bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐term quality of life after kidney and simultaneous pancreas–kidney transplantation
Authors: Matas Arthur J , McHugh Lois , Payne William D , Wrenshall Lucile E , Dunn David L , Gruessner Rainer WG , Sutherland David ER , Najarian John S
Published: October 2024

We are using a validated questionnaire (SF‐36) to annually assess health‐related quality of life (QOL) in kidney and pancreas‐kidney transplant recipients. The SF‐36 consists of eight scales to assess physical functioning, general health, and mental functioning. Norms and 95% confidence intervals (C.I.) have been developed for the US population. At present, 1138 recipients with functioning grafts (520 Type I diabetic; 618 nondiabetic) 1‐10 yr post‐transplant have completed the questionnaire. Of the recipients, 446 completed the questionnaire once; 632 twice; and 53 three times (305 after 1 yr: 266 after 2 yr: 256 after 3 yr; 206 after 4 yr: 192 after 5 yr; 150 after 6 yr: 130 after 7 yr; 138 after 8 yr; 125 after 9 yr; 92 after 10 yr). For both diabetic and nondiabetic recipients, there was little change in average scores for each scale between years (p = NS). In relation to the US population, average scores for nondiabetics were below the 50th percentile on all 8 scales: for diabetics < 25th percentile on the physical functioning and vitality scales, < 50th percentile on all others. For both diabetic and nondiabetic recipients, average scores were higher than reported norms for patients with CHF, COPD, or depression but were similar to those with Htn or recent MI. Individual scores were then compared with age‐matched means (±2 SEMS) (95% C.I.) for the US population. At each year post‐transplant. up to 40% of nondiabetic and up to 65% of diabetic recipients had scores below the 95% C.I. on individual scales (particularly the physical functioning and general health scales) e.g. over 30% nondiabetic and up to 60% diabetic recipients had scores on the physical functioning scales below the 95% C.I. More diabetic recipients (vs. nondiabetics) reported poor QOL on the physical functioning, general health and social functioning scales. There was little difference in the mental health scales. For those with Type I diabetes, a similar percentage of kidney and K/P recipients reported QOL below the 95% C.I. for the age‐matched population, except on the GH scale (better QOL for K/P recipients). We conclude that successful transplant recipients report health‐related QOL below that of the age‐matched general population but similar to those with other chronic diseases. Diabetic and nondiabetic recipients have similar scores on the mental health scales; nondiabetic recipients score better on the general health and physical functioning scales.
Maintenance therapy with oral ganciclovir after treatment of cytomegalovirus infection
Authors: Nankivell Brian J , Malouf Monique A , Russ Graeme R , Barclay Peter , Glanville Allan R , Allen Richard DM , O'Connell Philip J , Chapman Jeremy R
Published: October 2024

While oral ganciclovir (OGCV) has been used as primary prophylaxis in patients at high risk for cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection after solid organ transplantation, its value in secondary prophylaxis is unknown. We have examined the use of OGCV as maintenance. therapy following confirmed CMV infection on 16 occasions in 15 patients, in kidney (n = 4), kidney‐pancreas (n = 3) lung (n = 6) and heart‐lung (n = 1) recipients. OGCV was used in two distinct clinical situations. One group (n=7) received OGCV as consolidation therapy (mean duration of 21±5 d) following IV ganciclovir induction therapy. (mean duration of 16±5 d) for acute CMV infection, and sustained remission was achieved in 6/7 patients for a median follow‐up of 300 d. In the second scenario, OGCV suppressed clinical disease in all patients with relapsing CMV infection (n = 9), with minimal or absent toxicity with a median follow‐up of 152 d. OGCV reduced morbidity by allowing removal of central lines used for long‐term IV therapy in patients with poor peripheral access. Hence, this study demonstrates the safe and effective use of OGCV as consolidation therapy after standard induction treatment with IV ganciclovir, and as long‐term suppressive therapy in transplant recipients with recurrent CMV infection.
Postoperative Recovery after Cholecystectomy by Minilaparotomy: A Randomized Double‐Blind Comparison between α‐Trinositol and Placebo
Authors: Westerling Dagmar , Luttropp Hans‐Henrik , Holmin Torsten , Landquist Eric
Published: October 2024

An opioid‐sparing effect of α‐trinositol (D‐myo‐inositol 1,2,6‐trisphosphate) following cholecystectomy in otherwise healthy patients was suggested by a pilot study. In order to verify this result, pain, pain relief and nausea were studied in patients undergoing elective cholecystectomy by minilaparotomy. The patients were randomized using double‐blind design to receive an intravenous infusion of either α‐trinositol or sodium chloride (placebo) for eight hr after the operation. Pain, pain relief and nausea were evaluated up to 72 hr after surgery using visual analogue scales (VAS). Rescue analgesic medication was registered. As a further measure of pain and/or restrictions caused by pain, peak expiratory (low, walking distance and pressure pain thresholds were assessed. There was no difference between the groups in ratings of pain, pain relief, nausea or amount of analgesic medication given. The mean ratings of pain were significantly higher in the sitting position compared to lying down. Neither pressure pain thresholds, nor the walking distance differed between the patients given α‐trinositol and placebo, respectively. There were significant reductions of peak expiratory flow and of pressure pain thresholds under both costal margins up to 72 hr after surgery compared to prcsurgcry values. As a conclusion, no analgesic effect of α‐trinositol at the dosage used was observed in the postoperative patients studied.
Phenytoin Hydroxylation in a Healthy Caucasian Population: Bimodal Distribution of Hydroxyphenytoin Urinary Excretion
Authors: Horsmans Yves , Van Den Berge Véronique , Bouckaert André , Desager Jean‐Pierre
Published: October 2024

