bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health care professionals expectations on mobile exergaming to decrease sedentary time in patients with heart failure
Authors: Klompstra L , Jaarsma T , Olsson M , Bayes-Genis A , Lupon J , Gonzales B , Stromberg A
Published: July 2024

Background

Exergaming is a promising intervention to decrease sedentary time in patients with Heart Failure (HF). For the implementation for mobile exergaming in clinical practice it is important to assess the expectations Health Care Professionals (HCPs) for this new technology for patients with HF.

Purpose

To explore the expectations of HCPs on mobile exergaming to decrease sedentary time in patients with heart failure.

Method

A qualitative design was used. Data on expectations HCPs have with exergaming for patients with HF were collected between September to October 2023 with semi-structured interviews. A total of 17 interviews including nine cardiologists, two rehabilitation physicians, five nurses and one physiotherapist. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

In total five themes were found: (1) Exergaming can be complementary or alternative; (2) Exergaming benefit from familiarization and socialization; (3) Exergaming support adherence and motivation; (4) Technology knowledge and skills is required; (5) The patients sex influenced expectations on exergaming. HCPs expected that exergaming could be a complementary technology following cardiac rehabilitation. HCPs expressed that exergaming should not be used as an alternative for physical activity advice or cardiac rehabilitation. The importance of a good familiarization to exergaming was seen as important and express that increased social interaction e.g. family involvement when introducing exergaming to a patient could make the familiarization easier. Exergaming was expected to be a motivator and increase adherence to physical activity and potential reduce sedentary time. Mobile phone reminders for physically activity were seen as important for patients’ motivation. The lack of technology knowledge was seen as a barrier for exergaming. HCPs expects that exergaming will be harder for older patients with HF. There was a divergence of opinions on the ease of exergaming between men and women, with some expecting it to be easier for men, while others believe that women possess more technology knowledge, especially concerning mobile phones.

Conclusion

HCPs expected that exergaming could motivate and improve adherence to physical activity and be a complementary technology to use for decreasing patients’ sedentary time in clinical settings. Implementation should involve adequate time for familiarization, family engagement, and additional support to master technology for older patients with heart failure. Future research should further explore HCP attitudes and potential differences in exergaming prescription and adoption with regard to the patient’s sex.
A modular inquiry-based semester theme that integrates data science education and bioinformatics in protein structure function courses
Authors: Amtul Zareen , Firoozbakht Forough , Rezaeian Iman , Aziz Arham A , Gehlaut Padmini
Published: July 2024

Background

With an exponential growth in biological data and computing power, familiarity with bioinformatics has become a demanding and popular skill set both in academia and industry. There is a need to increase students’ competencies to be able to take on bioinformatic careers, to get them familiarized with scientific professions in data science and the academic training required to pursue them, in a field where demand outweighs the supply.

Methods

Here we implemented a set of bioinformatic activities into a protein structure and function course of a graduate program. Concisely, students were given hands-on opportunities to explore the bioinformatics-based analyses of biomolecular data and structural biology via a semester-long case study structured as inquiry-based bioinformatics exercises. Towards the end of the term, the students also designed and presented an assignment project that allowed them to document the unknown protein that they identified using bioinformatic knowledge during the term.

Results

The post-module survey responses and students’ performances in the lab module imply that it furthered an in-depth knowledge of bioinformatics. Despite having not much prior knowledge of bioinformatics prior to taking this module students indicated positive feedback.

Conclusion

The students got familiar with cross-indexed databases that interlink important data about proteins, enzymes as well as genes. The essential skillsets honed by this research-based bioinformatic pedagogical approach will empower students to be able to leverage this knowledge for their future endeavours in the bioinformatics field.
Nonlinear relationship between technological innovation and carbon emission: evidence from maximal information coefficient approach
Authors: Zhu Yi , Liu Shuning
Published: July 2024

Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions reduction has emerged as a paramount priority, aiming to achieve ‘peak emissions and carbon neutrality’, wherein green innovation assumes a critical role. The existing literature has extensively examined the impact of green innovations on carbon emissions. However, there has been comparatively less emphasis on the nonlinear relationship between technological innovations and carbon emission. This research employs the panel data from 16 districts in Shanghai spanning from 2010 to 2019 to investigate the nonlinear relationship between technological innovation and carbon emissions. The primary objective of our research is to examine the applicability of the maximum information coefficient method within an environmental context. Furthermore, our analysis indicates that patent applications, patent citations, and patent grants exhibit feature importance scores of 0.55, 0.53, and 0.52, respectively, according to the random forest regression results. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers committed to achieving carbon neutrality of China.
Improving the prediction of energy performance of building using electromagnetic field optimization algorithm
Authors: Ma Min
Published: July 2024

