bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antennal olfactory sensitivity and its age‐dependence in the hemimetabolous insectMetcalfa pruinosa
Authors: Szelényi Magdolna Olivia , Erdei Anna Laura , Molnár Béla Péter , Tholt Gergely
Published: February 2024

Metcalfa pruinosais a highly polyphagous, invasive insect in Europe with the capability of transferring phytoplasma. In the present study, we aim to identify volatile organic compounds that may act as semiochemicals forM. pruinosa. Using a dynamic volatile collection system, volatile organic compounds were collected fromAilanthus altissima,Aristolochia clematitisandTagetes patula. Compounds were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. We also tested the electrophysiological responses ofM. pruinosato the collected volatile organic compounds using gas chromatography‐electroantennographic detection. In total, 77 volatile organic compounds were identified, and 29 compounds elicited an electroantennographic response. We analysed responses to volatile organic compounds extracted fromTagetes patulato compare antennal sensitivity between developmental stages and sexes. No differences were found in responders' number or response amplitude between males and females or adults and nymphs for any volatile. Based on the detected compounds,M. pruinosaadult females and males seem to have similar ecological needs in the host habitat. However, when we compared the response amplitudes among compounds, significant differences were found. These differences suggest that (E)‐4,8‐dimethyl‐nonatriene, methyl salicylate, and piperitone could have an important role inM. pruinosa's behaviour. This is the first contribution toM. pruinosaolfaction profile providing a base for future semiochemical‐based pest control tactics.
NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist MK‐801 induces proteome changes in adult human brain slices which are partially counteracted by haloperidol and clozapine
Authors: de Almeida Valéria , Mendes Niele Dias , Zuccoli Giuliana S. , Reis‐de‐Oliveira Guilherme , Almeida Glaucia M. , Podolsky‐Gondim Guilherme Gozzoli , Neder Luciano , Martins‐de‐Souza Daniel , Sebollela Adriano
Published: February 2024

Deciphering the molecular pathways associated with N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDAr) hypofunction and its interaction with antipsychotics is necessary to advance our understanding of the basis of schizophrenia, as well as our capacity to treat this disease. In this regard, the development of human brain‐derived models that are amenable to studying the neurobiology of schizophrenia may contribute to filling the gaps left by the widely employed animal models. Here, we assessed the proteomic changes induced by the NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist MK‐801 on human brain slice cultures obtained from adult donors submitted to respective neurosurgery. Initially, we demonstrated that MK‐801 diminishes NMDA glutamate receptor signaling in human brain slices in culture. Next, using mass‐spectrometry‐based proteomics and systems biology in silico analyses, we found that MK‐801 led to alterations in proteins related to several pathways previously associated with schizophrenia pathophysiology, including ephrin, opioid, melatonin, sirtuin signaling, interleukin 8, endocannabinoid, and synaptic vesicle cycle. We also evaluated the impact of both typical and atypical antipsychotics on MK‐801‐induced proteome changes. Interestingly, the atypical antipsychotic clozapine showed a more significant capacity to counteract the protein alterations induced by NMDAr hypofunction than haloperidol. Finally, using our dataset, we identified potential modulators of the MK‐801‐induced proteome changes, which may be considered promising targets to treat NMDAr hypofunction in schizophrenia. This dataset is publicly available and may be helpful in further studies aimed at evaluating the effects of MK‐801 and antipsychotics in the human brain.
Intrathecal IgM synthesis as a diagnostic marker in patients with suspected CNS lymphoma
Authors: Reinecke Raphael , Jahnke Kolja , Foltyn‐Dumitru Martha , Lachner Karsten , Armbrust Moritz , Weber Katharina J. , Zeiner Pia S. , Czabanka Marcus , Brunnberg Uta , Hartmann Sylvia , Steinbach Joachim P. , Ronellenfitsch Michael W.
Published: February 2024

For CNS lymphomas (CNSL), there is a high need for minimally invasive and easily obtainable diagnostic markers. Intrathecal IgM synthesis can easily be determined in routine CSF diagnostics. The aim of this study was to systematically investigate the diagnostic potential of intrathecal IgM synthesis in primary and secondary CNSL (PCNSL and SCNSL). In this retrospective study, patients with a biopsy‐proven diagnosis of PCNSL or SCNSL were compared with patients with other neurological diseases in whom CNSL was initially the primary radiological differential diagnosis based on MRI. Sensitivity and specificity of intrathecal IgM synthesis were calculated using receiver operating characteristic curves. Seventy patients with CNSL were included (49 PCNSL and 21 SCNSL) and compared to 70 control patients. The sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of CNSL were 49% and 87%, respectively, for the entire patient population and 66% and 91% after selection for cases with tumor access to the CSF system and isolated intrathecal IgM synthesis. In cases with MRI‐based radiological suspicion of CNSL, intrathecal IgM synthesis has good specificity but limited sensitivity. Because of its low‐threshold availability, analysis of intrathecal IgM synthesis has the potential to lead to higher diagnostic accuracy, especially in resource‐limited settings, and deserves further study.

