bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution of cardiovascular disease risk in adults aged 40 to 79 years with diagnosed hypertension but not on medications: findings from nationwide cross-sectional studies
Authors: Wang S , Yang Z
Published: June 2024

Background

Hypertension is the most important modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Many people with diagnosed hypertension are not receiving drug treatment, partly because they perceive their CVD risk as low. However, the distribution of CVD risk among these people remained largely unknown.

Purpose

To depict the risk of future CVD event, either first or recurrent, among people with diagnosed hypertension but not on antihypertensive drug treatment.

Methods

Participants aged 40-79 years who reported doctor-diagnosed hypertension but not on medications were identified from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 1999 to 2018. Among them, the participants with known CVD, and those without known CVD but had complete data for estimating their 10-year predicted CVD risk, were included in the study. The 10-year predicted CVD risk was calculated using Pooled Cohort Equations as recommended in the 2019 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guideline on the primary prevention of CVD. The participants were categorised into 1) high risk if having known CVD, or a 10-year predicted CVD risk ≥10%; 2) low risk if having a 10-year predicted CVD risk <10%. The proportion of each risk group was calculated with the mobile examination center sample weights incorporated to account for the potential oversampling and non-response. The differences between subgroups in the distribution of CVD risk were assessed using Chi-squared test.

Results

Of the 2563 participants included, 1119 had known major CVD (n=396, 15.45%) or a 10-year predicted CVD risk ≥10% (n=723, 28.21%), corresponding to a weighted proportion of 35.75% (95% confidence interval: 32.99 to 38.50%), while the other participants had a low 10-year predicted CVD risk (weighted proportion: 64.25%, 61.50 to 67.01%). The proportions of high-risk participants were much higher in the elderly (71.63% for 60-79 years) and males (45.37%) than in others (both P<0.001). These patterns were consistent across ten survey cycles from 1999 to 2018.

Conclusions

One third of the US adults aged 40-79 years with diagnosed hypertension but not on medications had known CVD or a 10-year predicted CVD risk ≥10%, corresponding to over 3 million individuals. This proportion was little changed over the past two decades, highlighting the need for improvement in the management of CVD and its risk factors.
Menopause increases the risk of diabetes, and this association might be due to iron metabolism
Authors: Ahanchi N , Kutalik Z , Marques-Vidal P
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a serious public health concern with a considerable impact on human life and health expenditures. Interestingly, Emerging evidence indicates that the risk and clinical features of cardiometabolic diseases, like T2DM, may vary among women based on their menopausal status (Figure1). In addition to hormonal changes, iron and its markers have been closely related to glucose metabolism and T2DM. Increased serum ferritin, reflecting body iron overload, is often associated with elevated blood glucose and insulin levels, as well as with increased risk of insulin resistance. One the other hand, iron biomarker levels differ in females in different reproductive stages.

Goals

In this study, we aimed to investigate: 1) the association of menopausal status with T2DM risk, and 2) the association of menopause with iron biomarkers and of iron biomarkers with T2DM risk.

Method

Data from the prospective CoLaus|PsyCoLaus study, conducted in our city. Of the initial 3544 women aged 35-75, 2002 (55.8% of the initial sample) were eligible for analysis after applying exclusion criteria. The associations between menopause and incidence of T2DM were assessed using time-varying Cox models, and linear mixed models assessed how changes in menopause status influenced iron biomarkers during this period. Subsequently, a time-varying Cox model investigated the association between iron biomarkers and incident T2DM.

Result

After adjustment for potential confounders (age , BMI , smoking status , hormone replacement therapy use, C-Reactive Protein), menopause status was associated with an increased risk of T2DM: multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 2.88 (95% CI: 1.91-3.81). Non-significant associations with risk of T2DM were observed for iron (HR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.59-2.98), ferritin (HR: 1.09, 95% CI: 0.85-1.38), or TSAT (HR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.88-1.05), while transferrin demonstrated a significant positive association (HR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.11-1.58). In a multivariable-adjusted linear mixed model investigating the longitudinal relationship between menopause status and iron biomarkers, a statistically significant association was found for all evaluated iron biomarkers (Table1).

Conclusion

We found a significant association between menopause status and risk of T2DM, and between transferrin and risk of T2DM. Changes in transferrin levels could partly explain the increased risk of T2DM observed after menopause.
Associations of anthropometric markers with arterio-venous ratio in the general population
Authors: Davoodzadeh S , Ittermann T , Schipf S , Volzke H , Bahls M , Soori R , Doerr M , Ricardo Paulista Markus M
Published: June 2024

Background

Overweight and obesity are major contributors to the worldwide burden of cardiovascular diseases. Structural changes within the human retinal vasculature may reflect early cardiovascular aging.

Purpose

The aim of our analyses was to investigate the associations of traditional anthropometry markers, body composition and fat distribution with parameters of retinal fundoscopy in a population-based study.

