bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polygenic Prediction of Recurrent Events After Early-Onset Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Ardissino Maddalena , Paraboschi Elvezia Maria , Lambert Samuel A. , Kim Lois G. , Kelemen Martin , Maglietta Giuseppe , Crocamo Antonio , Magnani Giulia , Bricoli Serena , Vignali Luigi , Niccoli Giampaolo , Tubaro Marco , Pastika Libor , Sau Arunashis , Ng Fu Siong , de Marvao Antonio , Honigberg Michael C. , Natarajan Pradeep , Nelson Adam J. , Inouye Michael , Di Angelantonio Emanuele , Asselta Rosanna , Ardissino Diego , Butterworth Adam S.
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND:

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a complex disease caused by both lifestyle and genetic factors. This study aims to investigate the predictive value of genetic risk, in addition to traditional cardiovascular risk factors, for recurrent events following early-onset MI.

METHODS:

The Italian Genetic Study of Early-Onset Myocardial Infarction is a cohort study enrolling patients with MI before 45 years. Monogenic variants causing familial hypercholesterolemia were identified, and a coronary artery disease polygenic score (PGS) was calculated. Ten-fold cross-validated Cox proportional hazards models were fitted sequentially including all clinical variables, the PGS, and monogenic variants on the composite outcome of cardiovascular death, recurrent MI, stroke, or revascularization.

RESULTS:

During a 19.9-year follow-up, 847 (50.7%) patients experienced recurrent events. Each 1-SD higher PGS was associated with a 21% higher hazard of recurrent events (hazard ratio, 1.21 [95% CI, 1.13–1.31];
P
=4.04×10
−6
). Except for secondary prevention, PGS was the strongest determinant of recurrent event risk (C index, 0.56 [95% CI, 0.54–0.58]) compared with clinical risk factors. Overall, predictive performance of clinical risk factors (C index, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.67–0.71]) improved after adding the PGS (C index, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.68–0.71];
P
=0.006). When dividing the population by PGS quintiles, the highest fifth had a 57% higher hazard of recurrent events than the lowest fifth (hazard ratio, 1.57 [95% CI, 1.26–1.96];
P
=5.57×10
−5
).

CONCLUSIONS:

When compared with other clinical risk factors, PGS was the strongest predictor of event recurrence among patients with an early-onset MI. Though the discriminative power of recurrent event prediction in this cohort was modest, the addition of PGS significantly improved discrimination.
Hepatic Tissue Alterations in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Determinants and Prognostic Implications
Authors: Lechner Ivan , Reindl Martin , von der Emde Sebastian , Desheva Alina , Oberhollenzer Fritz , Tiller Christina , Holzknecht Magdalena , Kremser Thomas , Faccini Julian , Gollmann-Tepeköylü Can , Kremser Christian , Mayr Agnes , Bauer Axel , Metzler Bernhard , Reinstadler Sebastian J.
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND:

The presence and clinical significance of hepatic tissue alterations as assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), are unclear. This study aimed to investigate associations of hepatic T1 patterns with myocardial tissue damage and clinical outcomes in patients suffering from STEMI.

METHODS:

We analyzed 485 patients with STEMI treated with percutaneous coronary intervention who were enrolled in the prospective MARINA STEMI study (Magnetic Resonance Imaging In Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction). Myocardial function and left and right ventricular (RV) infarct characteristics were assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance within the first week after STEMI. Native hepatic T1 times and extracellular volume were evaluated from standard cardiac T1 maps at baseline and 4 months thereafter.

RESULTS:

Median hepatic T1 times were 559 ms (interquartile range, 514–605) at baseline and decreased to 542 ms (interquartile range, 507–577) at 4 months (
P
<0.001). Hepatic T1 times at baseline were independently associated with female sex (β 0.116;
P
=0.008), hyperlipidemia (β −0.116;
P
=0.008), and myocardial tissue damage (infarct size: β 0.178;
P
<0.001; microvascular obstruction: β 0.193;
P
<0.001; RV infarction: β 0.161;
P
<0.001). Determinants of hepatic T1 times at 4 months were female sex (β 0.123;
P
=0.002), multivessel disease (β 0.121;
P
=0.002), N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (β 0.101;
P
=0.010), RV infarction (β 0.501;
P
<0.001), and RV end-systolic volume index (β 0.087;
P
=0.031). Patients without a decrease exhibited a higher frequency of major adverse cardiovascular events (13% versus 5%;
P
=0.003). Hepatic T1 times at baseline (hazard ratio, 1.87 [95% CI, 1.40–2.50];
P
<0.001), 4 months (hazard ratio, 2.69 [95% CI, 2.15–3.36];
P
<0.001), and hepatic extracellular volume at 4 months (hazard ratio, 1.59 [95% CI, 1.33–1.90];
P
<0.001) were associated with major adverse cardiovascular events. After adjustment for univariable associates, only hepatic T1 times at 4 months were independently associated with adverse outcomes (hazard ratio, 2.86 [95% CI, 1.99–4.12];
P
<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Hepatic tissue alterations determined by T1 mapping were associated with female sex, hyperlipidemia, multivessel disease, N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide, and left and RV myocardial tissue damage. These alterations can persist into the chronic phase after STEMI and indicate a worse clinical outcome.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT04113356.
Cardiogenic Shock Complicating Takotsubo Syndrome: Sex‐Related Differences
Authors: Tomasino Marco , Núñez‐Gil Iván J. , Martínez‐Selles Manuel , Vedia Oscar , Corbí‐Pascual Miguel , Salamanca Jorge , Blanco‐Ponce Emilia , Cordón Clara Fernández , Almendro‐Delia Manuel , Pérez‐Castellanos Alberto , Martín‐García Agustín , Vila‐Sanjuán Sofía , Vazirani Ravi , Duran‐Cambra Albert , Becerra‐Muñoz Victor M. , Guillén‐Marzo Marta , Uribarri Aitor
Published: November 2024

Background

Sex‐related differences in Takotsubo syndrome have been described, but no information is available in patients who develop cardiogenic shock.

