bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From land to sea: provenance, composition, and preservation of organic matter in a marine sediment record from the North‐East Greenland shelf spanning the Younger Dryas–Holocene
Authors: Andreasen Nanna , Jackson Rebecca , Rudra Arka , Nøhr‐Hansen Henrik , Sanei Hamed , Bojesen‐Koefoed Jørgen , Seidenkrantz Marit‐Solveig , Pearce Christof , Thibault Nicolas , Ribeiro Sofia
Published: August 2023

The organic matter content of marine sediments is often used to infer past changes in ocean conditions. However, the organic carbon pool preserved in coastal sediments is a complex mixture derived from different sources and may not reflect in situ processes. In this study, we combine taxonomic identification of reworked palynomorphs with pyrolysis organic geochemistry and reflected‐light organic petrographic microscopy to investigate the provenance, composition and preservation of organic matter in a marine sediment core retrieved from the NE Greenland shelf. Our study reveals continuous yet variable input of land‐derived organic carbon to the marine environment throughout the late Younger Dryas–Holocene, with the highest input of inert carbon in the late Younger Dryas. Although the sediments contain some recent marine palynomorphs, there is no other evidence of fresh marine organic carbon. In contrast, our results indicate that these shelf sediments represent a significant sink of recycled organic carbon. The results of pyrolysis geochemistry revealed that ~90% of the total organic carbon in the sediments is inert. The organic petrography analyses revealed that >70–84% of the organic carbon in the sediment core is terrigenous. Reworked dinoflagellate cysts showed a continuous provenance of Cretaceous land‐derived material, most likely from the nearby Clavering Island. Our study points to the importance of constraining the organic matter origin, composition and preservation in marine sediments to achieve more accurate palaeoenvironmental reconstructions based on organic proxies.
Hands‐On: Investigating the role of physical manipulatives in spatial training
Authors: Gilligan‐Lee Katie A. , Hawes Zachary C. K. , Williams Ashley Y. , Farran Emily K. , Mix Kelly S.
Published: August 2023

Studies show that spatial interventions lead to improvements in mathematics. However, outcomes vary based on whether physical manipulatives (embodied action) are used during training. This study compares the effects of embodied and non‐embodied spatial interventions on spatial and mathematics outcomes. The study has a randomized, controlled, pre‐post, follow‐up, training design (N = 182; mean age 8 years; 49% female; 83.5% White). We show that both embodied and non‐embodied spatial training approaches improve spatial skills compared to control. However, we conclude that embodied spatial training using physical manipulatives leads to larger, more consistent gains in mathematics and greater depth of spatial processing than non‐embodied training. These findings highlight the potential of spatial activities, particularly those that use physical materials, for improving children's mathematics skills.
Factors affecting operative morbidity and long‐term outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for presacral tumours: a multicentric cohort study from the Turkish Collaborative Group for Quality Improvement in Colorectal and Pelvic Surgery
Authors: Aytac Erman , Sokmen Selman , Aktas Melik Kagan , Colak Tahsin , Mentes Bulent , Balik Emre , Demirbas Sezai , Akyol Cihangir , Sungurtekin Ugur , Oncel Mustafa , Ozturk Ersin , Obuz Funda , Ucaroglu Basar , Leventoglu Sezai , Ozerhan Ismail Hakki , Baca Bilgi , Ozgen Utku , Haksal Mustafa , Tumay Volkan , Geçim Ethem , Bugra Dursun
Published: August 2023

Aim

Data regarding the operative management of presacral tumours present various dilemmas due to their rarity and heterogeneous nature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the management strategy, factors associated with operative morbidity and long‐term postoperative outcomes in a large group of patients undergoing surgery for presacral tumours.

Method

This study was designed as a multicentre retrospective cohort study. Records of patients who underwent surgery for presacral tumours at 10 tertiary colorectal centres between 1996 and 2017 were evaluated.

Results

One hundred and twenty seven patients (44 men) with a mean age of 46 years and body mass index of 27 kg/m2 were included. Fifty eight per cent of the patients had low sacral lesions (below S3). The operative approaches were transabdominal (17%), transsacral (65%) and abdominosacral (17%). The postoperative morbidity was 19%. Thirty per cent of the patients had a malignant tumour. Longer duration of symptoms (p = 0.001), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists score (p = 0.01), abdominosacral operations (p = 0.0001) and presacral tumours located above S3 (p = 0.004) were associated with an increased risk of postoperative morbidity. Overall long‐term postoperative recurrence and mortality were 6% and 5%, respectively, within a 3‐year mean follow‐up period in patients with presacral malignant tumours.