The phenytoin hydroxylation index was studied in 122 unrelated Caucasian volunteers. Following a 100 mg oral dose of phenytoin, phenytoin and hydroxyphenytoin were measured in urine from 0‐32 hr after administration. As phenytoin was not found in all urine collections, a phenytoin hydroxylation index was expressed as follows: Phenytoin hydroxylation index=amount of phenytoin administcrcd/0‐32 hr urinary output of hydroxyphenytoin. Phenytoin hydroxylation index values appear to be bimodally distributed, 92% of the population showing a mean (±S.E.M.) value of 0.639±0.099 and 8% a mean (±S.E.M.) value of 1.001 ±0.180 (log10 values). These results are in favour of the existence of a phenytoin genetic polymorphism. Since misuse of urinary metabolite excretion data in drug metabolism studies is a well‐known phenomenon, our data emphazise the need for future population studies on phenytoin pharmacokinetics as well as on CYP2C9 genotyping before concluding about existence of a phenytoin genetic polymorphism.
Paracetamol Inhibits Cell Cycling and Induces Apoptosis in HL‐60 Cells
Authors: Wiger Richard , Finstad Hanne S. , Hongslo Jan K. , Haug Kirsti , Holme Jørn A.
Published: October 2024

We investigated the effects of paracetamol on cell cycle and cell death in cultured HL‐60 cells. Paracetamol (0.1‐3.0 mM) caused a dose‐dependent inhibition of cell proliferation. Inhibition of DNA synthesis was observed at as low concentrations as 0.03 mM. When HL‐60 cells were exposed to paracetamol (0.1‐1.0 mM), flow cytometric analysis showed that cells accumulated in the G1/S phase, and then slowly proceeded through the S‐phasc. Exposure to 2.0‐3.0 mM paracetamol, on the other hand, resulted in a reduction of the number of cells in S‐phase and G2/M phase, and a concurrent increase in cells/bodies with a lower DNA content than that of the G1 cells. Microscopic studies revealed increased numbers of cells with nuclear condensation and fragmentation, indicating that apoptosis was the dominating mode of death in this cell line after exposure to paracetamol. However, when DNA from paracetamol‐treated cells were electrophoresed in agarose, no clear ladder pattern characteristic for apoptotic cells was observed. This was most likely a result of secondary necrosis which followed incomplete apoptosis. Within 5‐10 hr after start of paracetamol exposure, a marked downregulation of both c‐myc and bel‐2 mRNA was observed. In conclusion, the present results show that exposure to high non‐therapeutic concentrations of paracetamol cause cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HL‐60 cells in S‐phase.
The Effect of Ethanol on Muscarinic Receptor‐G Protein Coupling in the Rat Cortex
Authors: Singh Sant P. , Handa Raj K. , Depala Vennugopal , Gao Yan , Mcllroy Patrick J. , Ravindra Rudravajhala
Published: October 2024

To understand the mechanism of ethanol action on G protein‐mediated signal transduction pathway, the effect of ethanol on muscarinic receptor‐G protein coupling in the rat cerebral cortex was examined. Acetylcholine (ACh)‐stimulated G protein GTPasc activity was used as an index of receptor‐G protein coupling. ACh stimulation of G protein GTPase activity was time‐ and concentration‐dependent, and atropine‐sensitive. Rats injected with ethanol (3 g/kg body weight) were sacrificed after 4 hr, and the cerebral cortices removed. The ability of ACh to stimulate GTPase activity was similar in cortical cell membranes obtained from control and ethanol‐treated rats; ACh maximally stimulated the enzymatic activity by 22% in membranes from both groups of rats. Next, in cortical cell membranes obtained from control rats (i.e., not injected with ethanol) the ability of ACh to stimulate GTPasc activity in the presence of ethanol was examined. ACh stimulated GTPasc activity in a concentration‐dependent manner; the activity was 12.3 ±0.1, 14.5±0.64, 15.7±0.54, and 16.1 ±0.33 Pi pmol/min./mg protein, at 0, 0.01. 0.1, and 1 mM ACh, respectively (P<0.05). In the presence of 100 mM ethanol ACh‐stimulated GTPase activity was significantly inhibited. The IC50 value of ethanol inhibition of ACh‐stimulated GTPase activity was ~50 mM. These results suggest that: 1) in vitro, ethanol impairs ACh‐stimulated G protein GTPase activity in the rat cortical cell membranes, and 2) in vivo, the acute effects of alcohol on G protein function may be transient and reversible.
Participant Personal Characteristics and Adherence to Oral Capsules: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Placebo‐Controlled Trial of Antenatal Probiotics
Authors: Hanson Lisa , Albert Kathlyn , Malloy Emily , Singh Maharaj , Kallay Mikala , Brandt Ava , Morris Courtney , Kleber Diana , Forgie Marie
Published: October 2024

