bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring heterogeneity of treatment effect in patients with sepsis: Protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Søndergaard Lise , Andreasen Anne Sofie , Perner Anders , Niemann Carsten
Published: July 2024

Background

The average treatment effect (ATE) reported by most randomised clinical trials provides estimates of treatment effects for the theoretical, non‐existent average patient. However, ATE may not accurately reflect the outcomes for all subsets of the trial population; some individuals may benefit from the intervention, while others experience worse outcomes or no effect at all. Heterogeneity of treatment effect (HTE) is the non‐random and explainable variation in the magnitude or direction of a treatment effect among individuals within a population. Predictive approaches to HTE seek to provide estimates of which treatment of choice is better suited for the individual patient, using regression and/or machine learning techniques. This scoping review aims to investigate the extent to which such predictive approaches to HTE are applied to data from trials on sepsis or septic shock as well as the results of these analyses.

Methods

The planned review will be conducted in accordance with the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews. We will search Medline, EMBASE, Central, Cinahl and Google Scholar for studies on sepsis or septic shock in which HTE was analysed using predictive approaches. We plan to chart data regarding trial characteristics, patient demographics, disease severity, interventions, outcomes of interest and ATEs, type of predictive approach for the HTE analysis, results from HTE analysis and whether HTE analysis would change an ATE‐based trial conclusion.

Results

Studies included in the scoping review will be presented as narrative summaries, supplemented with descriptive statistics of quantitative data.

Conclusion

The planned scoping review will systematically investigate, summarise and delineate the existing evidence of analysis of HTE in trials on sepsis or septic shock patients as well as their findings, when performed using predictive approaches.
Editorial: Sounding the alarm—The rising global burden of adolescent and young adult alcohol‐related liver disease. Author's reply
Authors: Danpanichkul Pojsakorn , Duangsonk Kwanjit , Diaz Luis Antonio , Arab Juan Pablo , Liangpunsakul Suthat , Wijarnpreecha Karn
Published: July 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Danpanichkul et al papers. To view these articles, visithttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18101andhttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18140
Biomarkers of Parkinson's disease in perspective of early diagnosis and translation of neurotrophic therapies
Authors: Tuominen Raimo K. , Renko Juho‐Matti
Published: July 2024

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive loss of dopamine neurons and aberrant deposits of alpha‐synuclein (α‐syn) in the brain. The symptomatic treatment is started after the onset of motor manifestations in a late stage of the disease. Preclinical studies with neurotrophic factors (NTFs) show promising results of disease‐modifying neuroprotective or even neurorestorative effects. Four NTFs have entered phase I–II clinical trials with inconclusive outcomes. This is not surprising because the preclinical evidence is from acute early‐stage disease models, but the clinical trials included advanced PD patients. To conclude the value of NTF therapies, clinical studies should be performed in early‐stage patients with prodromal symptoms, that is, before motor manifestations. In this review, we summarize currently available diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers that could help identify at‐risk patients benefiting from NTF therapies. Focus is on biochemical and imaging biomarkers, but also other modalities are discussed. Neuroimaging is the most important diagnostic tool today, but α‐syn imaging is not yet viable. Modern techniques allow measuring various forms of α‐syn in cerebrospinal fluid, blood, saliva, and skin. Digital biomarkers and artificial intelligence offer new means for early diagnosis and longitudinal follow‐up of degenerative brain diseases.
Methotrexate accumulation in target intestinal mucosa and white blood cells differs from non‐target red blood cells of patients with Crohn's disease
Authors: van de Meeberg Maartje M. , Sundaresan Janani , Lin Marry , Jansen Gerrit , Struys Eduard A. , Fidder Herma H. , Oldenburg Bas , Mares Wout G. N. , Mahmmod Nofel , van Asseldonk Dirk P. , Rietdijk Svend T. , Nissen Loes H. C. , de Boer Nanne K. H. , Bouma Gerd , Ćalasan Maja Bulatović , de Jonge Robert ,   On behalf on the Dutch Initiative on Crohn and Colitis (ICC)
Published: July 2024

Background

Intracellular methotrexate polyglutamates (MTX‐PGs) concentrations are measurable in red blood cells (RBCs) during MTX treatment. MTX‐PG3 concentrations correlate with efficacy in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). Since RBCs are not involved in pathogenesis of CD and lack extended MTX metabolism, we determined MTX‐PGs accumulation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs: effector cells) and intestinal mucosa (target cells) and compared those with RBCs as a potential more precise biomarker.

Methods

In a multicentre prospective cohort study, blood samples of patients with CD were collected during the first year of MTX therapy. Mucosal biopsies were obtained from non‐inflamed rectum and/or inflamed intestine. MTX‐PGs concentrations in mucosa, PBMCs and RBCs were measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

From 80 patients with CD, a total of 27 mucosal biopsies, 9 PBMC and 212 RBC samples were collected. From 12 weeks of MTX therapy onwards, MTX‐PG3 was the most predominant species (33%) in RBCs. In PBMCs, the distribution was skewed towards MTX‐PG1 (48%), which accounted for an 18 times higher concentration than in RBCs. Long‐chain MTX‐PGs were highly present in mucosa: 21% of MTX‐PGtotal was MTX‐PG5. MTX‐PG6 was measurable in all biopsies.