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Prioritising patients for semi‐urgent surgery: A scoping review
Authors: Coffey Elyse K. , Walker Rachel M. , Nicholson Patricia , Gillespie Brigid M.
Published: February 2024

Background

Semi‐urgent surgery where surgical intervention is required within 48 h of admission and the patient is medically stable is vulnerable to scheduling delays. Given the challenges in accessing health care, there is a need for a detailed understanding of the factors that impact decisions on scheduling semi‐urgent surgeries.

Aim

To identify and describe the organisational, departmental and contextual factors that determine healthcare professionals' prioritising patients for semi‐urgent surgeries.

Methods

We used the Joanna Briggs Institute guidance for scoping reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) checklist. Four online databases were used: EBSCO Academic Search Complete, EBSCO Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, OVID Embase and EBSCO Medline. Articles were eligible for inclusion if they published in English and focussed on the scheduling of patients for surgery were included. Data were extracted by one author and checked by another and analysed descriptively. Findings were synthesises using the Patterns, Advances, Gaps, Evidence for practice and Research recommendations framework.

Results

Twelve articles published between 1999 and 2022 were included. The Patterns, Advances, Gaps, Evidence for practice and Research recommendations framework highlighted themes of emergency surgery scheduling and its impact on operating room utilisation. Gaps in the management of operating room utilisation and the incorporation of semi‐urgent surgeries into operating schedules were also identified. Finally, the lack of consensus on the definition of semi‐urgent surgery and the parameters used to assign surgical acuity to patients was evident.

Conclusions

This scoping review identified patterns in the scheduling methods, and involvement of key decision makers. Yet there is limited evidence about how key decision makers reach consensus on prioritising patients for semi‐urgent surgery and its impact on patient experience.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.
The effects of food on the pharmacokinetics of mycophenolate mofetil in healthy horses
Authors: Bello Kaitlyn , Lorch Gwendolen , Papich Mark G. , Kim Kyeongmin , Toribio Ramiro E. , Yan Liwei , Xie Zhiliang , Hill Kasey , Phelps Mitch A.
Published: February 2024

Additional immunomodulatory treatment is needed for the management of immune‐mediated disease in horses. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is an immunomodulatory agent used in human and veterinary medicine for the prevention of graft rejection and the management of autoimmune diseases. Few studies exist investigating the pharmacokinetics of MMF in horses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of a single dose of MMF in healthy horses in the fed vs. fasted state. Six healthy Standardbred mares were administered MMF 10 mg/kg by a nasogastric (NG) tube in a fed and fasted state. A six‐day washout period was performed between the two doses. No statistically significant differences in mycophenolic acid (MPA) concentrations were seen at any time point apart from 8 h, when plasma metabolite concentrations were significantly higher in the fasted state compared to the fed state (p = .038). Evidence of enterohepatic recirculation was seen only in the fasted state; this did not yield clinical differences in horses administered a single‐dose administration but may be significant in horses receiving long‐term MMF treatment.
Disentangling associations between impulsivity, compulsivity, and performance monitoring
Authors: Overmeyer Rebecca , Endrass Tanja
Published: February 2024

Disorders marked by high levels of impulsivity and compulsivity have been linked to changes in performance monitoring, specifically the error‐related negativity (ERN). We investigated the relationship between performance monitoring and individual differences in impulsivity and compulsivity. A total of 142 participants were recruited into four groups, each with different combinations of impulsivity and compulsivity, and they performed a flanker task to assess error‐related brain activity. We defined error‐related brain activity as ERN amplitude and theta power. Single‐trial regression was employed to analyze the amplitude differences between incorrect and correct trials within the ERN time window. The findings revealed that impulsivity, compulsivity, and different measures of response processing exhibited distinct interactions, which were influenced by the configuration of impulsivity and compulsivity, but also depended on the measure of response processing. Specifically, high compulsivity predicted larger ERN amplitudes in individuals with low impulsivity, whereas high impulsivity had no significant effect on ERN amplitude in individuals with low compulsivity. Furthermore, when both impulsivity and compulsivity were high, no significant increase in ERN amplitude was observed; instead, there was a reduced difference between incorrect and correct trials. No significant differences were found for theta power. While the association between error‐related brain activity and transdiagnostic markers or psychopathology may be smaller than generally assumed, considering the interaction between different transdiagnostic markers and their facets can enhance our understanding of the complex associations that arise during the investigation of neural correlates of performance monitoring, specifically the ERN.
A Hybrid Battery Thermal Management System for Electric Vehicle Operations in Cold Climates
Authors: Jiang Yingqiao , Hashad Khaled N. , Lee Zachary E. , Zhang K. Max
Published: February 2024