Background

Adherence to study interventions is critical to the conduct of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The relationships between participant characteristics and intervention adherence are understudied in pregnant populations. The purpose of this study was to conduct a secondary analysis of adherence to study capsules in a double‐masked, placebo‐controlled RCT of a probiotic intervention to reduce antenatal Group B Streptococcus colonization, in relationship to participant characteristics.

Methods

We analyzed the relationship between capsule adherence rates and demographic characteristics among 81 RCT participants. Categorical variables were reported using counts and percentages, and continuous variables were expressed as means along with their standard deviations. For the univariate analyses, we compared demographic variables with adherence scores. A multivariate linear regression model was used to identify predictors of adherence.

Results

Average adherence was similar for control and probiotic group participants (P = .86) Univariate analysis showed that average adherence increased directly with age, education, and income. Participants who were partnered or living with others had higher average adherence compared with those who were single and living alone. Asian and White participants had the highest and Black participants had the lowest average, and there was no difference based on Hispanic ethnicity. Adjusting for all the variables in the regression, participants who identified as Black were significantly less likely to adhere to capsules than White participants, and those who were married or living with partners were more likely to adhere than the single participants.

Discussion

Diverse participants are critically important to RCTs. This secondary analysis provides evidence that participant characteristics and the social determinants of health play an important role in adherence to self‐administered interventions in RCTs, although more research is needed. Our findings suggest that intentional consideration of RCT participant characteristics may allow for the development and tailoring of strategies to enhance intervention adherence. The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03696953) on January 10, 2018.
Computed tomography analysis of the infraorbital canal and adjacent anatomical structures
Authors: Karatag Ozan , Guclu Oguz , Ozer Sule , Oztoprak Bilge , Resorlu Mustafa , Oztoprak Ibrahim
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to investigate the incidence of infraorbital canal (IOC) protrusion into the maxillary sinus via computed tomography (CT) and classify its variations. Additionally, it sought to identify nearby sinonasal variations that might elevate the risk of iatrogenic injury. Paranasal sinus CT of 500 patients was evaluated retrospectively. The IOC types were categorized. The length of the IOC, septum, the distance between the maxillary ostium and IOC (dOI), the presence of Haller cells, IOC‐related intra‐sinus opacity, and IOC dehiscence were investigated. The prevalence of type 3 IOC was 12%, of which 9.2% were type 3c. The maximum length of the IOC was positively correlated with type 3 IOC. A significant difference was found between IOC types in terms of dOI only on the left side. On both sides, the incidence of Haller cells was greater in patients with type 2 IOC than in those with type 1 and in patients with type 3 IOC than in those with type 2. IOC‐related opacity and IOC dehiscence were more common in types 2 and 3 IOCs. The assessment of preoperative IOC types and neighboring anatomical structures by CT imaging is of great significance in preventing iatrogenic damage.
Wedge Resection and Nail Groove Reconstruction With Hanging Thread Knot in the Treatment of Onychocryptosis
Authors: Hao Yonghong , Zou Xiaofang , Zhao Zigang , Xing Liyuan , Li Chengxin
Published: October 2024

Background

Onychocryptosis is characterized by the nail plate penetrating the lateral nail fold, resulting in varying degrees of infection and deformity. Standardized treatment protocols for onychocryptosis, particularly in Stages IIb, III, and IV, have not been universally established, highlighting the urgent need for the development of effective interventions.

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of wedge resection and nail groove reconstruction using the hanging thread knot for the treatment of onychocryptosis.

Methods

At our hospital, a total of 155 patients with onychocryptosis in Stages IIb, III, and IV underwent treatment. Wedge resection and nail groove reconstruction with the hanging thread knot were applied based on the severity of deformity and infection for treating onychocryptosis. All patients received perioperative systematic and topical anti‐infective treatments. Follow‐ups conducted over a period of 2–6 months assessed postoperative rehabilitation and complications.

Results

The cure rate reached 95%, with a low recurrence rate of 5%. Recurrence, observed in eight patients, was attributed to various causes: three due to improper trimming, three related to trauma, one associated with obesity, and one due to incomplete matrix resection. All eight patients achieved complete recovery through health guidance and secondary surgery. Satisfaction results were reported during the 2–6 months follow‐up period. Although 10 patients experienced secondary local infections, all achieved complete recovery following active treatment.

