bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of taste by retronasal odors in patients with Wolfram syndrome and decreased olfactory function
Authors: Alfaro Raul , Nicanor-Carreón Jessica G , Doty Tasha , Lugar Heather , Hershey Tamara , Pepino Marta Yanina
Published: February 2023

Wolfram syndrome is a rare disease characterized by diabetes, neurodegeneration, loss of vision, and audition. We recently found, in a young sample of participants (mean age 15 years), that Wolfram syndrome was associated with impairment in smell identification with normal smell sensitivity and whole-mouth taste function. However, these senses were assessed separately, and it is unknown whether smell–taste interactions are altered in Wolfram syndrome, which was the focus of this study. Participants with Wolfram syndrome (n = 36; 18.2 ± 6.8 years) and sex–age-equivalent healthy controls (n = 34) were assessed with a battery of sensory tests. Using sip-and-spit methods, participants tasted solutions containing gustatory and olfactory stimuli (sucrose with strawberry extract, citric acid with lemon extract, sodium chloride in vegetable broth, and coffee) with and without nose clips, and rated perceived taste and retronasal smell intensities using the generalized Labeled Magnitude Scale. Participants also completed n-butanol detection thresholds and the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT). Retronasal smell increased taste intensity of sucrose, sodium chloride, and coffee solutions similarly in both groups (P values <0.03). Compared with the control group, participants in the Wolfram group had lower UPSIT scores and reduced smell sensitivity, retronasal intensity, and saltiness (P values <0.03), but rated other taste intensities similarly when wearing the nose clip. Despite impairments in orthonasal smell identification, odor-induced taste enhancement was preserved in participants with Wolfram syndrome who still had some peripheral olfactory function. This finding suggests that odor-induced taste enhancement may be preserved in the presence of reduced olfactory intensity.
Feasibility and reliability of comprehensive three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography screening process for transcatheter mitral valve replacement
Authors: Piroli Francesco , Boccellino Antonio , Ingallina Giacomo , Rolando Marco , Melillo Francesco , Ancona Francesco , Stella Stefano , Biondi Federico , Palmisano Anna , Esposito Antonio , Denti Paolo , Montorfano Matteo , Maisano Francesco , Castiglioni Alessandro , Agricola Eustachio
Published: February 2023

Aims

The procedural planning of transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) requires a specific imaging assessment to establish patient eligibility. Computed tomography (CT) is considered the reference method. In this setting, data regarding the role of transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) are lacking. We evaluated the feasibility and reliability of a comprehensive 3D-TOE screening in TMVR candidates.

Methods and results

We performed a retrospective observational study including 72 consecutive patients who underwent a pre-procedural CT and 3D-TOE for TMVR evaluation. The measurements of mitral annulus (MA), length of anterior mitral leaflet (AML), native left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT), and predicted neo-LVOT acquired with CT and 3D-TOE were compared using a novel semi-automated software for post processing analysis (3 mensio Structural Heart 10.1—3mSH, Pie Medical Imaging, Bilthoven, Netherlands). The final suitability decision was given by the valve manufacturer based on CT measurements and clinical conditions. Among 72 patients screened, all patients had adequate image quality for 3D-TOE analysis. 3D-TOE and CT measurements for AML length (r = 0.97), MA area (r = 0.90), perimeter (r = 0.68), anteroposterior (r = 0.88), and posteromedial-anterolateral (r = 0.74) diameters were found highly correlated, as well as for native LVOT (r = 0.86) and predicted neo-LVOT areas (r = 0.96) (all P-values <0.0001). An almost perfect agreement between CT and 3DTOE was found in assessing the eligibility for TMVR implantation (Cohen kappa 0.83, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

3D-TOE appraisements showed good correlations with CT measurements and high accuracy to predict TMVR screening success.
Development and evaluation of a co-designed website for delivering interactive self-directed cardiac rehabilitation
Authors: Nesbitt Katie , Beleigoli Alline , Champion Stephanie , Gebremichael Lemlem G , Bulamu Norma , Tirimacco Rosy , Clark Robyn A
Published: February 2023

Aims

The aim of this study is to report on the development and evaluation of the co-designed website for delivering interactive self-directed cardiac rehabilitation (CR).

Methods and results

Multi-method user experience design framework was used to co-design the web application and complete usability testing. Participants were recruited based on their eligibility for CR. Thematic analysis collected the participants’ design specifications and lived experiences. The System Usability Scale (SUS) was administered at the completion of the website development and the usability testing workshops. This collected the participants’ perceptions of the website’s effectiveness, efficiency, and their satisfaction. Website development and usability testing workshops included 39 and 35 participants with a mean age of 66.5 (SD 11.7) and 68.6 (SD 11.2), respectively. Both genders were equally represented across both workshops with 19 (48.7%) and 16 (45.7%) women. Workshop themes guided the design process. The mean SUS scores increased from 66.7 (SD 16.8) to 73.6 (21), P = 0.26. Easiness of use (P = 0.03), integration of the website functions (P ≤ 0.001), and consistency (P = 0.038) significantly improved from website development to usability testing. The proportion of participants rating it as excellent increased from 20.5% to 42.9%, P = 0.11.

