bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and prevalence of hypertension in 18–40‐year‐old patients referred for palpitations with normal cardiac monitor findings
Authors: Wasco Christopher , Khan Zeryab , Willett Aimee , Volio Andrew , Carter Cody , Kesari Aditya , Kothari Shaili , Scheidemantel Andrew , Bennett Katelyn , Schafer Jessalyn , Lockhart Marie , Chopra Nagesh
Published: April 2024

Sixteen percent of patients referred for cardiology evaluation are found to have no cause for palpitations. Studies show that hypertension intricately influences “heart rate” and “contractility,?” the key components of “palpitation.” While the prevalence of hypertension is 22.4% in 18–39‐year‐olds, the relationship between palpitations and hypertension remains unknown in this age group. In our study, we assessed the incidence and prevalence of hypertension over 5 years in 18–40‐year‐olds referred for palpitations who had no known arrhythmic cause for palpitations between January 1, 206 and December 31, 2017. We found that over a period of 2.2 (0.7–4.1) years, an additional 56% patients were diagnosed with stage 1 (65/130) and stage 2 (28/130) hypertension, increasing the prevalence from 16% at the start of the study period to 72% at the end of the study period (p < .0001). Hypertensive patients were obese (BMI: 29 [24–36] kg/m2 vs. 25 [22–31] kg/m2; p = .03), used nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (62 vs. 35%; p = .04), had a stronger family history of hypertension (55 vs. 4%; p < .0001) and exhibited higher systolic (124[120–130] mmHg vs. 112[108–115] mmHg; p < .0001) and diastolic (80[76–83] mmHg vs. 72[69–75] mmHg; p < .0001) blood pressures. Hypertension is commonly diagnosed in 18–40‐year‐old predominantly white female patients referred for palpitations without a known arrhythmic cause. The possibility of untreated hypertension causing palpitations in this cohort needs further evaluation.
Burden of atopic dermatitis in Europe: A population‐centred approach leveraging web search data in 21 European countries
Authors: Wecker Hannah , Ziehfreund Stefanie , Sitaru Sebastian , Johansson Emma K. , Elberling Jesper , Doll Anaïs , Nicolaidou Electra , Scala Emanuele , Boffa Michael J. , Schmidt Lea , Sikora Mariusz , Torres Tiago , Chernyshov Pavel V. , Zink Alexander
Published: April 2024

Background

The complexity, high prevalence, and substantial personal and socioeconomic burden collectively render atopic dermatitis (AD) a major public health concern. Using crowdsourced Internet data has the potential to provide unique insights into this concern, as demonstrated by several previous studies. However, a comprehensive comparison across European countries remains lacking.

Objectives

The study aimed to investigate AD‐related web searches across Europe to assess spatiotemporal variations and associations between disease‐related and external factors.

Methods

AD‐related web search data were extracted for 21 European countries between February 2019 and January 2023. Descriptive analysis and autocorrelation functions were performed to examine spatiotemporal patterns. Correlations (r) were used to evaluate the associations between web searches and disease‐related, socioeconomic and meteorological data.

Results

Over 241 million AD‐related web searches were identified, with search volume varying substantially among European countries (p < 0.001) and correlating with AD prevalence and disease burden (both r = 0.51, p = 0.019). Search volume increased between 2019 and 2023 in all countries and seasonally peaked in January and March. Negative correlations with median population age (r = −0.46, p = 0.039), number of general practitioners (r = −0.29, p = 0.226) and specialists (r = −0.27, p = 0.270) were observed. Moderate to strong correlations were found between search volume and cold, humid and windy weather with fewer sunshine hours, while higher online interest typically occurred 1–3 months after such weather conditions.

Conclusion

The study highlights the great potential of online crowdsourced data analysis, for example, to investigate the impact of climate change or to identify unmet needs at a population level. Furthermore, the growing online interest in AD and the corresponding seasonal peaks emphasize the necessity of adapting treatment plans, intensifying public health campaigns, and disseminating reliable online information by governments and healthcare providers, especially during these periods.
Endurance exercise associated with a fructooligosaccharide diet modulates gut microbiota and increases colon absorptive area
Authors: Moura Filipe , Romeiro Caroline , Petriz Bernardo , Cavichiolli Nathalia , Almeida Jeeser A. , Castro Alinne , Franco Octavio L.
Published: April 2024

Background and Aim

Fructooligosaccharide (FOS) supplementation can stimulate beneficial intestinal bacteria growth, but little is known about its influence on training performance. Therefore, this study analyzed FOS and exercise effects on gut microbiota and intestinal morphology of C57Bl/6 mice.

Methods

Forty male mice were divided into four groups: standard diet‐sedentary (SDS), standard diet‐exercised (SDE), FOS supplemented (7.5% FOS)‐sedentary (FDS), and FOS supplemented‐exercised (FDE), n = 10 each group. Exercise training consisted of 60 min/day, 3 days/week, for 12 weeks.

