bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Influence Factors of Cognitive Frailty in the Older Adult Patients Undergoing Maintenance Haemodialysis: A Multi‐Centre Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Li Siyu , Huang Li , Wang Wenmian , Zeng Jing
Published: November 2024

Aims

To examine the prevalence of factors of cognitive frailty in patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis (MHD).

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

From September 2023 to January 2024, 1023 patients undergoing MHD were recruited from 11 hospitals in Chengdu, China, using convenience sampling. The participants' sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, health information and laboratory indicators were assessed using a general information questionnaire. Cognitive frailty was assessed using the Fried Frailty Phenotype and Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scales. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the associations between cognitive frailty and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Independent variables for the multivariate logistic regression model encompassing age, sex, educational level, marital status, visual impairment, hearing impairment, falls within a year, depression, weight, height, Malnutrition‐inflammation score and serum albumin, sodium, phosphorus, total cholesterol and creatinine levels.

Results

Among 1023 participants with a mean age of 69.52 years, 300 (29.3%) had cognitive frailty, with a predominance of older patients. Regression analysis showed that advanced age, low literacy and low serum creatinine, sodium and total cholesterol levels were positively correlated with cognitive frailty. Furthermore, 17.1% of the participants experienced depression, a risk factor for cognitive frailty, and malnutrition was an independent risk factor for cognitive frailty.

Conclusion

Older adult patients undergoing (MHD) are at an increased risk of developing cognitive frailty. The aetiology of cognitive frailty in this cohort was multifactorial. Targeted interventions should be designed and implemented based on these factors, prioritising nutritional guidance and mood management to prevent or reverse cognitive frailty.

Reporting Method

The study adhered to the STROBE checklist.

Impact

Older adult patients undergoing MHD are at increased risk of developing cognitive frailty. Cognitive frailty screening must be incorporated into the routine assessment of older patients undergoing MHD.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Family Resources and Parental Problem‐Solving Skills Mediate Family Functioning and Family Adaptation in Families of Children With Cancer
Authors: Zhou Tianji , Xiong Wenjin , Meng Zhenyu , Yu Nancy Xiaonan , Zhang Jingping , Luo Yuanhui
Published: November 2024

Aims

To explore the mediating roles of family resources (at the individual [parental self‐efficacy], family [family resilience] and social level [social support]) and parental problem‐solving skills in the association between family functioning and family adaptation in families of children with cancer.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

This study recruited 318 parents of children with cancer from three tertiary hospitals in mainland China. Self‐report questionnaires were used to collect data on key variables, including family functioning, parental self‐efficacy, family resilience, social support, parental problem‐solving skills and family adaptation. Data analyses were carried out using descriptive analysis, univariate analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, hierarchical linear regression and bootstrapping.

Results

Family functioning was significantly and positively correlated with family adaptation. Family resources (parental self‐efficacy at the individual level, family resilience at the family level or social support at the social level) and parental problem‐solving skills both independently mediated the relationship between family functioning and family adaptation. Additionally, family resources at all three levels mediated the relationship through their effects on cumulatively parental problem‐solving skills, constructing a chain mediating model.

Conclusions

The study underscores the significance of family functioning, family resources at the individual, family and social levels and parental problem‐solving skills in promoting adaptation in families of children with cancer. It highlights the need for family‐centred interventions targeted at these factors to improve family adaptation.

Impact

This study extended related theories and previous studies to confirm the mediating role of family resources and parental problem‐solving skills, both independently and sequentially. Moreover, parental problem‐solving skills were confirmed as key elements that can be incorporated into future interventions, suggesting that problem‐solving skills training may serve as a highly promising program for families of children with cancer.

Reporting Method

This study was reported according to the STROBE checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.
Conditioned Pain Modulation Differences in Central and Peripheral Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) Patients
Authors: Yang Guangju , Jin Jianqiu , Wang Kelun , Baad‐Hansen Lene , Liu Hongwei , Cao Ye , Xie Qiu‐Fei , Svensson Peter
Published: November 2024

Aim

To evaluate conditioned pain modulation (CPM) in burning mouth syndrome (BMS) patients with different pain mechanisms.

Materials and Methods

Twenty BMS patients (52.0 ± 6.8 years, 17 women and 3 men) and age‐ and gender‐matched 22 healthy controls were enrolled in this randomised controlled trial. The patients received an active lingual nerve block (lidocaine) and a placebo injection (saline) randomly with an interval of 1 week in a double‐blinded manner. Patients evaluated their pain intensity on a 0‐ to 10‐cm visual analogue scale (VAS) before and after each injection, with or without CPM. Based on the anaesthesia effect, BMS patients were divided into two groups with presumed different pain mechanisms; a ‘central subgroup (n = 11)’ with pain relief less than 1 cm and ‘peripheral subgroup (n = 9)’ with pain relief more than 1 cm on the VAS. Mechanical pain threshold (MPT) and wind‐up ratio (WUR) were investigated at two oral mucosa regions: the region with most intense symptoms and a control region for the patient group; tongue and buccal region for the control group. CPM was induced by immersing the left hand into cold water. A moderate level of pain (around five on the VAS) was obtained by adjusting the water temperature. MPT and WUR were measured twice for all the participants with and without CPM, which was analysed and presented as relative change in MPT and WUR. Differences between groups were analysed using two‐way ANOVA. Differences within group between tests were assessed by paired t‐test.

