bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-Dimensional Printed Diffraction Gratings Drop Coated by Different Resins and Their Mechanism
Authors: Hua Junyu , Shan Yujie , Wu Shaocheng , Mao Huachao
Published: August 2023

3D-printed blocks with drop coating could work as diffraction gratings while the layer stepping serves as the grooves of the gratings. This paper reports 3D-printed diffraction gratings coated with different resins. A collimated laser with a wavelength of 520 nm passed through the gratings and generated diffraction patterns. Optical path differences and surface profiles of the samples were measured to analyze the mechanism of the diffraction phenomenon. The as-printed samples had a grating height of about 8 µm induced by layer stepping, which could not generate clear diffraction patterns because of too large optical path difference. After being coated with different resins on the surfaces, the printed samples generated diffraction patterns. We experimentally showed that the magnitude of optical path differences became close to the wavelength of the laser and that the diffraction phenomenon was mainly caused by the difference in the refractive indices between the as-printed part and the drop-coated part. This novel method enables low-cost 3D printers to fabricate diffractive optical elements for visible light.
Computational Modeling of an Aortic Medial Wall: Effect of Residual Stresses on a Mechanical Behavior of the Aortic Ring
Authors: Tamura Atsutaka , Matsumoto Koki , Hongu Jun-ichi
Published: August 2023

The aorta is the largest artery in an animal body and is an important organ in the pulsatile flow regulation from the left ventricle. The mechanical and structural characteristics of the aortic media, which are primarily composed of smooth muscle cell layers and elastic laminae (ELs), have profound effects on the physiology and pathophysiology of the aorta. However, many aspects of the aortic tissue remain unknown due to the inherent layered wall structure and the regionally varying residual stresses. This study aimed to computationally represent EL buckling in the aortic medial ring at the unloaded state and reproduce the transmural variation in residual stresses and EL waviness across the vascular wall. A multi-objective optimization technique was applied to a series of simulations with the “unit” structure to obtain an idealized stress distribution throughout the aortic wall thickness. Hence, an appropriate boundary condition given to an initial reference configuration of the aortic ring was successfully identified. As a result, the average “idealized” residual stresses of smooth muscle cell layer and EL were on the order of 20 and −80 kPa, respectively, while EL waviness was ∼1.01 in the unloaded state. Further, it was verified that the ring model with a radial cut will open spontaneously when the inner and outer layers of the medial wall are subjected to relative compressive and tensile residual stresses, respectively, in the unloaded state.
High energy x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) Cr Kα measurement of bulk aluminum
Authors: Zborowski C. , Vanleenhove A. , Hoflijk I. , Vaesen I. , Artyushkova K. , Conard T.
Published: August 2023

Aluminum was analyzed using high-resolution high energy x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES). The HAXPES spectra of Al obtained using monochromatic Cr Kα radiation at 5414.8 eV include survey scan and high-resolution spectra of Al 1s, Al 2s and Al 2p.
Input compensation of dolphin and sea lion auditory brainstem responses using frequency-modulated up-chirps
Authors: Mulsow Jason , Finneran James J. , Strahan Madelyn G. , Houser Dorian S. , Burkard Robert F.
Published: August 2023

Frequency-modulated “chirp” stimuli that offset cochlear dispersion (i.e., input compensation) have shown promise for increasing auditory brainstem response (ABR) amplitudes relative to traditional sound stimuli. To enhance ABR methods with marine mammal species known or suspected to have low ABR signal-to-noise ratios, the present study examined the effects of broadband chirp sweep rate and level on ABR amplitude in bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions. “Optimal” chirps were designed based on previous estimates of cochlear traveling wave speeds (using high-pass subtractive masking methods) in these species. Optimal chirps increased ABR peak amplitudes by compensating for cochlear dispersion; however, chirps with similar (or higher) frequency-modulation rates produced comparable results. The optimal chirps generally increased ABR amplitudes relative to noisebursts as threshold was approached, although this was more obvious when sound pressure level was used to equate stimulus levels (as opposed to total energy). Chirps provided progressively less ABR amplitude gain (relative to noisebursts) as stimulus level increased and produced smaller ABRs at the highest levels tested in dolphins. Although it was previously hypothesized that chirps would provide larger gains in sea lions than dolphins—due to the lower traveling wave speed in the former—no such pattern was observed.
Web-based psychoacoustics of binaural hearing: Two validation experiments
Authors: Peng Z. Ellen , Burg Emily A. , Thakkar Tanvi , Godar Shelly P. , Anderson Sean R. , Litovsky Ruth Y.
Published: August 2023

Web-based testing is an appealing option for expanding psychoacoustics research outside laboratory environments due to its simple logistics. For example, research participants partake in listening tasks using their own computer and audio hardware and can participate in a comfortable environment of their choice at their own pace. However, it is unknown how deviations from conventional in-lab testing affect data quality, particularly in binaural hearing tasks that traditionally require highly precise audio presentation. Here, we used an online platform to replicate two published in-lab experiments: lateralization to interaural time and level differences (ITD and ILD, experiment I) and dichotic and contralateral unmasking of speech (experiment II) in normal-hearing (NH) young adults. Lateralization data collected online were strikingly similar to in-lab results. Likewise, the amount of unmasking measured online and in-lab differed by less than 1 dB, although online participants demonstrated higher speech reception thresholds overall than those tested in-lab by up to ∼7 dB. Results from online participants who completed a hearing screening versus those who self-reported NH did not differ significantly. We conclude that web-based psychoacoustics testing is a viable option for assessing binaural hearing abilities among young NH adults and discuss important considerations for online study design.
Maternal Physical Activity Patterns in the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort: From Preconception to Postpartum
Authors: Tornquist Luciana , Tornquist Debora , Mielke Gregore Iven , da Silveira Mariângela Freitas , Hallal Pedro Curi , Domingues Marlos Rodrigues
Published: August 2023