Results

SDE and FDE groups had an increase in aerobic performance compared to the pretraining period and SDS and FDS groups (P < 0.01), respectively. Groups with FOS increased colonic crypts size (P < 0.05). The FDE group presented rich microbiota (α‐diversity) compared to other groups. The FDE group also acquired a greater microbial abundance (β‐diversity) than other groups. The FDE group had a decrease in the Ruminococcaceae (P < 0.002) and an increase in Roseburia (P < 0.003), Enterorhabdus (P < 0.004) and Anaerotruncus (P < 0.006).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that aerobic exercise associated with FOS supplementation modulates gut microbiota and can increase colonic crypt size without improving endurance exercise performance.
MINFLUX nanoscopy: Visualising biological matter at the nanoscale level
Authors: Carsten Alexander , Failla Antonio Virgilio , Aepfelbacher Martin
Published: April 2024

Since its introduction in 2017, MINFLUX nanoscopy has shown that it can visualise fluorescent molecules with an exceptional localisation precision of a few nanometres. In this overview, we provide a brief insight into technical implementations, fluorescent marker developments and biological studies that have been conducted in connection with MINFLUX imaging and tracking. We also formulate ideas on how MINFLUX nanoscopy and derived technologies could influence bioimaging in the future. This insight is intended as a general starting point for an audience looking for a brief overview of MINFLUX nanoscopy from theory to application.
Platelet‐rich fibrin: A review of its role as a new treatment in androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Shrestha Samir , Pathak Raksha , Jagat G. C. , Donovan Jeff
Published: April 2024

Background

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a major cause of hair loss resulting from a complex interplay between various genes and hormones with the result being follicular miniaturization and altered hair cycle dynamics. Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) has a well‐established role as adjunctive therapy in AGA but there are many limitations of it. In an attempt to overcome the shortcomings of PRP, liquid platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) was developed.

Aim

This article critically reviews the protocol for the preparation and clinical outcomes of PRF.

Patients/Methods

The articles published so far in the English language regarding the preparation and clinical outcomes of PRF were reviewed.

Results

Among five studies analyzing various centrifugation speeds and centrifugation times, three of the studies favored low‐speed centrifugation, whereas two studies did not support this methodology. A horizontal centrifuge may be preferred over a fixed‐angle centrifuge for PRF. Five clinical studies on the use of PRF showed a significant effect on AGA.

Conclusion

At present, there is no consensus regarding the preparation of PRF. Most studies used fixed‐angle centrifugation favored low centrifuge speed and less centrifugation time. Larger studies are needed to determine the optimal centrifugation force and time. A horizontal centrifuge may be preferred over a fixed‐angle centrifuge due to the higher yield of platelets, and lesser shear trauma to the cells. In addition, larger, well‐designed studies are needed to confirm the benefits of PRF over PRP.
Evaluation of oral function using a composite sensor during maximum lip closure and swallowing in normal children and adults
Authors: Hozawa Mio , Nakamura Yuki , Sotome Tetsuya , Nakajima Tsutomu , Hanasaki Mika , Sasakawa Yuki , Tsukuno Saeko , Yonemoto Yuki , Hayasaki Haruaki
Published: April 2024

Background

There is growing interest in the development of objective methods for assessing lip‐closing function in children.

Objective

To obtain normative data for healthy children in the developmental stages of lip closure function, we quantitatively evaluated oral movements associated with lip closure in children and adults using a composite sensor (CS).

Methods

Twenty‐five normal children (11 boys, 14 girls) aged 8.8 ± 1.6 years and 25 young adults (13 men, 12 women) aged 27.4 ± 3.9 years were asked to perform test movements, maximal lip closure and swallowing of 3 mL of water. Lip‐closing pressure (LP), intraoral baro‐pressure (IP) and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the upper orbicularis oris muscle were simultaneously recorded using the CS.

Results

EMG activity of the upper orbicularis oris muscle during closure was significantly greater in adults than in children. There were significant positive correlations between integral values of LP and EMG for closure in adults (r = .527, p = .008) but not in children, and significant positive correlations between integral values of LP and IP for swallowing in children (r = .508, p = .010) but not in adults.

Conclusions

The CS may provide an effective tool for evaluating lip function in children acquiring oral function. For the combination of maxillary orbicularis oculus contraction and formation of intraoral negative pressure, EMG activity of the upper orbicularis oris muscle involvement in LP and IP involvement in LP may differ between children and adults.
“They think we wear loincloths”: Spatial stigma, coloniality, and physician migration in Puerto Rico
Authors: Padilla Mark , Varas‐Diaz Nelson , Rodríguez‐Madera Sheilla , Vertovec John , Rivera‐Custodio Joshua , Rivera‐Bustelo Kariela , Mercado‐Rios Claudia , Matiz‐Reyes Armando , Santiago‐Santiago Adrian , González‐Font Yoymar , Ramos‐Pibernus Alixida , Grove Kevin
Published: April 2024

Puerto Rico (PR) is facing an unprecedented healthcare crisis due to accelerating migration of physicians to the mainland United States (US), leaving residents with diminishing healthcare and excessively long provider wait times. While scholars and journalists have identified economic factors driving physician migration, our study analyzes the effects of spatial stigma within the broader context of coloniality as unexamined dimensions of physician loss. Drawing on 50 semi‐structured interviews with physicians throughout PR and the US, we identified how stigmatizing meanings are attached to PR, its people, and its biomedical system, often incorporating colonial notions of the island's presumed backwardness, lagging medical technology, and lack of cutting‐edge career opportunities. We conclude that in addition to economically motivated policies, efforts to curb physician migration should also address globally circulating ideas about PR, acknowledge their roots in coloniality, and valorize local responses to the crisis that are in danger of being lost to history.
The Gift of Intelligence and the Sacramentality of Real Presence: Overcoming the Dataist Metaphysics of Modern Cognitivism
Authors: Hoff Johannes
Published: April 2024

