bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Difficulties and countermeasures in implementing age-friendly policies in primary health centers in Taiwan
Authors: Shih Chen-I , Hung Tuey-Wen , Chen Wei , Yang Hui-Fei , Chia Shu-Li , Chang Yung-Hung , Fan Sheng-Yu
Published: November 2022

Background

Taiwan is predicted to become a super-aged society by 2025, and primary health centers (PHCs) are set to play a crucial role in the care of older adults. The Taiwanese government has developed an age-friendly verification framework for PHC. The aims of this study were to explore the difficulties faced by PHC staff in the implementation of age-friendly policies and their solution strategies.

Methods

This study adopted a qualitative research method. The first stage involved conducting five focus groups with the responsible staff of PHCs (n = 41) that have been certified “age-friendly.” The focus groups covered the effectiveness, difficulties, and resources of PHCs in regards to the introduction of age-friendly policies. In the second stage, in-depth interviews were conducted with executives of PHCs (n = 5), both certified and not certified as age-friendly, to further compare the difficulties faced by these two types of PHCs, thereby gaining perspectives for solution strategies. The principles of grounded theory were used for data analysis.

Results

Four major PHC strategies are employed in the promotion of age-friendliness. First, organizational management, through which managers apply management methods and analyze the present PHC-related health concerns; second, resource utilization, which refers to the tallying, linking, and integrating of resources; third, business operation process, in which work efficiency is improved through the combination of business operations and staff training; finally, hardware improvement, which is achieved through comprehensive cataloging of facility environments.

Conclusion

The implementation of age-friendliness in PHCs requires the efforts of both the service units and government. With resources provided by the government, PHCs can integrate management methods, businesses operations, and essential resources. Moreover, PHC executives can lead their teams in promoting age-friendly policies, and closely monitor their effectiveness.
Spatial multi-omics analyses of the tumor immune microenvironment
Authors: Hsieh Wan-Chen , Budiarto Bugi Ratno , Wang Yi-Fu , Lin Chih-Yu , Gwo Mao-Chun , So Dorothy Kazuno , Tzeng Yi-Shiuan , Chen Shih-Yu
Published: November 2022

In the past decade, single-cell technologies have revealed the heterogeneity of the tumor-immune microenvironment at the genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic levels and have furthered our understanding of the mechanisms of tumor development. Single-cell technologies have also been used to identify potential biomarkers. However, spatial information about the tumor-immune microenvironment such as cell locations and cell–cell interactomes is lost in these approaches. Recently, spatial multi-omics technologies have been used to study transcriptomes, proteomes, and metabolomes of tumor-immune microenvironments in several types of cancer, and the data obtained from these methods has been combined with immunohistochemistry and multiparameter analysis to yield markers of cancer progression. Here, we review numerous cutting-edge spatial ‘omics techniques, their application to study of the tumor-immune microenvironment, and remaining technical challenges.
Black carbon content in airway macrophages is associated with increased severe exacerbations and worse COPD morbidity in SPIROMICS
Authors: Tejwani Vickram , Woo Han , Liu Chen , Tillery Anna K. , Gassett Amanda J. , Kanner Richard E. , Hoffman Eric A. , Martinez Fernando J. , Woodruff Prescott G. , Barr R. Graham , Fawzy Ashraf , Koehler Kirsten , Curtis Jeffrey L. , Freeman Christine M. , Cooper Christopher B. , Comellas Alejandro P. , Pirozzi Cheryl , Paine Robert , Tashkin Donald , Krishnan Jerry A. , Sack Coralynn , Putcha Nirupama , Paulin Laura M. , Zusman Marina , Kaufman Joel D. , Alexis Neil E. , Hansel Nadia N.
Published: November 2022

Background

Airway macrophages (AM), crucial for the immune response in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are exposed to environmental particulate matter (PM), which they retain in their cytoplasm as black carbon (BC). However, whether AM BC accurately reflects environmental PM2.5 exposure, and can serve as a biomarker of COPD outcomes, is unknown.

Methods

We analyzed induced sputum from participants at 7 of 12 sites SPIROMICS sites for AM BC content, which we related to exposures and to lung function and respiratory outcomes. Models were adjusted for batch (first vs. second), age, race (white vs. non-white), income (<$35,000, $35,000~$74,999, ≥$75,000, decline to answer), BMI, and use of long-acting beta-agonist/long-acting muscarinic antagonists, with sensitivity analysis performed with inclusion of urinary cotinine and lung function as covariates.

Results

Of 324 participants, 143 were current smokers and 201 had spirometric-confirmed COPD. Modeled indoor fine (< 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter) particulate matter (PM2.5) and urinary cotinine were associated with higher AM BC. Other assessed indoor and ambient pollutant exposures were not associated with higher AM BC. Higher AM BC was associated with worse lung function and odds of severe exacerbation, as well as worse functional status, respiratory symptoms and quality of life.

