bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between participation in social network service groups and offline social networks
Authors: Suda Takumi , Murayama Hiroshi , Sugawara Ikuko
Published: February 2024

Aim

Although some previous studies have suggested using a social networking service (SNS) to create and maintain offline social networks among younger generations, whether similar outcomes would apply to middle‐aged and older individuals is uncertain. This study aimed to examine the association between participation in groups via SNS and greater offline social networks among middle‐aged and older individuals.

Methods

We conducted a web‐based questionnaire survey on 3106 respondents from September to October 2021 among members of “the Shumi‐to Club,” an SNS in Japan. They indicated the number of SNS groups they belonged to and were classified into two categories, namely, those with and without participation in SNS groups. The current study assessed offline social networks using the total frequency of face‐to‐face interactions with distant family members and friends. Ordinal logistic regression analyses were performed, and the frequency of offline interactions was set as the outcome with adjustment for sociodemographic variables and self‐rated health.

Results

Approximately 70.8% (n = 2200) of the participants belonged to SNS groups. Participation in SNS groups was associated with higher frequencies of face‐to‐face interaction with friends (odds ratio [95% confidential intervals]: 1.78 [1.53–2.07]). However, the current study found no association between belonging to a group and face‐to‐face interaction with distant family members (1.09 [0.93–1.26]).

Conclusions

The participation in SNS groups potentially promotes offline social networks, particularly with friends. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 279–284.
The anti‐inflammatory effect of metformin: The molecular targets
Authors: Sakata Natsumi
Published: February 2024

Metformin is an anti‐diabetic drug. Metformin mainly inhibits gluconeogenesis in the liver and reduces blood sugar. In addition to the anti‐diabetic effects, many studies have revealed that metformin has anti‐inflammatory effects. Various molecules were suggested to be the target of the metformin's anti‐inflammatory effects. However, the conclusion is not clear. Metformin is related to a number of molecules and the identification of the main target in anti‐inflammatory effects leads to the understanding of inflammation and metformin. In this article, I discuss each suggested molecule, involved mechanisms, and their relationship with various diseases.
Evaluation of Passive Vapor Diffusion Samplers to Quantify Acetylene, Ethene, and Ethane in Groundwater
Authors: Wang Hao , Yu Rong , Adamson David T. , Iery Ramona , Freedman David L.
Published: February 2024

Acetylene, ethene, and ethane are products from the degradation of trichloroethene (TCE) in contaminated aquifers. However, the volatility of these gases makes it challenging to avoid excessive losses during sampling. The objective of this study was to compare the quantification of acetylene, ethene, and ethane using passive vapor diffusion (PVD) samplers vs. conventional low‐flow groundwater collection. Samples were obtained from 8 to 13 monitoring wells at three sites that show potential for biotic and abiotic degradation of TCE in fractured rock aquifers. Method reporting limits (MRLs) for the PVD samplers were 0.25 μg/L for acetylene (0.0094 μM) and 0.28 μg/L for ethene and ethane (0.0099 and 0.0092 μM, respectively); the MRLs for conventional low‐flow groundwater samples were ~40% higher. For two of the sites, the maximum concentrations of acetylene, ethene, and ethane obtained with the PVD samplers were comparable to the conventional low‐flow samples. The frequency of detection for these gases with the PVD samplers was also comparable to conventional low‐flow groundwater sampling. For one of the sites with higher levels of acetylene (maximum of 13 μg/L), the concentrations from the PVD samplers were approximately twofold higher than those with conventional low‐flow groundwater sampling. Based on robust detection of acetylene, ethene, and/or ethane, it appears likely that degradation of TCE is occurring at the three sites that were sampled. The use of PVD samplers can reduce the possibility of false negative results to provide another line of evidence in support of natural attenuation.
Recombinant porcine factor VIII in patients with congenital haemophilia A with inhibitors undergoing surgery: Phase 3, single‐arm, open‐label study
Authors: Pfrepper Christian , Radossi Paolo , Windyga Jerzy , Kavakli Kaan , Schutgens Roger , Sarper Nazan , Gu Joan , Badejo Kayode , Jain Nisha
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Recombinant porcine factor VIII (rpFVIII; susoctocog alfa) is predicted to provide functional FVIII activity in patients with congenital haemophilia A with inhibitors (CHAWI).

Aims

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of rpFVIII in patients with CHAWI undergoing invasive procedures.

Methods

This phase 3, multicentre, single‐arm, open‐label study (NCT02895945) enrolled males aged 12–75 years with severe/moderately severe CHAWI who required surgical/invasive procedures. Patients received a loading dose of rpFVIII 1–2 h before surgery. The primary outcome was the proportion of all procedures with a ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ response (treatment success) on the global haemostatic efficacy assessment score.

