bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The study centre of the Africa Institute: Dutch aid, trade policy, and the future of African Studies
Authors: Uche Chibuike
Published: January 2025

Using the Netherlands as a case study and materials partly from Dutch government archives, this paper critiques the development of African Studies after the Second World War and the role the state, business interests, and Official Development Assistance played in this process. It argues that the commercial nature of the Dutch state laid the foundation for the country’s knowledge-driven international expansionist agenda. Although the country traded its last economic stronghold in Africa to the British in 1872, it rekindled its interest in the continent 75 years later through the establishment of the Africa Institute and its study centre (now African Studies Centre Leiden). This was after the loss of its Indonesian colony became imminent. Arguably, because the Dutch had no colonial influence in Africa, it focused on economic competitiveness. The government covertly used Dutch development aid in the pursuit of this objective. The recent public acknowledgement by the Dutch that their aid and trade policies are entwined undermines the altruistic façade of the West, creating opportunities for Africa to be studied in the context of its economic reality.
Burdens of reliabilism: a reply to Goldberg
Authors: Paulson Spencer
Published: January 2025

Sanford Goldberg has recently proposed a solution to the swamping problem for process reliabilist truth-monism (PRTM). In short, he argues that reliably formed true beliefs have a property he calls the ‘modal reliability property’, the epistemic value of which is explained in terms of the value of true belief but is not swamped by it. He offers two arguments to this effect. I claim that both of his arguments are valid, but they employ premisses the truth of which needs to be explained. However, it is not obvious how a proponent of PRTM could explain them without abandoning her preferred order of explanation. I do not argue that it is impossible in principle to discharge this burden. However, I do claim that Goldberg has yet to show us that it is possible. The result is that the swamping problem is no less problematic for PRTM than it was previously.
Investment structuring and re-structuring: the Italian perspective
Authors: Risso Giorgio , Dall’Agnola Giovanni
Published: January 2025

The multiplication of international investment treaties provides foreign investors with a valuable network to obtain and/or maximize investment protection through investment structuring and/or re-structuring (also known as nationality planning). When selecting the most appropriate treaty for structuring and/or re-structuring its investment, an investor should carry out a case-by-case assessment including on the basis of the following factors: (i) the requirements to access investment protection; (ii) the degree of the substantive and procedural protections; (iii) the timing of the re-structuring; and (iv) the overall language of the chosen treaty. Against this background, the article analyses each of the foregoing factors through the lens of the bilateral investment treaties concluded by Italy, as well as the case law involving Italian investors as claimants and/or Italy as respondent. The analysis shows that foreign investors should take into consideration the Italian network of bilateral investment treaties for investment structuring and/or re-structuring purposes since most of these treaties provide for advantageous jurisdictional requirements, as well as effective substantive and procedural protections.
Genotype–phenotype correlation for skin and neuropsychiatric features in tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Kaneda Emi , Koguchi-Yoshioka Hanako , Nimura Keisuke , Hattori Satoshi , Ishino Saki , Fujimoto Manabu , Wataya-Kaneda Mari
Published: January 2025

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by pathogenic variants in TSC1 and TSC2. The condition manifests as diverse symptoms across multiple organ systems and is frequently associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms. However, the relationship between the severity of these manifestations remains poorly understood. This study aimed to elucidate correlations between the severity of various skin and neuropsychiatric symptoms and the underlying TSC1/TSC2 pathology.
Implementing family safeguarding in the context of domestic violence and abuse: A case study of a local authority in England
Authors: Mayrhofer Andrea , Mansuri Nushra , Sarma Kausiki , Smiles Claire , Alderson Hayley , Kaner Eileen , McGovern Ruth
Published: January 2025

Addressing domestic violence and abuse (DVA) requires effective multiagency family safeguarding to protect vulnerable children and adult victims, whilst challenging perpetrator behaviour. This article examines how family safeguarding in the context of DVA was implemented across social care in a local authority (LA) in England. The LA was selected for inclusion based on its innovative approach to implementing family safeguarding in the context of DVA. Qualitative interview data were collected via video conferencing from twenty-two senior leaders, managers, and frontline professionals working across statutory and voluntary organizations in the LA. The mechanisms employed by the LA to integrate social care response to DVA were a community-based intervention to help avert escalation of risk, DVA training for professionals across statutory and voluntary services, and the employment of Independent Domestic Violence Advisors in key roles. Practitioners reported that these mechanisms strengthened multi-agency coherence and collaboration and facilitated culture change. Outcomes impacting on families directly included supporting adult victims of abuse alongside affected children and working with low-risk perpetrators where possible. Implications for social care practice are that multi-pronged approaches supported by DVA specialists can successfully link prevention and response mechanisms when responding to DVA.
Transthyretin variants impact blood–nerve barrier and neuroinflammation in amyloidotic neuropathy
Authors: Chao Chi-Chao , Yang Wei-Kang , Yeh Ti-Yen , Kan Yu-Yu , Wang Yi-Shiang , Lee Kuan-Jung , Hu Chieh-Ju , Tang Tsz-Yi , Ide Toshihiro , Hsueh Hsueh-Wen , Lin Cheng-Chen , Shy Horng-Tzer , Lee Ming-Jen , Tzeng Shiou-Ru , Katsuno Masahisa , Koike Haruki , Hsieh Sung-Tsang
Published: January 2025

Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with polyneuropathy (ATTRv-PN) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding transthyretin (TTR). Despite amyloid deposition being pathognomonic for diagnosis, this pathology in nervous tissues cannot fully account for nerve degeneration, implying additional pathophysiology for neurodegeneration, which, however, has not yet been fully elucidated.