Results

At baseline, there were no significant group differences for MPT or WUR between BMS patients and healthy controls (p ≥ 0.156). The mean bath temperature to evoke moderate pain for the BMS group was significantly lower than that for the healthy control group (8.9°C vs. 11.9°C, p = 0.003). The CPM evoked an inhibitory modulation in 18.2%–44.4% of BMS patients, while for the healthy group, the ratio was 68.2%–81.8%. Central BMS patients had smaller CPM effects than healthy participants at the painful site and control site, which indicated a decreased CPM function (p ≤ 0.034). Peripheral BMS patients had lower CPM effects than healthy participants only at the painful site (p = 0.037).

Conclusions

The present findings documented impairment of central nociceptive inhibition processing in BMS patients which was more extensive in central BMS than peripheral BMS. These findings add to the suggestion that BMS may a heterogeneous pain condition with at least two different phenotypes.
The ArabidopsisE3 ubiquitin ligase DOA10A promotes localization of abscisic acid (ABA) receptors to the membrane through mono‐ubiquitination in ABA signaling
Authors: Liu Cuixia , Li Qingliang , Shen Zhengwei , Xia Ran , Chen Qian , Li Xiao , Ding Yanglin , Yang Shuhua , Serino Giovanna , Xie Qi , Yu Feifei
Published: November 2024

The endoplasmic reticulum‐associated degradation (ERAD) system eliminates misfolded and short‐lived proteins to maintain physiological homeostasis in the cell. We have previously reported that ERAD is involved in salt tolerance in Arabidopsis. Given the central role of the phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) in plant stress responses, we sought to identify potential intersections between the ABA and the ERAD pathways in plant stress response.

By screening for the ABA response of a wide array of ERAD mutants, we isolated a gain‐of‐function mutant, doa10a‐1, which conferred ABA hypersensitivity to seedlings.

Genetic and biochemical assays showed that DOA10A is a functional E3 ubiquitin ligase which, by acting in concert with specific E2 enzymes, mediates mono‐ubiquitination of the ABA receptor, followed by their relocalization to the plasma membrane. This in turn leads to enhanced ABA perception.

In summary, we report here the identification of a novel RING‐type E3 ligase, DOA10A, which regulates ABA perception by affecting the localization and the activity of ABA receptors through their mono‐ubiquitination.
Prickly postglacial pioneers: freshwater plankton community composition influences fatty acid desaturase (FADS2) copy number in southern Greenland threespine sticklebacks
Authors: Hudson Cameron M. , Twining Cornelia W. , Moosmann Marvin , Greenway Ryan , Feulner Philine G. D. , Matthews Blake
Published: November 2024

The adaptation of marine fish to freshwater environments includes prodigious examples of rapid evolution.Given the scarcity of ω‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC‐PUFA) in freshwater, we expect selection to be strong on fish transitioning to freshwater habitats and yet the underlying ecological causes of genomic and phenotypic differentiation are poorly understood for traits associated with lipid content and composition. Threespine stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus have repeatedly colonized, and adapted to, freshwater habitats across the Northern Hemisphere. These freshwater populations often show elevated copy number of the fatty acid desaturase 2 gene (FADS2), which increases the biosynthetic capacity of LC‐PUFA. The starkly lower content of LC‐PUFA in freshwater compared to marine prey, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), likely imposes strong positive selection on freshwater fish for either increased biosynthesis or greater dietary acquisition of LC‐PUFA. The recently colonized and relatively undisturbed threespine stickleback populations in postglacial coastal lakes of southern Greenland offer an exceptional opportunity to study how variation in the copy number of FADS2 is related to abiotic and biotic conditions of lakes and their morphometry. As expected, given its position on the stickleback X chromosome, we found strong sexual dimorphism in FADS2 copy number in all populations (19 freshwater, 1 marine and 1 brackish), and an increased dimorphism in some freshwater populations. We also found that FADS2 copy number was negatively correlated, for both males and females, with the abundance of copepods, which are a DHA‐rich food source in the zooplankton community. Overall, our results suggest that the prey community context of lakes might influence the process of metabolic adaptation of marine fish colonizing freshwater ecosystems.
Stilbene production as part of drought adaptation mechanisms in cultivated grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) roots modulates antioxidant status
Authors: Hanzouli F. , Daldoul S. , Zemni H. , Boubakri H. , Vincenzi S. , Mliki A. , Gargouri M.
Published: November 2024

Stilbenes, naturally occurring polyphenolic secondary metabolites, play a pivotal role in adaptation of various plant species to biotic and abiotic factors. Recently, increased attention has been directed toward their potential to enhance plant stress tolerance.

We evaluated drought tolerance of three grapevine varieties grown with different levels of water deficit. Throughout, we studied physiological mechanisms associated with drought stress tolerance, particularly stilbene accumulation in root tissues, using HPLC. Additionally, we explored the possible relationship between antioxidant potential and stilbene accumulation in response to water deficit.