Conclusion

Reduced physical condition, omission of symptoms prior to surgery, combined resections and high sacral tumours are the risk factors associated with postoperative complications in patients undergoing surgery for presacral tumours. Meticulous planning of the operation and intensified perioperative care may improve the outcomes in high‐risk patients.
Sense and nonsense of yT‐staging on MRI after chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer
Authors: El Khababi Najim , Beets‐Tan Regina G. H. , Tissier Renaud , Lahaye Max J. , Maas Monique , Curvo‐Semedo Luís , Dresen Raphaëla C. , Nougaret Stephanie , Beets Geerard L. , Lambregts Doenja M. J. ,   the Rectal MRI Study Group
Published: August 2023

Aim

The aim of this work was to investigate the value of rectal cancer T‐staging on MRI after chemoradiotherapy (ymrT‐staging) in relation to the degree of fibrotic transformation of the tumour bed as assessed using the pathological tumour regression grade (pTRG) of Mandard as a standard of reference.

Method

Twenty two radiologists, including five rectal MRI experts and 17 ‘nonexperts’ (general/abdominal radiologists), evaluated the ymrT stage on the restaging MRIs of 90 rectal cancer patients after chemoradiotherapy. The ymrT stage was compared with the final ypT stage at histopathology; the percentages of correct staging (ymrT = ypT), understaging (ymrT < ypT) and overstaging (ymrT > ypT) were calculated and compared between patients with predominant tumour at histopathology (pTRG4–5) and patients with predominant fibrosis (pTRG1–3). Interobserver agreement (IOA) was computed using Krippendorff's alpha.

Results

Average ymrT/ypT stage concordance was 48% for the experts and 43% for the nonexperts; ymrT/ypT stage concordance was significantly higher in the pTRG4–5 subgroup (58% vs. 41% for the pTRG1–3 group; p = 0.01), with the best results for the MRI experts. Overstaging was the main source of error, especially in the pTRG1–3 subgroup (average overstaging rate 38%–44% vs. 13%–55% in the pTRG4–5 subgroup). IOA was higher for the expert versus nonexpert readers (α = 0.67 vs. α = 0.39).

Conclusions

ymrT‐staging is moderately accurate; accuracy is higher in poorly responding patients with predominant tumour but low in good responders with predominant fibrosis, resulting in significant overstaging. Radiologists should shift their focus from ymrT‐staging to detecting gross residual (and progressive) disease, and identifying potential candidates for organ preservation who would benefit from further clinical and endoscopic evaluation to guide final treatment planning.
Poor outcomes in patients with sepsis undergoing emergency laparotomy and laparoscopy are attenuated by faster time to care measures
Authors: Eiamampai Natthaya , Ramsay Euan A. , Soiza Roy L. , McDonald David A. , Moug Susan J. , Myint Phyo K.
Published: August 2023

Aim

Emergency laparotomy and laparoscopy (EmLap) are amongst the commonest surgical procedures, with high prevalence of sepsis and hence poorer outcomes. However, whether time taken to receive care influences outcomes in patients requiring antibiotics for suspected infection remains largely unexplored. The aim of this work was to determine whether (1) time to care contributes to outcome differences between patients with and without suspected infection and (2) its impact on outcomes only amongst those with suspected infection.

Method

Clinical information was retrospectively obtained from the 2017–2018 Emergency Laparotomy and Laparoscopic Scottish Audit (ELLSA). Time to care referred to six temporal variables describing radiological investigation, anaesthetic triage and surgical management. Outcome measures [mortality, readmission, hospital death, postoperative destination and length of stay (LoS)] were compared using adjusted and unadjusted regression analyses to determine whether the outcome differences could be explained by faster or slower time to care.

Results

Amongst 2243 EmLap patients [median age 65 years (interquartile range 51–75 years), 51.1% female], 892 (39.77%) received antibiotics for suspected infection. Although patients with suspected infection had faster time to care (all p ≤ 0.001) and worse outcomes compared with those who did not, outcome differences were not statistically significant when accounted for time (all p > 0.050). Amongst those who received antibiotics, faster time to care was also associated with decreased risk of postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) stay and shorter LoS (all p < 0.050).

Conclusion

Worse outcomes associated with infection in EmLap patients were attenuated by faster time to care, which additionally reduced the LoS and ICU stay risk amongst those with suspected infection.
Social Expectations are Primarily Rooted in Reciprocity: An Investigation of Fairness, Cooperation, and Trustworthiness
Authors: Bogdan Paul C. , Dolcos Florin , Moore Matthew , Kuznietsov Illia , Culpepper Steven A. , Dolcos Sanda
Published: August 2023

Social expectations guide people's evaluations of others’ behaviors, but the origins of these expectations remain unclear. It is traditionally thought that people's expectations depend on their past observations of others’ behavior, and people harshly judge atypical behavior. Here, we considered that social expectations are also influenced by a drive for reciprocity, and people evaluate others’ actions by reflecting on their own decisions. To compare these views, we performed four studies. Study 1 used an Ultimatum Game task where participants alternated Responder and Proposer roles. Modeling participants’ expectations suggested they evaluated the fairness of received offers via comparisons to their own offers. Study 2 replicated these findings and showed that observing selfish behavior (lowball offers) only promoted acceptance of selfishness if observers started acting selfishly themselves. Study 3 generalized the findings, demonstrating that they also arise in the Public Goods Game, emerge cross‐culturally, and apply to antisocial punishment whereby selfish players punish generosity. Finally, Study 4 introduced the Trust Game and showed that participants trusted players who reciprocated their behavior, even if it was selfish, as much as they trusted generous players. Overall, this research shows that social expectations and evaluations are rooted in drives for reciprocity. This carries theoretical implications, speaking to a parallel in the mechanisms driving both decision‐making and social evaluations, along with practical importance for understanding and promoting cooperation.
Investigation of the non‐small cell lung cancer patients with bronchus involvements: A population‐based study
Authors: Wang Gang , Ye Yong‐Qiang , Xie Bao‐Long , Lai Xiang‐Min , Zhong Sheng‐Peng
Published: August 2023