Conclusion

The evolution of our CR website development was completed with an improvement in usability. Upcoming evaluation of this intervention will report on its effectiveness.
OrthoPhy: A Program to Construct Ortholog Data Sets Using Taxonomic Information
Authors: Watanabe Tomoaki , Kure Akinori , Horiike Tokumasa
Published: February 2023

Species phylogenetic trees represent the evolutionary processes of organisms, and they are fundamental in evolutionary research. Therefore, new methods have been developed to obtain more reliable species phylogenetic trees. A highly reliable method is the construction of an ortholog data set based on sequence information of genes, which is then used to infer the species phylogenetic tree. However, although methods for constructing an ortholog data set for species phylogenetic analysis have been developed, they cannot remove some paralogs, which is necessary for reliable species phylogenetic inference. To address the limitations of current methods, we developed OrthoPhy, a program that excludes paralogs and constructs highly accurate ortholog data sets using taxonomic information dividing analyzed species into monophyletic groups. OrthoPhy can remove paralogs, detecting inconsistencies between taxonomic information and phylogenetic trees of candidate ortholog groups clustered by sequence similarity. Performance tests using evolutionary simulated sequences and real sequences of 40 bacteria revealed that the precision of ortholog inference by OrthoPhy is higher than that of existing programs. Additionally, the phylogenetic analysis of species was more accurate when performed using ortholog data sets constructed by OrthoPhy than that performed using data sets constructed by existing programs. Furthermore, we performed a benchmark test of the Quest for Orthologs using real sequence data and found that the concordance rate between the phylogenetic trees of orthologs inferred by OrthoPhy and those of species was higher than the rates obtained by other ortholog inference programs. Therefore, ortholog data sets constructed using OrthoPhy enabled a more accurate phylogenetic analysis of species than those constructed using the existing programs, and OrthoPhy can be used for the phylogenetic analysis of species even for distantly related species that have experienced many evolutionary events.
Association Between Contrast Sensitivity and Physical Function in Cognitively Healthy Older Adults: The Brain Networks and Mobility Function Study
Authors: Thompson Atalie C , Chen Haiying , Miller Michael E , Webb Christopher C , Williamson Jeff D , Marsh Anthony P , Hugenschmidt Christina E , Baker Laura D , Laurienti Paul J , Kritchevsky Stephen B
Published: February 2023

Background

To evaluate whether contrast sensitivity is associated with lower extremity physical function in cognitively intact older adults.

Methods

Cross-sectional analysis of the relationship of binocular and worse eye log contrast sensitivity (LCS) to expanded Short Physical Performance Battery (eSPPB) and its components (gait speed, narrow walking speed, chair stand pace, and balance) in 192 cognitively healthy older adults. The association of LCS with postural sway and gait was also tested with tasks that further challenged functional reserve.

Results

Mean age was 76.4 years with 56% identifying as female and over 98.5% having good corrected visual acuity. Lower LCS was significantly associated with worse performance on the eSPPB, 4-M gait speed, narrow walking speed, and balance time in unadjusted and adjusted models. The relationship between worse eye LCS and larger postural sway was 3 times greater on a foam surface (beta 1.07, 95% CI [0.35, 1.80]) than a firm surface (beta 0.35, 95% CI [0.05, 0.65]), and both were robust to adjustment for confounders; similar findings were observed with binocular LCS. Lower binocular LCS had a greater decremental effect on gait velocity during the fast pace (beta −0.58, 95% CI [−0.90, −0.27]) than the usual pace (Beta −0.39 [−0.63, −0.15]) gait task.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that cognitively unimpaired older adults without significant visual acuity impairment can have subtle preclinical deficits in contrast sensitivity and physical function that could place them at risk of mobility and balance issues. Future studies should determine whether this subset of older adults may benefit from targeted intervention to prevent disability.
Extending the Cognitive Mediation Model to Examine Public Support for Funding Science and Technology Development in China: Media Attention, Information Processing, Scientific literacy, and Nationalism
Authors: Yang Xiaodong , Chen Liang , Wei Ran
Published: February 2023

Despite the rapid development of science and technology (S&T) in China, few studies have examined the factors related to public opinions toward funding S&T development. Using a nationwide sample from an online survey in China (N = 702), this study examined how Chinese attention to S&T information on digital media was associated with public support for funding, based on an extended cognitive mediation model, in which their scientific literacy and nationalism toward scientific and technological development in China were examined as the outcomes of information consumption and as predictors of support for funding S&T development. The results indicated that attention to S&T information on digital media was positively associated with two information processing strategies—elaboration of S&T information and digital media engagement with S&T topics. Moreover, elaboration was positively related to scientific literacy and nationalism, whereas digital media engagement was positively associated with the nationalism but not with the literacy. Next, individuals’ scientific literacy and nationalism were positively associated with their support for funding S&T development. The theoretical and practical implications of the study are discussed.
A comparison of post-ruminal provision of Ca-gluconate and Ca-butyrate on growth performance, gastrointestinal barrier function, short-chain fatty acid absorption, intestinal histology, and brush-border enzyme activity in beef heifers
Authors: Watanabe Daniel H M , Doelman John , Steele Michael A , Guan Le L , Seymour Dave J , Penner Gregory B
Published: February 2023