Results

Of the eight dosed patients, five completed the study. Six of seven surgeries (85.7%; 95% confidence interval, 42.1–99.6) achieved treatment success; five were rated ‘excellent’, one was rated ‘good’. Seven surgery‐related bleeding episodes occurred in three patients during the study, with none requiring additional surgical intervention. Overall, six of eight patients experienced 17 treatment‐emergent adverse events. Three patients developed de novo inhibitors to rpFVIII. Five patients reported anamnestic reactions, three to both human (h) FVIII (i.e., alloantibodies to exogenous FVIII detected with anti‐hFVIII assays) and rpFVIII, and two to hFVIII only. Four serious adverse events were considered related to rpFVIII (three anti‐rpFVIII antibody positive; one anamnestic reaction to hFVIII and rpFVIII).

Conclusion

Good haemostasis was achieved with rpFVIII during the immediate perioperative period. The study was terminated early because the study sponsor and health authorities determined that the risk of anamnestic reactions outweighs the benefits in this study population.
Habitual caffeinated beverage consumption and headaches among adults with episodic migraine: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Mittleman Maggie R. , Mostofsky Elizabeth , Vgontzas Angeliki , Bertisch Suzanne M.
Published: February 2024

Objective

To examine the relationship between habitual caffeinated beverage consumption and headache frequency, duration, and intensity in a prospective cohort of adults with episodic migraine.

Background

Caffeine is a commonly ascribed headache trigger in adults with migraine and clinicians may counsel patients to avoid caffeinated beverages; however, few studies have examined this association.

Methods

From March 2016 to August 2017, 101 adults with physician‐confirmed episodic migraine completed baseline questionnaires, including information about caffeinated beverage consumption. For 6 weeks, they reported headache onset, duration, and pain intensity (scale 0–100) on twice‐daily electronic diaries. Ninety‐seven participants completed data collection. We examined associations between self‐reported habitual caffeinated beverage consumption at baseline and headache outcomes prospectively captured over the following 6 weeks, adjusting for age, sex, and oral contraceptive use.

Results

The adjusted mean headache days per month was similar among the 20 participants reporting no habitual intake (7.1 days, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.1–9.2), the 65 participants reporting 1–2 servings/day (7.4 days, 95% CI 6.1–8.7), and the 12 participants reporting 3–4 servings/day (5.9 days, 95% CI 3.3–8.4). Similarly, mean headache duration (no servings/day: 8.6 h, 95% CI 3.8–13.3; 1–2 servings/day: 8.5 h, 95% CI 5.5–11.5; 3–4 servings/day: 8.8 h, 95% CI 2.3–14.9) and intensity (no servings/day: 43.8, 95% CI 37.0–50.5; 1–2 servings/day: 43.1, 95% CI 38.9–47.4; 3–4 servings/day: 46.5, 95% CI 37.8–55.3) did not differ across levels of caffeinated beverage intake, though estimates were imprecise.

Conclusions

We found no association between habitual caffeinated beverage intake and headache frequency, duration, or intensity. These data do not support a recommendation that patients with episodic migraine should avoid consuming caffeine. Further research is needed to understand whether deviating from usual caffeine intake may trigger migraine attacks.
Possible pathogenetic role of ammonia in liver cirrhosis without hyperammonemia of venous blood: The so‐called latency period of abnormal ammonia metabolism
Authors: Katayama Kazuhiro , Kakita Naruyasu
Published: February 2024

Ammonia plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy. Ammonia is also involved in many other pathological conditions seen in cirrhosis, such as sarcopenia, liver fibrosis, hepatocellular injury, immune dysfunction, and hyperammonemia. Furthermore, the ammonia level of the veins is a useful prognostic factor for cirrhosis. In cirrhosis without hyperammonemia of the vein, however, covert hepatic encephalopathy has been reported. This discrepancy is because of the anatomical features of ammonia metabolism. There are two systems in the body for detoxifying ammonia: one is the urea cycle in the liver, and the other is the glutamine synthesis pathway in skeletal muscle and other tissues. The blood processed in the liver's urea cycle is then transported via arteries to various organs. Further processing occurs in the brain and skeletal muscle's glutamine synthesis pathway before entering the veins. When the urea cycle function decreases in cirrhosis, the ammonia levels in the artery increase. In response, the glutamine synthesis pathway compensates by increasing the capacity to process ammonia. Therefore, the ammonia concentration in the veins downstream of skeletal muscles does not increase immediately. However, the brain and skeletal muscles, which receive arterial blood, might be exposed to high ammonia concentrations. In addition, branched‐chain amino acids in venous blood decrease. This period is the transition phase from early‐ to late‐phase cirrhosis, and understanding the pathophysiology during this stage is extremely important for preventing the progression of cirrhosis.
A 22‐year follow‐up cross‐sectional study on periapical health in relation to the quality of root canal treatment in a Belgian population
Authors: Keratiotis Georgios , Spineli Loukia , De Bruyne Mieke A. A. , De Moor Roeland J. G. , Meire Maarten A.
Published: February 2024

Aim

To investigate the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) and the technical standard of root canal treatment in a Belgian population, assess the association of different variables with periapical status, and compare the results to a similar study conducted 22 years previously.

