bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient prioritisation of items to develop the Patient‐Reported Impact of Dermatological Diseases measure: A global Delphi study
Authors: Trialonis‐Suthakharan Nirohshah , Pattinson Rachael , Tahmasebi Gandomkari Nasim , Austin Jennifer , Janus Christine , Courtier Nick , Hewitt Rachael M. , Bundy Chris , Augustin Matthias
Published: February 2024

Background

The Global Research on the Impact of Dermatological Diseases (GRIDD) project is developing the new Patient‐Reported Impact of Dermatological Diseases (PRIDD) measure. PRIDD measures the impact of dermatological conditions on the patient's life.

Objectives

This study aimed to seek consensus from patients on which items to prioritize for inclusion in PRIDD.

Methods

A modified, two‐round Delphi study was conducted. Adults (≥18 years) with dermatological conditions were recruited. The survey consisted of a demographic's questionnaire and 263 potential impact items in six languages. Quantitative data used Likert‐type ranking scales and analysed against consensus criteria. Qualitative data collected free text responses for additional feedback and a framework analysis was conducted.

Results

1154 people representing 90 dermatological conditions from 66 countries participated. Items were either removed (n = 79), edited (n = 179) or added (n = 2), based on consensus thresholds and qualitative feedback. Results generated the first draft of PRIDD with 27 items across five impact domains.

Conclusion

This Delphi study resulted in the draft version of PRIDD, ready for psychometric testing. The triangulated data helped refine the existing conceptual framework of impact. PRIDD has since been pilot tested with patients and is currently undergoing psychometric testing.
Method dependency of maximum oxygen uptake rate and its repeatability in the Gulf killifish, Fundulus grandis
Authors: Brieske Samantha D. , Mullen Sylvia C. , Rees Bernard B.
Published: February 2024

The maximum rate at which fish can take up oxygen from their environment to fuel aerobic metabolism is an important feature of their physiology and ecology. Methods to quantify maximum oxygen uptake rate (ṀO2), therefore, should reliably and reproducibly estimate the highest possible ṀO2 by an individual or species under a given set of conditions (peak ṀO2). This study determined peak ṀO2 and its repeatability in Gulf killifish, Fundulus grandis, subjected to three methods to elevate metabolism: swimming at increasing water speeds, during recovery after an exhaustive chase, and after ingestion of a large meal. Estimates of peak ṀO2 during swimming and after an exhaustive chase were repeatable across two trials, whereas peak ṀO2 after feeding was not. Peak ṀO2 determined by the three methods was significantly different from one another, being highest during swimming, lowest after an exhaustive chase, and intermediate after feeding. In addition, peak ṀO2 during recovery from an exhaustive chase depended on the length of time of recovery: in nearly 60% of the trials, values within the first hour of the chase were lower than those measured later. A novel and important finding was that an individual's peak ṀO2 was not repeatable when compared across methods. Therefore, the peak ṀO2 estimated for a group of fish, as well as the ranking of individual ṀO2 within that group, depends on the method used to elevate aerobic metabolism.
Incident dementia or cognitive decline after elective surgery in older adults: Highlighting the importance of shared decision‐making
Authors: Hshieh Tammy T.
Published: February 2024

This editorial comments on the articles by Tang et al. and Reich et al. in this issue.
Sex‐based trajectories of health system use in lonely and not lonely older people: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Savage Rachel D. , Sutradhar Rinku , Luo Jin , Strauss Rachel , Guan Jun , Rochon Paula A. , Gruneir Andrea , Sanmartin Claudia , Goel Vivek , Rosella Laura C. , Stall Nathan M. , Chamberlain Stephanie A. , Yu Christina , Bronskill Susan E.
Published: February 2024

Background

There is growing interest in understanding the care needs of lonely people but studies are limited and examine healthcare settings separately. We estimated and compared healthcare trajectories in lonely and not lonely older female and male respondents to a national health survey.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of community‐dwelling, Ontario respondents (65+ years) to the 2008/2009 Canadian Community Health Survey—Healthy Aging. Respondents were classified at baseline as not lonely, moderately lonely, or severely lonely using the Three‐Item Loneliness Scale and then linked with health administrative data to assess healthcare transitions over a 12 ‐year observation period. Annual risks of moving from the community to inpatient, long‐stay home care, long‐term care settings—and death—were estimated across loneliness levels using sex‐stratified multistate models.

Results

Of 2684 respondents (58.8% female sex; mean age 77 years [standard deviation: 8]), 635 (23.7%) experienced moderate loneliness and 420 (15.6%) severe loneliness. Fewer lonely respondents remained in the community with no transitions (not lonely, 20.3%; moderately lonely, 17.5%; and severely lonely, 12.6%). Annual transition risks from the community to home care and long‐term care were higher in female respondents and increased with loneliness severity for both sexes (e.g., 2‐year home care risk: 6.1% [95% CI 5.5–6.6], 8.4% [95% CI 7.4–9.5] and 9.4% [95% CI 8.2–10.9] in female respondents, and 3.5% [95% CI 3.1–3.9], 5.0% [95% CI 4.0–6.0], and 5.4% [95% CI 4.0–6.8] in male respondents; 5‐year long‐term care risk: 9.2% [95% CI 8.0–10.8], 11.1% [95% CI 9.3–13.6] and 12.2% [95% CI 9.9–15.3] [female], and 5.3% [95% CI 4.2–6.7], 9.1% [95% CI 6.8–12.5], and 10.9% [95% CI 7.9–16.3] [male]).