The results underscore the detrimental impact of water deficit on grapevine growth, water status, and membrane stability index, while revealing varying tolerance among the studied genotypes. Notably, Syrah variety had superior drought tolerance, compared to Razegui and Muscat d'Italie grapes. Under severe water deficit, Syrah exhibited a substantial increase in levels of stilbenic compounds, such as t‐resveratrol, t‐piceatannol, t‐ɛ‐viniferin, and t‐piceid, in root tissues compared to other genotypes. This increase was positively correlated with total antioxidant activity (TAA), emphasizing the active role of resveratrol and its derivatives in total antioxidant potential. This demonstratres the potential involvement of resveratrol and its derivatives in enhancing antioxidant status of the drought‐tolerant Syrah grape variety.

Our findings suggest that these stilbenes may function as valuable markers in grapevine breeding programs, offering novel insights for the sustainable cultivation of grapevines in water‐limited environments.
CRISPR‐Mediated SRY Gene Mutation Increases the Expression of Female Lineage‐Specific Gene in Pre‐Implantation Buffalo Embryo
Authors: Punetha Meeti , Saini Sheetal , Sharma Surabhi , Thakur Swati , Dahiya Priya , Mangal Manu , Kumar Rajesh , Kumar Dharmendra , Yadav P. S.
Published: November 2024

In mammals, sex determination is governed by the SRY gene on the Y chromosome, redirecting gonadal development from forming ovaries to testes. Mutations or alterations in the SRY gene can significantly affect phenotypic changes and lineage‐specific markers. This study aims to elucidate the role of the SRY gene in buffalo embryos using CRISPR‐Cas9 technology. We designed a crRNA targeting the HMG domain of the SRY gene using the CRISPOR algorithm. Nucleofection of sgRNA‐Cas9 RNPs into buffalo fibroblasts confirmed efficient cleavage at the targeted site. Using this validated guide, we investigated the role of the SRY gene in sexual determination by electroporating CRISPR‐Cas9‐RNPs into single‐stage zygotes of buffalo. Genetic changes in the SRY gene were confirmed through sequencing, revealing mosaic blastocysts with multiple alleles and non‐mosaic mutants. Mutations in SRY gene increased the expression of female lineage‐specific gene Wnt4 whereas decreased the expression of male specific gene SOX9 in blastocysts, suggesting reprogramming towards female sex determination pathways. Our findings provide insights into buffalo sex differentiation mechanisms and potential applications in reproductive strategies for breeding programmes.
Worsening sleep predicts next‐week suicidal ideation in a high‐risk adolescent outpatient treatment sample
Authors: Teresi Giana I. , Merranko John , Porta Giovanna , Bero Kelsey , Poling Kimberly D. , Brent David A. , Goldstein Tina R.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors often onset during adolescence, constituting a major public health concern. Despite rising rates in youth, psychotherapeutic and pharmacological treatment outcomes remain meager, indicating a need to identify modifiable risk factors. Experts suggest sleep may serve as a promising clinical indicator of risk and treatment progress, yet few studies have examined acute temporal associations between sleep and suicidal ideation.

Methods

Participants were depressed and suicidal adolescents (age 13–19, n = 311) attending an intensive outpatient program (IOP). Patients completed weekly self‐report assessments of sleep, depression, and suicidal ideation throughout IOP, with an average of 5 assessments over 30 days.

Results

Greater overall sleep difficulties, as well as within‐person increases in sleep difficulties, were predictive of greater depression severity and suicidal ideation at subsequent assessments, above and beyond previous levels of symptoms. The reverse associations were not found. Inclusion of within‐person changes in sleep difficulties significantly improved model fit compared to inclusion of overall sleep difficulties alone.

Discussion

This study provides additional evidence for a prospective relationship between worsening sleep difficulties and suicidal ideation in an IOP youth sample. Worsening sleep may be an important clinical indicator of subsequent depression and suicide risk among adolescents in treatment.
The Dual‐Edged State Paradox: Fighting for Justice When the State is Unreliable
Authors: Cayli Messina Baris
Published: November 2024

Sociological theories of collective resistance offer insights into how communities mobilize against oppression but often overlook the complexities when the state, an entity relied upon for justice, also acts as an agent of betrayal. Based on 8 years of ethnographic research in Palermo (2016–2024), this study examines the relationship between Sicilian activists and the state, shaped by the dual forces of mafia oppression and state complicity. The present research explores how activists navigate the complexities of collective trauma rooted in state complicity, while simultaneously relying on parts of the state as indispensable allies in their fight for justice. The study introduces the “Dual‐Edged State Paradox,” as a novel framework that captures this contradictory relationship. To navigate the paradox, activists adopt two key strategies: ‘fragmented trust dynamics’ and ‘layered collective resistance’. These strategies illustrate how activists continually recalibrate trust and engage in multi‐layered resistance, adjusting their approach to balance public protest with collaboration based on the positioning of different state actors. This research contributes to our sociological knowledge on collective action, particularly in settings where activists grapple with both external violence of non‐state actors and internal betrayal from the state apparatus.
Cellular Immunity Against BK Polyomavirus in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Al‐Talib Mohammed , Skaria Anna , Griffin Siân
Published: November 2024

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is an important opportunistic viral infection that complicates kidney transplantation. Uncontrolled viral replication may result in BKPyV‐associated nephropathy (BKPyVAN), a major cause of premature allograft damage and failure. In the continued absence of proven treatments, management relies on the empirical reduction of immunosuppression to facilitate an effective host immune response to clear the virus. This may be complicated by the risk of allograft rejection. There is compelling evidence that cellular immune responses are key to establishing control after viral reactivation. Measurable peripheral BKPyV‐specific T cell responses temporally correlate with declining viral loads and subsequent clearance. Conversely, these responses are delayed or absent in BKPyVAN. How these peripheral findings correspond to the intragraft response, and whether BKPyV‐specific T cells contribute to the immunopathology of BKPyVAN, remains poorly understood. Molecular techniques have provided some insights; however, these have been unable to fully discriminate BKPyVAN from cellular rejection to date. Furthermore, the contributions of components of innate cellular immunity, such as natural killer cells, are not known.

