bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co-Targeting IL-6 and EGFR signaling for the treatment of schwannomatosis and associated pain
Authors: Yin Zhenzhen , Wu Limeng , Zhang Yanling , Sun Yao , Chen John W. , Subudhi Sonu , Ho William , Lee Grace Y. , Wang Athena , Gao Xing , Ren Jun , Zhu Chao , Zhang Na , Ferraro Gino B. , Muzikansky Alona , Zhang Luo , Stemmer-Rachamimov Anat , Mao Jianren , Plotkin Scott R. , Xu Lei
Published: February 2023

Patients with Schwannomatosis (SWN) overwhelmingly present with intractable, debilitating chronic pain. There are no effective therapies to treat SWN. The drivers of pain response and tumor progression in SWN are not clear. The pain is not proportionally linked to tumor size and is not always relieved by tumor resection, suggesting that mechanisms other than mechanical nerve compression exist to cause pain. SWN research is limited by the lack of clinically-relevant models. Here, we established novel patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, dorsal root ganglia (DRG) imaging model, and combined with single-cell resolution intravital imaging and RNASeq, we discovered: i) schwannomas on the peripheral nerve cause macrophage influx into the DRG, via secreting HMGB1 to directly stimulate DRG neurons to express CCL2, the key macrophage chemokine, ii) once recruited, macrophages cause pain response via overproduction of IL-6, iii) IL-6 blockade in a therapeutic setting significantly reduces pain but has modest efficacy on tumor growth, iv) EGF signaling is a potential driver of schwannoma growth and escape mechanism from anti-IL6 treatment, and v) combined IL-6 and EGFR blockade simultaneously controlled pain and tumor growth in SWN models. Our findings prompted the initiation of phase II clinical trial (NCT05684692) for pain relief in patients with SWN.
A COVID-19 DNA Vaccine Candidate Elicits Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies Against Multiple SARS-CoV-2 Variants Including the Currently Circulating Omicron BF.5, BF.7, BQ.1 and XBB
Authors: Ding Yuan , Fan Feng , Xu Xin , Zhao Gan , Zhang Xin , Zhao Huiyun , Wang Limei , Wang Bin , Gao Xiao-Ming
Published: February 2023

Waves of breakthrough infections by SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants pose a global challenge to pandemic control today. We have previously reported a pVAX1-based DNA vaccine candidate, pAD1002, which encodes a receptor-binding domain (RBD) chimera of SARS-CoV-1 and Omicron BA.1. In mouse and rabbit models, pAD1002 plasmid induced cross-neutralizing Abs against heterologous Sarbecoviruses, including SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 prototype, Delta and Omicron variants. However, these antisera failed to block the recent emerging Omicron subvariants BF.7 and BQ.1. To solve this problem, we replaced the BA.1-encoding DNA sequence in pAD1002 with that of BA.4/5. The resulting construct, namely pAD1016, elicited SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 RBD-specific IFN-γ+cellular responses in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. More importantly, pAD1016 vaccination in mice and rabbits generated serum Abs capable of neutralizing pseudoviruses representing multiple SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants including BA.2, BA.4/5, BF.7, BQ.1 and XBB. As a booster vaccine for inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus preimmunization in C57BL/6 mice, pAD1016 broadened the serum Ab neutralization spectrum to cover the Omicron BA.4/5, BF7 and BQ.1 subvariants. These data highlight the potential benefit of pAD1016 in eliciting neutralizing Abs against broad spectrum Omicron subvariants in individuals previously vaccinated with inactivated prototype SARS-CoV-2 virus and suggests that pAD1016 is worthy further translational study as a COVID-19 vaccine candidate.
Stacking multiple optimal transport policies to map functional connectomes
Authors: Dadashkarimi Javid , Rosenblatt Matthew , Karbasi Amin , Scheinost Dustin
Published: February 2023

Connectomics is a popular approach for understanding the brain with neuroimaging data. However, a connectome generated from one atlas is different in size, topology, and scale compared to a connectome generated from another. Consequently, connectomes generated from different atlases cannot be used in the same analysis. This limitation hinders efforts toward increasing sample size and demonstrating generalizability across datasets. Recently, we proposed Cross Atlas Remapping via Optimal Transport (CAROT) to find a spatial mapping between a pair of atlases based on a set of training data. The mapping transforms timeseries fMRI data parcellated with an atlas to form a connectome based on a different one. Crucially, CAROT does not need raw fMRI data and thus does not require re-processing, which can otherwise be time-consuming and expensive. The current CAROT implementation leverages information from several source atlases to create robust mappings for a target atlas. In this work, we extend CAROT to combine existing mappings between a source and target atlas for an arbitrary number of mappings. This extension (labeled Stacking CAROT) allows mappings between a pair of atlases to be created once and re-used with other pre-trained mappings to create new mappings as needed. Reconstructed connectomes from Stacking CAROT perform as well as those from CAROT in downstream analyses. Importantly, Stacking CAROT significantly reduces training time and storage requirements compared to CAROT. Overall, Stacking CAROT improves previous versions of CAROT.
PLK1 regulates CtIP and DNA2 interplay in long-range DNA end resection
Authors: Ceppi Ilaria , Cannavo Elda , Bret Hélène , Camarillo Rosa , Vivalda Francesca , Thakur Roshan Singh , Romero-Franco Amador , Sartori Alessandro A. , Huertas Pablo , Guérois Raphaël , Cejka Petr
Published: February 2023

DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair is initiated by DNA end resection. CtIP acts in short-range resection to stimulate MRE11–RAD50–NBS1 (MRN) to endonucleolytically cleave 5′-terminated DNA to bypass protein blocks. CtIP also promotes the DNA2 helicase–nuclease to accelerate long-range resection downstream from MRN. Here, using AlphaFold2, we identified CtIP-F728E-Y736E as a separation-of-function mutant that is still proficient in conjunction with MRN but is not able to stimulate ssDNA degradation by DNA2. Accordingly, CtIP-F728E-Y736E impairs physical interaction with DNA2. Cellular assays revealed that CtIP-F728E-Y736E cells exhibit reduced DSB-dependent chromatin-bound RPA, impaired long-range resection, and increased sensitivity to DSB-inducing drugs. Previously, CtIP was shown to be targeted by PLK1 to inhibit long-range resection, yet the underlying mechanism was unclear. We show that the DNA2-interacting region in CtIP includes the PLK1 target site at S723. The integrity of S723 in CtIP is necessary for the stimulation of DNA2, and phosphorylation of CtIP by PLK1 in vitro is consequently inhibitory, explaining why PLK1 restricts long-range resection. Our data support a model in which CDK-dependent phosphorylation of CtIP activates resection by MRN in S phase, and PLK1-mediated phosphorylation of CtIP disrupts CtIP stimulation of DNA2 to attenuate long-range resection later at G2/M.
Introduction “stalking: what do we know about working with people who stalk and where do we go?”
Authors: Wheatley Rachael
Published: February 2023

Purpose

There is an absence of qualitative research with individuals who have stalked. This special issue of articles draws on one study, rich with the meaning-making of experts by experience. That is, people who have stalked, been convicted and detained in UK prisons. The purpose of this issue is to provide forensic practitioners with an overview of current considerations for intervening with individuals who stalk. It does this by drawing together empirically derived interpreted experiences of men who stalk, expanding key discussions with expert practitioners in the field, working with those who stalk. It highlights current thinking on the psychology of stalking and multidisciplinary options for risk management. Furthermore, it provides an overview of necessary future directions.

Design/methodology/approach

Research findings from a recent, novel, mixed methods study (Wheatley, 2019 and Wheatleya et al., 2020) are discussed with other experienced stalking practitioners in the UK for reflection and discussion. The papers synthesise the research findings, existing psychological literature and practitioner experience to discuss implications for psychological practice with those who stalk.

Findings

The key findings resonated with current practitioners, providing a springboard for expanding thinking around stalking and crucial themes such as narcissistic vulnerability, deterrence, labelling and developing alternative meaningful activities.

Research limitations/implications

In providing this marriage of experiential expert insights, this Special Issue advances the practice of psychology in relation to those who stalk, having clear applications to the processes of risk assessment, intervention and management. Pivotally, how to enhance engagement opportunities to develop working and therapeutic relationships.

Originality/value

This issue introduces new subtopics, some of which have never been written about before. It provides discussion papers marrying research with practitioner experience, with a focus on practical applications within criminal psychology and future directions.
Leadership and firm value among couples in charge: Evidence from Chinese listed family firms
Authors: Wu Na , Xia Xinping , Li Yuguo
Published: February 2023

This study investigates how leadership by married couples affects the firm value of family businesses in the institutional context of the Chinese capital market. Marital leadership is found to significantly decrease firm value compared with other family firms, which is supported by a battery of estimation strategies. Aggravating the principal–principal problem, tunnelling behaviour and financial fraud are confirmed as potential economic mechanisms. Moreover, monitoring from the internal corporate governance and external institution environment helps marital leadership focus on shareholder wealth beyond family interest. Our findings indicate that marital leadership implies more of a collusion effect than a collaboration effect in China.
Rio Tinto as a niche for acidophilus enzymes of industrial relevance
Authors: Daddaoua Abdelali , Álvarez Consolación , Oggerin Monika , Rodriguez Nuria , Duque Estrella , Amils Ricardo , Armengaud Jean , Segura Ana , Ramos Juan Luis
Published: February 2023

Lignocellulosic residues are amongst the most abundant waste products on Earth. Therefore, there is an increasing interest in the utilization of these residues for bioethanol production and for biorefineries to produce compounds of industrial interest. Enzymes that breakdown cellulose and hemicellulose into oligomers and monosaccharides are required in these processes and cellulolytic enzymes with optimum activity at a low pH area are desirable for industrial processes. Here, we explore the fungal biodiversity of Rıo Tinto, the largest acidic ecosystem on Earth, as far as the secretion of cellulolytic enzymes is concerned. Using colorimetric and industrial substrates, we show that a high proportion of the fungi present in this extremophilic environment secrete a wide range of enzymes that are able to hydrolyze cellulose and hemicellulose at acidic pH (4.5–5). Shotgun proteomic analysis of the secretomes of some of these fungi has identified different cellulases and hemicellulolytic enzymes as well as a number of auxiliary enzymes. Supplementation of pre‐industrial cocktails from Myceliophtora with Rio Tinto secretomes increased the amount of monosaccharides released from corn stover or sugar cane straw. We conclude that the Rio Tinto fungi display a good variety of hydrolytic enzymes with high industrial potential.
Marketmaking Middlemen
Authors: Gautier Pieter , Hu Bo , Watanabe Makoto
Published: February 2023