Conclusions

Lonely older female and male respondents were more likely to need home care and long‐term care, with severely lonely female respondents having the highest probability of moving to these settings.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of serum lipid concentrations in people with Down syndrome
Authors: Gastelum Guerrero Carolina , Cháidez Fernández Yuridia Lizet , Magaña Ordorica Dalia , Berger Heidi , Vazquez Landrove Marilyn , Guadrón Llanos Alma , Angulo Rojo Carla , Magaña Gómez Javier
Published: February 2024

Background

Down syndrome (DS) is the most prevalent chromosomal disorder, being the leading cause of intellectual disability. The increased life expectancy of individuals with DS has led to a shift in the incidence of non‐communicable chronic diseases, resulting in new concerns, particularly cardiovascular disease (CVD) and Alzheimer's disease. This study aimed to analyse the blood lipid profile of a large DS cohort to establish a baseline for evaluating health risk parameters.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed and Virtual Health Library databases to identify original articles published before July 2022. Selected studies were included in the meta‐analysis.

Results

Fifteen studies reporting serum lipid levels in individuals with DS were incorporated into the analysis. The meta‐analysis used the means and standard deviations extracted from the selected studies. The analysis encompassed 671 participants in the DS group and 898 euploid controls. The results indicated significant differences in total cholesterol [C] (mean difference [MD]: −3.34; CI: 95%: −4.94 to −1.73;P < 0.0001), HDL‐C (MD: −3.39; CI: 95%: −6.72 to −0.06;P = 0.05) and triglycerides (MD: 21.48; CI: 95%: 9.32 to 33.65;P = 0.0005) levels between individuals with DS and their control counterparts.

Conclusions

Individuals with DS have less favourable blood lipid concentrations than their controls, particularly HDL‐C, triglycerides, and total‐C, even when grouped by age. These findings underscore the importance of closer monitoring of lipid profiles in people with DS and the necessity for specific cut‐offs for this population, considering the risk for ischemic heart and Alzheimer's diseases.
Brian Collier (1940–2024)
Authors: Prado Marco A. M. , Tandon Anurag
Published: February 2024

Dr. Brian Collier, the former Editor‐in‐Chief of the Journal of Neurochemistry from 1996 to 2006, passed away January 4th, 2024. Brian's illustrious career spanned the fields of neurochemistry and pharmacology. He published his findings on mechanisms of acetylcholine synthesis and storage in the Journal of Neurochemistry, and his contributions remain landmarks in neurochemical research.

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Anatomical design and production of a novel three‐dimensional co‐culture system replicating the human flexor digitorum profundus enthesis
Authors: Mortimer Jeremy W. , Rust Philippa A. , Paxton Jennifer Z.
Published: February 2024

The enthesis, the specialized junction between tendon and bone, is a common site of injury. Although notoriously difficult to repair, advances in interfacial tissue engineering techniques are being developed for restorative function. Most notably are 3D in vitro co‐culture models, built to recreate the complex heterogeneity of the native enthesis. While cell and matrix properties are often considered, there has been little attention given to native enthesis anatomical morphometrics and replicating these to enhance clinical relevance. This study focuses on the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon enthesis and, by combining anatomical morphometrics with computer‐aided design, demonstrates the design and construction of an accurate and scalable model of the FDP enthesis. Bespoke 3D‐printed mould inserts were fabricated based on the size, shape and insertion angle of the FDP enthesis. Then, silicone culture moulds were created, enabling the production of bespoke anatomical culture zones for an in vitro FDP enthesis model. The validity of the model has been confirmed using brushite cement scaffolds seeded with osteoblasts (bone) and fibrin hydrogel scaffolds seeded with fibroblasts (tendon) in individual studies with cells from either human or rat origin. This novel approach allows a bespoke anatomical design for enthesis repair and should be applied to future studies in this area.
Formulation and evaluation of antioxidant and antibacterial activity of a peel‐off facial masks moisturizer containing curcumin andRosa Damascenaextract
Authors: Nemati Mohammad Mehdi , Abedi Mehdi , Ghasemi Younes , Ashrafi Hajar , Haghdel Mobin
Published: February 2024

Background

Acne is a common skin issue that typically occurs during adolescence. It causes long‐lasting redness and swelling in the skin. An alternative approach to treating acne could involve using a cosmetic facial mask containing herbal ingredients such as Curcumin andRosa Damascenaextract for its antibacterial properties.

Aims

This study aims to create and try out a peel‐off mask gel made from Curcumin andR. Damascenaextract. This gel is intended to have the ability to kill bacteria such asStaphylococcus aureus,Escherichia coli, andPropionibacterium acnesand remove dead cells from the skin surface.

Methods

The peel‐off mask was made using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) in 8% and 10% as solidifier. The evaluation of peel‐off masks comprises the examination of physiochemical and mechanical aspects. Furthermore, their longevity, effectiveness, and antibacterial properties are also considered.

