bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A network‐based approach to understanding gene–biological processes affecting economically important traits of Nelore cattle
Authors: Corrêa Mariely Simone Lopes , Silva Evandro Neves , dos Santos Thaís Cristina Ferreira , Simielli Fonseca Larissa Fernanda , Magalhães Ana Fabrícia Braga , Verardo Lucas Lima , de Albuquerque Lucia Galvão , Silva Danielly Beraldo dos Santos
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to build gene–biological process networks with differentially expressed genes associated with economically important traits of Nelore cattle from 17 previous studies. The genes were clustered into three groups by evaluated traits: group 1, production traits; group 2, carcass traits; and group 3, meat quality traits. For each group, a gene–biological process network analysis was performed with the differentially expressed genes in common. For production traits, 37 genes were found in common, of which 13 genes were enriched for six Gene Ontology (GO) terms; these terms were not functionally grouped. However, the enriched GO terms were related to homeostasis, the development of muscles and the immune system. For carcass traits, four genes were found in common. Thus, it was not possible to functionally group these genes into a network. For meat quality traits, the analysis revealed 222 genes in common. CSRP3 was the only gene differentially expressed in all three groups. Non‐redundant biological terms for clusters of genes were functionally grouped networks, reflecting the cross‐talk between all biological processes and genes involved. Many biological processes and pathways related to muscles, the immune system and lipid metabolism were enriched, such as striated muscle cell development and triglyceride metabolic processes. This study provides insights into the genetic mechanisms of production, carcass and meat quality traits of Nelore cattle. This information is fundamental for a better understanding of the complex traits and could help in planning strategies for the production and selection systems of Nelore cattle.
Population size and conservation status of large terrestrial mammals in a West African protected area
Authors: Mohammed Umar Lawal , Mohd Sah Shahrul Anuar
Published: December 2023

Terrestrial large mammals are threatened in West and Central Africa due to trade and consumption. The species population size was estimated using diurnal distance sampling in Old Oyo National Park, Nigeria. Mean species abundance and density ranged from 631 ± 281 to 3320 ± 1163 individuals and 2.0661 ± 1.356 to 6.7525 ± 3.0376 individuals km−2 between sub‐habitat types, and from 258 ± 125 to 2671 ± 867 individuals and 0.9526 ± 0.6801 to 5.1377 ± 1.8988 individual km−2 between the ranges. Based on IUCN guidelines for local assessment, we classified 1 species as Vulnerable, 10 Near Threatened and 1 Least Concern. Long‐term population monitoring and education programmes are crucial.
Phase 1 trial supports safety and mechanism of action of peptide immunotherapy for peanut allergy
Authors: Voskamp Astrid L. , Khosa Sugandhika , Phan Tracy , DeBerg Hannah A. , Bingham Judy , Hew Mark , Smith William , Abramovitch Jodie , Rolland Jennifer M. , Moyle Matthew , Nadeau Kari C. , Lack Gideon , Larché Mark , Wambre Erik , O'Hehir Robyn E. , Hickey Pascal , Prickett Sara R.
Published: December 2023

Background

Food allergy is a leading cause of anaphylaxis worldwide. Allergen‐specific immunotherapy is the only treatment shown to modify the natural history of allergic disease, but application to food allergy has been hindered by risk of severe allergic reactions and short‐lived efficacy. Allergen‐derived peptides could provide a solution. PVX108 comprises seven short peptides representing immunodominant T‐cell epitopes of major peanut allergens for treatment of peanut allergy.

Methods

Pre‐clinical safety of PVX108 was assessed using ex vivo basophil activation tests (n = 185). Clinical safety and tolerability of single and repeat PVX108 doses were evaluated in a first‐in‐human, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial in peanut‐allergic adults (46 active, 21 placebo). The repeat‐dose cohort received six doses over 16 weeks with safety monitored to 21 weeks. Exploratory immunological analyses were performed at pre‐dose, Week 21 and Month 18 after treatment.

Results

PVX108 induced negligible activation of peanut‐sensitised basophils. PVX108 was safe and well tolerated in peanut‐allergic adults. There were no treatment‐related hypersensitivity events or AEs of clinical concern. The only events occurring more frequently in active than placebo were mild injection site reactions. Exploratory immunological analyses revealed a decrease in the ratio of ST2+ Th2A:CCR6+ Th17‐like cells within the peanut‐reactive Th pool which strengthened following treatment.