This article develops a model in which market structure is determined endogenously by the choice of intermediation mode. There are two representative modes of intermediation that are widely used in real‐life markets: one is a middleman mode where an intermediary purchases inventory from the wholesale market and resells to buyers; the other is a market‐making mode where an intermediary offers a platform for buyers and sellers to meet and trade. We show that a marketmaking middleman, who adopts a mixture of these two intermediation modes, can emerge in a directed search equilibrium and discuss implications for the market structure.
Three cases of oral mucosal tuberculosis in patients on tumour‐necrosis‐factor‐α blockers
Authors: Nico Marcello Menta Simonsen , Fanciozi Amithis Bernstorff , da Costa Álvaro Furtado , Lourenço Silvia Vanessa
Published: February 2023

We present three cases of oral mucosal lesions caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in patients treated with anti‐tumour necrosis factor‐α for psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis. Diagnosis of oral mucosal tuberculosis was not easily established in any of the cases. A comparison between these cases and other previously described forms of oral mucosal tuberculosis is presented.
The Amba Uprising: Beyond France's Plantation Economy
Authors: Nganang Patrice
Published: February 2023

This article explores the roots of the current conflict between the French neocolonial regime in Cameroon and the English‐speaking minority in southern Cameroons, or Ambazonia. It proposes the use of the Gramscian concept of hegemony as the best frame for understanding the specific forms of submission and dominance that are driving this conflict. It analyzes the geopolitical motives that have empowered and continue to enable French hegemony, comparing them to the motives that empowered and enabled the plantation economy in the U.S. South prior to the U.S. Civil War. It explores the range of forms of cultural rebellion taking place against this imposed hegemony, especially in the realms of education and language, including and beyond the Amba uprising.
How French Currency Imperialism in Africa Led to the Assassination of Muammar Gaddafi
Authors: Ebatamehi Sebastiane
Published: February 2023

Who was responsible for the assassination of Muammar Gaddafi, the president of Libya? The official story says it was Libyan rebels who were seeking justice against a political dictator. But there is more than meets the eye regarding this assassination, which was an orchestrated event. Yet, the mainstream media have ignored the evidence that counters the official narrative. Emails between former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and her aide Sidney Blumenthal describe how French currency imperialism in Africa led to the death of Gaddafi. John Perkins, a former economic “hitman,” draws the same conclusion. In this article, we reveal why the French government had strong motives to silence Gaddafi and to put an end to his efforts to replace the CFA franc with a truly African currency not controlled by an imperial power.
Bones, groans and sending patients home: Perioperative opioid‐related harm reduction strategy utilisation in a regional New South Wales (NSW) hospital
Authors: Walsh Kelsey , Gezer Nesha , Gaborit Lorane , Zhou William , Banerjee Arnab
Published: February 2023

Objective

Perioperative initiation of opioids continues to be a major contributor to chronic use, misuse and diversion in regional areas. There is considerable effort to mitigate harm through avoiding excessive prescribing and reducing the risk of persistent postoperative opioid use. Improving perioperative documentation practices has been reported to ensure appropriate opioid initiation and de‐escalation. It has not been established whether these strategies are utilised in regional hospitals.

Methods

A retrospective observational study of perioperative opioid prescribing and documentation practices in Goulburn Base Hospital, a regional centre in the Southern New South Wales (NSW) Local Health District. Data were collected from 110 records and validated for adult patients undergoing elective total knee replacement (TKR) or total hip replacement (THR) from 12 January 2020 to 13 January 2021.

Outcome Measures

To observe perioperative opioid prescribing and utilisation of harm reduction strategies in a regional hospital.

Results

65% of patients were opioid naïve (ON). Preoperative pain assessments and patient education were completed in 23% and 15% of records, respectively. Postoperative opioids were prescribed for 99% of patients, with 74% prescribed a slow‐release (SR) formulation. 50% of patients were discharged with an SR prescription. Inadequate postoperative pain control was reported in 21% of patients. Of the 103 patients prescribed opioids on discharge, only 20% included a de‐escalation plan and only 35% of discharge summaries included dose and quantity of opioids supplies.

