bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stage IV Colorectal Cancer at Initial Presentation versus Progression during and after Treatment, Differences in Management: Management Differences for Initial Presentation versus Progression of Disease after Initial Treatment
Authors: Monahan Brian V. , Patel Takshaka , Poggio Juan Lucas
Published: April 2023

Stage IV colorectal cancer is a prevalent disease and understanding the appropriate treatment options is important. Medical oncologic treatment remains the mainstay of treatment in cases where curative resection is not possible. Surgical intervention is indicated if the primary tumor and associated metastases are amenable to curative resection or if obstructive, bleeding, or perforative complications arise from the tumor. New endoscopic techniques can provide palliation and benefit for patients who cannot undergo surgery and may speed time to chemotherapy initiation. Recently, immunotherapy has shown promise at managing, controlling, and regressing advanced disease, in some cases converting it to curative with resection. For patients that progress while on treatment, continued medical therapy remains the mainstay of treatment. Further research into the benefits of asymptomatic primary tumor resection without curative intent needs to be performed. Colorectal cancer, and more specifically metastatic colorectal cancer, continues to have improved 1- and 5-year survival rates and likely will continue to do so over the coming months and years.
Impact of Molecular Status on Cytoreductive Surgery for Peritoneal Metastases from Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zhong Yun , Yang Keli , Qin Xiusen , Luo Rui , Wang Hui
Published: April 2023

Colorectal cancer peritoneal metastases (CRC-PM) are present in 5 to 15% of instances of CRC, and the overall survival (OS) of patients with CRC-PM is much lower than that of patients with other isolated metastatic locations. In recent years, the introduction of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) in conjunction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy has resulted in a significant improvement in CRC-PM patients' OS. Despite this, a significant proportion of CRS patients continue to suffer complications of grades III to V or even die during the perioperative period. Early diagnosis, optimization of patient selection criteria, and refining of individualized combination therapy are necessary for these patients. In this review, we evaluate studies examining the relationship between molecular status and CRS in CRC-PM. Our objective is to gain a comprehensive understanding of how the altered molecular status of CRC-PM impacts CRS, which could increase the likelihood of tailored therapy in the future.
Organ Preservation in MSS Rectal Cancer
Authors: Gao Yuye , Wu Aiwen
Published: April 2023

Rectal cancer is a heterogeneous disease with complex genetic and molecular subtypes. Emerging progress of neoadjuvant therapy has led to increased pathological and clinical complete response (cCR) rates for microsatellite stable (MSS) rectal cancer, which responds poorly to immune checkpoint inhibitor alone. As a result, organ preservation of MSS rectal cancer as an alternative to radical surgery has gradually become a feasible option. For patients with cCR or near-cCR after neoadjuvant treatment, organ preservation can be implemented safely with less morbidity. Patient selection can be done either before the neoadjuvant treatment for higher probability or after with careful assessment for a favorable outcome. Those patients who achieved a good clinical response are managed with nonoperative management, organ preservation surgery, or radiation therapy alone followed by strict surveillance. The oncological outcomes of patients with careful selection and organ preservation seem to be noninferior compared with those of radical surgery, with lower postoperative morbidity. However, more studies should be done to seek better regression of tumor and maximize the possibility of organ preservation in MSS rectal cancer.
Review of Advances on Management of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Tyagi Sanjay , Batra Vishal , Gautam Ankur
Published: April 2023

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension is rare, underdiagnosed form of pulmonary hypertension. It is caused by intravascular obstruction of pulmonary arteries due to fibrotic transformation of thromboembolic material and microvasculopathy. It is important to diagnose this variant as potentially curative treatment in the form of pulmonary endarterectomy is available. Last two decades have seen rapid advances in targeted medical management and refinement in balloon pulmonary angioplasty technique, which have provided a viable therapeutic option for patients who deemed to be inoperable.
Improving accuracy and stability of genetic predictions for dairy cow survival
Authors: Khansefid M. , Pryce J. E. , Shahinfar S. , Axford M. , Goddard M. E. , Haile-Mariam M.
Published: April 2023