Conclusion

This study supports the concept that PVX108 could provide a safe alternative to whole peanut immunotherapies and provides evidence of durable peanut‐specific T‐cell modulation. Translation of these findings to clinical efficacy in ongoing Phase 2 trials would provide important proof‐of‐concept for using peptides to treat food allergy.
Alemtuzumab‐induced immune‐mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: A newly described drug‐related autoimmune disease
Authors: Bourdin V. , Fossé Q. , Lambotte O. , Joly B. , Coppo P. , Anguel N. , Labeyrie C.
Published: December 2023

Immune‐mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) is a rare and life‐threatening disease that may result from drug exposure. We report a case of iTTP occurring in a 39‐year‐old patient, 45 months following introduction of the anti‐CD52 lymphoid cell depleting monoclonal antibody alemtuzumab, to treat a relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis. Treatment consisted in plasma exchange, corticosteroids and caplacizumab, allowing clinical remission 3 months after the diagnosis, attested by the absence of thrombocytopenia and recovery of ADAMTS‐13 activity. As other autoimmune disorders, iTTP may occur following alemtuzumab. This diagnosis should be suspected in patients with features of thrombotic microangiopathy following this treatment.
Avoiding novel, unwanted interactions among species to decrease risk of zoonoses
Authors: Galindo‐González Jorge
Published: December 2023

Circumstances that precipitate interactions among species that have never interacted during their evolutionary histories create ideal conditions for the generation of zoonoses. Zoonotic diseases have caused some of the most devastating epidemics in human history. Contact among species that come from different ecosystems or regions creates the risk of zoonoses. In certain situations, humans are generating and promoting conditions that contribute to the creation of infectious diseases and zoonoses. These conditions lead to interactions between wildlife species that have hitherto not interacted under normal circumstances. I call for recognition of the zoonotic potential that novel and unwanted interactions have; identification of these new interactions that are occurring among wild animals, domestic animals, and humans; and efforts to stop these kinds of interactions because they can give rise to zoonotic outbreaks. Live animal markets, the exotic pet trade, illegal wildlife trade, human use and consumption of wild animals, invasive non‐native species, releasing of exotic pets, and human encroachment in natural areas are among the activities that cause the most interactions among wild species, domestic species, and humans. These activities should not occur and must be controlled efficiently to prevent future epidemic zoonoses. Society must develop a keen ability to identify these unnatural interactions and prevent them. Controlling these interactions and efficiently addressing their causal factors will benefit human health and, in some cases, lead to positive environmental, ethical, and socioeconomic outcomes. Until these actions are taken, humanity will face future zoonoses and zoonotic pandemic.
Intelligent IoT framework with GAN‐synthesized images for enhanced defect detection in manufacturing
Authors: Aramkul Somrawee , Sugunnasil Prompong
Published: December 2023

The manufacturing industry is always exploring techniques to optimize processes, increase product quality, and more accurately identify defects. The technique of deep learning is the strategy that will be used to handle the issues presented. However, the challenge of using AI in this domain is the small and imbalanced dataset for training affected by the severe shortage of defective data. Moreover, data acquisition requires significant labor, time, and resources. In response to these demands, this research presents an intelligent internet of things (IoT) framework enriched by generative adversarial network (GAN). This framework was developed in response to the needs outlined above. The framework applies the IoT for real‐time data collection and communication, while GAN are utilized to synthesize high‐fidelity images of manufacturing defects. The quality of the GAN‐synthesized image is quantified by the average FID score of 8.312 for non‐defective images and 7.459 for defective images. As evidenced by the similarity between the distributions of synthetic and real images, the proposed generative model can generate visually authentic and high‐fidelity images. As demonstrated by the results of the defect detection experiments, the accuracy can be enhanced to the maximum of 96.5% by integrating the GAN‐synthesized images with the real images. Concurrently, this integration reduces the occurrence of false alarms.
Fitness effects of assisted gene flow in an endangered salmonid population
Authors: Klemme Ines , Pysäys Joonas , Hyvärinen Pekka , Karvonen Anssi
Published: December 2023

Assisted gene flow is increasingly used to combat severe population declines. However, the associated risks, such as outbreeding depression, are often insufficiently assessed. Here, we studied the impact of assisted gene flow on the fitness of a highly endangered landlocked salmon population (Salmo salar m. sebago) from the lake Saimaa complex (Finland), using an anadromous Atlantic salmon population (S. salar) as donor. We released individuals of both parental populations and their hybrids into seminatural streams, monitoring their survival under predation risk from Northern pike (Esox lucius) and their growth on a natural diet. Before release, we exposed half of the salmon to the parasite Diplostomum pseudospathaceum to study whether assisted gene flow affects infection susceptibility, which could indirectly shape predation susceptibility and growth. The parental populations differed in both studied traits and the hybrids showed intermediate values. Relative to the target landlocked salmon population, hybrids experienced 21–26% lower survival, but 1.4–2.2% higher growth. They also carried 0.6–2.8 more parasites than the landlocked salmon, contributing to survival differences. These findings indicate that assisted gene flow can induce both negative and positive fitness effects. We propose that the overall net effects of this conservation tool need to be carefully evaluated before its implementation.
Heritage and waste in the Anthropocene: A museum perspective on environmental and social complexities
Authors: Fuentes Francisca Elizabeth Pimentel
Published: December 2023