Conclusion

Wedge resection and nail groove reconstruction with the hanging thread knot prove to be an effective and safe method for treating onychocryptosis.
Two‐dimensional echocardiographic right heart ratios for assessment of right heart size in dogs: Reference intervals and reproducibility
Authors: Sankisov Jacqueline N. , Visser Lance C. , Davis Kate E. , Boon June A. , Ross Evan S. , Laws Abigail C.
Published: October 2024

Background

Reference intervals for simple body weight‐independent measurements of right heart size and function are limited.

Objectives

Generate reference intervals for measurements of right heart size indexed to the long‐axis aortic valve diameter (AoD) or corresponding left heart structure (right heart ratios) and describe the reproducibility of these indices.

Animals

Ninety healthy adult dogs of variable body weight.

Methods

Prospective study. All dogs underwent an echocardiogram performed by the same operator. Numerous linear 2‐dimensional measurements of right heart size and function from different imaging planes were performed. Eight dogs underwent repeated echocardiograms by the same operator on 3 different days, and 3 different operators performed repeated echocardiograms on the same day. Reference intervals were generated using the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute method. Reproducibility was quantitated using coefficients of variation (CVs) and reproducibility coefficients.

Results

Reference intervals for right heart ratios were generated and allow simple assessments of right heart size and function that do not require a scaling exponent or body weight table. Right heart ratios did not show clinically relevant associations with body weight. All CVs were <22.6%. In general, CVs for right heart measurements indexed to AoD were lower compared with right heart measurements indexed to the corresponding left heart structure.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Reference intervals for simple body weight‐independent right heart ratios are available to help detect abnormalities of right heart size and function. Reproducibility coefficients might be useful to help identify meaningful changes in right heart size during serial evaluations.
Reinstatement of Acalypha fallax Mull. Arg. and description of A. brittoi sp. nov. based on micromorphological and molecular characters
Authors: Soosairaj Sebastian , Soosai Mary Nithya Maria , Raja Prakasam , John Peter Arulanandam Lourdusamy
Published: October 2024

In 1865, Müller Argoviensis proposed Acalypha fallax based on specimens from Peninsula Indiae orientalis, which is now considered synonymous with A. lanceolata Willd. A recent study conducted in Tamil Nadu, India, from 2019 to 2022 thoroughly examined Acalypha species using multiple criteria: leaf epidermal characteristics, seed morphology, pollen features observed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and sequencing of the ITS, rbcL and matK spacer regions. This work identified distinctions between A. fallax and A. lanceolata, such as longer peduncles, obovate bracts in male flowers, and stems with two types of trichomes: strigose and hirsute. Moreover, the study proposed a new species, A. brittoi, which is described here as distinguishable from A. fallax by its larger leaf blades with 13–14‐toothed margins (compared to smaller blades with 8–9‐toothed margins in A. fallax), and by the ovate perianth of its male flowers (versus orbicular perianth in A. fallax). Unique patterns of leaf epidermal crystals and granules on seed surfaces further aided in distinguishing A. fallax from A. brittoi. Molecular analysis additionally confirmed genetic differences among these three species.
Representative bureaucracy in property assessment appeals administration: A group level analysis
Authors: Bishu Sebawit G. , Propheter Geoffrey
Published: October 2024

We explore the effects of gender representation between a small group of professionalized bureaucrats, assessment appeals boards, and a small group of residents and homeowners. Appeals boards have the discretion to reduce property assessments, thereby reducing one's property taxes. Housing is a gendered issue, with females experiencing slower wealth accumulation than males. Property taxes are a housing cost and, thus, a barrier to wealth accumulation. Using appeals data over 19 years in Colorado, we find that an appellant with at least one female owner before a gender parity board has a higher chance of an appeal being upheld than if the case were heard by either majority male or majority female boards. The findings suggest that in a group decision‐making setting, the benefits of gender representation depend on panel gender makeup.
The Negative Impact of Prolonged Desiccation on the Recovery of Selaginella bryopteris: Insights Into Autophagy and Cellular Protection Strategies
Authors: Jose Jismon , Amiben Lakhani , Girish B. P. , Sen Kakali , Prasad T. N. V. K. V. , Roy Sujit , Roy Choudhury Swarup
Published: October 2024

Desiccation tolerance is a complex biological phenomenon that allows certain plants to survive extreme dehydration and revive upon rehydration. Although significant progress has been made in understanding the physiological and molecular mechanisms involved in desiccation tolerance, recovery mechanisms after prolonged desiccation periods are enigmatic. Combining physiological, biochemical, transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches, we investigated the role of prolonged desiccation on recovery of Selaginella bryopteris. Prolonged desiccation causes a decline in the antioxidant system, leading to accumulation of ROS that hinder recovery by inducing cellular damage. Transcriptome and WGCNA analysis revealed the significance of protective proteins, alternative respiration and protein homeostasis in cellular protection and recovery after short and long‐term desiccation. Metabolomic analysis exhibited an increased accumulation of antioxidant compounds, which can be substituted for antioxidant enzymes to maintain cellular protection during prolonged desiccation. The significant role of autophagy and autophagic components was evaluated by H2O2 treatment and phylogenetic analysis of ATG4 and ATG8, which unveiled their substantial role in desiccation tolerance and remarkable conservation of the autophagy‐related genes across plant species. Our data demonstrated that prolonged desiccation leads to ROS‐induced cell death by extensive autophagy due to enormous loss of protective proteins, antioxidant enzymes and energy resources during desiccation.
How to Cope With Stress in the Desert—The Date Palm Approach
Authors: Du Baoguo , Franzisky Bastian Leander , Muhammad Waqas , Alfarraj Saleh , Geilfus Christoph‐Martin , Rennenberg Heinz
Published: October 2024