In this study, neuroinflammation in ATTRv-PN was investigated by examining nerve morphometry, the blood-nerve barrier, and macrophage infiltration in the sural nerves of ATTRv-PN patients and the sciatic nerves of a complementary mouse system, i.e. the humanized knock-in hTTRA97S mice. The direct effects of mutant TTR proteins were evaluated in these hTTRA97S mice and a human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) model in vivo and in vitro, respectively.

This case-control and cross-sectional study included 19 patients (17 men; 62.9 ± 3.9 years; FAP stage 1, n=11; FAP stage 2, n=7; FAP stage 3, n=1) with p.Ala117Ser (A97S) and 46 patients (39 men; 65.3 ± 11.4 years; FAP stage 1, n=31; FAP stage 2, n=12; FAP stage 3, n=3) with p.Val50Met (V30M). Both genotypes had elevated protein in the cerebrospinal fluid: 88.9% (16 cases in 18 patients) in A97S and 51.1% (23 cases in 45 patients) in V30M. The myelinated nerve fibers in sural nerves were markedly depleted in ATTRv-PN and the myelinated nerve fiber density was inversely correlated with CSF protein, implying leakage of the blood-nerve barrier. The tight junction ultrastructure of the endoneurial microvessels in sural nerves was impaired, as indicated by the reduced expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). The cultured HUVEC that were not transfected with any TTR gene variant presented reduced ZO-1 expression when exposed to mutant recombinant TTR of A97S or V30M compared to wild-type TTR. Increased infiltration of macrophage with expression of inflammasome maker, NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), suggested polarization to proinflammatory M1 lineage were robust in the sural nerves of ATTRv-PN patients and the sciatic nerves of hTTRA97S mice compared with those of controls and wild-type mice. In parallel, the mRNA expression of interleukin 1β was greater in the sural nerves of ATTRv-PN than in those of the controls.

In conclusion, the disrupted blood-nerve barrier due to mutant TTR protein resulting in increased CSF protein level was associated with nerve degeneration in ATTRv-PN via the infiltration of inflammatory macrophages and the production of inflammatory cytokines.
Reshaping computational neuropsychiatry beyond synaptopathy
Authors: Bottemanne Hugo , Mouchabac Stephane , Gauld Christophe
Published: January 2025

Computational neuropsychiatry is a leading discipline to explain psychopathology in terms of neuronal message passing, distributed processing, and belief propagation in neuronal networks. Active Inference (AI) has been one of the ways of representing this dysfunctional signal processing. It involves that all neuronal processing and action selection can be explained by maximizing Bayesian model evidence, or minimizing variational free energy. Following these principles, it has been suggest that dysconnection in neuronal network results in aberrant belief updating and erroneous inference, leading to psychiatric and neurologic symptoms. However, there is a classic distinction between disorders of inference (or synaptopathy – including the majority of psychiatric disorders), and disorders of brain function (including vascular neurological pathologies and severe forms of tauopathy and synucleinopathies). This distinction is generally based on the idea that synaptopathies impair neuromodulatory precision weighting, leading to rigid inferences or heightened sensitivity to noise, while disorders of brain function are linked to damage in the nervous system (disconnection). This makes it challenging to apply the logic of the free energy principle. We suggest that this distinction will enable future models of neuropsychiatric symptoms to be improved by considering more than neuronal message passing.
Milestone events in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa: findings of the PEBLES study
Authors: Mellerio Jemima E , Pillay Elizabeth I , Sollesta Kathryn , Thiel Konstantin E , Zimmerman Georg , McGrath John A , Martinez Anna E , Jeffs Eunice
Published: January 2025

Background

In recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), complications like oesophageal strictures, hand contractures, cardiomyopathy and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) may develop. These complications necessitate procedures such as oesophageal dilatation (OD), gastrostomy tube placement and hand surgery.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence and age of onset of milestone events by RDEB subtype, specifically dysphagia, first OD, first gastrostomy tube, first hand surgery, cardiomyopathy, first SCC and death.

Methods

The Prospective Epidermolysis Bullosa Longitudinal Evaluation Study (PEBLES) is a register study of individuals with RDEB that records comprehensive EB- and non-EB-related health information. Age of onset and prevalence of milestone events were analysed in the full cohort with all RDEB subtypes and by RDEB subtype.

Results

Dysphagia occurred in 85% of the 62 total participants, including all with the severe (RDEB-S) and inversa (RDEB-Inv) subtypes. OD was also frequent, in 69% overall (92% RDEB-S, 89% RDEB-Inv). All events were most frequent and occurred earliest in RDEB-S (except cardiomyopathy), with a median age of dysphagia, OD and gastrostomy tube placement in the first decade. Frequent and early dysphagia and OD in RDEB-Inv may suggest this subtype before characteristic flexural skin changes manifest. Of the participants with RDEB-S, 35% had a first SCC at a median age of 27.8 years. Seven participants died during the 10-year study; the median age for the six with RDEB-S was 36 years, and causes included sepsis, metastatic SCC and complications of refeeding syndrome.