Considering the significance of proper energy performance analysis of buildings, many recent studies have presented potential applications of machine learning models for predicting buildings’ thermal loads. Some of these models have been built upon optimization algorithms in order to enhance their prediction accuracy. However, due to the importance of time in engineering calculations, the long optimization time of the hybrid models has remained a problem. In this study, a quick optimization algorithm called electromagnetic field optimization (EFO) is presented to deal with this issue. The EFO is combined with a feed-forward artificial neural network (FFANN) to predict the annual thermal energy demand (EDAT) of a residential building based on the building’s characteristics and architecture. A well-known dataset consisting of 11 inputs is used to train and test the proposed model. Additionally, nine conventional FFANNs and several hybrid machine learning are considered benchmark models to evaluate the performance of the EFO-FFANN. According to the results, the calculated mean absolute percentage errors of the EFO-FFANN in the training and testing phases were 2.06% and 1.81%, respectively. The EFO algorithm could improve the prediction accuracy of the conventional FFANNs by around 38%. Hence, the proposed model and its simplified formula can of interest to both civil and energy engineers to do informed decision-making and optimize building energy performance in real-world projects.
Dynamics of CRISPR-mediated virus–host interactions in the human gut microbiome
Authors: López-Beltrán Adrián , Botelho João , Iranzo Jaime
Published: July 2024

Arms races between mobile genetic elements and prokaryotic hosts are major drivers of ecological and evolutionary change in microbial communities. Prokaryotic defense systems such as CRISPR-Cas have the potential to regulate microbiome composition by modifying the interactions among bacteria, plasmids, and phages. Here, we used longitudinal metagenomic data from 130 healthy and diseased individuals to study how the interplay of genetic parasites and CRISPR-Cas immunity reflects on the dynamics and composition of the human gut microbiome. Based on the coordinated study of 80 000 CRISPR-Cas loci and their targets, we show that CRISPR-Cas immunity effectively modulates bacteriophage abundances in the gut. Acquisition of CRISPR-Cas immunity typically leads to a decrease in the abundance of lytic phages but does not necessarily cause their complete disappearance. Much smaller effects are observed for lysogenic phages and plasmids. Conversely, phage-CRISPR interactions shape bacterial microdiversity by producing weak selective sweeps that benefit immune host lineages. We also show that distal (and chronologically older) regions of CRISPR arrays are enriched in spacers that are potentially functional and target crass-like phages and local prophages. This suggests that exposure to reactivated prophages and other endemic viruses is a major selective pressure in the gut microbiome that drives the maintenance of long-lasting immune memory.
Molecular basis of phenotypic plasticity in a marine ciliate
Authors: Pan Jiao , Wang Yaohai , Li Chao , Zhang Simo , Ye Zhiqiang , Ni Jiahao , Li Haichao , Li Yichen , Yue Hongwei , Ruan Chenchen , Zhao Dange , Jiang Yujian , Wu Xiaolin , Shen Xiaopeng , Zufall Rebecca A , Zhang Yu , Li Weiyi , Lynch Michael , Long Hongan
Published: July 2024

Phenotypic plasticity, which involves phenotypic transformation in the absence of genetic change, may serve as a strategy for organisms to survive in complex and highly fluctuating environments. However, its reaction norm, molecular basis, and evolution remain unclear in most organisms, especially microbial eukaryotes. In this study, we explored these questions by investigating the reaction norm, regulation, and evolution of phenotypic plasticity in the cosmopolitan marine free-living ciliates Glauconema spp., which undergo significant phenotypic changes in response to food shortages. This study led to the de novo assembly of macronuclear genomes using long-read sequencing, identified hundreds of differentially expressed genes associated with phenotypic plasticity in different life stages, validated the function of two of these genes, and revealed that the reaction norm of body shape in response to food density follows a power-law distribution. Purifying selection may be the dominant evolutionary force acting on the genes associated with phenotypic plasticity, and the overall data support the hypothesis that phenotypic plasticity is a trait maintained by natural selection. This study provides novel insight into the developmental genetics of phenotypic plasticity in non-model unicellular eukaryotes and sheds light on the complexity and long evolutionary history of this important survival strategy.
Assessment of crAssphage as a biological variable for SARS-CoV-2 data normalization in wastewater surveillance
Authors: Ribeiro André Vinicius Costa , Mannarino Camille Ferreira , Novo Shênia Patrícia Corrêa , Prado Tatiana , Lermontov André , de Paula Bruna Barbosa , Fumian Tulio Machado , Miagostovich Marize Pereira
Published: July 2024

Aims

This study aimed to assess the use of cross-assembled phage (crAssphage) as an endogenous control employing a multivariate normalization analysis and its application as a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) data normalizer.

Methods and Results

A total of 188 twelve-hour composite raw sewage samples were obtained from eight wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) during a 1-year monitoring period. Employing the N1 and N2 target regions, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 94% (177) and 90% (170) of the samples, respectively, with a global median of 5 log10 genomic copies per liter (GC l−1). CrAssphage was detected in 100% of the samples, ranging from 8.29 to 10.43 log10 GC l−1, with a median of 9.46 ± 0.40 log10 GC l−1, presenting both spatial and temporal variabilities.