Background

We aimed to explore the prognostic differences among T1‐4N0‐2M0 non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with bronchus involvements and to validate the T category of these patients in an external cohort.

Methods

Univariable and multivariable Cox analysis was performed to determine the prognostic factors. Kaplan–Meier method with a log‐rank test was used to compare overall survival differences between groups. Propensity score matching method was used to minimize the bias caused by the imbalanced covariates between groups.

Results

A total of 169 390 eligible T1‐4N0‐2M0 NSCLC cases were included. There were 2354, 3367, 1638, 75, 87 585, 42 056, 19 246, and 13 069 cases in the group of superficial tumors of any size with invasive component limited to bronchial wall (T1‐bronchus), tumors involving main stem bronchus ≥2 cm from carina (T2‐main bronchus [≥2 cm]), tumors involving main stem bronchus <2 cm from carina (T2‐main bronchus [<2 cm]), tumors with carina invasion (T4‐carina), T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively. Multivariable Cox analysis indicated that T1‐bronchus patients had the best prognosis; T2‐main bronchus (≥2 cm) and T2‐main bronchus (<2 cm) patients had similar prognosis both in the entire cohort and in several subgroups. Survival curves showed that T1‐bronchus and T1 patients had similar survival rates; the survivals of T2‐main bronchus patients regardless of the distance from carina were comparable to those of T2 patients, and the survivals of T4‐carina patients were also similar to those of T4 patients.

Conclusions

Our results validated and supported the current T category for the patients with bronchus involvements, which might provide certain reference value for the revisions of T category in the next version of the tumor‐node‐metastasis stage classification.
Pitfalls in soft tissue cytopathology
Authors: Rekhi Bharat , Qian Xiaohua , Domanski Henryk A. , Klijanienko Jerzy , Field Andrew
Published: August 2023

Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is a diagnostic modality for the evaluation of suspicious soft tissue masses. Despite its reasonable sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value in differentiating benign from malignant neoplasms, the exact subtyping of the primary soft tissue tumours can be challenging. Certain tumours constitute “pitfalls” and add to the diagnostic challenge. This review provides a detailed account of the diagnostic challenges in soft tissue cytopathology, including pitfalls and, more importantly, the ways to overcome these challenges by integrating clinical details, key cytomorphological features and judicious application of ancillary techniques.
Speciation and development
Authors: Cutter Asher D.
Published: August 2023

Understanding general principles about the origin of species remains one of the foundational challenges in evolutionary biology. The genomic divergence between groups of individuals can spawn hybrid inviability and hybrid sterility, which presents a tantalizing developmental problem. Divergent developmental programs may yield either conserved or divergent phenotypes relative to ancestral traits, both of which can be responsible for reproductive isolation during the speciation process. The genetic mechanisms of developmental evolution involvecis‐ andtrans‐acting gene regulatory change, protein–protein interactions, genetic network structures, dosage, and epigenetic regulation, all of which also have roots in population genetic and molecular evolutionary processes. Toward the goal of demystifying Darwin's “mystery of mysteries,” this review integrates microevolutionary concepts of genetic change with principles of organismal development, establishing explicit links between population genetic process and developmental mechanisms in the production of macroevolutionary pattern. This integration aims to establish a more unified view of speciation that binds process and mechanism.
The reproductive tract of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) is highly differentiated and suggests adaptations to sexual selection
Authors: Munsch‐Masset Paul , Labrousse Carole , Beaugeard Laureen , Bressac Christophe
Published: August 2023

The reproductive biology of the black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), was investigated in males and females with a focus on how sperm is handled by males before – and by females after – copulation. As this insect has great economic importance for protein production from agri‐food wastes, its reproduction needs to be precisely known. A detailed description of male and female reproductive organs was made, and sperm were counted in male and female storage organs. Measures of testis and sperm counts were performed in males of various ages and their dynamics was compared to the ovaries of females. Both male and female tracts were long, and consisted of various successive parts. In males, testes fill the vas deferens with mature sperm, that are tangled as ‘windrows’, and sperm pass successively through a ‘studded pipe’ and three phallic ‘wands’ before being transferred to females. In virgin males, mean (± SEM) sperm number increased from approximately 9700 (± 1400, n = 5) to 39600 (± 3470, n = 13) in 20 days, and testes gradually decreased in size, indicating continuous spermatogenesis. Sperm cells are long, more than 3 mm. During copulation, sperm are deposited by phallic ‘wands’ at the base of each spermatheca in a smooth tube followed by a ‘fishnet canal’ at the top of which they accumulate before complete storage. They then pass through a ringed canal, an elbow, and a rigid rod strewn with glands, before reaching the spermathecal reservoir. Females store approximately 680 spermatozoa after one mating in each spermathecal reservoir. Such complex sperm storage organs of females may indicate strong female post‐mating selection, and reflect competition for long and numerous sperm in this species, in which female multiple matings are suspected. Besides its economical interest, BSF is an appealing model for further investigations on sexual selection.
CAR T cell therapy in multiple myeloma, where are we now and where are we heading for?
Authors: Fischer Luise , Grieb Nora , Platzbecker Uwe , Vucinic Vladan , Merz Maximilian
Published: August 2023