Conclusions

MTX‐PG patterns differ between mucosa, PBMCs and RBCs of patients with CD.
Novel TMPRSS6 variants and their impact on iron‐refractory iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy: A North Indian genotype phenotype study
Authors: Sharma Antika , Kumar Anil , Rawat Kajal , Vij Soumya , Sandhu Arushi , Gautam Vipasha , Saha Pradip Kumar , Saha Lekha
Published: July 2024

Iron‐refractory iron deficiency anaemia (IRIDA) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, distinguished by hypochromic microcytic anaemia, low transferrin levels and inappropriately elevated hepcidin (HEPC) levels. It is caused by mutations in TMPRSS6 gene. Systematic screening of 500 pregnant women with iron deficiency anaemia having moderate to severe microcytosis with no other causes of anaemia were enrolled to rule out oral iron refractoriness. It identified a final cohort of 10 (2.15% prevalence) individuals with IRIDA phenotype. Haematological and biochemical analysis revealed significant differences between iron responders and iron non‐responders, with iron non‐responders showing lower haemoglobin, red blood cell count, serum iron and serum ferritin levels, along with elevated HEPC (9.47 ± 2.75 ng/mL, p = 0.0009) and erythropoietin (4.58 ± 4.07 µ/mL, p = 0.0196) levels. Genetic sequencing of the TMPRSS6 gene in this final cohort identified 10 novel variants, including seven missense and three frame‐shift mutations, with four missense variants showing high functional impact defining the IRIDA phenotype. Structural analysis revealed significant damage caused by two variants (p.L83R and p.S235R). This study provides valuable insights into IRIDA among pregnant women in the Indian subcontinent, unveiling its underlying causes of unresponsiveness, genetic mechanisms and prevalence. Furthermore, research collaboration is essential to validate these findings and develop effective treatments.
New insights into the structural and stratigraphic evolution of the Malay Basin using 3D seismic data: Implications for regional carbon capture and storage potential
Authors: de Jonge‐Anderson Iain , Widyanita Ana , Busch Andreas , Doster Florian , Nicholson Uisdean
Published: July 2024

The Malay Basin is a mature hydrocarbon province currently being re‐assessed for CO2 storage. Selecting an appropriate storage site requires a comprehensive understanding of the structural and stratigraphic history of the basin. However, previous studies have been limited to observations from either regional 2D seismic lines or individual 3D seismic volumes. In this study, we access and utilise a basin‐wide (ca. 36,000 km2) 3D seismic and well database to describe the structural and stratigraphic features of the basin, particularly those within the uppermost ca. 4 km (Oligocene to Recent) and gain new insights into the basin's evolution. E–W transtensional rift basins first developed due to sinistral shear across an NW‐SE strike‐slip zone. The NW‐SE basin morphology seen today was generated during the late Oligocene–early Miocene, during which time dextral motion across marginal hinge zones created en‐echelon antithetic, extensional faults and pull‐apart basins, especially well preserved along the western margin of the basin. Collisional forces to the southeast during the early to middle Miocene resulted in the shallowing of the basin, intermittent connection to the South China Sea and a cyclic depositional pattern. Around 8 Ma (late Miocene), a significant uplift of the basin resulted in a major unconformity with up to 4.2 km of erosion and exhumation in the southeast. In the centre and northwest of the basin, the inversion of deeper E–W rifts resulted in the folding of Miocene sequences and the formation of large anticlines parallel to the rift‐bounding faults. The Pliocene to Pleistocene history is more tectonically quiescent, but some extensional faulting continued to affect the northwest part of the basin. Larger glacio‐eustatic sea‐level fluctuations during this time resulted in major changes in sedimentation and erosion on the Sunda Shelf, including the formation of a middle‐Pliocene unconformity. These structural events have created a variety of hydrocarbon traps across the basin of different ages, including transpressional anticlines, rollover anticlines and tilted fault blocks. Each of these has discrete and distinct trap elements with important implications for their CO2 storage potential.
A systematic review of invasive non‐native freshwater bivalves
Authors: Prestes Juliani Giselli , Carneiro Laís , Miiller Natali Oliva Roman , Neundorf Ananda Karla Alves , Pedroso Clemerson Richard , Braga Raul Rennó , Sousa Ronaldo , Vitule Jean Ricardo Simões
Published: July 2024