Conclusion

Indoor PM2.5 and cigarette smoke exposure may lead to increased AM BC deposition. Black carbon content in AMs is associated with worse COPD morbidity in current and former smokers, which remained after sensitivity analysis adjusting for cigarette smoke burden. Airway macrophage BC, which may alter macrophage function, could serve as a predictor of experiencing worse respiratory symptoms and impaired lung function.
Long noncoding RNA DLGAP1-AS2 promotes tumorigenesis and metastasis by regulating the Trim21/ELOA/LHPP axis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang Xue , Cheng Han , Zhao Jing , Li Jiuming , Chen Ying , Cui Kaisa , Tian Lu , Zhang Jia , Li Chaoqun , Sun Shengbai , Feng Yuyang , Yao Surui , Bian Zehua , Huang Shenglin , Fei Bojian , Huang Zhaohui
Published: November 2022

Background

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have driven research focused on their effects as oncogenes or tumor suppressors involved in carcinogenesis. However, the functions and mechanisms of most lncRNAs in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unclear.

Methods

The expression of DLGAP1-AS2 was assessed by quantitative RT-PCR in multiple CRC cohorts. The impacts of DLGAP1-AS2 on CRC growth and metastasis were evaluated by a series of in vitro and in vivo assays. Furthermore, the underlying mechanism of DLGAP1-AS2 in CRC was revealed by RNA pull down, RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA sequencing, luciferase assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and rescue experiments.

Results

We discovered that DLGAP1-AS2 promoted CRC tumorigenesis and metastasis by physically interacting with Elongin A (ELOA) and inhibiting its protein stability by promoting tripartite motif containing 21 (Trim21)-mediated ubiquitination modification and degradation of ELOA. In particular, we revealed that DLGAP1-AS2 decreases phospholysine phosphohistidine inorganic pyrophosphate phosphatase (LHPP) expression by inhibiting ELOA-mediated transcriptional activating of LHPP and thus blocking LHPP-dependent suppression of the AKT signaling pathway. In addition, we also demonstrated that DLGAP1-AS2 was bound and stabilized by cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor (CPSF2) and cleavage stimulation factor (CSTF3).

Conclusions

The discovery of DLGAP1-AS2, a promising prognostic biomarker, reveals a new dimension into the molecular pathogenesis of CRC and provides a prospective treatment target for this disease.
Association between remnant cholesterol and verbal learning and memory function in the elderly in the US
Authors: Xie Ying-Yi , Zhao Liang , Gao Li-Jian , Xu Rui-Xia , Gao Ying , Dou Ke-Fei , Guo Yuan-Lin , He Yong-Ming
Published: November 2022

Background

The relationship between remnant cholesterol (RC) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk has been given increasing attention in recent years. However, its association with verbal learning and memory performance has not been reported.

Methods

Data were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014 database. Participants aged ≥60 years with available fasting lipid data were included. Verbal learning and memory performance were evaluated using the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease Word List Memory Task (CERAD-WL) subtest. The CERAD total score was calculated as the mean of three immediate recalls and a delayed recall. RC was calculated as total cholesterol (TC) minus the sum of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Multivariate ordinal logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association between RC, as well as its derived marker, the TC/RC ratio, and age-stratified quartiles of the CERAD total score.

Results

A total of 1377 participants were analysed. On a continuous scale, per 1 mmol/L increase in RC and per 1 unit increase in the TC/RC ratio were associated with multivariable adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) of 0.74 (0.58–0.94) and 1.45 (1.13–1.87), respectively, for having a CERAD total score in a higher quartile. On a categorical scale, higher RC quartiles were associated with a CERAD total score in a lower quartile; in contrast, the higher TC/RC quartile was associated with a CERAD total score in a higher quartile (all P for trend < 0.05).

Conclusions

The current study suggests that lower RC levels and a higher TC/RC ratio are associated with better verbal learning and memory function, which indicates that lowering RC levels could be beneficial for preventing cognitive impairment in elderly individuals. Further research is needed to validate the causal roles of RC and the TC/RC ratio in cognition.
Under contract and in good health: a multigroup cross-lagged panel model of time use and health-related quality of life in working-age men and women
Authors: Altweck Laura , Tomczyk Samuel , Schmidt Silke
Published: November 2022

Background

Self-reported time-use in relation to health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has been widely studied, yet less is known about the directionality of the association and how it compares across genders when controlling for sociodemographic confounders.

Methods

This study focused on the working population of the most recent waves (2013–2018) of the Core-Study of the German Socio-Economic Panel (N = 30,518, 46.70% female, M = 39.24 years). It examined the relationship between three time-use categories (contracted, committed, & leisure time) and HRQoL (self-rated health & life satisfaction) in men and women via multigroup fixed effects cross-lagged panel models. The models controlled for sociodemographic background (age, household income, number of children living in household, employment status, education, & marital status), which was associated with time-use and psychosocial health in previous research.

Results

Contracted time showed consistent positive relationships with HRQoL across genders while associations with the other types of time use differed significantly between men and women and across indicators of HRQoL.