In the last twenty‐five years scientific research on embodied cognition and related discussions in the philosophy of technology and science have led to two groundbreaking insights: 1. Perceptions, memories, meanings, and volitions are neither located in the brain nor reducible to intentional acts of ‘autonomous subjects’. 2. Human intelligence is always embedded in an embodied, simultaneously natural and artificial environment that is charged with meaning. These insights are compatible with holistic, relational concepts of embodied intelligence in the tradition of sapiential thinkers like Augustine, Thomas Aquinas and Nicholas of Cusa, and related sacramental ontologies. The modern break with this tradition was inspired by the dataist metaphysics of the ‘Gutenberg revolution’ and culminated in the thesis that human cognition is a kind of pattern extraction or the upshot of the synthesis of elementary sensory data. By contrast, the fact that the business of pattern‐extraction has become replaceable by the work of ‘artificial intelligences’ calls two things to mind: First, the late‐modern confusion of human with ‘artificial intelligence’ is the upshot of a reductionist metaphysics that provoked an unhealthy assimilation of human cognition to the way machines work. Second, in order to strengthen what distinguishes human intelligence from ‘artificial intelligences’, we need to recover the premodern unity of being, truth, beauty and the good, starting from a holistic, trinitarian anthropology. As the most recent research on Human Computer Interaction (HCI) shows, this requires a revision of our modern, instrumental attitude toward technical artifacts which emerged in the Age of the Reformation. Seen from this angle, the recovery of the sacramental ontology of premodernity has become a matter of urgency not primarily in terms of theological developments but in terms of the very innovations that provoked its modern ‘disenchantment’.
Influence of insular conditions on wing phenotypic variation in two dominant mosquito vectors, Aedes albopictus and Armigeres subalbatus (Diptera: Culicidae), in the border archipelagos of Thailand
Authors: Laojun Sedthapong , Sontigun Narin , Chaiphongpachara Tanawat
Published: April 2024

Insects geographically separated into island and mainland populations often exhibit phenotypic variations, a phenomenon known as insular conditions. These conditions can lead to rapid evolutionary changes that affect the morphological characteristics of mosquito vectors. Nevertheless, studies that specifically examine phenotype differences between island and mainland mosquito populations have been limited. In this study, wing variation in size and shape was investigated using the geometric morphometric (GM) technique in two dominant mosquito vectors, Aedes albopictus and Armigeres subalbatus, in the Ranong and Trat archipelagos of Thailand. Significant differences in average wing centroid size (CS) were found in 6 out of 15 population pairs for Ae. albopictus (p < 0.05) and in 5 population pairs for Ar. subalbatus (p < 0.05). After removing the allometric effect, canonical variate analyses (CVA) based on wing shape analysis revealed overlap across all populations for both Ae. albopictus and Ar. subalbatus. However, the statistical analysis indicated that Ar. subalbatus exhibited wing shape differences across all populations (p < 0.05), and most Ae. albopictus populations also displayed distinct wing shapes (p < 0.05), except for the populations from Chang Island and the mainland of Ranong, which showed no significant differences (p > 0.05). These findings enhance our understanding of mosquito adaptability in island regions and provide valuable data for the surveillance and monitoring of vector evolution.
Legacy effects of premature defoliation in response to an extreme drought event modulate phytochemical profiles with subtle consequences for leaf herbivory in European beech
Authors: Eisenring Michael , Gessler Arthur , Frei Esther R. , Glauser Gaétan , Kammerer Bernd , Moor Maurice , Perret‐Gentil Anouchka , Wohlgemuth Thomas , Gossner Martin M.
Published: April 2024

Extreme droughts can have long‐lasting effects on forest community dynamics and species interactions. Yet, our understanding of how drought legacy modulates ecological relationships is just unfolding. We tested the hypothesis that leaf chemistry and herbivory show long‐term responses to premature defoliation caused by an extreme drought event in European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.).

For two consecutive years after the extreme European summer drought in 2018, we collected leaves from the upper and lower canopy of adjacently growing drought‐stressed and unstressed trees. Leaf chemistry was analyzed and leaf damage by different herbivore‐feeding guilds was quantified.

We found that drought had lasting impacts on leaf nutrients and on specialized metabolomic profiles. However, drought did not affect the primary metabolome. Drought‐related phytochemical changes affected damage of leaf‐chewing herbivores whereas damage caused by other herbivore‐feeding guilds was largely unaffected. Drought legacy effects on phytochemistry and herbivory were often weaker than between‐year or between‐canopy strata variability.

Our findings suggest that a single extreme drought event bears the potential to long‐lastingly affect tree–herbivore interactions. Drought legacy effects likely become more important in modulating tree–herbivore interactions since drought frequency and severity are projected to globally increase in the coming decades.
Outcomes of combined left bundle branch area pacing with atrioventricular nodal ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation and pulmonary disease
Authors: Sefton Christopher , Tanaka‐Esposito Christine , Dresing Thomas , Lee Justin , Chung Roy
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Concomitant left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) with atrioventricular (AV) nodal ablation is emerging as a viable management option in atrial fibrillation refractory to medical management. Its viability in patients with pulmonary disease and atrial fibrillation is unknown.