Methods

We performed cross-sectional analyses of 3,162 participants (1,659 women, 52.5%) aged 20 to 82 years from the baseline examination of the second independent population-based cohort of the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-TREND-0) realized between 2008 and 2012. The associations of anthropometric parameters (body height and weight, body mass index [BMI], waist circumference [WC], hip circumference [HC], waist-to-hip ratio [WHR], waist-to-height ratio [WHtR]), body composition (fat mass [FM] and relative fat-free mass [RFFM] assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis), and fat distribution markers (subcutaneous adipose tissue [SAT], and visceral adipose tissue [VAT] from magnetic resonance imaging) with the arterio-venous ratio (AVR) were analyzed by multivariable linear and logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex and smoking status. All exposure variables were standardized in the regression models. The AVR was calculated from the measurements of the central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE) and the central retinal vein equivalent (CRVE), which reflect the estimated diameter of the central retinal artery and vein. CRAE and CRVE were measured by fundus photography and static vessel analysis of the central retina. Moreover, an AVR < 0.8 was defined as decreased AVR.

Results

While RFFM was positively associated with the AVR (ß=1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.81 to 1.41; p<0.001), all the other markers were inversely associated with AVR. Specifically, VAT showed the strongest inverse association with AVR (ß= -1.07; 95% CI: -1.49 to -0.65; p<0.001). In line with these results, RFFM was associated with a 0.76 (95%CI: 0.68 to 0.86; p<0.001) lower chance for a prevalent decreased AVR, while VAT was associated with a higher chance for a prevalent decreased AVR (odds ratio [OR]=1.40, 95%CI: 1.20 to 1.63; p<0.001) (Table 1).

Conclusions

Our results substantiate evidence of a deleterious inverse association between body markers derived from fat content, composition and distribution with the arterio-venous ratio. Importantly, and oppositely to that, we found a beneficial positive association of fat-free mass with the arterio-venous ratio. Our findings suggest a health effect of fat-free mass and a detrimental influence of fat mass on the circulatory system.
Cholesterol paradox for cardiac events: is age the missing link?
Authors: Meng J , Bhalraam U , Merinopoulos I , Eccleshall S , Tsampasian V , Vassiliou V
Published: June 2024

Background

Hypercholesterolemia is a recognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease; however, the ‘cholesterol paradox’, where lower cholesterol levels are associated with worse outcomes, challenges traditional understanding. The aetiology of this paradox remains unclear.

Purpose

To explore the cholesterol paradox, our study aims to determine if reverse causality and age-related factors contribute to this phenomenon. We hypothesise that in older adults, lower cholesterol levels may be indicative of poorer baseline health and nutritional status. Consequently, this could lead to higher mortality following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

In a retrospective analysis of 1237 patients (median age 69; IQR [61 - 75]) undergoing PCI for stable angina from January 2015 to November 2019, we categorised patients based on presence or absence of hypercholesterolemia history. We employed cumulative hazard plots to compare all-cause mortality (ACM) and cardiovascular mortality (CVM) and conducted correlation tests between age and cholesterol levels.

Results

Consistent with the cholesterol paradox, a significant reduction in ACM was observed in patients with hypercholesterolemia history (HR 0.44, 95%CI(0.26 – 0.74), p = 0.0014). Intriguingly, CVM did not show any significant difference between groups (HR 0.63, 95%CI(0.30 – 1.33), p = 0.23) [Figure 1]. An inverse correlation between age and hypercholesterolemia history was noted (Pearson Coeff: -0.14, p<0.001).

Conclusion

The disparity in ACM, not paralleled by CVM, suggests non-cardiovascular factors may drive mortality in patients with lower cholesterol post-PCI. The inverse relationship between cholesterol levels and age supports the theory that cholesterol is influenced by the overall health status, and cholesterol acts as a surrogate biomarker for nutritional status and physiological reserve. These findings underscore the necessity for a multidisciplinary approach in managing patients with cardiovascular disease, where nutritional support and strategies to bolster physiological reserve, including physical activity, could play a critical role in improving outcomes.

The elucidation of the underlying mechanisms of the cholesterol paradox warrants further investigation. Prospective studies are needed to explore the causal relationships and to confirm if interventions aimed at improving overall health and nutritional status can positively impact outcomes in this population.

Our study sets the stage for such inquiries, highlighting the intricate interplay between lipid levels, age and mortality that extends beyond traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
Electrocardiographic manifestations in female team handball players
Authors: Malmgren A , Tragardh E , Gudmundsson P , Kjellstrom B , Stagmo M , Dencker M
Published: June 2024

Background

Long-term intensive training leads to structural, functional, and electrical remodeling of the heart. The effect of elite sports on the heart has not been fully investigated, particularly for female athletes.

Purpose

To investigate if electrocardiogram (ECG) morphology in elite female handball players show any changes of electrical remodeling compared to ECG in non-athlete female subjects, and if potential changes in ECG could be explained by changes in cardiac dimensions obtained by echocardiographic and exercised hours.