Context Cow survival is an important trait for dairy farm profitability and animal welfare, yet it is difficult to improve because of its complexity arising, in part, from varied reasons for culling and delay in getting actual culling data, which leads to low accuracy and instability of genetic predictions. Aims To explore the benefits of partitioning the cow survival trait into ‘early survival’ (survival coded as a binary trait from the first to the second lactation) and ‘late survival’ (survival from the second to later lactations) on genetic predictions in addition to predictors of culling decisions. Methods The raw phenotypic survival records for 1 619 542 Holstein and 331 996 Jersey cows were used in our study. All cows within each herd were allocated to either a reference or validation set. The accuracy and stability of genetic predictions were compared across lactations in the validation set. Further, we estimated the phenotypic and genetic correlation between overall, early or late cow survival and production, type, workability, and fertility traits using bivariate sire models. Key results The heritability of overall survival in Jerseys (0.069 ± 0.003) was higher than in Holsteins (0.044 ± 0.001). The heritability of early survival was higher than that of late survival in Holstein (0.039 ± 0.002 vs 0.036 ± 0.001) and Jersey (0.080 ± 0.006 vs 0.053 ± 0.003). The genetic correlation between early and late survival was high in both breeds (0.770 ± 0.017 in Holstein and 0.772 ± 0.028 in Jersey). Adding survival information up to the sixth lactation had a large effect on genetic predictions of overall and late survival, whereas the predictions of early survival remained the same across lactations. Milk and protein yields, somatic cell score, fertility and temperament were highly correlated with early survival in Holstein and Jersey. However, the genetic correlations between production, type or workability traits and late survival were generally weaker than those and early survival. Conclusions Early and late survival should be considered as different traits in genetic evaluations, because they are associated with different culling decisions. Implications Partitioning cow survival into early and late survival and analysing them as two correlated traits could improve the accuracy and the stability of estimated breeding values compared with analysing overall survival as a single trait.
Can the galling Eriophyidae (Trombidiformes) manipulate leaf structural and histochemical profiles over environmental stressors?
Authors: Freitas Mariana de Sousa Costa , Ferreira Bruno Garcia , Bragança Gracielle Pereira Pimenta , Boanares Daniela , Isaias Rosy Mary dos Santos
Published: April 2023

Context Galls are products of an intrinsic relationship between specific parasites and their host plants. Gall formation involves alterations in the developmental pattern of the host organs in which environmental conditions may also impose constraints. Aims We hypothesised that the adaptive features of the host plants reflect the stressors of the xeric and mesic environments and influence the establishment and success of the associated galls. Methods We analysed anatomical, histometric, and histochemical alterations induced by two species of Eriophyidae, on Miconia ibaguensis adapted to the Brazilian Cerrado (xeric environment) and on Miconia notabilis adapted to the forests of the equatorial region (mesic environment). Key results The adaptive leaf characteristics of M. ibaguensis and M. notabilis to both xeric and mesic environments, such as the trichomes, cuticle and mesophyll thickness, number of mesophyll layers, the proportion of intercellular spaces, differences in the intensity detection of phenolic and starch are kept in the galls. The higher density of emergences in M. notabilis may increase the protection against the natural enemies of the eriophyids, which are commonly more abundant in mesic than in xeric environments. Conclusions These traits are important not only for the survival of the two host plants but also for the success of the two species of galling Eriophyidae in distinct environments. Implications These findings indicate the success of the gall inducers of the same taxa in distinct environments, which can be explored in different systems.
Diversity and function of soil microorganisms in response to paddy–upland rotation system in sustainable restoration of saline-sodic soils
Authors: Liu Jin , Wang Shunyi , Hu Canmin , Li Tingting , Wang Tianhao , Ma Ke , Ren Xueqin , Hu Shuwen
Published: April 2023

Context Rapid desalination by planting rice in saline soil consumes large amounts of water, which is not environmentally friendly. Aims Herein, we propose rapid desalination by planting rice, then shifting to cultivating upland plants to attain substantial resource-saving and higher yield simultaneously with restoration of saline-sodic soil. Methods Field experiments were run for two consecutive years with five treatments: unreclaimed wasteland (WL) as control, rice cultivation followed by fallow (RF), rice–rice continuous cropping (RR), rice–ryegrass rotation (RG), and rice–sorghum rotation (RS). Physicochemical properties, including pH, electrical conductivity, and exchangeable sodium percentage were determined, and 16S rRNA sequences were used to evaluate soil microbial composition and stability. Key results The soil total organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and biomass in RR, RG, and RS treatments were all higher than RF and control. Notably, RR, RG, and RS increased the soil microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen, and significantly reshaped the soil communities of bacteria, fungi, and archaea relative to RF and WL. Conclusions Despite the lower efficiency of RG and RS in ameliorating saline-sodic soil, there were dramatic savings in irrigation water, and the improvements in microbial diversity and functionalities indicated that the paddy–upland crop rotation system had substantial influence on sustainability of soil quality. Implications Providing a balance between salt desalination performance with irrigation water input and yield, the paddy–upland rotation system is a robust, replicable, and environmentally friendly practice in saline-sodic soil remediation.
Transient study of droplet oscillation characteristics driven by an electric field
Authors: Gao 高 Yan-Fei 燕飞 , He 何 Wei-Feng 纬峰 , Abdalazeem Adam , Shi 施 Qi-Le 其乐 , Zhang 张 Ji-Rong 继荣 , Su 苏 Peng-Fei 鹏飞 , Yu 俞 Si-Yong 思涌 , Yao 姚 Zhao-Hui 照辉 , Han 韩 Dong 东
Published: April 2023

