bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computed tomographic study analysing functional biomechanics in the thoracolumbar spine of horses with and without spinal pathology
Authors: Baudisch Natalie , Schneidewind Lukas , Becke Sophie , Keller Max , Overhoff Milena , Tettke Dennis , Gruben Viola , Eichler Fabienne , Meyer Henning Jürgen , Lischer Christoph , Ehrle Anna
Published: January 2024

To better understand physiological and pathological movement patterns in the equine thoracolumbar spine, investigation of the biomechanics on a segmental level requires a constant moment. A constant moment along the spinal column means that the same torque acts on each vertebral segment, allowing the range of motion of different segments to be compared. The aims of this study were to investigate the range of motion of the equine thoracolumbar spine in horses with and without spinal pathology and to examine whether the pressure between the spinous processes depends on the direction of the applied moment. Thoracolumbar spine specimens (T8‐L4) of 23 horses were mounted in a custom‐made mechanical test rig to investigate spinal biomechanics during lateral bending, axial rotation, flexion and extension using computed tomographic imaging. Results were compared between horses with spondylosis, overriding spinous processes and specimens free of gross pathology. The interspinous space pressure was additionally determined using a foil sensor. The median lateral bending between T9 and L3 was 3.7°–4.1° (IQR 5.4°–8.0°). Maximum rotational movement with inconsistent coupled motion was observed at T9–T16 (p < 0.05). The dorsoventral range of motion was greatest in segments T9–T11 (p < 0.05). Spondylosis and overriding spinous processes restricted spinal mobility, depending on the severity of the condition. There was no significant difference in interspinous pressure during motion (p = 0.54). The biomechanical study confirmed that the range of motion of intervertebral joints depends on the anatomical position of the joint and the direction of the moment applied. Restricted mobility was evident in the presence of different grades of overriding spinous processes or spondylosis. A better understanding of equine spinal biomechanics in horses with spinal pathology facilitates individual rehabilitation.
Domesticating Responsibility: Refugee Hosting and the Homes for Ukraine Scheme
Authors: Burrell Kathy
Published: January 2024

In March 2022, in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the UK government launched its “Homes for Ukraine” private hosting scheme. The British public were urged to support Ukraine by signing up to host people fleeing the war in their own homes. There are many critiques of the scheme, especially the racialised connotations of welcoming Ukrainians while shunning others seeking sanctuary. However, the particular themes of responsibility and responsibilisation stand out. This scheme is the first programme of this scale in the UK, signalling a different approach to accommodating and supporting refugees, away from the realm of government. Is this a retreating state, and who exactly is responsible for supporting Ukrainians as they settle? What does this responsibility entail? Drawing on 58 interviews with hosts, guests, charities, and central and local government representatives, this article forges new contributions to understanding what is at stake in refugee hosting schemes.
Spatiotemporal development and the regulatory mechanisms of cardiac resident macrophages: Contribution in cardiac development and steady state
Authors: Qin Demeng , Zhang Ying , Liu Fang , Xu Xiang , Jiang Haiqiang , Su Zhaoliang , Xia Lin
Published: January 2024

Cardiac resident macrophages (CRMs) are integral components of the heart and play significant roles in cardiac development, steady‐state, and injury. Advances in sequencing technology have revealed that CRMs are a highly heterogeneous population, with significant differences in phenotype and function at different developmental stages and locations within the heart. In addition to research focused on diseases, recent years have witnessed a heightened interest in elucidating the involvement of CRMs in heart development and the maintenance of cardiac function. In this review, we primarily concentrated on summarizing the developmental trajectories, both spatial and temporal, of CRMs and their impact on cardiac development and steady‐state. Moreover, we discuss the possible factors by which the cardiac microenvironment regulates macrophages from the perspectives of migration, proliferation, and differentiation under physiological conditions. Gaining insight into the spatiotemporal heterogeneity and regulatory mechanisms of CRMs is of paramount importance in comprehending the involvement of macrophages in cardiac development, injury, and repair, and also provides new ideas and therapeutic methods for treating heart diseases.
Loss of testosterone induces postprandial insulin resistance and increases the expression of the hepatic antioxidant flavin‐containing monooxygenases in mice exposed to intermittent hypoxia
Authors: Ganouna‐Cohen Gauthier , Marcouiller François , Blachot‐Minassian Britanny , Demarest Maud , Beauparlant Charles Joly , Droit Arnaud , Belaidi Elise , Bairam Aida , Joseph Vincent
Published: January 2024

Aim

We tested the hypothesis that low testosterone alters the effects of intermittent hypoxia (IH) on glucose homeostasis, hepatic oxidative stress, and transcriptomic profile in male mice.

Methods

We used sham‐operated or orchiectomized (ORX) mice exposed to normoxia (Nx) or IH for 2 weeks. We performed fasting insulin and glucose tolerance tests and assessed fasting and postprandial insulin resistance with the HOMA‐IR. The activity of hepatic prooxidant (NADPH oxidase—NOX), antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase—SOD, Cat, GPx), lipid peroxidation (MDA concentration), and the total concentration of glutathione (GSH) were measured under postprandial conditions. mRNA sequencing and pathway enrichment analyses were used to identify hepatic genes underlying the interactions between IH and testosterone.