Herein, we review the role of cellular immunity in BKPyV infection in kidney transplant recipients. We discuss advances in the understanding of how the development, phenotype, and functionality of these responses may determine the balance between viral control and immunopathology, and how this knowledge is being translated into tools to prognosticate and guide individualized immunosuppression reduction. Lastly, we consider how further elucidation of these responses may inform the design of therapies that would revolutionize how BKPyV is managed after transplantation.
Phenotypic characterization of Echinochloa species in California rice
Authors: Vulchi Rohith , Guan Taiyu , Clark Troy , Brim‐DeForest Whitney
Published: November 2024

Two independent greenhouse experiments were conducted in December 2020 and July 2021 in Davis, CA to characterize Echinochloa crus‐galli (L.) P. Beauv., Echinochloa colona (L.) Link, Echinochloa oryzicola (Vasinger) Vasinger and Echinochloa walteri (Pursh) A. Heller found in California rice systems based on their morphological traits. Phenotypic data was collected on 10 vegetative traits including plant height, number of tillers, flag leaf length, flag leaf width, flag leaf angle, the colour of leaf sheath, leaf blade colour, internode colour, node colour, growth habit and nine reproductive traits including number of days to heading, number of panicles, length of panicle, length of panicle branches, seeds per panicle, panicle weight, seed colour, awn length and awn pattern. High plasticity was observed in all species characterized in both experiments for both vegetative and reproductive traits, indicating potential inter‐specific hybridization. Awn length, days to heading, length of the panicle, length of the panicle branches, plant height, flag leaf angle, and growth habit were significantly higher in the fall experiment for all species indicating photoperiod could play a role in the expression of these traits. Also, high variation was observed for plant height, number of tillers, awn length, panicle weight, seeds/panicle, length of panicle branch, and number of panicles for all species in both experiments. The results from this study indicate morphological diversity currently present in Echinochloa species could contribute to their adaptation to selection pressure imposed by different management tools in California, emphasizing the need for a diversified management approach to effectively control this weed species.
L${L}$‐functions of Kloosterman sheaves
Authors: Qin Yichen
Published: November 2024

In this article, we study a family of motives associated with the symmetric power of Kloosterman sheaves constructed by Fresán, Sabbah, and Yu. They demonstrated that for , the ‐functions of extend meromorphically to and satisfy the functional equations conjectured by Broadhurst and Roberts. Our work aims to extend these results to the ‐functions of some of the motives , with , as well as other related two‐dimensional motives. In particular, we prove several conjectures of Evans type, which relate moments of Kloosterman sheaves and Fourier coefficients of modular forms.
Gender and speech material effects on the long-term average speech spectrum, including at extended high frequencies
Authors: Delaram Vahid , Miller Margaret K. , Ananthanarayana Rohit M. , Trine Allison , Buss Emily , Stecker G. Christopher , Monson Brian B.
Published: November 2024

Gender and language effects on the long-term average speech spectrum (LTASS) have been reported, but typically using recordings that were bandlimited and/or failed to accurately capture extended high frequencies (EHFs). Accurate characterization of the full-band LTASS is warranted given recent data on the contribution of EHFs to speech perception. The present study characterized the LTASS for high-fidelity, anechoic recordings of males and females producing Bamford-Kowal-Bench sentences, digits, and unscripted narratives. Gender had an effect on spectral levels at both ends of the spectrum: males had higher levels than females below approximately 160 Hz, owing to lower fundamental frequencies; females had ∼4 dB higher levels at EHFs, but this effect was dependent on speech material. Gender differences were also observed at ∼300 Hz, and between 800 and 1000 Hz, as previously reported. Despite differences in phonetic content, there were only small, gender-dependent differences in EHF levels across speech materials. EHF levels were highly correlated across materials, indicating relative consistency within talkers. Our findings suggest that LTASS levels at EHFs are influenced primarily by talker and gender, highlighting the need for future research to assess whether EHF cues are more audible for female speech than for male speech.
The Healthy and Active Fund: Lessons From the Evaluation Experiences of Community-Based Physical Activity Projects in Wales
Authors: Kolovou Vasiliki , Kolosowska Anna , Embling Rochelle , Mchugh Niamh , Bradley John Stewart , Pilkington Paul
Published: November 2024