Conclusions

Our results detail the frequency and prevalence of important milestone events by RDEB subtype, informing prognostication, increasing understanding of the natural history of RDEB to help inform study endpoints, and potentially serving as proxy control data for future clinical trials.
Synthesis and Characterization of MIP Ghost Approach for Selective Extraction of Empagliflozin and Quantification by Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Anumolu Durga Panikumar , Ramatulasi Jampana , Ashok Gorja , Afreen Syed Sara , Mathew Ceema , Shakar Pulusu Veera
Published: January 2025

The valid method was developed for analyzing empagliflozin in serum/plasma/urine using a molecularly imprinted ghost polymer–solid-phase extraction approach (MISPE) with liquid chromatographic methodology. Methacrylic acid (MAA) was used as the monomer, 2,2 azobis isobutyronitrile as the initiator and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as the cross-linker in the free radical polymerization procedure. Empagliflozin was loaded onto the polymer and eluted with 1 mL of a 9:1 MeOH:acetic acid solution. The PRONTOSIL C8 (250 × 4 mm × 5u) was used to design the optimized HPLC technique. Phosphate buffer (pH −5): ACN (40:60) was used as the mobile phase with a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min, and 230 nm was used for detection. Empagliflozin’s calibration curve is linear between 0.08 and 200 μg/mL. The thresholds for quantification (limit of quantification) and detection (limit of detection) were 0.002 and 0.006 μg/mL, respectively. High binding affinity and selectivity were displayed by the polymer, and, at pH 8, the polymer’s rebinding efficiency was effective. It was discovered that the extraction recovery of the analyte employing the molecular-imprinted solid-phase extraction coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography developed technique was 93% with relative standard deviation (RSD) <2%.
Population-Based Analysis of the Risk of Mycobacterial Infections Associated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Yan Marie , Hernandez Alejandro , Chan Kelvin K , Stanbrook Matthew B , Blanchette Phillip S , Johnston James C , Lee Samantha M , Macdonald Liane , Richard-Greenblatt Melissa , Marras Theodore K , Brode Sarah K
Published: January 2025

In this population-based study, we examined the risk of nontuberculous mycobacterial disease associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors among people with cancer. Using a nested case-control design, we identified 184 cases and 714 matched controls; there was no significant association on conditional logistic regression (adjusted odds ratio, 0.51 [95% confidence interval, .17–1.50]; P = .22).
Flight phenology and influence of region and habitat on the abundance of Xylosandrus germanus and Anisandrus maiche (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in New York
Authors: Milbrath Lindsey R , Biazzo Jeromy , van Zoeren Janet
Published: January 2025

The non-native wood-boring and symbiotic fungus-culturing Xylosandrus germanus (Blandford) was first reported in New York apple orchards in 2013. Trapping surveys have been conducted annually since to assist growers in timely applications of preventative control measures. In 2021, a similar-looking introduced species, Anisandrus maiche (Kurentsov), was identified in traps in west central New York. Anisandrus maiche was first recorded in 2005 in Pennsylvania but its history in New York was unclear due to potential misidentification. We collected and identified ambrosia beetles using ethanol-baited bottle traps in 2022 and 2023 in New York at 2 commercial apple orchards near Lake Ontario and 2 cider apple orchards in the lower Finger Lakes district. Traps were placed in a forest interior, the forest edge, and the orchard edge at each site. Xylosandrus germanus was trapped from mid-April into early October; it was abundant in the Lake Ontario region but less so in the Finger Lakes. In contrast, counts of A. maiche were very high in the Finger Lakes but extremely low near Lake Ontario. It was trapped from late-May to mid-September. Most other bark and ambrosia beetle species were uncommon. Captures of X. germanus and A. maiche were generally highest in the forest interior and declined toward the orchard edge, but each species was usually present in traps across habitats at the same time. Thus, the practice of trapping at forest edges should continue. Both species can potentially infest stressed trees, including in orchards, throughout the growing season.
Artificial intelligence for the analysis of intracoronary optical coherence tomography images: a systematic review
Authors: van der Waerden Ruben G A , Volleberg Rick H J A , Luttikholt Thijs J , Cancian Pierandrea , van der Zande Joske L , Stone Gregg W , Holm Niels R , Kedhi Elvin , Escaned Javier , Pellegrini Dario , Guagliumi Giulio , Mehta Shamir R , Pinilla-Echeverri Natalia , Moreno Raúl , Räber Lorenz , Roleder Tomasz , van Ginneken Bram , Sánchez Clara I , Išgum Ivana , van Royen Niels , Thannhauser Jos
Published: January 2025

Intracoronary optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a valuable tool for, among others, periprocedural guidance of percutaneous coronary revascularization and the assessment of stent failure. However, manual OCT image interpretation is challenging and time-consuming, which limits widespread clinical adoption. Automated analysis of OCT frames using artificial intelligence (AI) offers a potential solution. For example, AI can be employed for automated OCT image interpretation, plaque quantification, and clinical event prediction. Many AI models for these purposes have been proposed in recent years. However, these models have not been systematically evaluated in terms of model characteristics, performances, and bias. We performed a systematic review of AI models developed for OCT analysis to evaluate the trends and performances, including a systematic evaluation of potential sources of bias in model development and evaluation.
Health improvements by understanding residual risk in coronary artery disease and new targets for prevention/treatment: rationale and research protocol of the HURRICANE project
Authors: Caselli Chiara , Occhipinti Mariaelena , Pane Katia , De Gori Carmelo , Rocchiccioli Silvia , Botto Nicoletta , Prontera Concetta , Cavaliere Carlo , Ragusa Rosetta , Vecoli Cecilia , Sansone Francesco , Passaro Emanuela , Ceccherini Elisa , Morlando Antonio , Clemente Alberto , Franzese Monica , Maffei Erica , Punzo Bruna , Gimelli Alessia , Cademartiri Filippo , Neglia Danilo
Published: January 2025

