bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Universal healthy school start intervention reduced the body mass index of young children with obesity
Authors: Patterson Emma , Nyberg Gisela , Norman Åsa , Schäfer Elinder Liselotte
Published: February 2024

Aim

To evaluate the effect of a universal, school‐based family support programme on body mass index (BMI) of children aged 5–7 years, using pooled data from three trials.

Methods

The programme has three to four components and is delivered during the first school year. It aims to promote healthy dietary and physical activity behaviours, and secondarily prevent unhealthy weight gain. Three cluster‐randomised controlled trials were conducted between 2010 and 2018 in low and mixed socioeconomic status areas in Sweden. Weight and height were measured. Multiple mixed linear regression analysis was performed on the pooled data.

Results

In total, 961 children were included (50% girls, mean age 6.3 years). The post‐intervention effect on BMI z‐score in all children was small, but in those with obesity at baseline, we observed a significant, clinically relevant, decrease in BMI z‐score (−0.21). This was most pronounced in children with a non‐Nordic born parent (−0.24). Five to six months after the intervention, decreases were no longer statistically significant.

Conclusion

The intervention resulted in changes in BMI comparable to obesity treatment programmes focusing on behaviour change. However, the effect attenuated with time suggesting the programme should be sustained and evaluated for a longer time.
Effect of stearyl alcohol on imiquimod‐induced psoriasis‐like skin inflammation in mice
Authors: Dai Yu‐Hang , Sun Fang‐Li , Wei Rui‐Miao , Guo Jia‐Ji , Dong De‐Li , Sun Zhi‐Jie
Published: February 2024

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Topical medicines are the preferred treatment for mild to moderate psoriasis, but the effect of excipients used in semi‐solid preparations on psoriasis‐like skin inflammation is not fully understood. In the present study, we investigated the effect of stearyl alcohol, a commonly used excipient, on imiquimod (IMQ)‐induced psoriasis‐like skin inflammation in mice. Psoriasis‐like skin inflammation was induced by topical IMQ treatment on the back of mice. Skin lesion severity was evaluated by using psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) scores. The skin sections were stained by haematoxylin–eosin and immunohistochemistry. Stearyl alcohol (20% in vaseline) treatment significantly reduced the IMQ‐induced increase of PASI scores and epidermal thickness in mice. IMQ treatment increased the number of Ki67‐ and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)‐positive cells in the skin, and the increases were inhibited by stearyl alcohol (20% in vaseline) treatment. Stearyl alcohol treatment (1%, 5%, 10% in vaseline) dose‐dependently ameliorated IMQ‐induced increase of PASI scores and epidermal thickness in mice. Hexadecanol (20% in vaseline), stearic acid (20% in vaseline) and vaseline treatment had no significant effect on IMQ‐induced psoriasis‐like skin inflammation in mice. In conclusion, stearyl alcohol has the effect of improving IMQ‐induced psoriasis‐like skin inflammation in mice.
Assessment of fit of the time‐varying dynamic partial credit model using the posterior predictive model checking method
Authors: Castro‐Alvarez Sebastian , Sinharay Sandip , Bringmann Laura F. , Meijer Rob R. , Tendeiro Jorge N.
Published: February 2024

Several new models based on item response theory have recently been suggested to analyse intensive longitudinal data. One of these new models is the time‐varying dynamic partial credit model (TV‐DPCM; Castro‐Alvarez et al., Multivariate Behavioral Research, 2023, 1), which is a combination of the partial credit model and the time‐varying autoregressive model. The model allows the study of the psychometric properties of the items and the modelling of nonlinear trends at the latent state level. However, there is a severe lack of tools to assess the fit of the TV‐DPCM. In this paper, we propose and develop several test statistics and discrepancy measures based on the posterior predictive model checking (PPMC) method (PPMC; Rubin, The Annals of Statistics, 1984, 12, 1151) to assess the fit of the TV‐DPCM. Simulated and empirical data are used to study the performance of and illustrate the effectiveness of the PPMC method.
Becoming fictional storytellers: African American children's oral narrative development in early elementary school
Authors: Gardner‐Neblett Nicole
Published: February 2024

Oral storytelling skills are a complex oral discourse competency with implications for children's academic and social well‐being, yet few studies have investigated the development of these skills among typically developing African American children. The current study used longitudinal data, collected between 2012 and 2013, from 130 African American children (59–95 months old; 66 girls) to explore the development of fictional oral narrative skills. Results showed growth in macrostructure (i.e., story grammar) and microstructure productivity (i.e., number of total words; number of different words) over the school year. There was no evidence of growth in microstructure complexity. Nonverbal cognitive skills emerged as an individual difference in predicting oral narrative production. This study contributes to increasing the knowledge base needed to support African American children's oral language development.
Targeting blood brain barrier—Remote ischemic conditioning alleviates cognitive impairment in female APP/PS1 rats
Authors: Ma Yuxuan , Sun Wuxiang , Bai Jing , Gao Fujia , Ma Haoran , Liu Huiyu , Hu Jiewei , Xu Chao , Zhang Xin , Liu Zixuan , Yuan Tao , Sun Chenxu , Huang Yuanyuan , Wang Ruimin
Published: February 2024

Aims

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a significant global health concern, and it is crucial that we find effective methods to prevent or slow down AD progression. Recent studies have highlighted the essential role of blood vessels in clearing Aβ, a protein that contributes to AD. Scientists are exploring blood biomarkers as a potential tool for future AD diagnosis. One promising method that may help prevent AD is remote ischemic conditioning (RIC). RIC involves using sub‐lethal ischemic–reperfusion cycles on limbs. However, a comprehensive understanding of how RIC can prevent AD and its long‐term effectiveness is still lacking. Further research is essential to fully comprehend the potential benefits of RIC in preventing AD.