Conclusions

Although SARS-CoV-2 data normalization employing crAssphage revealed a correlation with clinical cases occurring during the study period, crAssphage normalization by the flow per capita per day of each WWTP increased this correlation, corroborating the importance of normalizing wastewater surveillance data in disease trend monitoring.
The microbiological quality of flour products in the UK with respect to Salmonella and Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli
Authors: Kesby Michelle , Jorgensen Frieda , Willis Caroline , Aird Heather , Lai Sandra , Sadler-Reeves Lorraine , Jenkins Claire , Chattaway Marie
Published: July 2024

Aim

To investigate the possible contamination of raw flour and raw flour-based products, such as pancake/batter mixes, with Salmonella, generic Escherichia coli, and Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Samples included flours available for sale in the UK over a period of four months (January to April 2020). The Bread and Flour regulations, 1998 state the permitted ingredients in flour and bread but it does not specify the regular monitoring of the microbiological quality of flour and flour-based products.

Methods and results

Samples of raw flour were collected by local authority sampling officers in accordance with current guidance on microbiological food sampling then transported to the laboratory for examination. Microbiological testing was performed to detect Salmonella spp., generic E. coli, and STEC characterized for the presence of STEC virulence genes: stx1, stx2, and subtypes, eae, ipah, aggR, lt, sth, and stp, using molecular methods Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Of the 882 flours sampled, the incidence of Salmonella was 0.1% (a single positive sample that contained multiple ingredients such as flour, dried egg, and dried milk, milled in the UK), and 68 samples (7.7%) contained generic E. coli at a level of >20 CFU/g. Molecular characterization of flour samples revealed the presence of the Shiga-toxin (stx) gene in 10 samples (5 imported and 5 from the UK) (1.1%), from which STEC was isolated from 7 samples (0.8%). Salmonella and STEC isolates were sequenced to provide further characterization of genotypes and to compare to sequences of human clinical isolates held in the UKHSA archive. Using our interpretive criteria based on genetic similarity, none of the STEC flour isolates correlated with previously observed human cases, while the singular Salmonella serotype Newport isolate from the mixed ingredient product was similar to a human case in 2019, from the UK, of S. Newport. Although there have been no reported human cases of STEC matching the isolates from these flour samples, some of the same serotypes and stx subtypes detected are known to have caused illness in other contexts.

Conclusion

Results indicate that while the incidence was low, there is a potential for the presence of Salmonella and STEC in flour, and a genetic link was demonstrated between a Salmonella isolate from a flour-based product and a human case of salmonellosis.
Evaluation of romosozumab’s effects on bone marrow adiposity in postmenopausal osteoporotic women: results from the FRAME bone biopsy sub-study
Authors: Chavassieux Pascale , Roux Jean Paul , Libanati Cesar , Shi Yifei , Chapurlat Roland
Published: July 2024

Romosozumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds and inhibits sclerostin, produces a marked increase in bone formation with a concomitant decreased bone resorption. This transient rise in bone formation in the first 2 months of treatment is mainly due to an increased modeling-based bone formation. This requires the recruitment and differentiation of osteoblasts, one possibility being a preferential switch in commitment of precursors to osteoblasts over adipocytes. The purpose of this study was to analyze the marrow adiposity in transiliac bone biopsies at months 2 or 12 from the FRAME biopsy sub-study in patients receiving romosozumab or placebo. The total adipocyte area, number, and density were measured on the total cancellous bone area. The size and shape at the individual adipocyte level were assessed including the mean adipocyte area, perimeter, min and max diameters, and aspect ratio. No significant difference in total adipocyte area, number, or density between placebo and romosozumab groups was observed at months 2 and 12, and no difference was observed between 2 and 12 months. After 2 or 12 months, romosozumab did not modify the size or shape of the adipocytes. No relationship between the adipocyte parameters and the dynamic parameters of bone formation could be evidenced. In conclusion, based on the analysis of a small number of biopsies, no effect of romosozumab on bone marrow adiposity of iliac crest was identified after 2 and 12 months suggesting that the modeling-based formation observed at month 2 was not due to a preferential commitment of the precursor to osteoblast over adipocyte cell lines but may result from a reactivation of bone lining cells and from a progenitor pool independent of the marrow adipocyte population.
Resilience mechanisms of Trichopria drosophilae (Hymenoptera: Diapriinae) under global extreme cooling: insights into parasitic response and physiological adaptation
Authors: Chen Qiang , Tian Ye , Zhang Jinlong , Li Juan , Ren Hui , Chen Guohua , Zhang Xiaoming
Published: July 2024