The introduction of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells revolutionized treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) in recent years. Currently, two CAR T cell products—idecabtagene vicleucel and ciltacabtagene autoleucel—are approved in the United States and the European Union to treat patients with three prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory drug, and an anti‐CD38 antibody. Moreover, seminal phase III trials of both agents in earlier lines of therapy have been published recently. Despite unprecedented rates of deep and lasting remissions in RRMM, there are still areas of uncertainty regarding the optimal use and distribution of CAR T cells in multiple myeloma. In the current review, we discuss the available data on approved CAR T cell products as well as unmet clinical needs and ongoing developments to optimize usage of this promising treatment modality in multiple myeloma.
Deep‐learning based classification of a tumor marker for prognosis on Hodgkin's disease
Authors: Motmaen Ila , Sereda Sergej , Brobeil Alexander , Shankar Ananth , Braeuninger Andreas , Hasenclever Dirk , Gattenlöhner Stefan
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Hodgkin's disease is a common malignant disorder in adolescent patients. Although most patients are cured, approximately 10%–15% of patients experience a relapse or have resistant disease. Furthermore, there are no definitive molecular predictors for early identification of patients at high risk of treatment failure to first line therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the deep learning‐based classifier model of medical image classification to predict clinical outcome that may help in appropriate therapeutic decisions.

Methods

Eighty‐three FFPE biopsy specimens from patients with Hodgkin's disease were stratified according to the patient's qPET scores, stained with picrosirius red dye and digitalized by whole slide image scanning. The resulting whole slide images were cut into tiles and annotated by two classes based on the collagen fibers' degree of coloring with picrosirius red. The neural network (YOLOv4) was then trained with the annotated data. Training was performed with 30 cases. Prognostic power of the weakly stained picrosirius red fibers was evaluated with 53 cases. The same neural network was trained with MMP9 stained tissue slides from the same cases and the quantification results were compared with the variant from the picrosirius red cases.

Results

There was a weak monotonically increasing relationship by parametric ANOVA between the qPET groups and the percentages of weakly stained fibers (p = .0185). The qPET‐positive cases showed an average of 18% of weakly stained fibers, and the qPET‐negative cases 10%–14%. Detection performance showed an AUC of 0.79.

Conclusions

Picrosirius red shows distinct associations as a prognostic metric candidate of disease progression in Hodgkin's disease cases using whole slide images but not sufficiently as a prognostic device.
Text mining of electronic health records can validate a register‐based diagnosis of epilepsy and subgroup into focal and generalized epilepsy
Authors: Vulpius Siri A. , Werge Sebastian , Jørgensen Isabella Friis , Siggaard Troels , Hernansanz Biel Jorge , Knudsen Gitte M. , Brunak Søren , Pinborg Lars H.
Published: August 2023

Objective

Combining population‐based health registries and electronic health records offers the opportunity to create large, phenotypically detailed patient cohorts of high quality. In this study, we used text mining of clinical notes to confirm International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD‐10)‐registered epilepsy diagnoses and classify patients according to focal and generalized epilepsy types.

Methods

Using the Danish National Patient Registry, we identified patients who between 2006 and 2016 received an ICD‐10 diagnosis of epilepsy. To validate the epilepsy diagnosis and stratify patients into focal and generalized epilepsy types, we constructed dictionaries for text mining‐based extraction of clinical notes. Two physicians manually reviewed the clinical notes for a total of 527 patients and assigned epilepsy diagnoses, which were compared with the text‐mined diagnoses.

Results

We identified 23 632 patients with an ICD‐10 diagnosis of epilepsy, of whom 50% were registered with an unspecified epilepsy diagnosis. In total, 11 211 patients were considered likely to have epilepsy by text mining, with an F1 measure ranging from 82% to 90%. Manual review of the electronic health records for 310 patients revealed a false discovery rate of 29%. This rate was decreased to 4% by the text mining algorithm. The weighted average F1 measure for text mining‐assigned epilepsy types was 79% (82% for focal and 76% for generalized epilepsy). Text mining successfully assigned a focal or generalized epilepsy type to 92% of the text mining‐eligible patients registered with unspecified epilepsy.