Methods and Results

Of 412 patients with Takotsubo syndrome with cardiogenic shock, 71 (17.2%) were men. Male patients were older (71.1±12.2 versus 65.3±17.1 years,
P
<0.001), more frequently smokers (47 [66.2%] versus 66 [19.4%],
P
<0.01), with higher prevalence of neoplasms (6 [8.5%] versus 8 [2.3%],
P
=0.01), lower left ventricular ejection fraction (31% versus 37%,
P
<0.001), more frequent invasive mechanical ventilation (30 [42.3%] versus 90 [26.4%],
P
=<0.01), higher rate of infections (43 [60.6%] versus 148 [43.4%],
P
=<0.01), and longer in‐hospital stay (19±20 days versus 13±15 days,
P
=0.02). A total of 55 patients (13.3%) died during hospital admission, and 90 patients (21.8%) died at the end of the 5‐year follow‐up. Male sex was not significantly associated with the in‐hospital (odds ratio, 1.31 [95% CI, 0.64–2.68]) or 5‐year mortality rate (hazard ratio, 1.66 [95% CI, 0.93–2.94]). In the matched cohort, no significant differences in the short‐ and long‐term mortality rate were found either.

Conclusions

Cardiogenic shock due to Takotsubo syndrome has high short‐ and long‐term mortality rates that are similar in men and women.
An evaluation of a multidisciplinary care planning tool for people with intellectual disabilities and behaviours of concern
Authors: Tripp Tamsin , Goodey Rebecca , Deb Shoumitro , Thomson Oliver , Gartside Jonathan , Hipperson Kelvyn , Shankar Rohit
Published: November 2024

Background

Multidisciplinary care planning for people with intellectual disabilities who engage in behaviours of concern (BoC) is challenging and complex. Effective collaborative understanding and action planning across all stakeholders is essential. Cornwall’s Adult Community Learning Disability Team developed a care planning tool ( Connect Behaviour) using contemporary evidence and best practice. Connect Behaviour is designed to facilitate care planning by collaborative and enhanced shared understanding and is also available as an interactive web-based tool.

Aim

To evaluate Connect behaviour using stakeholders’ experiences.

Methods

Family members, care providers, advocates, social workers and professionals who had attended meetings guided by the Connect Behaviour care planning tool in a 3-month period were interviewed about their experiences of those meetings. This was interpreted using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

 Of 71 individuals identified as meeting this criterion of inclusion 61 were contactable and 27 consented to participation. These participants consisted of 17 health professionals, two parents, two social workers, three advocates, two positive behaviour support advisors within care providers, and one manager of a local care provider. The thematic analysis of participant views of connect behaviour generated five superordinate themes of ‘pragmatic’, ‘enabling’, ‘validation of effort’, ‘perceived lack of flexibility’ and ‘areas for development’. Further inquiry of themes highlighted subthemes of Connect Behaviour being ‘sensible’, ‘practical’, ‘collaborative’, ‘holistic’ and ‘action’. Conversely, some perceived a lack of flexibility in the care planning tool. Future areas for development were also identified in the data. Changes were recommended to increase the tool accessibility for people with intellectual disabilities, support stakeholders understanding of the tool, and consider utility for other clinical scenarios.

Conclusions

The evaluation established general feedback to continue to use the Connect Behaviour as a care planning tool. The benefits of Connect Behaviour in comparison to other care planning frameworks needs to be understood.
Internal Control Quality and Boardroom Backscratching
Authors: Huang Lei , Tang Chunmei , Li Manman
Published: November 2024

In modern firms, conflicts may arise between the chief executive officer and board of directors due to the separation of ownership and operations. Such conflicts may weaken listed companies’ performance in the short term or affect their development in the long term. Using data on Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share listed companies from 2013 to 2022, this study empirically examines the impact of internal control quality on boardroom backscratching. We find that internal control quality significantly mitigates boardroom backscratching by reducing agency costs and increasing analyst attention. This effect is more significant in firms where the management holds less power and the product market is highly competitive. Furthermore, the mitigating effects of internal control quality on boardroom backscratching effectively reduce the risk of the company’s share price collapsing. Overall, this study enriches the literature on boardroom backscratching and internal control quality, and provides valuable references for stakeholders, including listed companies, to improve firm governance efficiency and, thus, maintain the stability of capital markets.
Kaam: Youth, religiosity, and the cultural production of work in a North Indian Madrasa
Authors: Kulshreshth Shantanu
Published: November 2024

Drawing from year-long ethnographic fieldwork in a North Indian Madrasa, this paper looks at how young Madrasa students are navigating socio-economic precarity in their everyday lives. I primarily focus on young people’s navigation of neoliberal and Hindu Nationalist discourses surrounding work and employment. In doing so, I draw on the recent turn in critical work geographies by de-emphasising a wage-centric approach to studying practices of work. At the same time, I show how work is locally constructed and mobilised in relation to a variety of social and cultural resources by focusing on young people’s articulation of work through the Hindustani word kaam.
Neurochemical characterization of 5-HT2AR partial agonists with simultaneous PET-MRI
Authors: Bagdasarian Frederick A , Larsen Kristian , Deng Hong Ping , Fisher Patrick M , Mandeville Joseph B , Sander Christin Y , Wey Hsiao-Ying , Hansen Hanne D
Published: November 2024