Optimal medical treatment in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) reduced morbidity and mortality but left a substantial residual risk (RR) of disease progression and events. According to recent evidence, insulin resistance or pre-diabetes together with elevated levels of triglycerides, low levels, and functionality of HDL-cholesterol, often associated with a chronic inflammatory state, are deemed to be relevant components of cardiometabolic and vascular RR. In the present project, we aim at discovering specific individual genetic/molecular profiles subtending emerging cardiometabolic and vascular risk patterns and associated with more severe stable CAD phenotypes. To this end, we will analyse clinical data, blood samples, and imaging data already gathered in a retrospective population of 561 patients with suspected stable coronary disease and will develop integrated predictive models of severity and extent of disease defined by qualitative and quantitative analysis of coronary plaques by cardiac computed tomography. The new predictive models, which will incorporate relevant clinical and genetic/molecular variables associated with more severe coronary atherosclerosis, will be validated in a similar prospective population of patients and extended to the prediction of progression (at 1 year follow-up) of coronary disease phenotypes, occurring despite optimal medical treatment.

Registration  ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06601153
The European Registry for Patients with Mechanical Circulatory Support (EUROMACS) of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery Fourth report: Focus on standardized outcome ratios
Authors: Veen Kevin M , Ahmed Mazen , Stark Christoffer , Botta Luca , Anastasiadis Kyriakos , Bernhardt Alexander , Berchtold-Herz Michael , Caliskan Kadir , Reineke David , Damman Kevin , Fiane Arnt , Gkouziouta Angeliki , Gollmann-Tepeköylü Can , Najjar Emil , Hulman Michal , Iacovoni Attilio , Loforte Antonio , Merkely Bela , Musumeci Francesco , Comisso Marina , Němec Petr , Netuka Ivan , Özbaran Mustafa , Potapov Evgenij , Pya Yuri , Rábago Gregorio , Ramjankhan Faiz , Scandroglio Anna Mara , Pieri Marina , Reichenspurner Hermann , Dashkevich Alexey , Stockman Bernard , Vanderheyden Marc , Tops Laurens , Wahlers Thorsten , Przybyłowski Piotr , Zimpfer Daniel , Løgstrup Brian Bridal , Santer David , Färber Gloria , Gummert Jan , Meyns Bart , de By Theo M M H , Schoenrath Felix
Published: January 2025

OBJECTIVES

This fourth report aimed to provide insights into patient characteristics, outcomes, and standardized outcome ratios of patients implanted with durable Mechanical Circulatory Support across participating centers in the European Registry for Patients with Mechanical Circulatory Support (EUROMACS) registry.

METHODS

All registered patients receiving durable mechanical circulatory support up to August 2024 were included. Expected number of events were predicted using penalized logistic regression. Standardized outcome ratios (Observed/Expected events) were presented in plots to assess 30-day and 1-year mortality, ischaemic stroke, and major bleeding outcomes. Expected events were estimated using penalized logistic regression using demographics and comorbidities as predictors. Centers with <90% follow-up completeness were excluded from standardized outcome ratio assessment.

RESULTS

Analysis included 6962 implants in 6408 patients (457 patients underwent repeated implants) registered in EUROMACS from 17 countries (32 centres) (median age: 58 years, 83% males, 17% INTERMACS class 1). Thirty-day mortality, major bleeding and ischaemic stroke probabilities were 9.6, 12.6%, and 2.1%, respectively. Standardized mortality ratios showed variability between centres, ranging from 0 (95% CI : 0–0) to 1.4 (95% CI : 1.2–1.7). Higher standardized bleeding outcome ratios correlated with higher standardized ischaemic stroke ratio’s (Spearman r: 0.56, P = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Most included centers perform as expected given the demographics and comorbidities of patients. A positive correlation was found between standardized bleeding and ischaemic stroke ratios, reflecting the need of continuously monitoring of adverse events by quality improvement programs.
Multidimensional characterization of craniofacial skeletal phenotype of obstructive sleep apnea in adults
Authors: Roh Jae-Yon , Darkhanbayeva Nurdana , Min Hye Kyu , Kim Kyung-A , Kim Su-Jung
Published: January 2025

Objectives

We aimed to characterize a craniofacial skeletal phenotype (CSP) of adult obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients from a multidimensional perspective, exploring the impact of transverse skeletal discrepancy (TSD) on multivariable polysomnographic profiles.

Materials and methods

This retrospective, cross-sectional study included 102 adult OSA patients. Sagittal, vertical, and transverse skeletal patterns were categorized on the cone beam computed tomography images. The CSP of OSA patients, characterized by a Class II hyperdivergent pattern, was divided into CSP2D and CSP3D subgroups according to the presence of TSD, and compared with the non-CSP of OSA patients. Both nasal and pharyngeal airway variables were involved for assessment, and 12 polysomnographic variables with a sleepiness symptom variable were used for phenotype-based inter-group comparisons.