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of post-ruminal provision of Ca-butyrate (CaB) when delivered via abomasal dosing, and Ca-gluconate (CaG) when provided ruminally using a rumen protected form or using an unprotected form via abomasal dosing on short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentration throughout the GIT, nutrient digestibility, GIT barrier function, ruminal SCFA absorption, ruminal morphometrics, intestinal brush border enzyme activity, and blood parameters for beef heifers. Thirty-two beef heifers fitted with ruminal cannulas were used in a randomized complete block design and assigned to one of four treatments: 1) negative control (ruminal infusion of double-distilled water; CON); 2) abomasal infusion of CaB (AB; 0.0029% of BW); 3) abomasal infusion of CaG (AG; 0.0077% of BW); and 4) ruminal infusion of a hydrogenated fat-embedded CaG (RG; 0.0192% of BW) to provide ruminal protection. Excluding CON, treatments were designed to deliver the same amount of butyrate in the small intestine. Heifers were housed in individual pens and DMI was limited to 95% of voluntary intake to minimize a potential confounding effect of DMI on treatment responses. Total GIT barrier function was assessed on day 17 and SCFA disappearance was evaluated on day 21 using the temporarily isolated and washed reticulo-rumen technique. On day 28, heifers were slaughtered, and ruminal and colonic digesta were collected to assess SCFA concentration. Additionally, ruminal, jejunal, and colonic tissues were collected to assess SCFA fluxes and regional barrier function ex vivo using the Ussing chamber technique. For colonic digesta, both AB and CaG treatments reduced the proportion of acetate (P < 0.05) and increased the proportion on propionate (P < 0.05) compared to CON. Relative to CON, AB but not CaG treatments increased in vivo ruminal disappearance of total SCFA (P = 0.01), acetate (P = 0.03), propionate (P = 0.01), and butyrate (P > 0.01). Treatments did not affect (P ≥ 0.10) acetate and butyrate fluxes in the ruminal and colonic tissues when measured ex vivo; however, when compared with CON, AB tended to decrease (P = 0.09) mannitol flux across ruminal tissue. In addition, mannitol flux was affected (P < 0.01) by region, with greater mannitol flux across the jejunum than rumen and colon. We conclude that while both abomasal infusion of CaB and CaG affect the molar proportion of acetate and propionate in the colon, only abomasal CaB stimulated ruminal SCFA absorption for growing beef heifers.
Inheritance and Fitness Costs of Laboratory-Selected Resistance to Gpp34/Tpp35Ab1 Corn in Western Corn Rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Smith Eliott M , Shrestha Ram B , Gassmann Aaron J
Published: February 2023

Western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is a serious pest of corn and is currently managed with corn hybrids that produce insecticidal proteins derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Bt corn kills rootworm larvae and reduces larval feeding injury to corn roots. The Bt protein Gpp34/Tpp35Ab1, previously named Cry34/35Ab1, has been widely used in transgenic Bt corn for management of western corn rootworm, and field-evolved resistance has been found in some populations. In the United States, the refuge strategy is used to manage Bt resistance, with refuges of non-Bt host plants serving as a source of Bt-susceptible individuals, which in turn reduce the frequency of homozygous resistant individuals within a population. As such, the dominance of resistance strongly influences resistance evolution, with faster evolution of resistance when resistance is not recessive. Additionally, selection for resistance by a Bt crop leads to the accumulation of resistance alleles within refuge populations, thereby reducing the capacity of refuges to delay resistance. However, fitness costs can remove resistance alleles from refuge populations and preserve the dynamic of refuges producing Bt-susceptible genotypes. Bt-susceptible and Gpp34/Tpp35Ab1-resistant western corn rootworm were used to quantify the inheritance and fitness costs of resistance. We found that Gpp34/Tpp35Ab1 resistance was not recessive and had the accompanying fitness costs of slower developmental rate to adulthood and lower egg viability. This research will help improve insect resistance management by providing a better understanding of the risk of western corn rootworm evolving resistance to transgenic corn that produces Gpp34/Tpp35Ab1.
FAMILY Medicine
Authors: Lala Vidya
Published: February 2023

This is a reflective piece about a family who I cared for during my first year of residency.
Physical modelling of dust polarization from magnetically enhanced radiative torque alignment in protostellar cores withpolaris
Authors: Giang Nguyen Chau , Hoang Thiem , Kim Jeong-Gyu , Tram Le Ngoc
Published: February 2023