Increasing desertification constitutes a global environmental problem, mainly driven by climate change and inappropriate land‐use that limits agriculture, forestry and human colonization. The selection of suitable plant species to mitigate desertification is particularly challenging, as it usually requires simultaneous counteraction against a whole set of unfavourable environmental conditions, including heat, drought, high tropospheric ozone and salinity. It therefore seems useful to identify the survival strategies of plants native in desert environments. Date palm constitutes a plant species native in desert environments and cultivated worldwide in arid regions that have been studied intensively for stress defence during the last decade. The present review summarizes the current state of biochemical stress defence mechanisms including avoidance, osmotic and metabolic adjustments and reactive oxygen species scavenging, addresses whole‐plant regulations and trade‐off between stress compensation/defence and growth of date palms. The review advances our knowledge about how this typical desert species copes with both individual and multiple environmental stresses at the cellular to the whole‐plant level, and identifies areas of future research required to fully understand the strategies of this plant species to survive in the desert, thereby contributing to efforts for the mitigation of climate change and desertification.
Does Mobile Payment Raise the Poverty‐Alleviation Resilience of Chinese Households?
Authors: Hu Lian , Ji Luhan , Zhu Ting , Yang Chengyu , Wang Dianshuang
Published: October 2024

Considering the complex environment facing the future poverty reduction process in China, and it is increasingly urgent to shift the conversation from the poverty vulnerability to poverty‐alleviation resilience of households. Coinciding with poverty‐alleviation progress, mobile payment has experienced explosive growth, resulting in significant and far‐reaching influences on production and lifestyle. This study constructs a theoretical framework to analyze the impact of mobile payment on poverty‐alleviation resilience (splitting into poverty‐eradication resilience and development resilience). Meanwhile, the impact is empirically investigated using the China Household Finance Survey for 2017 and 2019. The findings reveal that, first, mobile payment significantly increases both poverty‐eradication resilience and development resilience. According to the quantile regression results, mobile payment has a larger contribution to households with a lower poverty‐alleviation resilience, with the contribution diminishing as poverty‐alleviation resilience improves; second, mobile payment significantly increases poverty‐alleviation resilience by increasing self‐insurance capacity and participation in commercial insurance (ex ante), alleviating financial exclusion (ex interim), and promoting entrepreneurship and improving entrepreneurial performance (ex post); and third, social trust significantly improves the effect of mobile payment on poverty‐alleviation resilience, whereas the age of the household head has the reverse effect. Since risk and shocks play a more pronounced role in the persistence of poverty, our research helps to understand poverty alleviation and offers insights into how to eradicate poverty in all its forms and dimensions, thus realizing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Simulation of Ground Power Unit-3 Stirling Engine With Air as Working Fluid
Authors: Singh Vaibhav , Kumar Anil
Published: October 2024

The immediate need to mitigate climate change presents a chance to move civilization in the direction of a more sustainable future. A Stirling engine has multifuel capabilities such as biomass, solar thermal, and waste heat and hence can contribute significantly to the energy mix of fuel sources. The most common working fluids for Stirling engines are hydrogen, helium, and air, with air being the least expensive and safest. Studies analyzing Stirling engine performance with 3D CFD are limited, and even fewer use air as the working fluid. This research presents a novel 3D CFD analysis of the Ground Power Unit-3 (GPU-3) Stirling engine with air as the working fluid using ansys fluent. The fluid domain was modeled in SolidWorks and one-eighth of the geometry was used for simulation with realizable enhanced wall treatment (EWT) k–ε as an eddy viscosity model. On average, there was a reduction in power output by 50% when air was used as working fluid against helium as working fluid. Engine's power output decreases as the engine's speed increases. The impinging effect contributes to vortex formation and temperature variation within the engine components was nonsinusoidal, this is in line with similar studies performed on GPU-3 Stirling engine.
Does He Make a Difference? Analyzing the Role of Men Athletes in the Framing of Elite Women CrossFit Athletes in Sportswear Retailers’ Marketing Materials
Authors: Gibson Alexandra , Geurin Andrea N.
Published: October 2024