Results

In Sham mice, IH improves fasting insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, while there are no effects of IH in ORX mice. In ORX mice, IH induces postprandial hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, and a prooxidant profile of enzyme activity (low SOD activity) without altering hepatic MDA and GSH content. ORX and IH altered the expression of genes involved in oxidoreductase activities, cytochromes‐dependent pathways, and glutathione metabolism. Among the genes upregulated in ORX‐IH mice, the flavin‐containing monooxygenases (FMO) are particularly relevant since these are potent hepatic antioxidants that could help prevent overt oxidative stress in ORX‐IH mice.

Conclusion

Low levels of testosterone in male mice exposed to IH induce post‐prandial hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance and determine the mechanisms by which the liver handles IH‐induced oxidative stress.
Adult rats sired by obese fathers present learning deficits associated with epigenetic and neurochemical alterations linked to impaired brain glutamatergic signaling
Authors: Mezo‐González Carla Elena , García‐Santillán Juan Antonio , Kaeffer Bertrad , Gourdel Mathilde , Croyal Mikaël , Bolaños‐Jiménez Francisco
Published: January 2024

Aim

Offspring of obese mothers are at high risk of developing metabolic syndrome and cognitive disabilities. Impaired metabolism has also been reported in the offspring of obese fathers. However, whether brain function can also be affected by paternal obesity has barely been examined. This study aimed to characterize the learning deficits resulting from paternal obesity versus those induced by maternal obesity and to identify the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Founder control and obese female and male Wistar rats were mated to constitute three first‐generation (F1) experimental groups: control mother/control father, obese mother/control father, and obese father/control mother. All F1 animals were weaned onto standard chow and underwent a learning test at 4 months of age, after which several markers of glutamate‐mediated synaptic plasticity together with the expression of miRNAs targeting glutamate receptors and the concentration of kynurenic and quinolinic acids were quantified in the hippocampus and frontal cortex.

Results

Maternal obesity induced a severe learning deficit by impairing memory encoding and memory consolidation. The offspring of obese fathers also showed reduced memory encoding but not impaired long‐term memory formation. Memory deficits in offspring of obese fathers and obese mothers were associated with a down‐regulation of genes encoding NMDA glutamate receptors subunits and several learning‐related genes along with impaired expression of miR‐296 and miR‐146b and increased concentration of kynurenic acid.

Conclusion

Paternal and maternal obesity impair offspring's learning abilities by affecting different processes of memory formation. These cognitive deficits are associated with epigenetic and neurochemical alterations leading to impaired glutamate‐mediated synaptic plasticity.
Integrated uplift, subsidence, erosion and deposition in a tightly coupled source‐to‐sink system, Pagliara basin, northeastern Sicily, Italy
Authors: Pavano F. , Pazzaglia F. J. , Rittenour T. M. , Catalano S. , Corbett L. B. , Bierman P.
Published: January 2024

How tectonic forcing, expressed as base level change, is encoded in the stratigraphic and geomorphic records of coupled source‐to‐sink systems remains uncertain. Using sedimentological, geochronological and geomorphic approaches, we describe the relationship between transient topographic change and sediment deposition for a low‐storage system forced by rapid rock uplift. We present five new luminescence ages and two terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide paleo‐erosion rates for the late Pleistocene Pagliara fan‐delta complex and we model corresponding base level fall history and erosion of the source catchment located on the Ionian flank of the Peloritani Mountains (NE‐Sicily, Italy). The Pagliara delta complex is part of the broader Messina Gravel‐and‐Sands lithostratigraphic unit that outcrops along the Peloritani coastal belt as extensional basins have been recently inverted by both normal faults and regional uplift at the Messina Straits. The deltas exposed at the mouth of the Pagliara River have constructional tops at ca. 300 m a.s.l. and onlap steeply east‐dipping bedrock at the coast to thickness between ca. 100 and 200 m. Five infrared‐stimulated luminescence (IRSL) ages collected from the delta range in age from ca. 327 to 208 ka and indicate a vertical long‐term sediment accumulation rate as rapid as ca. 2.2 cm/yr during MIS 7. Two cosmogenic 10Be concentrations measured in samples of delta sediment indicate paleo‐erosion rates during MIS 8–7 near or slightly higher than the modern rates of ca. 1 mm/yr. Linear inversion of Pagliara fluvial topography indicates an unsteady base level fall history in phase with eustasy that is superimposed on a longer, tectonically driven trend that doubled in rate from ca. 0.95 to 1.8 mm/yr in the past 150 ky. The combination of footwall uplift rate and eustasy determines the accommodation space history to trap the fan‐deltas at the Peloritani coast in hanging wall basins, which are now inverted, uplifted and exposed hundreds of metres above the sea level.
Immature stroma and high infiltration of CD15+ cells are predictive markers of poor prognosis in different subsets of patients with pancreatic cancer
Authors: Yamada Yutaka , Yamamoto Takeo , Tsutsumi Chikanori , Matsumoto Takashi , Noguchi Shoko , Shimada Yuki , Nakata Kohei , Ohuchida Kenoki , Nakamura Masafumi , Oda Yoshinao
Published: January 2024