Background: The “Healthy and Active Fund” involved 17 community-based projects focused on the delivery of physical activity interventions, led by a variety of public and third sector organizations. As a novel, direct approach to capturing impact at this level, these organizations were encouraged to robustly evaluate and monitor their own project’s outcomes, with core funds allocated to this process. This study aimed to explore project experiences of planning and completing evaluation activities, to better understand how to support community-based practice improvement. Methods: In-depth semistructured interviews were completed with individuals who had supported their project’s evaluation. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify key facilitators and barriers associated with evaluation in this context. Results: Across 3 identified themes, participants (N = 15, 12 projects) referred to a need for greater organizational capacity and expertise, familiarity with evaluation methods, partnership-working, inclusivity, and flexibility, particularly when collecting data from project beneficiaries. Overarching program support (eg, case officers) was viewed as a valuable resource that was disrupted by COVID-19. Participants highlighted the resilience of their projects when engaging with evaluation processes and acknowledged wider learning across organization networks as a result of this success. Conclusions: This study shows that projects may benefit from closer support and external expertise for research and evaluation. There is willingness by third sector and public bodies to adopt research and evaluation methods into routine practice, but significant barriers persist. Future programs should continue to support adaptable approaches to evaluation at community-level, to better progress health and well-being goals for diverse populations.
Unravelling switch/sucrose non-fermentable (SWI-SNF) complex-deficient thoracic tumours: a clinicopathological comparative on undifferentiated tumours and non-small cell lung carcinomas with BRG1 and BRM deficiency
Authors: Sood Ridhi , Tandon Arshi , Khatoon Warisa , Vasanthraman Jayashimman , Nambirajan Aruna , Mohan Anant , Malik Prabhat Singh , Jain Deepali
Published: November 2024

Aims

This study was undertaken to compare and expand the clinicopathological characteristics of SMARCA4-deficient thoracic undifferentiated tumour (SMARCA4-dUT) and switch/sucrose non-fermentable-deficient non-small cell lung carcinomas (SWI/SNF-dNSCLC) and to address cases with intermediate features.

Methods

The pathology department archive was searched for all primary mediastinal, pleural and lung-based malignancies that showed aberrant expression of two SWI/SNF proteins the Brahma (BRM) akaSMARCA2and/or (Brahma-related gene 1 (BRG1) akaSMARCA4. Patient demographics, treatment and clinical outcomes were collected from records and telephonic interviews. Differences in histopathological features and immunohistochemical stains were analysed. Cases with characteristics intermediate between both tumour entities were sequenced to advance our understanding of their biology and to assign them a more accurate classification.

Results

We identified 50 tumours with SMARCA4 and/or SMARCA2 deficiencies, including 23 (46%) SMARCA4-dUT, 18 (36%) SMARCA4-dNSCLC and 2 (4%) SMARCA2-dNSCLC. Dyscohesive or undifferentiated cellular morphology versus frank gland formation along with keratin, claudin-4 and expression of >1 stem cell marker helped classify the SWI/SNF deficient tumours as SMARCA4-dUT or SWI/SNF-dNSCLC (p<0.05). Seven (14%) cases with BRG1 deficiency displayed ‘intermediate’ features of both SMARCA4-dNSCLC and SMARCA4-dUT and had the shortest overall survival. The smoking-related gene signature was observed on sequencing in all four cases examined.

Conclusion

Tumours with intermediate features between SMARCA4-dUT and SWI/SNF-dNSCLC exist and portend an equally poor prognoses. Immunostains, including keratin, claudin-4, TTF1, HepPar1, stem cell markers, along with BRG1 and BRM testing, are essential adjuncts to morphology, while molecular studies can offer supplementary evidence in challenging cases.
Pre-exercise ingestion of a low glycaemic index rice-based mixed meal increases fat oxidation and endurance running performance in a hot-humid environment
Authors: Bahari Zaini , Aziz Abdul Rashid , Safii Nik Shanita , Che Muhamed Ahmad Munir
Published: November 2024

Relative to exercise in a thermoneutral environment, there is only limited evidence demonstrating that a low glycaemic index (LGI) pre-exercise meal can enhance endurance exercise performance in a hot-humid (HH) condition. Also, previous studies predominantly utilised Western-based and single food items, with minimal focus on Asian-based mixed meals. This study aimed to investigate the impact of pre-exercise LGI and high glycaemic index (HGI) rice-based mixed meals on endurance performance among acclimatised trained athletes in HH condition (32 °C, 65% relative humidity). Twelve native-born endurance-trained male runners (age 22.0 ± 5.8 years; peak oxygen consumption (V̇O2peak) 64.2 ± 5.5 mL kg−1 min−1) completed two trials consisting of 45 min steady-state (SS) run at 70% V̇O2peak followed by 10 km performance run (TT10km). Three hours before exercise, participants consumed an isocaloric rice-based mixed meals containing either LGI (GI value = 47) or HGI (GI value = 80), providing 1.3 g of carbohydrate (CHO) per kg of body mass. Participants ran faster during TT10 km after consuming the LGI meal compared to the HGI meal (LGI: 55.18 ± 1.22 vs. HGI: 57.03 ± 2.25 min, p = 0.010). End rectal temperature did not significantly differ between trials (LGI: 39.16 ± 0.74 vs. HGI: 38.95 ± 0.46 °C, p = 0.352). Fat oxidation was higher during the SS run in the LGI compared to the HGI trial (LGI: 0.19 ± 0.05 vs. HGI: 0.13 ± 0.19 g min−1, p = 0.001). This study demonstrated that, relative to HGI, consuming a pre-exercise LGI rice-based mixed meal enhanced endurance performance in HH environment among acclimatised trained male athletes.
Impacts of river flow and thermal regimes on fish-growth dynamics during early life history
Authors: Watson Andrew S. , Rose Alex , Hogsden Kristy , Daly Oonagh , Sinton Amber , Egan Eimear , Stoffels Rick J.
Published: November 2024