This study examined the role of men athletes in framing women athletes in marketing images, and CrossFit was used as the sport-specific context. The purpose was to understand how consumers perceive women athletes, whether the presence of men athletes influences these perceptions, and if consumers perceive women athletes to be represented more accurately when pictured alone or with male counterparts. Using a mixed-methods approach involving both quantitative and qualitative analysis, questionnaires (n = 389) and interviews (n = 19) were utilized to gather participants’ perceptions on videos featuring all women CrossFit athletes and/or those with men and women CrossFit athletes. Results showed that consumers’ perceptions began to shift when looking at their athletic competence, although a focus on appearance remained. While the results of the questionnaires revealed no clear correlation between the presence of men athletes and the perception of women athletes, the interviews suggested a relationship, highlighting the complex role that male athletes play. Overall, the study indicates that consumers perceive women athletes to be framed more accurately when pictured alone and offers valuable insights into how men athletes affect consumers’ perceptions of women athletes.
Countermovement Jump and Isometric Strength Test–Retest Reliability in English Premier League Academy Football Players
Authors: Springham Matthew , Singh Nav , Stewart Perry , Matthews Jordan , Jones Ian , Norton-Sherwood Charlie , May Dominic , Salter Jamie , Strudwick Anthony J. , Shaw Joseph W.
Published: October 2024

Purpose: To examine the test–retest reliability of countermovement jump (CMJ) and isometric strength testing measures in elite-level under-18 and under-23 academy football players. Methods: A total of 36 players performed 3 maximal CMJs and isometric abductor (IABS), adductor (IADS), and posterior chain (IPCS) strength tests on 2 separate test days using dual force plates (CMJ and IPCS) and a portable strength testing device (IABS and IADS). Relative (intraclass correlation coefficient) and absolute (coefficient of variation, standard error of the measurement, and minimal detectable change [MDC%]) reliabilities for 34 CMJ, 10 IABS, 10 IADS, and 11 IPCS measures were analyzed using between-sessions best, mean, and within-session methods. Results: For all methods, relative reliability was good to excellent for all CMJ and all IADS measures and poor to good for all IABS and IPCS measures. Absolute reliability was good (ie, coefficient of variation < 10%) for 27 (best) and 28 (mean) CMJ variables and for 6 (IABS and IADS) and 2 (IPCS) isometric measures. Commonly used CMJ measures (jump height, eccentric duration, and flight-time:contraction-time ratio) had good to excellent relative reliability and an MDC% range of 14.6% to 23.7%. Likewise, commonly used isometric peak force measures for IABS, IADS, and IPCS had good to excellent relative reliability and an MDC% range of 22.2% to 26.4%. Conclusions: Commonly used CMJ and isometric strength measures had good test–retest reliability but might be limited by their MDC%. Rate-of-force-development measures (for all isometric tests) and impulse measures (IPCS) are limited by poor relative and absolute reliability and high MDC%. MDC% statistics should be considered in the context of typical responsiveness.
Multistream Adaptive Attention-Enhanced Graph Convolutional Networks for Youth Fencing Footwork Training
Authors: Ren Yongjun , Sang Huinan , Huang Shitao , Qin Xuelin
Published: October 2024

Purpose: The popularity of fencing and intense sports competition has burdened adolescents with excessive training, harming their immature bodies. Traditional training methods fail to provide timely movement corrections and personalized plans, leading to ineffective exercises. This paper aims to use artificial intelligence technology to reduce ineffective exercises and alleviate the training burden. Methods: We propose an action recognition algorithm based on the characteristics of adolescent athletes. This algorithm uses multimodal input data to comprehensively extract action information. Each modality is processed by the same network structure, utilizing attention mechanisms and adaptive graph structures. A multibranch feature fusion method is used to determine the final action category. Results: We gathered the fencing footwork data set 2.0. Our model achieved 93.3% accuracy, with the highest precision at 95.8% and the highest F1-Score at 94.5% across all categories. It effectively recognized actions of adolescents with different heights and speeds, outperforming traditional methods. Conclusion: Our artificial intelligence-based training solution improves training efficiency and reduces the training burden on adolescents.
Advancing governance for digital transformation in health: insights from Georgia’s experience
Authors: Gotsadze George , Zoidze Akaki , Gabunia Tamar , Chin Brian
Published: October 2024

Enhancing digital health governance is critical to healthcare systems in low-income and middle-income countries. However, implementing governance-enhancing reforms in these countries is often challenging due to the multiplicity of external players and insufficient operational guidance that is accessible. Using data from desktop research, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and three stakeholder workshops, this paper aims to provide insights into Georgia’s experience in advancing digital health governance reforms. It reveals how Georgia has progressed on this path by unpacking the general term ‘governance’ into operational domains, where stakeholders and involved institutions could easily relate their institutional and personal roles and responsibilities with the specific function needed for digital health. Based on this work, the country delineated institutional responsibilities and passed the necessary regulations to establish better governance arrangements for digital health. The Georgia experience provides practical insights into the challenges faced and solutions found for advancing digital health governance in a middle-income country setting. The paper highlights the usefulness of operational definitions for the digital health governance domains that helped (a) increase awareness among stakeholders about the identified domains and their meaning, (b) discuss possible governance and institutional arrangements relevant to a country context, and (c) design the digital health governance architecture that the government decreed. Finally, the paper offers a broad description of domains in which the governance arrangements could be considered and used for other settings where relevant. The paper points to the need for a comprehensive taxonomy for governance domains to better guide digital health governance enhancements in low-middle-income country settings.
Baseline characteristics associated with the first year treatment interval of intravitreal faricimab in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD)
Authors: Shah Parth , Rafijah Neala , Tang Yannan , Sivaprasad Sobha , Mathis Thibaud , Margaron Philippe , Kotecha Aachal
Published: October 2024

Aims

To identify baseline characteristics that best correlate to treatment interval for naive neovascular age-related macular degeneration patients treated with faricimab in the first year (Y1) of the TENAYA and LUCERNE phase 3 trials, and to further understand how these characteristics may impact treatment intervals.