Understanding neuromodulatory effects of serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) agonists with diverse pharmacological profiles is relevant to advancing psychedelic-related drug applications. We performed simultaneous positron emission tomography (PET) and pharmacological magnetic resonance imaging (phMRI) in anesthetized nonhuman primates (NHP; N = 3) to examine partial agonists with varying 5-HT2AR affinities and selectivity profiles: psilocybin (30, 60, and 90 µg/kg), lisuride (5 µg/kg), and 25CN-NBOH (15 µg/kg). Receptor occupancy was assessed with [11C]MDL-100907 PET, and cerebral blood volume (CBV) changes were measured with phMRI. Mixed partial agonists psilocybin and lisuride evoked biphasic CBV responses, whereas the selective 25CN-NBOH produced monophasic CBV increases. Cortical occupancy for psilocybin plateaued at 60 µg/kg (32%), whereas a lower dose of lisuride (5 µg/kg) resulted in similar occupancy (31%). Administration of 25CN-NBOH resulted in lower occupancy (7%) but larger changes in CBV compared to psilocybin and lisuride. The associations between CBV and 5-HT2AR occupancy appear linear for lisuride and 25CN-NBOH, but not for psilocybin. We speculate that the temporal and spatial differences in hemodynamic responses of the three agonists could stem from mixed affinity profiles. This work provides an understanding of pharmacological impacts of mixed serotonergic agonists being pursued as therapeutics for psychiatric conditions, offering valuable insights for future drug applications and development strategies.
“There Is No Peace”, “We Are Just Persevering”: Triggers, Manifestations, and Consequences of Intimate Partner Violence Against Men in Kenya
Authors: Waila Jacinta Mukulu , Mitiro Domnick Onyango , Lowery Wilson Michael , Horstick Olaf , Musyimi Christine Wayua
Published: November 2024

Intimate partner violence (IPV) within heterosexual relationships affects both men and women, yet an in-depth description of IPV against men in developing countries is still limited. This study explored community perceptions of male IPV victimization in an informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya. We conducted 12 focus group discussions (FGDs) with 118 ever-married participants (59 men and 59 women), divided into 6 FGDs for each gender. We performed thematic analysis using NVivo software. This article presents three main themes that emerged during data analysis: (a) triggers, (b) manifestations, and (c) consequences/effects of IPV against men. Both male and female participants perceived male IPV victimization as a significant concern in the community. The poor living conditions, coupled with alcohol use, seemed to be major underlying factors, often forming the basis of spousal conflict. Emotional abuse, including denial of basic needs, acts of humiliation, and coercive control, were the most frequently cited forms of violence. The consequences of what was considered IPV against men affected victims and their families including the violent female spouses, children, and the society at large. These effects upset the health, economic, and social spheres of life with some retriggering male IPV, thus creating a vicious cycle of abuse. Notably and of concern, IPV against women was highlighted as a consequence of male victimization. Although we set out to explore community perceptions, study participants openly shared their experiences of male IPV perpetration and victimization. These findings underscore the importance of recognizing men as potential victims of IPV and contextualizing IPV prevention strategies targeting the urban poor with the goal of designing and implementing policies and interventions that address IPV holistically.
Emotional Dysregulation, Anger, and Masculinity in Men Who Have Experienced Lifetime Sexual Violence
Authors: DeSantis Amanda J. , Eshelman Lee R. , Messman Terri L.
Published: November 2024

Many men experience strong negative emotions and a “diminished masculinity” following sexual victimization. These men may be more willing to express anger, rather than more vulnerable emotions (e.g., shame), in an attempt to maintain their masculinity. However, increased expression of anger among men is linked to other negative outcomes such as increased substance abuse (Eftekhari et al., 2004), suggesting that anger is an ineffective coping strategy for distress. Compared to women, men are understudied in the sexual violence literature. Studies that have been conducted have focused primarily on child sexual abuse, adult males in prison, or military sexual violence samples. Few studies have investigated men’s sexual abuse across their lifetime. This study intended to fill this gap by investigating sexual violence against men across the lifespan. The goal of the current study was to examine how conformity to masculine norms and emotional dysregulation influence the relationship between lifetime sexual violence (LSV) and anger. We hypothesized that the relation between LSV and anger would be mediated by conformity to masculine norms and emotion dysregulation. Data were collected from 532 community and 185 college men. Participants completed measures focused on childhood maltreatment, adult sexual victimization, masculinity, anger, and emotion dysregulation. Two hundred and one (27.1%) men reported LSV experiences. Results suggest men with LSV reported significantly higher scores on conformity to masculine norms, anger, and emotion dysregulation. Regression analyses revealed that LSV directly predicted increased conformity to masculine norms, emotion dysregulation, and anger. Additionally, the indirect effects of emotion dysregulation and masculinity were significant. Findings indicate trauma interventions need to target masculine ideology and emotion dysregulation to help reduce anger as a traditionally acceptable emotional outlet for men.
Achilles Tendon Ruptures in National Hockey League Players: Return to Sport and Performance Impact
Authors: Hayes Emmitt , Meulenkamp Bradley , Matache Bogdan , Pickell Michael
Published: November 2024

Background:

Few studies assess rates of return to play and postinjury performance in National Hockey League (NHL) players who sustain Achilles tendon ruptures. Our objective was to determine the rate of return to play and performance impact among NHL players who undergo surgical repair of Achilles tendon tears.