Methods

Female wild‐type (WT) and APP/PS1 transgenic rats, aged 12 months, underwent ovariectomy and were subsequently assigned to WT, APP/PS1, and APP/PS1 + RIC groups. RIC was conducted five times a week for 4 weeks. The rats' depressive and cognitive behaviors were evaluated using force swimming, open‐field tests, novel objective recognition, elevated plus maze, and Barnes maze tests. Evaluation of the neurovascular unit (NVU), synapses, vasculature, astrocytes, and microglia was conducted using immunofluorescence staining (IF), Western blot (WB), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Additionally, the cerebro‐vasculature was examined using micro‐CT, and cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured using Speckle Doppler. Blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability was determined by measuring the Evans blue leakage. Finally, Aβ levels in the rat frontal cortex were measured using WB, ELISA, or IF staining.

Results

RIC enhanced memory‐related protein expression and rescued depressive‐like behavior and cognitive decline in APP/PS1 transgenic rats. Additionally, the intervention protected NVU in the rat frontal cortex, as evidenced by (1) increased expression of TJ (tight junction) proteins, pericyte marker PDGFRβ, and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), as well as decreased VCAM1; (2) mitigation of ultrastructure impairment in neuron, cerebral vascular, and astrocyte; (3) upregulation of A2 astrocyte phenotype markers and downregulation of A1 phenotype markers, indicating a shift toward a healthier phenotype. Correspondingly, RIC intervention alleviated neuroinflammation, as evidenced by the decreased Iba1 level, a microglia marker. Meanwhile, RIC intervention elevated CBF in frontal cortex of the rats. Notably, RIC intervention effectively suppressed Aβ toxicity, as demonstrated by the enhancement of α‐secretase and attenuation of β‐secretase (BACE1) and γ‐ secretase and Aβ1‐42 and Aβ1‐40 levels as well.

Conclusion

Chronic RIC intervention exerts vascular and neuroprotective roles, suggesting that RIC could be a promising therapeutic strategy targeting the BBB and NVU during AD development.
Long‐term post‐transplantation outcomes in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Single‐center 35‐year experience
Authors: Mazur Matylda , Bhat Geetha , Popjes Eric , Dowling Robert , Eisen Howard J.
Published: February 2024

Background

Heart transplantation (HT) is the only option for most patients with end‐stage heart failure and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) who fail medical therapy. Data on the long‐term outcomes post‐transplant in HCM individuals remain scarce.

Methods

We analyzed data of 319 adult patients who underwent HT between 1984 and 2019. Patients were followed for cardiac allograft rejection, cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), death, or re‐transplantation.

Results

Outcomes of 24 patients with HCM, 160 with ischemic, and 135 with dilated cardiomyopathy were compared. During a mean follow‐up of 11.6 ± 7.2 (max 27.8), 16.7 ± 8.2 (max 32.7), and 16.1 ± 9.7 (max 34.6) years after HT in hypertrophic, ischemic, and dilated cardiomyopathy groups, respectively: 10‐year survival rate was 67%, 62%, 69%, respectively (p = .04). Post‐transplantation, HCM individuals more often than the other two studied groups required prolonged inotropic support (37%, 12%, 17%, respectively, p = .02), temporary mechanical circulatory support (45%, 13%, 14%, respectively, p < .01), and renal replacement therapy immediately post‐HT (55%, 19%, 24%, respectively, p < .01). No significant inter‐group differences were noted in the 10‐year freedom from acute allograft rejection (38%, 46%, 43%, respectively, p = .38) or 10‐year freedom from CAV (88%, 78%, 81%, respectively, p = .57).

Conclusions

The long‐term post‐transplant prognosis of adult patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is favorable despite more challenging immediate post‐HT course.
Impact of race‐neutral eGFR calculations on African American kidney transplant candidate wait time: A single center retrospective analysis
Authors: Khaim Rafael , Todd Rachel , Rosowicz Andrew , Shapiro Ron , Florman Sander , Kim‐Schluger Leona , Tedla Fasika
Published: February 2024