Significance

Text mining of electronic health records can be used to establish a patient cohort with much higher likelihood of having a diagnosis of epilepsy and a focal or generalized epilepsy type compared to the cohort created from ICD‐10 epilepsy codes alone. We believe the concept will be essential for future genome‐wide and phenome‐wide association studies and subsequently the development of precision medicine for epilepsy patients.
Far‐UVC‐ and UVB‐induced DNA damage depending on skin type
Authors: Busch Loris , Kröger Marius , Zamudio Díaz Daniela F. , Schleusener Johannes , Lohan Silke B. , Ma Jackie , Witzel Christian , Keck Cornelia M. , Meinke Martina C.
Published: August 2023

Far‐UVC radiation sources of wavelengths 222 nm and 233 nm represent an interesting potential alternative for the antiseptic treatment of the skin due to their high skin compatibility. Nevertheless, no studies on far‐UVC‐induced DNA damage in different skin types have been published to date, which this study aims for. After irradiating the skin with far‐UVC of the wavelengths 222 and 233 nm as well as broadband UVB, the tissue was screened for cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer‐positive (CPD+) cells using immunohistochemistry. The epidermal DNA damage was lower in dark skin types than in fair skin types after irradiation at 233 nm. Contrary to this, irradiation at 222 nm caused no skin type‐dependent differences, which can be attributed to the decreased penetration depth of radiation. UVB showed the relatively strongest differences between light and dark skin types when using a suberythemal dose of 3 mJ/cm2. As melanin is known for its photoprotective effect, we evaluated the ratio of melanin content in the stratum basale and stratum granulosum in samples of different skin types using two‐photon excited fluorescence lifetime imaging (TPE‐FLIM) finding a higher ratio up to skin type IV–V. As far‐UVC is known to penetrate only into the upper layers of the viable skin, the aforementioned melanin ratio could explain the less pronounced differences between skin types after irradiation with far‐UVC compared to UVB.
Forecasting of Taiwan's weighted stock Price index based on machine learning
Authors: Su I‐Fang , Lin Ping Lei , Chung Yu‐Chi , Lee Chiang
Published: August 2023

This study proposes a stack framework of light gradient boosting machine (LGBM) for Taiwan stock market index prediction. Stock market predictions have been regarded as a challenging task, as the market is affected by several factors such as political events, general economic conditions, institutional investors' choices, movement of the global market, psychology of investors. We construct a rich feature set to capture the impacts of global markets, institutional investors' choices, and the psychology of investors. A feature selection algorithm is proposed to choose important feature subset and enhance the training performance. To further improve the prediction accuracy, we employ stacking strategy to combine multiple classifiers together. A 10‐year period of the Taiwan stock exchange capitalization weighted stock index (TAIEX) is used to verify the performance of the proposed model. The experimental results suggest that our prediction model as well as the feature selection method can achieve good prediction performance.
Remotely sensed localised primary production anomalies predict the burden and community structure of infection in long‐term rodent datasets
Authors: Jackson Joseph A. , Bajer Anna , Behnke‐Borowczyk Jolanta , Gilbert Francis S. , Grzybek Maciej , Alsarraf Mohammed , Behnke Jerzy M.
Published: August 2023

The increasing frequency and cost of zoonotic disease emergence due to global change have led to calls for the primary surveillance of wildlife. This should be facilitated by the ready availability of remotely sensed environmental data, given the importance of the environment in determining infectious disease dynamics. However, there has been little evaluation of the temporal predictiveness of remotely sensed environmental data for infection reservoirs in vertebrate hosts due to a deficit of corresponding high‐quality long‐term infection datasets. Here we employ two unique decade‐spanning datasets for assemblages of infectious agents, including zoonotic agents, in rodents in stable habitats. Such stable habitats are important, as they provide the baseline sets of pathogens for the interactions within degrading habitats that have been identified as hotspots for zoonotic emergence. We focus on the enhanced vegetation index (EVI), a measure of vegetation greening that equates to primary productivity, reasoning that this would modulate infectious agent populations via trophic cascades determining host population density or immunocompetence. We found that EVI, in analyses with data standardised by site, inversely predicted more than one‐third of the variation in an index of infectious agent total abundance. Moreover, in bipartite host occupancy networks, weighted network statistics (connectance and modularity) were linked to total abundance and were also predicted by EVI. Infectious agent abundance and, perhaps, community structure are likely to influence infection risk and, in turn, the probability of transboundary emergence. Thus, the present results, which were consistent in disparate forest and desert systems, provide proof‐of‐principle that within‐site fluctuations in satellite‐derived greenness indices can furnish useful forecasting that could focus primary surveillance. In relation to the well‐documented global greening trend of recent decades, the present results predict declining infection burden in wild vertebrates in stable habitats; but if greening trends were to be reversed, this might magnify the already upwards trend in zoonotic emergence.
A pilot study on the effectiveness of a language‐specific (Chinese) pulmonary rehabilitation programme for individuals with chronic pulmonary disease: a 2‐year prospective cohort study in Sydney, Australia
Authors: Auyeung Titus , Jiang Osborn , Taylor Mitchell , Chang Vicky , Kwan Benjamin
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) improves dyspnoea, fatigue and healthcare‐related quality of life (QoL) in patients with chronic lung disease (CLD). Non‐English‐speaking background (NESB) patients face language and cultural barriers that hinder their access to PR programmes, contributing to health disparities. Our trial aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of a Chinese language‐specific PR programme on lung function, functional exercise capacity and QoL measures.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted over a 2‐year period. Participants were enrolled in an 8‐week PR programme with biweekly sessions conducted by Chinese‐speaking physiotherapists. Baseline and post‐rehabilitation testing included pulmonary function testing, 6‐min walk test (6MWT), St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGQR) and Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36).