Background: Motherhood has been associated with reduced leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) levels. We aim to assess maternal LTPA patterns from preconception to 4 years postpartum. Methods: The study was developed with mothers from the Pelotas 2015 Birth Cohort, Southern Brazil (n = 4273). LTPA data were self-reported for preconception, antenatal, and 3, 12, 24, and 48 months postpartum. Information on LTPA referring to preconception (3 mo before pregnancy) and each gestational trimester was retrospectively collected in perinatal. The prevalence of active mothers was calculated according to recommendations (≥150 min/wk). We described changes in LTPA between follow-ups and estimated the probability of mothers being active according to previous LTPA. We used group-based trajectory analysis to identify patterns of LTPA throughout the follow-ups. Results: The prevalence of active mothers during leisure time decreased in pregnancy and postpartum compared with preconception. At 12 months postpartum, LTPA levels rose again, but at 48 months, the rates of active mothers still had not returned to preconception levels. Prior LTPA engagement was an important determinant of the maintenance of LTPA. Trajectory analysis identified 4 patterns of maternal LTPA, and ∼80% of mothers were allocated to the “always inactive” group. Higher education and income, working outside the home, multiple births, and participating in the PAMELA study intervention were associated with a higher probability of mothers not being included in this predominantly inactive group. Conclusions: Motherhood is associated with declining rates of women meeting physical activity recommendations during pregnancy and early postpartum.
Apolipoprotein-
ε
4
is associated with higher fecundity in a natural fertility population
Authors: Trumble Benjamin C. , Charifson Mia , Kraft Tom , Garcia Angela R. , Cummings Daniel K. , Hooper Paul , Lea Amanda J. , Eid Rodriguez Daniel , Koebele Stephanie V. , Buetow Kenneth , Beheim Bret , Minocher Riana , Gutierrez Maguin , Thomas Gregory S. , Gatz Margaret , Stieglitz Jonathan , Finch Caleb E. , Kaplan Hillard , Gurven Michael
Published: August 2023

In many populations, the a
polipoprotein-
ε
4
(
APOE-
ε
4
) allele increases the risk for several chronic diseases of aging, including dementia and cardiovascular disease; despite these harmful effects at later ages, the
APOE-
ε
4
allele remains prevalent. We assess the impact of
APOE-
ε
4
on fertility and its proximate determinants (age at first reproduction, interbirth interval) among the Tsimane, a natural fertility population of forager-horticulturalists. Among 795 women aged 13 to 90 (20%
APOE-
ε
4
carriers), those with at least one
APOE-
ε
4
allele had 0.3 to 0.5 more children than (ε3/ε3) homozygotes, while those with two
APOE-
ε
4
alleles gave birth to 1.4 to 2.1 more children.
APOE-
ε
4
carriers achieve higher fertility by beginning reproduction 0.8 years earlier and having a 0.23-year shorter interbirth interval. Our findings add to a growing body of literature suggesting a need for studies of populations living in ancestrally relevant environments to assess how alleles that are deleterious in sedentary urban environments may have been maintained by selection throughout human evolutionary history.
Disentangling the effects of vapor pressure deficit on northern terrestrial vegetation productivity
Authors: Zhong Ziqian , He Bin , Wang Ying-Ping , Chen Hans W. , Chen Deliang , Fu Yongshuo H. , Chen Yaning , Guo Lanlan , Deng Ying , Huang Ling , Yuan Wenping , Hao Xingmin , Tang Rui , Liu Huiming , Sun Liying , Xie Xiaoming , Zhang Yafeng
Published: August 2023

The impact of atmospheric vapor pressure deficit (VPD) on plant photosynthesis has long been acknowledged, but large interactions with air temperature (T) and soil moisture (SM) still hinder a complete understanding of the influence of VPD on vegetation production across various climate zones. Here, we found a diverging response of productivity to VPD in the Northern Hemisphere by excluding interactive effects of VPD with T and SM. The interactions between VPD and T/SM not only offset the potential positive impact of warming on vegetation productivity but also amplifies the negative effect of soil drying. Notably, for high-latitude ecosystems, there occurs a pronounced shift in vegetation productivity’s response to VPD during the growing season when VPD surpasses a threshold of 3.5 to 4.0 hectopascals. These results yield previously unknown insights into the role of VPD in terrestrial ecosystems and enhance our comprehension of the terrestrial carbon cycle’s response to global warming.
Phase-pure 2D tin halide perovskite thin flakes for stable lasing
Authors: Li Yahui , Zhou Hongzhi , Xia Ming , Shen Hongzhi , Wang Tianyu , Gao Haikuo , Sheng Xin , Han Yanxin , Chen Zhong , Dou Letian , Zhu Haiming , Shi Enzheng
Published: August 2023