Magnetic fields (B) are an important factor controlling the star-formation process. The leading method to observe B orientation is to use polarized thermal emission from aligned dust grains. In dense environments such as protostellar cores, however, dust grains may be inefficiently aligned owing to strong gas randomizations, making the use of dust polarization to trace Buncertain. The study of Hoang and Lazarian in 2016 demonstrated that grain alignment by radiative torques is enhanced if dust grains contain embedded iron inclusions. Here we extend the polaris code to study the effect of iron inclusions on grain alignment and thermal dust polarization towards a protostellar core, assuming uniform B. We found that paramagnetic grains produce a low polarization degree of $p \sim 1{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ in the envelope and a negligible $p \ll 1{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ in the central region owing to the loss of grain alignment. In contrast, grains with a high level of iron inclusions have perfect alignment and produce a high $p \sim 40{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ in the envelope and a low $p \le 10{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ in the central region. Grains with a moderate level of iron inclusions induce the polarization flipping from P ‖ B at millimetre to P ⊥ B at submillimetre wavelengths owing to the change in the internal alignment caused by slow internal relaxation. The weak alignment of very large grains with $a \ge 10\, {\mu \rm {m}}$ reduces dichroic extinction efficiency at submillimetre wavelengths. We found a positive correlation between p and the level of iron inclusions, which introduces a new option to constrain the abundance of solid iron locked in dust through dust polarimetry.
Scaling relations of X-ray luminous clusters in the Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Program field
Authors: Poon Helen , Okabe Nobuhiro , Fukazawa Yasushi , Akino Daiichi , Yang Chong
Published: February 2023

We present the XMM–Newton X-ray analysis of 19 X-ray luminous galaxy clusters of low- to mid-redshift (<0.4) selected from the MCXC (Meta-Catalog of X-Ray Detected Clusters of Galaxies) cluster catalogue in the Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Programme field. We derive the hydrostatic equilibrium mass and study scaling relations using (i) the whole sample, (ii) only relaxed clusters, and (iii) only disturbed clusters. When considering the whole sample, the YX–Mtot and Mgas–Mtot relations agree with self-similarity. In terms of morphology, relaxed clusters show a flatter relation in LX,ce–Mtot, LX,bol–Mtot, LX,ce–T, Lbol,ce–T, Mgas–Mtot, and YX–Mtot. The Lbol,ce–Mtot, LX,ce–Mtot Lbol,ce–T, and LX,ce–T relations show a slope ∼3σ steeper. The residuals in the Mgas–Mtot and T–Mtot relations and the intrinsic covariance between Mgas and T show hints of positive correlation, casting doubt on whether the YX parameter is a truly low-scatter mass proxy. The Mgas–Mtot and T–Mtot plots colour coded with the offset of the LX,ce–Mtot relation show these two relations to be brightness dependent but not the LX,ce–T relation, suggesting that relations involving Mtot are biased due to sample selection based on luminosity. Following the work that studied an optical sample and combining our result with literature studies, we find that Mtot derived not using mass proxies deviates from LX ∝ $M_{\rm gas}^{2}M_{\rm tot}^{-1}$ and Mtot based on hydrostatic equilibrium is more massive than what is expected by their relation using caustic masses. This indicates that mass bias plays an important role in scaling relations.
Spectroscopic survey of faint planetary-nebula nuclei – I. Six new ‘O vi’ central stars
Authors: Bond Howard E , Werner Klaus , Jacoby George H , Zeimann Gregory R
Published: February 2023

We report initial results from an ongoing spectroscopic survey of central stars of faint planetary nebulae (PNe), obtained with the Low-Resolution Spectrograph on the Hobby–Eberly Telescope. The six PN nuclei (PNNi) discussed here all have strong emission at the O vi 3811–3834 Å doublet, indicative of very high temperatures. Five of them – the nuclei of Ou 2, Kn 61, Kn 15, Abell 72, and Kn 130 – belong to the hydrogen-deficient PG 1159 class, showing a strong absorption feature of He ii and C iv at 4650–4690 Å. Based on exploratory comparisons with synthetic model-atmosphere spectra, and the presence of Ne viii emission lines, we estimate them to have effective temperatures of order 170 000 K. The central star of Kn 15 has a Wolf–Rayet-like spectrum, with strong and broad emission lines of He ii, C iv, N v, and O v–vi. We classify it [WO2], but we note that the N v 4604–4620 Å emission doublet is extremely strong, indicating a relatively high nitrogen abundance. Several of the emission lines in Kn 15 vary in equivalent width by factors as large as 1.5 among our four observations from 2019 to 2022, implying significant variations in the stellar mass-loss rate. We encourage spectroscopic monitoring. Follow-up high-time-resolution photometry of these stars would be of interest, given the large fraction of pulsating variables seen among PG 1159 and [WO] PNNi.
MOJAVE – XX. Persistent linear polarization structure in parsec-scale AGN jets
Authors: Pushkarev A B , Aller H D , Aller M F , Homan D C , Kovalev Y Y , Lister M L , Pashchenko I N , Savolainen T , Zobnina D I
Published: February 2023