Race‐inclusive estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) could contribute to racial disparity in access to kidney transplantation. The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) issued a policy allowing waiting time modification for candidates affected by race‐inclusive eGFR calculations. Implementation of the new OPTN policy at the kidney transplant program of the Mount Sinai Hospital involved review of 921 African American candidates, of whom 240 (26%) candidates gained a median of 1 year and 10 months. The duration of time candidates gained varied from a minimum of 5 days to a maximum of 12 years and 3 months; 45.4% gained at least 2 years, and 12% gained at least 4 years of wait time. Among those who gained wait time, 20 (8.3%) candidates received deceased donor kidney transplants. Candidates who gained wait time had similar sociodemographic characteristics as those who did not, except that the median age for the former was higher by 3 years (59 vs. 56). Our early data suggest that the current policy on waiting time modification for candidates affected by race‐inclusive estimation of GFR has the potential to improve racial disparity in access to kidney transplantation. However, the generalizability of our findings to other centers requires further study.
Occlusive cutaneous vasculopathies as cause of chronic ulcers
Authors: Ronicke Moritz , Berking Carola , Erfurt‐Berge Cornelia
Published: February 2024

The term occluding vasculopathies covers a large number of different conditions. These often manifest as skin ulcers. Occluding vasculopathies should be considered in the differential diagnosis of leg ulcers. The term “occlusive vasculopathies” encompasses pathophysiologically related entities that share structural or thrombotic obliteration of small cutaneous vessels. In this article, we will focus on livedoid vasculopathy with and without antiphospholipid syndrome and calciphylaxis with differentiation from hypertonic leg ulcer as the most relevant differential diagnoses of leg ulcer. The term also includes vascular occlusion, for example due to oxalate or cholesterol embolism, and septic vasculopathy. This often leads to acral ulceration and is therefore not a differential diagnosis with classic leg ulcers. It will not be discussed in this article.

Occlusive vasculopathy may be suspected in the presence of the typical livedo racemosa or (non‐inflammatory) retiform purpura as a sign of reduced cutaneous perfusion in the wound area. Inflammatory dermatoses, especially vasculitides, must be differentiated. This is achieved by histopathological evaluation of a tissue sample of sufficient size and depth taken at the appropriate time. In addition, specific laboratory parameters, particularly coagulation parameters, can support the diagnosis.
funspace: An R package to build, analyse and plot functional trait spaces
Authors: Carmona Carlos P. , Pavanetto Nicola , Puglielli Giacomo
Published: February 2024

Aim

Functional trait space analyses are pivotal to describe and compare organisms' functional diversity across the tree of life. Yet, there is no single application that streamlines the many sometimes‐troublesome steps needed to build and analyse functional trait spaces.

Innovation

To fill this gap, we proposefunspace, an R package to easily handle bivariate and multivariate functional trait space analyses. The six functions that constitute the package can be grouped in three modules: ‘Building and exploring’, ‘Mapping’ and ‘Plotting’. The building and exploring module defines the main features of a functional trait space (e.g. functional diversity metrics) by leveraging kernel density‐based methods. The mapping module uses general additive models to map how a target variable distributes within a trait space. The plotting module provides many options for creating flexible and publication‐ready figures representing the outputs obtained from previous modules. We provide a worked example to demonstrate a completefunspaceworkflow.

Main Conclusions

funspacewill provide researchers working with functional traits across the tree of life with a new tool to easily explore: (i) the main features of any functional trait space, (ii) the relationship between a functional trait space and any other biological or non‐biological factor that might contribute to shaping species' functional diversity.
Evaluating different low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol thresholds to initiate statin for prevention of cardiovascular diseases in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A target trial emulation study
Authors: Wan Eric Yuk Fai , Xu Wanchun , Mok Anna Hoi Ying , Chin Weng Yee , Yu Esther Yee Tak , Chui Celine Sze Ling , Chan Esther Wai Yin , Wong Ian Chi Kei , Lam Cindy Lo Kuen , Danaei Goodarz
Published: February 2024

Aim

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of statin therapy for primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) when initiating therapy at different baseline low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Materials and Methods

Using territory‐wide public electronic medical records in Hong Kong, we emulated a sequence of trials on patients with T2DM with elevated LDL‐C levels in every calendar month from January 2008 to December 2014. Pooled logistic regression was applied to obtain the hazard ratios for the major CVDs (stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure), all‐cause mortality and major adverse events (myopathies and liver dysfunction) of statin therapy.

Results

The estimated hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of CVD incidence for statin initiation were 0.78 (0.72, 0.84) in patients with baseline LDL‐C of 1.8‐2.5 mmol/L (i.e., 70‐99 mg/dL) and 0.90 (0.88, 0.92) in patients with baseline LDL‐C ≥2.6 mmol/L (i.e., ≥100 mg/dL) in intention‐to‐treat analysis, which was 0.59 (0.51, 0.68) and 0.77 (0.74, 0.81) in per‐protocol analysis, respectively. No significant increased risks were observed for the major adverse events. The absolute 10‐year risk difference of overall CVD in per‐protocol analysis was −7.1% (−10.7%, −3.6%) and −3.9% (−5.1%, −2.7%) in patients with baseline LDL‐C 1.8‐2.5 and ≥2.6 mmol/L, respectively. The effectiveness and safety were consistently observed in patients aged >75 years initiating statin at both LDL‐C thresholds.