Methodology

In this cross‐sectional study, 614 panoramic radiographs of first‐time adult attendees at the Dental School of the University Hospital of Ghent were examined. Recorded patient‐level parameters included gender, age, number of teeth, number of root filled teeth, presence of any AP lesion, and number of implants. The following tooth‐level data were collected: tooth presence, coronal status, quality of coronal restoration, post presence, type of root‐filling material, length and density of root filling, root‐end filling material, presence of AP, and adjacent implant. Multivariable multilevel binary logistic regression was used to explore the association between patient and tooth characteristics and AP prevalence. Risk differences and confidence intervals were calculated to compare the present with the previous study.

Results

The prevalence of AP at patient and tooth level was 46.9% and 5.6%, respectively. Fifty‐one per cent of the 614 patients had at least one root filled tooth, and 5.9% of the 14 655 teeth studied were root filled. AP was found in 45% of root filled teeth. Fifty‐four per cent of the root‐filled teeth were rated as inadequate. Multivariable multilevel logistic regression revealed that more teeth, more implants, fewer root‐filled teeth, adequate density, adequate coronal restoration, and no caries reduced the likelihood of AP. There were no statistically significant differences between the two studies regarding the prevalence of root‐filled teeth or AP and the technical quality of root canal treatment.

Conclusions

The prevalence of AP and the technical quality of root canal treatment in Belgium have not substantially changed over the last 22 years, despite the technological advancements and continuing education in the field.
Skin cancer screening: the experience in South Portugal
Authors: Maximino José A. , Mayer Alexandra , Lourenço António , Soares Rui O. , Pojo Marta
Published: February 2024

Background

The number of skin cancer cases and related deaths continues to increase worldwide, including in Portugal. The lack of efficient health care leaves the southern Portuguese population at risk of presenting skin lesions at later stages. An initiative for skin cancer screening and medical care follow‐up was created by the nonprofit organization Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro – Núcleo Regional do Sul (LPCC‐NRS).

Methods

Information was gathered from 4,398 participants in several Southern Portugal regions, from January 2021 to July 2022. Descriptive and lesion risk statistical analyses were applied.

Results

Participants' characteristics were described, and risk assessment was performed differentially between premalignant (n = 577) and malignant lesions (n = 176). The main risk factor for both was male gender. From the described suspicious malignant lesions, 31.8% were confirmed (n = 56), among which there were 43 basal cell carcinomas (BCC), 9 cutaneous melanomas (CM), and 4 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC).

Conclusions

Data analysis pointed to a need for improved participant recruitment, especially of male participants, and health literacy assessment in future screenings.
Effect of monthly reminders by telephone message on women's beliefs and practice behaviours regarding breast self‐examination: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Alkan Hilal , Akyıldız Deniz
Published: February 2024

Aims

This study was conducted to examine the effect of monthly telephone message reminders after training on women's beliefs and practice behaviours regarding breast self‐examination.

Methods

This randomized controlled study was conducted with 83 women aged 20–69 years living in Turkey between September 2021 and July 2022. Women were randomly assigned (1:1) to the intervention (n = 41) or control group (n = 42), both groups received online breast self‐examination training, and the intervention group received monthly reminders on their mobile phones for 3 months. Participants completed the Champion's Health Belief Model Scale and breast self‐examination practice evaluation form at baseline and 3 months after intervention.

Results

After the intervention, the mean scores of the benefits and self‐efficacy subscales of Champion's Health Belief Model Scales were significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group, and the mean score of barriers was lower. The rate of performing breast self‐exam regularly and at the appropriate time was higher in the intervention group. The rate of forgetting to perform breast self‐examination was higher in control group.

Conclusion

A monthly reminder message may be recommended to increase women's belief in breast self‐examination and increase regular practice.
Projected impact of anti‐obesity pharmacotherapy use on racial and ethnic disparities in adolescent obesity
Authors: Vajravelu Mary Ellen , Chu Patricia Y. , Frank David A. , Ragavan Maya I. , Vajravelu Ravy K.
Published: February 2024

Background

Paediatric obesity disproportionately impacts individuals from minoritized racial and ethnic backgrounds. Recent guidelines support use of anti‐obesity pharmacotherapy for adolescents with obesity, but the potential impact on disparities in obesity prevalence has not been evaluated.

Objectives

To model changes in obesity prevalence with increasing utilization of anti‐obesity pharmacotherapy among adolescents.

Methods

Data representative of American adolescents ages 12–17 years were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, cycles 2011 through pre‐pandemic 2020. A body mass index (BMI) reduction of 16.7% was applied to each participant based on clinical trial results of weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 2.4 mg among adolescents. Utilization disparities were based on utilization of the same medication class among adults. Obesity prevalence was calculated assuming utilization of 10%–100%, stratified by race and ethnicity.

Results

Among 4442 adolescents representing 26 247 384 American adolescents, projected overall obesity prevalence decreased from 22.2% to 8.4% with 100% utilization. However, disparities increased relative to Non‐Hispanic White youth, with prevalence among Non‐Hispanic Black and Mexican American youth ranging from 40%–60% higher to 90%–120% higher, respectively.