Ruddlesden-Popper tin halide perovskites are a class of two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors with exceptional optoelectronic properties, high carrier mobility, and low toxicity. However, the synthesis of phase-pure 2D tin perovskites is still challenging, and the fundamental understanding of their optoelectronic properties is deficient compared to their lead counterparts. Here, we report the synthesis of a series of 2D tin perovskite bulk crystals with high phase purity via a mixed-solvent strategy. By engineering the quantum-well thickness (related to
n
value) and organic ligands, the optoelectronic properties, including photoluminescence emission, exciton-phonon coupling strength, and exciton binding energy, exhibit a wide tunability. In addition, these 2D tin perovskites exhibited excellent lasing performance. Both high–
n
value tin perovskite (
n
> 1) and
n
= 1 tin perovskite thin flakes were successfully optically pumped to lase. Furthermore, the lasing from 2D tin perovskites could be maintained up to room temperature. Our findings highlight the tremendous potential of 2D tin perovskites as promising candidates for high-performance lasers.
Adeno-associated virus gene therapy prevents progression of kidney disease in genetic models of nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Ding Wen Y. , Kuzmuk Valeryia , Hunter Sarah , Lay Abigail , Hayes Bryony , Beesley Matthew , Rollason Ruth , Hurcombe Jennifer A. , Barrington Fern , Masson Catrin , Cathery William , May Carl , Tuffin Jack , Roberts Timothy , Mollet Geraldine , Chu Colin J. , McIntosh Jenny , Coward Richard J. , Antignac Corinne , Nathwani Amit , Welsh Gavin I. , Saleem Moin A.
Published: August 2023

Gene therapy for kidney diseases has proven challenging. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is used as a vector for gene therapy targeting other organs, with particular success demonstrated in monogenic diseases. We aimed to establish gene therapy for the kidney by targeting a monogenic disease of the kidney podocyte. The most common cause of childhood genetic nephrotic syndrome is mutations in the podocyte gene
NPHS2
, encoding podocin. We used AAV-based gene therapy to rescue this genetic defect in human and mouse models of disease. In vitro transduction studies identified the AAV-LK03 serotype as a highly efficient transducer of human podocytes. AAV-LK03–mediated transduction of podocin in mutant human podocytes resulted in functional rescue in vitro, and AAV 2/9–mediated gene transfer in both the inducible podocin knockout and knock-in mouse models resulted in successful amelioration of kidney disease. A prophylactic approach of AAV 2/9 gene transfer before induction of disease in conditional knockout mice demonstrated improvements in albuminuria, plasma creatinine, plasma urea, plasma cholesterol, histological changes, and long-term survival. A therapeutic approach of AAV 2/9 gene transfer 2 weeks after disease induction in proteinuric conditional knock-in mice demonstrated improvement in urinary albuminuria at days 42 and 56 after disease induction, with corresponding improvements in plasma albumin. Therefore, we have demonstrated successful AAV-mediated gene rescue in a monogenic renal disease and established the podocyte as a tractable target for gene therapy approaches.
The oncomodulin receptor ArmC10 enables axon regeneration in mice after nerve injury and neurite outgrowth in human iPSC–derived sensory neurons
Authors: Xie Lili , Yin Yuqin , Jayakar Selwyn , Kawaguchi Riki , Wang Qing , Peterson Sheri , Shi Caleb , Turnes Bruna Lenfers , Zhang Zihe , Oses-Prieto Juan , Li Jian , Burlingame Al , Woolf Clifford J. , Geschwind Daniel , Rasband Matthew , Benowitz Larry I.
Published: August 2023

Oncomodulin (Ocm) is a myeloid cell–derived growth factor that enables axon regeneration in mice and rats after optic nerve injury or peripheral nerve injury, yet the mechanisms underlying its activity are unknown. Using proximity biotinylation, coimmunoprecipitation, surface plasmon resonance, and ectopic expression, we have identified armadillo-repeat protein C10 (ArmC10) as a high-affinity receptor for Ocm. ArmC10 deletion suppressed inflammation-induced axon regeneration in the injured optic nerves of mice. ArmC10 deletion also suppressed the ability of lesioned sensory neurons to regenerate peripheral axons rapidly after a second injury and to regenerate their central axons after spinal cord injury in mice (the conditioning lesion effect). Conversely, Ocm acted through ArmC10 to accelerate optic nerve and peripheral nerve regeneration and to enable spinal cord axon regeneration in these mouse nerve injury models. We showed that ArmC10 is highly expressed in human-induced pluripotent stem cell–derived sensory neurons and that exposure to Ocm altered gene expression and enhanced neurite outgrowth. ArmC10 was also expressed in human monocytes, and Ocm increased the expression of immune modulatory genes in these cells. These findings suggest that Ocm acting through its receptor ArmC10 may be a useful therapeutic target for nerve repair and immune modulation.
Dengue virus serotypic replacement of NS3 protease or helicase domain causes chimeric viral attenuation but can be recovered by a compensated mutation at helicase domain or NS2B, respectively
Authors: Teramoto Tadahisa
Published: August 2023