Without proper battery thermal management, electric vehicles (EVs) suffer from significantly reduced efficiency and performance in cold climates, creating a barrier to electrifying the transportation sector. In this study, we have developed a modular, hybrid battery thermal management system that combines phase change material (PCM) with internal heating. This hybrid system uses PCM to store waste heat generated during driving, maintaining the battery temperature during shorter stops between consecutive trips. For longer stops, internal heating can reheat the battery if the latent heat of the PCM has dissipated. Moreover, by applying PCM on the outside, the proposed system is modular, requiring no structural change within the existing battery module and reducing the impact of increased thermal inertia on battery reheating time. Through both laboratory experiments and numerical simulations, we found that the proposed system could hold the battery temperature above 20 °C for around 2 h at an ambient temperature of −15 °C and achieved a battery reheating time (from 0 °C to 20 °C) of only 11 min. By reusing waste heat during short stops, this system can promote EV adoption in cold climates through improved battery efficiency, particularly for EVs making frequent stops, such as taxis and delivery vehicles.
A Hybrid Electrochemical Magnetorheological Finishing Process for Surface Enhancement of Biomedical Implants
Authors: Rajput Atul Singh , Das Manas , Kapil Sajan
Published: February 2024

The proposed novel polishing method, hybrid electrochemical magnetorheological (H-ECMR) finishing, combines electrochemical reactions and mechanical abrasion on the workpiece surface to reduce finishing time. Moreover, H-ECMR finishing on the biomaterial surface produces a uniform, thick passive oxide layer to improve corrosion resistance. Herein, the electrolytic solution facilitates the chemical reaction and acts as a carrier medium for carbonyl iron particles (CIPs) in magnetorheological (MR) fluid. The synergic action of the two processes reduces the surface finishing time, which takes longer in the case of the conventional magnetorheological Finishing (MRF) process, as observed experimentally. The developed H-ECMR finishing process employs an electromagnet, maneuvering in situ surface quality variation by altering the magnetic field during finishing. The magnetic shield material (i.e., mu-metal) confines the bottom of the electromagnet core to restrict the magnetic field's leakage and provide a uniform and concentrated magnetic field at the polishing spot. The effectiveness of the H-ECMR process is evaluated based on various surface roughness parameters (i.e., average surface roughness (Ra), skewness (Rsk), and kurtosis (Rku)) and compared with the MRF process. A 96.4% reduction in Ra value is attained in the H-ECMR polishing compared to 49.6% in MRF for identical polishing time. Furthermore, an analytical model is developed to evaluate the final Ra attained from the developed H-ECMR polishing process and agrees well with the experimental results. The impact of different process parameters on surface roughness values is also analyzed. The electrochemical reaction forms a thick and unvarying passive layer on the Ti–6Al–4V surface as layer thickness increases to 78 nm from 8 nm. A case study on the femoral head of the Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) for enhancement in the surface roughness and biocompatibility is performed through the developed H-ECMR polishing. The Ra value is decreased to 21.3 nm from 326 nm on the femoral head surface through the contour-parallel radial toolpath strategy.
Effect of Acute Sodium Bicarbonate and Caffeine Coingestion on Repeated-Sprint Performance in Recreationally Trained Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ferragut Carmen , Gonzalo-Encabo Paola , López-Samanes Álvaro , Valadés David , Pérez-López Alberto
Published: February 2024

Introduction: The acute and isolated ingestion of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and caffeine (CAF) improves performance and delays fatigue in high-intensity tasks. However, it remains to be elucidated if the coingestion of both dietary supplements stimulates a summative ergogenic effect. This study aimed to examine the effect of the acute coingestion of NaHCO3 and CAF on repeated-sprint performance. Methods: Twenty-five trained participants (age: 23.3 [4.0] y; sex [female/male]: 12/13; body mass: 69.6 [12.5] kg) participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo (PLA) -controlled, crossover study. Participants were assigned to 4 conditions: (1) NaHCO3 + CAF, (2) NaHCO3, (3) CAF, or (4) PLA. Thus, they ingested 0.3 g/kg of NaHCO3, 3 mg/kg of CAF, or PLA. Then, participants performed 4 Wingate tests (Wt), consisting of a 30-second all-out sprint against an individualized resisted load, interspersed by a 1.5-minute rest period between sprints. Results: Peak (Wpeak) and mean (Wmean) power output revealed a supplement and sprint interaction effect (P = .009 and P = .049, respectively). Compared with PLA, NaHCO3 + CAF and NaHCO3 increased Wpeak performance in Wt 3 (3%, P = .021) and Wt 4 (4.5%, P = .047), while NaHCO3 supplementation increased mean power performance in Wt 3 (4.2%, P = .001). In Wt 1, CAF increased Wpeak (3.2%, P = .054) and reduced time to Wpeak (−8.5%; P = .008). Plasma lactate showed a supplement plus sprint interaction (P < .001) when NaHCO3 was compared with CAF (13%, P = .031) and PLA (23%, P = .021). Conclusion: To summarize, although the isolated ingestion of CAF and NaHCO3 improved repeated-sprint performance, the coingestion of both supplements did not stimulate a synergic ergogenic effect.
Bridging Boundaries Between Life and Sport: Exploring Sports Coaches’ Micro Role Transitions
Authors: Davis Paul A. , Didymus Faye F. , Barrass Scott , Davis Louise
Published: February 2024