Preoperative treatment is commonly carried out for borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the relationship between the combination of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment and their intratumoral heterogeneity along with their association with histological findings remains unclear, especially in patients receiving preoperative chemotherapy. We aimed to explore the therapeutic strategies for patients with PDAC with poor prognosis after receiving chemotherapy based on histological and immunological microenvironmental classifications. We investigated the correlation between the prognosis and histological immune microenvironmental factors of patients who initially underwent surgery (n = 100) and were receiving gemcitabine plus nab‐paclitaxel (GEM + nabPTX) as preoperative chemotherapy (n = 103). Immune profiles were generated based on immune cell infiltration into the tumor, and their correlation with patient outcomes and histological features was analyzed. Tumor‐infiltrating neutrophils (TINs) were identified as independent poor prognostic factors using multivariate analysis in both surgery‐first and preoperative chemotherapy groups. The patients were further classified into four groups based on immune cell infiltration into the tumor. Patients with high CD15 infiltration into the tumor and immature stroma at the cancer margins showed the worst prognosis in the preoperative chemotherapy group. The analysis of mRNA expression and immunohistochemical features revealed that CXCR2, the receptor for CXCL8, was correlated with disease‐free and overall survival. We inferred that patients with immature stroma at the margins and high infiltration of CD15+ neutrophils within the tumor showed the worst prognosis and they could particularly benefit from treatment with inhibitors targeting CXCR2 or CXCL8.
Questioning the tabula rasa in Indian modernity: Toward a genealogy for the Anthropocene
Authors: Desai Catherine Outram , Kinger Yakin
Published: January 2024

This article examines the history of Kharaghoda, an important site of colonial salt extraction located on the edge of the Little Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. It highlights relationships between development and ecology through analysis of colonial documents published between 1872 and 1940. The intention at Kharaghoda was to enforce colonial political agendas through the construction of infrastructure on what was seen as an empty site. However, contrary to a tabula rasa condition, records suggest a complex relationship with site ecologies. In particular, nature was not uniformly sublimated by the project, but exerted influence on a rapidly fluctuating built environment. The article presents developments thematically, with each investigating the archives and corresponding developments chronologically. By foregrounding the ecological voice within the archives it advocates for a definition of modern heritage that recognizes interactions between nature and built environments to suggest future possibilities for conservation acknowledging human and nonhuman agencies.
Remodelling the inguinal adipose sensory system to switch on the furnace: Electroacupuncture stimulation induces brown adipose thermogenesis
Authors: Lu Mengjiang , Yu Ziwei , Yang Xingyu , An Li , Jing Xinyue , Xu Tiancheng , Yuan Mengqian , Xu Bin , Yu Zhi
Published: January 2024

Brown and white adipose tissue mediate thermogenesis through the thermogenetic centre of the brain, but safe methods for activating thermogensis and knowledge of the associated molecular mechanisms are lacking. We investigated body surface electroacupuncture stimulation (ES) at ST25 (targeted at the abdomen) induction of brown adipose thermogenesis and the neural mechanism of this process. Inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT) and interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT) were collected and the thermogenic protein expression levels were measured to evaluate iBAT thermogenesis capacity. The thermogenic centre activating region and sympathetic outflow were evaluated based on neural electrical activity and c‐fos expression levels. iWAT sensory axon plasticity was analysed with whole‐mount adipose tissue imaging. ES activated the sympathetic nerves in iBAT and the c‐fos‐positive cells induced sympathetic outflow activation to the iBAT from the medial preoptic area (MPA), the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DM) and the raphe pallidus nucleus (RPA). iWAT denervation mice exhibited decreased c‐fos‐positive cells in the DM and RPA, and lower recombinant uncoupling orotein 1 peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor, β3‐adrenergic receptor, and tyrosine hydroxylase expression. Remodelling the iWAT sensory axons recovered the signal from the MPA to the RPA and induced iBAT thermogenesis. The sympathetic denervation attenuated sensory nerve density. ES induced sympathetic outflow from the thermogenetic centres to iBAT, which mediated thermogenesis. iWAT sensory axon remodelling induced the MPA–DM–RPA–iBAT thermogenesis pathway.
Adaptive infusion of a glucagon‐like peptide‐1/glucagon receptor co‐agonist G3215, in adults with overweight or obesity: Results from a phase 1 randomized clinical trial
Authors: Hope David C. D. , Ansari Saleem , Choudhury Sirazum , Alexiadou Kleopatra , Tabbakh Yasmin , Ilesanmi Ibiyemi , Lazarus Katharine , Davies Iona , Jimenez‐Pacheco Lara , Yang Wei , Ball Laura‐Jayne , Malviya Reshma , Reglinska Beata , Khoo Bernard , Minnion James , Bloom Stephen R. , Tan Tricia M.‐M.
Published: January 2024

Aims

To determine whether a continuous infusion of a glucagon‐like peptide receptor (GLP‐1R)/glucagon receptor (GCGR) co‐agonist, G3215 is safe and well tolerated in adults with overweight or obesity.

Methods

A phase 1 randomized, double blind, placebo‐controlled trial of G3215 in overweight or obese participants, with or without type 2 diabetes.