The introduction of invasive species has become an increasing environmental problem in freshwater ecosystems due to the high economic and ecological impacts it has generated. This systematic review covers publications from 2010 to 2020, focusing on non‐native invasive freshwater bivalves, a particularly relevant and widespread introduced taxonomic group in fresh waters. We collected information on the most studied species, the main objectives of the studies, their geographical location, study duration, and type of research. Furthermore, we focused on assessing the levels of ecological evidence presented, the type of interactions of non‐native bivalves with other organisms and the classification of their impacts. A total of 397 publications were retrieved. The studies addressed a total of 17 species of non‐native freshwater bivalves; however, most publications focused on the species Corbicula fluminea and Dreissena polymorpha, which are recognised for their widespread distribution and extensive negative impacts. Many other non‐native invasive bivalve species have been poorly studied. A high geographical bias was also present, with a considerable lack of studies in developing countries. The most frequent studies had shorter temporal periods, smaller spatial extents, and more observational data, were field‐based, and usually evaluated possible ecological impacts at the individual and population levels. There were 94 publications documenting discernible impacts according to the Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa (EICAT). However, 41 of these publications did not provide sufficient data to determine an impact. The most common effects of invasive bivalves on ecosystems were structural alterations, and chemical and physical changes, which are anticipated due to their role as ecosystem engineers. Despite a considerable number of studies in the field and advances in our understanding of some species over the past decade, long‐term data and large‐scale studies are still needed to understand better the impacts, particularly at the community and ecosystem levels and in less‐studied geographic regions. The widespread distribution of several non‐native freshwater bivalves, their ongoing introductions, and high ecological and economic impacts demand continued research. Systematic reviews such as this are essential for identifying knowledge gaps and guiding future research to enable a more complete understanding of the ecological implications of invasive bivalves, and the development of effective management strategies.
Intensity of subarachnoid space inflammation corresponds to the evolution of vessel wall remodeling during the acute and chronic phases of bacterial meningitis
Authors: Kumar Vivig Shantha , Kumar Vignarth Shantha , Kumar Ruthvik Thaghalli Sunil
Published: July 2024

Cerebrovascular alterations in acute bacterial meningitis significantly contribute to adverse patient outcomes, with reported complication rates ranging from 10% to 29%. Focal alterations in arterial lumens, leading to vasoconstriction, are common in cerebral ischemic and inflammatory conditions, such as bacterial meningitis, presenting neurological complications, such as seizures, brain swelling, hydrocephalus, hearing loss and ischemic or hemorrhagic brain damage. The observed arterial narrowing during meningitis is attributed to diverse factors, including direct encroachment by inflammatory exudate, vascular wall edema, vasospasm, and vasculitis due to cellular infiltration and vessel remodeling. Early‐stage constriction might result from a watery exudate's encroachment, whereas persistent inflammation leads to thicker exudates, attracting inflammatory cells and inducing arteriopathic growth factor synthesis. This process promotes structural modifications in the vessel wall, progressing from subintimal infiltration to organic intimal thickening, culminating in vasculitis and the risk of cerebral ischemia. Accordingly, this review seeks to more clearly delineate the intricate relationship between subarachnoid space inflammation and acute and chronic vessel wall remodeling during bacterial meningitis. Conceivably, understanding this pathological process holds promise in unveiling potential treatment avenues to improve patient outcomes, and reduced morbidity and mortality associated with cerebrovascular complications during bacterial meningitis.
Causal relationship and shared genes between air pollutants and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A large‐scale genetic analysis
Authors: Li Zhihao , Wen Jie , Wu Wantao , Dai Ziyu , Liang Xisong , Zhang Nan , Cheng Quan , Zhang Hao
Published: July 2024

Objective

Air pollutants have been reported to have a potential relationship with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The causality and underlying mechanism remained unknown despite several existing observational studies. We aimed to investigate the potential causality between air pollutants (PM2.5, NOX, and NO2) and the risk of ALS and elucidate the underlying mechanisms associated with this relationship.

Methods

The data utilized in our study were obtained from publicly available genome‐wide association study data sets, in which single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were employed as the instrumental variantswith three principles. Two‐sample Mendelian randomization and transcriptome‐wide association (TWAS) analyses were conducted to evaluate the effects of air pollutants on ALS and identify genes associated with both pollutants and ALS, followed by regulatory network prediction.

Results

We observed that exposure to a high level of PM2.5 (OR: 2.40 [95% CI: 1.26–4.57], p = 7.46E‐3) and NOx (OR: 2.35 [95% CI: 1.32–4.17], p = 3.65E‐3) genetically increased the incidence of ALS in MR analysis, while the effects of NO2 showed a similar trend but without sufficient significance. In the TWAS analysis, TMEM175 and USP35 turned out to be the genes shared between PM2.5 and ALS in the same direction.

Conclusion

Higher exposure to PM2.5 and NOX might causally increase the risk of ALS. Avoiding exposure to air pollutants and air cleaning might be necessary for ALS prevention.
The health effects of non‐prescribed anabolic–androgenic steroid use: Findings from The Performance and image‐enhancing drugs UseRS' Health (PUSH) audit
Authors: Dunn Matthew , Dawe Joshua , Eu Beng , Lee Kevin , Piatkowski Timothy , Stoové Mark
Published: July 2024

Introduction

To ascertain the adverse health outcomes experienced by those using prescribed testosterone and non‐prescribed anabolic–androgenic steroids presenting to general practitioner (GP) clinics.

Methods

Retrospective clinical audit from nine GP clinics in major metropolitan areas across three Australian states. Data included demographic and individual characteristics (age, sexuality, body mass index, smoking status and HIV status); performance and image‐enhancing drug use (type, reasons for use, patient‐reported adverse effects); and blood biochemistry measurements (lipid profiles, liver function tests and red blood cell tests). Adverse health outcomes included evidence of polycythaemia, hypertension, liver abnormalities and hypercholesterolemia.