Global climate warming and frequent extreme low-temperature events have made it essential to investigate the impact of low temperatures on parasitic wasps to protect and strengthen farmland biodiversity, which in turn enhances the biological control potential of natural enemies such as parasitic wasps. We systematically examined how low-temperature stress affects the parasitic functional response of Trichopria drosophilae to Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) pupae. Our findings indicate that the parasitic behavior of T. drosophilae towards D. suzukii pupae aligns with the Holling II functional response model following exposure to different temperatures. Within the temperature range of 8 °C to −8 °C, lower temperatures correlated decreased instantaneous attack rate of T. drosophilae and an increase in processing time. The search constant Q initially increased and then decreased with declining temperatures. Short-term low-temperature stress negatively impacted the parasitic and searching abilities of T. drosophilae but did not alter its parasitic functional response model. Notably, short-term low-temperature stress had minimal effects on the water content, protein content, and total sugar content of male and female T. drosophilae adults. However, as temperatures decreased, the activities of key enzymes, including GAPDH, SOD, T-AOC, and malondialdehyde (MDA), exhibited an initial increase followed by a decrease. Conversely, the activities of LDH and HOAD decreased, while the activities of CAT and POD increased. Further study on the effect of short-term low temperature on T. drosophilae can provide a research basis for the large-scale production and low-temperature refrigeration technology of T. drosophilae, and provide a scientific basis for its efficient use in the field.
Cumulative costs of reproduction in a long-lived ungulate
Authors: Turnley Matthew T , Hughes Tabitha A , Larsen Randy T , Hersey Kent R , McMillan Brock R
Published: July 2024

Cumulative costs of reproduction are predicted by life-history theories of aging, but empirical support for cumulative costs of reproduction in ungulates is limited. Examinations of the relationship between previous reproductive effort and future reproductive output are often limited to successive years. We analyzed pregnancy status, lactation duration, and age class of Elk (Cervus canadensis) in Utah, United States, from 2019 to 2022 to better understand the relationship between previous reproductive effort and future reproductive output, particularly in nonsuccessive years. Pregnancy status 1 year prior, pregnancy status 2 years prior, and age had no effect on the likelihood of pregnancy in Elk. However, lactation duration 1 year prior and lactation duration 2 years prior had a negative effect on the likelihood of pregnancy. The best-fitting model to explain the relationship between pregnancy status and previous lactation was the positive interaction between lactation duration 1 year prior and lactation duration 2 years prior. The results of our study suggest long-lasting (i.e., multiple-year), cumulative costs of reproduction can influence reproductive output in female Elk, but differences in individual quality may have an even greater influence. High-quality individuals may be able to override the costs of reproduction and minimize reproductive trade-offs.
Phytomedical compounds as promising therapeutic agents for COVID-19 targeting angiotensin-converting enzyme 2: a review
Authors: Amtaghri Smail , Slaoui Miloudia , Eddouks Mohamed
Published: July 2024

Aims

The aim of the present review was to highlight natural product investigations in silico and in vitro to find plants and chemicals that inhibit or stimulate angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2).

Background

The global reduction of incidents and fatalities attributable to infections with SARS-CoV-2 is one of the most public health problems. In the absence of specific therapy for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), phytocompounds generated from plant extracts may be a promising strategy worth further investigation, motivating researchers to evaluate the safety and anti-SARS-CoV-2 effectiveness of these ingredients.

Objective

To review phytochemicals in silico for anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity and to assess their safety and effectiveness in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

The present review was conducted using various scientific databases and studies on anti-SARS-CoV-2 phytochemicals were analyzed and summarized. The results obtained from the in silico screening were subjected to extraction, isolation, and purification. The in vitro studies on anti-SarcoV-2 were also included in this review. In addition, the results of this research were interpreted, analyzed, and documented on the basis of the bibliographic information obtained.

Results

This review discusses recent research on using natural remedies to cure or prevent COVID-19 infection. The literature analysis shows that the various herbal preparations (extracts) and purified compounds can block the replication or entrance of the virus directly to carry out their anti-SARS-CoV-2 effects. It is interesting to note that certain items can prevent SARS-CoV-2 from infecting human cells by blocking the ACE-2 receptor or the serine protease TMPRRS2. Moreover, natural substances have been demonstrated to block proteins involved in the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle, such as papain- or chymotrypsin-like proteases.

Conclusion

The natural products may have the potential for use singly or in combination as alternative drugs to treat/prevent COVID-19 infection, including blocking or stimulating ACE-2. In addition, their structures may provide indications for the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs.
Multifraction stereotactic radiotherapy utilizing inhomogeneous dose distribution for brainstem metastases: a single-center retrospective analysis
Authors: Ikawa Toshiki , Kanayama Naoyuki , Arita Hideyuki , Takano Koji , Sakai Mio , Morimoto Masahiro , Tanaka Kazunori , Yoshino Yutaro , Tamenaga Setsuo , Konishi Koji
Published: July 2024