Results

The white color, pleasant smell, and soft texture were the defining features of the peel‐off gel mask. The changes in PVA affect the pH level, thickness, and how quickly the peel‐off mask dries. The stability test found that the peel‐off mask had no significant physical changes when exposed to freezing and thawing. However, there were some differences in color and separation when using the real‐time method. A prepared peel‐off mask containing 10% PVA and curcumin works best againstP. acne. The amount of PVA in the formula affected the physical and chemical qualities, but it did not impact on the antibacterial abilities of the peel‐off mask gel. The best formula that gives the best results uses 10% PVA + curcumin.

Conclusions

Using the Curcumin andR. Damascenaextract in the creation of the peel‐off mask gel ensures its efficacy and safety for skin application.
Early Acquaintances with Modern Mass Culture in Late Ottoman Istanbul: The Experiences of Child Audiences at Direklerarası
Authors: Tunç Yaşar Fatma , Ayas Onur Güneş
Published: February 2024

Direklerarası, the core of Ramadan entertainment in late Ottoman Istanbul, rose to prominence toward the end of the nineteenth century at about the same time as entertainment hubs in Paris, Berlin, Tokyo, and New York. Thanks to the legitimacy provided by the Holy Ramadan, which played a positive role in reducing public suspicion and uneasiness among Muslim families towards the products of early mass culture, Direklerarası seems to draw a larger children's audience compared to Pera and Galata, the epicenter of European‐style entertainment and a location where non‐Muslims were heavily populated. As a result, many children were introduced to emerging modern mass culture at Direklerarası, which offers a large variety of shows and spectacles grouped under the name of lubiyat in the Ottoman world, including theater, musical plays, juggling, circus, concerts, shadow theater and cinema. This article focuses on childhood experiences at Direklerarası using a wide range of primary sources from archival documents and official regulations to Ottoman periodicals and memoirs. It aims to discuss the moral and aesthetic concerns arising from the fact that the spheres of adults and children were not yet clearly separated from each other, as well as how this experience at Direklerarası was remembered later as a childhood memory.
Returning to work after lockdown: A multi‐study investigation into the temporal effects of directive leadership
Authors: Gao Zhonghua , Liu Yonghong , Chuang Aichia , Zhou Jinlai , Zhao Chen , Yang Jun
Published: February 2024

Leaders' use of directive leadership has been found to increase when they face an unprecedented crisis. However, extant literature has failed to answer how directive leadership functions in this specific situation. Using the return‐to‐work after COVID‐19 lockdown as an example, we drew upon regulatory focus theory and conducted three studies to investigate the temporal effects of directive leadership on followers' regulatory foci and work role performance. In Study 1, we conducted an experience sampling method (ESM) study tracking a sample of 250 employees over 1 week when the COVID‐19 was originally reported in China. In Study 2, we conducted another ESM study on 125 employees over 2 weeks when the Omicron variant was surging in China. Both studies showed that the positive effect of daily directive leadership on followers' work promotion focus was strongest on the first day upon returning to work after lockdowns but decreased over time. In contrast, the positive effect of daily directive leadership on followers' work prevention focus increased throughout our sampling periods and became strongest on the last day. Moreover, our results indicate that daily directive leadership interacts with the elapsed time to influence two forms of work role performance – task proactivity and task proficiency – through the mediating roles of promotion focus and prevention focus, respectively. In Study 3, we conducted a vignette experiment employing a within‐ and between‐subject design on a sample of 171 U.S. participants. The results further supported the moderating role of elapsed time after returning to work in the differential effects of directive leadership on followers' two regulatory foci.
Comparison of solubility profiles for pioneer and generic monensin premixes in biorelevant simulated intestinal fluid based on shake flask extractions
Authors: Krabel Beverly J. , Foust Laura B. , Fuller Gary B. , Hunter Robert P.
Published: February 2024

In the United States, a generic Type A medicated article product can gain the FDA approval by demonstrating bioequivalence (BE) to the pioneer product by successfully conducting a blood level, pharmacodynamic, or clinical BE study. A biowaiver can be granted based on several criteria, assuming the dissolution of the test and reference products represents the only factor influencing the relative bioavailability of both products. Monensin is practically insoluble in H2O per the USP definition. Previously published data from a comparison study of monensin dissolution profiles from the pioneer product and four generic products using biorelevant media showed that generic monensin products demonstrated different dissolution profiles to the pioneer product in these USP biorelevant rumen media. This follow‐up study compared the solubility profiles in simulated intestinal fluid (cFaSSIF, pH 7.5) for the pioneer product and four generic products. The generic monensin products demonstrated different in vitro dissolution profiles to the pioneer product in biorelevant media. The differences demonstrated in solubility and dissolution profiles are of concern regarding the potential efficacy of generic monensin in cattle. There are also additional concerns for the potential development of Eimeria resistance in cattle receiving a sub‐therapeutic dose of monensin from a less soluble generic product.
From the rotting soil grows the poison ivy: The Supreme Court and the legitimation of Herrenvolk democracy
Authors: Novkov Julie
Published: February 2024

