the cocoa shells, were colonised by the three fungal strains for 8 weeks. Treatment with CS and LE improved IVGP more than treatment with PE. Methane production was reduced in six combinations of biomass with CS, four with LE, and three with PE. Six types of biomass were selected for treatment with CS and four were selected for treatment with CS and LE, to determine the net improvement of nutritional value (increased IVGP corrected for dry matter loss) after 2, 4, 6, 7 and 8 weeks of treatment. The highest net improvement was found for CS and LE treated rapeseed straw (86% and 20%, respectively) and spent reed (80% and 43%, respectively). All treatments decreased dry matter, lignin and hemicellulose, the latter two both in absolute amount and content. In conclusion, net improvement of highly lignified biomasses by CS was greater than LE, with the nutritional value of rapeseed straw and spent reed being significantly improved by both fungi.
Exploring the Mediating Role of Social Exchange Orientation in the Relationship Between Mentoring Experiences and Mentoring Intentions: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Kakyo Tracy Alexis , Xiao Lily Dongxia , Chamberlain Diane
Published: January 2025

The study utilized a cross‐sectional design to determine the relationship between positive and negative mentoring experiences and intentions to engage in future formal mentoring and the mediating role of aspects of social exchange theory particularly Negotiated Exchange Orientation and Perceived Organization Support. The study was conducted among 303 nurses and midwives working in acute care hospitals in Uganda. The results showed that, in the negative mentoring model, Perceived Organization Support fully mediated the relationship between lack of mentor expertise and willingness to participate in formal mentoring programs (B = −0.201, 95% CI [−0.399, −0.056]). In the positive mentoring model, indirect effects were observed for the relationship between Individual Influence variable and willingness to participate in formal mentoring programs mediated by Perceived Organization Support (B = 0.131, 95% CI [0.011, 0.283]). Furthermore, indirect effects were observed between the Relational Quality variable and willingness to participate in formal mentoring programs mediated by Negotiated Exchange Orientation (B = 0.081, 95% CI [0.008, 0.183]). Therefore, the social exchange theory can explain the relationship between past mentoring experiences and future intentions to engage in mentoring activities.
Observation of the Clinical Efficacy of Self‐Modified Skin‐Stretching Device in the Treatment of Soft‐Tissue Defects of the Heel: A Retrospective Single‐Arm Cohort Study
Authors: Liu Shibo , Wang Yong , Peng Aqin , Zhang Yanlong
Published: January 2025

Objective

Due to the poor skin mobility of the heel, there are few reports on the efficacy and safety of skin‐stretching devices in the treatment of soft‐tissue defects of the heel. Redesigning the claws of the stretching devices may be one of the solutions to the problem. This study was designed to investigate the clinical effect of self‐modified skin‐stretching device in the treatment of soft‐tissue defects in the heel.

Methods

From December 2017 to March 2022, 23 patients with heel soft‐tissue defects were enrolled. There were 15 males and 8 females, with a mean age of 50 years (range, 28–73 years). Defect size, time of wound closure, duration of stretching time, and complications were documented. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle‐Hindfoot score was used to evaluate functional outcomes, and pain was assessed by the visual analog scale (VAS) at the last follow‐up. Statistical analysis was performed using t‐tests and Mann–Whitney U test.

Results

The mean follow‐up time was 14.2 months. Primary wound closure was performed in 6 patients and delayed wound closure in 17 patients. The average time of wound closure was 14.3 days, and the average duration of stretching time was 23.5 days. Complications were observed in 9 patients. Finally, all wounds were healed. At the last follow‐up, the average AOFAS score was 86.7, with 9 excellent, 13 good, and 1 fair results. The mean VAS score was 2.6.

Conclusions

Self‐modified skin‐stretching device is another option for treating heel soft‐tissue defects. The technique can achieve good appearance and function with a low price and easy to install.
Identifying Distinct Developmental Patterns of Brain Complexity in Autism: A Cross‐Sectional Cohort Analysis Using the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange
Authors: Chi I‐Jou , Tsai Shih‐Jen , Chen Chun‐Houh , Yang Albert C.
Published: January 2025

Aim

Autistic traits exhibit neurodiversity with varying behaviors across developmental stages. Brain complexity theory, illustrating the dynamics of neural activity, may elucidate the evolution of autistic traits over time. Our study explored the patterns of brain complexity in autistic individuals from childhood to adulthood.