Mosquito-borne dengue viruses (DENVs) have evolved to four serotypes with 69%–78% amino acid identities, resulting in incomplete immunity, where one serotype’s infection does not cross-protect against secondary infections by other serotypes. Despite the amino acid differences, structural and nonstructural (NS) proteins among serotypes play similar functions. NS3 is an enzyme complex: NS3 has N-terminal protease (PRO) and C-terminal helicase (HEL) activities in addition to 5’ RNA triphosphatase (5’RTP), which is involved in the RNA capping process. In this study, the effects of NS3 replacements among serotypes were tested. The replacement of NS3 full-length (FULL), PRO or HEL region suppressed viral replication in BHK-21 mammalian cells, while the single compensatory mutation improved the viral replications; P364S mutation in HEL revived PRO (DENV3)-replaced DENV1, while S68T alteration in NS2B recovered HEL (DENV1)-replaced DENV2. The results suggest that the interactions between PRO and HEL as well as HEL and NS2B are required for replication competence. Lower-frequency mutations also appeared at various locations in viral proteins, although after infecting C6/36 mosquito cells, the mutations’ frequencies changed, and/or new mutations appeared. In contrast, the inter-domain region (INT, 12 amino acids)-replaced chimera quickly replicated without mutation in BHK-21 cells, although extended cell culture accumulated various mutations. These results suggest that NS3 variously interacts with DENV proteins, in which the chimeric NS3 domain replacements induced amino acid mutations, irrespective of replication efficiency. However, the viral sequences are further adjusted for replication efficiency, to fit in both mammalian cells and mosquito cells.

IMPORTANCE

Enzyme activities for replicating DENV 5’ cap positive (+) sense RNA have been shown to reside in NS3 and NS5. However, it remains unknown how these enzymes coordinately synthesize negative (-) sense RNA, from which abundant 5’ cap (+) sense RNA is produced. We previously revealed that NS5 dimerization and NS5 methyltransferase(MT)–NS3HEL interaction are important for DENV replication. Here, we found that replication incompetence due to NS3PRO or HEL replacement was compensated by a mutation at HEL or NS2B, respectively, suggesting that the interactions among NS2B, NS3PRO, and HEL are critical for DENV replication.
Genome sequences of 10 new carnation mottle virus variants
Authors: Breit Timo M. , de Leeuw Wim , van Olst Marina , Ensink Wim A. , van Leeuwen Selina , Jonker Martijs J. , Dekker Rob J.
Published: August 2023

Here, we report the genome sequences of 10 Carnation mottle virus variants. Six variants originated from a single proprietary carnation cultivar, and four were derived from four different proprietary cultivars. All variants showed nucleotide differences, but the last four did not show any variation at the amino acid level.
Complete genome sequence of
Mannheimia bovis
isolated from a healthy feedlot calf in Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Deschner Darien , Periyasamy Dhinesh , Waldner Cheryl L. , Fernando Champika , Hill Janet E.
Published: August 2023

A lack of whole genome sequences for
Mannheimia
spp. other than
Mannheimia haemolytica
complicates their identification. Here, we present the genome sequence of
Mannheimia bovis
39324.S-11, isolated from a healthy calf on a feedlot in Saskatchewan, Canada, and compare it to ZY190616
T
, which is currently the only other isolate of
M. bovis
for which sequence is publicly available.
Kimiltei Is a New Late Cambrian Lagerstätte with the Faunistic Complex of Arthropods (Euthycarcinoidae, Synziphosurina, and Chasmataspidida) in the Irkutsk Region
Authors: Naimark E. B. , Sizov A. V. , Khubanov V. B.
Published: August 2023

A new locality Kimiltei, Irkutsk oblast, where unmineralized remains of arthropods were buried en masse, is described. The U–Pb zircon dating yielded a Cambrian age with the youngest values of 492 ± 4 Ma. Kimiltei arthropods are represented by Chasmataspidida, Synziphosurina, and Euthycarcinoidea. The last two groups have not been known in the Siberian Platform, and the first one has been described in this area only from Devonian rocks. The Irkutsk findings are the most ancient representatives of their groups, and their distribution areas turn out to be wider than previously known. Their co-burial is noteworthy, because the representatives of these groups have never been found together before. Taking into account the fact that the descendants of all three groups gave rise to the terrestrial lines of chelicerates and insects, the Kimiltei assemblage is the entire fauna of the land arthropod ancestors. Their cohabitation is indicative of the fact that they started their expansion on land from some close ecological niches in the intertidal zone.
Rescue treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and amniotic membrane dressing in refractory paediatric pemphigus vulgaris with sepsis
Authors: Akham Rojita , Bhatia Riti , Paonam Rikita , Hazarika Neirita
Published: August 2023

We report a case of refractory paediatric pemphigus vulgaris with sepsis, treated successfully with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and amniotic membrane dressing. The patient was initially started on oral prednisolone (1 mg/kg/day) and dapsone 50 mg once daily. Azathioprine 50 mg orally was then used in place of dapsone due to rapid disease progression with extensive skin involvement. However, the patient developed sepsis and azathioprine had to be discontinued. Because of rapidly progressive disease and sepsis, the patient was put on IVIG at a dose of 2 g/kg in divided doses over 3 days along with amniotic membrane dressing. There was marked improvement after 2 weeks of follow-up.
Giant right coronary artery aneurysm in a dominant right system
Authors: Ali Shafaqat , Khan Mahin , Farooq Faryal , Changezi Hameem
Published: August 2023