In recent years, the Court has swung sharply to the right but has thus far declined to support the most antidemocratic and radically authoritarian agendas of the Trumpist wing of the Republican Party. While scholars and concerned Americans have focused on the visible things the Court is dismantling and fretted about its potential for enhancing constitutional rot, this article sketches out what the Court is building. It illustrates that this constructive process is distinctive not just in its political and partisan orientation but also in the Court's capacity to achieve it. Considering the emerging product of its recent jurisprudence suggests an embrace of a narrowed form of democracy that empowers a subset of political actors to build their idealized visions of the state, primarily at the subnational level.
Critical literacies in algorithmic cultures
Authors: Ehret Christian
Published: February 2024

A shift in primacy from online participatory cultures to algorithmic cultures invites new questions about literacies in digital contexts. This article contributes to the conceptualisation of literacies in algorithmic cultures through sociomaterial and affect theories. It develops a sociomaterial perspective that proposes felt, observable moments of user–algorithmic co‐productions of culture as a needed unit of analysis for researching contemporary, critical digital literacies. It then employs this unit as a starting point for analysing the interplay of feeling, critical reflection and algorithm agency across one young adult's self‐described literacy practice of ‘working algorithms’ across social media platforms. Analysis illustrates how critical literacies in algorithmic cultures are driven by processes of human–machine feeling–thinking that cannot be reduced to rational critiques of ideologies, platform capitalism or other forms of power alone. It describes how Malaya became more attuned over time to the affects of working with platform algorithms to craft her community, her sense of self and her sense of well‐being. This sensitivity to feeling moved and feeling the capacity to move machines through the use of her literacies highlights how the facilitation of affect is a crucial point of analysis in understanding contemporary digital literacies.
Overcoming the egress block of Plasmodium sporozoites expressing fluorescently tagged circumsporozoite protein
Authors: Thieleke‐Matos Carolina , Walz Kevin , Frischknecht Friedrich , Singer Mirko
Published: February 2024

Plasmodium sporozoites are the highly motile and invasive forms of the malaria parasite transmitted by mosquitoes. Sporozoites form within oocysts at the midgut wall of the mosquito, egress from oocysts and enter salivary glands prior to transmission. The GPI‐anchored major surface protein, the circumsporozoite protein (CSP) is important for Plasmodium sporozoite formation, egress, migration and invasion. To visualize CSP, we previously generated full‐length versions of CSP internally tagged with the green fluorescent protein, GFP. However, while these allowed for imaging of sporogony in oocysts, sporozoites failed to egress. Here, we explore different strategies to overcome this block in egress and obtain salivary gland resident sporozoites that express CSP‐GFP. Replacing the N‐terminal and repeat region with GFP did not allow sporozoite formation. Lowering expression of CSP‐GFP at the endogenous locus allowed sporozoite formation but did not overcome egress block. Crossing of CSP‐GFP expressing parasites that are blocked in egress with wild‐type parasites yielded a small fraction of parasites that entered salivary glands and expressed various levels of CSP‐GFP. Expressing CSP‐GFP constructs from a silent chromosome region from promoters that are active only post salivary gland invasion yielded normal numbers of fluorescent salivary gland sporozoites, albeit with low levels of fluorescence. We also show that lowering CSP expression by 50% allowed egress from oocysts but not salivary gland entry. In conclusion, Plasmodium berghei parasites with normal CSP expression tolerate a certain level of CSP‐GFP without disruption of oocyst egress and salivary gland invasion.
Terbinafine resistance in Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton rubrum in the Czech Republic: A prospective multicentric study
Authors: Kolarczyková Daniela , Lysková Pavlína , Švarcová Michaela , Kuklová Ivana , Dobiáš Radim , Mallátová Naďa , Kolařík Miroslav , Hubka Vit
Published: February 2024

Background

Terbinafine, an allylamine antifungal, is crucial for treating dermatophytosis by inhibiting squalene epoxidase (SQLE) in the ergosterol biosynthetic pathway. However, resistance is emerging, particularly in India and Southeast Asia, but reports of resistance spread worldwide. Despite this, comprehensive studies on terbinafine resistance in Trichophyton are still limited.

Objectives

This research aimed to determine the prevalence of terbinafine resistance in the Czech Republic, with a focus on Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Patients/Methods

A total of 514 clinical strains of T. rubrum and 240 T. mentagrophytes collected from four Czech clinical institutions were screened for terbinafine resistance. Molecular investigations included DNA sequencing, specifically the ITS rDNA region and SQLE gene, as well as antifungal susceptibility testing following EUCAST guidelines.

Results

While no resistance was observed in T. rubrum, 2.5% of T. mentagrophytes strains exhibited resistance, marked by the F397L mutation in SQLE. Notably, resistance surged from 1.2% in 2019 to 9.3% in 2020 but reverted to 0% in 2021. All resistant strains were identified as T. mentagrophytes var. indotineae. Resistant strains exhibited high MICs for terbinafine (≥4 mg L−1) but low MICs to the other seven antifungals tested except for fluconazole.