Methods

A cross-sectional study where elite female team handball players (athletes) were compared to sex and age-matched, non-athletic controls. All participants underwent a resting 12-lead ECG, an echocardiographic examination and answered a questionnaire about physical activity. Heart rate (HR), P-wave duration and P-wave amplitude, PQ duration, QRS duration, QT and QTc durations according to Bazett’s and Fridericia formulas were measured by the ECG system. Three different ECG criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) were used. The sum of QRS voltage was measured in each of the 12-leads from the peak of the R wave to the nadir of either the Q wave or the S wave, whichever was deeper. Cornell and Sokolow & Lyon were also measured. A voltage-duration product for each LVH criterion was calculated by multiplying the voltage criterion by QRS duration. Echocardiographic measurement of left atrium diameter (LAd), left atrial volume (LAV), left ventricular internal diameter in diastole (LVIDd), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and left ventricular mass (LVM) were performed using both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional echocardiography and adjusted for body surface area (BSA). All echocardiographic and ECG variables were compared between the two groups using the Student’s t test and further on adjusted for cardiac dimensions using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) test.

Results

The study included 33 female athletes and 33 controls, mean age 20±2 vs. 23±2 years. Athletes trained 10.8±2.3 hours per week compared to controls who performed less than 2 hours per week. The athletes had larger cardiac dimensions and lower heart rate and QTc duration compared to controls, see table I and II. Athletes had higher QRS and QT durations, 12-lead sum of voltage and 12-lead sum of voltage x QRS than controls, see table II. Changes in P-wave amplitude and duration could not be explained by left atrial dimensions and changes in 12-lead sum of voltage, QRS and QT could only in part be explained by left ventricular size, see table III.

Conclusions

Female handball players had altered ECGs and enlarged ventricular dimensions compared to controls. However, the changes in ECG could only be partly explained by the differences in left ventricular dimensions. This suggest that electrical changes caused by structural remodeling occur in the female handball players’ heart.
Association between apelin-12 and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide depending no- reflow phenomenon in STEMI patients
Authors: Krasniqi X , Kocinaj D , Vincelj J , Krasniqi F , Sejdiu B , Bakalli A
Published: June 2024

Background

In acute myocardial infarction, hypoxia, through the hypoxia inducible factor pathway, increases the level of apelin, protecting the myocardium from ischemia-reperfusion injury. In the absence of apelin, Ca2+ desensitization of the actin-myosin system, excess Ca2+ concentrations, calpain I activation, troponin degradation, ventricular dysfunction, and BNP secretion are observed.

Purpose

To evaluate association between apelin-12 and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in STEMI patients depending on reperfusion injury.

Methods

In this study we included hundred patients with following criteria: chest pain lasting for more than 30 minutes, a 12-lead ECG characterized with ST-segment elevation in at least two contiguous leads ≥2.5 mm in men <40 years, ≥2mm in men ≥40 years, or ≥1.5 mm in women in leads V2-V3 and/or ≥1 mm in other leads, rise of cardiac troponin I, and patients who have undergone primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within period of 12h. The levels of apelin-12, creatine kinase (CK), the MB fraction of creatine kinase (CKMB), troponin I, NT-proBNP, CRP, and other routine laboratory parameters were measured.

Results

In patients with TIMI flow ≤2 the median of apelin-12 level was 1.94 (0.26-8.88), and with TIMI flow 3, it was 2.42 (0.49-10.90). Variability was observed in the apelin values (Mann-Whitney test) based on TIMI flow grade (p<0.010), and in the the N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (p<0.031) (Table 1). The degree of association between apelin-12 and NT-proBNP was analyzed with Pearson’s correlation resulting in patients without reperfusion injury (TIMI flow 3).

p= -0.042, while in those with reperfusion injury (TIMI flow ≤2) p= -0.25. Figure 1 shows the association of apelin-12 and NT-proBNP in patients with TIMI flow grade 3, while Figure 2 this association shows in patients with TIMI flow grade ≤2.Conclusions: Apelin-12 levels inversely correlated with N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels depending reperfusion injury.

This confirms the predictive value of Apelin for reperfusion injury which may lead to contractile myocardial dysfunction increasing level of NT-proBNP.
Examining factors associated with social participation in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD)
Authors: Siyah T , Topcuoglu C , Vardar Yagli N , Calik Kutukcu E , Aykan H H , Ertugrul I , Karagoz T , Saglam M
Published: June 2024

Background/Introduction

Challenges encountered in the treatment and management of the disease, along with social and physical limitations, recurrent treatments and surgical interventions, future health concerns, and the lifelong need for follow-up, can impact the lives of individuals with ACHD (1). This impact may restrict the effective social and occupational inclusion, relationship and active participation in society of individuals with ACHD in the dimension of social participation.

Purpose

The aim of our study was to examine factors related to social participation in the ACHD population.

Methods

In our study, the Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ) was used to evaluate participation. The CIQ consists of sub-dimensions of domestic participation, social participation, and participation in productive activities. A high score on the questionnaire indicates a high level of social participation. Additionally, the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) was used for functional capacity assessment, digital dynamometer for muscle strength assessment, and Jamar dynamometer for hand grip strength. The Fatigue Severity Scale, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Multidimensional Quality of Life Scale, Physical Activity Barrier Scale and Depression-Stress-Anxiety Scales were also assessed.