Results

Twenty‐six participants were recruited and randomized with 23 completing a 14‐day subcutaneous infusion of G3215 or placebo. The most common adverse events were nausea or vomiting, which were mild in most cases and mitigated by real‐time adjustment of drug infusion. There were no cardiovascular concerns with G3215 infusion. The pharmacokinetic characteristics were in keeping with a continuous infusion over 14 days. A least‐squares mean body weight loss of 2.39 kg was achieved with a 14‐day infusion of G3215, compared with 0.84 kg with placebo infusion (p < .05). A reduction in food consumption was also observed in participants receiving G3215 and there was no deterioration in glycaemia. An improved lipid profile was seen in G3215‐treated participants and consistent with GCGR activation, a broad reduction in circulating amino acids was seen during the infusion period.

Conclusion

An adaptive continuous infusion of the GLP‐1/GCGR co‐agonist, G3215, is safe and well tolerated offering a unique strategy to control drug exposure. By allowing rapid, response‐directed titration, this strategy may allow for mitigation of adverse effects and afford significant weight loss within shorter time horizons than is presently possible with weekly GLP‐1R and multi‐agonists. These results support ongoing development of G3215 for the treatment of obesity and metabolic disease.
Clinical study of two‐dimensional speckle tracking to evaluate abnormal myocardial motion due to coronary lesions
Authors: Sun Lin , Zhu Weiwei , Xu Yidan , Gao Ming , Sun Shaoqing , Li Jingjie
Published: January 2024

Objective

To investigate the predictive ability of global longitudinal strain (GLS) and mechanical dispersion for coronary stenosis and provide a more reliable noninvasive method for diagnosis of obstructive coronary artery disease(OCAD).

Methods

Sixty‐seven patients diagnosed with suspected CAD were included in the study. Patients with coronary stenosis greater than 50% were assigned as OCAD, while the others were assigned as non obstructive coronary artery disease(NOCAD). General information was collected and patients underwent speckle tracking echocardiogram(STE).

Results

Spearman's correlation analysis showed that GLS and mechanical dispersion were positively correlated with the degree of coronary stenosis (r = 0.383, 0.342, p < 0.05), and there was also a positive correlation between GLS and mechanical dispersion (r = 0.327, p < 0.05). GLS, longitudinal strain (LS) of each chamber, and mechanical dispersion were higher in the OCAD group than in the NOCAD group (p < 0.05). Univariate regression analysis showed that GLS, each lumen LS and mechanical dispersion were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Multifactorial regression analysis showed that elevated GLS (p = 0.007) and elevated mechanical dispersion (p = 0.030) were independent risk factors for OCAD. The ROC curves showed that GLS predicted OCAD (AUC area 0.745, 95% CI 0.624 to 0.865) versus mechanical discrete prediction of OCAD (AUC area 0.702, 95% CI 0.569 to 0.834) were more diagnostic than conventional cardiac ultrasound observations of ventricular wall motion abnormalities (AUC area 0.566, 95% CI 0.463 to 0.669).

Conclusions

Combining GLS with mechanical dispersion can rapidly assess OCAD in a very short period, which has strong promotion value and in‐depth research value.
Both stimulus‐specific and configurational features of multiple visual stimuli shape the spatial ventriloquism effect
Authors: Kayser Christoph , Debats Nienke , Heuer Herbert
Published: January 2024

Studies on multisensory perception often focus on simplistic conditions in which one single stimulus is presented per modality. Yet, in everyday life, we usually encounter multiple signals per modality. To understand how multiple signals within and across the senses are combined, we extended the classical audio‐visual spatial ventriloquism paradigm to combine two visual stimuli with one sound. The individual visual stimuli presented in the same trial differed in their relative timing and spatial offsets to the sound, allowing us to contrast their individual and combined influence on sound localization judgements. We find that the ventriloquism bias is not dominated by a single visual stimulus but rather is shaped by the collective multisensory evidence. In particular, the contribution of an individual visual stimulus to the ventriloquism bias depends not only on its own relative spatio‐temporal alignment to the sound but also the spatio‐temporal alignment of the other visual stimulus. We propose that this pattern of multi‐stimulus multisensory integration reflects the evolution of evidence for sensory causal relations during individual trials, calling for the need to extend established models of multisensory causal inference to more naturalistic conditions. Our data also suggest that this pattern of multisensory interactions extends to the ventriloquism aftereffect, a bias in sound localization observed in unisensory judgements following a multisensory stimulus.
Quantitative analysis of three‐dimensional fatigue crack path selection in Mg alloy WE43 using high‐energy X‐ray diffraction microscopy
Authors: Greeley Duncan A. , Adams Jacob F. , Kenesei Peter , Spear Ashley D. , Allison John E.
Published: January 2024