Conclusions

This study highlights the emergence of terbinafine‐resistant T. mentagrophytes strains in the Czech Republic, with the F397L mutation being pivotal. Due to the relatively low resistance level, the current guidelines for dermatomycosis treatment in the Czech Republic remain effective, but ongoing surveillance is essential for timely adaptations if resistance patterns change.
Consensus statement on the management of hyperkalaemia—AnAsia–Pacificperspective
Authors: Yap Desmond Y. H. , Ma Ronald C. W. , Wong Emmanuel C. K. , Tsui Matthew S. H. , Yu Esther Y. T. , Yu Vivien , Szeto Cheuk Chun , Pang Wing Fai , Tse Hung Fat , Siu David C. W. , Tan Kathryn C. B. , Chen Walter W. C. , Li Chiu Leong , Chen Wei , Chan Tak Mao
Published: February 2024

Hyperkalaemia is an electrolyte imbalance that impairs muscle function and myocardial excitability, and can potentially lead to fatal arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. The prevalence of hyperkalaemia is estimated to be 6%–7% worldwide and 7%–10% in Asia. Hyperkalaemia frequently affects patients with chronic kidney disease, heart failure, and diabetes mellitus, particularly those receiving treatment with renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors. Both hyperkalaemia and interruption of RAAS inhibitor therapy are associated with increased risks for cardiovascular events, hospitalisations, and death, highlighting a clinical dilemma in high‐risk patients. Conventional potassium‐binding resins are widely used for the treatment of hyperkalaemia; however, caveats such as the unpalatable taste and the risk of gastrointestinal side effects limit their chronic use. Recent evidence suggests that, with a rapid onset of action and improved gastrointestinal tolerability, novel oral potassium binders (e.g., patiromer and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate) are alternative treatment options for both acute and chronic hyperkalaemia. To optimise the care for patients with hyperkalaemia in the Asia–Pacific region, a multidisciplinary expert panel was convened to review published literature, share clinical experiences, and ultimately formulate 25 consensus statements, covering three clinical areas: (i) risk factors of hyperkalaemia and risk stratification in susceptible patients; (ii) prevention of hyperkalaemia for at‐risk individuals; and (iii) correction of hyperkalaemia for at‐risk individuals with cardiorenal disease. These statements were expected to serve as useful guidance in the management of hyperkalaemia for health care providers in the region.

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Pre‐operative colour Doppler ultrasound for the prevention of bleeding complications after renal biopsy: A rare case of left renal lower pole vein
Authors: Kawaguchi Azusa , Kimura Ryoma , Araki Yoshinori
Published: February 2024

Albeit rare, renal vein abnormalities on autopsy and in cases of abdominal surgery complications have been reported and should be kept in mind when performing invasive procedures, such as renal biopsy. We detected a rare renal vein abnormality on colour Doppler ultrasound before renal biopsy, thereby, avoiding a haemorrhagic complication. A 10‐year‐old boy presented to our department for the first time because of incidental findings of haematuria and proteinuria. We suspected chronic glomerulonephritis and scheduled an ultrasound‐guided percutaneous renal biopsy. A simple screening ultrasound at the initial visit revealed no renal or vascular abnormalities. The day before the renal biopsy, we confirmed the biopsy site by performing a colour Doppler ultrasound, which showed abnormal blood flow from the lower pole of the left kidney, which was the planned puncture site; therefore, we changed the biopsy site to the right and completed the examination. Subsequent computed tomography angiography depicted two renal veins; one was the usual left renal vein draining from the kidney hilum, and the second was an accessory vein draining from the inferior pole of the left kidney and entering the inferior vena cava through the dorsal side of the aorta. Although rare, abnormalities in the renal vessels on the inferior pole of the kidney, which is the usual site of renal biopsy, are essential to rule out preoperatively by colour Doppler ultrasound, because these can cause significant bleeding during renal biopsy if not recognized.
Latent profile analysis reveals the central role of psychological symptoms in driving disease severity in chronic constipation
Authors: Abber Sophie R. , Buchanan Kelly L. , Clukey Jenna , Joiner Thomas E. , Staller Kyle , Burton‐Murray Helen
Published: February 2024

Background

Chronic constipation (CC) is defined by symptom criteria reflecting heterogenous physiology. However, many patients with CC have significant psychological comorbidities—an alternative definition using a biopsychosocial classification model could be warranted to inform future treatments. We sought to: (1) empirically derive psychological symptom profiles of patients with CC using latent profile analysis and (2) validate these profiles by comparing them on symptom severity, GI‐specific anxiety, body mass index (BMI), and anorectal manometry findings.

Methods

Participants included adults presenting for anorectal manometry for CC (N = 468, 82% female, Mage = 47). Depression/anxiety symptoms and eating disorder (ED) symptoms (EAT‐26) were used as indicators (i.e., variables used to derive profiles) representing unique psychological constructs. Constipation symptoms, GI‐specific anxiety, BMI, and anorectal manometry results were used as validators (i.e., variables used to examine the clinical utility of the resulting profiles).

Key Results

A 5‐profile solution provided the best statistical fit, comprising the following latent profiles (LPs): LP1 termed “high dieting, low bulimia;” LP2 termed “high ED symptoms;” LP3 termed “moderate ED symptoms;” LP4 termed “high anxiety and depression, low ED symptoms;” and LP5 termed “low psychological symptoms.” The low psychological symptom profile (61% of the sample) had lower abdominal and overall constipation severity and lower GI‐specific anxiety compared to the four profiles characterized by higher psychological symptoms (of any type). Profiles did not significantly differ on BMI or anorectal manometry results.