Methods:

NHL players who sustained an Achilles tendon rupture between 2001 and 2021 were identified using a publicly available injury database. Demographic and outcome data were collected for the 1-year period preceding and the 2-year period following surgery. Our primary outcome was expected wins above replacement per 60 minutes played. A position, draft year, and index season performance matched cohort was created. Pre- and postinjury outcomes were compared between cases and controls with a paired t test.

Results:

We identified 15 cases (9 forwards, 5 defencemen, 1 goaltender). Fourteen of 15 (93%) players returned to play. Preinjury, postinjury year 1, and postinjury year 2 expected wins above replacement were 0.05, 0.05, 0.05 respectively ( P > .05). There was no significant difference in performance between cases and controls at any time point.

Conclusion:

Achilles tendon tears are associated with a high rate of return to play in the NHL and are not associated with a significant change in offensive, defensive, or overall performance-based metrics.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, case-control study.
Endophytic bacterial community dynamics in sweet cherry in vitro shoot culture and their role in shoot adaptation after cryopreservation
Authors: Vinskienė Jurgita , Tamošiūnė Inga , Rugienius Rytis , Andriūnaitė Elena , Stanys Vidmantas , Baniulis Danas
Published: November 2024

Background

In vitro cultivation and cryopreservation techniques are essential tools for genetic diversity conservation and pathogen-free plant propagation of horticultural crops. The optimisation of cryopreservation protocols typically focuses on minimising the negative effects of pretreatment with cryoprotectors (CPs), cryogenic freezing (CF) treatment, and recovery procedures on explants. However, the impact of in vitro and CF techniques on plant-associated microbiota remains poorly understood, and their potential to improve plant adaptation after cryopreservation is underexplored. The aim of the present study was to investigate in vitro shoot culture and cryopreservation-induced changes in the endophytic bacterial diversity of two sweet cherry cultivars and to assess the potential of an inoculum of bacterial isolates to improve the growth of shoot culture after CF.

Results

Cultivars ‘Sunburst’ and ‘Mindaugė’ showed different responses to cold hardening preconditioning as well as different survival and regrowth rates after cryopreservation. Metataxonomic analysis revealed variation in the abundance and taxonomic composition of bacteria assigned to 35 families in samples of field-grown tree leaves, dormant buds, and in vitro shoot culture before and after CF treatment. Bacillaceae and Enterobacteriaceae bacteria were predominant in the leaf samples of both cultivars. For ‘Sunburst’, Pseudomonadaceae and Sphingomonadaceae bacteria were dominant in dormant buds and in vitro shoots, respectively, while Burkholderiaceae was largely predominant in the shoots following CF treatment. Conversely, ‘Mindaugė’ tissues exhibited more consistent colonisation by Bacillaceae and Enterobacteriaceae across the experimental groups, except for in vitro shoots where Mycobacteriaceae prevailed. A pure bacterial isolate inoculum was applied to the ‘Mindaugė’ shoot culture to counter the CF treatment-induced suppression of shoot growth (~ 40%). Cocultivation with Brevibacterium sp. S1-2, Bacillus cereus S1-3, or B. toyonensis Nt18 increased the shoot leaf area from 48 to 75%.

Conclusions

This study revealed that endophytic bacterial diversity is significantly reduced under in vitro conditions, often leading to a genotype-specific increase in the abundance and dominance of bacteria attributed to a single bacterial family. Moreover, shoot cocultivation with endophytic bacterial isolates has potential for improving the recovery of in vitro shoots after cryopreservation.
Project G-SPACE: protocol for exploring the influence of green space on sleep and mental health among children
Authors: Grigsby-Toussaint Diana S. , Shin Jong Cheol , Acevedo Aliana Rodriguez , Kemball-Cook William , Story Diane , Katz Abby , Nwanaji-Enwerem Ugoji , Evans Gabrielle , Johnson Azia , Ury Brooke , Romero-Ramos Yaideliz M. , Yang Jue , Barker David M. , McGeary John E. , Dunsiger Shira I.
Published: November 2024

Background

The prevention of pediatric mental health disorders is a growing health priority in the United States. While exposure to green space, such as outdoor vegetation, has been linked with improved mental health outcomes in children, little is known about the impact of green space on children’s sleep. Sleep has many benefits, but the factors affecting both sleep and mental health as they relate to green space exposure are not well understood in children. This study aims to investigate how green space can affect sleep in children and contribute to the promotion of mental health and wellbeing.

Methods

Project Green Space, Sleep, and Mental Health (G-SPACE) aims to recruit 250 elementary school-children from first, second, and third grade in Rhode Island to examine the influence of green space exposure on sleep, physical activity, and mental health over a five-year period. Objective measures of sleep, physical activity, and daily activity space will be assessed using an actigraph and a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit. Subjective measures of sleep duration, sleep quality, and mental health will be assessed using daily sleep diaries from parents, in addition to a range of survey items, including PROMIS® (Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System) pediatric scales, and the Children’s Sleep Habits questionnaire, among others. Green space exposure will be based on measures of green space from the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) aligned with the daily activity trajectory of children. Additionally, saliva and DNA samples will be collected to examine epigenetic mechanisms linking green space to sleep and mental health. A subset of participants (n = 50) will be followed longitudinally to evaluate the long-term impact of green space on sleep and mental health among children. Multi-level models will be used to assess the association between green space exposure, sleep behaviors, and mental health.