Results

In our study, 42 participants were included, comprising 20 females with a mean age of 27.05±8.97 years and 22 males with a mean age of 22.41±4.45 years. A moderate positive correlation was found between the CIQ total score and the 6-MWT (r=0.364; p=0.021) and Multidimensional Quality of Life (r=0.441; p=0.003), while a moderate negative correlation was observed with the Physical Activity Barriers Scale (r=-0.310; p=0.046). Additionally, a moderate positive correlation was identified between the CIQ-Social Participation and knee extension muscle strength (r=0.412; p=0.007) and IPAQ (r=0.452; p=0.003), and a moderate negative correlation was found with Depression (r=-0.466; p=0.002) and Stress (r=-0.330; p=0.035).

Conclusion(s)

Considering the associated factors such as quality of life, physical activity barriers, muscle strength, physical activity, depression, and stress, supporting social participation is a crucial component of comprehensive healthcare for individuals with ACHD.
In Silico TRials guide optimal stratification of ATrIal FIbrillation patients to Catheter Ablation and pharmacological medicaTION: the i-STRATIFICATION study
Authors: Dasí Albert , Nagel Claudia , Pope Michael T B , Wijesurendra Rohan S , Betts Timothy R , Sachetto Rafael , Loewe Axel , Bueno-Orovio Alfonso , Rodriguez Blanca
Published: June 2024

Aims

Patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) experience 50% recurrence despite pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), and no consensus is established for secondary treatments. The aim of our i-STRATIFICATION study is to provide evidence for stratifying patients with AF recurrence after PVI to optimal pharmacological and ablation therapies, through in silico trials.

Methods and results

A cohort of 800 virtual patients, with variability in atrial anatomy, electrophysiology, and tissue structure (low-voltage areas, LVAs), was developed and validated against clinical data from ionic currents to electrocardiogram. Virtual patients presenting AF post-PVI underwent 12 secondary treatments. Sustained AF developed in 522 virtual patients after PVI. Second ablation procedures involving left atrial ablation alone showed 55% efficacy, only succeeding in the small right atria (<60 mL). When additional cavo-tricuspid isthmus ablation was considered, Marshall-PLAN sufficed (66% efficacy) for the small left atria (<90 mL). For the bigger left atria, a more aggressive ablation approach was required, such as anterior mitral line (75% efficacy) or posterior wall isolation plus mitral isthmus ablation (77% efficacy). Virtual patients with LVAs greatly benefited from LVA ablation in the left and right atria (100% efficacy). Conversely, in the absence of LVAs, synergistic ablation and pharmacotherapy could terminate AF. In the absence of ablation, the patient’s ionic current substrate modulated the response to antiarrhythmic drugs, being the inward currents critical for optimal stratification to amiodarone or vernakalant.

Conclusion

In silico trials identify optimal strategies for AF treatment based on virtual patient characteristics, evidencing the power of human modelling and simulation as a clinical assisting tool.
Is adaptation associated with long-term persistence beyond a geographic range limit?
Authors: Cross Regan L , Eckert Christopher G
Published: June 2024

Adaptation to new habitats might facilitate species’ range shifts in response to climate change. In 2005, we transplanted experimental populations of coastal dune plant Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia into 4 sites within and 1 site beyond its poleward range limit. Beyond-range transplants had high fitness but often delayed reproduction. To test for adaptation associated with experimental range expansion, we transplanted descendants from beyond- and within-range populations after 10 generations in situ into 2 sites within the range, 1 at the range edge, and 2 sites beyond the range. We expected to detect adaptation to beyond-range conditions due to substantial genetic variation within experimental populations and environmental variation among sites. However, individuals from beyond-range experimental populations were not fitter than those from within the range when planted at either beyond-range site, indicating no adaptation to the beyond-range site or beyond-range environments in general. Beyond-range descendants also did not suffer lower fitness within the range. Although reproduction was again delayed beyond the range, late reproduction was not favored more strongly beyond than within the range, and beyond-range descendants did not delay reproduction more than within-range descendants. Persistence in beyond-range environments may not require adaptation, which could allow a rapid response to climate change.
Whole-Tree Green Density Equations for Loblolly and Slash Pine Trees
Authors: Zhao Dehai , Bullock Bronson P , Wang Mingliang , Dickens E David
Published: June 2024

Using extensive legacy and new datasets, two equations of whole-tree green density, defined as the ratio of the green weight of stem wood with bark (GWob) divided either by the stem outside-bark volume (Vob) or by the stem inside-bark volume (Vib), were developed along with individual tree Vob, Vib, and GWob equations for loblolly and slash pines. The green density equations indicated that the GWob/Vob ratio increases while the GWob/Vib ratio decreases with an increase in tree size for both species. The transition from low-intensity management to intensive management has a notable impact on tree green weight characteristics. Generally, trees from older established plantations exhibited a higher GWob/Vob ratio compared with trees from more recently established plantations, spanning both loblolly and slash pines.