Conclusions

This study has identified underutilisation of perioperative harm reduction strategies despite the potential to improve appropriate initiation and de‐escalation of opioids. These findings highlight opportunities for improvement in regional hospitals.
Rhabdomyolysis during concomitant ticagrelor and rosuvastatin: A breast cancer resistance protein‐mediated drug interaction?
Authors: Lehtisalo Minna , Kiander Wilma , Filppula Anne M. , Deng Feng , Kidron Heidi , Korhonen Mari , Sinkko Johanna , Koivula Kimmo , Niemi Mikko
Published: February 2023

We present 3 patients diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis 1–6 months after the initiation of concomitant rosuvastatin and ticagrelor medication. A literature review and Food and Drug Administration adverse event reporting system revealed >40 reports of rhabdomyolysis during concomitant ticagrelor and rosuvastatin, including 3 with a fatal outcome. We show that ticagrelor inhibits breast cancer resistance protein‐, organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) 1B1‐, 1B3‐ and 2B1‐mediated transport of rosuvastatin in vitro with half‐maximal unbound inhibitory concentrations of 0.36, 4.13, 7.5 and 3.26 μM, respectively. A static drug interaction model predicted that ticagrelor may inhibit intestinal breast cancer resistance protein and thus increase rosuvastatin plasma exposure 2.1‐fold, whereas the OATP‐mediated hepatic uptake of rosuvastatin should not be inhibited due to relatively low portal ticagrelor concentrations. Taken together, concomitant use of ticagrelor with rosuvastatin may increase the systemic exposure to rosuvastatin and the risk of rosuvastatin‐induced rhabdomyolysis. Further studies are warranted to investigate the potential pharmacokinetic interaction between ticagrelor and rosuvastatin in humans.
How should severity be understood in the context of reproductive genetic carrier screening?
Authors: Dive Lisa , Archibald Alison D. , Freeman Lucinda , Newson Ainsley J.
Published: February 2023

Reproductive genetic carrier screening provides information about people's chance of having children with certain genetic conditions. Severity of genetic conditions is an important criterion for their inclusion in carrier screening programmes. However, the concept of severity is conceptually complex and underspecified. We analyse why severity is an important concept in carrier screening and for reproductive decision‐making and show that assessments of severity can also have normative societal implications. While some genetic conditions are unambiguously associated with a high degree of suffering, there are many factors that contribute to how severe a condition is perceived to be, and perspectives will vary. Attempts to classify genetic conditions according to their severity tend to prioritise biomedical information at the expense of incorporating qualitative aspects of the impact of genetic conditions on people's lives. Further complexity arises because some genotypes can present with variable phenotypes and because some conditions are not always experienced in the same way by all people who have them. To acknowledge this complexity, we argue that an understanding of severity needs to distinguish between the severity of a genetic condition—requiring a generalised approach for purposes of policy development and programme design—and the severity of an instance of a genetic condition in a particular person. Families making reproductive decisions also require access to diverse experiences of the qualitative aspects of living with genetic conditions. As a result, reproductive carrier screening programmes must recognise and respond to the complexity inherent in determining the severity of genetic conditions.
Germline predisposition to haematological malignancies: Best practice consensus guidelines from the UK Cancer Genetics Group (UKCGG), CanGene‐CanVar and the NHS England Haematological Oncology Working Group
Authors: Speight Beverley , Hanson Helen , Turnbull Clare , Hardy Steven , Drummond James , Khorashad Jamshid , Wragg Christopher , Page Paula , Parkin Nicholas W. , Rio‐Machin Ana , Fitzgibbon Jude , Kulasekararaj Austin Gladston , Hamblin Angela , Talley Polly , McVeigh Terri P. , Snape Katie ,   Consensus Meeting Attendees
Published: February 2023

The implementation of whole genome sequencing and large somatic gene panels in haematological malignancies is identifying an increasing number of individuals with either potential or confirmed germline predisposition to haematological malignancy. There are currently no national or international best practice guidelines with respect to management of carriers of such variants or of their at‐risk relatives. To address this gap, the UK Cancer Genetics Group (UKCGG), CanGene‐CanVar and the NHS England Haematological Oncology Working Group held a workshop over two days on 28–29th April 2022, with the aim of establishing consensus guidelines on relevant clinical and laboratory pathways. The workshop focussed on the management of disease‐causing germline variation in the following genes: DDX41, CEBPA, RUNX1, ANKRD26, ETV6, GATA2. Using a pre‐workshop survey followed by structured discussion and in‐meeting polling, we achieved consensus for UK best practice in several areas. In particular, high consensus was achieved on issues regarding standardised reporting, variant classification, multidisciplinary team working and patient support. The best practice recommendations from this meeting may be applicable to an expanding number of other genes in this setting.
Quality competition and worker training
Authors: Heywood John S. , Sessions John G. , Theodoropoulos Nikolaos
Published: February 2023

We examine the relationship between firm‐sponsored training and product quality competition within a model of worker–firm bargaining. We develop a quality‐adjusted monopolistically competitive setting in which firms invest in training to an extent that reflects: (i) the costs of training, (ii) the extent to which training increases product quality, and (iii) the extent to which product quality increases final product demand. We identify the conditions under which greater sensitivity between product demand and quality results in greater firm‐sponsored training.
Board gender quotas and outward foreign direct investment: Evidence from France
Authors: Aktaş Koray , Gattai Valeria , Natale Piergiovanna
Published: February 2023