Discussion

Project G-SPACE will evaluate whether green space utilization influences sleep and mental health in early elementary school children, and the possible mechanistic pathways through which these associations emerge.
Self-harm hospitalizations and neighbourhood level material and social deprivation in Canada: an ecological study
Authors: Liu Li , Pollock Nathaniel J. , Contreras Gisèle , Xu Yuan , Thompson Wendy
Published: November 2024

Background

Socio-economic status is associated with self-harm at the individual and area level. In Canada, there is limited evidence on the relationship between area-level markers of socio-economic status and self-harm. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of small area-level material and social deprivation on rates of hospitalization due to self-harm.

Methods

Administrative data on hospitalizations from two databases in Canada (Discharge Abstract Database and Ontario Mental Health Reporting System) for the period April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2022, were analyzed. Rates of self-harm hospitalization and percentage of repeated admissions were estimated across quintiles of material and social deprivation. Rate ratios were computed to evaluate disparities. The rates were stratified by sex and age group; the percentage of repeated admissions were stratified by sex.

Results

In total, the study included 109,398 hospitalizations due to self-harm. Populations in more deprived areas had higher rates of self-harm hospitalizations than those in less deprived areas. The rate ratios for people who lived in the most deprived areas over the least deprived areas were 1.48 (95% CI: 1.38–1.58) and 1.71 (95% CI: 1.60–1.82) for material and social deprivation, separately. The largest disparity was among people aged 25–44 years for material and 45–64 years for social deprivation. Percentages of repeated self-harm hospitalizations were significantly higher in more deprived areas compared to less deprived areas for social deprivation, and among males but not females for material deprivation.

Conclusions

Both material and social deprivation were associated with self-harm hospitalization and repeated admissions; the disparity varied by subgroup and the deprivation components. This study demonstrated a need to consider interventions at the neighbourhood level and address both community and population-level conditions of social and material need.
Assessing fidelity of design and training of Making Every Contact Count (MECC) in a mental health inpatient setting
Authors: Kemp Emma , Aquino Maria Raisa Jessica , Wilson Rob , Vasiljevic Milica , McBride Kate , Robson Craig , Faulkner Sally , Loraine Mish , Harland Jill , Haighton Catherine , Rodrigues Angela
Published: November 2024

Background

Making Every Contact Count (MECC) is a public health strategy which strives to enable brief interventions to be implemented through opportunistic healthy lifestyle conversations. In a mental health inpatient setting a bespoke MECC training package has been developed to encourage cascade training through a train the trainer model and to incorporate an additional regional health strategy A Weight Off Your Mind into Core MECC training to provide a focus on healthy weight management. This study evaluated the fidelity of design of MECC in the mental health inpatient setting and fidelity of the training package currently being cascaded across the region.

Methods

Initially a documentary analysis of six documents shared through the mental health inpatient setting including MECC implementation guide, logic model, checklist and evaluation framework. Documents were analysed using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist and coded using the Behaviour Change Technique (BCT) Taxonomy version one (BCTTv1) and the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) Taxonomy. Coding was compared against MECC guidance documents to complete the fidelity assessment. A training delivery guide, training slides and two recordings of both train the trainer and Core MECC + A Weight Off Your Mind training were analysed for behaviour change techniques (BCTs) and compared to conduct a fidelity training assessment.

Results

Overall the implementation of MECC in the mental health inpatient setting had moderate fidelity to the MECC guidance, with a total of 31 BCTs identified across guidance and provider documents and a 77% adherence of provider documents to guidance. The highest level of fidelity applied to the MECC implementation guide where 86% of identified BCTs were also present. The training package showed high fidelity that both training programmes were being delivered as intended with 100% of BCT matched from training materials to training transcripts. Potential loss of fidelity through additional BCTs was present across provider documents and training transcripts.

Conclusion

The implementation of MECC across the mental health inpatient setting and the training package appear to be delivered as intended therefore demonstrating good fidelity and potential benefits to public health. Future research would benefit from assessing cascade training sessions from those who have completed train the trainer to evaluate ongoing fidelity of training across the trust.
The association between chronotype and social anxiety among Chinese university students: a moderated mediation analysis of loneliness and perceived social support
Authors: Zhu Yingying , Liu Junling , Chen Fulin , Wang Qian , Cao Kunxia , Huang Jiahao , Wang He , Wang Qiang , Luo Xue
Published: November 2024

Background

Social anxiety has been a burning problem among contemporary college students in China. Increasing evidence suggests that individual circadian typology–chronotype may play an important role in the development of social anxiety. However, little research has focused directly on examining the association between chronotype and social anxiety, and less is known about the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying this relationship. The aim of the present study was to investigate the link between chronotype and social anxiety among Chinese college students, and to explore the mediating effect of loneliness and the moderating effect of perceived social support in the association between chronotype and social anxiety.

Methods

A cross-sectional design was conducted among 1616 college students (16–29 years old) from several public universities in Northern China, including 1172 females (72.52%) and 444 males (27.48%), with an average age of 19.68 years old (SD = 1.49). All participants completed the standardized self-report questionnaires including the Social Avoidance and Distress Scale, Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire, UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the Perceived Social Support Scale. Common method bias was performed using Harman’s single-factor test. The mediation and moderation effects were analyzed using SPSS software and PROCESS macros.