Study Implications: Derived whole-tree green density equations, alongside updated stem green weight and volume equations, are valuable tools for estimating the volume and green weight of entire stem boles, facilitating volume-to-green-weight conversion for specific sections for loblolly and slash pines, the primary commercial timber species in the southern United States.
The putative prenyltransferase Nus1 is required for filamentation in the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans
Authors: Farheen Aiman , Case Nicola T , MacAlpine Jessie , Fu Ci , Robbins Nicole , Cowen Leah E
Published: June 2024

Candida albicans is a major fungal pathogen of humans that can cause serious systemic infections in vulnerable immunocompromised populations. One of its virulence attributes is its capacity to transition between yeast and filamentous morphologies, but our understanding of this process remains incomplete. Here, we analyzed data from a functional genomic screen performed with the C. albicans Gene Replacement And Conditional Expression collection to identify genes crucial for morphogenesis in host-relevant conditions. Through manual scoring of microscopy images coupled with analysis of each image using a deep learning-based method termed Candescence, we identified 307 genes important for filamentation in tissue culture medium at 37°C with 5% CO2. One such factor was orf19.5963, which is predicted to encode the prenyltransferase Nus1 based on sequence homology to Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We further showed that Nus1 and its predicted interacting partner Rer2 are important for filamentation in multiple liquid filament-inducing conditions as well as for wrinkly colony formation on solid agar. Finally, we highlight that Nus1 and Rer2 likely govern C. albicans morphogenesis due to their importance in intracellular trafficking, as well as maintaining lipid homeostasis. Overall, this work identifies Nus1 and Rer2 as important regulators of C. albicans filamentation and highlights the power of functional genomic screens in advancing our understanding of gene function in human fungal pathogens.
Charophytic Green Algae Encode Ancestral Polymerase IV/Polymerase V Subunits and a CLSY/DRD1 Homolog
Authors: Chakraborty Tania , Trujillo Joshua T , Kendall Timmy , Mosher Rebecca A
Published: June 2024

In flowering plants, euchromatic transposons are transcriptionally silenced by RNA-directed DNA Methylation, a small RNA-guided de novo methylation pathway. RNA-directed DNA Methylation requires the activity of the RNA Polymerases IV and V, which produce small RNA precursors and noncoding targets of small RNAs, respectively. These polymerases are distinguished from Polymerase II by multiple plant-specific paralogous subunits. Most RNA-directed DNA Methylation components are present in all land plants, and some have been found in the charophytic green algae, a paraphyletic group that is sister to land plants. However, the evolutionary origin of key RNA-directed DNA Methylation components, including the two largest subunits of Polymerase IV and Polymerase V, remains unclear. Here, we show that multiple lineages of charophytic green algae encode a single-copy precursor of the largest subunits of Polymerase IV and Polymerase V, resolving the two presumed duplications in this gene family. We further demonstrate the presence of a Polymerase V-like C-terminal domain, suggesting that the earliest form of RNA-directed DNA Methylation utilized a single Polymerase V-like polymerase. Finally, we reveal that charophytic green algae encode a single CLSY/DRD1-type chromatin remodeling protein, further supporting the presence of a single specialized polymerase in charophytic green algae.
Needs and Challenges for Volunteering in Rural Areas: Lessons Learned From a Survey of a Service Organization in Rural Michigan
Authors: Hu Rita Xiaochen , Kayser Jay , Dunkle Ruth E , Tarr Julie
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives

Volunteers are the foundation of social service agencies in rural communities, yet limited research exists on their needs and challenges. Motivated by the multidimensional older voluntarism sustainability framework, this study aims to understand (1) the characteristics of volunteers, (2) the relationships between volunteers’ sense of community and their own aging and volunteer retention, and (3) the unique challenges faced by volunteers and volunteer-based agencies.

Research Design and Methods

This study uses a mixed-methods design. Data were gathered via telephone interviews (n = 76) and in-person focus groups (n = 14) from the volunteer pool of a nonprofit organization in rural Michigan. Descriptive and regression analyses were conducted to understand the characteristics of the volunteers. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify unique challenges faced by rural agencies and volunteers.

Results

Findings show that most volunteers were over 70, women, married, volunteered weekly or more, and were affiliated with multiple agencies. Volunteers with a stronger attachment to the community and higher self-perceptions of aging were likelier to continue and increase volunteering commitments. Due to the low population density in rural areas, volunteers were concerned about the heavy burden of volunteering, the lack of social connections with fellow volunteers, and the lack of active involvement in shaping the organization.