Brainstem metastases are challenging to manage owing to the critical neurological structures involved. Although stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) offers targeted high doses while minimizing damage to adjacent normal tissues, the optimal dose fractionation remains undefined. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of multifraction SRT with an inhomogeneous dose distribution. This retrospective study included 31 patients who underwent 33 treatments for 35 brainstem lesions using linear accelerator-based multifraction SRT (30 Gy in five fractions, 35 Gy in five fractions or 42 Gy in 10 fractions) with an inhomogeneous dose distribution (median isodose, 51.9%). The outcomes of interest were local failure, toxicity and symptomatic failure. The median follow-up time after brainstem SRT for a lesion was 18.6 months (interquartile range, 10.0–24.3 months; range, 1.8–39.0 months). Grade 2 toxicities were observed in two lesions, and local failure occurred in three lesions. No grade 3 or higher toxicities were observed. The 1-year local and symptomatic failure rates were 8.8 and 16.7%, respectively. Toxicity was observed in two of seven treatments with a gross tumor volume (GTV) greater than 1 cc, whereas no toxicity was observed in treatments with a GTV less than 1 cc. No clear association was observed between the biologically effective dose of the maximum brainstem dose and the occurrence of toxicity. Our findings indicate that multifraction SRT with an inhomogeneous dose distribution offers a favorable balance between local control and toxicity in brainstem metastases. Larger multicenter studies are needed to validate these results and determine the optimal dose fractionation.
Population-wide eGFR percentiles in younger adults and clinical outcomes
Authors: Hussain Junayd , Imsirovic Haris , Talarico Robert , Akbari Ayub , Ravani Pietro , Tanuseputro Peter , Hundemer Gregory L , Ramsay Tim , Tangri Navdeep , Knoll Greg A , Bugeja Ann , Sood Manish M
Published: July 2024

Background and hypothesis

Identifying meaningful estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) reductions in younger adults (<65 years) could guide prevention efforts. To aid in interpretation and identification of young adults at risk, we examined the association of population-level eGFR percentiles relative to the median by age and clinical outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 8.7 million adults from Ontario, Canada aged from 18 to 65 years from 2008 to 2021 with an eGFR measure (both single outpatient value and repeat measures). We calculated median eGFR values by age and examined the association of reduced eGFR percentiles (≤10th, 5th, 2.5th, and 1st) with outcomes using time to event models. Outcomes were a composite of all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiac outcomes (MACE) with/without heart failure (MACE+), and kidney failure as well as each component individually.

Results

From the age of 18 to 65, the median eGFR declined with age (range 128 to 90) and across percentiles [eGFR ranges 102 to 68 for ≤10th, 96 to 63 for ≤5th, 90 to 58 for ≤2.5th and 83 to 54 for 1st]. The adjusted rate for any adverse outcome was elevated at ≤10th percentile (HR 1.14 95%CI 1.10–1.18) and was consistent for all-cause mortality, MACE, MACE+, and predominant for kidney failure (HR 5.57 95%CI 3.79–8.19) compared to the median eGFR for age. Young adults with an eGFR in the lower percentiles were less likely to be referred to a specialist, have a repeat eGFR, or albumin to creatinine ratio measure.

Conclusions

eGFR values at the 10th percentile or lower based on a population-level distribution are associated with adverse clinical outcomes and in younger adults (18 to 39) this corresponds to a higher level of eGFR that may be underrecognized. Application of population-based eGFR percentiles may aid interpretation and improve identification of younger adults at risk.
Clinical factors associated with hyponatremia correction during treatment with oral urea
Authors: Pelouto Anissa , Monnerat Sophie , Refardt Julie , Zandbergen Adrienne A M , Christ-Crain Mirjam , Hoorn Ewout J
Published: July 2024

Background

Oral urea is being used more commonly to treat hyponatremia, but factors contributing to the correction rate are unknown. We hypothesized that clinically relevant factors can be identified to help guide hyponatremia correction with oral urea.

Methods

This was a retrospective study in two university hospitals including hospitalized patients with hyponatremia (plasma sodium <135 mmol/L) treated with oral urea. Linear mixed-effects models were used to identify factors associated with hyponatremia correction. Rates of overcorrection, osmotic demyelination and treatment discontinuation were also assessed.

Results

We included 161 urea treatment episodes in 140 patients (median age 69 years, 46% females, 93% syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis). Oral urea succeeded fluid restriction in 117 treatment episodes (73%), was combined with fluid restriction in 104 treatment episodes (65%) and was given as the only treatment in 27 treatment episodes (17%). A median dose of 30 g/day of urea for 4 days (interquartile range 2–7 days) increased plasma sodium from 127 to 134 mmol/L and normalized hyponatremia in 47% of treatment episodes. Older age (β 0.09, 95% CI 0.02–0.16), lower baseline plasma sodium (β –0.65, 95% CI –0.78 to –0.62) and higher cumulative urea dose (β 0.03, 95% CI –0.02 to –0.03) were independently associated with a greater rise in plasma sodium. Concurrent fluid restriction was associated with a greater rise in plasma sodium only during the first 48 h of treatment (β 1.81, 95% CI 0.40–3.08). Overcorrection occurred in 5 cases (3%), no cases of osmotic demyelination were identified and oral urea was discontinued in 11 cases (11%) due to side effects.