Fatigue short‐cracks in Mg alloys display complex growth behavior due to high plastic anisotropy and crack path dependence on local microstructural features. In this study, the three‐dimensional crystallography of short‐crack paths in Mg alloy WE43 was characterized by mapping near‐field high‐energy X‐ray diffraction microscopy (HEDM) reconstructed grain maps to high‐resolution X‐ray CT reconstructions of the fracture surfaces in the crack initiation and short‐crack growth regions of six ultrasonic fatigue specimens. Crack–grain–boundary intersections were analyzed at 81 locations across the six crack paths. The basal intragranular, non‐basal intragranular, or intergranular character of short‐crack growth following each boundary intersection was correlated to crystallographic and geometric parameters of the trailing and leading grains, three‐dimensional grain boundary plane, and advancing crack front. The results indicate that crack paths are dependent on the combined crystallographic and geometric character of the local microstructure, and crack path prediction can be improved by use of dimensionality reduction on subsets of high‐linear‐correlation microstructural parameters.
What factors influence the rediscovery of lost tetrapod species?
Authors: Lindken Tim , Anderson Christopher V. , Ariano‐Sánchez Daniel , Barki Goni , Biggs Christina , Bowles Philip , Chaitanya Ramamoorthi , Cronin Drew T. , Jähnig Sonja C. , Jeschke Jonathan M. , Kennerley Rosalind J. , Lacher Thomas E. , Luedtke Jennifer A. , Liu Chunlong , Long Barney , Mallon David , Martin Gabriel M. , Meiri Shai , Pasachnik Stesha A. , Reynoso Victor Hugo , Stanford Craig B. , Stephenson P. J. , Tolley Krystal A. , Torres‐Carvajal Omar , Waldien David L. , Woinarski John C. Z. , Evans Thomas
Published: January 2024

We created a database of lost and rediscovered tetrapod species, identified patterns in their distribution and factors influencing rediscovery. Tetrapod species are being lost at a faster rate than they are being rediscovered, due to slowing rates of rediscovery for amphibians, birds and mammals, and rapid rates of loss for reptiles. Finding lost species and preventing future losses should therefore be a conservation priority. By comparing the taxonomic and spatial distribution of lost and rediscovered tetrapod species, we have identified regions and taxa with many lost species in comparison to those that have been rediscovered—our results may help to prioritise search effort to find them. By identifying factors that influence rediscovery, we have improved our ability to broadly distinguish the types of species that are likely to be found from those that are not (because they are likely to be extinct). Some lost species, particularly those that are small and perceived to be uncharismatic, may have been neglected in terms of conservation effort, and other lost species may be hard to find due to their intrinsic characteristics and the characteristics of the environments they occupy (e.g. nocturnal species, fossorial species and species occupying habitats that are more difficult to survey such as wetlands). These lost species may genuinely await rediscovery. However, other lost species that possess characteristics associated with rediscovery (e.g. large species) and that are also associated with factors that negatively influence rediscovery (e.g. those occupying small islands) are more likely to be extinct. Our results may foster pragmatic search protocols that prioritise lost species likely to still exist.
The strengthened impact of water availability at interannual and decadal time scales on vegetation GPP
Authors: Liang Chuanzhuang , Zhang Mingyang , Wang Zheng , Xiang Xueqiao , Gong Haibo , Wang Kelin , Liu Huiyu
Published: January 2024

Water availability (WA) is a key factor influencing the carbon cycle of terrestrial ecosystems under climate warming, but its effects on gross primary production (EWA‐GPP) at multiple time scales are poorly understood. We used ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) and partial correlation analysis to assess the WA‐GPP relationship (RWA‐GPP) at different time scales, and geographically weighted regression (GWR) to analyze their temporal dynamics from 1982 to 2018 with multiple GPP datasets, including near‐infrared radiance of vegetation GPP, FLUXCOM GPP, and eddy covariance–light‐use efficiency GPP. We found that the 3‐ and 7‐year time scales dominated global WA variability (61.18% and 11.95%), followed by the 17‐ and 40‐year time scales (7.28% and 8.23%). The long‐term trend also influenced 10.83% of the regions, mainly in humid areas. We found consistent spatiotemporal patterns of the EWA‐GPP and RWA‐GPP with different source products: In high‐latitude regions, RWA‐GPP changed from negative to positive as the time scale increased, while the opposite occurred in mid‐low latitudes. Forests had weak RWA‐GPP at all time scales, shrublands showed negative RWA‐GPP at long time scales, and grassland (GL) showed a positive RWA‐GPP at short time scales. Globally, the EWA‐GPP, whether positive or negative, enhanced significantly at 3‐, 7‐, and 17‐year time scales. For arid and humid zones, the semi‐arid and sub‐humid zones experienced a faster increase in the positive EWA‐GPP, whereas the humid zones experienced a faster increase in the negative EWA‐GPP. At the ecosystem types, the positive EWA‐GPP at a 3‐year time scale increased faster in GL, deciduous broadleaf forest, and savanna (SA), whereas the negative EWA‐GPP at other time scales increased faster in evergreen needleleaf forest, woody savannas, and SA. Our study reveals the complex and dynamic EWA‐GPP at multiple time scales, which provides a new perspective for understanding the responses of terrestrial ecosystems to climate change.
Insects as indicators of Key Biodiversity Areas
Authors: Nania Dario , Mei Maurizio , Pacifici Michela , Rondinini Carlo , De Biase Alessio , Michez Denis , Cerretti Pierfilippo
Published: January 2024

Global change is affecting insect populations worldwide as species declines have been reported from different areas of the planet.

Novel approaches such as the identification of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) could detect areas of high biodiversity value for insect populations. The KBA approach relies on standardised criteria to identify important sites for biodiversity persistence. The application of such criteria to large numbers of species would significantly accelerate the KBA mapping process.

A systematic application of KBA criteria has not been tested on insects, and very little is known about the efficiency and limits of such methodology.