The relationship between heritage and waste in the context of the Anthropocene has always been intricate. Historically, heritage and waste were viewed as opposing concepts, but in the Anthropocene, they are inextricably linked and interwoven, resulting in the creation of in situ and ex situ productions that leave deep imprints on their territories. How we deal with these landscapes of waste, or wastescapes, as a form of modern heritage is increasingly a concern for museums, which have a potentially pivotal role in addressing the phenomenon of global waste and educating the public about responsible consumption. The review of diverse exhibitions and artworks explores the cultural and social dimensions of waste, considering it as a form of modern heritage derived from and shaped by human activities that have become a planetary phenomenon in the twenty‐first century. It also unveils the connections between economic power, waste management, and environmental impact. In conclusion, current museum practice responds to a reevaluation of what is considered material culture, understanding it as testimonies of the present, with the aim of highlighting the role of museums as platforms for critically examining complex issues related to waste, enabling diverse ways of addressing the environmental and social injustices associated with waste management.
Have the personality and socio‐demographic profiles of Australian adolescent drinkers changed?
Authors: Taylor Nicholas , Callinan Sarah , Pennay Amy , Livingston Michael
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Adolescent alcohol consumption has been declining across many countries, with rates of abstinence also increasing among younger cohorts. A range of socio‐demographic variables and personality traits are associated with alcohol use; however, no study has examined whether the relationship between personality and drinking has changed over time as adolescent drinking has declined.

Methods

Data from 15‐ to 17‐year‐old respondents were extracted from four waves (2004/2005, 2008/2009, 2012/2013, 2016/2017) of a long running Australian cohort study. Logistic regression analyses with interaction terms were used to determine whether personality traits (openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and emotional stability) and socio‐demographic variables (age, gender, equivalised income, family structure, cultural background, school attendance and regionality) significantly differed between drinkers and abstainers and whether these relationships changed across cohorts.

Results

The prevalence of drinking for 15‐ to 17‐year‐olds significantly declined over each survey wave from 54% in 2004/2005 to 24% in 2016/2017. Conscientiousness (odds ratio [OR] 0.82, confidence interval [CI] = 0.73, 0.93), extraversion ([OR] 1.25, [CI] = 1.11, 1.40) and emotional stability ([OR] 0.73, [CI] = 0.64, 0.83) were all significant predictors of alcohol consumption. No significant interactions between cohort and personality traits or socio‐demographic variables were found.

Discussion and Conclusions

The study found no evidence to indicate that the relationship between adolescent alcohol consumption and personality has changed. Similarly, socio‐demographic relationships with drinking were stable as drinking prevalence dropped by more than half. This adds to the evidence that drinking declines among adolescents are spread broadly across the population and not concentrated within identifiable sub‐groups of young people.
Between ‘flight’ and ‘fight’: does civilian resistance against rebels work?
Authors: Reichhold Urban
Published: December 2023

Understanding the dynamics of nonviolent action in situations of armed conflict has been labelled as the ‘new frontier’ in resistance studies. This paper assesses the growing body of literature on civilian resistance against rebel groups. Drawn from a systematic review of academic articles, book chapters, and policy documents, examples of civilian resistance are ordered in three distinct categories of unarmed action: deception; dissent; and defiance. This classification provides the conceptual framework to tackle the main research question: does civilian resistance against rebels work to protect unarmed populations from violence and harm? By scrutinising the effectiveness of civilian resistance, the paper seeks to provide a necessary corrective to the dominant view expressed in the literature, which, as argued, is overly optimistic regarding the prospects of wringing substantial concessions from armed groups via nonviolent action. The paper concludes with a discussion of policy implications, focusing on normative challenges facing external actors eager to support civilian resisters.
Parents' preferences for receiving and discussing prognostic genetic information regarding their children's neurodevelopmental condition: A qualitative study
Authors: Turbitt Erin , Bourne Meg , McEwen Alison , Amor David J.
Published: December 2023

Aim

To investigate parents' preferences and motivations for receiving and discussing prognostic genetic test results.

Method

We used a cross‐sectional, interpretive description qualitative study design. We collected data through semi‐structured interviews with Australian parents, which we analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Parents (n = 32) had a child or children with a genetic neurodevelopmental condition, such as fragile X syndrome, DiGeorge (22q11.2 deletion) syndrome, or Angelman syndrome. Parents of mildly impacted or older children were tolerant to prognostic uncertainty. Parents found conversations about their child's prognosis emotional and preferred to discuss their child's potential strengths and challenges. While most were enthusiastic about prognostic tests and described many motivations for testing, the potential for prognostic information to contribute to a loss of hope and stigmatizing societal views were also discussed.

Interpretation

Parents had mixed preferences and motivations for acquiring prognostic genetic information about their child, contrasting evidence in other contexts such as cancer where parents typically have minimal tolerance of uncertainty. Health professionals should consider strength‐based framing of prognostic information gained from current and emerging technologies when returning results to families.

What this paper adds

Parents had varied views about receiving prognostic information on their children's neurodevelopmental condition.

Some parents preferred prognostic uncertainty about their children's genetic neurodevelopmental condition.
Impact of arteriovenous fistula on flow states in the evaluation of aortic stenosis among ESKD patients on dialysis
Authors: Ogugua Fredrick M. , Mathew Roy O. , Ternacle Julien , Rodin Holly , Pibarot Philippe , Shroff Gautam R.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

An arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in patients with end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) can influence flow states. We sought to evaluate if assessment of aortic stenosis (AS) by transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) differs in the presence of AVF compared to other dialysis accesses in patients on dialysis.