Results

Three hundred men were identified as either using prescribed testosterone (66%; n = 197) or non‐prescribed anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS) (34%; n = 103). Individuals in the prescribed group were more likely to be older (p < 0.001), gay or bisexual (p < 0.001) and living with diagnosed HIV (p < 0.001) compared to individuals in the non‐prescribed group. Abnormal liver function, polycythemia and gynecomastia were the top three adverse events experienced. When adjusting for age, sexuality, HIV status and smoking status, those who used non‐prescribed AAS were more likely to experience any adverse event (aPR = 1.28; 95% CI 1.01–1.60; p = 0.038), hypertension (aPR = 1.86; 95% CI 1.19–2.91; p = 0.006) and liver abnormalities (aPR = 1.51; 95% CI 1.04–2.20; p = 0.030) compared to those using prescribed testosterone.

Discussion and Conclusion

For GPs who have clients who may be using, or who they suspect of using, AAS, these findings highlight the importance of not only exploring a patient's history of the adverse effects they have experienced, but that measuring for these other conditions may provide a more accurate clinical picture.
Valoctocogene roxaparvovec gene therapy provides durable haemostatic control for up to 7 years for haemophilia A
Authors: Symington Emily , Rangarajan Savita , Lester Will , Madan Bella , Pierce Glenn F. , Raheja Priyanka , Millar Carolyn , Osmond Dane , Li Mingjin , Robinson Tara M.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Valoctocogene roxaparvovec is an adeno‐associated virus vector serotype 5 (AAV5)‐mediated gene therapy approved for severe haemophilia A (HA).

Aim

To report the safety and efficacy of valoctocogene roxaparvovec 7 years after dosing in a phase 1/2 clinical study (NCT02576795).

Methods

Males ≥18 years with severe HA (factor VIII [FVIII] ≤1 international unit [IU]/dL) who were previously receiving exogenous FVIII and had no history of FVIII inhibitors or anti‐AAV5 antibodies received valoctocogene roxaparvovec treatment and were followed for 7 (6 × 1013 vg/kg; n = 7) and 6 (4 × 1013 vg/kg; n = 6) years.

Results

In the last year, one participant in each cohort reported treatment‐related adverse events (AEs): grade 1 (G1) hepatomegaly (6 × 1013), and G1 splenomegaly and G1 hepatic steatosis (4 × 1013). During all follow‐up, mean annualized treated bleeds and exogenous FVIII infusion rates were ≥88% lower than baseline values. At years 7 and 6, mean (median) FVIII activity (chromogenic assay) was 16.2 (10.3) and 6.7 (7.2) IU/dL in the 6 × 1013 (n = 5) and 4 × 1013 (n = 4) cohorts, respectively, corresponding to mild haemophilia. Regression analyses of the last year estimated rate of change in FVIII activity was ‐0.001 and ‐0.07 IU/dL/week for the 6 × 1013 and 4 × 1013 cohorts, respectively. Two participants (6 × 1013) resumed prophylaxis in year 7: one after a non‐treatment‐related G4 serious AE of spontaneous internal carotid artery bleed, and the other to manage bleeds and FVIII activity.

Conclusions

The safety and efficacy of valoctocogene roxaparvovec remain generally consistent with previous reports, with good haemostatic control for most participants. Two participants returned to prophylaxis.
Out of the Ordinary: An Evaluation of Geach's Argument for Immaterialism
Authors: Dillard Peter S.
Published: July 2024

Peter Geach offers a novel argument for the immaterialist conclusion that thinking is not a physical activity performed. Two crucial premises of Geach's argument are that thinking is a basic activity and that thinking is a non‐clockable activity. It is argued that since Geach does not clarify in exactly what sense thinking is supposed to be a basic activity, the first premise of his argument has not been justified. It is then argued that the same Wittgensteinian considerations Geach takes to show that there are no interior acts of meaning also show that there are no interior acts of thinking and hence no non‐clockable interior acts of thinking. Thus the second premise of Geach's argument also has not been justified. Therefore, Geach's argument is unconvincing as it stands.
The effect of different roasting techniques on bioactive compounds, fatty acids and element profiles of mahaleb seeds used as vanilla substitute in bakery products
Authors: Younis Mahmoud , Ahmed Isam Ali Mohamed , Uslu Nurhan , Albakry Zainab , Özcan Mehmet Musa
Published: July 2024