Coach education notes the importance of effective transitions between life and sport, yet research evidence supporting coaches to make such transitions is lacking. The present study used a mixed-methods design to explore 41 highly qualified coaches’ perceptions of how responsibilities in life beyond sport spill over to coaching practice. Additionally, we examined coaches’ transitions between roles in life and sport and the implications for their health and coaching practice. Coaches completed questionnaires measuring perceived stress and emotion regulation, and a writing task about how roles outside of sport impacted their coaching practice. Linguistic analyses using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count software revealed that coaches with lower levels of perceived stress expressed more positive emotions when writing about the influence of life commitments on their coaching practice. The findings also suggest that coaches’ perceptions of the coaching process can be both positively and negatively influenced by life commitments spilling over into sport. Further, coaches reported challenges with the process of undertaking micro role transitions and highlighted implications for their mental health, coaching effectiveness, and relationships in both sport and life. Integrating organizational and sport psychology research, we offer guidance to optimize coaches’ transitions between roles to promote health and optimal performance.
Effect of an 18-Month Walking Intervention on the Rest–Activity Rhythm of Older Adults With Mild–Moderate Dementia
Authors: Volkers Karin Mariëlle , Douma Johanna Gerdine , Hoeksma Jan Binne , Scherder Erik Johan Anton
Published: February 2024

The objective of this 18-month walking intervention was to evaluate the effect on rest–activity rhythm (RAR) for older adults with mild-to-moderate dementia (65.8% female; aged M = 82.4 [SD = 6.5]). The intervention group (n = 44) was intended to walk 30 min, five times per week for 18 months. The control group (n = 35) received sedentary activities or usual care. RAR was measured at baseline to after 18 months and five times in between actigraphy outcome variables (interdaily stability, intradaily variability, relative amplitude, activity 10 most active hours, and activity 5 least active hours). Hierarchical mixed model analyses revealed no significant intervention effects (with or without baseline confounders as covariate) on RAR. However, participants in the intervention group were able to significantly increase their daily life activity (activity 10 most active hours) from the onset of the preceding measurement, b = 0.10, t(239.32) = 2.36, p = .019. More research is warranted to study the effect of regular walks on older persons with dementia whose RAR is worst at baseline.
Quantifying Area-Level Physical Activity Offerings in Social Context: A Novel Concept That Goes Beyond Walkability and Access to Open Spaces
Authors: Merom Dafna , Meehan Drew , Phongsavan Philayrath , Gudes Ori
Published: February 2024

Background: Social support is a crucial factor influencing the sustainability of physical activity (PA). This proof-of-concept study presents the development of a Social Physical Activity Index for Area (SPAIFA) an indicator reflecting opportunities for individuals to actively participate as part of a group within which opportunities for social interaction can be developed. Methods: Six government councils in the state of New South Wales, Australia, were selected encompassing 174 suburbs. Using 2 search engines’ map tools, we identified PA venues for each suburb (eg, park, studios, etc). To enumerate activities per suburb, we used (1) venue websites, (2) New South Wales Office of Sport website, (3) national websites of grassroots PA for nonorganized activity (eg, parkrun, meetup, etc), and (4) social media. The database was linked to the suburb demographic profile, the area disadvantage score, walkability and open space scores, and the proportion of insufficiently active residents. Spatial analysis techniques were used to identify SPAIFA clusters. Results: SPAIFA councils’ average was 9.9 activities per 10,000 people (ranging from 6.6/10,000 to 16.2/10,000). SPAIFA-Old (ie, activities specific to older adults) varied significantly (ranging from 11.7/10,000 to 0.8/10,000 seniors). Disadvantaged areas and a high proportion of insufficiently active residents were associated with being classified as low SPAIFA (P < .01). Three clusters of low SPAIFA were identified, and 17 high-risk areas where low SPAIFA was compounded by poor environmental support. Conclusions: SPAIFA can be used by councils and policymakers as an indicator for monitoring and intervening in areas where natural and/or urban design is not conducive for PA.
Preventing Suicide and Promoting Mental Health Among Student-Athletes From Diverse Backgrounds
Authors: Hamstra-Wright Karrie L. , Coumbe-Lilley John E. , Bustamante Eduardo E.
Published: February 2024

Suicide and contributing mental health conditions in athletes are shared concerns within health care and society at large. This commentary focuses on suicide risk among athletes and the role of sports medicine professionals in preventing suicide and promoting mental health. In this commentary, we draw on the scientific literature and our clinical experiences to pose and answer these questions: Does suicide risk among athletes vary by sociodemographic factors (eg, sex, gender, race/ethnicity, family income, sexual orientation) or if injured? Do sociodemographic differences influence access to and benefits from services among athletes? How do I know my athletes are at risk for suicide? What do I do if one of my athletes shares with me that they have considered suicide? Within our commentary, we review the current literature and clinical practices regarding these questions and close with actionable suggestions and recommendations for future directions.
Insight into planktonic protistan and fungal communities across the nutrient-depleted environment of the South Pacific Subtropical Gyre
Authors: Kajan Katarina , Fuchs Bernhard M. , Orlić Sandi
Published: February 2024