Methods

We identified consecutive ESKD patients on dialysis and concomitant AS from a single center between January 2000 and March 2021. We analyzed TTE parameters of AS severity (velocities, gradients, aortic valve area [AVA]) and hemodynamics (cardiac output [CO], valvuloarterial impedance [Zva]) and compared AS parameters in patients with AVF versus other dialysis access.

Results

The cohort included 94 patients with co‐prevalent ESKD and AS; mean age 66 years, 71% male; 43% Black, 24% severe AS. Dialysis access: 53% AVF, 47% others. In the overall cohort, no significant differences were noted between AVF versus non‐AVF in AVA/CO/Zva, but with notable subgroup differences. In mild AS, CO was significantly higher in AVF versus non‐AVF (6.3 vs. 5.2 L/min; p = .04). In severe AS, Zva was higher in the AVF versus non‐AVF (4.6 vs. 3.6 mm Hg/mL/m2). With increasing AS severity in the AVF group, CO decreased, coupled with increase in Zva, likely counterbalancing the net hemodynamic impact of the AVF.

Conclusion

Among ESKD patients with AS, TTE parameters of flow states and AS severity differed in those with AVF versus other dialysis accesses and varied with progression in severity of AS. Future longitudinal assessment of hemodynamic parameters in a larger cohort of co‐prevalent ESRD and AS would be valuable.
Essential omega‐3 fatty acids are depleted in sea ice and pelagic algae of the Central Arctic Ocean
Authors: Schmidt Katrin , Graeve Martin , Hoppe Clara J. M. , Torres‐Valdes Sinhué , Welteke Nahid , Whitmore Laura M. , Anhaus Philipp , Atkinson Angus , Belt Simon T. , Brenneis Tina , Campbell Robert G. , Castellani Giulia , Copeman Louise A. , Flores Hauke , Fong Allison A. , Hildebrandt Nicole , Kohlbach Doreen , Nielsen Jens M. , Parrish Christopher C. , Rad‐Menéndez Cecilia , Rokitta Sebastian D. , Tippenhauer Sandra , Zhuang Yanpei
Published: December 2023

Microalgae are the main source of the omega‐3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), essential for the healthy development of most marine and terrestrial fauna including humans. Inverse correlations of algal EPA and DHA proportions (% of total fatty acids) with temperature have led to suggestions of a warming‐induced decline in the global production of these biomolecules and an enhanced importance of high latitude organisms for their provision. The cold Arctic Ocean is a potential hotspot of EPA and DHA production, but consequences of global warming are unknown. Here, we combine a full‐seasonal EPA and DHA dataset from the Central Arctic Ocean (CAO), with results from 13 previous field studies and 32 cultured algal strains to examine five potential climate change effects; ice algae loss, community shifts, increase in light, nutrients, and temperature. The algal EPA and DHA proportions were lower in the ice‐covered CAO than in warmer peripheral shelf seas, which indicates that the paradigm of an inverse correlation of EPA and DHA proportions with temperature may not hold in the Arctic. We found no systematic differences in the summed EPA and DHA proportions of sea ice versus pelagic algae, and in diatoms versus non‐diatoms. Overall, the algal EPA and DHA proportions varied up to four‐fold seasonally and 10‐fold regionally, pointing to strong light and nutrient limitations in the CAO. Where these limitations ease in a warming Arctic, EPA and DHA proportions are likely to increase alongside increasing primary production, with nutritional benefits for a non‐ice‐associated food web.
Effects of nutrient enrichment on freshwater macrophyte and invertebrate abundance: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Neijnens Floris K. , Moreira Hadassa , de Jonge Melinda M. J. , Linssen Bart B. H. P. , Huijbregts Mark A. J. , Geerling Gertjan W. , Schipper Aafke M.
Published: December 2023

External nutrient loading can cause large changes in freshwater ecosystems. Many local field and laboratory experiments have investigated ecological responses to nutrient addition. However, these findings are difficult to generalize, as the responses observed may depend on the local context and the resulting nutrient concentrations in the receiving water bodies. In this research, we combined and analysed data from 131 experimental studies containing 3054 treatment‐control abundance ratios to assess the responses of freshwater taxa along a gradient of elevated nutrient concentrations. We carried out a systematic literature search in order to identify studies that report the abundance of invertebrate, macrophyte, and fish taxa in relation to the addition of nitrogen, phosphorus, or both. Next, we established mixed‐effect meta‐regression models to relate the biotic responses to the concentration gradients of both nutrients. We quantified the responses based on various abundance‐based metrics. We found no responses to the mere addition of nutrients, apart from an overall increase of total invertebrate abundance. However, when we considered the gradients of N and P enrichment, we found responses to both nutrients for all abundance metrics. Abundance tended to increase at low levels of N enrichment, yet decreased at the high end of the concentration gradient (1–10 mg/L, depending on the P concentration). Responses to increasing P concentrations were mostly positive. For fish, we found too few data to perform a meaningful analysis. The results of our research highlight the need to consider the level of nutrient enrichment rather than the mere addition of nutrients in order to better understand broad‐scale responses of freshwater biota to eutrophication, as a key step to identify effective conservation strategies for freshwater ecosystems.
Management of perennial forbs sown with or without self‐regenerating annual clovers for forage and nectar sources in a low‐input dryland production system
Authors: Seeno Elizabeth , MacAdam Jennifer , Melathopoulos Andony , Filley Shelby , Ates Serkan
Published: December 2023