Conclusions

Increasing utilization of anti‐obesity pharmacotherapy may widen relative disparities in obesity, particularly if utilization is unequal. Advocacy for equitable access is needed to minimize worsening of obesity‐related disparities.
Suppressing the expression of glutathione S‐transferase gene GSTd10 increases the sensitivity of Zeugodacus cucurbitae against β‐cypermethrin
Authors: Zhai Xiao‐Di , Wang Shi‐Heng , Ma Meng , Pan Deng , Wang Jin‐Jun , Wei Dong
Published: February 2024

Zeugodacus cucurbitae Coquillett (Diptera: Tephritidae) is an agriculturally and economically important pest worldwide that has developed resistance to β‐cypermethrin. Glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs) have been reported to be involved in the detoxification of insecticides in insects. We have found that both ZcGSTd6 and ZcGSTd10 were up‐regulated by β‐cypermethrin induction in our previous study, so we aimed to explore their potential relationship with β‐cypermethrin tolerance in this study. The heterologous expression of ZcGSTd6 and ZcGSTd10 in Escherichia coli showed significantly high activities against 1‐chloro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene (CDNB). The kinetic parameters of ZcGSTd6 and ZcGSTd10 were determined by Lineweaver–Burk. The Vmax and Km of ZcGSTd6 were 0.50 μmol/min·mg and 0.3 mM, respectively. The Vmax and Km of ZcGSTd10 were 1.82 μmol/min·mg and 0.53 mM. The 3D modelling and molecular docking results revealed that β‐cypermethrin exhibited a stronger bounding to the active site SER‐9 of ZcGSTd10. The sensitivity to β‐cypermethrin was significantly increased by 18.73% and 27.21%, respectively, after the knockdown of ZcGSTd6 and ZcGSTd10 by using RNA interference. In addition, the inhibition of CDNB at 50% (IC50) and the inhibition constants (Ki) of β‐cypermethrin against ZcGSTd10 were determined as 0.41 and 0.33 mM, respectively. The Ki and IC50 of β‐cypermethrin against ZcSGTd6 were not analysed. These results suggested that ZcGSTd10 could be an essential regulator involved in the tolerance of Z. cucurbitae to β‐cypermethrin.
Variation in approaches to acute ANCA‐associated vasculitis in Australia and New Zealand: rituximab, plasma exchange and glucocorticoids
Authors: Chua Justin C. M. , Dentrinos Laura V. , Kitching Arthur R. , Ryan Jessica
Published: February 2024

Background

Anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)‐associated vasculitis (AAV) is a rare autoimmune disease which is managed by a range of specialities. There are limited data on treatment practices in Australia and New Zealand.

Aims

To understand current patterns of acute AAV treatment in Australia and New Zealand.

Methods

An online survey was conducted between July and October 2022 investigating physicians' views on the management of AAV, focusing on induction therapy. The survey contained questions pertaining to access to treatment and responses to clinical management scenarios. Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis was not included. A chi‐squared test of independence was performed for statistical analysis.

Results

From a total of 55 responses, plasma exchange was difficult to access for 44% of respondents, more so in rural centres, and they also had difficulty accessing infusion centres. New Zealand clinicians had more difficulty accessing rituximab, with only 44% reporting easy access compared with Australian clinicians (93%). With clinical management scenarios, there was variation in the dosing regimen of glucocorticoids and initiation of plasma exchange, with 42% of respondents prescribing a glucocorticoid regimen different from the standard of care, the ‘reduced‐dose’ arm of the Plasma Exchange and Glucocorticoids for the Treatment of ANCA‐Associated Vasculitis trial. The choice of cyclophosphamide or rituximab for induction therapy was based on patient characteristics and medical history.

Conclusions

There is substantial variation in approaches to the acute management of AAV in Australia and New Zealand, including differences in resource availability. This variation in care demonstrates the need to implement current practice guidelines and institute contemporary monitoring of AAV management, to achieve best patient outcomes.
Immunopathology in human pulmonary tuberculosis: Inflammatory changes in the plasma milieu and impaired host immune cell functions
Authors: Ahor Hubert Senanu , Vivekanandan Monika , Harelimana Jean De Dieu , Owusu Dorcas O. , Adankwah Ernest , Seyfarth Julia , Phillips Richard , Jacobsen Marc
Published: February 2024

Host immune response is key for protection in tuberculosis, but the causative agent, Mycobacterium (M.) tuberculosis, manages to survive despite immune surveillance. Key mechanisms of immune protection have been identified, but the role of immunopathology in the peripheral blood of tuberculosis patients remains unclear. Tuberculosis immunopathology in the blood is characterised by patterns of immunosuppression and hyperinflammation. These seemingly contradictory findings and the pronounced heterogeneity made it difficult to interpret the results from previous studies and to derive implications of immunopathology. However, novel approaches based on comprehensive data analyses and revitalisation of an ancient plasma milieu in vitro assay connected inflammation with immunosuppressive factors in tuberculosis. Moreover, interrelations between the aberrant plasma milieu and immune cell pathology were observed. This review provides an overview of studies on changes in plasma milieu and discusses recent findings linking plasma factors to T‐cell and monocyte/macrophage pathology in pulmonary tuberculosis patients.
Sex‐specific gene expression in eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, gonad and mantle tissues
Authors: Proestou Dina A. , Delomas Thomas A. , Sullivan Mary E. , Markey Lundgren Kathryn
Published: February 2024

The eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) is a protandrous hermaphrodite of commercial importance. As with many marine invertebrates, little is known about sex determination and differentiation systems in this species. Such knowledge has important implications not only for understanding the evolution of sex but also for applied questions in aquaculture. In order to examine mechanistic differences in reproductive development between the sexes, we compared the transcriptomes of gonad and mantle tissues from six male and six female oysters. A total of 7675 transcripts were differentially expressed between male and female gonads (3936 and 3739 were upregulated in males and females, respectively). Transcripts identified include those associated with sex in other invertebrate and vertebrate species such as Dmrt1, Sox‐30, Bindin, Dpy‐30, and Histone H4 in males and Foxl2, Vitellogenin, and Bystin in females. GO terms associated with transcripts upregulated in male gonads include protein modification, reproductive process, and cell projection organization, whereas RNA metabolic process and amino acid metabolic process were associated with transcripts upregulated in females. Far fewer transcripts were differentially expressed between male and female mantle tissues, with 87 transcripts upregulated in females and 16 upregulated in males. However, 41% of transcripts identified as differentially expressed between mantle tissues were also differentially expressed between male and female gonads including Histone H4 and Bystin. This study represents the first characterization of eastern oyster male and female gonad transcriptomes. We further identify differing expression profiles between male and female mantle tissues, which provides evidence for sex‐specific functions of the mantle and suggests that this tissue could harbor biomarkers for identifying oyster sex non‐destructively.
Progenesis in dicyemids
Authors: Furuya Hidetaka
Published: February 2024

Dicyemids (Phylum Dicyemida) are the most common and characteristic endosymbiont living in the renal sac of benthic cephalopod molluscs. Precocious development of a hermaphroditic gonad occurs in the larvae and smaller juveniles of 40 dicyemid species from 17 cephalopod species so far and is the usual phenomenon in dicyemids. Based on the developmental and morphological features of precocious individuals, progenesis (a form of heterochrony) is the appropriate term for such precocious development. In general, progenetic individuals have much lower fecundity than normal ones because of their smaller body size, and therefore, it appears to be a disadvantageous reproductive trait. Nonetheless, the number of progenetic individuals consists of 30%–50% of the population, a relatively large proportion suggesting that the presence of progenetic individuals probably plays an important role in life history strategy. Precocious development significantly reduces growth time and enables early maturation. Progenetic individuals are common in short‐living cephalopod species, in which precocious development seems appropriate for dicyemids, enabling fast larval release before the end of the host's life span.
Regional detection and assessment of chilling damage on maize considering land surface temperature, crop growth status and solar radiation changes
Authors: Zhang Jingxiao , Cai Jiabing , Xu Di , Chang Hongfang , Zhang Baozhong , Wei Zheng
Published: February 2024

Increased frequency and severity of chilling damage events pose potential risks to crop performance and productivity due to climate change. Accurate and real‐time access to chilling damage is important for crop growth and yield stability based on field's actual environment. To precisely identify regional chilling events and evaluate the impacts on crops, this study presents a model to estimate field air temperature in view of field crop situations. Land surface temperature, enhanced vegetation index, solar‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence and solar declination were involved in the model. With field simultaneous continuous monitoring and multisource fused remote sensing data, the model was calibrated and validated in Jiefangzha Irrigation Area (JIA) and Changchun City (CC) in North China, accompanied by the determination coefficient ≥0.756, root mean square error ≤0.782°C, relative error ≤0.041 and consistency index ≥0.902. Meanwhile, sensitivities of the model factors were determined through path analysis, where the factors performed according to the order solar‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence >solar declination >land surface temperature > enhanced vegetation index. Using the validated model, chilling damage to maize was further detected in JIA and CC from 2010 to 2020. Results showed that the severity of chilling damage was greater in CC than in JIA, along with the sterile‐type occurring three events in JIA and seven in CC, while the delayed‐type only twice in JIA in 2012 and 2016, but five times in CC in 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2019, respectively, being consistent with local statistics. In response to chilling damage, enhanced vegetation index and solar‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence demonstrated the negative chilling effects on greenness and light use efficiency for fluorescence. Serious yield losses were caused, with yield‐reducing by 5.00% (Dehui, 2013), 19.00% (Jiutai, 2014), 21.65% (Suburban district, 2016), 8.83% (Shuangyang, 2017) and 2.19% (Jiutai, 2019) in CC. The linear relationship between yield and growing degree days was a bit weakened by chilling damage, with the determination coefficient varying from 0.614 to 0.531. The increasing rate of yield with growing degree days decreased from 20.365 kg/(°C·d) in non‐chilling damage years to 9.670 kg/(°C·d) in chilling damage years. These findings indicate that the presented model is especially adaptive for agricultural field environments, enabling rapid precision detection of chilling damage on crops at regional scales. It will provide references for gauging the impact of chilling damage on crops, finding efficient solutions to the stress and ensuring sustainable development of agriculture.
Understanding nurses' experience of climate change and then climate action in Western Canada
Authors: Rempel Hannah , Kalogirou Maya R. , Dahlke Sherry , Hunter Kathleen F.
Published: February 2024

Aim

To understand nurses' personal and professional experiences with the heat dome, drought and forest fires of 2021 and how those events impacted their perspectives on climate action.