Discussion and Implications

Results from the study shed light on the urgent need for creative and engaging volunteer recruitment and retention strategies to sustain older adults, service agencies, and communities in rural areas.
Mapping bedrock topography and detecting blind faults using the fundamental resonance of microtremor: a case study of the Pohang Basin, southeastern Korea
Authors: Kang Su Young
Published: June 2024

The Pohang Basin sustained the most extensive seismic damage in the history of instrumental recording in Korea due to the 2017 Mw 5.5 earthquake. The pattern of damage shows marked differences from a radial distribution, suggesting important contributions by local site effects. Our understanding of these site effects and their role in generating seismic damage within the study area remains incomplete, which indicates the need for a thorough exploration of subsurface information, including the thickness of soil to bedrock and basin geometry, in the Pohang Basin. We measured the depth to bedrock in the Pohang Basin using dense ambient noise measurements conducted at 698 sites. We propose a model of basin geometry based on depths and dominant frequencies derived from the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) of microtremor at 698 sites. Most microseismic measurements exhibit one or more clear HVSR peak(s), implying one or more strong impedance contrast(s), which are presumed to represent the interface between the basement and overlying basin-fill sediments at each measurement site. The ambient seismic noise induces resonance at frequencies as low as 0.32 Hz. The relationship between resonance frequency and bedrock depth was derived using data from 27 boreholes to convert the dominant frequencies measured at stations adjacent to the boreholes into corresponding depths to the strong impedance contrast. The relationship was then applied to the dominant frequencies to estimate the depth to bedrock over the whole study area. Maps of resonance frequency and the corresponding depth to bedrock for the study area show that the greatest depths to bedrock are in the coastal area. The maps also reveal lower fundamental frequencies in the area west of the Gokgang Fault. The results indicate a more complex basin structure than previously proposed based on a limited number of direct borehole observations and surface geology. The maps and associated profiles across different parts of the study area show pronounced changes in bedrock depth near inferred blind faults proposed in previous studies, suggesting that maps of bedrock depth based on the HVSR method can be used to infer previously unknown features, including concealed or blind faults that are not observed at the surface.
A climate of fear? The Scottish universities and the question of devolution, 1974–9
Authors: Cameron Ewen A
Published: June 2024

This article seeks to examine the debate in the Scottish universities during the 1974–9 period, when the Labour government proposed to create a devolved Scottish Assembly. An anti-devolution consensus among university leaders is analysed and the arguments for and against devolution are considered. The article discusses the way in which the perceived result of devolution would be ‘parochialism’, while the advantages of the status quo were seen as ‘internationalist’. Nationalist critiques of the ‘Anglocentric’ universities are discussed. The arguments for devolution centred on bringing the Scottish universities into an integrated system of post-16 education in Scotland. Student opinion, as well as the views of senior academics, is noted. The debate is contextualized as part of the discussion of the merits of devolution but also as part of wider debates about the governance of the university system in Britain in the 1970s. The operation of the University Grants Committee was coming under severe stress as a result of wider economic conditions, and the Scottish debate is seen as part of a wider series of questions about the autonomy of universities from the state. The apparent paradox between the veneration of the British grants committee and the emphasis on the traditions of higher education in Scottish culture and identity are also discussed.
Stability analysis of viscous multi-layer shear flows with interfacial slip
Authors: Katsiavria Anna , Papageorgiou Demetrios T
Published: June 2024

One of the most fundamental interfacial instabilities in ideal, immiscible, incompressible multifluid flows is the celebrated Kelvin–Helmholtz (KH) instability. It predicts short-wave instabilities that, in the absence of other mollifying physical mechanisms (e.g. surface tension, viscosity), render the nonlinear problem ill-posed and lead to finite-time singularities. The crucial driving mechanism is the jump in tangential velocity across the liquid–liquid interface, i.e. interfacial slip, that can occur since viscosity is absent. The purpose of the present work is to analyse analogous instabilities for viscous flows at small or moderate Reynolds numbers as opposed to the infinite Reynolds numbers that underpin KH instabilities. The problem is physically motivated by both experiments and simulations. The fundamental model considered consists of two superposed viscous, incompressible, immiscible fluid layers sheared in a plane Couette flow configuration, with slip present at the deforming liquid–liquid interface. The origin of slip in viscous flows has been observed in experiments and molecular dynamics simulations, and can be modelled by employing a Navier-slip boundary condition at the liquid–liquid interface. The emerging novel instabilities are studied in detail here. The linear stability of the system is addressed asymptotically for long- and short-waves, and for arbitrary wavenumbers using a combination of analytical and numerical calculations. Slip is found to be capable of destabilising perturbations of all wavelengths. In regimes where the flow is stable to perturbations of all wavelengths in the absence of slip, its presence can induce a Turing-type instability by destabilization of a small band of finite wavenumber perturbations. In the case where the underlying layer is asymptotically thin, the results are found to agree with the linear properties of a weakly non-linear asymptotic model that is also derived here. The weakly nonlinear model extends previous work by the authors that had a thin overlying layer that produces a different evolution equation.
Estimating the region of attraction of integral delay equations
Authors: Melchor-Aguilar Daniel , Arismendi-Valle Hector
Published: June 2024

We present estimates of the region of attraction of a class of non-linear integral delay equations. The approach follows the same lines as the Lyapunov method by the first approximation for estimating the attraction region of ordinary and delay differential equations, which uses Lyapunov functions or Lyapunov functionals associated with the linear part of the non-linear equations. The results are illustrated by application problems to the propagation of electric pulses in the heart dynamics and non-linear predictor control.
Barriers to the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programmes in long-term care facilities: a scoping review
Authors: Vicentini Costanza , Libero Giulia , Cugudda Eleonora , Gardois Paolo , Zotti Carla Maria , Bert Fabrizio
Published: June 2024

Background

Long-term care facilities (LTCFs) present specific challenges for the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programmes. A growing body of literature is dedicated to AMS in LTCFs.