Methods

This post-hoc analysis of Y1 data from the TENAYA and LUCERNE trials evaluated ocular baseline characteristics associated with Y1 treatment intervals. Patients were categorised into three subgroups based on their Y1 treatment interval: Q16W, Q12W or Q8W. Baseline characteristics (central subfield thickness (CST), best-corrected visual acuity, presence of subretinal fluid in centre 1 mm, presence of retinal fluid in centre 1 mm, macular neovascularisation (MNV) location and MNV type) were inputted into an R package ‘rpart’ to create a classification tree model. A data-driven tree model based on CST was fitted, producing CST subgroups of low, middle and high ranges. Within each CST subgroup, the model identified the most impactful variables and associated thresholds.

Results

After fitting the data to produce data-driven CST ranges, the model chose MNV location, followed by MNV lesion type as the most impactful baseline characteristics with these factors having a p value <0.05 in a multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Among the selected ocular baseline characteristics from TENAYA and LUCERNE trial, CST, MNV type and MNV location were seen as the most relevant variables to enable extension of treatment intervals during Y1. While this analysis provides insights for treatment intervals during the first year, further analysis incorporating Y2 data from the TENAYA and LUCERNE studies will be needed to assess factors influencing treatment intervals over a longer period.
Feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of neonatal anthropometric measurements in identifying low birthweight and preterm infants in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Belay Fitsum Weldegebriel , Fikre Rekiku , Alemayehu Akalewold , Clarke Andrew , Williams Sarah , Richards Hannah , Kassa Yohannes Chanyalew , Bekele Fanuel Belayneh
Published: October 2024

Background

Complications of prematurity are the leading cause of under-5 mortality globally and 80% of newborn deaths are of low birth weight (LBW) babies. Early identification of LBW and preterm infants is crucial to initiate timely interventions.

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of alternative neonatal anthropometric measurements in identifying LBW and preterm infants in Africa.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of infant foot length, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), head and chest circumferences against birth weight and gestational age. Pooled correlation between the index and the reference methods was estimated. Multiple anthropometric thresholds were considered in estimating the pooled sensitivity, specificity and area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

21 studies from 8 African countries met the inclusion criteria. Correlation coefficients with birth weight were 0.79 (95% CI 0.70 to 0.85) for chest circumference, 0.71 (95% CI 0.62 to 0.78) for MUAC and 0.66 (95% CI 0.59 to 0.73) for foot length. Foot length measured by rigid ruler showed a higher correlation than tape measurement. Chest circumference with 28.8 cm cut-off detects LBW babies with AUC value of 0.92 (95% CI 0.71 to 0.97). Foot length identified preterm infants, with 82% sensitivity, 89% specificity and AUC of 0.91 (95% CI 0.69 to 0.98) at a 7.2 cm optimal cut-off point. MUAC had an AUC of 0.83 (95% CI 0.47 to 0.95) for preterm detection. In identifying LBW babies, foot length and MUAC have AUC values of 0.89 (95% CI 0.70 to 0.96) and 0.91 (95% CI 0.73 to 0.97) at 7.3 cm and 9.8 cm optimal cut-off points, respectively. Foot length and MUAC are relatively simple and minimise the risk of exposing infants to cold.

Conclusion

Newborn foot length, MUAC, head and chest circumferences have comparable diagnostic accuracy in identifying LBW and preterm babies. Using foot length and MUAC in low-resource settings are the most feasible proxy measures for screening where weighing scales are not available.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023454497.
Mass media guidelines for sports concussion: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Sullivan Karen A , Lappin Keeley , Jaganathan Kannan Singaravelu , Haden Catherine
Published: October 2024