Results

We enrolled 76 patients (58% male) with a median age of 77 years (interquartile range (IQR) 68–81) and achieved a completion rate of 86.8% (n = 66). CLD included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (42%), asthma (15%) and interstitial lung disease (3%). Baseline median forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) was 1.63 L (IQR 1.17–2.05), and the median 6MWT was 282 m (IQR 232–332). Post‐intervention median 6MWT increased to 332 m (IQR 290–390), and the median FEV1 was 1.99 L (IQR 1.3–2.1). Both QoL measures (SGQR and SF‐36) showed significant improvement after intervention (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that a language‐specific PR programme is feasible, improving outcomes in NESB patients with CLD. The improvement in 6MWT and QoL measures was comparable to English‐based programmes. Ensuring equal access to healthcare programmes, regardless of cultural background or language barriers, is crucial in promoting health equity.
Hepatitis B genotypes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians: correlation with clinical course and implications for management
Authors: Hanson Josh , Radlof Sharna , Littlejohn Margaret , Hempenstall Allison , Edwards Ros , Nakata Yoko , Gregson Sandra , Hayes Richard , Smith Simon , McKinnon Melita , Binks Paula , Tong Steven Y. C. , Davies Jane , Davis Joshua S.
Published: August 2023

Background

The prevalence of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in Far North Queensland (FNQ) is greater than twice that of the general Australian population. CHB is common in Torres Strait Islanders diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) – and in Aboriginals with HCC living in the Northern Territory – however, Aboriginals diagnosed with HCC in FNQ very rarely have CHB. The explanation for this apparent disparity is uncertain.

Aims

To determine the HBV genotypes in the FNQ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population and their correlation with clinical phenotype.

Methods

We determined the HBV genotype of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians living with CHB in FNQ and correlated this with demographic and clinical findings.

Results

134/197 (68%) enrolled individuals had a sufficient viral load for genotyping. All 40 people with HBV/D genotype had Aboriginal heritage, whereas 85/93 (91%) with HBV/C had Torres Strait Islander heritage (P < 0.0001). Individuals with HBV/D were younger than those with HBV/C (median (interquartile range) age: 43 (39–48) vs 53 (42–66) years, P = 0.0002). However, they were less likely to be HBeAg positive (1/40 (3%) vs 23/93 (25%), P = 0.001). All three HCCs developed in Torres Strait Islanders; two‐thirds were infected with HBV/C14; genotyping was not possible in the other individual. All 10 diagnoses of cirrhosis occurred in Torres Strait Islanders, 6/10 were infected with HBV/C14, genotyping was not possible in the other four individuals.

Conclusions

HBV genotypes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in FNQ differ markedly, which could explain the significant differences in the clinical phenotype in the two populations and might be used to inform cost‐effective CHB care in the region.
The effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on surgical site wound infection after immediate breast reconstruction in patients with breast cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Chao , Li Juanjuan , Wang Lin , Sun Siyu , Chen Chunchun
Published: August 2023

Using a meta‐analysis approach, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) on the incidence of surgical site wound infection during immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) following breast cancer. The aim was to provide evidence‐based support for the prevention of wound surgical site infection during IBR after breast cancer surgery. Relevant literature on the effects of NACT on IBR in patients with breast cancer published up until May 2023, was retrieved from various databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang databases, and China Biology Medicine Database. Two researchers performed the literature screening, data collection, and quality assessment of the included studies independently. The meta‐analysis was conducted using Stata version 17.0. Fourteen studies involving 3401 patients (599 in the intervention group and 2802 in the control group) were included in the analysis. The incidence of surgical site infection in the NACT group was higher than that in the control group, but the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (7.17% vs. 4.85%, odds ratio: 1.02, 95% confidence interval: 0.70–1.50, p = 0.902). These findings suggest that NACT does not increase the risk of surgical site infection during IBR. However, owing to the variation in sample size and literature quality among the included studies, randomised controlled trials are needed to confirm the safety of IBR in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Facile and flexible fabrication of structured array surfaces on binderless tungsten carbide by using electrical discharge machining with a novel self‐assembly ball electrode
Authors: Li Kangsen , Wang Chunjin , Gong Feng , Cheung Chi Fai
Published: August 2023