We analysed the parsec-scale linear polarization properties of 436 active galactic nuclei (AGNs) based on 15 GHz polarimetric Very Long Baseline Array observations. We present polarization and total intensity images averaged over at least five epochs since 1996 January 19 through 2019 August 4. Stacking improves the image sensitivity down to ∼30 μJy beam−1 and effectively fills out the jet cross-section both in total intensity and linear polarization. It delineates the long-term persistent magnetic field configuration and its regularity by restoring spatial distributions of the electric vector position angle (EVPA) and fractional polarization, respectively. On average, about 10 yr of stacking period is needed to reveal the stable and most-complete polarization distribution of a source. We find that the degree of polarization significantly increases down and across the jet towards its edges, typically manifesting U or W-shaped transverse profiles, suggesting a presence of a large-scale helical magnetic field associated with the outflow. In some AGN jets, mainly BL Lacs, we detect quasi-constant fractional polarization profiles across the jet, accompanied by EVPAs that closely follow the outflow. BL Lacs show higher fractional polarization values in their cores and jets than those in quasars up to hectoparsec de-projected scales, while on larger scales, they become comparable. High-synchrotron-peaked BL Lac jets are found to be less polarized than intermediate and low-synchrotron-peaked BL Lacs. The spatial distribution of the EVPAs in BL Lacs tend to align with the local jet direction, while quasars show an excess of orthogonal polarization orientation.
Distinct functions of FASCICLIN-LIKE ARABINOGALACTAN PROTEINS relate to domain structure
Authors: Ma Yingxuan , Shafee Thomas , Mudiyanselage Asha M , Ratcliffe Julian , MacMillan Colleen P , Mansfield Shawn D , Bacic Antony , Johnson Kim L
Published: February 2023

The role of glycoproteins as key cell surface molecules during development and stress is well established; yet, the relationship between their structural features and functional mechanisms is poorly defined. FASCICLIN-LIKE ARABINOGALACTAN PROTEINs (FLAs), which impact plant growth and development, are an excellent example of a glycoprotein family with a complex multidomain structure. FLAs combine globular fasciclin-like (FAS1) domains with regions that are intrinsically disordered and contain glycomotifs for directing the addition of O-linked arabinogalactan (AG) glycans. Additional posttranslational modifications on FLAs include N-linked glycans in the FAS1 domains, a cleaved signal peptide at the N terminus, and often a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor signal sequence at the C terminus. The roles of glycosylation, the GPI anchor, and FAS1 domain functions in the polysaccharide-rich extracellular matrix of plants remain unclear, as do the relationships between them. In this study, we examined sequence–structure–function relationships of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) FLA11, demonstrated to have roles in secondary cell wall (SCW) development, by introducing domain mutations and functional specialization through domain swaps with FLA3 and FLA12. We identified FAS1 domains as essential for FLA function, differentiating FLA11/FLA12, with roles in SCW development, from FLA3, specific to flowers and involved in pollen development. The GPI anchor and AG glycosylation co-regulate the cell surface location and release of FLAs into cell walls. The AG glycomotif sequence closest to the GPI anchor (AG2) is a major feature differentiating FLA11 from FLA12. The results of our study show that the multidomain structure of different FLAs influences their subcellular location and biological functions during plant development.
NIH HEAL Common Data Elements (CDE) implementation: NIH HEAL Initiative IDEA-CC
Authors: Adams Meredith C B , Hurley Robert W , Siddons Andrew , Topaloglu Umit , Wandner Laura D ,   ICDEWG, Adams Meredith C B , Arnsten Julia , Bao Yuhua , Barry Declan , Becker William C , Fiellin David , Fox Aaron , Ghiroli Megan , Hanmer Janel , Horn Brady , Hurlocker Margo , Jalal Hawre , Joseph Verlin , Merlin Jessica , Murray-Krezan Christina , Pearson Matthew , Rogal Shari , Starrels Joanna , Bachrach Rachel , Witkiewitz Katie , Vasquez Angel
Published: February 2023

Objective

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) HEAL Initiative is making data findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) to maximize the value of the unprecedented federal investment in pain and opioid-use disorder research. This involves standardizing the use of common data elements (CDE) for clinical research.

Methods

This work describes the process of the selection, processing, harmonization, and design constraints of CDE across a pain and opioid use disorder clinical trials network.

Results

The network alignment allowed for incorporation of newer data standards across the clinical trials. Specific advances included geographic coding (RUCA), deidentified patient identifiers (GUID), shareable clinical survey libraries (REDCap), and concept mapping to standardized concepts (UMLS).

Conclusions

While complex, harmonization across a network of chronic pain and opioid use disorder clinical trials with separate interventions can be optimized through use of CDEs and data standardization processes. This standardization process will support the robust secondary data analyses. Scaling this process could standardize CDE results across interventions or disease state which could help inform insurance companies or government organizations about coverage determinations. The development of the HEAL CDE program supports connecting isolated studies and solutions to each other, but the practical aspects may be challenging for some studies to implement. Leveraging tools and technology to simplify process and create ready to use resources may support wider adoption of consistent data standards.
Cognitive-Motor Dual-Task Costs on Postural Sway During Sit-to-Stand Movement in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Lima Camila Resende Gâmbaro , Pavão Sílvia Leticia , da Silva Bruna Romão , de Campos Ana Carolina , Saavedra Sandra , Rocha Nelci Adriana Cicuto Ferreira
Published: February 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the cognitive-motor dual-task costs (DTCs) on postural sway of children with typical development (TD) and children with cerebral palsy (CP) during the sit-to-stand movement.