In this study, the effects of different roasting techniques on the oil content, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, phenolic components, fatty acid and mineral contents of mahaleb seeds, which can be used instead of vanilla, were investigated spectrophotometric and chromatographic systems. The oil quantities of the mahaleb seeds were assessed to be between 30.34% (control) to 34.08% (conventional oven). The total phenolic and flavonoid quantities were assigned to be between 34.37 (control) and 46.61 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE/)/100 g (microwave) to 82.62 (conventional oven) and 94.21 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/100 g (microwave), respectively. Antioxidant capacity values of untreated and roasted mahaleb seeds were assessed to be between 1.89 (control) and 2.03 mmol Trolox equivalent (TE) kg−1 (conventional oven). L* values of mahaleb seeds were established to be between 53.04 and 83.40, and a decrease was observed in L* values after heat treatment. Caffeic acid and rutin values of the mahaleb seeds were established between 344.84 (oven) and 641.86 (control) to 18.53 (control) and 146.52 mg/100 g (oven), respectively. The dominant fatty acids of the mahaleb oils were oleic, linoleic and palmitic acids. Phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) quantities of the mahaleb seeds were established to be between 4988.11 (control) and 5280.93 mg kg−1 (oven) to 8025.94 (oven) and 8462.66 mg kg−1 (microwave), respectively. The roasting process had an effect on the bioactive components, fatty acids and element contents of mahaleb seeds.
Probing into the mechanism of adding tussah pupa powder to improve the deterioration of a pork batter emulsified gel
Authors: Zheng Jinyue , Ding Yvxin , Han Dan , Liang Caichun , Shao Jun‐Hua
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this experiment was to explore the improvement of tussah pupa powder on the deterioration of pork batter emulsion gel by using proteomics, distribution of moisture, rheological properties and surface hydrophobicity. The results showed that the myosin decomposed as the heating temperature increased; as the increase of the addition proportion of tussah pupa powder at each sterilisation temperature point, compared to the control group, the pH of a pork batter emulsified gel showed a significant increased trend (P < 0.05); the low molecular weight proteins or formed oligomers of tussah pupa powder could be used as fillers to participate in the formation process of gel network; the vitellogenin of tussah pupa powder could form a ‘skeleton’ in the pork batter system; as the sterilisation temperature at 100 °C (30 min) and 110 °C (30 min), the surface hydrophobicity was the largest as the addition amount 2%. In short, the tussah pupae powder could improve the deterioration characteristics of the pork batter emulsified gel by influencing the pH, surface hydrophobicity and the formation of gel network of pork batter system. This research provided theoretical support for improving the process property of the meat products.
Effects of l‐arginine/l‐lysine on physicochemical properties of sodium‐reduced Cantonese sausage without exogenous phosphate addition
Authors: Li Axiang , Liang Huihui , Gao Xun , Fan Xiaokang , Fang Hongmei , Zhou Cunliu
Published: July 2024

The study inquired the influences of l‐arginine and l‐lysine on the physicochemical properties (including weight loss rate, water activity, texture, colour, lipid and protein oxidation, residual nitrite content and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) content) of low‐sodium and low‐phosphate Cantonese sausage during the 1‐ and 7‐day storage. The results showed that the addition of l‐arginine or l‐lysine reduced the weight loss rate, TBARS content, carbonyl group content and residual nitrite level, slightly decreased water activity, and enhanced L*, a* and b* values. Compared to the control, 0.3% l‐arginine or l‐lysine declined hardness and chewiness, while 0.6% l‐arginine or l‐lysine elevated these two parameters. However, the addition of l‐arginine or l‐lysine also led to an increase in TVB‐N content. Overall, l‐arginine and l‐lysine improved the qualities of low‐sodium and low‐phosphate Cantonese sausage, which might be attractive to meat product manufacturers.
Chemical composition, thermal profile and functional properties of grasshopper (Sphenarium purpurascens Ch.), cockroach (Nauphoeta cinerea) flours and their mixtures
Authors: Juárez‐Barrientos José Manuel , Rodríguez‐Miranda Jesús , Peña‐Marín Emyr Saúl , Chareo‐Benítez Berenice , Alcántar‐Vázquez Juan Pablo , Ramírez‐Rivera Emmanuel de Jesús , Aparicio‐Saguilán Alejandro , da Cruz Adriano Gomes
Published: July 2024

The use of insects as food is a hot topic today and the obtaining and comprehensive characterisation of insect meals is relevant since any scientific information represents progress towards the real use of these ‘new foods’. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition of flours obtained from Sphenarium purpurascens Ch. and Nauphoeta cinerea, identify the main components and know their functional properties and thermal profile in flours and their mixtures to establish their potential applications as ingredients in the food and feed industry. The results revealed that flours and their mixtures can be used to increase the nutritional value of foods, especially thanks to their high protein content (35%–38%); in addition, their potential uses are numerous and range from baking, snacks, drinks and meat substitutes thanks to their techno‐functional and thermal properties. Regarding the thermal profile, this study presents results above 250 °C that have not been reported before for these insects and relate to the decomposition of acetylglucosamine units and the evaporation of low molecular weight volatile products that have not been reported for the flours of these insects. This study represents an advance in terms of the use of insects, pending attention to issues such as innocuity.
A new empirical framework to measure beliefs about the future well‐being of all humanity
Authors: Lou Xiaobin , Haas Brian W.
Published: July 2024

Many important decisions that people are faced with hold consequences for future generations of humans on Earth. However, it is currently not well understood how people think about the future of all humans on Earth. This study was designed to explore the way people think about the past and future of all of humanity. We investigate people's beliefs about the past and future of all humanity (1000 years) as compared to people's beliefs about the remembered past and predicted future of their own lives (10 years). We found that the trajectory of quality of life is dissociable according to humanity vs individual levels, and that beliefs about the past and future of all humanity are linked to several personality and dispositional traits (neuroticism, conscientiousness, optimism and time orientation) and values/attitudes (current life satisfaction, science and technology and system justification). These findings provide a useful framework to further investigate how people think about the future of all humanity and shed new light on potential correlates to the way the future of humanity is imagined.
Agreement between patient‐reported and clinically documented symptoms of acute myeloid leukemia: Study protocol
Authors: Chae Sena , Bae Jaewon , Youn Nayung , Lopez Karen Dunn , Sutamtewagul Grerk , Rakel Barbara
Published: July 2024

Aim

To describe our methods to compare patient‐reported symptoms of acute myeloid leukemia and the corresponding documentation by healthcare providers in the electronic health record.