Electrical discharge machining (EDM) method is an innovative method for the fabrication of structured array surfaces on binderless tungsten carbide (WC) which is a typical embossing mold material, compared to traditional machining methods. To improve the convenience of electrode replacement and the fabrication efficiency of the structured array, a novel self‐assembly ball electrode is innovatively developed. The feasibility of machining binderless WC with a self‐assembly ball electrode was studied and its effect on profile deviation analyzed. Furthermore, the discharge condition's effect on surface roughness, material removal rate (MRR), and tool wear ratio (TWR) was investigated. The microstructure, phase structure, and element distribution of binderless WC caused by EDM were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy. The results indicated that the maximum profile deviation of the different random structured arrays was about 3.7 μm. The surface roughness of all structured arrays was below 1 μm. The maximum TWR was about 0.008 mm3/min. Besides, the binderless WC surface after EDM presented strong D and G carbon peaks, which means the precipitation and transformation of the WC phase during the discharge process. Finally, different kinds of self‐assembly ball electrodes are developed and used to fabricate the lens array structures on binderless WC. The fast fabrication of the micro‐lens array surfaces in different arrangements sheds some light on the design and manufacturing of other functional structured surfaces.
Eight‐year trajectories and predictors of cognitive function in community‐dwelling Korean older adults with cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Son Youn‐Jung , Kim Da‐Young , Choi Yoon‐Gyeong , Kim Eun Young
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to identify longitudinal patterns and predictors of cognitive function trajectories among Korean older adults with cardiovascular diseases.

Design

This study is a longitudinal panel analysis based on secondary data. Data from the the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (KLoSA) were used for analysis.

Methods

The KLoSA is a representative panel survey of older Koreans. We analyzed responses from 301 participants aged ≥65 years who completed the same survey more than three times out of five waves between 2012 and 2020.

Findings

Latent class growth modeling identified two trajectories of cognitive function in older people with cardiovascular diseases: “low and declining” (n = 81, 26.9%) and “high and declining” (n = 220, 73.1%). Participants in “the low and declining trajectory group” were more likely to have a low educational level, weak handgrip strength, depression, and low social participation at baseline than those in “the high and declining trajectory group.”

Conclusions

Our results indicate a need to develop community‐based tailored interventions for improving handgrip strength, mental health, and social participation in delaying cognitive decline in older people with cardiovascular diseases considering their educational level.

Clinical Relevance

Healthcare providers should be more concerned about older people with a weaker handgrip, depression, and low social activities as a high‐risk group for cognitive decline over time in cardiovascular care. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate them early with standardized tools and make subsequent strategies for the older population with cardiovascular diseases.
Differential expression of PEA3 in odontogenic cysts and tumors
Authors: Tun Khin Mya , Kitkumthorn Nakarin , Bumalee Dusit , Arayapisit Tawepong , Lapthanasupkul Puangwan
Published: August 2023

Background

PEA3 transcription factor has been identified as a downstream target of the MAPK and PI3K pathways, and PEA3 overexpression has been observed in a variety of tumor types. We aimed to evaluate PEA3 expression in odontogenic cysts and tumors and compare the expression among odontogenic lesions. In addition, the correlations between PEA3 expression and clinicopathological characteristics of conventional ameloblastoma and unicystic ameloblastoma were investigated.

Methods

This study was performed on 165 samples of odontogenic cysts and tumors including 20 dentigerous cysts, 20 odontogenic keratocysts, 16 adenomatoid odontogenic tumors, 5 ameloblastic fibromas, 45 unicystic ameloblastomas, and 59 conventional ameloblastomas. The sections were immunohistochemically stained with mouse monoclonal anti‐PEA3 antibody and PEA3 expression was evaluated as the immunoreactive score.

Results

PEA3 expression was absent in all dentigerous cysts (DCs) and odontogenic keratocysts, while all adenomatoid odontogenic tumors showed either no (75%) or low (25%) expression of PEA3. Most of the ameloblastic fibromas (60%) displayed no PEA3 expression. A high expression of PEA3 was observed in a substantial number of unicystic ameloblastomas (48.9%) and conventional ameloblastomas (49.2%) in our study. PEA3 expression in DCs, odontogenic keratocysts and adenomatoid odontogenic tumors were significantly different from that in conventional ameloblastomas and that in unicystic ameloblastomas (p < 0.05). The expression of PEA3 was significantly different in the age groups of unicystic ameloblastomas and histological subtypes of conventional ameloblastomas (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

PEA3 overexpression is predominant in unicystic ameloblastomas and conventional ameloblastomas compared to other odontogenic lesions, indicating a pivotal role of PEA3 as a downstream effector of MAPK pathway in these two odontogenic lesions.
Mid‐Pleistocene events influenced the current spatial structure of genetic diversity in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)
Authors: Łabiszak Bartosz , Wachowiak Witold
Published: August 2023