Design

A naturalistic inquiry using qualitative description.

Method

Twelve nurses from the interior of British Columbia, Canada, were interviewed using a semi‐structured interview guide. Thematic analysis was employed. No patient or public involvement.

Results

Data analysis yielded three themes to describe nurses' perspective on climate change: health impacts; climate action and system influences. These experiences contributed to nurses' beliefs about climate change, how to take climate action in their personal lives and their challenges enacting climate action in their workplace settings.

Conclusions

Nurses' challenges with enacting environmentally responsible practices in their workplace highlight the need for engagement throughout institutions in supporting environmentally friendly initiatives.

Impact

The importance of system‐level changes in healthcare institutions for planetary health.
Decomposing drivers in avian insectivory: Large‐scale effects of climate, habitat and bird diversity
Authors: Schillé Laura , Valdés‐Correcher Elena , Archaux Frédéric , Bălăcenoiu Flavius , Bjørn Mona Chor , Bogdziewicz Michal , Boivin Thomas , Branco Manuela , Damestoy Thomas , de Groot Maarten , Dobrosavljević Jovan , Duduman Mihai‐Leonard , Dulaurent Anne‐Maïmiti , Green Samantha , Grünwald Jan , Eötvös Csaba Béla , Faticov Maria , Fernandez‐Conradi Pilar , Flury Elisabeth , Funosas David , Galmán Andrea , Gossner Martin M. , Gripenberg Sofia , Grosu Lucian , Hagge Jonas , Hampe Arndt , Harvey Deborah , Houston Rick , Isenmann Rita , Kavčič Andreja , Kozlov Mikhail V. , Lanta Vojtech , Le Tilly Bénédicte , Lopez‐Vaamonde Carlos , Mallick Soumen , Mäntylä Elina , Mårell Anders , Milanović Slobodan , Molnár Márton , Moreira Xoaquín , Moser Valentin , Mrazova Anna , Musolin Dmitrii L. , Perot Thomas , Piotti Andrea , Popova Anna V. , Prinzing Andreas , Pukinskaya Ludmila , Sallé Aurélien , Sam Katerina , Sedikhin Nickolay V. , Shabarova Tanja , Tack Ayco J. M. , Thomas Rebecca , Thrikkadeeri Karthik , Toma Dragoș , Vaicaityte Grete , van Halder Inge , Varela Zulema , Barbaro Luc , Castagneyrol Bastien
Published: February 2024

Aim

Climate is a major driver of large‐scale variability in biodiversity, as a likely result of more intense biotic interactions under warmer conditions. This idea fuelled decades of research on plant‐herbivore interactions, but much less is known about higher‐level trophic interactions. We addressed this research gap by characterizing both bird diversity and avian predation along a climatic gradient at the European scale.

Location

Europe.

Taxon

Insectivorous birds and pedunculate oaks.

Methods

We deployed plasticine caterpillars in 138 oak trees in 47 sites along a 19° latitudinal gradient in Europe to quantify bird insectivory through predation attempts. In addition, we used passive acoustic monitoring to (i) characterize the acoustic diversity of surrounding soundscapes; (ii) approximate bird abundance and activity through passive acoustic recordings; and (iii) infer both taxonomic and functional diversity of insectivorous birds from recordings.

Results

The functional diversity of insectivorous birds increased with warmer climates. Bird predation increased with forest cover and bird acoustic activity but decreased with mean annual temperature and functional richness of insectivorous birds. Contrary to our predictions, climatic clines in bird predation attempts were not directly mediated by changes in insectivorous bird diversity or acoustic activity, but climate and habitat still had independent effects on predation attempts.

Main Conclusions

Our study supports the hypothesis of an increase in the diversity of insectivorous birds towards warmer climates but refutes the idea that an increase in diversity would lead to more predation and advocates for better accounting for activity and abundance of insectivorous birds when studying the large‐scale variation in insect‐tree interactions.
The relationships between species age and range size
Authors: Guo Qinfeng , Qian Hong , Zhang Jian , Liu Pengcheng
Published: February 2024

Species range size is a central topic in macroecology, biogeography and conservation biology. Species age has been frequently regarded as a contributor to range size in previous studies on range size, but this has rarely been specifically examined. Using global data from four living terrestrial vertebrate classes (birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians) as a case study, we examine how species range size might be related to species age at a global scale. We found statistically significant positive, albeit weak, species age–range size relationships for all four species groups. However, although the age–range relationships were positive, species with young ages had very different range sizes (both large and small), and those with very old ages always had small ranges. The observed age–range relationships were more complex than expected. The weak, rather than strong, species age–range relationships could be because our data set included all living species with different stages of their life spans (durations) that are either expanding or fluctuating or contracting, which would necessarily have minimized or cancelled species age–range relationship when all species in a group are considered collectively. Our findings shed new light on temporal dimension and macroecological correlates of species ranges.
Reversal of cardiac and renal damage in a teenager with hypertension: A case report
Authors: Du Huiyu , Gao Shilei , Dong Wenyong , Huang Qi , Qu Huiyun , Zhang Chen , Guo Linya , Liu Zhilan , Liu Min
Published: February 2024