We show that board gender quota laws reduce the propensity of French firms to undertake outward foreign direct investment. For this, we use firm‐level data for the period 2007 to 2015 and a difference‐in‐difference approach. The exogenous increase in the share of women directors decreases the share of foreign subsidiaries by 7 percentage points when the share of women directors is at its highest. The share of foreign subsidiaries is affected by the decrease in probability of having a foreign subsidiary, which indicates disinvestment. The effects on outward foreign direct investment we detect are strongest for the poorly managed firms, pointing to tough managerial monitoring by gender diverse boards as the driving force behind results.
Disparities among Japanese municipalities in recommendations for routine and catch‐up HPV vaccinations
Authors: Watanabe Yuko , Ueda Yutaka , Yagi Asami , Ikeda Sayaka , Oka Emiko , Kakuda Mamoru , Nakagawa Satoshi , Hiramatsu Kosuke , Miyoshi Ai , Kobayashi Eiji , Kimura Toshihiro , Kimura Tadashi
Published: February 2023

In November 2021, the government of Japan announced a reversal of its decision in 2013 to suspend the previous proactive recommendation for HPV vaccination. However, the program for young girls to receive routine and catch‐up vaccinations has not necessarily developed as expected. We conducted a nationwide questionnaire survey by mail in September 2022. The survey was mailed to 133 municipalities consisting of all cities/wards of the Tokyo and Osaka Prefectures and all other prefectural capital cities. Responses were received from 82 municipalities (62.7%). Notification of routine HPV vaccinations had already been sent to 76 (92.7%) of the municipalities; 70 (85.4%) had been encouraged to promote catch‐up vaccinations. The questionnaire forms for registration and pre‐vaccination screening for routine immunization had been sent to 74.1% (60/81) of the municipalities and 68.8% (55/80) for catch‐up immunizations. For catch‐up vaccination, only 54 municipalities (65.9%) had detailed vaccination records for those eligible. In total, 10 municipalities (12.2%) had virtually no vaccination records because these had already been discarded. In addition, 61 municipalities (74.4%) had notified only women and girls eligible for a catch‐up vaccination based on their vaccination record, whereas 25.6% (21/82) of the municipalities reported that they had sent, or would send, the notification to all women and girls within the targeted grades, including those who had already been vaccinated with three injections. The survey revealed disparities among the municipalities in their HPV vaccine notification processes. Future research on monitoring HPV vaccination rates and incidence rates of cervical cancer and precancerous lesions in each municipality will be desirable.
Theoretical and methodological approaches in designing, developing, and delivering interventions for oral health behaviour change
Authors: Kitsaras George , Asimakopoulou Koula , Henshaw Michelle , Borrelli Belinda
Published: February 2023

Oral health behaviour change interventions are gaining momentum on a global scale. After lagging behind other disciplines, oral health behaviour change is becoming an area of fast and important development. Theories used in medicine and healthcare more generally are now being applied to oral health behaviour change with varying results. Despite the importance of using theories when designing and developing interventions, the variety and variation of theories available to choose from create a series of dilemmas and potential hazards. Some theories, like the COM‐B (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation‐Behaviour) model, and frameworks, like the Behaviour Change Wheel might represent areas of opportunity for oral health behaviour change interventions with careful consideration vital. Different methodological approaches to intervention development are actively utilized in oral health with a wide host of potential opportunities. The issue of co‐designing and co‐developing interventions with intended users and stakeholders from the start is an important component for successful and effective interventions, one that oral health behaviour change interventions need to consistently implement. Oral health behaviour change interventions are utilizing technology‐based approaches as a major vehicle for intervention delivery and, innovative solutions are implemented across a wide host of oral health behaviour change interventions. With multiple options for designing, developing, and delivering interventions, careful selection of appropriate, user‐inclusive, and adaptable approaches is essential. With a lot of available information and evidence from other disciplines, oral health behaviour change interventions need to reflect on lessons learned in other fields whilst also maximizing the potential of the wide variety of theories, frameworks, methodologies, and techniques available at present.
Postoperative outcomes of right hemicolectomy for cancer in 11 countries of Latin America: A multicentre retrospective study
Authors:   LATAM Collaborative Colorectal Surgery Consortium
Published: February 2023

Aim

There is scant evidence regarding surgical outcomes of patients with colon cancer in Latin America. The aim of this work was to compare perioperative (30 day) outcomes of patients undergoing surgery for right colon cancer in Latin America based on centre volume.

Method

This is a multi‐institutional retrospective cohort study. Individuals operated on for right colon cancer with curative intent in an urgent or elective setting between 2016 and 2021 were eligible for inclusion in the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether they were operated on in low‐volume or high‐volume centres (defined as more than 30 cases/year).

Results

A total of 2676 patients from 46 hospitals in 11 countries of Latin America were included, with 389 (14.5%) in the low‐volume group. The median age was 67.37 years. The high‐volume group presented higher rates of laparoscopic procedures (56.8 vs. 35.7%, p < 0.001, OR 2.36), with lower conversion rates, fewer intraoperative complications and a shorter operating time. The high‐volume group had a shorter length of hospital stay. The overall complication rate for the whole group was 15.9%, with a lower incidence of these events in the high‐volume group (13.7 vs. 28.7%, p < 0.001, OR 0.40). Overall, anastomotic leakage, reoperation and mortality rates were 5.6%, 9.2% and 6.1%, respectively, with differences favouring high‐volume centres. On multivariate analysis, low‐volume group, history of cardiac disease, emergency surgery, operation performed by a general surgeon, open approach and intraoperative complications were independent predictors of major postoperative complications.