Methods and results

This is a retrospective, observational cohort study in consecutive patients who underwent concomitant LBBAP with AV nodal ablation with advanced pulmonary disease at the Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital between January 2019 and January 2023. Patient characteristics, comorbidities, and medication use were extracted via chart review. Rates of hospitalizations, medication use, and structural disease seen on echocardiography were compared before and after the procedure. There were 27 patients with group 3 pulmonary hypertension who underwent the procedure. In the 24 months preprocedure, there were 114 admissions for heart failure or atrial fibrillation compared to 9 admissions postprocedure (p < .001). Mean follow up was 17.3 ± 12.1 months. There were no significant complications or lead dislodgements. Echocardiographic characteristics were similar prior to and after pacemaker implantation. Use of medications for rate and rhythm control was common preprocedure, and was reduced dramatically postprocedure.

Conclusion

This small, retrospective cohort study suggests concomitant LBBAP with AV nodal ablation may be safe and efficacious for management of atrial fibrillation in patients with advanced pulmonary disease.
A new method for tracking the preparatory activation of target templates for visual search with high temporal precision
Authors: Dodwell Gordon , Nako Rebecca , Eimer Martin
Published: April 2024

Efficiently selecting task‐relevant objects during visual search depends on foreknowledge of their defining characteristics, which are represented within attentional templates. These templates bias attentional processing toward template‐matching sensory signals and are assumed to become anticipatorily activated prior to search display onset. However, a direct neural signal for such preparatory template activation processes has so far remained elusive. Here, we introduce a new high‐definition rapid serial probe presentation paradigm (RSPP–HD), which facilitates high temporal resolution tracking of target template activation processes in real time via monitoring of the N2pc component. In the RSPP–HD procedure, task‐irrelevant probe displays are presented in rapid succession throughout the period between task‐relevant search displays. The probe and search displays are homologously formed by lateralized “clouds” of colored dots, yielding probes that occur at task‐relevant locations without confounding template‐guided and salience‐driven attentional shifts. Target color probes appearing at times when a corresponding target template is active should attract attention, thereby eliciting an N2pc. In a condition where new probe displays appeared every 50 ms, probe N2pcs were reliably elicited during the final 800 ms prior to search display onset, increasing in amplitude toward the end of this preparation period. Analogous temporal profiles were also observed with longer intervals between probes. These findings show that search template activation processes are transient and that their temporal profile can be reliably monitored at high‐sampling frequencies with the RSPP–HD paradigm. This procedure offers a new route to approach various questions regarding the content and temporal dynamics of attentional control processes.
Cabot rings in a cat with myeloproliferative disease
Authors: Fujimoto Mizuki , Takahashi Masashi , Hifumi Tatsuro , Yabuki Akira , Furusawa Yu , Hatai Hitoshi , Endo Yasuyuki
Published: April 2024

A 6‐year‐old spayed female Scottish Fold cat presented with lethargy and anorexia. A complete blood cell count indicated severe anemia and mild thrombocytopenia. Examination of peripheral blood smears revealed marked changes in the erythroid lineage, including the presence of basophilic stippling and Howell‐Jolly bodies as well as an increase in nucleated erythrocytes, polychromatophils, ovalocytes, and schistocytes. Additionally, some erythrocytes contained a ring or figure‐eight shaped structure known as a Cabot ring, which were especially observed in polychromatophilic erythrocytes. Hemolytic diseases (Mycoplasma infection and IMHA) were diagnostically excluded, and the cat was treated through prednisolone administration, whole blood transfusion, and administration of vitamins (K2 and B12); however, the anemia progressively worsened. Cabot rings were observed until Day 22 and subsequently disappeared as the number of nucleated RBCs increased, and the erythrocyte lineage shifted to immature population. On Day 42, peripheral blood examination revealed further left shifting and appearance of many rubriblasts. The patient died at home on Day 43. Necropsy revealed neoplastic cells infiltrating the bone marrow and other organs, which were immunopositive to CD71 which is an erythroid lineage marker. In humans, Cabot rings have been observed in megaloblastic anemia, lead poisoning, myelodysplastic syndrome, and myelofibrosis; further, they are thought to be related to stressed bone marrow and dyserythropoiesis. This is the first case report of a cat with Cabot rings, which are suggestive of defects in erythroid lineage production.
Classification of flat Lorentzian nilpotent Lie algebras
Authors: Bajo Ignacio , Benayadi Saïd , Lebzioui Hicham
Published: April 2024

We give a complete classification of flat Lorentzian nilpotent Lie algebras, this is to say of pseudo‐Euclidean Lie algebras associated to nilpotent Lie groups endowed with a left‐invariant Lorentzian metric of vanishing curvature. We prove that every such a Lie algebra is a direct sum of an indecomposable flat Lorentzian Lie algebra and an abelian Euclidean summand and show that, if denotes the ‐dimensional Heisenberg Lie algebra, then the only non‐abelian Lie algebras admitting flat Lorentzian metrics which are indecomposable are and the semidirect products and , defined by some particular derivations . In all those cases we also find the equivalence classes of flat Lorentzian products.
Le Club Alpin Français et les Glénans: Nature Conservation in French Mountaineering and Water Sports Associations, 1950–1990
Authors: Philippe Marion
Published: April 2024