Forage systems can be designed to produce high quality feed for ruminant livestock while providing habitat for insect pollinators. We compared forage productivity, nutritive value, and selenium uptake as well as late summer nectar production of perennial forage species; alfalfa (Medicago sativa), birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), red clover (Trifolium pratense), sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia), and chicory (Cichorium intybus) as monocultures and intercropped with either subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) or balansa clover (Trifolium michelianum) for two successive years in Oregon. Red clover intercropped with balansa clover out‐performed other stands, producing over 11 t DM ha−1 in 2019 and 9.4 t DM ha−1 in 2020. Birdsfoot trefoil and sainfoin mixtures were dominated by subterranean clover, negatively affecting total forage yield and flower abundance. Chicory intercropped with subterranean clover formed a more balanced mixture with improved DM yield and nutritive value relative to chicory monocultures. Chicory was most responsive to Se‐fertilisation in both years, having a higher concentration of Se relative to the other perennial species. Chicory also had high levels of condensed tannins (18.1–43.3 mg/g DM) relative to the other forages (1.8–17.5 mg/g DM). Red clover had the most consistent bloom in 2019, with 170 inflorescences per square meter at peak bloom and yielded an estimated total of 16.9 kg ha−1 sucrose. Birdsfoot trefoil produced the most inflorescences during peak bloom in 2020 at 279 inflorescences per square meter. However, alfalfa had a higher estimated sucrose yield in 2020 at 241 kg ha−1.
Implementing peer support work in mental health care in Germany: The methodological framework of the collaborative, participatory, mixed‐methods study (ImpPeer‐Psy5)
Authors: von Peter Sebastian , Kraemer Ute Maria , Cubellis Lauren , Fehler Georgia , Ruiz‐Pérez Guillermo , Schmidt Daniela , Ziegenhagen Jenny , Kuesel Madeleine , Ackers Susanne , Mahlke Candelaria , Nugent Lena , Heuer Imke
Published: December 2023

Background

Starting in the 1990s in the United States, individuals with lived experience of mental health crises and recovery have been employed as peer support workers (PSWs) internationally. However, the implementation of PSW in clinical contexts remains challenging.

Methods

This manuscript presents and discusses the methodological framework of the ImpPeer‐Psy5 study on the PSW implementation in the German mental healthcare sector. This study used a mixed‐methods and collaborative research approach, as well as participatory research strategies. After describing the study design, populations, teamwork and assessments, the epistemic challenges of its methodological framework will be critically discussed and how it has iteratively shaped the object of study.

Discussion and Practical Implications

The healthcare, policy and funding context of PSW implementation as well as the study's methodological framework have differently influenced the ways in which the implementation of PSW has been conceived in this study. The choice of a collaborative or participatory methodological framework is advised to better align research questions and procedures to the specific needs and challenges of PSWs and other stakeholders concerned with PSW implementation.

Patient and Public Contribution

The research team of the ImpPeer‐Psy5 study was collaboratively staffed by a portion of researchers who also identify as users or survivors of psychiatric services. A nonprofit organization for the training of PSWs served as a practice partner throughout the research process. Different participatory formats involve a significant number of diverse stakeholders relevant to PSW implementation.
HIV and type 2 diabetes: An evolving story
Authors: Daultrey Harriet , Levett Tom , Oliver Nick , Vera Jaime , Chakera Ali J
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Diabetes is widely reported to be more common in people living with HIV (PLWH). Much of the data supporting this originated during the earlier HIV era. The perceived increased risk of type 2 diabetes is reflected in HIV clinical guidelines that recommend screening for diabetes in PLWH on anti‐retroviral therapy (ART). However, international HIV clinical guidelines do not agree on the best marker of glycaemia to screen for diabetes. This stems from studies that suggest HbA1c underestimates glycaemia in PLWH.

Methods

Within this review we summarise the literature surrounding the association of HIV and type 2 diabetes and how this has changed over time. We also present the evidence on HbA1c discrepancy in PLWH.

Conclusion

We suggest there is no basis to any international guidelines to restrict HbA1c based on HIV serostatus. We recommend, using the current evidence, that PLWH should be screened annually for diabetes in keeping with country specific guidance. Finally, we suggest future work to elucidate phenotype and natural history of type 2 diabetes in PLWH across all populations.
Interventions for gender equality in STEM education: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yu Wenhao , He Jiaqi , Luo Julan , Shu Xiaoyan
Published: December 2023

Background

Although gender inequality in education is gaining increasing attention, female underrepresentation remains pervasive in STEM fields. Many studies have applied various interventions to narrow the gender gap in STEM education.