The authors describe the case of a 16‐year‐old male who was incidentally found to have a blood pressure of 200/? mmHg 6 months previously due to blurred vision and was diagnosed with “high risk of hypertension grade 3, renal insufficiency, hypertensive encephalopathy, hypertensive heart disease, and fundus hemorrhage” after relevant examinations were performed. His blood pressure fluctuated around 120/90 mmHg after beginning antihypertensive treatment. While the diagnostic work‐up of his hypertension was inconclusive, he had severe hypertension with brachydactyly type E and short stature on physical examination. The patient's cardiac damage and renal insufficiency ultimately returned to normal after strict blood pressure control, suggesting that hypertension and brachydactyly syndrome alone do not cause cardiac and renal damage.
The survival of periodontally treated molars in long‐term maintenance: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Xiao , Xu Chunmei , Wu Yafei , Zhao Lei
Published: February 2024

Aim

This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to determine the survival of periodontally treated molars during maintenance care and identify the risk factors associated with molar loss among patients with periodontitis who received professional periodontal therapy and maintenance.

Materials and Methods

Longitudinal studies with a minimum follow‐up duration of 5 years published until 28 August 2023 were retrieved from the following databases: the Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE and Web of Science. All included studies reported data on molar retention. Meta‐analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4. A modified version of the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the study quality. Statistical results of analyses of the overall survival rate and molar loss are presented as estimated standardized mean differences, whereas the results of the analyses of risk factors are presented as risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

Results

From among the 1323 potentially eligible reports, 41 studies (5584 patients, 29,908 molars retained at the beginning of maintenance therapy, mean follow‐up duration of 14.7 years) were included. The pooled survival rate of the molars during maintenance therapy was 82% (95% CI: 80%–84%). The average loss of molars was 0.05 per patient per year (95% CI: 0.04–0.06) among the patients receiving long‐term periodontal maintenance (PM) therapy. Fifteen factors were examined in this meta‐analysis. Six patient‐related factors (older age, lack of compliance, smoking, bruxism, diabetes and lack of private insurance) and five tooth‐related factors (maxillary location, high probing pocket depth, furcation involvement, higher mobility and lack of pulpal vitality) were identified as risk factors for molar loss during maintenance therapy.

Conclusions

The findings of the present study suggest that the long‐term retention of periodontally compromised molars can be achieved. The average number of molars lost per decade was <1 among the patients receiving long‐term PM therapy. Older age, noncompliance, smoking, bruxism, diabetes, lack of private insurance coverage, maxillary location, furcation involvement, higher mobility, increase in the probing pocket depth and loss of pulpal vitality are strong risk factors for the long‐term prognosis of molars.
Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy is important for improving long‐term survival in patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases undergoing simultaneous resection
Authors: Zhong Wenhui , Xu Bowen , Lu Yiming , Chang Jianping , Xu Lin , Zhao Hong , Che Xu
Published: February 2024

Background and Aim

A growing number of studies have demonstrated that neoadjuvant chemotherapy can improve the prognosis of patients with resectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). However, the routine use of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy (POAC) for patients with CRLM after simultaneous resection remains controversial. This retrospective study investigated the impact of POAC on outcomes in patients with CRLM who underwent simultaneous resection of colorectal cancer tumors and liver metastases using propensity score matching (PSM) analysis.

Methods

From January 2009 to November 2020, patients with CRLM who underwent simultaneous resection were retrospectively enrolled. The confounding factors and selection bias were adjusted by 2:1 PSM. Patients were stratified into the POAC and non‐POAC groups. Kaplan–Meier curves were utilized to compare overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) between the groups. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to identify independent clinicopathological factors before and after PSM analysis. The utility of the model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and calibration curves after PSM analysis.

Results

In total, 478 patients with resectable CRLM were enrolled and assigned to the POAC (n = 212, 60.9%) or non‐POAC group (n = 136, 39.1%). After 2:1 PSM, there was no significant bias between the groups. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed a significant effect of POAC on OS (P < 0.001) but not PFS. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified T stage (T3–T4), lymph node metastasis, radiofrequency ablation during surgery, operative time ≥ 325 min, and the receipt of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy (hazard ratio = 0.447, 95% confidence interval = 0.312–0.638, P < 0.001) as independent prognostic factors for OS. The areas under the ROC curves for the nomogram model for predicting 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year survival were 0.653, 0.628, and 0.678, respectively. Subgroups analysis suggested that POAC can enhance OS in patients with resectable CRLM with either low (1–2, P < 0.001) or high clinical risk scores (3–5, P = 0.020).