We applied four KBA criteria in Italy to 28 species/subspecies of bumblebees and identified potential KBAs for one species and three subspecies. Potential KBAs are only partially nested within current Italian KBAs and the protected areas network. When compared with potential KBAs of vertebrate species identified with the same methodology, the degree of nesting is only 12%.

Our results provide evidence of a tendency of the KBA network to expand as more species are assessed, raising questions about the ability of the criteria to detect areas that truly are key for biodiversity and not just for specific taxa. We also highlight issues regarding the use of KBA criteria on insects, such as data availability and the use of subspecies. Further large‐scale assessments of KBAs will reveal the true potential of application of the KBA approach for insect conservation, and whether it actually may slow down the loss of important units of their extraordinary diversity.
Correlation between the facial skin microbiome and sensitive skin using the 2bRAD‐M technique
Authors: Lu Yi‐na , Cheng Lu , Shi Xue‐mei
Published: January 2024

Objective

This study aimed to expound on the correlation between facial skin microbiome and sensitive skin (SS) using a novel sequencing technique.

Methods

We applied the 2bRAD sequencing for the microbiome, which enables accurate characterization of the low‐biomass microbiome at species resolution to profile facial skin microbes in SS and non‐SS groups. Further, the bacterial colonies were isolated and cultured from skin surfaces to study the pro‐inflammatory effect on human keratinocytes by ELISA.

Results

We accordingly identified 1142 genera and 4436 strains. In the SS group, the proportions of Actinomyces and Microbotryomycetes were significantly increased, whereas that of Acidimicrobiia was decreased. Kruskal–Wallis analysis revealed significant differences in 11 genera and 35 species, among which the proportions of Dermabacter, Chryseobacterium, Rhodotorula and Peptoniphilus A were increased in the SS group. Analysis of the top 10 genera revealed increased proportions of Cutibacterium, Corynebacterium and Staphylococcus. Moreover, the proportion of Dermabacter hominis was significantly increased by 18.9‐fold in the SS group, whereas those of many Streptococcus strains were significantly decreased. Focus on the isolated bacterial colonies from skin surfaces, more yellow colonies were found in SS group when cultured in Tryptic Soy Broth medium for 48 h, and more interleukin‐8 was detected on keratinocytes after yellow colonies stimulation, such as S.capitis, M.luteus.

Conclusions

This study suggests that more SS‐associated microorganisms can be identified using the 2bRAD technique even with a small sample size. Dermabacter hominis and Chryseobacterium was firstly reported with a significantly increase in SS, and the S.capitis, as well as M.luteus, but not S.aureus, may be associated with skin inflammation.
RETRACTED: Effects of fast‐track recovery programme on the surgical site wound infection in patients undergoing biliary stones surgery: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhou Anyi , Lv Xiuhong , Wang Le , Wang Huan , Lu Mingshu
Published: January 2024

To systematically evaluate the effects of a fast‐track recovery programme on perioperative wound infections and postoperative complications in patients undergoing biliary tone surgery, we conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, China Biomedical Literature Database, Wanfang and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases from inception to 29 September 2023 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on the application of a fast‐track recovery programme in patients undergoing biliary stone surgery. Two researchers independently screened and evaluated the studies based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and data were subsequently extracted from the included studies. Stata software (version 17.0) was employed for data analysis. Overall, 19 RCTs involving 2363 patients were included, with 1178 patients allocated to the fast‐track recovery programme group and 1185 to the conventional care group. The results revealed a significantly lower occurrence of wound infection (3.74% vs. 9.45%, OR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.25–0.51, p < 0.001) and postoperative complications (11.38% vs. 27.34%, OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.25–0.39, p < 0.001) in the fast‐track recovery programme group compared to the conventional care group. The available evidence supports the assertion that implementing a fast‐track recovery programme in the perioperative period of patients undergoing biliary stone surgery effectively reduces the incidence of wound infections and postoperative complications while facilitating postoperative recovery.
Effect of different surgical techniques on postoperative wound infection in patients with uterine prolapse: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Jinyun , Shang Xianping , Huang Jingjie , Wang Jing
Published: January 2024

The assumption is that a number of controlled trials have been conducted to assess the impact of uterus retaining or hysterectomy on wound and haemorrhage, but there is no indication as to which method would be more beneficial for wound healing. This research is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the availability of wound healing in case studies of both operative methods. From inception to October 2023, four databases were reviewed. The odds ratio (OR) and the mean difference (MD) for both groups were computed with a random effect model, as well as the corresponding 95% confidence intervals. A total of five studies were carried out in the overall design and enrolled 16 972 patients. No statistical significance was found in the rate of postoperative wound infection among the two treatments (OR,1.46; 95% CI,0.66,3.22 p = 0.35); The rates of bleeding after surgery did not differ significantly from one procedure to another (OR,1.41; 95% CI,0.91,2.17 p = 0.12); two studies demonstrated no statistical significance for the rate of incisional hernia after surgery (OR,2.58; 95% CI,0.37,18.05 p = 0.34). Our findings indicate that there is a similar risk between uterine preservation and hysterectomies for the incidence of wound infection, haemorrhage and protrusion of incision.
Surgical site infection outcomes of two different closed incision negative pressure therapy systems in cardiac surgery: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Loubani Mahmoud , Cooper Matthew , Silverman Ronald , Bongards Christine , Griffin Leah
Published: January 2024

Closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) system use compared with standard of care dressings (SOC) on surgical site infection (SSI) in cardiac surgery was assessed. A systematic literature review was conducted. Risk ratios (RR) and random effects models were used to assess ciNPT with foam dressing (ciNPT‐F) or multilayer absorbent dressing (ciNPT‐MLA) versus SOC. Health economic models were developed to assess potential per patient cost savings. Eight studies were included in the ciNPT‐F analysis and four studies were included in the ciNPT‐MLA analysis. For ciNPT‐F, a significant reduction in SSI incidence was observed (RR: 0.507, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.362, 0.709; p < 0.001). High‐risk study analysis reported significant SSI reduction with ciNPT‐F use (RR: 0.390, 95% CI: 0.205, 0.741; p = 0.004). For ciNPT‐MLA, no significant difference in SSI rates were reported (RR: 0.672, 95% CI: 0.276, 1.635; p = 0.381). Health economic modelling estimated a per patient cost savings of $554 for all patients and $3242 for the high‐risk population with ciNPT‐F use. Health economic modelling suggests ciNPT‐F may provide a cost‐effective solution for sternotomy incision management. However, limited high‐quality literature exists. More high‐quality evidence is needed to fully assess the impact of ciNPT use following cardiac surgery.
The Welfare Argument for Free Time Protection
Authors: Jauch Malte
Published: January 2024

Demands for free time protections are often justified with appeal to a concern for individuals' welfare. The idea is that people would enjoy greater levels of welfare if they had more access to free time. This article shows that the currently most sophisticated version of the welfare argument is inconclusive. It then shows how this argument can be modified and extended to become conclusive. The main claim is that policymakers have a decisive welfare‐based reason to implement free time protections that go even further than those already in place in countries that are known for their good work–life balance.
Single immediate implant placement in the maxillary aesthetic zone with and without connective tissue grafting: Results of a 5‐year randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zuiderveld Elise G. , Meijer Henny J. A. , Gareb Barzi , Vissink Arjan , Raghoebar Gerry M.
Published: January 2024

Aim

To assess the 5‐year effects of grafting connective tissue while undertaking single immediate implant placement and provisionalization at the mid‐buccal mucosa level (MBML). Secondary outcomes were buccal bone wall thickness (BBT), marginal bone level (MBL) and patient satisfaction.

Materials and Methods

Sixty patients with a single failing tooth in the maxillary anterior region were provided with an immediately placed and provisionalized implant. At implant placement, the patients randomly received either a connective tissue graft from the maxillary tuberosity (n = 30, test group) or no graft (n = 30, control group). The alveolar socket classification was mainly Type 2A. Data were collected before removing the failing tooth (T0), and at 1 (T1), 12 (T12) and 60 (T60) months after final crown placement. The primary outcome was the change in MBML compared with the pre‐operative situation. Additionally, the change in BBT, MBL, aesthetics (using the Pink Aesthetic Score–White Aesthetic Score), soft‐tissue peri‐implant parameters and patient satisfaction were assessed.

Results

At the 5‐year follow‐up, 27 patients could be analysed from each group. In each group, one implant was lost during the osseointegration period, within 3 months of placement, resulting in an implant survival rate of 96.7% in both groups. MBML change at T60 was −0.6 (−1.1 to –0.1) mm in the control group and 0.1 (−0.4 to 0.5) mm in the test group (p = .008). BBT and MBL, aesthetics, soft‐tissue peri‐implant parameters and patient satisfaction showed stable results and satisfied patients, without clinically relevant differences between the groups.

Conclusions

This 5‐year follow‐up study shows that grafting connective tissue when replacing a single failing tooth with immediately placed and provisionalized implant results in favourable peri‐implant tissues and fewer MBML changes.
Metabolic syndrome, its components, and gastrointestinal cancer risk: a meta‐analysis of 31 prospective cohorts and Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhan Zhi‐Qing , Chen Ying‐Zhou , Huang Ze‐Min , Luo Yu‐Hua , Zeng Jia‐Jian , Wang Ye , Tan Juan , Chen Ying‐Xuan , Fang Jing‐Yuan
Published: January 2024

Background and Aim

Cohort studies have linked metabolic syndrome (MetS) to gastrointestinal (GI) cancer risk. We aimed to evaluate the associations between MetS, its components, and combinations of MetS components with eight GI cancers risk.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search of prospective cohort studies and performed a meta‐analysis. Subgroup analyses regarding diagnostic criteria, sex, cancer sites, histological subtypes, ethnic groups, and studies adjusted for alcohol consumption were carried out. Mendelian randomization (MR) was employed to evaluate the causality between 17 MetS‐related traits and eight GI cancers among Europeans and Asians separately.