Conclusions

Compared with the threshold of 2.6 mmol/L, initiating statin in patients with a lower baseline LDL‐C level at 1.8‐2.5 mmol/L can further reduce the risks of CVD and all‐cause mortality without significantly increasing the risk of major adverse events in patients with T2DM, including patients aged >75 years.
Loss of CEACAM1 in hepatocytes causes hepatic fibrosis
Authors: Zaidi Sobia , Asalla Suman , Muturi Harrison T. , Russo Lucia , Abdolahipour Raziyeh , Belew Getachew Debas , Iglesias Maria Benitez , Feraudo Mary , Leon Lensay , Kuo Enoch , Liu Xiuli , Kumarasamy Sivarajan , Ghadieh Hilda E. , Gatto‐Weis Cara , Zarrinpar Ali , Duarte Sergio , Najjar Sonia M.
Published: February 2024

Background

The role of insulin resistance in hepatic fibrosis in Metabolic dysfunction‐Associated SteatoHepatitis (MASH) remains unclear. Carcinoembryonic Antigen‐related Cell Adhesion Molecule1 protein (CEACAM1) promotes insulin clearance to maintain insulin sensitivity and repress de novo lipogenesis, as bolstered by the development of insulin resistance and steatohepatitis in AlbuminCre + Cc1fl/fl mice with liver‐specific mouse gene encoding CEACAM1 protein (Ceacam1) deletion. We herein investigated whether these mice also developed hepatic fibrosis and whether hepatic CEACAM1 is reduced in patients with MASH at different fibrosis stages.

Methods

AlbuminCre + Cc1fl/fl mice were fed a regular or a high‐fat diet before their insulin metabolism and action were assessed during IPGTT, and their livers excised for histochemical, immunohistochemical and Western blot analysis. Sirius red staining was used to assess fibrosis, and media transfer was employed to examine whether mutant hepatocytes activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Hepatic CEACAM1 protein levels in patients with varying disease stages were assessed by ELISA.

Results

Hepatocytic deletion of Ceacam1 caused hyperinsulinemia‐driven insulin resistance emanating from reduced hepatic insulin clearance. AlbuminCre + Cc1fl/fl livers showed inflammation, fibrosis and hepatic injury, with more advanced bridging and chicken‐wire hepatic fibrosis under high‐fat conditions. Media transferred from hepatocytes isolated from mutant mice activated control HSCs, likely owing to their elevated endothelin1 content. Interestingly, hepatic CEACAM1 levels were lower in the livers of patients with MASH and declined gradually with advanced fibrosis stage.

Conclusions

Hepatic CEACAM1 levels declined with progression of MASH in humans. The phenotype of AlbuminCre + Cc1fl/fl mice assigned a key role to CEACAM1 loss from hepatocytes in hepatic fibrosis independently of other liver cells.
Fasting and honesty: Experimental evidence from Egypt
Authors: Rabie Dina , Rashwan Mohamed , Miniesy Rania
Published: February 2024

This paper examines the effect of religious fasting on truth‐telling using a laboratory experiment in Egypt. While fasting‐induced religiosity may promote truth‐telling, the physiological and psychological changes during fasting, due to alimentary abstention and self‐control exertion, may reduce honesty, especially when fasting is augmented with effort. We examine this question by tracing individual truth‐telling decisions, in the absence and presence of additional effort, both before and during Ramadan. We find that neither effort nor fasting alone affects honesty, but exerting effort while fasting reduces honesty. We provide suggestive evidence on the mechanisms potentially driving this negative effect on honesty.
A systematic review on the application of machine learning models in psychometric questionnaires for the diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Caselles‐Pina Lucía , Quesada‐López Alejandro , Sújar Aaron , Hernández Eva María Garzón , Delgado‐Gómez David
Published: February 2024

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders worldwide. Recent studies show that machine learning has great potential for the diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The aim of the present article is to systematically review the scientific literature on machine learning studies for the diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, focusing on psychometric questionnaire tools. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were adopted. The review protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database. A search was conducted in three databases—Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus and Pubmed—with the aim of identifying studies that apply ML techniques to support the diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. A total of 17 empirical studies were found that met the established inclusion criteria. The results showed that machine learning can be used to increase the accuracy of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnosis. Machine learning techniques are useful and effective strategies that can complement traditional diagnostics in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
A novel generative adversarial network‐based super‐resolution approach for face recognition
Authors: Chougule Amit , Kolte Shreyas , Chamola Vinay , Hussain Amir
Published: February 2024