Electrowetting technology, a microfluidic technology, has attracted more and more attention in recent years and has broad prospects in terms of microdroplet drive. In this paper, the dynamic contact angle theory is used to develop a numerical model to predict the droplet dynamic contact behavior and internal flow field under electrowetting. In particular, based on the established computational model of droplet force balance, the dynamic process of a droplet under electrowetting is analyzed, including the perspective of pressure variation and force balance inside the droplet. The results show that when the alternating current frequency increases from 50 Hz to 500 Hz, the amplitude of the oscillation waveform after droplet stabilization is 0.036 mm, 0.016 mm, 0.013 mm and 0.002 mm, while the relevant droplet oscillation period T is 11 ms, 4 ms, 2 ms and 1 ms, respectively. It is also found that the initial phase angle does not affect the droplet oscillation amplitude. In addition, the pressure on the droplet surface under alternating current electrowetting increases rapidly to the maximum value with resonant waveform oscillation, and the droplet will present different resonance modes under voltage stimulation. The higher the resonance mode is, the smaller the droplet oscillation amplitude is and the streamline at the interface will present an eddy current, in which the number of vortices matches the resonance mode. A high resonance mode corresponds to a small droplet amplitude, while there are more vortices with a smaller size.
An accurate analytical surface potential model of heterojunction tunnel FET
Authors: Guan 关 Yunhe 云鹤 , Li 黎 Huan 欢 , Chen 陈 Haifeng 海峰 , Huang 黄 Siwei 思伟
Published: April 2023

Based on the accurate and efficient thermal injection method, we develop a fully analytical surface potential model for the heterojunction tunnel field-effect transistor (H-TFET). This model accounts for both the effects of source depletion and inversion charge, which are the key factors influencing the charge, capacitance and current in H-TFET. The accuracy of the model is validated against TCAD simulation and is greatly improved in comparison with the conventional model based on Maxwell–Boltzmann approximation. Furthermore, the dependences of the surface potential and electric field on biases are well predicted and thoroughly analyzed.
Temperature-induced logical resonance in the Hodgkin–Huxley neuron
Authors: Deng 邓 Haiyou 海游 , Gui 桂 Rong 容 , Yao 姚 Yuangen 元根
Published: April 2023

Logical resonance has been demonstrated to be present in the FitzHugh–Nagumo (FHN) neuron, namely, the FHN neuron can operate as a reliable logic gate within an optimal parameter window. Here we attempt to extend the results to the more biologically realistic Hodgkin–Huxley (HH) model of neurons. In general, biological organisms have an optimal temperature at which the biological functions are most effective. In view of this, we examine if there is an optimal range of temperature where the HH neuron can work like a specific logic gate, and how temperature influences the logical resonance. Here we use the success probability P to measure the reliability of the specific logic gate. For AND logic gate, P increases with temperature T, reaches the maximum in an optimal window of T, and eventually decreases, which indicates the occurrence of the temperature-induced logical resonance phenomenon in the HH neuron. Moreover, single and double logical resonances can be induced by altering the frequency of the modulating periodic signal under the proper temperatures, suggesting the appearance of temperature-controlled transition of logical resonance. These results provide important clues for constructing neuron-based energy-efficient new-fashioned logical devices.
Structure and stability of nitrogen hydrate in a single-walled carbon nanotube under external electric fields
Authors: Xu Chi , Li Jiaxian , Wei Min , Zhou Xiaoyan , Lu Hangjun
Published: April 2023

The effects of an external electric field on the structure and stability of the nitrogen hydrate confined in a single-walled carbon nanotube (CNT) were studied by using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. It was found that the structure of the nitrogen hydrate, the occupancy and distribution of the nitrogen molecules inside the nanotube depend sensitively on the direction of the external electric field. A parallel electric field can destabilize the nitrogen hydrate and cause the release of nitrogen molecules from the ice nanotube of the hydrate. While a vertical electric field can redistribute the nitrogen molecules from the core to the shell of the hydrate. The occupancy of the nitrogen molecules of the hydrate follows a sigmoid-like function as the direction of the electric field changes. Our findings may aid in the development of methods to control gas release and encapsulation by using electric fields.
Hydrogen diffusion in
C1′
phase clathrate hydrate
Authors: Song Zixuan , Zhou Ziyue , Lin Yanwen , Shi Qiao , Hao Yongchao , Fu Yuequn , Zhang Zhisen , Wu Jianyang
Published: April 2023

Recently, a new phase

C
1
′

H2 hydrate was experimentally identified. In this work, the diffusive behaviors of H2 in

C
1
′

phase clathrate hydrate are explored using classic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. It reveals that the cage occupancy by H2 molecule negligibly influences the

C
1
′

phase clathrate structure but greatly dictates the diffusion coefficient of H2 molecule. Due to the small cage size and small windows connecting the neighboring cages in

C
1
′

phase clathrate, non-occupancy of the neighboring cages is demanded to enable the diffusion of H2 molecule that is primarily dominated by hopping mechanism. Moreover, the analysis of diffusive free energy landscape reveals lower energy barrier of H2 molecule in

C
1
′

phase clathrate hydrate than that of other gases in conventional clathrate hydrates, and that H2 molecule travels through the windows between neighboring cages with preferential molecular orientation. This study provides critical physical insights into the diffusion behaviors of H2 in the

C
1
′

phase clathrate hydrate, and implies that the

C
1
′

clathrate hydrate is a promising solid structure for the next-generation H2 storage.
Neural network analytic continuation for Monte Carlo: Improvement by statistical errors
Authors: Sun Kai-Wei , Wang Fa
Published: April 2023