Giant coronary artery aneurysms (GCAAs) are unusual and extremely rare. Due to their rarity, there is a lack of data on managing GCAAs. A man in his 70s who presented with worsening shortness of breath and bilateral lower extremity oedema was found to have non-ST elevation myocardial infarction. Coronary angiography showed a tortuous Shepherd’s crook right coronary artery with ectasia and a gigantic 4.5×4 cm saccular aneurysm in the mid-right coronary artery with limited flow to the distal vasculature. He subsequently underwent aneurysmal clipping and excision with coronary artery bypass grafting. GCAAs are usually silent and diagnosed incidentally but can also present with variable cardiac symptoms. Treatment options include medical management, percutaneous coronary angioplasty and surgery. As per limited available literature, surgical resection has shown favourable outcomes, especially in symptomatic GCAAs. The patient reported significant symptomatic improvement on the follow-up office visit.
Percutaneous left ventricular assistance in cardiogenic shock due to Takotsubo cardiomyopathy secondary to status epilepticus
Authors: Martins Cristina , Mateus Ricardo Meireles , Cunha Diogo , Gomes Rui
Published: August 2023

Takotsubo syndrome is an acute reversible cardiomyopathy with left ventricular dysfunction and a clinical presentation similar to an acute coronary syndrome. Emotional or physical triggers can cause it, including neurological conditions such as seizures. We describe a case of a woman in her 50s with Takotsubo syndrome secondary to status epilepticus, presenting with cardiac arrest and cardiogenic shock. We excluded acute coronary syndrome with coronary angiography. Despite inotropic support, she remained haemodynamically unstable and a percutaneous left ventricular assistance with an Impella CP catheter was initiated. This resulted in a quick weaning of haemodynamic support and recovery of left ventricle systolic function in 2 weeks. This case illustrates the importance of a high index of suspicion to make this diagnosis and link it to neurological triggers, as well as to consider mechanical circulatory support in managing cardiogenic shock due to this cardiomyopathy.
Malignant psoas syndrome and bilateral hydronephrosis without evident obstruction in colorectal cancer
Authors: Rabaneda-Lombarte Neus , Grama Eugeniu , Viveros Niccolo , Pena-Pérez Xoel
Published: August 2023

Malignant psoas syndrome is a rare and under-recognised entity with a life expectancy of months. Its presentation is characterised by refractory back pain, which is a red flag that should raise suspicion about the condition. We present a case of a man who presented with refractory back pain and bilateral hydronephrosis without hydroureter who had no evident initial obstruction and showed stent-placement failure. Three months later, a recurrence of colorectal cancer associated with malignant psoas syndrome was diagnosed. We review the current literature on malignant psoas syndrome and hydronephrosis in relation to the presentation of cancer.
Experiences and challenges of African traditional medicine: lessons from COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Mutombo Polydor Ngoy , Kasilo Ossy Muganga Julius , James Peter Bai , Wardle Jon , Kunle Olobayo , Katerere David , Wambebe Charles , Matsabisa Motlalepula Gilbert , Rahmatullah Mohammed , Nikiema Jean-Baptiste , Mukankubito Immaculee , Sheridan Rick , Sanogo Rokia , Nissapatorn Veeranoot , Sivakorn Chaisith , Tripathy Satyajit , Goyal Ramesh , Dhobi Mahaveer
Published: August 2023

Management of COVID-19 in Africa is challenging due to limited resources, including the high cost of vaccines, diagnostics, medical devices and routine pharmaceuticals. These challenges, in addition to wide acceptability, have resulted in increased use of herbal medicines based on African traditional medicines (ATMs) by patients in Africa. This is in spite of the often-significant gaps in evidence regarding these traditional medicines as to their efficacy and safety for COVID-19. African scientists, with some support from their governments, and guidance from WHO and other bodies, are addressing this evidence gap, developing and testing herbal medicines based on ATMs to manage mild-to-moderate cases of COVID-19. Such efforts need further support to meet public health needs.
Are large prospective trials on antidepressants in mental disorders seeding trials? A descriptive study of trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov
Authors: Martineau Samuel , Cristea Ioana-Alina , Chevance Astrid , Fanelli Daniele , Naudet Florian
Published: August 2023

Objectives

This descriptive study of registered trials aimed to identify large clinical trials on antidepressants for mental disorders: (1) to assess what proportion could be labelled as ‘seeding trials’ (trials for marketing purposes) and (2) to describe their methodological characteristics and outcomes.

Design

A search was conducted across all trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov by drug name in March 2017.

Setting

All trials registered in the database of ClinicalTrials.gov were screened. Large registered studies were received and studies focusing prospectively on the effects of antidepressants in mental health disorders. Specific data items were extracted automatically, and subsequently inspected, corrected and completed by hand.

Participants

Prospective studies were selected focusing on the effects of antidepressants in any mental health disorder with 800 participants or more planned for inclusion.

Main outcome measures

Three members from the study team independently assessed the following ‘seeding trial’ characteristics in each registered study: a high level of involvement of the product manufacturer in the study design, in the data analysis and reporting of the study, an abnormally low ratio of patient numbers to study site, spin and/or omissions of clinically relevant findings in the abstracts, and conclusions that focused on secondary endpoints and surrogate markers. Secondary outcomes were the exploration of a functional outcome and suicidality.

Results

31 trials were identified from clinical trials database. 18/31 were published (58%). 8 of these 18 (44%) studies were identified as possible seeding trials. 13/31 (42%) large trials planned to explore functioning and 5/31 (16%) suicidality.