Ocean microorganisms constitute ~70% of the marine biomass, contribute to ~50% of the Earth’s primary production, and play a vital role in global biogeochemical cycles. The marine heterotrophic and mixotrophic protistan and fungal communities have often been overlooked mainly due to limitations in morphological species identification. Despite the accumulation of studies on biogeographic patterns observed in microbial communities, our understanding of the abundance and distribution patterns within the microbial community of the largest subtropical gyre, the South Pacific Gyre (SPG), remains incomplete. Here, we investigated the diversity and vertical composition of protistan and fungal communities in the water column of the ultra-oligotrophic SPG. Our results showed apparent differences in protistan community diversity in the photic and aphotic regions. The entire protistan community diversity was significantly affected by temperature, salinity, oxygen, and nutrient concentrations, while the parasitic community diversity was also affected by chlorophyll
a
concentration. The parasitic protists were assigned to the class Syndiniales accounting for over 98% of the total parasitic protists, exhibiting higher relative sequence abundance along the water depth and displaying consistent patterns among different sampling stations. In contrast to the protistan community, the fungal community along the SPG primarily clustered based on the sampling station and pelagic zones. In particular, our study reveals a significant presence of parasitic protists and functionally diverse fungi in SPG and their potential impact on carbon cycling in the gyre.

IMPORTANCE

Our findings carry important implications for understanding the distribution patterns of the previously unrecognized occurrence of parasitic protists and functionally diverse fungi in the nutrient-limited South Pacific Gyre. In particular, our study reveals a significant presence of parasitic Syndiniales, predominantly abundant in the upper 300 m of the aphotic zone in the gyre, and a distinct presence of fungal communities in the aphotic zone at the central part of the gyre. These findings strongly suggest that these communities play a substantial role in yet insufficiently described microbial food web. Moreover, our research enhances our understanding of their contribution to the dynamics of the food webs in oligotrophic gyres and is valuable for projecting the ecological consequences of future climate warming.
Assessing the performance of the family folder system for collecting community-based health information in Tigray Region, North Ethiopia: a capture–recapture study
Authors: Derbew Atakelti Abraha , Debeb Hagos Godefay , Kinsman John , Myléus Anna , Byass Peter
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To assess completeness and accuracy of the family folder in terms of capturing community-level health data.

Study design

A capture–recapture method was applied in six randomly selected districts of Tigray Region, Ethiopia.

Participants

Child health data, abstracted from randomly selected 24 073 family folders from 99 health posts, were compared with similar data recaptured through household survey and routine health information made by these health posts.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Completeness and accuracy of the family folder data; and coverage selected child health indicators, respectively.

Results

Demographic data captured by the family folders and household survey were highly concordant, concordance correlation for total population, women 15–49 years age and under 5-year child were 0.97 (95% CI 0.94 to 0.99, p<0.001), 0.73 (95% CI 0.67 to 0.88) and 0.91 (95% CI 0.85 to 0.96), respectively. However, the live births, child health service indicators and child health events were more erratically reported in the three data sources. The concordance correlation among the three sources, for live births and neonatal deaths was 0.094 (95% CI −0.232 to 0.420) and 0.092 (95% CI −0.230 to 0.423) respectively, and for the other parameters were close to 0.

Conclusion

The family folder system comprises a promising development. However, operational issues concerning the seamless capture and recording of events and merging community and facility data at the health centre level need improvement.
Insight into Private General Physicians’ Practices: an Exploratory Qualitative Study in a Rural District of Pakistan
Authors: Akber Pradhan Nousheen , Zaidi Tahani Waqar , Siddiqi Sameen
Published: February 2024

Objective

The study aimed to assess private general physicians’(GPs) healthcare practices, identifying perceived malpractices, the support they receive, and barriers they experience in providing healthcare services.

Design

Qualitative exploratory study.

Setting

Rural district, Thatta in Province of Sindh, Pakistan.

Participants

15 GPs.

Results

Our results include increased motivation among GPs for continued professional development, the high influence of pharmaceutical companies on providers’ prescribing practices, perceived malpractices by GPs, and the prevalence of quackery and ineffective regulatory mechanisms for private GPs in a rural district.

Conclusion

Our findings have implications for the capacity building of GPs by academic institutions, enforcement of regulatory measures by the authorities, and the introduction of measures to curb practices by unqualified practitioners. Finally, more research will be needed to further understand the perceptions of GPs, their needs and the service delivery interventions that will enhance the quality of care they provide.
Comparative effectiveness of biologics in patients with rheumatoid arthritis stratified by body mass index: a cohort study in a Swiss registry
Authors: Vallejo-Yagüe Enriqueta , Burkard Theresa , Finckh Axel , Burden Andrea Michelle
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Obesity is associated with lower treatment response in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In patients with obesity, abatacept was suggested as a preferable option to tumour necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors. We aimed to assess the comparative effectiveness of etanercept, infliximab and abatacept, compared with adalimumab, in patients with RA with obesity. Secondarily, we also investigated this in patients with overweight and normal weight for completeness.

Design

Observational cohort study.

Setting

Swiss Clinical Quality Management in Rheumatic Diseases (SCQM) registry (1997–2019).

Participants

Adult patients with RA from the SCQM registry who received etanercept, infliximab, abatacept or adalimumab as their first biological or targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug were classified based on their body mass index (BMI) at the start of that treatment in three cohorts: obese, overweight, normal weight. They were followed for a maximum of 1 year.