Methods

Twenty children with TD (mean age = 9.35 years) and 17 children with CP (mean age = 8.29 years) randomly performed 3 test conditions: simple motor task, low-complexity cognitive-motor dual-task, and high-complexity cognitive-motor dual-task. The sit-to-stand movement was divided into 3 phases for data analysis: preparation (P1), rising (P2), and stabilization (P3). For each of these phases, the DTCs were calculated by the percentage change in the center of pressure area of sway, velocity of sway, and duration variables between the simple and dual-task conditions. Analysis of variance was applied to test the group, task conditions, and interaction effects.

Results

Children with CP had lower DTC than children with TD in area of sway in P1 and P2 variables; anteroposterior velocity of sway in P1, P2, and P3; and duration in P3. Children with TD had higher DTC in the high-complexity cognitive-motor dual-task than in the low complexity one. Children with CP did not show adaptations between the dual-task conditions, showing no differences in DTCs.

Conclusion

The simultaneous performance of a motor task and a cognitive task seems to affect children with CP and children with TD differently, but the effects depend on the specific demands of each task. These results demonstrate the importance of rehabilitation actions to place demands involving a variety of postural sway strategies.

Impact

DTCs are different for children with TD and children with CP. Assessment and rehabilitation strategies must take into account the postural sway behavior of these children.
University–industry cooperation: a taxonomy of intermediaries
Authors: Santos Telmo N , Dias José G , Mendonça Sandro
Published: February 2023

The fragmentation of the literature on intermediaries between the university and industry has led to a disorganised and confused theoretical landscape. This research addresses this gap in the literature by proposing an analytical tool that can be used as guidance. For this purpose, this work provides a taxonomy of these intermediaries and classifies them into five different classes. To this end, we review 125 studies on university–industry cooperation (UIC) intermediaries. In addition to the general and innovation-related information, we extracted specific data related to the relevant UIC intermediaries from each article, i.e. the type(s) of intermediary addressed and its identified functions. This taxonomy is based on twenty-two functions identified in the UIC intermediary literature and thirteen UIC intermediary types. The five proposed classes of intermediaries are specialised in five different roles. This integrative background can be applied in future research and in the definition of policy-based guidelines.
European scholarly journals from small- and mid-size publishers: mapping journals and public funding mechanisms
Authors: Laakso Mikael , Multas Anna-Maija
Published: February 2023

This study investigates the relationship between scholarly journal publishing and public funding, specifically concerning the context of small- and mid-sized journal publishers in European countries. As part of the movement towards open science, an increasing number of journals globally are free to both read and publish in, which increases the need for journals to seek other resources instead of subscription income. The study includes two separate components, collecting data separately for each European country (including transcontinental states): (1) the volume and key bibliometric characteristics of small- and mid-sized journal publishers and (2) information about country-level public funding mechanisms for scholarly journals. The study found that there are 16,387 journals from small- and mid-sized publishers being published in European countries, of which 36 per cent are already publishing open access. There is a large diversity in how countries reserve and distribute funds to journals, ranging from continuous inclusive subsidies to competitive grant funding or nothing at all.
The dim light melatonin onset across ages, methodologies, and sex and its relationship with morningness/eveningness
Authors: Kennaway David J
Published: February 2023

The onset of melatonin secretion, the dim light melatonin onset (DLMO), is a tool for determining the phase of the circadian timing system. Although small studies have investigated the impacts of age and methods of calculating DLMO, there is no DLMO reference range. In the current study, the saliva DLMO from 3579 participants from 121 published studies and plasma DLMO from 818 healthy controls from 31 studies (aged 3–73 years) were analyzed. In a subset of 53 papers (1749 participants), individual saliva DLMO and Morningness Eveningness Questionaire (MEQ) scores were obtained from authors or mined from publications and a reference range was constructed. Saliva DLMO was earliest in children to 10 years of age and latest around 20 years of age and thereafter advanced with age by 30 min in the oldest participants. Melatonin assay methods and DLMO calculation methods had little effect on the determination of the DLMO. Saliva DLMO was correlated (p < 0.001) with the MEQ score; lower MEQ scores were associated with later DLMO. MEQ scores increased with age, reflecting a tendency toward morningness. An evaluation of 14 saliva DLMO studies of clinically diagnosed patients living with delayed sleep–wake phase disorder (mean ages 20 to 31 years) revealed mean saliva DLMO within the reference range albeit at the late extreme. Peak plasma melatonin levels from 179 studies of healthy participants revealed a high degree of variability within studies and age groups, but only a small decline between the 20 and 50 years and lowest levels after 70 years.
Carcass and meat quality traits in Brangus steers
Authors: Rodriguez Eduardo E , Hamblen Heather , Flowers Sara , Leal Joel D , Carr Chad , Scheffler Tracy , Mateescu Raluca G
Published: February 2023