Conclusions and Inferences

Profiles with high psychological symptoms had increased constipation symptom severity and GI‐specific anxiety in adults with CC. Future research should test whether these profiles predict differential treatment outcomes.
Multivariate Trend‐Cycle‐Seasonal Decompositions with Correlated Innovations*
Authors: Tian Jing , Jacobs Jan P.A.M. , Osborn Denise R.
Published: February 2024

Multivariate analysis can help to focus on important phenomena, including trend and cyclical movements, but any economic information in seasonality is typically ignored. The present paper aims to more fully exploit time series information through a multivariate unobserved component model for quarterly data that exhibits seasonality together with cross‐variable component correlations. We show that economic restrictions, including common trends, common cycles and common seasonals can aid identification. The approach is illustrated using Italian GDP and consumption data.
Utility of artificial intelligence‐based large language models in ophthalmic care
Authors: Biswas Sayantan , Davies Leon N. , Sheppard Amy L. , Logan Nicola S. , Wolffsohn James S.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

With the introduction of ChatGPT, artificial intelligence (AI)‐based large language models (LLMs) are rapidly becoming popular within the scientific community. They use natural language processing to generate human‐like responses to queries. However, the application of LLMs and comparison of the abilities among different LLMs with their human counterparts in ophthalmic care remain under‐reported.

Recent Findings

Hitherto, studies in eye care have demonstrated the utility of ChatGPT in generating patient information, clinical diagnosis and passing ophthalmology question‐based examinations, among others. LLMs' performance (median accuracy, %) is influenced by factors such as the iteration, prompts utilised and the domain. Human expert (86%) demonstrated the highest proficiency in disease diagnosis, while ChatGPT‐4 outperformed others in ophthalmology examinations (75.9%), symptom triaging (98%) and providing information and answering questions (84.6%). LLMs exhibited superior performance in general ophthalmology but reduced accuracy in ophthalmic subspecialties. Although AI‐based LLMs like ChatGPT are deemed more efficient than their human counterparts, these AIs are constrained by their nonspecific and outdated training, no access to current knowledge, generation of plausible‐sounding ‘fake’ responses or hallucinations, inability to process images, lack of critical literature analysis and ethical and copyright issues. A comprehensive evaluation of recently published studies is crucial to deepen understanding of LLMs and the potential of these AI‐based LLMs.

Ophthalmic care professionals should undertake a conservative approach when using AI, as human judgement remains essential for clinical decision‐making and monitoring the accuracy of information. This review identified the ophthalmic applications and potential usages which need further exploration. With the advancement of LLMs, setting standards for benchmarking and promoting best practices is crucial. Potential clinical deployment requires the evaluation of these LLMs to move away from artificial settings, delve into clinical trials and determine their usefulness in the real world.
Evaluation of an algorithm‐guided photoplethysmography for atrial fibrillation burden using a smartwatch
Authors: Zhao Zixu , Li Qifan , Li Sitong , Guo Qi , Bo Xiaowen , Kong Xiangyi , Xia Shijun , Li Xin , Dai Wenli , Guo Lizhu , Liu Xiaoxia , Jiang Chao , Guo Xueyuan , Liu Nian , Li Songnan , Zuo Song , Sang Caihua , Long Deyong , Dong Jianzeng , Ma Changsheng
Published: February 2024

Background

Wearable devices based on the PPG algorithm can detect atrial fibrillation (AF) effectively. However, further investigation of its application on long‐term, continuous monitoring of AF burden is warranted.

Method

The performance of a smartwatch with continuous photoplethysmography (PPG) and PPG‐based algorithms for AF burden estimation was evaluated in a prospective study enrolling AF patients admitted to Beijing Anzhen Hospital for catheter ablation from September to November 2022. A continuous Electrocardiograph patch (ECG) was used as the reference device to validate algorithm performance for AF detection in 30‐s intervals.

Results

A total of 578669 non‐overlapping 30‐s intervals for PPG and ECG each from 245 eligible patients were generated. An interval‐level sensitivity of PPG was 96.3% (95% CI 96.2%–96.4%), and specificity was 99.5% (95% CI 99.5%–99.6%) for the estimation of AF burden. AF burden estimation by PPG was highly correlated with AF burden calculated by ECG via Pearson correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.996) with a mean difference of ‐0.59 (95% limits of agreement, ‐7.9% to 6.7%). The subgroup study showed the robust performance of the algorithm in different subgroups, including heart rate and different hours of the day.