This study explores the use of neural network-based analytic continuation to extract spectra from Monte Carlo data. We apply this technique to both synthetic and Monte Carlo-generated data. The training sets for neural networks are carefully synthesized without “data leakage”. We find that the training set should match the input correlation functions in terms of statistical error properties, such as noise level, noise dependence on imaginary time, and imaginary time-displaced correlations. We have developed a systematic method to synthesize such training datasets. Our improved algorithm outperforms the widely used maximum entropy method in highly noisy situations. As an example, our method successfully extracted the dynamic structure factor of the spin-1/2 Heisenberg chain from quantum Monte Carlo simulations.
Induced dipole dominant giant electrorheological fluid
Authors: Shen Rong , Lu Kunquan , Qiu Zhaohui , Xiong Xiaomin
Published: April 2023

Traditional dielectric electrorheological fluid (ER) is based on the interaction of dielectric particle polarization, and the yield stress is low, which cannot meet the application requirements. The giant ER (GER) effect is caused by orientations and interactions of polar molecules adsorbed on the particle surfaces. Despite the high yield stress, these polar molecules are prone to wear and fall off, resulting in a continuous reduction in shear stress of GER liquid, which is also not suitable for application. Here we introduce a new type of ER fluid called induced dipole dominant ER fluid (ID-ER), of which the particles contain oxygen vacancies or conductor microclusters both prepared by high energy ball milling (HEBM) technique. In the electric field E, oxygen vacancies or conductor microclusters form induced dipoles. Because the local electric field E
loc in the gaps between particles can be two to three orders of magnitude larger than E, the induced dipole moments must be large. The strong interactions of these induced dipoles make the yield stress of the ID-ER fluid reaching more than 100 kPa. Since there are oxygen vacancies or conductor microclusters everywhere in the particles, the particles will not lose the function due to surface wear during use. The experimental results show that the ID-ER fluid possesses the advantages of high shear stress, low current density, short response time, good temperature stability, long service life, and anti-settlement, etc. The comprehensive performance is much better than the existing ER materials, and also the preparation method is simple and easy to repeat, thus it should be a new generation of ER fluid suitable for practical applications.
Negative magnetoresistance in Dirac semimetal Cd3As2 with in-plane magnetic field perpendicular to current
Authors: Cui Hao-Nan , Zhu Guang-Yu , Wang Jian-Kun , Yang Jia-Jie , Zheng Wen-Zhuang , Lin Ben-Chuan , Liao Zhi-Min , Wang Shuo , Yu Da-Peng
Published: April 2023

Topological insulators and semimetals have exotic surface and bulk states with massless Dirac or Weyl fermions, demonstrating microscopic transport phenomenon based on relativistic theory. Chiral anomaly induced negative magnetoresistance (negative MR) under parallel magnetic field and current has been used as a probable evidence of Weyl fermions in recent years. Here we report a novel negative MR result with mutually perpendicular in-plane magnetic field and current in Cd3As2 nanowires. The negative MR has a considerable value of −16% around 1.5 K and could persist to room temperature of 300 K with value of −1%. The gate tuning and angle dependence of the negative MR demonstrate the mechanism of the observed negative MR is different from the chiral anomaly. Percolating current paths induced by charge puddles and disorder might be involved to produce such considerable negative MR. Our results indicate the negative MR effect in topological semimetals involves synergistic effects of many mechanisms besides chiral anomaly.
A novel calculation strategy for optimized prediction of the reduction of electrochemical window at anode
Authors: Sun Guochen , Gao Jian , Li Hong
Published: April 2023

The reduction of the electrochemical window (EW) of electrolytes plays a significant role in assessing their compatibility with the anode in lithium-ion batteries. However, the accurate calculation of the reduction of EW is still challenging due to missing the solvation effects, condensation effects, kinetic factors, and the passivation on anodes. The theoretical prediction of the intrinsic and apparent EW is confirmed by a comprehensive experimental analysis of ethylene carbonate-dimethyl carbonate (EC-DMC) electrolytes, combining linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The proposed novel kinetic normal distribution theory model can quantitatively explain the current density from LSV and affirm acetaldehyde (MeCHO) as one of the primary reduction products of EC. The solvent effect restricts the intrinsic EW of EC-DMC without lithium salt to 2.6 V (vs. Li+/Li) arising from the Marcus–Gerischer theory and the passivation of MeCHO on the anode broadens the apparent EW to 0.3 V (vs. Li+/Li) arising from the normal distribution of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) for MeCHO produced by thermal motion. In addition, the passivation on the anode depends intensively on the lithium salt, resulting in more complicated influences on the apparent EW.
Preprint Highlight: Cohesin mediates DNA loop extrusion and sister chromatid cohesion by distinct mechanisms
Authors: Subramanian Vijayalakshmi V.
Published: April 2023

Cohesins organize chromatin within the nucleus by promoting loop extrusion via cis contacts on chromatin and sister chromatid cohesion via trans contacts between chromatids. Whether cohesins employ a distinct mechanism for these two functions is not known. The authors use a carefully designed conditional expression of cohesin, mutated at its hinge domain, and assess its function with a variety of in vitro and in vivo experiments including live TIRF imaging, loop extrusion assay, Hi-C, and calibrated ChIP sequencing. A mutation in the hinge domain separates the two functions of cohesin, as the mutant supports loop extrusion but not sister chromatid cohesion. A unique mechanism of cohesins in promoting loop extrusion has implications for their distinct role in genome organization and for transcriptional regulation and cell fate determination. This study will be of broad interest to genome biologists with respect to these phenomena.