The quality grade system used in the United States to identify carcasses with superior eating satisfaction to consumers is based on the amount of marbling within the ribeye and the maturity of the carcass. However, the most important quality attribute for consumers is tenderness. The objective of this study was to investigate the phenotypic correlations between carcass and meat quality traits of strip loin steaks from Brangus steers, particularly the relation between the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) quality grade and tenderness. Warner–Bratzler shear force (WBSF) values in this study averaged 5.10 ± 0.96 kg, slightly higher than the national average of 4.55 ± 1.14 kg. Average WBSF across all quality grades ranged from 4.90 to 5.27 kg with standard deviations ranging from 0.78 to 1.40 kg. In the present Brangus steer population, there was a weak negative (−0.13) but favorable correlation (P < 0.05) between marbling score and tenderness measured through WBSF. The USDA quality grade had a significant (P = 0.02) effect on WBSF. The WBSF least square means were significantly higher in the Select compared with the Choice¯, and Choiceº quality grades. The Choice⁺ and Prime quality grades were not significantly different from any quality grades regarding the WBSF. The standard quality grade did not have significantly different WBSF least square means from any other quality grade. The range of WBSF values was large, especially in the lower quality grade categories, indicating that there is considerable variation in tenderness, even within quality grade. The high level of variation in tenderness within USDA quality grades highlights the limitation of the USDA grading system to predict eating quality or tenderness.
Feasibility of Exenatide, a GLP-1R Agonist, for Treating Cocaine Use Disorder: A Case Series Study
Authors: Yammine Luba , Balderas Jessica C. , Weaver Michael F. , Schmitz Joy M.
Published: February 2023

Cocaine use remains a serious public health problem associated with a marked increase in overdose deaths in the past decade. No medications have yet been proven to be effective for the treatment of cocaine use disorder (CUD). Among the highly promising medications have been glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) that are currently used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and weight management. Preclinically, GLP-1RAs have been shown to attenuate cocaine self-administration, however, this has not yet been demonstrated in a human laboratory study. The GLP-1RA extended-release exenatide is given as a once-weekly injection, which may be clinically advantageous for addressing medication nonadherence among individuals with CUD. Here, we assess feasibility and safety by reporting on 3 cases of patients with CUD who received 6 weeks of exenatide 2 mg subcutaneously once-weekly in an open-label fashion, along with standard individual drug counseling. We observed excellent attendance and compliance, along with positive end-of-study satisfaction ratings. The medication was well tolerated and without unexpected or severe adverse events. Results for cocaine use and related clinical effects were more mixed, yet encouraging. Future empirical testing of exenatide for treating CUD should utilize a randomized controlled trial design and longer treatment duration.
The Howard Street Method: A Community Pharmacy-led Low Dose Overlap Buprenorphine Initiation Protocol for Individuals Using Fentanyl
Authors: Noel Marnie , Abbs Elizabeth , Suen Leslie , Samuel Lysa , Dobbins Sarah , Geier Michelle , Soran Christine S.
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Buprenorphine treatment significantly reduces morbidity and mortality for people with opioid use disorder. Fear of precipitated withdrawal remains a barrier to starting buprenorphine for patients who use synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl. We aim to evaluate the development and implementation of a buprenorphine low dose overlap initiation (LDOI) protocol in an urban public health community pharmacy.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with nonprescribed fentanyl use (N = 27) to examine clinical outcomes of a buprenorphine LDOI schedule, named the Howard Street Method, dispensed from a community pharmacy in San Francisco from January to December 2020.

Results

Twenty-seven patients were prescribed the Howard Street Method. Twenty-six patients picked up the prescription and 14 completed the protocol. Of those who completed the protocol, 11 (79%) reported no symptoms of withdrawal and 3 (21%) reported mild symptoms. Four patients (29%) reported cessation of full opioid agonist use and 10 (71%) reported reduction in their use by the end of the protocol. At 30 days, 12 patients (86%) were retained in care and 10 (71%) continued buprenorphine. At 180 days, 6 patients (43%) were retained in care and 2 (14%) were still receiving buprenorphine treatment.

Conclusions

We found that a LDOI blister-pack protocol based at a community pharmacy was a viable intervention for starting buprenorphine treatment and a promising alternative method for buprenorphine initiation in an underresourced, safety-net population of people using fentanyl.
Military Soft Skills Applicable to the ICU
Authors: Chalela Julio A. , Britell Patrick
Published: February 2023

OBJECTIVES:

To describe how soft skills acquired during military service can be applied to the practice of critical care medicine.

DATA SOURCES:

A systematic search was performed in PubMed.

STUDY SELECTION:

We selected all studies that addressed soft skills in medicine.

DATA EXTRACTION:

Information present in published articles was analyzed by the authors and incorporated in the article if relevant to the practice of critical care medicine.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Integrative review of 15 articles combined with the authors' clinical experience practicing military medicine in country and overseas while also practicing academic intensive care medicine.