Exposure

The study exposure of interest was the patients’ first biological, particularly: etanercept, infliximab and abatacept, compared with adalimumab.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary study outcome was remission within 12 months, defined as 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) <2.6. Missingness was addressed using confounder-adjusted response rate with attrition correction. Logistic regression was used to compare the effectiveness of etanercept, infliximab and abatacept versus adalimumab. Each BMI cohort was addressed and analysed separately.

Results

The study included 443 obese, 829 overweight and 1243 normal weight patients with RA. There were no statistically significant differences in the odds of DAS28-remission at ≤12 months for etanercept, infliximab and abatacept, compared with adalimumab, in any of the BMI cohorts.

Conclusions

No differences in DAS28-remission were found between the study drugs and adalimumab as first biologic in patients with RA, independently of the BMI cohort. We did not find evidence that treatment with abatacept increased the likelihood of remission compared with adalimumab among obese patients with RA.
Kharameh cohort study (KHCS) on non-communicable diseases and preliminary findings of 3-year follow-up
Authors: Rezaianzadeh Abbas , Niazkar Hamid Reza , Rezaeianzadeh Ramin , Jafari Fatemeh , Rahimikazerooni Salar , Ghoddusi Johari Masoumeh , Zare Marjan , Hosseini Seyed Vahid
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The Kharameh cohort study (KHCS) is one branch of the ‘Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran’, located in the south of Iran. The enrolment phase of KHCS spanned from April 2015 to March 2017, during which urban and rural residents of Kharameh were enrolled in the study. KHCS aims to investigate the incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases and cancer, and its related risk factors in a 15-year follow-up.

Participants

KHCS was designed to recruit 10 000 individuals aged 40–70 years old from both urban and rural areas of Kharameh. Thus, a total of 10 800 individuals aged 40–70 years of age were invited and, finally, 10 663 subjects were accepted to participate, with a participation rate of 98.7%.

Findings to date

Of the 10 663 participants, 5944 (55.7%) were women, and 6801 (63.7%) were rural residents. The mean age of the participants was 51.9±8.2 years. 41.8% of the participants were aged 40–49, 35.2% were aged 50–59 and the remaining 23% were 60–70 years old. Until March 2020 (first 3 years of follow-up), the total number of patients diagnosed with NCDs was 1565. Hypertension, type 2 diabetes and acute ischaemic heart disease were the most common NCDs. Furthermore, the total number of deaths during the first 3 years of follow-up was 312, with cardiovascular diseases (38.7%) as the most common cause of death, followed by cerebrovascular diseases (11.8%) and cancer (16.2%).

Future plans

The remaining 12 years of follow-up will inevitably shed light on the genetic, lifestyle/socioeconomic status, and environmental risk and protective factors of NCDs.
Comparison of industry payments to psychiatrists and psychiatric advanced practice clinicians in the USA, 2021: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Havlik John , Ososanya Lydia , Lee Megan S , Wahid Syed , Heyang Michael , Sun Qiwei Wilton , Ross Joseph S , Rhee Taeho Greg
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To compare industry payment patterns among US psychiatrists and psychiatric advanced practice clinicians (APCs) and determine how scope of practice laws has influenced these patterns.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

This study used the publicly available US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Sunshine Act Open Payment database and the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) database for the year 2021.

Participants

All psychiatrists and psychiatric APCs (subdivided into nurse practitioners (NPs) and clinical nurse specialists (CNSs)) included in either database.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Number and percentage of clinicians receiving industry payments and value of payments received. Total payments and number of transactions by type of payment, payment source and clinician type were also evaluated.

Results

A total of 85 053 psychiatric clinicians (61 011 psychiatrists (71.7%), 21 895 NPs (25.7%), 2147 CNSs (2.5%)) were reviewed; 16 240 (26.6%) psychiatrists received non-research payment from industry, compared with 10 802 (49.3%) NPs and 231 (10.7%) CNSs (p<0.001) for pairwise comparisons). Psychiatric NPs were significantly more likely to receive industry payments compared with psychiatrists (incidence rate ratio (IRR), 1.85 (95% CI 1.81 to 1.88); p<0.001)). Compared with psychiatrists, NPs were more likely to receive payments of > United States Dollars (US) $) 100 (33.9% vs 14.6%; IRR, 2.14 (2.08 to 2.20); p<0.001) and > US$ 1000 (5.3% vs 4.1%; IRR, 1.29 (1.20 to 1.38); p<0.001) but less likely to receive > US$ 10 000 (0.4% vs 1.0%; IRR, 0.39 (0.31 to 0.49); p<0.001). NPs in states with ‘reduced’ or ‘restricted’ scope of practice received more frequent payments (reduced: IRR, 1.22 (1.18 to 1.26); restricted: IRR, 1.26 (1.22 to 1.30), both p<0.001).