Conclusion

This is the first study in Latin America to show better postoperative outcomes at a regional scale when surgery for right colon cancer is performed in high‐volume centres. Further studies are needed to validate these data and to identify which of the factors can explain the present results.
The geography of giving: Nonprofit philanthropy, public parks and land conservation in the United States
Authors: Willse Cadence
Published: February 2023

Faced with budget cutbacks, state and local governments struggle to adequately fund public parks and support land conservation. “Support nonprofits” are charitable organizations soliciting voluntary contributions of money, property, and service to protect parks and natural systems (Gazley, 2015). From 2000 to 2015, the number of support nonprofits increased by 188% and total nonprofit revenue increased by 263%, outpacing growth in public charities nationwide (NCCS). The rapid growth in support nonprofits prompts key questions about access and equity: Which communities benefit from support nonprofits? Do support nonprofits advocate for public land conservation? Using a novel national dataset pairing large nonprofits with the counties they serve, the article has three key findings: (1) counties in metropolitan areas with well‐educated, liberal residents are more likely to have a support nonprofit fundraising for public land, and (2) there is no correlation between public funding for parks and support nonprofit presence. In addition to philanthropy, (3) counties with support nonprofits are more likely to pass ballot initiatives funding public land conservation. It is imperative that policy‐makers and conservation advocates consider how nonprofit philanthropy maps on to—and augments—existing inequality in access to parks and natural resource conservation.
Isolated muscular ventricular diverticulum assessment using multi‐parameter echocardiographic imaging: Case reports
Authors: Zheng Qiaojin , Qiao Wei , Ren Weidong , Xiao Yangjie
Published: February 2023

Ventricular diverticulum (VDi) is a rare and often asymptomatic congenital cardiac malformation detected incidentally as an outpouching on routine imaging examination, of which the muscular type has been less reported. Here, two patients were incidentally found to have outpouchings of the ventricle during routine transthoracic echocardiography. After a series of multi‐parameter echocardiography examination, including two‐dimensional (2D), three‐dimensional (3D) photo‐realistic rendering, blood speckle tracking (BST), and contrast enhancement, to provide morphological structure, spatial relationship, and blood flow information, both cases were finally diagnosed with muscular VDi. These cases highlight the advantages of using multi‐parameter echocardiography for the comprehensive assessment of muscular VDi.
Which is the best Myocardial Work index for the prediction of coronary artery disease? A data meta‐analysis
Authors: Parlavecchio Antonio , Vetta Giampaolo , Caminiti Rodolfo , Ajello Manuela , Magnocavallo Michele , Vetta Francesco , Foti Rosario , Crea Pasquale , Micari Antonio , Carerj Scipione , Della Rocca Domenico Giovanni , Di Bella Gianluca , Zito Concetta
Published: February 2023

Background

Early diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) plays a key role to prevent adverse cardiac events such as myocardial infarction and Left Ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Myocardial Work (MW) indices derived from echocardiographic speckle tracking data in combination with non‐invasive blood pressure recordings seems promising to predict CAD even in the absence of impairments of standard echocardiographic parameters. Our aim was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of MW indices to predict CAD and to assess intra‐ and inter‐observer variability of MW through a meta‐analysis.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched for observational studies evaluating the MW indices diagnostic accuracy for predicting CAD and intra‐ and inter‐observer variability of MW indices. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, and Summary Receiver Operating Characteristic (SROC) curves were assessed.

Results

Five studies enrolling 501 patients met inclusion criteria. Global Constructive Work (GCW) had the best pooled sensitivity (89%) followed by GLS (84%), Global Work Index (GWI) (82%), Global Work Efficiency (GWE) (80%), and Global Wasted Work (GWW) (75%). GWE had the best pooled specificity (78%) followed by GWI (75%), GCW (70%), GLS (68%), and GWW (61%). GCW had the best accuracy according to SROC curves, with an area under the curve of 0.86 compared to 0.84 for GWI, 0.83 for GWE, 0.79 for GLS, and 0.74 for GWW. All MW indices had an excellent intra‐ and inter‐observer variability.

Conclusions

GCW is the best MW index proving best diagnostic accuracy in the prediction of CAD with an excellent reproducibility.
Estimated glomerular filtration rate, haemodynamics, and mortality in patients with aortic stenosis
Authors: Appert Sharon , Weber Lukas , Breuss Alexander , Haager Philipp K. , Joerg Lucas , Weilenmann Daniel , Chronis Joannis , Rigger Johannes , Rickli Hans , Maeder Micha T.
Published: February 2023

Background

In aortic stenosis (AS), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is an important prognostic marker but its haemodynamic determinants are unknown. We investigated the correlation between eGFR and invasive haemodynamics and long‐term mortality in AS patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR).

Methods

We studied 503 patients [median (interquartile range) age 76 (69–81) years] with AS [indexed aortic valve area .42 (.33–.49) cm2/m2] undergoing cardiac catheterization prior to surgical (72%) or transcatheter (28%) AVR. Serum creatinine was measured on the day before cardiac catheterization for eGFR calculation (CKD‐EPI formula).