Methods

We analyzed functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 1087 autistic participants and neurotypical controls aged 6 to 30 years within the ABIDE I (Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange) data set. Sample entropy was calculated to measure brain complexity among 90 brain regions, utilizing an automated anatomical labeling template for voxel parcellation. Participants were grouped using sliding age windows with partial overlaps. We assessed the average brain complexity of the entire brain and brain regions for both groups across age categories. Cluster analysis was conducted using generalized association plots to identify brain regions with similar developmental complexity trajectories. Finally, the relationship between brain region complexity and autistic traits was examined.

Results

Autistic individuals may tend toward higher whole‐brain complexity during adolescence and lower complexity during childhood and adulthood, indicating possible distinct developmental trajectories. However, these results do not remain after Bonferroni correction. Two clusters of brain regions were identified, each with unique patterns of complexity changes over time. Correlations between brain region complexity, age, and autistic traits were also identified.

Conclusion

The study revealed brain complexity trajectories in autistic individuals, providing insight into the neurodiversity of autism and suggesting that age‐related changes in brain complexity could be a potential neurodevelopmental marker for the dynamic nature of autism.
Overwintering features of Drosophila parasitoids (Hymenoptera) in a temperate region of Japan
Authors: Nomano Fumiaki Y. , Kimura Masahito T.
Published: January 2025

Overwintering features of Drosophila parasitoids were studied in a temperate region of Japan, in an outdoor rearing experiment conducted from autumn to spring. Eight taxa, Asobara japonica, A. leveri, A. brevicauda, Leptolamina sp. TK1, Leptopilina tsushimaensis, Leptopilina japonica japonica, Ganaspis lupini and Trichopria drosophilae, were collected in this study. Among them, the first five emerged in spring, suggesting that they overwintered in diapause at the preimaginal stage. In the three Asobara species, however, a number of individuals emerged as adults in autumn and all of them died by mid‐winter. We assessed whether the most abundant A. japonica emerging in autumn can leave offspring that survive the winter based on estimates of the lower developmental threshold and effective temperature for larval development, as well as local temperature conditions. The results suggest that the eggs laid after mid‐October may not survive the winter and that the emergence of A. japonica after mid‐October may not be adaptive. While it has been reported that Leptopilina japonica japonica also enters prepupal diapause, only one individual was collected, and therefore its overwintering features are not apparent in this study. As for the remaining species G. lupini and T. drosophilae, the outdoor rearing and experiment using laboratory strains suggest that they have limited overwintering capacity: the winter survivorship of adults was 14.3% and 4.1%, respectively; no G. lupini and only one individual of T. drosophilae emerged in spring; and both did not enter diapause at the preimaginal stage under short daylength in laboratory.
Drivers of fungal succession during leaf litter decomposition in restored and secondary forests in tropical Andean forest
Authors: Rivera Alexa , Ospina‐Bautista Fabiola , Estévez Jaime , Posada Raúl , Toro Daniel
Published: January 2025

Assessing the diversity of organisms related to ecosystem, processes such as litter decomposition, and the factors influencing such diversity are useful indicators of the success of initiatives undertaken to restore ecosystems to a stable, functional state or their initial conditions. In this study, we evaluated the succession of decomposing fungal communities and their drivers at active restoration and native regeneration in a tropical Andean forest. We designed a litter decomposition experiment in which we manipulated the leaf litter quality using two plant species, Alnus acuminata (Betulaceae) and Hedyosmum bonplandianum (Chloranthaceae), which differ in the C:N ratio, and the soil fauna using two mesh sizes. Our results showed that the fungal communities were dominated by the phylum Ascomycota. Additionally, forest recovery strategies affected the fungal succession during the litter decomposition, with higher fungal richness and density recorded under active restorations. Further, the effect of litter quality and soil fauna on fungal community differed according to forest recovery strategies. The density of mycelial fungi propagules was only affected by soil fauna under active restoration. Species turnover was the main cause for the beta diversity of the fungal species under both forest recovery strategies. Our findings provide information on how the forest recovery strategies determine the richness, density, and composition of fungi associated with litter decomposition and how they mediate the effects of litter quality and soil fauna on the fungal community involved in the decomposition process.