Results

Chronotype had a negative predictive effect on social anxiety in college students. Specifically, the greater the inclination of individuals' chronotypes toward evening preference, the more pronounced their symptoms of social anxiety would be. Loneliness served as a partial mediator in the relationship between chronotype and social anxiety, accounting for 30.0% of the total effect. In addition, perceived social support, particularly from friends and significant others, was found to play a moderating role in the process of loneliness affecting social anxiety among college students, while support from family did not. Interestingly, the perceived social support displayed a limited protective effect when college students suffered from higher levels of loneliness.

Conclusion

These findings deepened our understanding of how and when (or for “whom”) chronotype is related to social anxiety, offering a theoretical foundation and practical insights for preventing and addressing social anxiety risk in young adult university students, particularly those with evening chronotypes.
Analyzing evaluation methods for large language models in the medical field: a scoping review
Authors: Lee Junbok , Park Sungkyung , Shin Jaeyong , Cho Belong
Published: November 2024

Background

Owing to the rapid growth in the popularity of Large Language Models (LLMs), various performance evaluation studies have been conducted to confirm their applicability in the medical field. However, there is still no clear framework for evaluating LLMs.

Objective

This study reviews studies on LLM evaluations in the medical field and analyzes the research methods used in these studies. It aims to provide a reference for future researchers designing LLM studies.

Methods & materials

We conducted a scoping review of three databases (PubMed, Embase, and MEDLINE) to identify LLM-related articles published between January 1, 2023, and September 30, 2023. We analyzed the types of methods, number of questions (queries), evaluators, repeat measurements, additional analysis methods, use of prompt engineering, and metrics other than accuracy.

Results

A total of 142 articles met the inclusion criteria. LLM evaluation was primarily categorized as either providing test examinations (n = 53, 37.3%) or being evaluated by a medical professional (n = 80, 56.3%), with some hybrid cases (n = 5, 3.5%) or a combination of the two (n = 4, 2.8%). Most studies had 100 or fewer questions (n = 18, 29.0%), 15 (24.2%) performed repeated measurements, 18 (29.0%) performed additional analyses, and 8 (12.9%) used prompt engineering. For medical assessment, most studies used 50 or fewer queries (n = 54, 64.3%), had two evaluators (n = 43, 48.3%), and 14 (14.7%) used prompt engineering.

Conclusions

More research is required regarding the application of LLMs in healthcare. Although previous studies have evaluated performance, future studies will likely focus on improving performance. A well-structured methodology is required for these studies to be conducted systematically.
Use of antipsychotic drugs during radiotherapy in adult cancer patients in Korea: a nationwide retrospective cohort study based on the national health insurance service database
Authors: Hwang In Gyu , Park Song E , Kim Sun Mi , Kang Dae Ryong , Go Tae-Hwa , Hong Se Hwa , Ha Yong-Chan , Park Shin Young , Lee Hyunho , Choi Jin Hwa
Published: November 2024

Background

Antipsychotic drugs (APDs) are used for treating mental illnesses and are also used by cancer patients. This study aimed to evaluate APD use in adult cancer patients who received radiotherapy (RT) in South Korea and assess the effects of APD use during RT on survival.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study utilized the National Health Insurance Service database database of Korea. We included adult cancer patients who underwent RT or chemotherapy (CTx, cisplatin, or 5-Fluorouracil) between 2010 and 2020. The APDs included in the analysis were aripiprazole, quetiapine, olanzapine, risperidone, haloperidol, and chlorpromazine.

Results

Overall, 725,897 patients received RT, and 115,500 received concomitant chemo-radiotherapy (CCRT). Of them, 41,118 (5.6%) took APDs during RT, and 8,129 (7%) took APDs during CCRT. Overall, 27,789 (67.58%) patients who took APDs during RT were men, and 28,004 (68.2%) were aged ≥ 60 years. The most frequently used APD during RT was quetiapine (64.93%). Patients who took APDs during RT and during CCRT had higher mortality rates (HR: 3.45 and 1.72, p < 0.0001, respectively) compared to the non-APD patients. Of the patients who used APDs during RT, patients accompanying psychiatric diagnosis, taking high-dose APD, and taking APD for more than 3 months had lower mortality than patients without psychiatric diagnosis, taking low-dose APD, and taking APD for less than 3 months, respectively (HR: 0.88, 0.87 and 0.80, respectively, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Only 5.6% of patients who underwent RT used APDs, and quetiapine was the most frequently prescribed APD during RT. The use of APD during RT may adversely affect survival. Further studies are required to elucidate the effects of APDs on cancer patients.

Trial registration

This study is retrospectively registered.
Post-conditioning sleep deprivation facilitates delay and trace fear memory extinction
Authors: Miyamoto Daisuke , Mahmoud Mahmoud Abdelmouti
Published: November 2024

Trace and delay auditory fear conditioning involve different memory association strategies based on working memory involvement; however, their differences in long-term processing through sleep and extinction training remain unclear. While females often exhibit more persistent fear, complicating psychiatric treatment, most studies have primarily focused on how sleep affects initial recall in male mice. We investigated the three-way interaction between tests (trace vs. delay), sleep states, and sex during initial recall, extinction, and post-extinction remote recall. A six-hour post-conditioning sleep deprivation (SD) did not affect freezing behavior during the following day’s extinction training of delay fear memory. However, during post-extinction remote recall of delay fear memory, SD prevented spontaneous recovery in males and reduced persistent freezing in females. In contrast, SD rapidly facilitated extinction of trace fear memory. In summary, SD enhances extinction both in the short-term and long-term, depending on the conditioning protocol. These findings highlight the importance of long-term assessments to explore interactions among emotional memory, sleep, and sex differences, with implications for individualized mechanisms underlying post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its treatments.
The microneme protein1 (MIC1) of Chinese 1 Toxoplasma regulates pyroptosis through the TLR4/NLRP3 pathway in macrophages
Authors: Sun Wenze , Zhang Fan , Zhu Jinjin , Yu Yanxia , Wang Yang , Luo Qingli , Yu Li
Published: November 2024