Sports associations have a special relationship with natural landscapes. In the second half of the twentieth century, a number of organizations positioned themselves as defenders of the natural environment against the development of tourism and sports leisure facilities. They attempted to tackle the problem of over-equipment of natural areas. This research is based on a study of two outdoor institutions, the Centre Nautique des Glénans (CNG) and the Club Alpin Français (CAF). Despite their different pasts and proposed activities, both have been involved in landscape and environmental protection throughout their history. This can be seen in the way both associations integrate their facilities into the landscape, as well as in the work they do to raise their members’ awareness of environmental preservation as part of their sporting activities.
Striving to connect
Authors: Servick Kelly
Published: April 2024

Health officials are raising alarms about loneliness and isolation. Can researchers identify what helps?
China set to fetch first rocks from mysterious lunar far side
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: April 2024

Chang’e-6 to target Moon’s largest and oldest impact crater
Did bold fish spark Lake Tanganyika’s diversity?
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: April 2024

A gene mutation tied to exploratory behavior may have jump-started the evolution of hundreds of cichlid species
From endometrium to fingernail bed: histological evaluation of a rare cutaneous metastasis
Authors: Alomary Simona A , Schwartz Robert A , Lambert W Clark , Alhatem Albert
Published: April 2024

In the dermatological spectrum of oncologic manifestations, cutaneous metastases from endometrial carcinoma stand as a rarity, given the tumour’s predilection for neighbouring uterine regions. We present an exceptional case of a patient in her mid-50s, whereby an endometrial carcinoma, defying conventional pathways, manifested on the skin and nail of her distal fourth finger, an unusual site for cutaneous metastases, with a specific histology of the primary cancer.
Preoperative three-dimensional modelling and virtual reality planning aids nephron sparing surgery in a child with bilateral Wilms tumour
Authors: Banerjee Avijit , Babu Ramesh , Jayaraman Dhaarani , Chilukuri Srinivas
Published: April 2024

Bilateral Wilms tumour (BWT) is a surgically challenging condition. Virtual reality (VR) reconstruction aids surgeons to foresee the anatomy ahead of Nephron Sparing Surgery (NSS). Three-dimensional (3D) visualisation improves the anatomical orientation of surgeons performing NSS. We herewith report a case of BWT where VR planning and 3D printing were used to aid NSS. Conventional imaging is often found to be inadequate while assessing the tumour-organ-vascular anatomy. Advances like VR and 3D printing help surgeons plan better for complex surgeries like bilateral NSS. Next-generation extended reality tools will likely aid robotic-assisted precision NSS and improve patient outcomes.
Association between leucocyte telomere length and erectile dysfunction in US adults: a secondary study based on 2001–2002 NHANES data
Authors: Dilixiati Diliyaer , Kadier Kaisaierjiang , Laihaiti Duolikun , Lu Jian-De , Azhati Baihetiya , Rexiati Mulati
Published: April 2024

Objective

We aimed to explore the association between the leucocyte telomere length (LTL) and erectile dysfunction (ED) among a nationally representative sample of US adults.

Design

Secondary population-based study.

Setting

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2001–2002).

Participants

A total of 1694 male participants were extracted from the NHANES database for 2001–2002.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary focus of the study was to determine the association between the LTL and ED, using multivariate logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models for examination. The secondary outcome measures involved conducting stratified subgroup analyses to exclude interactions of different variables with the LTL.

Results

Participants with ED had shorter LTLs than those without ED (p<0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors, compared with the reference lowest LTL quartile, the ORs and 95% CIs for the second, third and fourth LTL quartiles were (OR 1.51; 95% CI 1.01 to 2.26), (OR 1.79; 95% CI 1.24 to 2.58) and (OR 1.25; 95% CI 0.74 to 2.11), respectively. In addition, restricted cubic splines showed an inverted J-curve relationship between the LTL and ED. At an LTL of 1.037, the curve showed an inflection point. The ORs (95% CI) of ED on the left and right sides of the inflection point were (OR 1.99; 95% CI 0.39 to 10.20; p=0.385) and (OR 0.17; 95% CI 0.03 to 0.90; p=0.039).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated an inverted J-curve relationship between the LTL and ED. When the LTL was ≥1.037, the incidence of ED decreased with increasing LTL.
Experiences of physical and emotional intimate partner violence during the COVID-19 pandemic: a comparison of prepandemic and pandemic data in a longitudinal study of Australian mothers
Authors: FitzPatrick Kelly M , Brown Stephanie J , Hegarty Kelsey , Mensah Fiona K , Gartland Deirdre
Published: April 2024

Objective

There is a lack of longitudinal population-based research comparing women’s experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV) prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using data from the Mothers’ and Young People’s Study, the prevalence of physical and emotional IPV in the first year of the pandemic is compared with earlier waves of data.

Design

A prospective pregnancy cohort of first-time mothers in Melbourne, Australia was followed up over the first decade of motherhood, with a quick response study conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. 422 women completed the primary exposure measure (IPV; Composite Abuse Scale) in the 1st, 4th and 10th year postpartum and the additional pandemic survey (June 2020–April 2021).