Results

Meta‐analyses of 31 prospective studies indicated that MetS was significantly associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) (RR [95% CI] = 1.13 [1.12–1.15]), esophageal cancer (EC) (RR [95% CI] = 1.17 [1.03–1.32]), gallbladder cancer (GBC) (RR [95% CI] = 1.37[1.10–1.71]), liver cancer (LC) (RR [95% CI] = 1.46 [1.29–1.64]), and pancreatic cancer (PaC) (RR [95% CI] = 1.25 [1.20–1.30]), but not gastric cancer (GC) (RR [95% CI] = 1.11 [0.96–1.28]). Regarding the associations between MetS components and GI cancers risk, the following associations showed statistical significance: obesity‐CRC/LC/EC/, hypertriglyceridemia‐LC/PaC, reduced high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐CRC/LC/GC/PaC, hyperglycemia‐CRC/LC/PaC, and hypertension‐CRC/LC/EC/PaC. Sex‐specific associations were observed between individual MetS components on GI cancers risk. Among the top three common combinations in both sexes, obesity + HTN + hyperglycemia had the strongest association with CRC risk (RR [95% CI] = 1.54 [1.49–1.61] for males and 1.27 [1.21–1.33] for females). MR analyses revealed causality in 16 exposure–outcome pairs: waist‐to‐hip ratio/BMI/HbA1c‐CRC; BMI/childhood obesity/waist circumference/T2DM/glucose‐EC; BMI/waist circumference/cholesterol‐LC; cholesterol/childhood obesity/waist circumference/HbA1c‐PaC; and HbA1c‐GBC. These results were robust against sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

Since MetS is reversible, lifestyle changes or medical interventions targeting MetS patients might be potential prevention strategies for GI cancers.
Efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided tissue acquisition using stereo‐microscopic on‐site evaluation for possible comprehensive genome profile in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer
Authors: Okuwaki Kosuke , Watanabe Masafumi , Yoshida Tsutomu , Tamaki Akihiro , Iwai Tomohisa , Adachi Kai , Ishizaki Junro , Hanaoka Taro , Imaizumi Hiroshi , Kida Mitsuhiro , Kusano Chika
Published: January 2024

Background and Aim

Stereomicroscopic on‐site evaluation (SOSE) is a rapid evaluation method for endoscopic ultrasound‐guided tissue acquisition (EUS‐TA) with a high diagnostic sensitivity when the stereomicroscopically visible white core (SVWC) cut‐off value (≥ 11 mm) is met. We prospectively examined the association between SVWCs and the adequacy of tissue specimens, assuming subsequent comprehensive genome profiling (CGP).

Methods

This study included 66 consecutive patients with suspected unresectable pancreatic cancer who underwent EUS‐TA. The primary endpoint was the frequency of combined samples with ≥ 20% tumor cell content that met over twice the SVWC (T‐SVWC) cut‐off value, achieved through multiple punctures. The secondary endpoints were the number of punctures, the percentage of SVWC cut‐off values, adverse events, the positive diagnosis rate, and the tissue section area.

Results

The median number of EUS‐TA punctures for suspected unresectable pancreatic cancer was 3 (range, 3–4); SVWC and T‐SVWC cut‐off values were obtained in 171/206 specimens and 65/66 patients, respectively. There were no EUS‐TA‐related adverse events. The positive diagnosis rate of EUS‐TA was 95.5%. Among the 63 patients meeting the T‐SVWC cut‐off value in pathological diagnoses, the median tumor cell content was 40% (range, 5–80%), with 57 patients having tumor cell content ≥ 20%. The median tissue section area was 15 (range, 3–40) mm2.

Conclusions

When performing EUS‐TA for unresectable pancreatic cancer with the intention of subsequent CGP, obtaining a high tumor cell content (≥ 20%) by assessing the T‐SVWC cut‐off value via SOSE may serve as a novel indicator for on‐site estimation of CGP suitability for EUS‐TA specimens.
A behavioral gap in survival beliefs
Authors: Apicella Giovanna , De Giorgi Enrico G.
Published: January 2024

Life span uncertainty (longevity risk) impacts several economic decisions. Individuals can form and revise their survival beliefs making use of behavioral heuristics. We propose a model of sentiment, in which individuals are assumed to switch between optimistic and pessimistic expectations of their health. When optimism is persistent in the face of health shocks, or when individuals are more likely to change their sentiment from pessimistic to optimistic than otherwise, our model predicts survival underestimation at young ages and overestimation at old ages. An empirical analysis based on the longitudinal data from Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe validates our model.
Effect of serving temperatures on retronasal detection thresholds of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin among Korean consumers
Authors: Lee Juyeon , Chon Seo‐yeong , Kim Mina K.
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study was to determine the retronasal threshold values of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin according to the change in serving temperatures. Threshold tests were performed using five series of three alternative forced choice method in aqueous‐based matrices at varying temperature levels. The retronasal threshold values of capsaicin at 4°C, 25°C, and 60°C were 1.83, 1.57, and 1.57 mg/kg, respectively; no significant differences were observed. Similarly, the retronasal threshold of dihydrocapsaicin at 4°C, 25°C, and 60°C reached 2.14, 1.71, and 1.78 mg/kg, respectively; no differences based on serving temperature were observed (p > .05). These values were slightly higher than best estimate thresholds reported in different countries.

Practical Applications

Capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin are two of the major compounds responsible for how we perceive spiciness in food. This study found no differences in best estimate thresholds (BETs) according to the temperature at which the food was served, suggesting that the serving temperature does not impact the recognition threshold of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin. This means that the serving temperature does not alter the human perceived spiciness in foods having capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin above BET levels.