Background

TgMIC1, a soluble adhesion protein that typically facilitates parasite invasion, exhibited varying expression levels among distinct virulence strains of Chinese 1 Toxoplasma. This study aims to explore its role in immunological regulation and its association with diverse postinfection outcomes in Toxoplasma infection.

Methods

First, the mic1 knockout strain Wh3Δmic1 was generated and assessed for its virulence and proliferative capacity. Subsequently, the serum inflammation levels were examined in mice infected with Wh3Δmic1, Wh3, and Wh6. Furthermore, rMIC1 and rMIC1-T126A/T220A, which lack binding sites to N-glycan in TLR4, were produced for coculture with bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) to investigate their impact on pyroptosis.

Results

Our data showed Wh3Δmic1 exhibited a significant reduction in invasion efficiency, limited growth, and attenuated inflammatory responses in mice. Additionally, it displayed a decreased capacity to induce pyroptosis when compared with Wh3-infected BMDMs. Moreover, rMIC1 but not rMIC1-T126A/T220A was found to be able to upregulate NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) and activate GSDMD and caspase-1 in BMDMs but not in TLR4−/− and NLRP3−/− BMDMs.

Conclusions

TgMIC1 is implicated in both parasite invasion and the modulation of macrophage pyroptosis via the TLR4/NLRP3 pathway. This investigation indicates that TgMIC1 serves diverse functions in Toxoplasma gondii infection, thereby enhancing comprehension of the immune regulatory mechanisms of the parasite.

Graphical Abstract
Chemical characterization and identification of new bioactive compounds in food and food by-products by high resolution mass spectrometry and advanced chemometrics
Authors: Μαρτάκος Ιωάννης
Published: November 2024

Η παρούσα διατριβή παρουσιάζει ένα ολοκληρωμένο πρωτόκολλο λιπιδωμικής τεσσάρων διαστάσεων, με εφαρμογή σε διάφορες κατηγορίες τροφίμων— κρέας χοιρινό, κοτόπουλο, αβοκάντο και ιχθυέλαια—με σκοπό την αντιμετώπιση προκλήσεων που αφορούν την αυθεντικότητα, την ποιότητα και τη διατροφική αξία των τροφίμων. Η Ελλάδα, ως μεγάλος παραγωγός χοιρινού και κοτόπουλου, αντιμετωπίζει αυξανόμενη ζήτηση για αυθεντικά και υψηλής ποιότητας προϊόντα κρέατος, τα οποία συχνά είναι ευάλωτα σε νοθεία. Με χρήση φασματομετρίας ιοντικής ευκινησίας (IMS) και φασματομετρία μάζας υψηλής διακριτικής ικανότητας, αναπτύχθηκε ένα πρωτόκολλο λιπιδομικής τεσσάρων διαστάσεων για τον χαρακτηρισμό της λιπιδικής σύστασης του ελληνικού χοιρινού και κοτόπουλου, με ταυτοποίηση σχεδόν 400 λιπιδικών ενώσεων. Επιπλέον, το πρωτόκολλο επεκτάθηκε στην ταξινόμηση τμημάτων μυϊκών ιστών χοιρινού και αποκάλυψε μοναδικούς δείκτες λιπιδίων που συμβάλλουν στην ιχνηλασιμότητα, στον ποιοτικό έλεγχο και στην πρόληψη απάτης στη βιομηχανία κρέατος. Στην συνέχεια, το πρωτόκολλο αυτό εφαρμόστηκε για την μελέτη της αυθεντικότητας αβοκάντο Hass από διαφορετικές περιοχές της Ισπανίας, εντοπίζοντας δείκτες γλυκερολιπιδίων, όπως TAGs και DAGs, που αντικατοπτρίζουν γεωγραφικές και αγρονομικές επιρροές. Τέλος, πραγματοποιήθηκε μελέτη του λιπιδικού προφίλ σε ισχυέλαια παραγόμενα από παραπροϊόντα ιχθυρών. Εστιάζοντας στην πλούσια περιεκτικότητα αυτών των ελαίων σε ω-3 και ω-6 λιπαρά οξέα, η μελέτη αναδεικνύει βιοδραστικά λιπίδια, απαραίτητα για την καρδιαγγειακή υγεία και την γνωστική λειτουργία. Χρήση προηγμένων τεχνικών χημειομετρίας υπογραμμίζει περαιτέρω τα διακριτά λιπιδικά προφίλ σε δείγματα ψαριών, μαλακίων και αυγοτάραχου, συμβάλλοντας στη βιωσιμότητα, τη διατροφική ανάλυση και την επαλήθευση αυθεντικότητας των θαλάσσιων προϊόντων. Αυτή η διατριβή υπογραμμίζει την αξία της 4D λιπιδωμικής ως ένα ισχυρό εργαλείο στη μελέτη των τροφίμων (foodomics), προωθώντας την καινοτομία στην αξιολόγηση ποιότητας, την ιχνηλασιμότητα και την μελέτη της αυθεντικότητας σε τρόφιμα ζωικής και φυτικής προέλευσης. Μέσω στόχευσης/ανακάλυψης μορίων βιοδεικτών και μελέτης των λιπιδικών προφίλ, αυτή η διατριβή ενισχύει την κατανόηση μας για την ποιότητα και τον διατροφικό αντίκτυπο των τροφίμων, με σημαντικές επιπτώσεις στην υγεία των καταναλωτών και την βιομηχανία.
DIFFICULTIES IN DISTINGUISHING POLYSEMY AND HOMONYMY IN THE OSSETIAN LANGUAGE
Authors: Morgoeva Larisa B.
Published: November 2024