Face recognition is an essential feature required for a range of computer vision applications such as security, attendance systems, emotion detection, airport check‐in, and many others. The super‐resolution of subject images is an important and challenging element in numerous scenarios. At times the images are low resolution and need to be processed through super‐resolution techniques to gain more accurate results. For the problem of image super‐resolution, deep learning‐based face recognition systems have been explored in recent years; however, low‐resolution face recognition remains an arduous task. Generative adversarial network (GAN) based models are a promising approach to address this challenge. However, conventional GAN‐based models may generate images that differ significantly from an original high‐resolution image in the test set to the point that the identity of the target face may be changed. To address this shortcoming, we propose a novel U‐Net style generator architecture, where skip‐connections between the encoder and decoder layer can help in preserving the facial characteristics of the input image in the generated image, thus curbing the generator's ability to generate an entirely new image and training it to generate an image more similar in characteristics to the original image. In addition to statistical metrics like structural similarity index measure and Fréchet inception distance, we compute the pixel‐wise distance between the original and model‐generated images to ascertain that our model generates as close to the original images as possible. While we train the model for 4× super‐resolution (64 × 64 images to 256 × 256), our architecture can also be trained for an arbitrary resizing scale. Finally, the number of faces detected over high‐resolution images generated by our model is shown to be higher than state‐of‐the‐art high‐resolution image creation models for face recognition tasks.
NEAT1 repression by MED12 creates chemosensitivity in p53 wild‐type breast cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Shengjie , Kim Eui‐Jun , Huang Junfeng , Liu Peng , Donahue Kristine , Wang Qinchuan , Wang Yidan , Mcilwain Sean , Xie Ling , Chen Xian , Li Lingjun , Xu Wei
Published: February 2024

Breast cancer is often treated with chemotherapy. However, the development of chemoresistance results in treatment failure. Long non‐coding RNA nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) has been shown to contribute to chemoresistance in breast cancer cells. In studying the transcriptional regulation of NEAT1 using multi‐omics approaches, we showed that NEAT1 is up‐regulated by 5‐fluorouracil in breast cancer cells with wild‐type cellular tumor antigen p53 but not in mutant‐p53‐expressing breast cancer cells. The regulation of NEAT1 involves mediator complex subunit 12 (MED12)‐mediated repression of histone acetylation marks at the promoter region of NEAT1. Knockdown of MED12 but not coactivator‐associated arginine methyltransferase 1 (CARM1) induced histone acetylation at the NEAT1 promoter, leading to elevated NEAT1 mRNAs, resulting in a chemoresistant phenotype. The MED12‐dependent regulation of NEAT1 differs between wild‐type and mutant p53‐expressing cells. MED12 depletion led to increased expression of NEAT1 in a wild‐type p53 cell line, but decreased expression in a mutant p53 cell line. Chemoresistance caused by MED12 depletion can be partially rescued by NEAT1 knockdown in p53 wild‐type cells. Collectively, our study reveals a novel mechanism of chemoresistance dependent on MED12 transcriptional regulation of NEAT1 in p53 wild‐type breast cancer cells.
Male, female, and mixed‐sex poplar plantations support divergent soil microbial communities
Authors: Guo Qingxue , Zhu Yuanjing , Sun Fangyuan , Korpelainen Helena , Niinemets Ülo , Li Chunyang
Published: February 2024

Males and females of dioecious plants have sex‐specific adaptations to diverse habitats. The effects of inter‐ and intrasexual interactions in poplar plantations on composition, structure, and function of soil microbiota have not been explored in degraded areas. We conducted a series of greenhouse and field experiments to investigate how belowground competition, soil microbial communities, and seasonal variation nitrogen content differ among female, male, and mixed‐sex Populus cathayana plantations. In the greenhouse experiment, female neighbors suppressed the growth of males under optimal nitrogen conditions. However, male neighbors enhanced stable isotope ratio of nitrogen (δ15N) of females under intersexual competition. In the field, the root length density, root area density, and biomass of fine roots were lower in female plantations than in male or mixed‐sex plantations. Bacterial networks of female, male, and mixed‐sex plantations were characterized by different composition of hub nodes, including connectors, modules, and network hubs. The sex composition of plantations altered bacterial and fungal community structures according to Bray‐Curtis distances, with 44% and 65% of variance explained by the root biomass, respectively. The total soil nitrogen content of mixed‐sex plantation was higher than that in female plantation in spring and summer. The mixed‐sex plantation also had a higher β‐1,4‐N‐acetyl‐glucosaminidase activity in summer and a higher nitrification rate in autumn than the other two plantations. The seasonal soil N content, nitrification rate, and root distribution traits demonstrated spatiotemporal niche separation in the mixed‐sex plantation. We argue that a strong female–female competition and limited nitrogen content could strongly impede plant growth and reduce the resistance of monosex plantations to climate change and the mixed‐sex plantations constitutes a promising way to restore degraded land.
Factors associated with the introduction of visiting‐pharmacist services in older adults in Japan: A nested case–control study
Authors: Taguchi Reina , Hamada Shota , Michihata Nobuaki , Tsuchiya‐Ito Rumiko , Kitamura Satomi , Ishikawa Tomoki , Iwagami Masao
Published: February 2024

Aim

To investigate the factors associated with introducing visiting‐pharmacist services for community‐dwelling older adults in Japan.

Methods

We conducted a nested case–control study using claims data in a cohort from a city in Tokyo. Patients aged ≥65 years who received visiting‐pharmacist services for the first time between April 2014 and March 2020 were considered case patients. A maximum of four controls to each case patient were randomly selected on the basis of sex, age, health insurance systems, and month–year. Medical and long‐term care service usage and patient condition were assessed using claims data from the index and preceding months, along with long‐term care needs certification data. Multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis was conducted to estimate the adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for factors associated with visiting‐pharmacist service introduction.