Conclusion

During treatment with oral urea, older age, higher cumulative dose, lower baseline plasma sodium and initial fluid restriction are associated with a greater correction rate of hyponatremia. These factors may guide clinicians to achieve a gradual correction of hyponatremia with oral urea.
The effect of preeclampsia on long-term kidney function among pregnant women with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Li Zheng , Chen Shi , Tan Ying , Lv Jicheng , Zhao Minghui , Chen Qian , He Yingdong
Published: July 2024

Background

The association between superimposed preeclampsia and an elevated risk of long-term kidney function decline or end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has not been determined. This study aimed to analyze the association between preeclampsia and kidney function deterioration in CKD patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study that included the clinical information of 103 pregnant CKD patients with preeclampsia and 103 matched CKD patients without preeclampsia who were followed-up for a minimum of 1 year after their first pregnancy from 1 January 2009 to 31 May 2022. Robust Cox regression analysis was also conducted to evaluate the effects of preeclampsia on long-term kidney function decline or ESKD in CKD patients. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to compare renal survival within different subgroups via the log-rank test.

Results

During the follow-up period, 44 (42.72%) CKD patients with preeclampsia and 20 (19.42%) without preeclampsia had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decrease >30% or developed ESKD. Compared with CKD patients without preeclampsia, the eGFR decreased more significantly in patients with preeclampsia [98.43 (79.48, 116.47) to 81.32 (41.20, 102.97) mL/min/1.73 m2 vs 99.43 (79.00, 118.50) to 89.44 (63.69, 105.30) mL/min/1.73 m2; P = .034]. The rate of eGFR decrease was more pronounced in patients with preeclampsia (17.38% vs 10.05%, P < .05). Multivariate analysis revealed that early-onset preeclampsia (preeclampsia that developed before 34 weeks of gestation) [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.32–5.16, P = 0.006] and late-onset preeclampsia (HR = 2.54, 95% CI 1.34–4.83, P = .004) were both risk factors for an eGFR decrease >30% or ESKD.

Conclusion

Preeclampsia was associated with a greater risk of long-term kidney function decline or ESKD among CKD patients, especially in patients with early-onset preeclampsia.
Distributional Impacts of Tobacco Excise Taxes in Serbia
Authors: Zubović Jovan , Jovanović Olivera , Nedeljković Boban
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Numerous studies worldwide have investigated the impact of tobacco tax increase on household welfare, focusing on concerns regarding potential tobacco taxation regressivity and its effects on the poorest, whereas their scope was limited to the working population.

Aims and Methods

To explore the effects of tax changes on household budgets, accounting for the retired population as well, we employed the modified Extended Cost–Benefit Analysis framework, assuming a 43.6% specific tax increase that fits the European Union (EU) Tobacco Tax Directive recommendation of minimum EUR 90 excise taxes per 1000 cigarettes. Our analysis encompassed changes in (1) tobacco expenditure (accounting for price elasticities by income groups: low-, middle-, and high-income), (2) medical costs linked to smoking-related diseases (utilizing relative risk of morbidity or mortality and smoking-attributable fractions), (3) years of working life (considering the years of working life lost among the working population), and (4) years of pension receipt (accounting for the years of retirement life lost due the premature death).

Results

Under an assumed specific excise increase leading to a 22.4% retail tobacco price rise, the net gains in disposable household budgets would be 0.01% for high-income, 1.3% for middle-income, and 2.9% for low-income households.

Conclusions

A tax increase would yield a progressive effect on income distribution, benefiting the most economically disadvantaged population thereby contributing to a more equitable income distribution.

Implications

To effectively reduce tobacco consumption, subsequent smoking-related medical costs, and associated productivity and pension losses, it is recommended that Serbia implement a minimum 43.6% increase in the specific tobacco excise tax.
A Microsimulation Model of Mpox in Los Angeles County: Implications for Future Disease Prevention and Control Strategies among Men Who Have Sex with Men
Authors: Liang Citina , Suen Sze-chuan , Hong Chenglin , Kim Andrea , Singhal Rita , Simon Paul , Perez Mario , Holloway Ian W
Published: July 2024

Background

The 2022 monkeypox (mpox) outbreak in Los Angeles County (LAC) emphasized the need to prepare for emergent infectious disease outbreaks. Vaccination and promotion of sexual risk reduction practices appeared successful in LAC, as mpox cases declined starting in August. Nonetheless, questions persisted regarding the effectiveness of targeting vaccinations and the role of sexual risk reduction in reducing mpox cases.

Methods

We collaborated with the LAC Department of Public Health to develop a microsimulation for men who have sex with men (MSM). This model tracked mpox dynamics by age, race/ethnicity, and HIV status and was calibrated and validated against surveillance data. We simulated counterfactual scenarios to understand the effects of variation in vaccination rates, timing of vaccination rollout, vaccine allocation, and sexual contact rates.

Results

In the simulation, doubling the vaccination rate reduced cumulative cases over a 40-week time horizon by 13% but would necessitate 88 995 additional doses. Initiating vaccination 2 weeks earlier decreased cases by 11%, while an 8-week delay yielded a 20% increase in cases. A 3-week earlier decrease in sexual contact rates reduced cumulative cases by 60%, while a 3-week delay resulted in a 95% increase. Prioritizing people with HIV (PWH) for vaccination reduced cumulative cases, while allocating vaccines to a single racial/ethnic group was not effective.