Background. The content side of a lexical unit is central and most significant in the analysis of structural-semantic connections of words and their classification taking into account the identified features. For the Ossetian studies, such type of scientific research seems especially relevant, since semantic changes in a word associated with the phenomena of polysemy and homonymy in the Ossetian language have not been sufficiently studied.
Purpose. The article is devoted to the study of semantic connections between lexical units of the Ossetian language and consideration of the mechanisms of their functioning in conditions of polysemy and homonymy. The current state of the Ossetian language allows us to assert that words are inclined to expand the boundaries of their semantic field, therefore, it becomes possible to isolate individual meanings into independent lexical units. The author aims to consider the basic principles of recognizing homonyms and establishing the boundaries of polysemy using techniques of contextual use.
Method and methodology of the work performed. The methods of structural-semantic analysis and generalization were used.
Results. To determine the semantic capabilities of a word and the peculiarities of the functioning of its meanings in the contextual environment, an analysis of lexicographic sources was carried out in comparison with illustrative material. The complete sample showed some discrepancies in dictionary definitions and in the definition of semantic connections between meanings. This is due to the fact that the divergence of meanings occurs due to the collapse of polysemy and in borderline cases these meanings may refer to the same lexical unit or are presented as homonyms. In relation to the vocabulary of the Ossetian language, the considered methods for identifying homonyms are effective only when used in a complex manner.
Practical implications. The results of the study can be useful in the field of lexicology and serve for a more in-depth and detailed analysis of the phenomena of polysemy and homonymy in the Ossetian language when developing current principles for distinguishing homonyms from polysemantic words.
ANALYZING THE CONCEPTS OF “BINOMIAL” AND “DOUBLET” IN THE CONTEXT OF LEGAL ENGLISH STUDIES
Authors: Gross Milena A. , Shevchenko Elena B.
Published: November 2024

Background. Legal English is a field of interest to both linguistic and legal scholars. Despite the different purposes of such research, two- and multi-component expressions connected by the conjunctions “and” or “or” are often the subject of such research. Various terms are currently used for these expressions, but the most common are “doublet” and “binomial”.
Purpose. Identifying the most appropriate term for naming two- and multi-component expressions in legal English.
Materials and methods. Two- and multi-component expressions have been analyzed in terms of morphology, semantics and etymology. The methods of corpus linguistics have been used to check the irreversibility of these expressions.
Results. Two- and multi-component expressions used in legal English have the following characteristics. The components of these expressions always belong to the same part of speech and can be in synonymous or complementary relations, as well as correlate as “part and whole”. In terms of components' etymology, the expressions can include words etymologically English or borrowed from one or two languages, or both. The sequence of components in expressions may vary, but one of the variants is always more frequent. The whole complex of the identified characteristics is covered by the concept of “binomial", so it is recommended to use this term.
PERSUASIVE COMPONENT OF THE METAPHORICAL MODEL “NATURE IS ART” IN ECOLOGICAL DISCOURSE: PRAGMA-COGNITIVE ASPECT
Authors: Pavlova Ksenia A.
Published: November 2024

Background. The article focuses on the issue of persuasive functioning of a metaphorical model ‘Nature is Art’ in ecological discourse. The relevance is due to the necessity of thorough investigation of a persuasive component of ecological discourse within the framework of pragmatic and cognitive approaches. One of the most acute problems existing nowadays is the problem of interaction of a human being with nature. This problem is widely discussed in mass media. Since one of the main functions of mass media is the function to influence the reader, it is of prime importance to analyze the persuasive component of eco-texts realized by means of metaphors that are connected to the theme of Art.
Purpose. The purpose of the study is to present a structure of frames and slots in the metaphorical model ‘Nature is Art’ and provide a linguistic analysis of its persuasive component.
Materials and methods. The research material comprises articles on the theme of ecology taken from the digital version of the British magazine ‘The Guardian’. The main research methods include analysis and synthesis of theoretical materials; lexico-semantic, pragma-stylistic and componential analyses with the application of online dictionaries (Merriam Webster Dictionary, Cambridge Dictionary); discourse and contextual analysis together with descriptive method. The aforementioned methods have given an opportunity to obtain accurate data on realization of persuasive influence in ecological discourse by means of metaphors.
Results. As part of the study the key frames within the metaphorical model ‘Nature is Art’, videlicet, ‘Nature as Dance’, ‘Nature as Literature’ and ‘Nature as Theatre’ have been investigated. The results demonstrated that each frame is characterized by a set of persuasive markers that influence the reader. The ways of linguistic representation of these markers were analyzed.
Practical implications. The research results can be used for further investigation of ways of persuasive influence within ecological discourse as well as in the development of courses on ecological discourse, category of persuasion and metaphorical modelling.