Results

A total of 22 949 participants (4591 cases and 18 358 controls) were included, with a median age of 85 years; 59.3% were women. The adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of the three most related factors were 27.61 (23.98–31.80) for physicians' home visits, 5.83 (5.08–6.70) for hospitalization, and 4.97 (4.16–5.95) for designated‐facility admission. Factors such as prescribing ≧10 medications, visiting nursing, and cancer were positively associated. In contrast, low household income and a high need for support due to cognitive function or disability were negatively associated.

Conclusions

This study provides insights into the introduction of visiting‐pharmacist services for older adults in Japan. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 344–351.
Statistical Perspective on the Petrological Utility of Polyphase Groundmass Compositions Inferred via Defocused Beam Electron Probe Microanalysis
Authors: Coulthard Daniel A. , Iizuka Yoshiyuki , Zellmer Georg F. , Brahm Raimundo
Published: February 2024

Polyphase groundmasses (micro‐scale minerals with or without glass) are generated from silicate liquids during the cooling of natural lavas often alongside larger minerals formed long before eruption. Many researchers have posited that compositions gleaned from the analysis of groundmasses closely approximate the compositions of the melts they were derived from, and these have been used frequently to model pre‐eruptive magma conditions. However, it is difficult to confidently identify and sample these groundmasses once they are formed. Using a sample of lava that exhibits a wide degree of textural variation (ranging from holocrystalline to hypohyaline) we show that compositions of groundmasses sampled using defocused electron beams are significantly different from glass compositions in terms of mean composition and covariance. Despite this, several groundmass compositions qualify as ‘in equilibrium’ with matrix/rim olivine. When processed using available thermometers, however, modelled equilibrium temperatures are significantly higher than those produced using glass data, on average. Because of this, we prescribe caution in using polyphase groundmass data generated using defocused beam analysis even as a rudimentary approach.
Safety and efficacy of combined dual antiplatelet therapy and factor VIII prophylaxis in patients with haemophilia A after acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Agosti Pasquale , Siboni Simona Maria , Ciavarella Alessandro , Arcudi Sara , Boggio Federico , Gualtierotti Roberta , Peyvandi Flora
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The increased life expectancy of patients with haemophilia A (HA) has led to a growing prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and events. There is still scarce evidence on the safety and appropriate duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in HA patients.

Aim

We describe our experience on the clinical management of Italian HA patients after ACS.

Methods

Nine patients with congenital HA treated with DAPT after a revascularization procedure performed for ACS have been enrolled and followed at the Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Haemophilia and Thrombosis Center in Milan between 2005 and September 2022. The safety and efficacy of DAPT with or without FVIII prophylaxis were assessed.

Results

Ten ACS events occurred in the nine HA patients (four mild and five severe). All events were treated with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty with deployment of 1 to 3 drug‐eluting stents followed by DAPT for 1–12 months. All patients except one were treated with FVIII prophylaxis during DAPT aimed at achieving FVIII trough levels ≥20–30 IU/dL. DAPT was effective in all cases in preventing early ACS recurrence, with only a late recurrence. We observed two clinically relevant non‐major bleeds (one in a patient without FVIII prophylaxis) and three minor bleeds. No venous thrombosis occurred.

Conclusion

The long‐term secondary antithrombotic prevention consisting of DAPT and FVIII prophylaxis achieving a trough level of 20–30 IU/dL can be effective and safe in HA patients.
Imaging flow cytometric detection of del(17p) in bone marrow and circulating plasma cells in multiple myeloma
Authors: Mincherton Thomas I. , Lam Stephanie J. , Clarke Sarah E. , Hui Henry Y. L. , Malherbe Jacques A. J. , Chuah Hun S. , Sidiqi M. Hasib , Fuller Kathy A. , Erber Wendy N.
Published: February 2024

Background

Detection of del(17p) in myeloma is generally performed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on a slide with analysis of up to 200 nuclei. The small cell sample analyzed makes this a low precision test. We report the utility of an automated FISH method, called “immuno‐flowFISH”, to detect plasma cells with adverse prognostic risk del(17p) in bone marrow and blood samples of patients with myeloma.

Methods

Bone marrow (n = 31) and blood (n = 19) samples from 35 patients with myeloma were analyzed using immuno‐flowFISH. Plasma cells were identified by CD38/CD138‐immunophenotypic gating and assessed for the 17p locus and centromere of chromosome 17. Cells were acquired on an AMNIS ImageStreamX MkII imaging flow cytometer using INSPIRE software.

Results

Chromosome 17 abnormalities were identified in CD38/CD138‐positive cells in bone marrow (6/31) and blood (4/19) samples when the percent plasma cell burden ranged from 0.03% to 100% of cells. Abnormalities could be identified in 14.5%–100% of plasma cells.