CONCLUSIONS:

Soft skills used in the military have potential applications to modern intensive care medicine. Teaching soft skills in parallel with the technical aspects of intensive care medicine should be an integral part of critical care fellowships.
The Effect of Neighborhood Disorganization on Care Engagement Among Children With Chronic Conditions Living in a Large Urban City
Authors: Kim Sage J. , Martin Molly , Caskey Rachel , Weiler Amanda , Van Voorhees Benjamin , Glassgow Anne Elizabeth
Published: February 2023

Neighborhood context plays an important role in producing and reproducing current patterns of health disparity. In particular, neighborhood disorganization affects how people engage in health care. We examined the effect of living in highly disorganized neighborhoods on care engagement, using data from the Coordinated Healthcare for Complex Kids (CHECK) program, which is a care delivery model for children with chronic conditions on Medicaid in Chicago. We retrieved demographic data from the US Census Bureau and crime data from the Chicago Police Department to estimate neighborhood-level social disorganization for the CHECK enrollees. A total of 6458 children enrolled in the CHECK between 2014 and 2017 were included in the analysis. Families living in the most disorganized neighborhoods, compared with areas with lower levels of disorganization, were less likely to engage in CHECK. Black families were less likely than Hispanic families to be engaged in the CHECK program. We discuss potential mechanisms through which disorganization affects care engagement. Understanding neighborhood context, including social disorganization, is key to developing more effective comprehensive care models.
Comparison of Doses from Disposals of Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials in Kentucky and Oregon
Authors: Caffrey Emily A. , Rood Arthur S. , Grogan Helen A. , Mangini Colby , Till John E.
Published: February 2023

Oil and natural gas fracking waste contains technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive material (TENORM) and has increasingly been disposed of in unpermitted landfills, causing concern among regulators and the public about potential exposures. There are numerous issues with TENORM waste, including the lack of Federal regulations on its disposal and the lack of permitted landfills capable of accepting these waste streams. This paper examines two situations in which TENORM was placed in unpermitted landfills, one in Kentucky and one in Oregon. The same modeling and dose calculation methods were used in both cases, allowing for a comparison between the two sites. Site-specific differences, source terms, and doses from the disposals and potential remediation options are discussed and compared. Predicted groundwater concentrations are shown and compared against the relevant regulations for each site. Despite the differences in site and TENORM waste characteristics, it was more protective of the community and the environment to leave the waste in place at both sites. Radiation doses to landfill workers on site and to members of the public were low, both during the original disposal and for the remediation alternatives evaluated. Removal of the TENORM material in either case presents significant non-radiological risks that outweigh any benefit from the long-term dose reduction.
Escherichia coli-related disseminated intravascular coagulation: Case report and literature review
Authors: Wu Junjun , Li Huaming , Wang Yufang , Xu Rong
Published: February 2023

Background:

Escherichia coli can cause severe infections. The latter can lead to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The importance of an early diagnosis of DIC is illustrated through this case report.

Aim:

Review the utility and shortcomings of representative clinical indicators of E coli infection and DIC.

Case report:

A 48-year-old man presented with diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting with fever of 2-day duration, during which consciousness was lost for 12 hour. Hematology was undertaken. The coagulation profile, liver function, and kidney function were determined, and blood cultures undertaken. The final diagnosis was acute gastroenteritis complicated by DIC. Meropenem (1.0 g, q8h, i.v.) was started, along with active replacement of fluids. Anticoagulant therapy (low-molecular-weight heparin 0.4 mL, q.d.s.) was given. Plasma supplementation of coagulation factors and albumin was applied. On day-5 of therapy, hematology showed the platelet count, D-dimer level, and prothrombin time to be improved significantly. Low-molecular-weight heparin treatment was stopped and antibiotic treatment was continued for 1 week. The patient made a full recovery.

Conclusions:

In severe infection, timely assessment of the platelet count, procalcitonin level, coagulation function, as well as rational use of antibiotics, can improve the prognosis of patients.
Efficacy and safety of pemafibrate in patients with chronic kidney disease: A retrospective study
Authors: Iwasaki Masako , Suzuki Hitoshi , Umezawa Yukako , Koshida Takeo , Saito Midori , Fukuda Hiromitsu , Takahara Hisatsugu , Matsuzaki Keiichi , Suzuki Yusuke
Published: February 2023

Hypertriglyceridemia and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are known risk factors for cardiovascular disease. However, treatment with statins, which control low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, increases the risk of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) reduction. Although conventional fibrates, such as bezafibrate (Beza-F) and fenofibrate (Feno-F), are the mainstay for hypertriglyceridemia treatment, they may be associated with a risk of increased serum creatinine level and renal dysfunction. Pemafibrate (Pema) is pharmacologically defined as a selective peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor α modulator which is excreted in bile and not likely to cause renal dysfunction. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of switching from Beza-F or Feno-F to Pema in CKD patients with hypertriglyceridemia. We recruited 47 CKD patients with hypertriglyceridemia who were receiving Beza-F, Feno-F, or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) but were switched to Pema from 2018 to 2021. A retrospective analysis of renal function and lipid profiles was performed before and 24 weeks after switching. CKD patients switching from EPA to Pema were used as study control. The effect of Pema on hypertriglyceridemia was equivalent to that of Beza-F or Feno-F. However, after switching to Pema, eGFR showed a marked average improvement of 10.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 (P < .001). Improvement in eGFR and levels of n-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase and β-2-microglobulin was observed only in cases of switching from Beza-F or Feno-F but not from EPA. Although Beza-F and Feno-F are useful medications for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia, these are associated with a high risk of renal dysfunction. We also found that the deterioration in eGFR due to Beza-F or Feno-F is reversible with drug withdrawal and may not increase the risk for long-term renal dysfunction. We suggest that Pema may be an effective and safe treatment for hypertriglyceridemia in CKD patients.