This preprint has been assigned the following badges: New Hypothesis, New Materials.

Read the preprint on bioRxiv ( Nagasaka et al., 2022 ): https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.09.23.509019 .
Preprint Highlight: Learning orientation-invariant representations enables accurate and robust morphologic profiling of cells and organelles
Authors: Zaritsky Assaf
Published: April 2023

One application of deep learning in analysis of cell biological microscopy data is developing meaningful quantitative representations of cellular and/or molecular phenotypic signatures. Because image orientation has no relevance for shape and morphology, encoding orientation within such representations confounds downstream analyses. This study presents O2-VAE, a neural method for learning orientation-invariant, image-based shape representations. The authors demonstrate that O2-VAE is not sensitive to image orientation for applications of cell/organelle shape phenotyping. Specifically, O2-VAE was verified on diverse experimental systems, ranging from simulations to human induced pluripotent stem cells, for downstream analyses that include clustering, dimensionality reduction, and/or outlier detection. This article opens the door for design and evaluation of orientation-invariant representations that may enable more effective deep learning–driven phenotyping.

This preprint has been assigned the following badges: New Methods, Open Software, Cross-Validation.

Read the preprint on bioRxiv ( Burgess et al., 2022 ): https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.12.08.519671 .
Leveraging Ecological Momentary Assessment to Examine Bi-directional Associations Between Sleep Quality, Adolescent/Young Adult Alcohol Craving and Use
Authors: Pielech Melissa , Meisel Samuel , Berey Benjamin L , Goodyear Kimberly , Treloar Padovano Hayley , Miranda Robert
Published: April 2023

Background

Alcohol use is common among adolescents and young adults (AYA) and linked to poor sleep quality. Poor sleep quality may also increase alcohol use and alcohol craving, yet bi-directional relations between sleep quality and AYA alcohol use are poorly understood.

Purpose

This study examined bi-directional associations between sleep quality, alcohol craving, and alcohol use in AYA using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and explored if biological sex, age, or race moderated these associations.

Methods

This pre-registered secondary analysis pooled EMA data from the baseline, pre-randomization period (M = 8.18 days, range = 1–17) in two double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials examining medication effects on alcohol use in AYA (N = 115). Each morning, participants reported sleep quality and alcohol consumption (i.e., number of standard drinks) from the previous day, and craving was rated at several random points each day.

Results

Multilevel modeling showed that poorer average sleep quality was associated with higher levels of alcohol craving for females but not for males, and better overall levels of sleep quality were associated with decreased likelihood of engaging in alcohol use. No other person- or day-level associations between sleep and alcohol use emerged.

Conclusions

Better sleep quality may be protective against alcohol use in AYA, and female AYA who report poorer sleep quality may experience higher levels of alcohol craving. Research and clinical assessment of AYA sleep quality can contribute to understanding of factors promoting alcohol craving and use.
Weight Discrimination and Health Risk Behavior in Racial, Ethnic, and Sexual Minority Adults
Authors: Gerend Mary A , Zetrenne Schemide , Sutin Angelina R , Naar Sylvie , Maner Jon K
Published: April 2023

Background

People with obesity face significant discrimination due to their weight. Exposure to such discrimination is associated with poor health outcomes. Little is known about pathways that explain that association, and even less is known about those pathways in racial, ethnic, and sexual minorities. Health risk behaviors may serve as one such pathway.

Purpose

We examined associations between weight discrimination and health risk behaviors and assessed whether associations are moderated by gender, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.

Methods

Quota sampling was used to oversample Black (36%), Latino (36%), and sexual minority (29%) adults (n = 2,632) who completed an online survey. Using regression analysis, health risk behaviors (maladaptive eating behaviors, physical inactivity, sitting, smoking, alcohol use, and sleep disturbance) were predicted from previous experience with weight discrimination while controlling for demographic characteristics, BMI, and depressive symptoms. Additional analyses tested for interactions between weight discrimination and key demographic variables (i.e., gender, race, ethnicity, and sexual minority status).

Results

Weight discrimination was associated with greater emotional eating, binge eating, unhealthy weight control behaviors, cigarette smoking, problematic alcohol use, and sleep disturbance. Gender moderated the association between weight discrimination and binge eating, alcohol use, and physical activity, with stronger effects observed in men than women. Exploratory analyses provided limited evidence for differential effects of weight discrimination across specific combinations of intersecting identities.