Conclusions

The “immuno‐flowFISH” imaging flow cytometric method could detect del(17p) in plasma cells in both bone marrow and blood samples of myeloma patients. This method was also able to detect gains and losses of chromosome 17, which are also of prognostic significance. The lowest levels of 0.009% (bone marrow) and 0.001% (blood) for chromosome 17 abnormalities was below the detection limit of current FISH method. This method offers potential as a new means of identifying these prognostically important chromosomal defects, even when only rare cells are present and for serial disease monitoring.
Unravelling the interplay of different traits and parameters related to nitrogen use efficiency in wheat for climate‐resilient agriculture
Authors: Gayatri  , Mandal Puja , Venkatesh Karnam , Mandal Pranab Kumar
Published: February 2024

Enhancing Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) is extremely important towards mitigating climate change, especially in wheat where the NUE is less than 50%. Hence, optimizing grain yield under reduced application of nitrogenous fertilizer is a significant challenge. To address this challenge, a comprehensive study was conducted to investigate various agronomic traits and morphological, biochemical and molecular parameters related to NUE. This study explored their interrelationships and effects on grain yield, providing novel insights that were not previously reported. A set of 278 diverse wheat genotypes were assessed, encompassing eight NUE‐related field traits. All traits' values were reduced under stressed N (ranging from 7.5% to 77.5%) except Nitrogen Utilization Efficiency (NUtE) and NUE. Data analysis showed a significant positive correlation between grain yield and all other NUE‐related traits (r2 value ranged from .23 to 1.00), highlighting their relevance in comprehending the biological NUE of wheat plants. Principal component analysis (PCA) also revealed that N at head and N at harvest were more connected with gain yield, NUE and biomass under the optimum N condition, but less connected with gain yield and NUE under the stressed N condition. To complement the field data, representative genotypes were further subjected to a hydroponics experiment under absolute N control to study the different morphological parameters, photosynthetic pigments and the performance of essential N‐ and C‐metabolizing enzymes at the seedling stage. N stress had a detrimental impact on the majority of the parameters (−0.84% to −79.8%). Nitrite reductase (NiR), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH) enzymes as well as root length (RL), root fresh weight (RFW) and CS transcript, were positively affected by 5.9%–35.6%. The correlation analysis highlighted the substantial influence of four key N‐metabolizing enzymes, namely nitrate reductase (NR), glutamine synthetase (GS), glutamate oxo‐glutarate aminotransferase (GOGAT), and GDH on grain yield. Additionally, this study highlighted the direct and indirect associations between seedling parameters and field traits, where shoot and root length were found to be most significant for N acquisition, especially under N stress. In conclusion, these findings offer valuable insights into the intricate network of traits and parameters influencing wheat grain yield under varying N regimes.
Creating in the metaverse: An SSRL‐based collaborative painting approach to promote students' creativity, socially shared regulation and positive painting behaviours
Authors: Guan Jue‐Qi , Wang Xiao‐Feng , Wang Wen‐Zhuo , Zhu Jiong , Hwang Gwo‐Jen
Published: February 2024

Background

Painting is the foundational expression across all art forms and is one of the key creative practices for fostering students' aesthetic ability and creativity within fine arts courses. Collaborative painting in the form of socially shared regulation of learning (SSRL) can be recognized as an effective strategy for enhancing creativity in both individual and group work. However, the absence of contextual experiences and collaborative spaces poses challenges for students in cultivating their creativity in painting.

Objectives

The present study explores students' creativity, socially shared regulation (SSR) and positive painting behaviours using an SSRL‐based collaborative painting approach in the metaverse (Meta‐CP).

Methods

Via a quasi‐experimental design, a total of 40 Chinese students in fifth grade were recruited and were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group, with 20 students utilizing the Meta‐CP approach, while the remaining 20 students followed the conventional SSRL‐based paper‐and‐brush collaborative painting (C‐CP) approach. The Meta‐CP approach not only offers an authentic painting context and a collaborative space but also facilitates the collaborative process through the SSRL framework. The data collection included students' creative tendency, painting works and painting process.

Results and Conclusions

The Meta‐CP approach effectively enhances students' creativity concerning adventure, curiosity and imagination, as well as results in the creation of more distinctive and logical artistic works. Furthermore, the approach significantly improved the quality of students' SSR. Additionally, students utilizing the Meta‐CP approach displayed more positive painting behaviours compared with those employing the C‐CP approach.
Anatomical variants of acne differ in their impact on social perception
Authors: Jankowski Marek , Goroncy Agnieszka
Published: February 2024

Background

Acne negatively affects quality of life, however quality‐of‐life scores poorly correlate with disease severity scores. Previous research demonstrated existence of facial areas in which skin lesions have greater impact on gaze patterns. Therefore, we hypothesized that anatomical variants of acne may be perceived differently.

Objectives

The aim was to investigate effect of anatomical variants of acne on natural gaze patterns and resulting impact on social perception of acne patients.

Methods

We tracked eye movements of participants viewing neutral and emotional faces with acne. Images were rated for acne‐related visual disturbance, and emotional faces were rated for valence intensity. Respondents of an online survey were asked to rate their perception of pictured individuals' personality traits.

Results

All faces with acne were perceived as less attractive and received poorer personality judgements with mid‐facial acne presenting smallest deviation from healthy faces. T‐zone and mixed acne exhibited the least significant difference in respondents gaze behaviour pattern from each other. In addition, there was no significant difference in respondents' grading of acne visual disturbance or ratings for attractiveness, success and trustworthiness. U‐zone adult female acne was rated as the most visually disturbing and received the lowest scores for attractiveness. Happy faces with adult female acne were rated as less happy compared to other acne variants and clear‐skin faces.