Objectives

In this study, we conducted a systematic meta‐analysis to examine the effectiveness of various interventions for gender equality in STEM education and tested the influence of moderator variables.

Methods

Ten databases—ERIC, IEEE, JSTOR, ProQuest‐Education, SAGE Journals, Scopus, Springer Link, Taylor & Francis, Web of Science, and Wiley Online Library—and seven high‐quality journals in related fields were selected as literature resources. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses (PRISMA) process was used to identify eligible articles for the random‐effects meta‐analysis.

Results and Conclusions

The overall effect size (Hedges' g) was 0.434, indicating that the interventions promoting gender equality in STEM education had a near‐medium positive effect. There were significant differences by the type of intervention, but not by the type of intervention outcome. The results of the moderator analysis showed a significant difference in moderator variables, including country, educational level, form of experiment, intervention level, and different measurement methods, whereas there was no significant difference in the moderator variables, including economic development level and sample size.

Implications

This study examined the effectiveness of gender equality interventions and the impact on it of different types of intervention, intervention outcomes, and moderator variables. These results have implications for the design of gender equality interventions in STEM education.
Cardioprotective effects of asiaticoside against diabetic cardiomyopathy: Activation of the AMPK/Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Xu Chennian , Xia Lin , Xu Dengyue , Liu Yang , Jin Ping , Zhai Mengen , Mao Yu , Wang Yiwei , Wen Anguo , Yang Jian , Yang Lifang
Published: December 2023

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a chronic microvascular complication of diabetes that is generally defined as ventricular dysfunction occurring in patients with diabetes and unrelated to known causes. Several mechanisms have been proposed to contribute to the occurrence and persistence of DCM, in which oxidative stress and autophagy play a non‐negligible role. Diabetic cardiomyopathy is involved in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. The 5′ adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase/nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (AMPK/Nrf2) are expressed in the heart, and studies have shown that asiaticoside (ASI) and activated AMPK/Nrf2 have a protective effect on the myocardium. However, the roles of ASI and AMPK/Nrf2 in DCM are unknown. The intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) and high‐fat feed were used to establish the DCM models in 100 C57/BL mice. Asiaticoside and inhibitors of AMPK/Nrf2 were used for intervention. Cardiac function, oxidative stress, and autophagy were measured in mice. DCM mice displayed increased levels of oxidative stress while autophagy levels declined. In addition, AMPK/Nrf2 was activated in DCM mice with ASI intervention. Further, we discovered that AMPK/Nrf2 inhibition blocked the protective effect of ASI by compound C and treatment with ML‐385. The present study demonstrates that ASI exerts a protective effect against DCM via the potential activation of the AMPK/Nrf2 pathway. Asiaticoside is a potential therapeutic target for DCM.
Effect of polishing on milling, nutritional properties, and optimization of polishing process parameters for kodo and browntop millets: A response surface methodology approach
Authors: Rao B. Dayakar , Prudhvi P. V. V. P. , Kiran K. Ram , Wali Veeresh S. , Rao Pavuluri Srinivasa
Published: December 2023

Millets are termed ‘Nutri‐cereals’ as they possess exceptional nutrition profiles. They undergo several processing operations from farm to fork. Polishing is one of the important primary processing operations of millets that facilitates de‐branning. The current work aims to investigate the effect of polishing process parameters like grain's initial moisture content, the rotational speed of polisher, polishing time, on milling yield, nutritional losses of kodo, and browntop millets; to optimize the polishing process through response surface methodology. The polisher speed was found to influence milling and nutritional properties in both the millets whereas, the effect of grain's initial moisture was mostly observed in some responses of browntop millet. Kodo millet polishing at 10% initial moisture content, 1900 rpm for 2 min, and browntop millet polishing at 10% initial moisture content, 1300 rpm for 8 min were obtained as optimum polishing conditions. The degree of polishing and head grain yield at optimum conditions were in the range of 3.5%–4.0%, and 84%–92%, respectively. Less than 15% of nutritional losses were observed at optimum polishing conditions.

Practical applications

Indiscriminate polishing of millets has become most common industrial practice resulting in less head yield and high nutritional losses. Form the current study, both food processors and researchers get a brief knowledge on the effect of every polishing parameter such as grain moisture content before polishing, rotational speed of abrasive roller in polisher, time of polishing on milling losses and proximate compositions. The optimized process parameters can be directly employed in industrial polishing applications to produce polished grains with higher head yield and very minimal nutritional losses.
Application of physical, chemical, and biological preservation strategies and their effect on the shelf life of different types of cooked hams
Authors: Blanco‐Lizarazo Carla María , Sierra‐Cadavid Andrea , Ospina‐E Juan Camilo
Published: December 2023