Results

The CSP patients revealed greater disease severity than the non-CSP patients (indicated by eight polysomnographic variables), despite being younger (P < .05) and less obese (P < .01). The CSP3D patients with TSD exhibited more severe OSA than the age- and BMI-matched CSP2D patients without TSD, as indicated by nine polysomnographic variables, in relation to smaller nasal airway volume, smaller pharyngeal minimum cross-sectional area, and longer pharyngeal airway length (all P < .05). The probability of multiperspective characteristics among three phenotypes was significantly contrasted in 19 variables.

Conclusions

From a multidimensional perspective, the CSP patients showed greater OSA severity with more vulnerable nasal and pharyngeal airways than non-CSP patients, despite being younger and less obese. Specifically, the CSP3D patients revealed far more severe OSA than the CSP2D patients, indicating the significance of TSD on the polysomnographic profiles.
Effectiveness of a multicentre randomized controlled trial with three different nurse-led intervention management programmes for patients with heart failure: the main results of the MEETinCY study
Authors: Lambrinou Ekaterini , Protopapas Andreas , Paikousis Lefkios , Middleton Nicos , Papathanassoglou Elizabeth D E , Sourtzi Panayota , Kaloyirou Fotini
Published: January 2025

Aims

A single-blinded, multicentred randomized controlled trial (RCT) was employed to examine the effectiveness of a 3-month telephone follow-up, a telephone follow-up with education before discharge, or education only before discharge on the heart failure (HF) knowledge, HF self-care management, and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in patients with HF by a nurse specialist.

Methods and results

This is a multicentre RCT with three different intervention groups (IGs) and one control group. Participants in the first IG received education on HF self-management principles before discharge. The second IGs were enrolled to a 3-month telephone follow-up educational programme in addition to the pre-discharge educational session. The third IG received the telephone follow-up intervention only for 3 months. A total of 357 patients with HF were enrolled to the study of whom 262 participants completed the intervention. Outcome measures included HF-related QoL, HF self-care, and HF-related knowledge. Intervention effects were analysed using the Cohen d (rm) coefficient for repeated measurements and ANCOVA. There was a significant improvement in the physical dimension of the HR-QoL (F = 2.7, df = 3, P = 0.046) between the control group and in-person education group. In HF-related self-care, the telephone component alone or in combination with in-person education led to greater improvement than the control group (F = 3, df = 3, P = 0.034). Self-care practices were improved in the education and telephone arms as compared to the control group (P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Education and telephone support on self-care management may improve the physical dimension of HR-QoL.

Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01905176
Patients’ views on stroke prevention for atrial fibrillation after an intracerebral haemorrhage: a qualitative study
Authors: Ivany Elena , Lotto Robyn R , Lip Gregory Y H , Lane Deirdre A
Published: January 2025

Aim

(i) To explore the attitudes of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) towards oral anti-coagulation (OAC) for stroke prevention post-intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) and (ii) to explore factors that influence patients’ decision-making process for stroke prevention.

Methods and results

Patients with documented diagnosis of AF and history of a non-traumatic ICH, who were eligible for long-term OAC were recruited from eight hospitals in England, using purposive sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed using Framework analysis. Twelve patients (mean (SD) age 76.2 (6.6) years; 9 men) were recruited. Patients’ main priority was to maintain an acceptable quality of life (QoL), reflected by the main theme ‘Living my life as normal’. When deciding to accept or decline OAC for stroke prevention, patients were influenced by the following: (i) The individual, meaning factors relating to individuals’ personal attitudes towards health and healthcare, (ii) Medical factors, encompassing factors relating to patients’ trust in medical expertise and patients’ information-seeking behaviours, and (iii) Social factors, highlighting the influence of patients’ social support network on patients’ decision-making.

Conclusion

Patients’ decision-making for stroke prevention for AF post-ICH was influenced by individual, medical, and social factors. At the heart of patients’, decision-making were concerns with maintaining an acceptable QoL. The study findings help nurses and other healthcare professionals to better understand what matters to patients who are eligible for stroke prevention for AF post-ICH, thus promoting more effective shared decision making.
Comparing the hermaphroditic mating system of a parasitic flatworm between populations with an ancestral, three-host life cycle and a derived, facultative precocious life cycle
Authors: Hulke Jenna M , Criscione Charles D
Published: January 2025

Evolutionary changes in development and/or host number of parasite life cycles can have subsequent ecological and evolutionary consequences for parasites. One theoretical model based on the mating systems of hermaphroditic parasites assumes a life cycle with fewer hosts will result in more inbreeding, and predicts a truncated life cycle most likely evolves in the absence of inbreeding depression. Many populations of the hermaphroditic trematode Alloglossidium progeneticum maintain an ancestral obligate three-host life cycle where obligate sexual reproduction occurs among adults in catfish third hosts. However, some populations have evolved a facultative precocious life cycle, where sexual development can occur while encysted within crayfish second hosts, likely leading to high inbreeding as individuals are forced to self-mate while encysted. Whether selfing represents a derived state remains untested. We compared selfing rates of 5 precocious populations to that of 4 populations with an ancestral obligate three-host life cycle. We also compared demographic estimates to genetic estimates of selfing to test the prediction of no inbreeding depression in precocious populations. Results showed that while the ancestral obligate three-host life cycle is associated with high outcrossing rates, the facultative precocious populations are highly selfing and show little evidence for inbreeding depression.
Growth inhibition by ppc deletion is rescued by isocitrate dehydrogenase mutations in Escherichia coli
Authors: Toya Yoshihiro , Imada Tatsumi , Ishibashi Mai , Kawamoto Yuichi , Isshiki Kinuka , Shibai Atsushi , Furusawa Chikara , Shimizu Hiroshi
Published: January 2025