Results

The median eGFR was 67 (53–82) mL/min/1.73 m2. There were statistically significant correlations between eGFR and mean right atrial pressure (r = −.13; p = .004), mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP; r = −.25; p < .001), mean pulmonary artery wedge pressure (r = −.19; p < .001), pulmonary vascular resistance (r = −.21; p < .001), stroke volume index (r = .16; p < .001), extent of coronary artery disease, and mean transvalvular gradient but not indexed aortic valve area. In multivariate linear regression, higher age, lower haemoglobin, lower mean transvalvular gradient (i.e. lower flow), lower diastolic blood pressure, and higher mPAP were independent predictors of lower eGFR. After a median post‐AVR follow‐up of 1348 (948–1885) days mortality was more than two‐fold higher in patients in the first eGFR quartile compared to those in the other three quartiles [hazard ratio 2.18 (95% confidence interval 1.21–3.94); p = .01].

Conclusion

In patients with AS, low eGFR is a marker of an unfavourable haemodynamic constellation as well as important co‐morbidities. This may in part explain the association between low eGFR and increased post‐AVR mortality.
Stabilising effects of karstic groundwater on stream fish communities
Authors: Hitt Nathaniel P. , Rogers Karli M. , Kessler Karmann G. , Briggs Martin A. , Fair Jennifer H.
Published: February 2023

Although groundwater exchange processes are known to modulate atmospheric influences on stream temperature and flow, the implications for ecological stability are poorly understood. Here, we evaluated temporal change in stream fish communities across a gradient of groundwater influence defined by karst terrain (carbonate parent materials) within the Potomac River basin of eastern North America. We surveyed 12 sites in 2022 that had been sampled 29–30 years previously with similar methods. We also collected stream temperature data from each site and used the regression slope of the air‐water temperature relationship to index stream thermal sensitivity and groundwater exchange processes. Sites in karst terrain exhibited strong groundwater controls on stream temperature, and fish communities were more stable over time in these locations than elsewhere. However, stream thermal sensitivity was a stronger predictor of species persistence than the spatial distribution of karst terrain in contributing areas, highlighting the ecological importance of local variation in groundwater discharge processes. The presence of calcium precipitates (marl) in stream substrates was associated with low thermal sensitivity and ecological stability over time, and we suggest such visible features may be a useful indicator of climate change refugia in stream ecosystems.
Effectiveness of distance learning for preclinical periodontal education
Authors: Oh Se‐Lim , Swiec Gary , Jones Deborah , Chung Thomas
Published: February 2023

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of distance learning (DL) for the second‐year periodontics course compared to classroom learning (CL).

Materials and Methods

DL for Class A (n1 = 126) and CL for Class B (n2 = 133) were implemented. The same instructors recorded or delivered the same lectures in the two learning modules during the second‐year periodontics course. Classes A and B took the same final examinations (a total % score of 200). General linear model (GLM) and ordinal logistic regression (OLR) analyses were conducted after considering individual first‐year final % scores as a covariate to test if the second‐year final % scores and the distributions of letter grades were significantly different between Class A and B.

Results

The mean second‐year final % score of the DL group (166.4) was significantly higher than that of the CL group (160.8) (independent t‐test, p = .019). However, in GLM, the first‐year final % scores significantly affected the second‐year scores (p = .016); the second‐year final % scores between the two groups were not significantly different (p = .268) after considering the individual first‐year scores. In OLR, there was no difference in the likelihood of getting lower grades in the second‐year course between the two groups (odds ratio = 1.6; 95% confidence interval = [0.95, 2.72], p = .078) after considering the first‐year final % scores.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of the study, the DL for preclinical periodontics resulted in comparable student learning outcomes when compared to the traditional CL.
Water availability is a stronger driver of soil microbial processing of organic nitrogen than tree species composition
Authors: Maxwell Tania L. , Augusto Laurent , Tian Ye , Wanek Wolfgang , Fanin Nicolas
Published: February 2023

Soil organic nitrogen (N) cycling processes constitute a bottleneck of soil N cycling, yet little is known about how tree species composition may influence these rates, and even less under changes in soil water availability such as those that are being induced by climate change. In this study, we used a 12‐year‐old tree biodiversity experiment in southwestern France to assess the interactive effects of soil water availability (half of the blocks seasonally irrigated to double precipitation) and tree species composition (monocultural vs. mixed plots of coniferous Pinus pinaster, and of broadleaf Betula pendula). We measured gross protein depolymerisation rates using a novel high‐throughput isotope pool dilution method, along with soil microbial biomass carbon and N to calculate microbial biomass‐specific activities of soil organic N processes. Overall, high soil water availability led to a 42% increase in soil protein depolymerisation rates compared to the unirrigated plots, but we found no effect of species composition on these soil organic N cycling processes. When investigating the interactive effect of tree species mixing and soil water availability, the results suggest that mixing tree species had a negative effect on soil organic N cycling processes in the non‐irrigated blocks subject to dry summers, but that this effect tended to become positive at higher soil water availability in irrigated plots. These results put forth that soil water availability could influence potential tree species mixing effects on soil organic N cycling processes in dry conditions.