Improvement of hygiene practices and process control in meat product facilities is an ongoing topic of importance. Consequently, the meat industry must explore alternatives to extend the shelf‐life of meat products. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of chemical, biological, and physical strategies at the formulation, pre‐packaging, and post‐packaging stages, respectively, to extend the shelf‐life of cooked ham. Three strategies were tested on different formulations of cooked ham: (1) inclusion of organic acid salts with and without buffered vinegar in the formulation, (2) application of biopreservation cultures during pre‐packaging for the four developed formulations, and (3) high hydrostatic pressure processing (HPP) applied to two pork ham formulations during post‐packaging with and without buffered vinegar. The effect of these strategies was evaluated by measuring shelf life based on lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and mesophilic counts, monitoring pH kinetics, and conducting sensory evaluations focused on indicators of spoilage such as milkiness and swelling. Results revealed that the HPP strategy was the most effective, significantly extending the shelf life of cooked pork ham up to 97 days, with no significant differences observed when combined with buffered vinegar. In contrast, the use of organic acid salts with or without buffered vinegar did not significantly extend the shelf life compared to control hams without preservatives (p > 0.05). Furthermore, significant variations in shelf life were found between batches and types of ham (p < 0.05). Notably, the biopreservation strategy led to a reduction in shelf life reduction.

Practical applications

Sliced‐packaged ham is highly susceptible to spoilage, and previous studies investigating the application of organic acid salts, biopreservation cultures, and physical interventions have demonstrated limited effectiveness in extending shelf life under industrial and Colombian market conditions. Moreover, some of these approaches have resulted in alterations to the product's sensory attributes. Consequently, there is a critical need to evaluate alternative strategies that can be easily implemented with current technology, are cost‐effective, acceptable to consumers, and can be validated in an industrial setting. Furthermore, it is crucial to investigate the potential synergistic effects of combining high hydrostatic pressure processing (HPP) with chemical interventions, such as buffered vinegar. Implementing these measures holds the potential to minimize food waste and contribute to enhancing food security. Additionally, the findings of this study present a hypothesis that can contribute to understanding the variations in spoilage between pork and turkey hams.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided hepaticoduodenostomy versus percutaneous drainage for right intrahepatic duct dilatation in malignant hilar obstruction
Authors: Cho Sung Hyun , Song Tae Jun , Oh Dongwook , Park Do Hyun , Seo Dong‐Wan , Lee Sung Koo
Published: December 2023

Background and Aim

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided biliary drainage is being increasingly performed as an alternative to percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) to treat malignant hilar obstruction (MHO) after failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). However, no study has compared EUS‐guided hepaticoduodenostomy (EUS‐HDS) with PTBD for right intrahepatic duct (IHD) obstruction after failed ERCP in patients with unresectable MHO.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the data of consecutive patients with right IHD obstruction developed by unresectable MHO who underwent EUS‐HDS or PTBD after a previous placement of a stent in the left and/or right IHD between March 2018 and October 2021. Technical success, clinical success, stent or tube‐related adverse events, frequency of reintervention, and stent patency were evaluated.

Results

A total of 42 patients (18 EUS‐HDS, 24 PTBD) were analyzed. Both groups did not show significant differences in technical success (EUS‐HDS, 94% vs PTBD, 100%; P = 0.429), clinical success (83% vs 83%; P = 0.999), early adverse events (24% vs 46%; P = 0.144), and stent or tube‐related late adverse events (29% vs 54%; P = 0.116). During follow‐up, the EUS‐HDS group had a longer median duration of patency (131 days vs 58.5 days; P = 0.041), and lower mean frequency of reinterventions per patient (0.35 vs 1.92; P = 0.030) than the PTBD group.

Conclusions

EUS‐HDS showed comparable efficacy and safety to PTBD for drainage of the right biliary system and produced longer duration of patency and lower frequency of reinterventions in patients with unresectable MHO.
Healthcare costs for legally adjudicated elder mistreatment victims in comparison to non‐mistreated older adults
Authors: Zhang Hao , Bao Yuhua , Baek Daniel , Clark Sunday , Elman Alyssa , Hancock David , Chang E‐Shien , Jeng Philip , Gassoumis Zach , Fettig Nicole , Zhang Yiye , Wen Katherine , Lachs Mark S. , Pillemer Karl , Rosen Tony
Published: December 2023

Background

Elder mistreatment (EM) is associated with adverse health outcomes and healthcare utilization patterns that differ from other older adults. However, the association of EM with healthcare costs has not been examined. Our goal was to compare healthcare costs between legally adjudicated EM victims and controls.

Methods

We used Medicare insurance claims to examine healthcare costs of EM victims in the 2 years surrounding initial mistreatment identification in comparison to matched controls. We adjusted costs using the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Hierarchical Condition Categories (CMS‐HCC) risk score.

Results

We examined healthcare costs in 114 individuals who experienced EM and 410 matched controls. Total Medicare Parts A and B healthcare costs were similar between cases and controls in the 12 months prior to initial EM detection ($11,673 vs. $11,402, p = 0.92), but cases had significantly higher total healthcare costs during the 12 months after initial mistreatment identification ($15,927 vs. $10,805, p = 0.04). Adjusting for CMS‐HCC scores, cases had, in the 12 months after initial EM identification, $5084 of additional total healthcare costs (95% confidence interval [$92, $10,077], p = 0.046) and $5817 of additional acute/subacute/post‐acute costs (95% confidence interval [$1271, $10,362], p = 0.012) compared with controls. The significantly higher total costs and acute/sub‐acute/post‐acute costs among EM victims in the post‐year were concentrated in the 120 days after EM detection.