Conclusions

Overall, this study identified POAC as a prognostic factor to predict OS in patients with CRLM undergoing simultaneous resection.
Diagnostic algorithm for neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis integrating single‐gene testing and next‐generation sequencing in East Asia
Authors: Hahn Jong Woo , Lee Heerah , Shin MinSoo , Seong Moon Woo , Moon Jin Soo , Ko Jae Sung
Published: February 2024

Background and Aim

Advances in molecular genetics have uncovered causative genes responsible for neonatal cholestasis. Panel‐based next‐generation sequencing has been used clinically in infants with neonatal cholestasis. We aimed to evaluate the clinical application of single‐gene testing and next‐generation sequencing and to develop a diagnostic algorithm for neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis.

Methods

From January 2010 to July 2021, patients suspected of having neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis were tested at the Seoul National University Hospital. If there was a clinically suspected disease, single‐gene testing was performed. Alternatively, if it was clinically difficult to differentiate, a neonatal cholestasis gene panel test containing 34 genes was performed.

Results

Of the total 148 patients examined, 49 (33.1%) were received a confirmed genetic diagnosis, including 14 with Alagille syndrome, 14 with neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency, 7 with Dubin–Johnson syndrome, 5 with arthrogryposis‐renal dysfunction‐cholestasis syndrome, 5 with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type II, 1 with Rotor syndrome, 1 with Niemann‐Pick disease type C, 1 with Kabuki syndrome, and 1 with Phenylalanyl‐tRNA synthetase subunit alpha mutation. Sixteen novel pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants of neonatal cholestasis were observed in this study. Based on the clinical characteristics and laboratory findings, we developed a diagnostic algorithm for neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis by integrating single‐gene testing and next‐generation sequencing.

Conclusions

Alagille syndrome and neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency were the most common diseases associated with genetic neonatal cholestasis. Single‐gene testing and next‐generation sequencing are important and complementary tools for the diagnosis of genetic neonatal cholestasis.
Integrative regulatory mechanisms of stomatal movements under changing climate
Authors: Zhang Jingbo , Chen Xuexue , Song Yajing , Gong Zhizhong
Published: February 2024

Global climate change‐caused drought stress, high temperatures and other extreme weather profoundly impact plant growth and development, restricting sustainable crop production. To cope with various environmental stimuli, plants can optimize the opening and closing of stomata to balance CO2 uptake for photosynthesis and water loss from leaves. Guard cells perceive and integrate various signals to adjust stomatal pores through turgor pressure regulation. Molecular mechanisms and signaling networks underlying the stomatal movements in response to environmental stresses have been extensively studied and elucidated. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms of stomatal movements mediated by abscisic acid, light, CO2, reactive oxygen species, pathogens, temperature, and other phytohormones. We discussed the significance of elucidating the integrative mechanisms that regulate stomatal movements in helping design smart crops with enhanced water use efficiency and resilience in a climate‐changing world.
Springhares, flying and flightless scaly‐tailed squirrels (Anomaluromorpha, Rodentia) are the squirrely mouse: comparative anatomy of the masticatory musculature and its implications on the evolution of hystricomorphy in rodents
Authors: Da Cunha Léa , Fabre Pierre‐Henri , Hautier Lionel
Published: February 2024

Anomaluromorpha is a particularly puzzling suborder of Rodentia. Endemic to Africa, this clade includes the extant genera Idiurus, Anomalurus, Zenkerella, and Pedetes. These rodents present an hystricomorphous condition of the skull, characterized by a large infraorbital foramen, which evolved independently within the mouse‐related clade over a span of approximately 57 million years. They exhibit a high disparity in craniomandibular and dental morphology that has kept their phylogenetic affinities disputed for a long time. Given the past significance of masticatory morphotypes in establishing the classification of Rodentia, we propose to explore variations in the masticatory apparatus of Anomaluromorpha in order to evaluate whether its related features can offer additional data for systematics and contribute to our understanding of the complexity of hystricomorphy. In order to do so, we used traditional dissection and diffusible iodine‐based contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (diceCT) to accurately describe and compare the anatomy of the specimens. We found that the muscle morphology displays clear differentiation among each anomaluromorph taxonomic unit. Specifically, the masseteric complex of Anomaluromorpha exhibits distinctive synapomorphies such as the infraorbital part of the zygomaticomandibularis muscle being separated into a rostral and orbital part and an absence of a posterior part of the zygomaticomandibularis. Additionally, the orbital portion of the infraorbital part originates from a well‐marked ridge and fossa at the level of its area of origin on the anteromedial wall of the orbital cavity, a feature that is absent in other members of the mouse‐related clade. This evident bony feature, among others, is strongly associated with muscular anatomy and can contribute to ascertaining the taxonomic status of extinct representatives of the clade. Finally, we showed that the hystricomorphy of Anomaluromorpha largely differs from those of Ctenohystrica and Dipodoidea and that the definition of this morphotype is complex and cannot be reduced simply to the size of the opening of the infraorbital foramen.