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase encoded by ppc catalyzes the anaplerotic reaction of oxaloacetate in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle in Escherichia coli. Deletion of ppc does not prevent the cells from replenishing oxaloacetate via the glyoxylate shunt, but the ppc-deletion strain almost did not grow on glucose. In the present study, we obtained evolved strains by deleting both ppc and mutS to increase the mutation rate and investigated the mechanisms for improving growth by analyzing the mutated genes. Genome resequencing revealed that the evolved strains have non-synonymous mutations in icd encoding isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH). The introduction of icd mutations rescued the growth defects caused by ppc deletion. ICDH activity was strongly reduced by the amino acid substitutions G205D or N232S. The evolved strains appeared to suppress the competitive pathway for increasing the glyoxylate shunt flux. In metabolic engineering, the deletion of iclR, which encodes a repressor of the aceBAK operon, has been used to activate the glyoxylate shunt. The growth rate of the ΔppcΔiclR strain slightly increased, but it was still much lower than that of the Δppc + icdG205D strains. This finding suggests that iclR deletion is not sufficient to enhance glyoxylate shunt flux and that inactivation of the competitive pathway by icd mutations is more effective.
11. Issue: Politics, Economics, and Power
Authors: Sørensen Georg , Møller Jørgen
Published: January 2025

This chapter examines a first major issue in International Political Economy (IPE): Power and the relationship between politics and economics, and more specifically whether politics is in charge of economics or whether it is the other way around. This debate was sparked by the breakdown of the Bretton Woods system in the early 1970s. It focuses on the way the rules of the game are formulated and maintained in international affairs. The chapter introduces hegemonic stability theory and reflects on the American willingness and ability to underwrite the rules of the international economy, before and after the end of the Cold War. GP theorists claim that we need closer scrutiny of the ideology of the ‘free market’ because it glosses over great economic and political inequalities.
12. Issue: Development and Underdevelopment
Authors: Sørensen Georg , Møller Jørgen
Published: January 2025

This chapter examines a second major issue in IPE: Development and underdevelopment in the Global South. Liberals emphasize the constructive role of market forces for economic development; realists point to the leading role of the state in the process; Marxists stress the ties of dependency and exploitation that hamper development in the Global South. Today, this discussion takes place in a new context: several developing countries, including China, India, and Brazil, have had high rates of economic growth for a long period and appear to be successful modernizers. GP theorists, meanwhile, are sceptical towards the basic notion of development; they look for a different trajectory for the Global South.
Spiders’ Webs in the Eremenko–Lyubich Class
Authors: Rempe Lasse
Published: January 2025

Consider the entire function $f(z)=\cosh (z)$. We show that the escaping set $I\left(\,f\right)$—that is, the set of points whose orbits tend to infinity under iteration of $f$—has a structure known as a “spider’s web”. This disproves a conjecture of Sixsmith from 2020. In fact, we show that the fast escaping set$A\left(\,f\right)$, consisting of of points whose orbits tend to infinity at an iterated exponential rate, is a spider’s web. This answers a question of Rippon and Stallard from 2012. We also discuss a wider class of functions to which our results apply and state some open questions.
Deep Points of Cluster Algebras
Authors: Beyer James , Muller Greg
Published: January 2025

We initiate a systematic study of the deep points of a cluster algebra; that is, the points in the associated variety which are not in any cluster torus. We describe the deep points of cluster algebras of type A, rank 2, Markov, and unpunctured surface type.
Global Impact of Mass Vaccination Campaigns on Circulating Type 2 Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Outbreaks: An Interrupted Time-Series Analysis
Authors: Cooper Laura V , Bandyopadhyay Ananda S , Grassly Nicholas C , Gray Elizabeth J , Voorman Arie , Zipursky Simona , Blake Isobel M
Published: January 2025

Background

Between 2016 and 2023, 3248 cases of circulating vaccine-derived type 2 poliomyelitis (cVDPV2) were reported globally and supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) with monovalent type 2 oral poliovirus vaccine (mOPV2) and novel type 2 oral poliovirus vaccine (nOPV2) targeted an estimated 356 and 525 million children, respectively. This analysis estimates the community-level impact of nOPV2 relative to mOPV2 SIAs.

Methods

We fitted interrupted time-series regressions to surveillance data between January 2016 and November 2023 to estimate the impact of nOPV2 and mOPV2 SIAs on cVDPV2 poliomyelitis incidence and prevalence in environmental surveillance across 37 countries, directly comparing the impact of SIAs in 13 countries where both vaccines were used.

Results

We did not find any statistically significant differences between nOPV2 and mOPV2 SIA impact except for in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where nOPV2 SIAs had lower impact (adjusted relative risk [aRR] for cVDPV2 poliomyelitis incidence per nOPV2 SIA, 0.505; 95% confidence interval [CI], .409–.623) compared to mOPV2 (aRR, 0.193; 95% CI, .137–.272); P value for difference in RRs = 3e-6.