Growth during early life stages is critical to fish population persistence. Few studies explore how river discharge and thermal regimes impact growth dynamics of young-of-the-year (YOY) fishes. We used otolith biochronologies and generalised additive mixed models to partition the effects of age, individual, river, temperature, discharge, and variance in discharge on daily growth rates of YOY fishes with an opportunistic life-history strategy: Galaxias vulgaris and Gobiomorphus breviceps. Growth of both species increased with temperature. Galaxias growth decreased with discharge, while Gobiomorphus growth increased with lowered discharge but only to a point (ca. 1/3 of median discharge), after which growth plateaued. Floods had a strong negative effect on YOY growth. Our study systems and species had different characteristics to those that formed the basis of the Riverscape Recruitment Synthesis Model (RRSM) and may explain why our results were only partially consistent with flow predictions for opportunistic species of the RRSM. Further, Galaxias growth was a negative function of high-frequency, daily variation in flow, and we present testable hypotheses to explain this result.
The Law of Data-driven on Employee Growth in Enterprise Human Resource Management in the Era of Digital Transformation
Authors: Liu Yiming
Published: November 2024

In the era of digital transformation, the popularity of artificial intelligence technology has driven the development of the field of Human Resource Management (HRM) in enterprises, and data-driven HRM has become the key to the development and success of enterprises. Due to the late start, data-driven HRM is still in the development stage in China. To address the problem that traditional HRM lacks accuracy and real-time, this study proposes a Growth Potential Prediction (GPP) model based on the combination of all class features and a Random Forest (RF) classifier. The results of the study showed that the prediction accuracy of interpersonal background, work ability, educational status and organisational environment characteristics under the screening index based on [Formula: see text]1 value were 85.01%, 66.34%, 66.41%, 44.19% and 64.27%, respectively. The accuracy of ROS under the RF classifier and the macro [Formula: see text]1 value were 87.31% and 87.24%. After adding the network features, the accuracy and macro [Formula: see text]1 values of the feature ensemble could reach 90%, and the accuracy and macro [Formula: see text]1 values of all class feature combinations were 89.01% and 89.10%, respectively. In summary, the GPP model based on the combination of all class features and the RF classifier proposed in the study can accurately predict the growth potential of employees and provide some guarantee for mining the growth pattern of employees.
Short-stasis signatures in Cambrian and Ordovician shallow-marine sandstones: implications for the ichnological record and time preserved at outcrop
Authors: Veenma Yorick P. , Davies Neil S.
Published: November 2024

Shallow-marine sandstones are an archetypal facies in the stratigraphic record of the Cambrian Explosion and the Ordovician Radiation but have been considered uninformative owing to erosional signatures, time incompleteness and unfossiliferous outcrops. New analyses of the Carnedd-y-Filliast Grits (Furongian, Wales) and littoral sandstone successions from Baltica and Laurentia reveal that, besides erosion, bedding planes in such outcrops commonly register sedimentary stasis. Most stasis intervals were brief, reflecting (1) a high sedimentation frequency, (2) post-depositional substrate resculpting by wave action during ‘active-layer stasis’, inhibiting infaunal colonization and rendering the surface representative of only the interval immediately preceding burial, and (3) the low preservation potential of longer-stasis surfaces, which mainly occur within heterolithic packages that, in low-subsidence settings, are commonly eroded and replaced by amalgamation surfaces between sandstones. The short-stasis signature of littoral sandstones renders metre-scale architectural elements relatively time-complete but biases their fossil record at outcrop. Short-stasis surfaces are high-resolution snapshots but form incomplete representations of ancient ecosystems compared with surfaces that capture longer intervals. As such, the predominance of short-stasis surfaces contributed to the low ichnodiversity and sparse fossil content of littoral sandstones, implying that early Paleozoic littoral ecosystems were more biodiverse than their known record suggests.
Joint Mixing Data Augmentation for Skeleton-based Action Recognition
Authors: Xiang Linhua , Wang Zengfu
Published: November 2024

Skeleton-based action recognition is beneficial for understanding human behavior in videos, and thus has received much attention in recent years as an important research area in action recognition. Current research focuses on designing more advanced algorithms to better extract spatio-temporal information from skeleton data. However, due to the small amount of data in the existing skeleton dataset and the lack of effective data augmentation methods, it is easy to lead to overfitting in model training. To address this challenge, we propose a mix-based data augmentation method, Joint Mixing Data Augmentation (JMDA), which can generally improve the effectiveness and robustness of various skeleton-based action recognition algorithms. In terms of spatial information, we introduce SpatialMix (SM), a method that projects the original 3D skeleton discrete information into a 2D space. Then, SM mixes the projected spatial information between two random samples during the training process to achieve the spatial-based mixing data augmentation. Concerning temporal information, we propose TemporalMix (TM). Leveraging the temporal continuity in skeleton data, we perform a temporal resize operation on the original skeleton data, and then merge two random samples during training to achieve the temporal-based mixed data augmentation. Additionally, we analyze the Feature Mismatch (FM) problem caused by introducing mix-based data augmentation into skeleton data. Then we propose a new data preprocessing method called Feature Alignment (FA) to effectively address this problem and improve model performance. Moreover, we propose a novel training pipeline, Joint Training Strategy (JTS), which combines multiple mix-based data augmentation methods for further improvement of model performance. Specifically, our proposed JMDA is plug-and-play and widely applicable to skeleton-based action recognition models. At the same time, the application of JMDA does not increase the model parameters and there is almost no additional training cost. We conduct extensive experiments on NTU RGB+D 60 and NTU RGB+D 120 datasets to demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed JMDA on several mainstream skeleton-based action recognition algorithms.
The Genetic Basis of Sudden Cardiac Death: From Diagnosis to Emerging Genetic Therapies
Authors: Dewars Enya R. , Landstrom Andrew P.
Published: November 2024