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is one of the most important tree species of the temperate and boreal zones in Eurasia. Its wide distribution range and current patterns of genetic variation have been influenced by Quaternary climatic oscillations and the demographic processes connected to them. In order to better understand the relationship between evolutionary history and demographic factors in a widespread species with a large genome, we used the single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array to genotype thousands of SNP markers across 62 natural populations (N = 686 trees) of Scots pine in Eurasia. This provides the largest range‐wide SNPs' genetic diversity assessment of Scots pine to date. Our findings show evidence of past admixture events between genetic clusters that were retained despite the potential for effective pollen‐mediated gene flow across the species' distribution range. We also examined the contemporary population structure of the species and analyzed the range‐wide genetic diversity patterns. Phylogenetic analyses and demographic modeling suggest that the observed divergence patterns between genetic lineages likely predate the last glaciation events. Two of the most distinctive groups are represented by trees from the eastern parts of Fennoscandia and Eastern Russia, which have remained separated since the mid‐Pleistocene. The patterns of genetic variation also confirm the dual colonization of Fennoscandia and the existence of an admixture zone in Central Europe that was formed during multiple waves of postglacial recolonization. This study provides insights into the genetic relationships of Scots pine populations from Europe and Asia and offers a more comprehensive understanding of the species' history.
The Religious Foundations of Welfare, Social Inclusion, and Anti‐Immigrant Attitudes in Europe
Authors: Ponce Aaron , Marquart‐Pyatt Sandra
Published: August 2023

This paper unites disparate literature to test the influence of religious belonging and behavior characteristics along with secular welfare boundaries on anti‐immigrant attitudes. We suggest that welfare states varied in their religious foundations during the transition from religious‐based solidarity to modern state‐based solidarity and formulate a novel analytical framework to hypothesize effects across individuals and welfare regime types. Using eight waves of the European Social Survey (2002–16), we find that religious effects are strongest in welfare states with the most religious foundations, the Southern European welfare states, and weak in the universalist welfare states, which lacked historical state‐church tensions. Other welfare types show a mix of religious effects, with some challenging expectations. Furthermore, Christian majority membership is often associated with heightened anti‐immigrant attitudes, most consistently in contrast to the non‐Christian minority. For welfare‐based forms of inclusion, we find consistent institutional trust effects and two competing logics for secular boundaries: a propensity for welfare chauvinism and a culture of inclusion.
Climate has contributed to population diversification of Daphnia galeata across Eurasia
Authors: Deng Zhixiong , Zhang Xiuping , Wolinska Justyna , Blair David , Hu Wei , Yin Mingbo
Published: August 2023

Climate is a fundamental abiotic factor that plays a key role in driving the evolution, distribution and population diversification of species. However, there have been few investigations of genomic signatures of adaptation to local climatic conditions in cladocerans. Here, we have provided the first high‐quality chromosome‐level genome assembly (~143 Mb, scaffold N50 12.6 Mb) of the waterflea, Daphnia galeata, and investigated genomic variation in 22 populations from Central Europe and Eastern China. Our ecological‐niche models suggested that the historic distribution of D. galeata in Eurasia was significantly affected by Quaternary climate fluctuations. We detected pronounced genomic and morphometric divergences between European and Chinese D. galeata populations. Such divergences could be partly explained by genomic signatures of thermal adaptation to distinct climate regimes: a set of candidate single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) potentially associated with climate were detected. These SNPs were in genes significantly enriched in the Gene ontology terms “determination of adult lifespan” and “translation repressor activity”, and especially, mthl5 and SOD1 involved in the IIS pathway, and EIF4EBP2 involved in the target of the rapamycin signalling pathway. Our study indicates that certain alleles might be associated with particular temperature regimes, playing a functional role in shaping the population structure of D. galeata at a large geographical scale. These results highlight the potential role of molecular variation in the response to climate variation, in the context of global climate change.
Soil phosphorus availability alters the correlations between root phosphorus‐uptake rates and net photosynthesis of dominant C3 and C4 species in a typical temperate grassland of Northern China
Authors: Zhang Weiyuan , Gong Jirui , Zhang Zihe , Song Liangyuan , Lambers Hans , Zhang Siqi , Dong Jiaojiao , Dong Xuede , Hu Yuxia
Published: August 2023

Phosphorus (P) fertilization can alleviate a soil P deficiency in grassland ecosystems. Understanding plant functional traits that enhance P uptake can improve grassland management.

We measured impacts of P addition on soil chemical and microbial properties, net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and nonstructural carbohydrate concentrations ([NSC]), and root P‐uptake rate (PUR), morphology, anatomy, and exudation of two dominant grass species: Leymus chinensis (C3) and Cleistogenes squarrosa (C4).

For L. chinensis, PUR and Pn showed a nonlinear correlation. Growing more adventitious roots compensated for the decrease in P transport per unit root length, so that it maintained a high PUR. For C. squarrosa, PUR and Pn presented a linear correlation. Increased Pn was associated with modifications in root morphology, which further enhanced its PUR and a greater surplus of photosynthate and significantly stimulated root exudation (proxied by leaf [Mn]), which had a greater impact on rhizosheath micro‐environment and microbial PLFAs.

Our results present correlations between the PUR and the Pn of L. chinensis and C. squarrosa and reveal that NSC appeared to drive the modifications of root morphology and exudation; they provide more objective basis for more efficient P‐input in grasslands to address the urgent problem of P deficiency.