Conclusions

We find variation in OPV2 SIA impacts globally, with greater certainty about Nigeria and DRC, where large outbreaks provided an opportunity to assess impact at scale. In most countries, we find no significant difference between nOPV2 and mOPV2 SIA impact. We are unable to identify the reason for the significant difference in DRC, which could include differential SIA coverage, timing, vaccine effectiveness, or outbreak dynamics.
Estimates of SARS-CoV-2 Infections and Population Immunity After the COVID-19 Pandemic in Austria: Analysis of National Wastewater Data
Authors: Riedmann Uwe , Chalupka Alena , Richter Lukas , Sprenger Martin , Rauch Wolfgang , Schenk Hannes , Krause Robert , Willeit Peter , Oberacher Herbert , Høeg Tracy Beth , Ioannidis John P A , Pilz Stefan
Published: January 2025

Background

Postpandemic surveillance data on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections may help inform future public health policies regarding severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) testing, vaccinations, or other COVID-19 measures. We estimate the total SARS-CoV-2 infections in Austria after the end of the pandemic from wastewater data and utilize these estimates to calculate the average national levels of SARS-CoV-2 infection protection and COVID-19 death protection.

Methods

We estimated the total SARS-CoV-2 infections in Austria after the end of the pandemic (5 May 2023, per World Health Organization) up to May 2024 from wastewater data using a previously published model. These estimates were used in an agent-based model (ABM) to estimate average national levels of SARS-CoV-2 infection protection and COVID-19 death protection, based on waning immunity estimates of infections and vaccination in previous literature.

Results

We estimate approximately 3.2 million infections between 6 May 2023 and 23 May 2024, with a total of 17.8 million infections following 12 May 2020. The ABM estimates that the national average death protection was approximately 82% higher in May 2024 than before the pandemic. This represents a relative decrease of 8% since May 2023. It also shows that 95% of people in Austria were infected with SARS-CoV-2 at least once by May 2024. National infection protection remained relatively low after the onset of Omicron.

Conclusions

These findings should be considered for public health decisions on SARS-CoV-2 testing practices and vaccine booster administrations.
Fluconazole step-down therapy versus echinocandins for the treatment of Candida glabrata invasive candidiasis with candidaemia
Authors: Droney Madeline , Reed Erica , Sarwar Sajed , Coe Kelci , Tran Nikki
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Candida glabrata is the second most common species responsible for invasive candidiasis, including candidaemia. Echinocandins are typically the first-line therapy for C. glabrata candidaemia, with the option to transition to oral fluconazole. Studies are needed to evaluate clinical outcomes in patients initially treated with echinocandins then transitioned to fluconazole.

Methods

This was a retrospective, single-centre cohort study of patients with C. glabrata candidaemia from November 2011 to August 2023. Inpatients aged 18–89 years who received an echinocandin within 24 h of the initial positive blood culture were included. Patients were excluded if they received antifungal treatment less than 48 h, combination therapy, or fluconazole as initial therapy. The primary composite outcome was 30-day clinical failure.

Results

A total of 186 patients were included (n = 153 echinocandin only; n = 33 fluconazole step-down). The most common source of candidaemia was line-associated in both groups with the majority having source control (43% echinocandin versus 58% fluconazole; P = 0.32). Compared to fluconazole, patients in the echinocandin group had a higher rate of concomitant bacteraemia (45% versus 24%; P = 0.03) and endovascular complications (11% versus 0%; P = 0.05). There was no significant difference in treatment duration between echinocandin and fluconazole (16 versus 19 days; P = 0.46), incidence of persistent candidaemia (22% versus 24%; P = 0.7), or 30-day clinical failure (15% versus 9%; P = 0.58).

Conclusions

Fluconazole appears to be a safe and reasonable step-down therapy in the management of C. glabrata candidaemia.
A meta-analysis of gain–loss framing effects in narrative persuasion
Authors: Kim Hye Kyung , Chen Minyi
Published: January 2025

This meta-analytic study synthesizes research on the persuasive impact of gain–loss framing in narrative guided by the social cognitive theory. A combined analysis of 47 experimental studies (N = 16,361) shows an overall persuasive efficacy of gain-framed narratives (vs. loss-framed) at enhancing self-efficacy (d = 0.17, p = .009). The results also indicated that gain-framed narratives produce less counterarguing (d = −0.57, p = .042) and more positive message evaluation (d = 0.25, p = .006) while inducing less transportation (d = −0.07, p = .039) compared to loss-framed narratives. Moderation analyses further revealed loss-framed narratives’ (vs. gain-framed) relative efficacy in improving behavioral intention when the story is written in the third-person perspective or promoting donation behaviors. Study findings illuminate some important boundary conditions and mechanisms of gain–loss framing effects specific to narrative persuasion.
A “rhapsody of the sense of wonder”: G. K. Chesterton’s defense of mysticism in his reading of the Book of Job
Authors: Pratsovyta Nataliya D
Published: January 2025