Conclusions

Psychiatric NPs were nearly two times as likely to receive industry payments as psychiatrists, while psychiatric CNSs were less than half as likely to receive payment. Stricter scope of practice laws increases the likelihood of psychiatric NPs receiving payment, the opposite of what was found in a recent specialty agnostic study.
Neoantigen-specific CD4+tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes are potent effectors identified within adoptive cell therapy products for metastatic melanoma patients
Authors: Hall MacLean S. , Teer Jamie K. , Yu Xiaoqing , Branthoover Holly , Snedal Sebastian , Rodriguez-Valentin Madeline , Nagle Luz , Scott Ellen , Schachner Ben , Innamarato Patrick , Hall Amy M. , Blauvelt Jamie , Rich Carolyn J. , Richards Allison D. , Ceccarelli Jake , Langer TJ , Yoder Sean J. , Beatty Matthew S. , Cox Cheryl A. , Messina Jane L. , Abate-Daga Daniel , Mule James J. , Mullinax John E. , Sarnaik Amod A. , Pilon-Thomas Shari
Published: February 2024

Background

Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) is a promising immunotherapeutic approach for patients with advanced solid tumors. While numerous advances have been made, the contribution of neoantigen-specific CD4+T cells within TIL infusion products remains underexplored and therefore offers a significant opportunity for progress.

Methods

We analyzed infused TIL products from metastatic melanoma patients previously treated with ACT for the presence of neoantigen-specific T cells. TILs were enriched on reactivity to neoantigen peptides derived and prioritized from patient sample-directed mutanome analysis. Enriched TILs were further investigated to establish the clonal neoantigen response with respect to function, transcriptomics, and persistence following ACT.

Results

We discovered that neoantigen-specific TIL clones were predominantly CD4+T cells and were present in both therapeutic responders and non-responders. CD4+TIL demonstrated an effector T cell response with cytotoxicity toward autologous tumor in a major histocompatibility complex class II-dependent manner. These results were validated by paired TCR and single cell RNA sequencing, which elucidated transcriptomic profiles distinct to neoantigen-specific CD4+TIL.

Conclusions

Despite methods which often focus on CD8+T cells, our study supports the importance of prospective identification of neoantigen-specific CD4+T cells within TIL products as they are a potent source of tumor-specific effectors. We further advocate for the inclusion of neoantigen-specific CD4+TIL in future ACT protocols as a strategy to improve antitumor immunity.
Temporal trends in mortality location in patients with anal cancer in the USA: an analysis of the National Center for Health Statistics mortality data
Authors: Sohail Amir H , Williams Caroline E , Schiller Emily , Ye Ivan B , Orozco Ronald , Hakmi Hazim , Shahjehan Faisal , Ali Hassam , Gangwani Manesh K , Aziz Muhammad , Hayat Umar , Maan Soban , Akhtar Aisha , Symer Matthew
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Investigate trends in where patients died of anal cancer in the USA.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study using the US National Center for Health Statistics Wide-Ranging ONline Data for Epidemiologic Research platform from 2003 to 2020; all patients with death certificates listing anal cancer as the underlying cause of death in the USA. Main outcome measure of location of patient death: inpatient facility, home, hospice, nursing home/long-term care facility and other.

Results

There were a total of 16 296 deaths with anal cancer as the underlying diagnosis during the study period. The crude rate increased from 0.191 per 100 000 deaths in 2003 to 0.453 per 100 000 deaths in 2020. Over the study period, 22.4% of patient deaths occurred in inpatient facilities, 44.9% at home, 12.2% at hospice facilities and 13.1% at nursing homes/long-term care facilities. The percentage of deaths occurring in hospice facilities increased from 1.0% to 13.3% during the study period. Deaths at home also increased from 42.7% in 2003 to 55.8% in 2020. Meanwhile, inpatient deaths decreased from 33.5% in 2003 to 14.4% in 2020.

Conclusions

There has been a significant increase in the proportion of patients with anal cancer dying at home or hospice from 2003 to 2020.
Ecological connectivity of invasive and native fishes in a historic navigation waterway
Authors: Bergman Jordanna N. , Bennett Joseph R. , Minelga Valerie , Vis Chantal , Fisk Aaron T. , Cooke Steven J.
Published: February 2024

Regulated waterways, interconnected by navigation barriers (locks and dams), are uniquely difficult to manage, given interest in enabling native species connectivity while minimizing invasions. Canada's historic Rideau Canal Waterway, a 202 km navigable route located in eastern Ontario and connected by 24 lockstations, embodies this challenge. The lock(s) and water-control dam that compose each lockstation may respectively offer a connectivity pathway, though to what extent is unclear. We used acoustic telemetry (native largemouth bass ( Micropterus nigricans) and northern pike ( Esox lucius), and invasive common carp ( Cyprinus carpio); n = 224) to evaluate fish connectivity relative to lock operations and environmental data over three years (2019–2021). Thirty-five passages by 23 native fishes were recorded, with 49% of passages through locks. No common carp passages were detected; movements indicate that they favour higher flow areas downstream of dams, regions with no pathway upstream. Most passages were downstream and, of concern to obligate upstream migrators, we found that multi-flight and higher-lift locks appear impassable to upstream movements. Our results suggest that these lockstations limit, but not entirely restrict, connectivity.
Time delays in anisotropic systems
Authors: Saalmann Ulf , Rost Jan M.
Published: February 2024