Sports concussion is a common and costly injury, and increased public injury awareness could help reduce costs. Many factors, including public messages about sports concussion by the sports media, shape public injury awareness. Empirical analyses show that this messaging can be poor. The proposed solutions include providing media guidance, but little is known about this topic. This scoping review will enable a systematic search and synthesis of guidance materials for improved health messaging of sports concussion by the mass media. The five review stages are (1) determining the research question, (2) identifying relevant materials, (3) selecting relevant information, (4) data extraction and (5) analysis and presentation of the results. A brief protocol will be registered on a recommended platform (Open Science Framework). The search strategy will access 20 databases, as well as Google and Google Scholar, and include hand searching. Selected materials must describe or provide mass media guidance for sports concussion by a health-affiliated authority. Eligibility will be confirmed via a two-stage screening process, including independent assessment. Data from eligible materials will be extracted and collated in tables. If sufficient or appropriate materials are identified, the synthesis will draw on key evaluative resources related to injury management and guideline development methodologies. The knowledge synthesis will use descriptive and narrative methods to determine what is known on this topic, including documenting existing guidance (content and properties) and using the extracted data to inform recommendations for future guidance.
New species of Tricholoma in sections Genuina and Fucata from eastern North America
Authors: Lebeuf Renée , Landry Jacques , Saar Irja , Russell Stephen D. , Ovrebo Clark L.
Published: October 2024

Six new species of Tricholoma (Fr.) Staude in sections Genuina ( Tricholoma amarissimum, Tricholoma lutescentifolium, Tricholoma pudorinum, Tricholoma sapineum) and Fucata ( Tricholoma griseobrunneum, Tricholoma pallidogriseum) are formally described from North America east of the Rocky Mountains based on their nrITS sequence, morphology, ecology, and distribution patterns. Those species are found in summer or fall in deciduous or coniferous forests. Descriptions of their morphological characters are provided, along with photographs of the basidiomata and their micromorphology. The new species are compared with similar species occurring in North America and Europe. Tricholoma felschii Ovrebo, Hughes & Halling, in section Fucata, is here considered to represent three species, T. felschii s. str., Tricholoma subumbrinum A.H. Sm., and the newly described T. griseobrunneum. Emended descriptions of the first two species are provided to accommodate the new concepts.
Breit interaction in dielectronic recombination of hydrogenlike xenon ions: storage-ring experiment and theory
Authors: Wang Shu-Xing , Brandau Carsten , Fritzsche Stephan , Fuchs Sebastian , Harman Zoltán , Kozhuharov Christophor , Müller Alfred , Steck Markus , Schippers Stefan
Published: October 2024

Electron-ion collision spectroscopy of the KLL dielectronic recombination (DR) resonances of hydrogenlike xenon ions was performed at a heavy-ion storage ring with a resolving power that is competitive with x-ray spectroscopy of inner-shell transitions in highly charged ions. The $$KL_{1/2}L_{1/2}$$

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1
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1
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, $$KL_{1/2}L_{3/2}$$

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, and $$KL_{3/2}L_{3/2}$$

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resonance groups and even parts of their fine structure are individually resolved. The resonance strengths were measured on an absolute scale and compared with results from multi-configuration Dirac–Fock (MCDF) calculations. These are in excellent agreement with the experimental findings when QED effects on the resonance energies and the Breit interaction are considered. As already found for DR of hydrogenlike uranium (Bernhardt et al. in Phys Rev A 83:020701(R), 2011), this interaction is particularly strong for the $$KL_{1/2}L_{1/2}$$

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resonance group. For U$$^{91+}$$

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, it increases the $$KL_{1/2}L_{1/2}$$

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DR resonance strength by 40%. For Xe$$^{53+}$$

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, the increase is found to amount to 25%, confirming the prediction that the influence of the Breit interaction grows with increasing nuclear charge. A comprehensive appendix treats the derivation of experimental and theoretical merged-beams recombination rate coefficients for interacting beams of relativistic electrons and ions.

Graphical abstract
Vector-valued continuous functions with compact-Gδ-open topology
Authors: Prasannan A. R. , Barkha
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we study compact-[Formula: see text]-open topology [Formula: see text] on the set [Formula: see text] of all continuous functions from a completely regular space [Formula: see text] to a locally convex space [Formula: see text]. We investigate the local convexity of the space [Formula: see text] equipped with [Formula: see text]-topology and compare the pointwise topology, compact open topology and [Formula: see text]-topology on [Formula: see text]. Metrizability, submetrizability and separability are also studied.
The role of the production geologist in carbonate reservoir development
Authors: Follows Edward Jonathan
Published: October 2024

Carbonate production geologists are deployed to tackle field management and (re)development issues on increasingly mature fields. This paper shares examples of how geologists raise awareness of current and potential production opportunities with insights into permeability architecture and its uncertainty. The examples represent diverse fluid types and a range of depositional, diagenetic and structural settings. ‘Plumbing diagram’ examples communicate what matters to flow from the reservoir to the well perforations. In the Luconia gas fields, thin low-porosity horizons either accentuate or baffle vertical permeability to rising aquifers. In a Middle Eastern gas–oil gravity drainage development constrained by gas re-injection, well placement into unfractured intervals led to an oil redevelopment at a lower gas cut. In a Middle Eastern waterflood, dynamic characterization of permeability contrasts facilitates improved oil recovery through sweep management. The examples stress the importance of continued geological data analyses in brownfield settings, as well as active engagement during engineering-dominated discussions on fluid flow that inevitably follow field development plan execution and monitoring. A discussion examines why brownfield development opportunities delay to later field life, and into the energy transition, how production geologists might improve geothermal and sequestration reservoir developments.