Conclusions

Anatomic variants of acne have a distinct impact on gaze patterns and social perception. Adult female acne has the strongest negative effect on recognition of positive emotions in affected individuals, attractiveness ratings and forming social impressions. If perioral acne lesions are absent, frontal lesions determine impact of acne on social perception irrespective of the presence of mid‐facial lesions. This perceptive hierarchy should be taken into consideration while deciding treatment goals in acne patients, prioritizing achieving remission in perioral and frontal area.
Does survival threat make us irrational? The effects of disease cues on sunk cost bias
Authors: Sun Hao , Chen Rui , Guo Zhaoyang
Published: February 2024

Sunk cost bias is a pervasive issue in the real world, manifesting in various domains, such as consumption and investment, influencing consumer well‐being. This bias often leads to a misallocation of resources towards less meaningful activities. In the current study, we explored a novel factor, specifically disease cues, that influences the sunk cost bias. Through a survey and four systematic experiments, using both lab and natural manipulations of disease cues, we demonstrate that disease cues encourage individuals to overvalue their prior investments, leading to an increased propensity for sunk cost bias in imagined decision scenarios and real choices. We have also ruled out alternative explanations for our findings. Significantly, we added a survey to directly explore the sunk cost bias and consumer subjective well‐being, showing a significant positive relationship between them. Our research contributes to understanding consumer irrational behavior and aims to improve consumer well‐being.
Nutrition care for older adults with delirium: A scoping review
Authors: Deeth Sophie , Stevens Sarah , Bell Jack , Mudge Alison
Published: February 2024

Aims

This scoping review aimed to identify and map the available information on the nutrition care process in older adults with delirium to analyse and summarise key concepts, and gaps, including the barriers and enablers to providing nutrition care for this group.

Design

Scoping review.

Methods

This review was conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. Published and grey sources in English were considered.

Data sources

Databases searched were CINAHL, Medline, Embase, JBI Evidence‐based Practice, Scopus, ProQuest and Google. The initial search was conducted from October 2021 to March 2022 and repeated in October 2023.

Results

The database search identified 1561 articles, 186 underwent full‐text review and 17 articles were included. The grey literature search identified eight articles. Malnutrition and delirium were identified as mutually reinforcing, and nutrition strategies were included as part of multicomponent interventions for delirium management. There was no mention of barriers or enablers to nutrition care and minimal descriptive or empirical data available to guide nutrition care processes in this group.

Conclusion

This scoping review revealed a need for further research into nutrition care processes in older patients with delirium, in particular the barriers and enablers, to inform appropriate management strategies in this vulnerable group.

Implications for the profession and patient care

Providing nutrition care for older patients with delirium is important and further practical guidance could help patients, healthcare staff and families.

Impact

This scoping review yielded instructive data suggesting that delirium is an important risk factor for malnutrition and vice versa, which leads to poor patient and health service outcomes.

Reporting method

This scoping review adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines and used the Preferred Reporting Items For Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR).

Patient of public contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Optimising wound monitoring: Can digital tools improve healing outcomes and clinic efficiency
Authors: Kivity Sara , Rajuan Ella , Arbeli Sima , Alcalay Tamar , Shiri Lior , Orvieto Noam , Alon Yaniv , Saban Mor
Published: February 2024

Background

Chronic wounds present significant challenges for patients and nursing care teams worldwide. Digital health tools offer potential for more standardised and efficient nursing care pathways but require further rigorous evaluation.

Objective

This retrospective matched cohort study aimed to compare the impacts of a digital tracking application for wound documentation versus traditional manual nursing assessments.

Methods

Data from 5236 patients with various wound types were analysed. Propensity score matching balanced groups, and bivariate tests, correlation analyses, linear regression, and Hayes' Process Macro Model 15 were utilised for a mediation‐moderation model.

Results

Digital wound tracking was associated with significantly shorter healing durations (15 vs. 35 days) and fewer clinic nursing visits (3 vs. 5.8 visits) compared to standard nursing monitoring. Digital tracking demonstrated improved wound size reduction over time. Laboratory values tested did not consistently predict healing outcomes. Digital tracking exhibited moderate negative correlations with the total number of nursing visits. Regression analysis identified wound complexity, hospitalizations, and initial wound size as clinical predictors for more nursing visits in patients with diabetes mellitus (p < .01). Digital tracking significantly reduced the number of associated nursing visits for patients with peripheral vascular disease.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that digital wound management may streamline nursing care and provide advantages, particularly for comorbid populations facing treatment burdens.

Reporting Method

This study adhered to STROBE guidelines in reporting this observational research.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

By streamlining documentation and potentially shortening healing times, digital wound tracking could help optimise nursing resources, enhance wound care standards, and improve patient experiences. This supports further exploration of digital health innovations to advance evidence‐based nursing practice.

Patient or public contribution

This study involved retrospective analysis of existing patient records and did not directly include patients or the public in the design, conduct, or reporting of the research.