Background

Patients with acute myeloid leukemia experience many distressing symptoms, particularly related to chemotherapy. The timely recognition and provision of evidence‐based interventions to manage these symptoms can improve outcomes. However, lack of standardized formatting for symptom documentation within electronic health records leads to challenges for clinicians when accessing and comprehending patients' symptom information, as it primarily exists in narrative forms in various parts of the electronic health record. This variability raises concerns about over‐ or under‐reporting of symptoms. Consistency between patient‐reported symptoms and clinician's symptom documentation is important for patient‐centered symptom management, but little is known about the degree of agreement between patient reports and their documentation. This is a detailed description of the study's methodology, procedures and design to determine how patient‐reported symptoms are similar or different from symptoms documented in electronic health records by clinicians.

Design

Exploratory, descriptive study.

Methods

Forty symptoms will be assessed as patient‐reported outcomes using the modified version of the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale. The research team will annotate symptoms from the electronic health record (clinical notes and flowsheets) corresponding to the 40 symptoms. The degree of agreement between patient reports and electronic health record documentation will be analyzed using positive and negative agreement, kappa statistics and McNemar's test.

Conclusion

We present innovative methods to comprehensively compare the symptoms reported by acute myeloid leukemia patients with all available electronic health record documentation, including clinical notes and flowsheets, providing insights into symptom reporting in clinical practice.

Impact

Findings from this study will provide foundational understanding and compelling evidence, suggesting the need for more thorough efforts to assess patients' symptoms. Methods presented in this paper are applicable to other symptom‐intensive diseases.
Strategies to promote patient‐centeredness within the healthcare industry: A grey‐based multicriteria decision making methods
Authors: Khosravi Mohsen , Izadi Reyhane , Shojaei Payam , Delavari Sajad
Published: July 2024

Rationale

The international policy agenda has recently advocated for the development of patient‐centeredness in healthcare service delivery. Consequently, various stakeholders in the healthcare systems have expressed a vital need for identifying strategies and tools that can enhance patient‐centeredness.

Aims and Objectives

The objective of this paper was to prioritise and benchmark the strategies that can improve patient‐centeredness in healthcare service delivery.

Method

We employed a multi‐stage research scenario that consisted of two phases: a phase including of a scoping review to identify the current strategies to improve patient‐centeredness (PC); And, a phase including of a multicriteria best‐worst method to assign weights to PC principles, and a questionnaire administered to a sample of experts for benchmarking the strategies derived from the literature using the Grey Multi‐Attributive Border Approximation Area Comparison (MABAC‐G) method.

Results

The most important principle of patient‐centeredness was deemed to be access to care, while telehealth tools and Electronic Health Information Systems were respectively suggested as the most efficacious platforms for promoting patient‐centeredness.

Conclusion

We recommend that administrators and policy makers in the healthcare industry prioritise the implementation and research of strategies such as telehealth tools and electronic health information systems to enhance access and patient‐centeredness in the healthcare systems.
Doing right by families: Presenting dynamic performance metrics for legal excellence in child welfare law
Authors: Aleguire Zabrina , Gatowski Sophia
Published: July 2024

To meet the challenge of advancing child welfare law, a field affecting millions of families a year, practicing attorneys have developed a wealth of guidance for best practices. The Judicial, Court, and Attorney Measures of Performance (JCAMP) provide a way to determine whether legal programs are following these recommended practices and to assess the strength of attorney–client relationships. After providing context around challenges to high quality legal representation, best practice guidance, and evaluation research findings, this article reviews the JCAMP measures of attorney practice. JCAMP may be used by legal programs to both assess their own practice and to elicit feedback from affected families to ensure consistent high quality representation. Boldly assessing attorney interactions, and the experiences of clients in the court process, is critical to guiding and empowering lawyers to achieve excellence.
Assessing kiwifruit quality in storage through machine learning
Authors: Azadbakht Mohsen , Hashemi Shabankareh Shaghayegh , Kiapey Ali , Rezaeiasl Abbas , Mahmoodi Mohammad Javad , Torshizi Mohammad Vahedi
Published: July 2024