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is an abrupt, tragic manifestation of a number of cardiovascular diseases, primarily ion channelopathies and heritable cardiomyopathies. Because these diseases are heritable, genetics play a key role in the diagnosis and management of SCD-predisposing diseases. Historically, genetics have been used to confirm a diagnosis and identify at-risk family members, but a deeper understanding of the genetic causes of SCD could pave the way for individualized therapy, early risk detection, and a transformative shift toward genetically informed therapies. This review focuses on the evolving genetic landscape of SCD-predisposing diseases, the current state of gene therapy and therapeutic development, and the promise of using predictive genetics to identify individuals at risk of SCD.
Prognostic Implications of MRI-assessed Intratumoral Fat in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Asian and European Cohort Study
Authors: Jiang Hanyu , Cannella Roberto , Wu Zhenru , Beaufrère Aurélie , Dioguardi Burgio Marco , Sartoris Riccardo , Wang Yanshu , Qin Yun , Chen Jie , Chen Yidi , Chen Weixia , Shi Yujun , Song Bin , Ronot Maxime
Published: November 2024

In general, MRI-assessed intratumoral fat was nonprognostic, but homogeneous intratumoral fat was associated with longer recurrence-free survival and overall survival in an Asian cohort of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
New Screen-Printed Solid Contact Ion Selective Electrode for Potentiometric Analysis of Tolterodine: Application of Analytical Eco-Scale and GAPI Metrics for Green Assessment
Authors: Rizk M. , Mahmoud Zainab M. , Azab Marwa M.
Published: November 2024

This research work focuses on the development and validation of a screen-printed solid contact ion-selective electrode (SP-SCE) for the potentiometric analysis of tolterodine (TOLT), a potent antimuscarinic drug. The sensor fabrication involved preparing a carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, followed by depositing a membrane containing tolterodine phosphotungstate (TOLT-PTA) onto the electrode’s surface, then air-drying at room temperature for one day. The use of TOLT-PTA provides high selectivity for tolterodine and maintains a stable potential with a Nernstian slope. The incorporation of TiO2 nanoparticles enhances the electrode’s performance due to their high electrical conductivity and larger surface area, improving reaction rates, sensitivity, and response time. The validity of the proposed method was assessed according to ICH guidelines and IUPAC recommendations. A linear relationship was established between cell potentials and the logarithm of TOLT concentrations within (3.16 × 10−6) M to (1.00 × 10−2) M in pure form, with a Nernstian slope of 58.608 mV decade−1, a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.9994. and an LOD of (1.58 × 10−6) M. Statistical comparisons with a previously reported method demonstrated no significant differences, indicating the accuracy of the developed method. It was used for determining TOLT in tablets successfully.
Pulmonary-delivered Anticalin Jagged-1 antagonists reduce experimental airway mucus hyperproduction and obstruction
Authors: Heinzelmann Katharina , Fysikopoulos Athanasios , Jaquin Thomas J. , Peper-Gabriel Janet K. , Hansbauer Eva-Maria , Grüner Stefan , Prassler Josef , Wurzenberger Claudia , Kennedy Joseph G. C. , Snead Jazmin Y. , Wrennall Joe A. , Heinig Kristina , Wurzenberger Cornelia , Bel Aiba Rachida-Siham , Tarran Robert , Livraghi-Butrico Alessandra , Fitzgerald Mary F. , Anderson Gary P. , Rothe Christine , Matschiner Gabriele , Olwill Shane A. , Hagner Matthias
Published: November 2024

Airway mucus drives severity and mortality in diverse chronic lung diseases. The Jagged-1/Notch pathway controls the balance of ciliated versus mucous cells, but targeting the pathway systemically carries the risk of side effects. Here we developed novel, Anticalin-derived, pulmonary-delivered Jagged-1 antagonists, to inhibit airway mucus hyperproduction and obstruction in chronic lung diseases. Our preclinical data demonstrate the effectiveness of these antagonists in diminishing secretory cell and mucus levels and alleviating hallmarks of mucus obstruction.
Comparative Evaluation of the Bioactive Potential of a Powder and the Particle Size Fractions of Plant Organs From Dacryodes edulis, Solanum torvum, and Curcuma longa
Authors: Armel Assiéné Agamou Julien , William Djeukeu Asongni , Zra Tizé , Evariste Fongnzossié Fedoung
Published: November 2024