Conclusions

Our study highlights the significance of policies to support timely vaccination and sexual partnership reduction to address mpox outbreaks among MSM. These findings also underscore the need to target vulnerable risk groups, such as PWH.
Beyond technology and wages: power and the history of inequality
Authors: Scheidel Walter
Published: July 2024

Framed as a response to Robert Allen's contribution, this commentary explores the impact of technological change on economic inequality over the very long run of history and emphasizes the role of power relations as another key driver of the distribution of income and resources.
Race/ethnic inequalities in health: moving beyond confusion to focus on fundamental causes
Authors: Nazroo James
Published: July 2024

This commentary will focus on health inequalities in relation to race/ethnicity, and in doing so, it will connect with the health inequalities article by Case and Kraftman and the race and ethnic inequalities article by Mirza and Warwick, both in this collection. The central argument of this commentary is that to make sense of the (complex and often confusing) patterning of race/ethnic inequalities in health in the UK and to move towards developing policy to address these inequalities, we must adopt a theoretically informed approach that centres on the fundamental causes of race/ethnic inequalities—processes that flow from (structural, interpersonal and institutional) racism. To make this argument, first I critically review the data on race/ethnic inequalities in health and interpretations of these data. Second, I discuss the central role of social and economic inequalities in driving these inequalities. Third, I provide a more detailed discussion of how racism operates to shape social and economic inequalities and thereby to shape health outcomes. Fourth, I discuss the implications of this analysis for policy, particularly how this points to the need to address institutional racism and how this might be done. Finally, I briefly revisit the question of fundamental causes and the implications of this for considerations of other dimensions of inequality, such as those related to class and gender.1
Income inequality and income poverty in a cross-national perspective
Authors: Gornick Janet C
Published: July 2024

This commentary—a reflection on the Bourquin, Brewer and Wernham article in this collection—draws on harmonized microdata from the Luxembourg Income Study (LIS) Database. It aims to place selected results from the UK in cross-national perspective. The comparator countries, all high-income, include one Nordic country, Norway; one continental European country, Germany; and three other Anglophone countries, Australia, Canada and the USA. The commentary assesses each of these key outcomes, both cross-nationally and over time: income inequality and redistribution, top-half and bottom-half income inequality, and child and elderly poverty. It closes with a brief discussion of policy lessons.
Geographies of socio-economic inequality
Authors: van Ham Maarten , Manley David , Tammaru Tiit
Published: July 2024

Over many decades, academics, policymakers, and governments have been concerned with both the presence of inequalities and the impacts these can have on people when concentrated spatially in urban areas. This concern is especially related to the influence of spatial inequalities on individual outcomes in terms of health, education, work and income, and general well-being amongst other outcomes. In this commentary, we provide an overview of the literature on spatial inequalities and on contextual and neighbourhood effects. We address some of the main challenges in modelling contextual effects and provide evidence that no single study can definitively provide the answer to the question whether—and how much—spatial context effects are relevant for understanding individual outcomes. It is only when taken together that the rich body of research on spatial context effects shows convincingly that spatial context effects are relevant. The commentary ends with the presentation of the vicious circle of the segregation model and suggest some ways in which this vicious circle of spatial inequality and segregation can be broken.
The history of inequality: the deep-acting ideological and institutional influences
Authors: Szreter Simon
Published: July 2024

After reviewing evidence on long-run national trends in inequality since the 1320s and the history of ideas and measures of inequality, the focus is on the history of institutions which have influenced the trends in inequality. Here, the major surprise for many will be to learn that a progressively funded universal social security, health and welfare system was instituted by Elizabeth I in 1601. The welfare state was not invented but restored by the Labour government of 1945–51, decreasing inequalities substantially. In 1834, the parliament had reduced the Elizabethan Poor Law to a deterrent workhouse system, its funding halved in accord with the ideas of Bentham, Malthus and economic liberalism. Since 1979, the successor ideology of neo-liberalism has again increased inequality by reducing the progressivity of taxes and restraining expenditure on public services. After 1979, child poverty more than doubled to over 30% and has never returned to previous lower levels.
Measuring and taxing top incomes and wealth
Authors: Advani Arun , Summers Andy
Published: July 2024

We discuss the measurement of top incomes and wealth in the UK and options for reforming their taxation. First, we highlight the importance of capital gains and migration in understanding long-term trends in top income shares and of survey under-coverage at the top in understanding top wealth shares. We next consider the scope for reforms to the taxation of capital to tackle these inequalities, whilst also improving the efficiency of taxation, emphasizing the roles of capital gains tax, inheritance tax and wealth taxes. Finally, we examine the question of who is taxed, including the tax treatment of highly mobile individuals and of trusts.
Sociological measures of inequality
Authors: Lambert Paul
Published: July 2024