This article focuses on G. K. Chesterton’s reading of the Book of Job, a text he frequently commented on in his work, to understand the role mysticism plays in Chesterton's interpretation of and response to the question posed by Job about the nature of suffering of the innocent. Approaching Chesterton’s interpretation of this Biblical story through the concept of mysticism allows for an understanding of the meaning and value Chesterton attributed to the phenomenon of mysticism as a lens through which to see the world. Building on Robert Wild’s analysis that sees Chesterton’s reading of the Book of Job as Christ-centric, this article maintains that Chesterton’s analysis of the book is apologetic in nature and offers a defense of mysticism as a part of the Christian approach to life and reality. In Chesterton’s interpretation, God’s monologue in the Book of Job mirrors his own argument about mysticism, pointing to the everyday reality as mystical in nature. The Book of Job does not provide an answer to Job’s question; instead, it calls for a renewed sense of reality and, importantly, points to the connection between the Old and New Testaments, the vision that upholds the tradition of reading of the Book of Job by early medieval Christian thinkers and affirms the Christian apologetic nature of Chesterton’s interpretation of the text.
Vertical kinematics of the young Galactic clusters
Authors: Alfaro Emilio J , Sánchez-Gil M Carmen , Elmegreen Bruce
Published: January 2025

The young disc vertical phase is paramount in our understanding of Galaxy evolution. Analysing the vertical kinematics at different Galactic regions provides important information about the space–time variations of the Galactic potential. The vertical phase snail shell structure identified in Gaia Data Release 2 includes a wide age range. However, the structure of the $V_Z \ \mathrm{ versus} \ Z$ diagram appears linear when the analysis is limited to studying objects younger than 30 Ma. Based on the vertical velocity and height-over-disc maps obtained for a sample of young open clusters, this method also allows the matter density in the solar neighbourhood to be estimated using a completely different approach than previously found in the literature. We use two different catalogues of star clusters to confirm the previous result and study new age ranges. The linear pattern between $V_Z$ and Z shows different slopes, $\partial V_Z/\partial Z$, for various age groups. The results fit a simple model (harmonic oscillator) of in-plane decoupled vertical dynamics up to a certain age limit, corresponding to $\sim$30 Ma. This work also analyses the relationship between the local volumetric density of matter ($\rho _0$) and the disc vertical kinematics for different age ranges, all below 50 Ma. The best estimates of the effective volumetric mass density in the solar neighbourhood, 0.09–0.15 M$_\odot$ pc${}^{-3}$, agree with those given by other authors, assessing the reliability of the proposed dynamical model. These values are a minorant of the actual matter density in the region.
Follow-up on three poorly studied AM CVn stars
Authors: Aungwerojwit Amornrat , Gänsicke Boris T , Breedt E , Arjyotha S , Hermes J J , Hambsch F -J , Kumar A , Ramírez S H , Wilson T G , Dhillon V S , Marsh T R , Poshyachinda S , Scaringi S , Haislip J B , Reichart D E
Published: January 2025

We report follow-up observations of three poorly studied AM CVn-type binaries: CRTS CSS150211 J091017–200813, NSV 1440, and SDSS J183131.63+420220.2. Analysing time-series photometry obtained with a range of ground-based facilities as well as with the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), we determine the superhump period of CRTS J0910–2008 as $\rm{P_{sh}}=29.700\pm 0.004$ min and the orbital period of NSV 1440 as $\rm{P_{orb}}=36.56\pm 0.03$ min. We also confirm a photometric period of $P=23.026\pm 0.097$ min in SDSS J1831+4202, which is most likely the superhump period. We also report the first optical spectroscopy of CRTS J0910–2008 and NSV 1440 which unambiguously confirms both as AM CVn systems. We briefly discuss the distribution in the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram of the currently known sample of 63 AM CVn stars with known periods and Gaia data.
Specific modulation of 28S_Um2402 rRNA 2′-O-ribose methylation as a novel epitranscriptomic marker of ZEB1-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition in different mammary cell contexts
Authors: Morin Chloé , Paraqindes Hermes , Van Long Flora Nguyen , Isaac Caroline , Thomas Emilie , Pedri Dennis , Pulido-Vicuna Carlos Ariel , Morel Anne-Pierre , Marchand Virginie , Motorin Yuri , Carrere Marjorie , Auclair Jessie , Attignon Valéry , Pommier Roxane M , Ruiz Emmanuelle , Bourdelais Fleur , Catez Frédéric , Durand Sébastien , Ferrari Anthony , Viari Alain , Marine Jean-Christophe , Puisieux Alain , Diaz Jean-Jacques , Moyret-Lalle Caroline , Marcel Virginie
Published: January 2025

The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a dynamic transdifferentiation of epithelial cells into mesenchymal cells. EMT programs exhibit great diversity, based primarily on the distinct impact of molecular activities of the EMT transcription factors. Using a panel of cancer cell lines and a series of 71 triple-negative primary breast tumors, we report that the EMT transcription factor ZEB1 modulates site-specific chemical modifications of ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Overexpression of ZEB1 and ZEB2, but not TWIST1, decreased the level of 2′-O-ribose methylation (2′Ome) of 28S rRNA at position Um2402. ZEB1 overexpression specifically reduced the expression of the corresponding C/D box small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) SNORD143/144, which guide the rRNA 2′Ome complex at the 28S_Um2402 site. During ZEB1-induced EMT induction/reversion, the levels of both 2′Ome at 28S_Um2402 and SNORD143/144 were dynamically comodulated. Taken together, these data demonstrate that 2′Ome rRNA epitranscriptomics is a novel marker of ZEB1-induced EMT.