Objectives

We aimed to summarize barriers to the implementation of full AMS programmes, i.e. a set of clinical practices, accompanied by recommended change strategies.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted through Ovid-MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase and Cochrane Central. Studies addressing barriers to the implementation of full AMS programmes in LTCFs were included. Implementation barriers described in qualitative studies were identified and coded, and main themes were identified using a grounded theory approach.

Results

The electronic search revealed 3904 citations overall. Of these, 57 met the inclusion criteria. All selected studies were published after 2012, and the number of references per year progressively increased, reaching a peak in 2020. Thematic analysis of 13 qualitative studies identified three main themes: (A) LTCF organizational culture, comprising (A1) interprofessional tensions, (A2) education provided in silos, (A3) lack of motivation and (A4) resistance to change; (B) resources, comprising (B1) workload and staffing levels, (B2) diagnostics, (B3) information technology resources and (B4) funding; and (C) availability of and access to knowledge and skills, including (C1) surveillance data, (C2) infectious disease/AMS expertise and (C3) data analysis skills.

Conclusions

Addressing inappropriate antibiotic prescribing in LTCFs through AMS programmes is an area of growing interest. Hopefully, this review could be helpful for intervention developers and implementers who want to build on the most recent evidence from the literature.
A comparative evaluation of ChatGPT 3.5 and ChatGPT 4 in responses to selected genetics questions
Authors: McGrath Scott P , Kozel Beth A , Gracefo Sara , Sutherland Nykole , Danford Christopher J , Walton Nephi
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of ChatGPT 4 (GPT-4) in delivering genetic information about BRCA1, HFE, and MLH1, building on previous findings with ChatGPT 3.5 (GPT-3.5). To focus on assessing the utility, limitations, and ethical implications of using ChatGPT in medical settings.

Materials and Methods

A structured survey was developed to assess GPT-4’s clinical value. An expert panel of genetic counselors and clinical geneticists evaluated GPT-4’s responses to these questions. We also performed comparative analysis with GPT-3.5, utilizing descriptive statistics and using Prism 9 for data analysis.

Results

The findings indicate improved accuracy in GPT-4 over GPT-3.5 (P < .0001). However, notable errors in accuracy remained. The relevance of responses varied in GPT-4, but was generally favorable, with a mean in the “somewhat agree” range. There was no difference in performance by disease category. The 7-question subset of the Bot Usability Scale (BUS-15) showed no statistically significant difference between the groups but trended lower in the GPT-4 version.

Discussion and Conclusion

The study underscores GPT-4’s potential role in genetic education, showing notable progress yet facing challenges like outdated information and the necessity of ongoing refinement. Our results, while showing promise, emphasizes the importance of balancing technological innovation with ethical responsibility in healthcare information delivery.
Deleterious intestinal inflammation in neonatal mice treated with TLR2/TLR6 agonists
Authors: Fernandez Mégane , Pezier Tiffany , Papadopoulos Stylianos , Laurent Fabrice , Werts Catherine , Lacroix-Lamandé Sonia
Published: June 2024

By providing innate immune modulatory stimuli, the early-life immune system can be enhanced to increase resistance to infections. Activation of innate cell surface receptors called pattern recognition receptors by Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands is one promising approach that can help to control infections as described for listeriosis and cryptosporidiosis. In this study, the effect of TLR2/TLR1 and TLR2/TLR6 agonists was compared when injected into neonatal mice. Surprisingly, the stimulation of TLR2/TLR6 led to the death of the neonatal mice, which was not observed in adult mice. The TLR2/TLR6 agonist administration induced higher systemic and intestinal inflammation in both adult and neonatal mice when compared with TLR2/TLR1 agonist. The mortality of neonatal mice was interferon γ dependent and involved the intestinal production of interleukin-22 and interleukin-17A. This study clearly demonstrates that targeting TLRs as new control strategy of neonatal infections has to be used with caution. Depending on its heterodimeric form, TLR2 stimulation can induce more or less severe adverse effects relying on the age-related immune functions of the host.
Proof of concept of the Universal Baby video innovation for early child development in Lima, Peru
Authors: Nelson Adrianne K , Griest Christa J , Munoz Llubitza M , Rumaldo Nancy , Miller Ann C , Soplapuco Guadalupe M , Lecca Leonid , Shin Sonya S , Acuña Llalu R , Valdivia Yesica V , Ramos Alicia R , Ahumada Diego G , Ramos Blanca R H , Mejia Sarah A , Serrano Esther O , Castro William H , Oliva Victoria E , Heyman Annie S , Hartwell Lauren P , Blackwell Ronnie L , Diaz Diego F , Vibbert Martha M
Published: June 2024

Objective

Community-based video interventions offer an effective and potentially scalable early interaction coaching tool for caregivers living in low resource settings. We tested the Universal Baby (UB) video innovation; an early interaction coaching tool using video sourced and produced locally with early child development (ECD) expert supervision.