Conclusions

Large trials are rare in the field of antidepressant research. Some could be ‘seeding trials’. Few explored suicidality. Identifying seeding trials from incomplete data entries in registries, especially when almost half of the studies were still unpublished, posed considerable challenges. The delay between our research and publication limits the strength of our conclusions.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017065591.
Web-based interventions to improve blood pressure control in patients with hypertension: a protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Bernardes Maria Leonor , Rosendo-Silva Beatriz , Rosendo Inês , Monteiro-Soares Matilde
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Hypertension is the major cause of cardiovascular disease and mortality in the world. Blood pressure control (BPC) is recognised as a key measure in the management of hypertension. Several studies have been conducted assessing the impact of specific web-based interventions in improving BPC. Our systematic review intends to identify all the available web-based interventions and determine if and which are more effective than usual care in improving BPC.

Methods and analysis

We will include randomised control trials completed until April 2023 including patients diagnosed with hypertension comparing the effect of receiving usual care versus web-based interventions in BPC. No language restriction will be applied. We will start with an extensive electronic database search, in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, EU Clinical Trials Register, Pan-African Clinical Trials Registry and ClinicalTrials.gov. Eligibility criteria will be applied blindly and independently by two researchers to the title and abstract of the references, in the first stage, and to the full version of the ones selected. All divergences will be solved by a third researcher. We will conduct a narrative description and meta-analysis (if adequate) of the results of the included studies, structured according to the type of intervention, characteristics of the population and outcome measurement. We will extract features of the web-based interventions, selecting the ones with the best outcomes regarding BPC, to later propose an ideal web-based intervention to improve BPC in hypertensive patients and/or guide future research on this topic. The risk of bias will be assessed using Cochrane’s RoB2 Tool.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required since this is a protocol for a systematic review. The findings of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and national or international conference presentations. Updates of the review will be conducted, as necessary.

PROSPERO registration number

PROSPERO CRD42020184166.
Is socioeconomic deprivation associated with worse quality of life, anxiety and depression in liver transplant recipients? A cross-sectional study in a national transplantation programme
Authors: Sgrò Alessandro , Cambridge William A , McLean Kenneth A , Drake Thomas M , Camilleri-Brennan Julian , Knight Stephen R , Pius Riinu , Wu Diana A , Wigmore Stephen J , Harrison Ewen M
Published: August 2023

Objective

To identify whether socioeconomic deprivation is associated with worse health-related quality of life (HR-QoL), anxiety and depression following liver transplantation.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting and participants

Liver transplant recipients within a national transplantation programme.

Methods

Participants completed the condition-specific ‘Short Form of Liver Disease Quality of Life’ Questionnaire, the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) Questionnaire and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). The aggregate HR-QoL Score (range 0–100) was derived, and multivariable linear regression was performed based on sociodemographic and clinical variables to estimate its independent association with Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) quintiles. The GAD-7 Questionnaire and PHQ-9 were used to screen respondents for anxiety and depression, and multivariable logistic regression was performed to estimate their independent association with SIMD quintiles.

Results

Some 331 patients completed the questionnaires. Quintiles were equally distributed in the cohort, with no significant differences observed in underlying patient characteristics. Following multivariable adjustment, greater socioeconomic deprivation was associated with lower post-transplantation HR-QoL scores, with a difference of 9.7 points (95% CI: 4.6 to 14.9, p<0.001) between the most and least deprived quintiles. Recipients living in areas of least deprivation were less likely to suffer from anxiety (OR 0.05, 95% CI: 0.00 to 0.28, p=0.003) or depression (OR 0.13, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.56, p=0.009).

Conclusion

Despite the highly selected nature of liver transplant recipients, those living in the most deprived areas have a significantly lower HR-QoL and are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression.
Retrospective comparison of traditional and artificial intelligence-based heart failure phenotyping in a US health system to enable real-world evidence
Authors: Garan Arthur Reshad , Monda Keri L , Dent-Acosta Ricardo E , Riskin Daniel J , Gluckman Ty J
Published: August 2023

Objective

Quantitatively evaluate the quality of data underlying real-world evidence (RWE) in heart failure (HF).

Design

Retrospective comparison of accuracy in identifying patients with HF and phenotypic information was made using traditional (ie, structured query language applied to structured electronic health record (EHR) data) and advanced (ie, artificial intelligence (AI) applied to unstructured EHR data) RWE approaches. The performance of each approach was measured by the harmonic mean of precision and recall (F1score) using manual annotation of medical records as a reference standard.

Setting

EHR data from a large academic healthcare system in North America between 2015 and 2019, with an expected catchment of approximately 5 00 000 patients.

Population

4288 encounters for 1155 patients aged 18–85 years, with 472 patients identified as having HF.

Outcome measures

HF and associated concepts, such as comorbidities, left ventricular ejection fraction, and selected medications.

Results

The average F1scores across 19 HF-specific concepts were 49.0% and 94.1% for the traditional and advanced approaches, respectively (p<0.001 for all concepts with available data). The absolute difference in F1score between approaches was 45.1% (98.1% relative increase in F1score using the advanced approach). The advanced approach achieved superior F1scores for HF presence, phenotype and associated comorbidities. Some phenotypes, such as HF with preserved ejection fraction, revealed dramatic differences in extraction accuracy based on technology applied, with a 4.9% F1score when using natural language processing (NLP) alone and a 91.0% F1score when using NLP plus AI-based inference.