Conclusion

Our results showed the smartwatch with an algorithm‐based PPG monitor has good accuracy and stability in continuously monitoring AF burden compared with ECG patch monitors, indicating its potential for diagnosing and managing AF.
Political efficacy and the perceived influence of urban and rural residents
Authors: Rowland Emily , Duff Jeremy , Lee Juheon
Published: February 2024

While political scientists have long studied citizens' political efficacy as an important indicator of attitudes toward government, less attention has been devoted to the efficacy of rural or urban residents, which is important given the intensifying rural–urban divide in American society. This study fills this gap by analyzing the 2020 American National Election Studies. Using ordered logistic regression, this study finds that (1) city residents tend to believe that small towns and rural areas have too much influence on government; (2) residents of small towns and rural areas demonstrate lower levels of external efficacy than city residents; and (3) people who believe that small towns and rural areas have too much influence tend to demonstrate high external and internal efficacies, a tendency that is clearer in cities than in other community types. These findings reflect mutual in‐group bias and place‐based resentment between rural and urban residents in American society.

Related Articles

Peterson, Holly L., Mark K. McBeth, and Michael D. Jones. 2020. “Policy Process Theory for Rural Studies: Navigating Context and Generalization in Rural Policy.” Politics & Policy 48(4): 576–617. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12366.

Shortall, Sally, and Margaret Alston. 2016. “To Rural Proof or Not to Rural Proof: A Comparative Analysis.” Politics & Policy 44(1): 35–55. https://doi‐org.libproxy.usouthal.edu/10.1111/polp.12144.

Smith‐Walter, Aaron, Holly L. Peterson, Michael D. Jones, and Ashley Nicole Reynolds Marshall. 2016. “Gun Stories: How Evidence Shapes Firearm Policy in the United States.” Politics & Policy 44(6): 1053–88. https://doi‐org.libproxy.usouthal.edu/10.1111/polp.12187.
“Teach us to feel proud of all of our identities”: Time and space in an American queer Jewish liturgy
Authors: Ben‐Lulu Elazar
Published: February 2024

Since the late 1960s, the American Jewish community has worked to find creative ways to include lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, Queer+ (LGBTQ+) people in community practices and Jewish liturgy. The pioneering egalitarian denomination was and remains the Reform Jewish Movement, which promotes and supports gender equality and sexual diversity. This paper proposes a typology of queer Jewish liturgy based on classification into two categories: time and space. By exploring these specific categories, the texts expose a bipolar relationship between LGBTQ+s and divine individuals, LGBTQ+s and heterosexual/cisgender individuals, and LGBTQ+s and themselves. By analyzing particular queer prayers, I argue that this liturgy, created by American Jewish clergy, is characterized by inherent structural contradictions, which reflect tendencies and changes not only in non‐halachic Jewish communities but also in queer ideology and gay politics. Thus, the textual dimension is revealed as a vivid landscape that characterizes the dynamics of LGBTQ+ Jewish people between temporal, fragile, and safe spaces, painful memories and proud feelings, and victim consciousness and social agency.
The need for an historical theology of women deacons in the early church
Authors: Wilson Laura
Published: February 2024

This article briefly surveys the historical evidence of Byzantine deaconesses and trends in modern research on the order. By drawing attention to the detrimental effects of research bias, the value of an historical theology of deaconesses becomes clear. The diaconate, like all the major orders, evolved throughout the early Christian period reflecting an adaptation to changing circumstances. Historical deaconesses should be interpreted by the theology of their own time and place, rather than through the lens of the more limited liturgical role of the modern diaconate. Does theological continuity exist between the apostolicdiakoniaand the ordination and vesting of deaconesses in the eighth century? An historical theology of this enigmatic, yet canonical ministry will reveal the varied iterations of deaconesses extended the ministry of the apostles and bishops into women's spheres in a manner consistent with the Church's enduring theology and mission.
Travel to allies or adversaries? A compositional analysis of U.S. diplomatic visits
Authors: Lee Jonghoon , Kim James D.
Published: February 2024

Objective

When and why do U.S. leaders visit their allies or adversaries? Much of the literature on diplomatic visits treats each visit as an independent observation. In this article, we analyze high‐level diplomatic visits as compositional data based on the assumption that they are scarce political resources.

Methods

We conduct a compositional analysis of U.S. high‐level officials' diplomatic visits between 1950 and 2010.

Results

We find that U.S. diplomatic visits to its allies are defense‐oriented, so leaders spend more time touring them during their security crises to signal reassurance. Additionally, we find that visits to adversaries are motivated by leaders' domestic political concerns, particularly their high public unpopularity. Visiting a hostile country is a challenging and salient foreign policy task, providing a high‐profile opportunity to improve their domestic image and standing. This effect is particularly significant in a divided government, where leaders turn to foreign policy to maximize domestic political impacts amid domestic gridlock.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that U.S. leaders travel to allies and adversaries for distinct strategic purposes. Furthermore, our study suggests that future research on diplomatic visits should use a compositional variable approach to better model the dynamics and competitive nature of travel diplomacy.
An ontology‐based semantic description model of ubiquitous map images
Authors: Jia Fenli , Yang Jian , Ding Linfang , Wang Guangxia , Song Guomin
Published: February 2024