Concepts and measures of ‘social class’ and of ‘social stratification’ are used extensively within sociology and its cognate disciplines, but differ from indicators of inequality such as earnings, income, wealth, educational attainment and local area deprivation that are used elsewhere in this collection. This commentary outlines characteristics of sociological measures of inequality, discusses their relative merits and highlights some different conclusions and interpretations that a focus on sociological measures can bring to our understanding of inequality.
Spatial disparities across labour markets
Authors: Overman Henry G , Xu Xiaowei
Published: July 2024

We consider disparities across local labour markets in Great Britain. Disparities in wages and employment rates are large and persistent, although smaller than 20 years ago. These disparities largely reflect the concentration of high-skilled workers, who would have better labour market outcomes wherever they live. This concentration is driven by differences in the demand for, and supply of, skills and the self-reinforcing interaction between the two, which is particularly pronounced in the highest-wage areas and at the upper end of the wage distribution. The highest-paid jobs are concentrated in London and a handful of other areas and wage disparities are mostly driven by the higher-paid. Places that offer higher earnings also have higher rents, which may entirely offset gains in earnings. Consistent with this, people in higher-paid places are no happier than those in lower-paid places.
Public perceptions of inequality in the UK: a summary of key findings from the qualitative research
Authors: Pereira Isabella , McKeown Andrew , Gallacher Iona
Published: July 2024

Primary qualitative and quantitative research was commissioned to support the strand of the IFS Deaton Review of Inequalities addressing ‘public attitudes to inequalities’, to explore: people’s awareness and concerns about different types of inequality in society; the extent to which they personally support structural explanations for inequality; and what manifestations of inequality are of most and least concern to them. In order to do this, qualitative research was designed to take an exploratory approach, as well as to dig beneath surface opinions to uncover the values and beliefs, often rooted in personal experiences, that underpinned participants’ responses. This article presents findings from 12 online discussion groups with the general public in the UK conducted in April–May 2021.
Nest site vegetation structure influences nest predators and nesting success of understory birds in a dry evergreen forest in northeastern Thailand
Authors: Phringphroh Marisa , Khamcha Daphawan , Sankamethawee Wangworn , Powell Larkin A , Angkaew Rongrong , Pierce Andrew J , Gale George A
Published: July 2024

Nest predation is typically the main cause of nest failure in forest understory birds; thus, identification of primary nest predators is key to understanding nest predation patterns. Furthermore, the responses of predators are likely affected by vegetation structure, but predator responses to micro-scale habitat characteristics are largely unknown, especially in tropical forests. We used a long-term study with one of the largest datasets of its kind to investigate the extent to which micro-habitat structure (5-m radius surrounding a nest) can predict the likelihood of predation and by which predator. In a secondary evergreen forest in northeastern Thailand, 2013–2021, we found 1,016 active nests of 13 species and 24-hour video-monitored 500 of them. We recorded 336 predation events from 16 nest predator species. From this and previous studies at our site, we identified the top 4 predator species/species groups accounting for ~83% of predation events: Macaca leonina (northern pig-tailed macaque, 36% of predation events), cat snakes (Boiga cyanea [green cat snake] and B. siamensis [gray cat snake]; 20%), Lycodon cf. davisonii (Blandford’s bridle snake, 18%), and accipiters (Accipiter trivirgatus [Crested Goshawk] and A. badius [Shikra]; 9%). These 4 predator species differed in their responses to vegetation structure likely reflecting differences in foraging behaviors. Macaque and accipiters, both diurnal and visually oriented, tended to depredate more visible/open nests, but macaque depredated nests surrounded by more trees and short woody stems (<3 m tall) compared to raptors. For snakes, both nocturnal, cat snakes depredated nests with higher numbers of both short woody stems and woody climbers, whereas bridle snake depredated nests with more trees and fewer climbers. As noted previously, nest predator identity is critical to understanding habitat-predation patterns. Our data suggest that nest site vegetation characteristics influence the likelihood of a given species of predator locating a nest and that even small changes in vegetation structure could significantly alter predation patterns.
What’s Scope 2 good for?
Authors: Roston Marc , Seiger Alicia , Mathieson Abigail
Published: July 2024

The Greenhouse Gas Protocol’s Scope 2 has long been pivotal in addressing electricity's role in emissions, yet its effectiveness in emissions accounting is limited. This paper critiques Scope 2 for its inadequate allocation of electricity-derived emissions and for supporting misleading emissions reduction claims through market-based transactions. The paper investigates alternatives like 24/7 Carbon Free Electricity and Emissions First, noting their improvements over Scope 2, but also their failure to fully address grid embodied emissions. The concept of carbon solvency is introduced as a superior model, compelling firms to align long-term emissions liabilities with carbon removal assets, thus enabling more accurate emissions accounting and investment decisions for grid decarbonization. This approach fosters clearer decision-making, particularly in electricity generation methods with variable upstream emissions, such as hydrogen and biofuels. By redefining net zero within a rigorous, auditable framework, we propose a shift from current practices towards a more accountable and environmentally impactful model.