Conclusions

Weight discrimination was associated with engagement in unhealthy behaviors and relationships were largely similar across diverse demographic groups. Health risk behaviors may represent a key pathway through which weight discrimination harms health.
A Postpartum Weight Loss-focused Stepped-care Intervention in a Military Population: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Pérez-Muñoz Andrea , Hare Marion E , Andres Aline , Klesges Robert C , Wayne Talcott Gerald , Little Melissa A , Waters Teresa M , Harvey Jean R , Bursac Zoran , Krukowski Rebecca A
Published: April 2023

Objective

Postpartum weight retention is associated with adverse health among both civilian and military women.

Purpose

The current study evaluated a stepped-care weight management intervention, Moms Fit 2 Fight, adapted for use in a pregnant and postpartum military population.

Methods

Active duty women and other TRICARE beneficiaries (N = 430) were randomized to one of three conditions: gestational weight gain only (GWG-only) intervention (n =144), postpartum weight loss only (PPWL-only) intervention (n =142), or a combined GWG + PPWL intervention (n = 144). Those participants who received the PPWL intervention (i.e., the PPWL-only and GWG+PPWL conditions) were combined consistently with the pre-registered protocol and compared to those participants who did not receive the PPWL intervention in the primary analyses. Primary outcome data (i.e., postpartum weight retention) were obtained at 6-months postpartum by unblinded data collectors, and intent-to-treat analyses were conducted.

Results

Retention at 6-months postpartum was 88.4%. Participants who received the PPWL intervention retained marginally less weight (1.31 kg) compared to participants that received the GWG-only intervention (2.39 kg), with a difference of 1.08 kg (p = .07). None of the measured covariates, including breastfeeding status, were significantly associated with postpartum weight retention. Of the participants who received the PPWL intervention, 48.1% participants returned to their pre-pregnancy weight at 6-months postpartum, with no significant differences compared to those who received the GWG-only intervention.

Conclusions

A behavioral intervention targeting diet and physical activity during the postpartum period had a trend for reduced postpartum weight retention.

Clinical Trial information

The trial is registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT 03057808).
Barbershop-Facilitated Community-to-Clinic Linkage Implementation Program: Rationale and Protocol for a Novel Program to Prevent Hypertension Among Black Men
Authors: Ravenell Joseph , Green Tanisha , Arabadjian Milla , Schoenthaler Antoinette , Ogedegbe Olugbenga
Published: April 2023

Background

Black men in the United States have higher hypertension (HTN) prevalence than other groups, largely due to adverse social determinants of health, including poor healthcare access. The Community-to-Clinic Linkage Implementation Program (CLIP) is effective for HTN screening in Black-owned barbershops. However, its effect on HTN prevention among Black men is untested. Here, we describe the rationale and study protocol for the development and testing of a barbershop facilitation (BF) strategy, with trained Community Health Workers, to implement and scale CLIP for HTN prevention in Black men.

Methods

The study is part of the American Heart Association (AHA)-funded RESTORE (Addressing Social Determinants to Prevent Hypertension) Health Equity Research Network. The study is tri-phasic: (i) pre-implementation—qualitative examination of factors affecting adoption of CLIP and development of BF strategy, (ii) implementation—cluster randomized control trial to test the effectiveness of CLIP with and without BF. We will partner with 20 barbershops and enroll 420 Black men with elevated blood pressure (BP)/Stage 1 HTN (2017 ACC/AHA HTN guidelines). Outcomes include reduction in BP, rate of CLIP adoption and linkage to care, and incidence of Stage 2 HTN. The study time frame is 12 months, (iii) post-implementation—we will evaluate program sustainability (6 months post-trial conclusion) and cost-effectiveness (up to 10 years).

Conclusions

This study harnesses community-based resources to address HTN prevention in Black men, who are more adversely impacted by HTN than other groups. It has major policy relevance for health departments and other stakeholders to address HTN prevention in Black communities.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier

NCT05447962.
Creating Health Equity Through Hypertension Prevention With the AddREssing Social Determinants TO pRevent hypErtension Network: Introduction to an American Journal of Hypertension Compendium
Authors: Muntner Paul , Foti Kathryn
Published: April 2023

The RESTORE Network is poised to have a major impact on individuals, communities, and society. The AHA should be applauded for its vision in funding the HERN to prevent hypertension, which has brought together leading hypertension and health equity researchers and community partners, and members to address its strategic goals. In providing the 6 articles on the RESTORE Network, the American Journal of Hypertensionis affirming its commitment to being proactive in supporting the dissemination of research that will contribute to health equity.
Rationale and Design of the Groceries for Black Residents of Boston to Stop Hypertension Among Adults Without Treated Hypertension (GoFresh) Trial
Authors: Turkson-Ocran Ruth-Alma N , Cluett Jennifer L , Fitzpatrick Stephanie L , Kraemer Kristen M , McManus Kathy , Mukamal Kenneth J , Davis Roger B , Elborki Marwa , Ferro Kayla , Ismail Norah , Laura Aidoo Emily , Larbi Kwapong Fredrick , Castilla-Ojo Noelle , Grobman Ben , Seager Reva , Hines Anika L , Miller Edgar R , Crews Deidra C , Juraschek Stephen P
Published: April 2023

Background

Poor diet quality significantly contributes to hypertension disparities affecting Black adults. While the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating pattern lowers blood pressure (BP), access to DASH-patterned groceries is a major barrier for residents of urban food deserts.