Outcome measures

Depressive symptoms; anxiety symptoms; IPV disclosure to a doctor, friends or family, or someone else.

Results

Maternal report of emotional IPV alone was higher during the pandemic (14.4%, 95% CI 11.4% to 18.2%) than in the 10th (9.5%, 95% CI 7.0% to 12.7%), 4th (9.2%, 95% CI 6.8% to 12.4%) and 1st year after the birth of their first child (5.9%, 95% CI 4.0% to 8.6%). Conversely, physical IPV was lowest during the pandemic (3.1%, 95% CI 1.8% to 5.0%). Of women experiencing IPV during the pandemic: 29.7% were reporting IPV for the first time, 52.7% reported concurrent depressive symptoms and just 6.8% had told their doctor.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that the spike in IPV-related crime statistics following the onset of the pandemic (typically incidents of physical violence) is the tip of the iceberg for women’s IPV experiences. There is a need to increase the capacity of health practitioners to recognise emotional as well as physical IPV, and IPV ought to be considered where women present with mental health problems.
Mixed Methods EvAluation of the high-volume low-complexity Surgical hUb pRogrammE (MEASURE): a mixed methods study protocol
Authors: Scantlebury Arabella , Sivey Peter , Anteneh Zecharias , Ayres Ben , Bloor Karen , Castelli Adriana , Castro-Avila Ana Cristina , Davies Firoza , Davies Simon , Glerum-Brooks Karen , Gutacker Nils , Lampard Pete , Rangan Amar , Saad Ahmed , Street Andrew , Wen Jinglin , Adamson Joy
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The waiting list for elective surgery in England recently reached over 7.8 million people and waiting time targets have been missed since 2010. The high-volume low complexity (HVLC) surgical hubs programme aims to tackle the backlog of patients awaiting elective surgery treatment in England. This study will evaluate the impact of HVLC surgical hubs on productivity, patient care and the workforce.

Methods and analysis

This 4-year project consists of six interlinked work packages (WPs) and is informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.WP1: Mapping current and future HVLC provision in England through document analysis, quantitative data sets (eg, Hospital Episodes Statistics) and interviews with national service leaders.WP2: Exploring the effects of HVLC hubs on key performance outcomes, primarily the volume of low-complexity patients treated, using quasi-experimental methods.WP3: Exploring the impact and implementation of HVLC hubs on patients, health professionals and the local NHS through approximately nine longitudinal, multimethod qualitative case studies.WP4: Assessing the productivity of HVLC surgical hubs using the Centre for Health Economics NHS productivity measure and Lord Carter’s operational productivity measure.WP5: Conducting a mixed-methods appraisal will assess the influence of HVLC surgical hubs on the workforce using: qualitative data (WP3) and quantitative data (eg, National Health Service (NHS) England’s workforce statistics and intelligence from WP2).WP6: Analysing the costs and consequences of HVLC surgical hubs will assess their achievements in relation to their resource use to establish value for money. A patient and public involvement group will contribute to the study design and materials.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the East Midlands—Nottingham Research Ethics Committee 23/EM/0231. Participants will provide informed consent for qualitative study components. Dissemination plans include multiple academic and non-academic outputs (eg, Peer-reviewed journals, conferences, social media) and a continuous, feedback-loop of findings to key stakeholders (eg, NHS England) to influence policy development.

Trial registration

Research registry: Researchregistry9364 (https://www.researchregistry.com/browse-the-registry%23home/registrationdetails/64cb6c795cbef8002a46f115/).
Suboptimal peak inspiratory flow rate: a noticeable risk factor for inhaler concordance in patients with chronic airway diseases
Authors: Meng Weiwei , Xiong Ruoyan , Zhao Zhiqi , Zeng Huihui , Chen Yan
Published: April 2024

Background

Inhaler concordance and the peak inspiratory flow rate (PIFR) are important determinants of treatment effects in patients with chronic airway diseases. Adequate PIFR is required for driving aerosol medication into the lower respiratory tract. However, the relationship between them has not been discussed previously. This study aimed to describe the characteristics of inhaler concordance and PIFR in Chinese patients with chronic airway diseases and discuss the associated variables and the relationship between them.

Methods

In this single-centre, observational study, a total of 680 patients with chronic airway diseases were enrolled from July 2021 to April 2023. We collected data on the socio-demographic and clinical variables of inhaler concordance using the test of adherence to inhalers (TAI) and PIFR. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to examine variables related to inhaler concordance and PIFR.

Results

A total of 49.4% of patients had low concordance. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were more concordant than patients with asthma (mean TAI score: 43.60 vs 41.20; p<0.01), while there was no difference in concordance between the asthma-COPD overlap group and the asthma or COPD group. Suboptimal PIFR (adjusted OR, 1.61; 95% CI 1.04 to 2.51) increased the risk of poor concordance among all patients, while triple therapy (adjusted OR, 0.60; 95% CI 0.35 to 0.86) reduced the risk. A total of 54.9% of patients had suboptimal PIFR. Older age, lower educational level, use of dry powder inhalers and lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s % predicted were significantly correlated with insufficient PIFR. Subgroup analysis revealed a greater proportion of patients with insufficient PIFR during exacerbation than during the stable phase (61.7% vs 43.5%, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Inhaler concordance was low, and suboptimal PIFR was a risk factor for poor concordance among Chinese patients with chronic airway diseases. In addition, current inhalation devices may not be suitable, and PIFR reassessment should be considered for patients with COPD during exacerbation.