Conclusions

Older adults experiencing EM had substantially higher total costs during the 12 months after mistreatment identification, driven by an increase in acute/sub‐acute/post‐acute costs and focused on the period immediately after initial EM detection.
What Do (and Don't) Forecasters Know About U.S. Inflation?
Authors: RYNGAERT JANE
Published: December 2023

This paper contributes to and extends our current understanding of information frictions in expectations. I first propose a new framework for estimating noisy information using individual forecasts. I further extend this framework to incorporate misperceptions on the part of economic agents about the persistence of the underlying process being forecasted. Applying this framework to the U.S. inflation, forecasts of professional forecasters suggest a systematic overestimation on the part of forecasters of the persistence of inflation in addition to the presence of noisy signals. Using a structural model that incorporates both noisy signals and misperceptions of persistence, I quantify the relative importance of each channel in accounting for the expectations formation process of these agents. The results indicate that, even for professional forecasters, there are multiple forces that generate economically significant deviations from full information.
Sudden Shift to Telehealth in COVID‐19: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Disparities in Use of Telehealth for Prenatal Care in a Large Midwifery Service
Authors: Smith Denise C. , Thumm E. Brie , Anderson Jessica , Kissler Katherine , Reed Sean M. , Centi Sophia M. , Staley Alyse W. , Hernandez Teri L. , Barton Amy J.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic created disruption in health care delivery, including a sudden transition to telehealth use in mid‐March 2020. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in the mode of prenatal care visits and predictors of telehealth use (provider‐patient messaging, telephone visits, and video visits) during the COVID‐19 pandemic among those receiving care in a large, academic nurse‐midwifery service.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of those enrolled for prenatal care in 2 nurse‐midwifery clinics between 2019 and 2021 (n = 3172). Use outcomes included number and type of encounter: in‐person and telehealth (primary outcome). Comparisons were made in frequency and types of encounters before and during COVID‐19. A negative binomial regression was fit on the outcome of telehealth encounter count, with race/ethnicity, age, language, parity, hypertension, diabetes, and depression as predictors.

Results

When comparing pre–COVID‐19 (before March 2020) with during COVID‐19 (after March 2020), overall encounters increased from 15.9 to 19.5 mean number of encounters per person (P < .001). The increase was driven by telehealth encounters; there were no significant differences for in‐person prenatal visit counts before and during the pandemic period. Direct patient‐provider messaging was the most common type of telehealth encounter. Predictors of telehealth encounters included English as primary language and diagnoses of diabetes or depression.

Discussion

No differences in the frequency of in‐person prenatal care visits suggests that telehealth encounters led to more contact with midwives and did not replace in‐person encounters. Spanish‐speaking patients were least likely to use telehealth‐delivered prenatal care during the pandemic; a small, but significant, proportion of patients had no or few telehealth encounters, and a significant proportion had high use of telehealth. Integration of telehealth in future delivery of prenatal care should consider questions of equity, patient and provider satisfaction, access, redundancies, and provider workload.
Orthostatic blood pressure changes do not influence cognitive outcomes following intensive blood pressure control
Authors: Jiang Chao , Zhao Manlin , Li Mingxiao , Wang Zhiyan , Bai Yu , Guo Hang , Li Sitong , Lai Yiwei , Wang Yufeng , Gao Mingyang , He Liu , Guo Xueyuan , Li Songnan , Liu Nian , Jiang Chenxi , Tang Ribo , Long Deyong , Sang Caihua , Du Xin , Dong Jianzeng , Anderson Craig S. , Ma Changsheng
Published: December 2023

Background

Effects of intensive blood pressure (BP) control on cognitive outcomes in patients with excess orthostatic BP changes are unclear. We aimed to evaluate whether orthostatic BP changes modified the effects of BP intervention on cognitive impairment.

Methods

We analyzed 8547 participants from the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial Memory and cognition IN Decreased Hypertension. Associations between orthostatic BP changes and incident cognitive outcomes were evaluated by restricted cubic spline curves based on Cox models. The interactions between orthostatic BP changes and intensive BP intervention were assessed.

Results

The U‐shaped associations were observed between baseline orthostatic systolic BP changes and cognitive outcomes. However, there were insignificant interactions between either change in orthostatic systolic BP (P for interaction = 0.81) or diastolic BP (P for interaction = 0.32) and intensive BP intervention for the composite outcome of probable dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The hazard ratio of intensive versus standard target for the composite cognitive outcome was 0.82 (95% CI 0.50–1.35) in those with an orthostatic systolic BP reduction of >20 mmHg and 0.41 (95% CI 0.21–0.80) in those with an orthostatic systolic BP increase of >20 mmHg. Results were similar for probable dementia and MCI. The annual changes in global cerebral blood flow (P for interaction = 0.86) consistently favored intensive BP treatment across orthostatic systolic BP changes.

Conclusion

Intensive BP control did not have a deteriorating effect on cognitive outcomes among hypertensive patients experiencing significant postural BP changes.