Methods

The Groceries for Black Residents of Boston to Stop Hypertension among Adults without Treated Hypertension (GoFresh) study is one of five projects in the RESTORE Network, an AHA-funded initiative focused on hypertension prevention. GoFresh is testing whether online, dietitian-assisted, home-delivered, DASH-patterned groceries lowers BP among Black adults with elevated BP. This individual-level, parallel-arm trial will enroll up to 176 Black adults with SBP (systolic blood pressure) between 120 and <150 mm Hg residing in Boston-area communities with reduced grocery store access. Following randomization, half of the participants will be assigned to weekly sessions with a dietitian who will assist participants in ordering DASH-patterned groceries online for home delivery; the remainder will receive a $500 monthly stipend. Both interventions will last 3 months, followed by a 9-month maintenance phase.

Results

The primary outcome is the difference in SBP after 3 months. Secondary outcomes include a change in 24-hour ambulatory BP, body mass index, 24-hour urine sodium and potassium, hemoglobin A1C, lipids, fruit and vegetable intake, and saturated fat intake. Qualitative interviews with 45 participants 6 months after baseline assessments will determine barriers and facilitators to long-term maintenance of DASH-patterned grocery shopping.

Discussion

Findings from this study will inform ongoing work on scalable interventions to prevent hypertension among Black adults with implications for public and healthcare-based food supplementation programs.

Trial registration

NCT05121337. Registered on 16 November 2021, at ClinicalTrials.gov: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05121337
Linkage, Empowerment, and Access to Prevent Hypertension: A Novel Program to Prevent Hypertension and Reduce Cardiovascular Health Disparities in Detroit, Michigan
Authors: Nnodim Opara Ijeoma , Brook Robert D , Twiner Michael J , Dawood Katee , Levy Phillip D
Published: April 2023

Background

Serious cardiovascular health disparities persist across the United States, disproportionately affecting Black communities. Mounting evidence supports negative social determinants of health (SDoH) as contributing factors to a higher prevalence of hypertension along with lower control rates. Here, we describe a first-of-a-kind approach to reducing health disparities by focusing on preventing hypertension in Black adults with elevated blood pressure (BP) living in socially vulnerable communities.

Methods and Results

Linkage, Empowerment, and Access to Prevent Hypertension (LEAP-HTN) is part of the RESTORE (Addressing Social Determinants to Prevent Hypertension) health equity research network. The trial will test if a novel intervention reduces systolic BP (primary outcome) and prevents the onset of hypertension over 1 year versus usual care in 500 Black adults with elevated BP (systolic BP 120–129 mm Hg; diastolic BP <80 mm Hg) in Detroit, Michigan. LEAP-HTN leverages our groundbreaking platform using geospatial health and social vulnerability data to direct the deployment of mobile health units (MHUs) to communities of greatest need. All patients are referred to primary care providers. Trial participants in the active limb will receive additional collaborative care delivered remotely by community health workers using an innovative strategy termed pragmatic, personalized, adaptable approaches to lifestyle, and life circumstances (PAL2) which mitigates the impact of negative SDoH.

Conclusions

LEAP-HTN aims to prevent hypertension by improving access and linkage to care while mitigating negative SDoH. This novel approach could represent a sustainable and scalable strategy to overcoming health disparities in socially vulnerable communities across the United States.
AddREssing Social Determinants TO pRevent hypErtension (The RESTORE Network): Overview of the Health Equity Research Network to Prevent Hypertension
Authors: Spruill Tanya M , Muntner Paul , Popp Collin J , Shimbo Daichi , Cooper Lisa A , Moran Andrew E , Penko Joanne , Bibbins-Domingo Kirsten , Ibe Chidinma , Nnodim Opara Ijeoma , Howard George , Bellows Brandon K , Spoer Ben R , Ravenell Joseph , Cherrington Andrea L , Levy Phillip , Commodore-Mensah Yvonne , Juraschek Stephen P , Molello Nancy , Dietz Katherine B , Brown Deven , Bartelloni Alexis , Ogedegbe Gbenga
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association funded a Health Equity Research Network on the prevention of hypertension, the RESTORE Network, as part of its commitment to achieving health equity in all communities. This article provides an overview of the RESTORE Network.