Today, diets rich in fruits and vegetables are highly recommended since they contribute to health. The high deterioration rate of fruits distinguishes them from other crops. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of various storage conditions on some quality attributes of kiwifruit through machine learning (ML) using support vector machine (SVM) models. Kiwifruits were subjected to quasi‐static loading and coated with different coatings, such as grape, date, and mulberry syrups. Then, the coated kiwifruits were stored at humidity levels of 90% and 95% in completely dark and bright environments with a Compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulb for 5, 10, and 15 days. Once the storage period had been completed, quality attributes of the kiwifruit, including antioxidant content, phenolic content, total soluble solids (TSS), pH, and firmness were measured. Each test was performed three times. The numerical results were analyzed through an ML approach using an SVM model on MATLAB. To predict the physical properties of kiwifruit using storage conditions and vice versa, it was found that the most accurate SVM model with a linear kernel predicted the weight loss of kiwifruit based on storage conditions, with the coefficient of determination (R2) being 0.54. To predict the biochemical properties using the storage conditions and vice versa, it was found that kiwifruit firmness was most accurately predicted by the SVM model with the Gaussian kernel, with an R2 of 0.70. Moreover, humidity and storage duration were modeled by SVMs with linear kernels, calculating the coefficients of determination to be 0.39 and 0.90, respectively. To predict biochemical properties using physical properties and vice versa, it was observed that the weight loss was more accurately predicted by an SVM with a linear kernel, with an R2‐value of 0.76. Reliable results were not obtained for further research for the other modeled parameters using an SVM approach.

Practical Applications

It was found that light was most accurately predicted by the linear SVM. Storage conditions revealed SVM (linear kernel) accurately predicting kiwifruit weight loss. Linear and Gaussian SVMs accurately modeled phenolic and antioxidant content, R2‐values: 0.73 and 0.34, respectively.
Exosomal mRNA in plasma serves as a predictive marker for microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Xin Zhaodan , Chen Hao , Xu Jingtong , Zhang Haili , Peng Yufu , Ren Jing , Guo Qin , Song Jiajia , Jiao Lin , You Liting , Bai Ling , Wei Yonggang , Zhou Juan , Ying Binwu
Published: July 2024

Background and Aim

There is a pressing need for non‐invasive preoperative prediction of microvascular invasion (MVI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study investigates the potential of exosome‐derived mRNA in plasma as a biomarker for diagnosing MVI.

Methods

Patients with suspected HCC undergoing hepatectomy were prospectively recruited for preoperative peripheral blood collection. Exosomal RNA profiling was conducted using RNA sequencing in the discovery cohort, followed by differential expression analysis to identify candidate targets. We employed multiplexed droplet digital PCR technology to efficiently validate them in a larger sample size cohort.

Results

A total of 131 HCC patients were ultimately enrolled, with 37 in the discovery cohort and 94 in the validation cohort. In the validation cohort, the expression levels of RSAD2, PRPSAP1, and HOXA2 were slightly elevated while CHMP4A showed a slight decrease in patients with MVI compared with those without MVI. These trends were consistent with the findings in the discovery cohort, although they did not reach statistical significance (P > 0.05). Notably, the expression level of exosomal PRPSAP1 in plasma was significantly higher in patients with more than 5 MVI than in those without MVI (0.147 vs 0.070, P = 0.035).

Conclusion

This study unveils the potential of exosome‐derived PRPSAP1 in plasma as a promising indicator for predicting MVI status preoperatively.
DDX3X syndrome: From clinical phenotypes to biological insights
Authors: von Mueffling Alexa , Garcia‐Forn Marta , De Rubeis Silvia
Published: July 2024

DDX3X syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder accounting for up to 3% of cases of intellectual disability (ID) and affecting primarily females. Individuals diagnosed with DDX3X syndrome can also present with behavioral challenges, motor delays and movement disorders, epilepsy, and congenital malformations. DDX3X syndrome is caused by mutations in the X‐linked gene DDX3X, which encodes a DEAD‐box RNA helicase with critical roles in RNA metabolism, including mRNA translation. Emerging discoveries from animal models are unveiling a fundamental role of DDX3X in neuronal differentiation and development, especially in the neocortex. Here, we review the current knowledge of genetic and neurobiological mechanisms underlying DDX3X syndrome and their relationship with clinical phenotypes.

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Adherence to guideline‐recommended care of late‐onset hypertension in females versus males: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Bugeja Ann , Girard Celine , Sood Manish M , Kendall Claire E , Sweet Ally , Singla Ria , Motazedian Pouya , Vinson Amanda J , Ruzicka Marcel , Hundemer Gregory L. , Knoll Greg , McIsaac Daniel I
Published: July 2024

Background

Sex‐based disparities in cardiovascular outcomes may be improved with appropriate hypertension management.

Objective

To compare the evidence‐based evaluation and management of females with late‐onset hypertension compared to males in the contemporary era.

Methods

Design: Retrospective population‐based cohort study.

Setting: Ontario, Canada.

Participants: Residents aged ≥66 years with newly diagnosed hypertension between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2017.

Exposure: Sex (female vs. male).

Outcomes and Measures: We used Poisson and logistic regression to estimate adjusted sex‐attributable differences in the performance of guideline‐recommended lab investigations. We estimated adjusted differences in time to the prescription of, and type of, first antihypertensive medication prescribed between females and males, using Cox regression.

Results

Among 111,410 adults (mean age 73 years, 53% female, median follow‐up 6.8 years), females underwent a similar number of guideline‐recommended investigations (adjusted incidence rate ratio, 0.997 [95% confidence interval [CI] 0.99–1.002]) compared to males. Females were also as likely to complete all investigations (0.70% females, 0.77% males; adjusted odds ratio, 0.96 [95% CI 0.83–1.11]). Females were slightly less likely to be prescribed medication (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.98 [95% CI 0.96–0.99]) or, among those prescribed, less likely to be prescribed first‐line medication (aHR, 0.995 [95% CI 0.994–0.997]).