Map images with various themes and cartographic representations have become ubiquitous on the Internet. Such ubiquitously and openly accessible data, named ubiquitous map images in this study, are a potential resource for many geographic information applications such as cartographic design. However, there is a semantic gap between the simple physical form and the complex connotation of ubiquitous map images, which hinders their further applications. To mitigate such barrier, this article develops an ontology‐based semantic description model for ubiquitous map images. First, we discuss the design concerns and principles of the semantic description model of ubiquitous map images. Second, three semantic layers of the semantic description model are proposed, that is, image semantic description layer, cognitive tool layer, and information source layer, and detailed semantic description items are defined for each layer. Furthermore, a formalized semantic description model for ubiquitous map images is developed using ontology construction tools, which lays the foundation for automated and fine‐grained reasoning with the information embedded in map images. We construct a small test dataset consisting of weather maps, and use three types of constraints, namely “time‐topic,” “region‐topic,” and “map auxiliary elements” for the semantic retrieval experiments. The experiments show that the proposed semantic ontology model can enable complex semantic retrieval of ubiquitous map images. Finally, the scalability of the model is discussed from three perspectives: the depth of description, the combination with intelligent methods, and the integration with other open knowledge bases. The proposed model provides a semantic label system for applying data‐driven approaches to decode ubiquitous map images, which also paves the path to the development of cartographic theory in the era of information and communications technologies.
Line simplification with sidedness relationship consistency using the constrained total least squares method
Authors: Jin Yanmin , Zhou Lejingyi , Song Zhengxiang , Wei Lingling , Zheng Xinyi , Tong Xiaohua , Yan Xiongfeng
Published: February 2024

The simplification of lines plays a crucial role in map generalization and multiscale representation; however, addressing inconsistent sidedness relationships between the simplified lines and their neighboring features poses a persistent challenge. In order to preserve correct and consistent sidedness relationships following simplification, this study introduces a novel line simplification method. This method incorporates topological constraints pertaining to left–right sidedness relationships, formulated as an optimization procedure based on the proposed partial total least squares method with constraints. The primary objective is to minimize the positional difference between the line features before and after simplification, with the sidedness relationship represented as an inequality constraint. Moreover, an optimization algorithm is derived to address the simplification problem effectively while adhering to the specified constraints. The proposed method is then applied to simplify the lines within three distinct datasets. Experimental results validate the efficacy of the proposed method in maintaining sidedness consistency across all tested datasets. In comparison to the Douglas–Peucker (DP) method, the proposed method exhibits minimal vertical displacement variance in the line feature points post‐simplification. Additionally, it achieves a smaller overall positional difference between the simplified and original lines compared to the DP method. These findings underscore the superior performance of the proposed method in maintaining sidedness relationships and minimizing positional differences during the line simplification process.
Underrecognized cause diarrhea in solid organ transplant: a report of astroviridae enteritis in liver transplant
Authors: Wilson Parker , Rosenstengle Craig , Spak Cedric
Published: February 2024

We present a case of a 72‐year‐old liver transplant recipient 7 years prior who presents to our hospital with general malaise, fatigue, low‐grade fevers, and watery diarrhea. He was found to have Astrovirus via PCR testing in a comprehensive stool panel. The patient's home mycophenolic acid was held upon admission, while cyclosporine was continued through his hospital stay. Generally, Astroviridae infection is a rarely identified cause of enteritis and even less so in the transplant population. Although reports have been published regarding devastating cases of encephalitis in immunocompromised patients, our patient did not exhibit these symptoms and draws into question the danger of this virus in other immunosuppressed populations. This case helps to better elucidate which patient populations should be approached with caution in the setting of Astroviridae infection.
Variation of TaMyb10 and their function on grain color and pre‐harvest sprouting resistance of wheat
Authors: Lang Jing , Jiang Huayu , Cheng Mengping , Wang Mingwei , Gu Jing , Dong Huixue , Li Maolian , Guo XiaoJiang , Chen Qian , Wang Jirui
Published: February 2024

Pre‐harvest sprouting (PHS) is a significant threat to global food security due to its association with losses in both yield and quality. Among the genes involved in PHS resistance in wheat, PHS‐3D (TaMyb10‐D) plays a crucial role. Here, we characterized the sequence variations of TaMyb10 genes in 416 bread wheat and 302 Aegilops tauschii accessions. Within TaMyb10‐A sequences, we identified a deletion ranging from 214 to 305 bp in the signal and amino acid coding region, present in 61.3% of the accessions. Similarly, 79.3% of the TaMyb10‐B sequences within the third exon region exhibited a 19 bp deletion. Additionally, 40.8% of the accessions lacked the 2.4 Mb fragment (in/del mutations) on Chr3D, where TaMyb10‐D/PHS‐3D was located. Interestingly, the geographical distribution of accessions showed little correlation with the divergence of TaMyb10. TaMyb10‐A‐IIIDele, TaMyb10‐B‐IVDele, and TaMyb10‐D‐VDele genotypes were prevalent in wheat populations across continents. Despite their structural variations, the five distinct protein types exhibited comparable ability to bind the promoters of downstream genes in the flavonoid and ABA pathways, such as CHS, DFR, and NCED. Furthermore, the combination of TaMyb10 homologs was significantly associated with grain color and germination percentages. Accessions exclusively harboring TaMyb10‐D displayed red seed color and reduced germination percentages, indicating the predominant role of TaMyb10‐D compared to TaMyb10‐A and TaMyb10‐B. This comprehensive investigation enhances our understanding of the structural variations and functional divergence of TaMyb10, providing valuable insights and resources for improving PHS resistance in wheat.