METHODS

The RESTORE Network includes five independent, randomized trials testing approaches to implement non-pharmacological interventions that have been proven to lower blood pressure (BP). The trials are community-based, taking place in churches in rural Alabama, mobile health units in Michigan, barbershops in New York, community health centers in Maryland, and food deserts in Massachusetts. Each trial employs a hybrid effectiveness-implementation research design to test scalable and sustainable strategies that mitigate social determinants of health (SDOH) that contribute to hypertension in Black communities. The primary outcome in each trial is change in systolic BP. The RESTORE Network Coordinating Center has five cores: BP measurement, statistics, intervention, community engagement, and training that support the trials. Standardized protocols, data elements and analysis plans were adopted in each trial to facilitate cross-trial comparisons of the implementation strategies, and application of a standard costing instrument for health economic evaluations, scale up, and policy analysis. Herein, we discuss future RESTORE Network research plans and policy outreach activities designed to advance health equity by preventing hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

The RESTORE Network was designed to promote health equity in the US by testing effective and sustainable implementation strategies focused on addressing SDOH to prevent hypertension among Black adults.
Design of the Equity in Prevention and Progression of Hypertension by Addressing Barriers to Nutrition and Physical Activity Study: A Cluster Randomized Trial
Authors: Hardy Shakia T , Hannon Lonnie , Hall Lanisha , Cherrington Andrea L
Published: April 2023

Background

High rates of hypertension and poverty in the rural south contribute to health disparities with Black adults experiencing higher rates of cardiovascular disease than White adults, underscoring the need to identify prevention strategies.

Methods

The equity in prevention and progression of hypertension by addressing barriers to nutrition and physical activity (EPIPHANY) study is a cluster randomized controlled trial testing a multilevel intervention to reduce barriers to a healthy lifestyle to lower blood pressure (BP) among rural, Black adults. Health education fairs offered to 20 churches in the Alabama Black Belt are being used to screen and enroll adults with elevated BP or stage 1 hypertension (systolic BP 120–139 mmHg and diastolic BP < 90 mmHg) who are not recommended for antihypertensive medication, according to the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association BP guideline. Participants (n = 240) in churches randomized to the control condition are offered access to online resources including cooking and exercise classes. Participants (n = 240) in churches randomized to the intervention are receiving access to online resources; telephone-based peer support for lifestyle modification; funding for churches to develop programs to address food access and/or barriers to physical activity; and training of church members to serve as church champions to deliver training for church members on lifestyle modification. We will employ a Type 1 hybrid implementation-effectiveness design to assess effectiveness and implementation.

Conclusions

The EPIPHANY study is designed to prevent hypertension among rural, Black adults by addressing structural and individual barriers to lifestyle modification through peer support.
Impact of a pharmacist collaborative drug therapy management protocol on utilization of a discharge prescription program and hospital readmissions
Authors: Rafferty Jennifer L , Mills Kevin D , Morano Melissa , Pogodzinski Jill , Chilbert Maya R , Clark Collin M
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of a collaborative drug therapy management (CDTM) agreement allowing a pharmacist to automatically prescribe refills of discharge medications to patients’ preferred outpatient pharmacy on utilization of a hospital discharge prescription program and hospital readmission rates.

Methods

This was a single-center, quasi-experimental pre-post intervention study. Patients aged 18 years or older discharged from the cardiology services to home were eligible for inclusion in the study. The CDTM agreement was initiated on July 1, 2019. Patients discharged to home from July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019, were assigned to the historical control group. The primary outcome was the difference in the proportion of  patients who used the bedside medication delivery service at hospital discharge between the groups. Secondary outcomes included 30-day hospital readmissions and a descriptive analysis of medications prescribed by a pharmacist through the program. A χ2 test was used to assess the primary outcome, and multivariable logistic regression was used to assess hospital readmissions.

Results

In total, 1,704 and 2,200 patients were discharged in the control and CDTM groups, respectively. The CDTM group had a greater proportion of patients who participated in the discharge prescription program compared to the historical control group (77.8% vs 68.7%; P < 0.0001). There was no difference in 30-day hospital readmission rate between the groups (adjusted odds ratio, 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 0.83-1.23;  P = 0.94).

Conclusion

A CDTM protocol to improve the availability of medication refills at a patient’s regular outpatient pharmacy improved utilization of a bedside medication delivery service but did not change 30-day readmission rates.
Helpers don’t help when it’s hot in a cooperatively breeding bird, the Southern Pied Babbler
Authors: Bourne Amanda R , Ridley Amanda R , Cunningham Susan J
Published: April 2023

Cooperative breeding, where more than two individuals invest in rearing a single brood, occurs in many bird species globally and often contributes to improved breeding outcomes. However, high temperatures are associated with poor breeding outcomes in many species, including cooperative species. We used data collected over three austral summer breeding seasons to investigate the contribution that helpers make to daytime incubation in a cooperatively breeding species, the Southern Pied Babbler Turdoides bicolor, and the ways in which their contribution is influenced by temperature. Helpers spent a significantly higher percentage of their time foraging (41.8 ± 13.7%) and a significantly lower percentage of their time incubating (18.5 ± 18.8%) than members of the breeding pair (31.3 ± 11% foraging and 37.4 ± 15.7% incubating). In groups with only one helper, the helper’s contribution to incubation was similar to that of breeders. However, helpers in larger groups contributed less to incubation, individually, with some individuals investing no time in incubation on a given observation day. Helpers significantly decrease their investment in incubation on hot days (>35.5°C), while breeders tend to maintain incubation effort as temperatures increase. Our results demonstrate that pied babblers share the workload of incubation unequally between breeders and helpers, and this inequity is more pronounced during hot weather. These results may help to explain why recent studies have found that larger group size does not buffer against the impacts of high temperatures in this and other cooperatively breeding species.