Trial registration number

The study was registered in chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR2100052527) on 31 October 2021.
Classification of rheumatoid arthritis: is it time to revise the criteria?
Authors: Steiner Guenter , Verschueren Patrick , Van Hoovels Lieve , Studenic Paul , Bossuyt Xavier
Published: April 2024

Classification criteria have been developed for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other rheumatic diseases in order to gather a homogeneous patient population for clinical studies and facilitate the timely implementation of therapeutic measures. Although classification criteria are not intended to be used for diagnosis, they are frequently used to support the diagnostic process in clinical practice, including clinical decision-making. The 2010 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) classification criteria for RA are capable of identifying the majority of symptomatic patients with RA already in the earliest stages of the disease who are not yet showing radiographic changes. These patients will also profit from the early implementation of therapy with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). However, the risk of misclassification is higher as compared with the former 1987 ACR criteria, which were considerably less sensitive to the recognition of patients with early RA. Of note, the presence of rheumatoid factors (RFs) and anticitrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) has been attributed equal weight in the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria and may contribute up to 50% of the score needed for being classified as RA. However, while ACPAs have been proven to be the most specific serological markers of RA, the specificity of RF is moderate, especially at lower titres. This may lead to the misclassification of RF-positive patients and, consequently, the unjustified implementation of DMARD therapy. Therefore, issues arise on how comprehensive the criteria should be and whether they should be updated and adapted to findings from the past two decades that might increase both their specificity and sensitivity.
Explainable Authorship Identification in Cultural Heritage Applications
Authors: Setzu Mattia , Corbara Silvia , Monreale Anna , Moreo Alejandro , Sebastiani Fabrizio
Published: April 2024

While a substantial amount of work has recently been devoted to improving the accuracy of computational Authorship Identification (AId) systems for textual data, little to no attention has been paid to endowing AId systems with the ability to explain the reasons behind their predictions. This substantially hinders the practical application of AId methods, since the predictions returned by such systems are hardly useful unless they are supported by suitable explanations. In this article, we explore the applicability of existing general-purpose eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) techniques to AId, with a focus on explanations addressed to scholars working in cultural heritage. In particular, we assess the relative merits of three different types of XAI techniques (feature ranking, probing, factual and counterfactual selection) on three different AId tasks (authorship attribution, authorship verification and same-authorship verification) by running experiments on real AId textual data. Our analysis shows that, while these techniques make important first steps towards XAI, more work remains to be done to provide tools that can be profitably integrated into the workflows of scholars.
Qualitative Approaches to Voice UX
Authors: Seaborn Katie , Urakami Jaqueline , Pennefather Peter , Miyake Norihisa
Published: April 2024

Voice is a natural mode of expression offered by modern computer-based systems. Qualitative perspectives on voice-based user experiences (voice UX) offer rich descriptions of complex interactions that numbers alone cannot fully represent. We conducted a systematic review of the literature on qualitative approaches to voice UX, capturing the nature of this body of work in a systematic map and offering a qualitative synthesis of findings. We highlight the benefits of qualitative methods for voice UX research, identify opportunities for increasing rigour in methods and outcomes, and distill patterns of experience across a diversity of devices and modes of qualitative praxis.
Evaluating the Reach of a Patient Navigation Program for Follow-up Colonoscopy in a Large Federally Qualified Health Center
Authors: Gautom Priyanka , Rosales Ana G. , Petrik Amanda F. , Thompson Jamie H. , Slaughter Matthew T. , Mosso Leslie , Hussain Syed A. , Jimenez Ricardo , Coronado Gloria D.
Published: April 2024

Patient navigation (PN) has been shown to improve participation in cancer screening, including colorectal cancer screening, and is now a recommended practice by the Community Preventive Services Task Force. Despite the effectiveness of PN programs, little is known about the number of contacts needed to successfully reach patients or about the demographic and healthcare utilization factors associated with reach. PRECISE was an individual randomized study of PN versus usual care conducted as a partnership between two large health systems in the Pacific Northwest. The navigation program was a six–topic area telephonic program designed to support patients with an abnormal fecal test result to obtain a follow-up colonoscopy. We report the number of contact attempts needed to successfully reach navigated patients. We used logistic regression to report the demographic and healthcare utilization characteristics associated with patients allocated to PN who were successfully reached. We identified 1,200 patients with an abnormal fecal immunochemical test result, of whom 970 were randomized into the study (45.7% were female, 17.5% were Spanish-speaking, and the mean age was 60.8 years). Of the 479 patients allocated to the PN intervention, 382 (79.7%) were reached within 18 call attempts, and nearly all (n = 356; 93.2%) were reached within six contact attempts. Patient characteristics associated with reach were race, county of residence, and body mass index. Our findings can guide future efforts to optimize the reach of PN programs.