Conclusions

A traditional RWE generation approach resulted in low data quality in patients with HF. While an advanced approach demonstrated high accuracy, the results varied dramatically based on extraction techniques. For future studies, advanced approaches and accuracy measurement may be required to ensure data are fit-for-purpose.
Healthcare interventions for sex workers: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Hallett Nutmeg , Christie Christine , Docherty-Smith Jack , Welborn Heather , Wright Hannah , Molloy Eleanor , Chandan Joht Singh , Croxford Sara , Taylor Julie , Bradbury-Jones Caroline
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Sex workers, who provide sexual or erotic acts in exchange for payment, often experience multiple disadvantages, including mental ill health and substance misuse. Mainstream healthcare services are generally not configured to facilitate engagement with sex workers and therefore, services are needed that are accessible to this population. The aim of this scoping review is to understand the evidence base for approaches, services and interventions that are aimed at addressing sex workers’ health needs.

Methods and analysis

Nine databases, CINAHL, Embase, EThOS, Google Scholar, Health Management Information Consortium, MEDLINE, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, PsycINFO and Web of Science (Core Collection), will be searched, with results limited to English language publications and those published from 2003 onwards. De-duplication, study selection and data extraction will be conducted using Covidence software. Included studies will describe or evaluate approaches, services or interventions that address the health needs of sex workers who offer services that involve physical contact with a client.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical review is needed. The final report will be shared with Birmingham City Council as part of ongoing work and will be disseminated by peer-reviewed publication.

Study registration

Open Science Framework (doi: 10.17605/OSF.IO/N7WSX).
Fairness and generalisability in deep learning of retinopathy of prematurity screening algorithms: a literature review
Authors: Nakayama Luis Filipe , Mitchell William Greig , Ribeiro Lucas Zago , Dychiao Robyn Gayle , Phanphruk Warachaya , Celi Leo Anthony , Kalua Khumbo , Santiago Alvina Pauline Dy , Regatieri Caio Vinicius Saito , Moraes Nilva Simeren Bueno
Published: August 2023

Background

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vasoproliferative disease responsible for more than 30 000 blind children worldwide. Its diagnosis and treatment are challenging due to the lack of specialists, divergent diagnostic concordance and variation in classification standards. While artificial intelligence (AI) can address the shortage of professionals and provide more cost-effective management, its development needs fairness, generalisability and bias controls prior to deployment to avoid producing harmful unpredictable results. This review aims to compare AI and ROP study’s characteristics, fairness and generalisability efforts.

Methods

Our review yielded 220 articles, of which 18 were included after full-text assessment. The articles were classified into ROP severity grading, plus detection, detecting treatment requiring, ROP prediction and detection of retinal zones.

Results

All the article’s authors and included patients are from middle-income and high-income countries, with no low-income countries, South America, Australia and Africa Continents representation.

Code is available in two articles and in one on request, while data are not available in any article. 88.9% of the studies use the same retinal camera. In two articles, patients’ sex was described, but none applied a bias control in their models.

Conclusion

The reviewed articles included 180 228 images and reported good metrics, but fairness, generalisability and bias control remained limited. Reproducibility is also a critical limitation, with few articles sharing codes and none sharing data. Fair and generalisable ROP and AI studies are needed that include diverse datasets, data and code sharing, collaborative research, and bias control to avoid unpredictable and harmful deployments.
Paired risk scores to predict ischaemic and bleeding risk twenty-eight days to one year after an acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Kerr Andrew J , Choi Yeunhyang , Williams Michael JA , Stewart Ralph AH , White Harvey D , Devlin Gerry , Selak Vanessa , Lee Mildred Ai Wei , El-Jack Seif , Adamson Philip D , Fairley Sarah , Jackson Rodney T , Poppe Katrina
Published: August 2023

Objective

The recommended duration of dual anti-platelet therapy (DAPT) following acute coronary syndrome (ACS) varies from 1 month to 1 year depending on the balance of risks of ischaemia and major bleeding. We designed paired ischaemic and major bleeding risk scores to inform this decision.

Methods

New Zealand (NZ) patients with ACS investigated with coronary angiography are recorded in the All NZ ACS Quality Improvement registry and linked to national health datasets. Patients were aged 18–84 years (2012–2020), event free at 28 days postdischarge and without atrial fibrillation. Two 28-day to 1-year postdischarge multivariable risk prediction scores were developed: (1) cardiovascular mortality/rehospitalisation with myocardial infarction or ischaemic stroke (ischaemic score) and (2) bleeding mortality/rehospitalisation with bleeding (bleeding score).

Findings

In 27 755 patients, there were 1200 (4.3%) ischaemic and 548 (2.0%) major bleeding events. Both scores were well calibrated with moderate discrimination performance (Harrell’s c-statistic 0.75 (95% CI, 0.74 to 0.77) and 0.69 (95% CI, 0.67 to 0 .71), respectively). Applying these scores to the 2020 European Society of Cardiology ACS antithrombotic treatment algorithm, the 31% of the cohort at elevated (>2%) bleeding and ischaemic risk would be considered for an abbreviated DAPT duration. For those at low bleeding risk, but elevated ischaemic risk (37% of the cohort), prolonged DAPT may be appropriate, and for those with low bleeding and ischaemic risk (29% of the cohort) short duration DAPT may be justified.