Highlights

Tree species (with different litter C:N ratios) had little effect on protein depolymerisation

Increasing water availability via irrigation accelerated depolymerisation rates

No interactive effect between tree species mixing and water availability, although trends emerged

Positive trend of mixing under high water availability and negative trend under low water
Machine Learning Literacy for Measurement Professionals: A Practical Tutorial
Authors: Nie Rui , Guo Qi , Morin Maxim
Published: February 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic has accelerated the digitalization of assessment, creating new challenges for measurement professionals, including big data management, test security, and analyzing new validity evidence. In response to these challenges, Machine Learning (ML) emerges as an increasingly important skill in the toolbox of measurement professionals in this new era. However, most ML tutorials are technical and conceptual‐focused. Therefore, this tutorial aims to provide a practical introduction to ML in the context of educational measurement. We also supplement our tutorial with several examples of supervised and unsupervised ML techniques applied to marking a short‐answer question. Python codes are available on GitHub. In the end, common misconceptions about ML are discussed.
Microbial sensitivity to temperature and sulfate deposition modulates greenhouse gas emissions from peat soils
Authors: AminiTabrizi Roya , Graf‐Grachet Nathalia , Chu Rosalie K. , Toyoda Jason G. , Hoyt David W. , Hamdan Rasha , Wilson Rachel M. , Tfaily Malak M.
Published: February 2023

Peatlands are among the largest natural sources of atmospheric methane (CH4) worldwide. Microbial processes play a key role in regulating CH4 emissions from peatland ecosystems, yet the complex interplay between soil substrates and microbial communities in controlling CH4 emissions as a function of global change remains unclear. Herein, we performed an integrated analysis of multi‐omics data sets to provide a comprehensive understanding of the molecular processes driving changes in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in peatland ecosystems with increasing temperature and sulfate deposition in a laboratory incubation study. We sought to first investigate how increasing temperatures (4, 21, and 35°C) impact soil microbiome–metabolome interactions; then explore the competition between methanogens and sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRBs) with increasing sulfate concentrations at the optimum temperature for methanogenesis. Our results revealed that peat soil organic matter degradation, mediated by biotic and potentially abiotic processes, is the main driver of the increase in CO2 production with temperature. In contrast, the decrease in CH4 production at 35°C was linked to the absence of syntrophic communities and the potential inhibitory effect of phenols on methanogens. Elevated temperatures further induced the microbial communities to develop high growth yield and stress tolerator trait‐based strategies leading to a shift in their composition and function. On the other hand, SRBs were able to outcompete methanogens in the presence of non‐limiting sulfate concentrations at 21°C, thereby reducing CH4 emissions. At higher sulfate concentrations, however, the prevalence of communities capable of producing sufficient low‐molecular‐weight carbon substrates for the coexistence of SRBs and methanogens was translated into elevated CH4 emissions. The use of omics in this study enhanced our understanding of the structure and interactions among microbes with the abiotic components of the system that can be useful for mitigating GHG emissions from peatland ecosystems in the face of global change.
A Single Step Acid Assisted Microwave Digestion Method for the Complete Dissolution of Bauxite and Quantitation of its Composition (Al2O3, Fe2O3, SiO2, TiO2, Cr2O3, MgO, MnO and V2O5) by ICP‐AES
Authors: Prasad Ankam Durga , Rastogi Lori , Thangavel Shanmugam , Dash Kulamani
Published: February 2023

An acid assisted microwave‐based method for the complete dissolution of bauxite using mixture of H2SO4, H3PO4 and HF acids in a single step was developed for the determination of various analytes (Al2O3, Fe2O3, SiO2, TiO2, Cr2O3, MgO, MnO and V2O5) using ICP‐AES. The method was validated with respect to ruggedness, linearity, trueness, precision, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), working range and measurement uncertainties by analysing a bauxite reference material (Alcan BXT‐12) and four certified reference materials (IPT‐131, BXBA‐4, NIST SRM 600, NIST SRM 697). The expanded uncertainties obtained for Al2O3 (40.0%), Fe2O3 (17.0%), SiO2 (20.3%), TiO2 (1.31%), Cr2O3 (0.024%), MgO (0.05), MnO (0.013), and V2O5 (0.60%), were 0.80, 0.40, 0.50, 0.033, 0.0008, 0.002, 0.0007 and 0.002 respectively, which are fit for the intended use to characterise bauxite. The developed method was also evaluated through participation in an interlaboratory comparison exercise organised by the Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre (JNARDDC), Nagpur, India, using bauxite sample (BXT‐JNA), with satisfactory z‐scores achieved.
The rise of artificial intelligence, the fall of human wellbeing?
Authors: Zhao Yong , Yin Da , Wang Lili , Yu Yihua
Published: February 2023

Concerns exist regarding the impact on our lives of the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Using a large dataset of 137 countries over the period 2005–2018 from multiple sources, we estimate the causal effect of AI on individual‐level subjective wellbeing. Our identification strategy is inferred from the gravity framework and uses merely the variation in exogenous drivers of a country's AI development. We find a significant negative effect of AI on an individual's wellbeing, in terms of current levels or expectations of future wellbeing. The results are robust to alternative measures of AI, identification strategies, and sampling. Moreover, we find evidence of significant heterogeneity in the impact of AI on individual wellbeing. Further, this dampening effect on individual wellbeing resulting from the use of AI is more prominent among young people, men, high‐income groups, high‐skilled groups, and manufacturing workers.