Scattering properties and time delays for general (nonsymmetric) potentials in terms of the respective S-matrices are discussed paradigmatically in one dimension and in comparison to symmetric potentials. Only for the latter the Wigner and Smith time delays coincide. Considering asymmetric potentials also reveals that only one version of S-matrices used in the literature (the one with reflection coefficients on the diagonal) generalizes to the asymmetric case. Finally, we give a criterion how to identify a potential with intrinsic symmetry that behaves like an asymmetric one if it is merely offset from the scattering center.
Targeting the vivid facets of apolipoproteins as a cardiovascular risk factor in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Sharma Aditi , Sharma Chakshu , Sharma Lalit , Wal Pranay , Mishra Preeti , Sachdeva Nitin , Yadav Shivam , Vargas De-La Cruz Celia , Arora Sandeep , Subramaniyan Vetriselvan , Rawat Ravi , Behl Tapan , Nandave Mukesh
Published: February 2024

Mostly, cardiovascular diseases are blamed for casualties in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Customarily, dyslipidemia is probably the most prevalent underlying cause of untimely demise in people suffering from RA as it hastens the expansion of atherosclerosis. The engagement of inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), etc., is crucial in the progression and proliferation of both RA and abnormal lipid parameters. Thus, lipid abnormalities should be monitored frequently in patients with both primary and advanced RA stages. An advanced lipid profile examination, i.e., direct role of apolipoproteins associated with various lipid molecules is a more dependable approach for better understanding of the disease and selecting suitable therapeutic targets. Therefore, studying their apolipoproteins is more relevant than assessing RA patients’ altered lipid profile levels. Among the various apolipoprotein classes, Apo A1 and Apo B are primarily being focused. In addition, it also addresses how calculating Apo B:Apo A1 ratio can aid in analyzing the disease's risk. The marketed therapies available to control lipid abnormalities are associated with many other risk factors. Hence, directly targeting Apo A1 and Apo B would provide a better and safer option.
The fermionic greybody factor and quasinormal modes of hairy black holes, as well as Hawking radiation’s power spectrum and sparsity
Authors: Al-Badawi Ahmad , Jha Sohan Kumar , Rahaman Anisur
Published: February 2024

A hairy black hole (HBH) emerges due to matter surrounding the Schwarzschild metric when using the Extended Gravitational Decoupling (GD) approach. The fermionic greybody factors (GFs) and quasinormal modes (QNMs) as well as Hawking spectra and sparsity of HBH solutions are investigated. We consider massive and massless spin-1/2 fermions, along with massless spin-3/2 fermions. The equations of the effective potential for fermions with different spins are derived in HBH spacetime. Then, the rigorous bound method is used to calculate the fermionic spin-1/2 and spin-3/2 GFs. With the time domain integration method at our disposal, we illustrate the impact of additional parameters on the ringdown waveform of the massless fermionic spin-1/2 and spin-3/2 fields and, in turn, on their quasinormal modes. We then delve into investigating the Hawking spectra and sparsity of the radiation emitted by an HBH. Hairy parameters significantly affect the sparsity of Hawking radiation as well. We observe that the total power emitted by the BH increases both with $$\alpha $$
α
and Q but decreases with $$l_{0}$$

l
0

. Our study conclusively shows the significant impact of the additional parameters on important astrophysical phenomena such as quasinormal modes, Hawking spectra, and sparsity.
Cardiorespiratory abnormalities in ICU survivors of COVID-19 with postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection are unrelated to invasive mechanical ventilation
Authors: Longobardi Igor , Prado Danilo Marcelo Leite do , de Andrade Danieli Castro Oliveira , Goessler Karla Fabiana , de Oliveira Júnior Gersiel Nascimento , de Almeida Azevedo Rafael , Leitão Alice Erwig , Santos Jhonnatan Vasconcelos Pereira , Pinto Ana Lucia de Sá , Gualano Bruno , Roschel Hamilton
Published: February 2024

We found cardiorespiratory abnormalities in ICU survivors of severe-to-critical COVID-19 with PASC to be independent of IMV need. Overall, both group of patients experienced dysfunctional breathing patterns, dynamic hyperinflation, lower oxygen uptake and oxygen pulse, and blunted heart rate responses to CPX. PASC seems to impact exertional tolerance and exercise capacity due to ventilatory inefficiency, impaired aerobic metabolism, and potential systolic and autonomic dysfunction, all of these irrespective of support therapy during ICU stay.
Cardiac functional adaptation to resistance and endurance exercise training: a randomized crossover study
Authors: Green Daniel J. , Marsh Channa E. , Thomas Hannah J. , Maslen Barbara A. , Collis Julie , Lester Leanne , Naylor Louise H.
Published: February 2024

Different types of exercise training induce distinct physiological adaptations however few exercise training studies have assessed the impact of different modes of exercise on cardiac function. This study investigated changes in left ventricular systolic and diastolic function following exercise training. Participants completed both endurance and resistance training separated by a 12-wk washout period so each participant is their own control. We present adaptations in cardiac structure and diastolic function are exercise mode specific.