Methods

This proof-of-concept study enrolled 40 caregivers of children ages 10–18 months assigned to intervention and control groups by health establishments in Carabayllo, Lima, Peru. Mother/child dyads received 12 weekly group health education sessions with social support. Of those, 16 caregivers also received 6 UB videos featuring brain science education and local clips of responsive, reciprocal interaction, also known as “serve and return” interaction. Survey data assessed feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. We assessed improved quality of mother/child interaction using the Parenting Interactions with Children: Checklist of Observations Linked to Outcomes (PICCOLO).

Results

We found the program feasible. We successfully trained the local team to produce UB videos using locally-sourced footage and delivered the videos as part of a community-based intervention. We also found it to be acceptable in that participants enthusiastically received the UB videos, reporting they enjoyed being videotaped, and learned how to recognize and appropriately respond to their child’s nuanced sounds and gestures. The median change in total PICCOLO scores favored the intervention group compared to the control group.

Conclusions

UB offers great potential as a sustainable, potentially scalable, and culturally appropriate tool to promote equity for child development among young children living in low resource homes globally.
Examining where to go: pediatric psychology trainees’ perception of their graduate training in culture and diversity
Authors: Hess Courtney W , Rea Kelly E , Wruble Lauren P , Yee Shanique T , Bejarano Carolina M , Williford Desireé N , Gibler Robert C , Eshtehardi Sahar S , Fisher Rachel S , Morgan Casie H
Published: June 2024

Objective

Culture and diversity-related training is critical to the development of competent pediatric psychologists. Evaluation of training efforts have been conducted at the program level, yet evaluation of trainee experiences in culture and diversity-related training remains unassessed. This trainee-led study was the first formal assessment of pediatric psychology trainee experiences of culture and diversity-related training and the impact of training on their own cultural humility.

Methods

Study overview and a survey link was distributed across 2 listservs associated with the American Psychological Association (Division 53, Division 54) and sent directly to directors of graduate, internship, and fellowship training programs with a request to share with trainees. Surveys assessing integration of cultural training and trainee cultural humility were completed. Trainees also provided qualitative feedback regarding their multicultural training and development.

Results

Pediatric psychology trainees (N = 90) reported inconsistent integration of culture and diversity topics into their training. Of the 34 training areas assessed, 10 were perceived as thoroughly integrated into formal training by at least half of the respondents. Trainees often sought independent cultural training outside of their programs, and no relationship was detected between perceived integration of cultural training and trainee cultural competence.

Discussion

Results indicate room for improvement regarding integration of cultural training and a need to better understand driving forces behind trainees independently seeking training outside of their formal training programs. Moreover, understanding the aspects of training that are most contributory to trainee development is needed given that no relationship between training and development emerged in the current study.
Human toxoplasmosis as a result of swimming with pink dolphins in the Amazon river?
Authors: Hinrichsen Sylvia Lemos , Aguiar Santos Vilella Tatiana , Lima Neto Reginaldo Gonçalves
Published: June 2024

Toxoplasmosis appears to be a common infection among humans, domestic and wild animals in the Manaus region, Amazonas state, Brazil. Tourist activities in this area include swimming with pink dolphins, suspended trails through the forest and visits to indigenous tribes. This case reports the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis should be included in investigations of travellers.
The Plant PTM Viewer 2.0: in-depth exploration of plant protein modification landscapes
Authors: Willems Patrick , Sterck Lieven , Dard Avilien , Huang Jingjing , De Smet Ive , Gevaert Kris , Van Breusegem Frank
Published: June 2024

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) greatly increase protein diversity and functionality. To help the plant research community interpret the ever-increasing number of reported PTMs, the Plant PTM Viewer (https://www.psb.ugent.be/PlantPTMViewer) provides an intuitive overview of plant protein PTMs and the tools to assess it. This update includes 62 novel PTM profiling studies, adding a total of 112 000 modified peptides reporting plant PTMs, including 14 additional PTM types and three species (moss, tomato, and soybean). Furthermore, an open modification re-analysis of a large-scale Arabidopsis thaliana mass spectrometry tissue atlas identified previously uncharted landscapes of lysine acylations predominant in seed and flower tissues and 3-phosphoglycerylation on glycolytic enzymes in plants. An extra ‘Protein list analysis’ tool was developed for retrieval and assessing the enrichment of PTMs in a protein list of interest. We conducted a protein list analysis on nuclear proteins, revealing a substantial number of redox modifications in the nucleus, confirming previous assumptions regarding the redox regulation of transcription. We encourage the plant research community to use PTM Viewer 2.0 for hypothesis testing and new target discovery, and also to submit new data to expand the coverage of conditions, plant species, and PTM types, thereby enriching our understanding of plant biology.