Conclusion

We present a pair of ischaemic and bleeding risk scores specifically to assist clinicians and their patients in deciding on DAPT duration beyond the first month post-ACS.
Emerging role of vascular burden in AT(N) classification in individuals with Alzheimer’s and concomitant cerebrovascular burdens
Authors: Chun Min Young , Jang Hyemin , Kim Soo-Jong , Park Yu Hyun , Yun Jihwan , Lockhart Samuel N , Weiner Michael , De Carli Charles , Moon Seung Hwan , Choi Jae Yong , Nam Kyung Rok , Byun Byung-Hyun , Lim Sang-Moo , Kim Jun Pyo , Choe Yeong Sim , Kim Young Ju , Na Duk L , Kim Hee Jin , Seo Sang Won
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterised by amyloid-beta accumulation (A), tau aggregation (T) and neurodegeneration (N). Vascular (V) burden has been found concomitantly with AD pathology and has synergistic effects on cognitive decline with AD biomarkers. We determined whether cognitive trajectories of AT(N) categories differed according to vascular (V) burden.

Methods

We prospectively recruited 205 participants and classified them into groups based on the AT(N) system using neuroimaging markers. Abnormal V markers were identified based on the presence of severe white matter hyperintensities.

Results

In A+ category, compared with the frequency of Alzheimer’s pathological change category (A+T–), the frequency of AD category (A+T+) was significantly lower in V+ group (31.8%) than in V– group (64.4%) (p=0.004). Each AT(N) biomarker was predictive of cognitive decline in the V+ group as well as in the V– group (p<0.001). Additionally, the V+ group showed more severe cognitive trajectories than the V– group in the non-Alzheimer’s pathological changes (A–T+, A–N+; p=0.002) and Alzheimer’s pathological changes (p<0.001) categories.

Conclusion

The distribution and longitudinal outcomes of AT(N) system differed according to vascular burdens, suggesting the importance of incorporating a V biomarker into the AT(N) system.
Vitamin D level in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: its relationship to disease course and bone mineral density
Authors: Shevchuk Sergii , Marynych Liubov , Malovana Tetiana , Denyshchych Liudmyla
Published: August 2023

Objective

To determine vitamin D levels in patients with SLE and evaluate their relationship to bone mineral density (BMD) and the disease course.

Methods

The study included 101 patients with SLE and 29 individuals in the control group. The study participants were tested for vitamin D level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, osteocalcin (OC) and collagen type I C-terminal telopeptide (CTX), and the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was provided to assess BMD in the lumbar spine and the hip.

Results

The mean serum vitamin D level was 18.98±0.88 ng/mL, and women had 25.42% lower vitamin D levels than men (p<0.05). There was no correlation between vitamin D levels and patient’s age or disease course. There was a significant inverse correlation between vitamin D levels and cumulative dose of glucocorticoids (r=−0.26) and serum inflammatory markers, particularly CRP (r=−0.39), IL-6 (r=−0.37) and ESR (r=−0.15). Vitamin D level was associated with the bone turnover markers (BTMs). In women of reproductive age with vitamin D deficiency, BMD of the lumbar spine and the hip was 9.5–23.1% higher than in those with no vitamin deficiency, respectively, and the mean lumbar spine Z-score in women of reproductive age with vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency was significantly 2.0 and 2.9 times lower than in patients with normal vitamin D level.

Conclusions

Hypovitaminosis D is quite common in patients with SLE and is associated with high inflammatory activity (SLE Disease Activity Index, ESR, CRP, IL-6), severity of organ damage (Damage Index), cumulative dose of glucocorticoids, BTM changes (decrease in OC, increase in CTX) and BMD decline. Vitamin D status was not associated with the patient’s age or disease course.
Effects of plyometric- and cycle-based high-intensity interval training on body composition, aerobic capacity, and muscle function in young females: a field-based group fitness assessment
Authors: Holmes A.J. , Stratton M.T. , Bailly A.R. , Gottschall J.S. , Feito Y. , Ha P.L. , Lavigne A. , Persaud K. , Gagnon H.L. , Krueger A. , Modjeski A. , Esmat T.A. , Harper L.N. , VanDusseldorp T.A. , Hester G.M.
Published: August 2023

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an effective alternative to moderate intensity continuous training for improvements in body composition and aerobic capacity; however, there is little work comparing different modalities of HIIT. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of plyometric- (PLYO) and cycle-oriented (CYC) HIIT on body composition, aerobic capacity, and skeletal muscle size, quality, and function in recreationally trained females. Young (21.7 ± 3.1 yrs), recreationally active females were quasi-randomized (1:1 ratio) to 8 weeks of twice weekly PLYO ( n = 15) or CYC ( n = 15) HIIT. Body composition (four-compartment model), VO2peak, countermovement jump performance, muscle size, and echo intensity (muscle quality), as well as strength and power of the knee extensors and plantar flexors were measured before and after training. Both groups showed a similar decrease in body fat percentage ( p < 0.001; [Formula: see text]= 0.409) and echo intensity ( p < 0.001; [Formula: see text] = 0.558), and an increase in fat-free mass ( p < 0.001; [Formula: see text]= 0.367) and VO2peak( p = 0.001; [Formula: see text] = 0.318). Muscle size was unaffected ( p > 0.05), whereas peak torque was reduced similarly in both groups ( p = 0.017; [Formula: see text] = 0.188) and rapid torque capacity was diminished only for the knee extensors after CYC ( p = 0.022; d = −0.67). These results suggest that PLYO and CYC HIIT are similarly effective for improving body composition, aerobic capacity, and muscle quality, whereas muscle function may express moderate decrements in recreationally active females. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05821504)