Prevention Relevance: The findings from this large study can inform clinic-level implementation of future PN programs in Federally Qualified Health Centers to improve the reach of patients needing cancer screenings, optimize staff resources, and ultimately increase cancer screenings.
Notas sôbre coccideos do Brasil (com descrição de espécie nova) (Homoptera – Coccoidea)
Authors: Lepage H. S.
Published: April 2024

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Notas sôbre os gêneros Corythomantis Boulenger e Aparasphenodon Miranda Ribeiro (Amphibia – Anura) (Hylidae)
Authors: Carvalho Antenor Leitão de
Published: April 2024

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Da validez de Cebus robustus Kuhl e de suas relações com as formas mais afins
Authors: Pinto Oliverio
Published: April 2024

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Contribuição ao estudo do gênero Hedruris Nitzsch, 1821 (Nematoda)
Authors: Freitas J. F. Teixeira de , Lent Herman
Published: April 2024

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Ninety‐Day Stroke Recurrence in Minor Stroke: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Trials and Observational Studies
Authors: Lim Andy , Ma Henry , Johnston S. Claiborne , Singhal Shaloo , Muthusamy Subramanian , Wang Yongjun , Pan Yuesong , Coutts Shelagh B. , Hill Michael D. , Ois Angel , Kapral Moira K. , Knoflach Michael , Woodhouse Lisa J. , Bath Philip M. , Phan Thanh G.
Published: April 2024

Background

Risk of recurrence after minor ischemic stroke is usually reported with transient ischemic attack. No previous meta‐analysis has focused on minor ischemic stroke alone. The objective was to evaluate the pooled proportion of 90‐day stroke recurrence for minor ischemic stroke, defined as a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale severity score of ≤5.

Methods and Results

Published papers found on PubMed from 2000 to January 12, 2021, reference lists of relevant articles, and experts in the field were involved in identifying relevant studies. Randomized controlled trials and observational studies describing minor stroke cohort with reported 90‐day stroke recurrence were selected by 2 independent reviewers. Altogether 14 of 432 (3.2%) studies met inclusion criteria. Multilevel random‐effects meta‐analysis was performed. A total of 6 randomized controlled trials and 8 observational studies totaling 45 462 patients were included. The pooled 90‐day stroke recurrence was 8.6% (95% CI, 6.5–10.7), reducing by 0.60% (95% CI, 0.09–1.1; 
P
=0.02) with each subsequent year of publication. Recurrence was lowest in dual antiplatelet trial arms (6.3%, 95% CI, 4.5–8.0) when compared with non‐dual antiplatelet trial arms (7.2%, 95% CI, 4.7–9.6) and observational studies 10.6% (95% CI, 7.0–14.2). Age, hypertension, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, or known atrial fibrillation had no significant association with outcome. Defining minor stroke with a lower National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale threshold made no difference – score ≤3: 8.6% (95% CI, 6.0–11.1), score ≤4: 8.4% (95% CI, 6.1–10.6), as did excluding studies with n<500%–7.3% (95% CI, 5.5–9.0).

Conclusions

The risk of recurrence after minor ischemic stroke is declining over time but remains important.
Ischemic Stroke and Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Optimize Brain and Cardiac Health
Authors: McNamara Katelyn F. , Merkler Alexander E. , Freeman James V. , Krumholz Harlan M. , Ahmad Tariq , Sharma Richa
Published: April 2024

Reduced left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40%, a known risk factor for adverse cardiac outcomes and recurrent acute ischemic stroke, may be detected during an acute ischemic stroke hospitalization. A multidisciplinary care paradigm informed by neurology and cardiology expertise may facilitate the timely implementation of an array of proven heart failure–specific therapies and procedures in a nuanced manner to optimize brain and cardiac health.
Cholestane-3β,5α,6β-Triol Inhibits Acid-Sensing Ion Channels and Reduces Acidosis-Mediated Ischemic Brain Injury
Authors: Sun Huawei , Yang Tao , Simon Roger , Xiong Zhi-Gang , Leng Tiandong
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Activation of the acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) by tissue acidosis, a common feature of brain ischemia, contributes to ischemic brain injury, while blockade of ASICs results in protection. Cholestane-3β,5α,6β-triol (Triol), a major cholesterol metabolite, has been demonstrated as an endogenous neuroprotectant; however, the mechanism underlying its neuroprotective activity remains elusive. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that inhibition of ASICs is a potential mechanism.

METHODS:

The whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to examine the effect of Triol on ASICs heterogeneously expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells and ASICs endogenously expressed in primary cultured mouse cortical neurons. Acid-induced injury of cultured mouse cortical neurons and middle cerebral artery occlusion–induced ischemic brain injury in wild-type and ASIC1 and ASIC2 knockout mice were studied to examine the protective effect of Triol.

RESULTS:

Triol inhibits ASICs in a subunit-dependent manner. In Chinese hamster ovary cells, it inhibits homomeric ASIC1a and ASIC3 without affecting ASIC1β and ASIC2a. In cultured mouse cortical neurons, it inhibits homomeric ASIC1a and heteromeric ASIC1a–containing channels. The inhibition is use-dependent but voltage- and pH-independent. Structure-activity relationship analysis suggests that hydroxyls at the 5 and 6 positions of the A/B ring are critical functional groups. Triol alleviates acidosis-mediated injury of cultured mouse cortical neurons and protects against middle cerebral artery occlusion–induced brain injury in an ASIC1a-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our study identifies Triol as a novel ASIC inhibitor, which may serve as a new pharmacological tool for studying ASICs and may also be developed as a potential drug for treating stroke.