The bioactive potential of plant organ powders depends on their bioactive compound content and is influenced by the properties of particle size fractions (PSFs). This study evaluated the effects of PSFs on total polyphenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins in plant organ powders and compared them with those of unsieved powders (UnPs). Young (YLDE) and mature (MLDE) leaves, bark (BDE) of Dacryodes edulis, Solanum torvum leaves (LST), and Curcuma longa rhizome (RCL) were collected and processed into powders (Ø ≤ 1000 μm sieve, AFNOR brand). These powders were then divided into two batches, one of which was separated into fractions of different sizes. The total polyphenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannin contents were determined. UnP and seven PSFs were obtained, with the 250–400 μm fraction being the most abundant. The UnP of RCL, YLDE, and LST had the highest contents of total polyphenols (303.70 ± 1.66 mg GAE/100 g DM), flavonoids (218.19 ± 1.93 mg QE/100 g DM), and condensed tannins (19.16 ± 0.29 mg CE/100 g DM), respectively. The contents of these bioactive compounds were higher in the < 125 μm fraction. The extraction of total polyphenols and flavonoids from UnP exceeded the sum of PSFs, whereas the condensed tannins were higher in the sum of PSFs for YLDE, MLDE, and BDE. For LST and RCL, the extracts of the three compounds from UnP and the sum of the PSFs were equal. The powder fractioning method was advantageous for the extraction of condensed tannins from the YLDE, MLDE, and BDE.
Xylooligosaccharide Production From Lignocellulosic Biomass and Their Health Benefits as Prebiotics
Authors: Kumari Kajal , Nagar Sushil , Goyal Sakshi , Maan Sonu , Chugh Vishal , Kumar Vinod , Kharor Neeraj
Published: November 2024

Lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) comprising of wheat bran, coconut husk, rice husk, cereals straw, and other hardwood and softwoods is a good source for the production of xylooligosaccharides (XOS) (prebiotic). XOS produced are nondigestible carbohydrates being stable under stomach pH and digestive enzymes so they can be easily delivered to the intestine in native form, thus stimulating the growth of probiotics. Here we review about the raw material, production, purification, and application of XOS with health benefits. Importance of XOS being valuable food ingredient is increasing as they perform a variety of functions, including reduction in cholesterol levels, gastrointestinal health maintenance, anticancer and antioxidant properties, and modulation of immune system. We also discuss the different characterization methods which are necessary to determine the degree of polymerization (DP) of XOS. Low DP (xylobiose and xylotriose) is usually preferred for the application of XOS in various sectors. This review emphasizes the growing significance of XOS as a prebiotic, serving as nourishment for probiotics.
A Multicentre Cross‐Sectional Study on Hepatitis B Vaccination Coverage and Associated Factors Among Personnel Working in Health Facilities in Kumasi, Ghana
Authors: Okwan Daniel Kobina , Scott Godfred Yawson , Takyi Pius , Boateng Clinton Owusu , Antwi Philemon Boasiako , Abrampah Akwasi Amponsah , Boateng De-Graft Kwaku Ofosu , Obeng Michael Agyemang
Published: November 2024

Background: As part of efforts to reach the elimination target by 2030, the WHO and CDC recommend that all HCWs adhere to the three‐dose Hepatitis B vaccination schedule to protect themselves against the infection. This study assessed Hepatitis B vaccination coverage and associated factors among personnel working in health facilities in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana.

Materials and Methods: A cross‐sectional study involving 530 HCWs was conducted in four hospitals in Kumasi from September to November 2023. An investigator‐administered questionnaire was employed in gathering participant demographics and other information related to vaccination coverage. IBM SPSS Version 26.0 and GraphPad Prism 8.0 were used for analysing the data.

Results: Even though the majority (70.6%) reported having taken at least one dose of the vaccine, only 43.6% were fully vaccinated (≥ 3 doses). More than a quarter (29.4%) had not taken any dose of the HBV vaccine. Close to a quarter (23.6%) had not screened or tested for HBV infection in their lifetime. The statistically significant variables influencing vaccination status were age, marital status, profession, and status in the hospital. Nearly one‐half (44.9%) of the participants who have not taken the vaccine reported they do not have a reason for not taking it, and a high proportion (80.1%) were willing to take the vaccine when given for free.

Conclusion: To combat the low Hepatitis B vaccination coverage among healthcare workers in Kumasi, Ghana, amidst the significant public health threat of HBV infection, comprehensive measures are necessary. These include implementing infection prevention control programmes, enhancing occupational health and safety, and conducting health promotion campaigns in healthcare facilities. Extending and intensifying Hepatitis B screening and vaccination initiatives to tertiary institutions and encouraging employers, supervisors, or team leaders to provide these services nationwide are also recommended.
Supplementary Table S5 from Durvalumab ± Tremelimumab + Platinum-Etoposide in Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer (CASPIAN): Outcomes by PD-L1 Expression and Tissue Tumor Mutational Burden
Authors: Paz-Ares Luis , Garassino Marina Chiara , Chen Yuanbin , Reinmuth Niels , Hotta Katsuyuki , Poltoratskiy Artem , Trukhin Dmytro , Hochmair Maximilian J. , Özgüroğlu Mustafa , Ji Jun Ho , Statsenko Galina , Conev Nikolay , Bondarenko Igor , Havel Libor , Losonczy György , Xie Mingchao , Lai Zhongwu , Godin-Heymann Nadia , Mann Helen , Jiang Haiyi , Shrestha Yashaswi , Goldman Jonathan W.
Published: November 2024

Summary of adverse events of any cause by PD-L1 subgroup (PD-L1 safety population).