Conclusions

Compared to males, females with late‐onset hypertension were equally likely to complete initial investigations with comparable prescription rates. These findings suggest that there may be no clinically meaningful sex‐based differences in the initial management of late‐onset hypertension to explain sex‐based disparities in cardiovascular outcomes.
Toward a decolonial developmental science in Asia: Exploring adolescent development in communities from the majority world
Authors: Banati Prerna
Published: July 2024

The field of developmental science explores the rich interplay between individuals and their contexts, which dynamically shift across time and place. In Asia, context‐specific research and practice are essential for promoting culturally relevant program and policy approaches to improving adolescent well‐being. This involves critically examining how localized social structures and power dynamics shape individual experiences and outcomes. The landscape for Asian adolescents today differs significantly from that of previous generations due to rapid changes in these structures, and societal transformation has created the opportunity for traditional and modern values to coexist. This commentary draws across articles from this special issue to describe the dynamics of adolescent‐context relations across diverse Asian contexts using developmental science methods. This includes interrogating risk factors, opportunities, and trajectories for adolescents growing up in non‐Western settings while also questioning the application of Western, adult‐centric discourses on adolescent well‐being globally.
Sleep Deprivation Induces Gut Damage via Ferroptosis
Authors: Zheng Zi‐Jian , Zhang Hai‐Yi , Hu Ya‐Lin , Li Yan , Wu Zhi‐Hong , Li Zhi‐Peng , Chen Dong‐Rui , Luo Yang , Zhang Xiao‐Jing , Li Cang , Wang Xiao‐Yu , Xu Dan , Qiu Wei , Li Hong‐Ping , Liao Xiao‐Ping , Ren Hao , Sun Jian
Published: July 2024

Sleep deprivation (SD) has been associated with a plethora of severe pathophysiological syndromes, including gut damage, which recently has been elucidated as an outcome of the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the spatiotemporal analysis conducted in this study has intriguingly shown that specific events cause harmful damage to the gut, particularly to goblet cells, before the accumulation of lethal ROS. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses have identified significant enrichment of metabolites related to ferroptosis in mice suffering from SD. Further analysis revealed that melatonin could rescue the ferroptotic damage in mice by suppressing lipid peroxidation associated with ALOX15 signaling. ALOX15 knockout protected the mice from the serious damage caused by SD‐associated ferroptosis. These findings suggest that melatonin and ferroptosis could be targets to prevent devastating gut damage in animals exposed to SD. To sum up, this study is the first report that proposes a noncanonical modulation in SD‐induced gut damage via ferroptosis with a clearly elucidated mechanism and highlights the active role of melatonin as a potential target to maximally sustain the state during SD.
Chronic sleep deficiency and its impact on pain perception in healthy females
Authors: Rouhi Shima , Egorova‐Brumley Natalia , Jordan Amy S.
Published: July 2024

Acute sleep deprivation in experimental studies has been shown to induce pain hypersensitivity in females. However, the impact of natural sleep deficiency and fluctuations across the week on pain perception remains unclear. A sleep‐monitoring headband and self‐reports were utilized to assess objective and subjective sleep in longer (> 6 hr) and short sleepers (< 6 hr). Pain sensitivity measures including heat, cold, pressure pain thresholds, pain inhibition (conditioned pain modulation) and facilitation (tonic pain summation) were assessed on Mondays and Fridays. Forty‐one healthy young (23.9 ± 0.74 years) women participated. Short sleepers slept on average 2 hr less than longer sleepers (297.9 ± 8.2 min versus 418.5 ± 10.9 min) and experienced impaired pain inhibitory response (mean = −21.14 ± 7.9°C versus mean = 15.39 ± 9.5°C; p = 0.005). However, no effect was observed in pain thresholds and pain summation (p > 0.05). Furthermore, pain modulatory responses differed between Mondays and Fridays. Chronic sleep deficiency (< 6 hr) compromises pain responses, notably on Mondays. Maintaining a consistent sleep pattern with sufficient sleep (> 6 hr) throughout the week may protect against pain sensitization and the development of chronic pain in females. Further research is needed, especially in patients with chronic pain.
Children need to see themselves in their reading material: parental perspectives on the importance of ethnically and culturally diverse reading material
Authors: Scorer Mary A. , Vardy Emma J.
Published: July 2024

To support children's engagement with reading material, it is important children are represented in reading material provided. As Parents are the curators of their child's reading diet, in this study the parental perspectives of the ethnic diversity of available reading material for their children was explored. Eight parents were interviewed individually online to explore their perceptions of diversity in their children's reading books. Interview scripts were analysed taking a reflexive thematic analysis approach. There was a commonality across all parents in that children's literature needed to represent the multicultural society their child lived in, but the emotional and personal content in this message differed between parents. To explain the data two themes of identify formation and ethnic diversity limitations of reading material are discussed. Identity formation encapsulated the parents focus on children needing to see themselves in reading material to learn about themselves and their culture. Therefore, it is important to avoid stereotyping which is the second theme. All parents noted the need for more diversity broadly in children's reading material, from publishers but also availability of diverse reading material from educational settings.