Conclusions

The way we spend our time directly predicts our health perceptions, but in the same vein our health also predicts how we can spend our time. Contracted time in particular was associated with positive HRQoL, across genders, and beyond sociodemographic predictors, highlighting the important role of employment in health, for men and women alike. The impact of commitments beyond contracted time-use—like household chores and childcare—however, continues to affect mainly women, which ultimately reflects in poorer health outcomes.
Degree of protection provided by poverty alleviation policies for the middle-aged and older in China: evaluation of effectiveness of medical insurance system tools and vulnerable target recognition
Authors: Tian Wanxin , Wu Bing , Yang Yahong , Lai Yongqiang , Miao Wenqing , Zhang Xiyu , Zhang Chenxi , Xia Qi , Shan Linghan , Yang Huiying , Yang Huiqi , Huang Zhipeng , Li Yuze , Zhang Yiyun , Ding Fan , Tian Yulu , Li Hongyu , Liu Xinwei , Li Ye , Wu Qunhong
Published: November 2022

Background

China’s medical insurance schemes and poverty alleviation policy at this stage have achieved population-wide coverage and the system's universal function. At the late stage of the elimination of absolute poverty task, how to further exert the poverty alleviation function of the medical insurance schemes has become an important agenda for targeted poverty alleviation. To analyse the risk of catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) occurrence in middle-aged and older adults with vulnerability characteristics from the perspectives of social, regional, disease, health service utilization and medical insurance schemes.

Methods

We used data from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) database and came up with 9190 samples. The method for calculating the CHE was adopted from WHO. Logistic regression was used to determine the different characteristics of middle-aged and older adults with a high probability of incurring CHE.

Results

The overall regional poverty rate and incidence of CHE were similar in the east, central and west, but with significant differences among provinces. The population insured by the urban and rural integrated medical insurance (URRMI) had the highest incidence of CHE (21.17%) and health expenditure burden (22.77%) among the insured population. Integration of Medicare as a medical insurance scheme with broader benefit coverage did not have a significant effect on the incidence of CHE in middle-aged and older people with vulnerability characteristics.

Conclusions

Based on the perspective of Medicare improvement, we conducted an in-depth exploration of the synergistic effect of medical insurance and the poverty alleviation system in reducing poverty, and we hope that through comprehensive strategic adjustments and multidimensional system cooperation, we can lift the vulnerable middle-aged and older adults out of poverty.
Association of body mass index and inflammatory dietary pattern with breast cancer pathologic and genomic immunophenotype in the nurses’ health study
Authors: Asad Sarah , Damicis Adrienne , Heng Yujing J. , Kananen Kathryn , Collier Katharine A. , Adams Elizabeth J. , Kensler Kevin H. , Baker Gabrielle M. , Wesolowski Robert , Sardesai Sagar , Gatti-Mays Margaret , Ramaswamy Bhuvaneswari , Eliassen A. Heather , Hankinson Susan E. , Tabung Fred K. , Tamimi Rulla M. , Stover Daniel G.
Published: November 2022

Background

Breast tumor immune infiltration is clearly associated with improved treatment response and outcomes in breast cancer. However, modifiable patient factors associated with breast cancer immune infiltrates are poorly understood. The Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) offers a unique cohort to study immune gene expression in tumor and adjacent normal breast tissue, immune cell-specific immunohistochemistry (IHC), and patient exposures. We evaluated the association of body mass index (BMI) change since age 18, physical activity, and the empirical dietary inflammatory pattern (EDIP) score, all implicated in systemic inflammation, with immune cell-specific expression scores.

Methods

This population-based, prospective observational study evaluated 882 NHS and NHSII participants diagnosed with invasive breast cancer with detailed exposure and gene expression data. Of these, 262 women (training cohort) had breast tumor IHC for four classic immune cell markers (CD8, CD4, CD20, and CD163). Four immune cell-specific scores were derived via lasso regression using 105 published immune expression signatures’ association with IHC. In the remaining 620 patient evaluation cohort, we evaluated association of each immune cell-specific score as outcomes, with BMI change since age 18, physical activity, and EDIP score as predictors, using multivariable-adjusted linear regression.

Results

Among women with paired expression/IHC data from breast tumor tissue, we identified robust correlation between novel immune cell-specific expression scores and IHC. BMI change since age 18 was positively associated with CD4+ (β = 0.16; p = 0.009), and CD163 novel immune scores (β = 0.14; p = 0.04) in multivariable analyses. In other words, for each 10 unit (kg/m2) increase in BMI, the percentage of cells positive for CD4 and CD163 increased 1.6% and 1.4%, respectively. Neither physical activity nor EDIP was significantly associated with any immune cell-specific expression score in multivariable analyses.

Conclusions

BMI change since age 18 was positively associated with novel CD4+ and CD163+ cell scores in breast cancer, supporting further study of the effect of modifiable factors like weight gain on the immune microenvironment.
A new continuous hybrid block method with one optimal intrastep point through interpolation and collocation
Authors: Tassaddiq Asifa , Qureshi Sania , Soomro Amanullah , Hincal Evren , Shaikh Asif Ali
Published: November 2022

Implicit block approaches are used by a number of numerical analyzers to model mild, medium, and hard differential systems. Their excellent stability characteristics, self-starting nature, quick convergence, and large decrease in computing cost all contribute to their widespread application. With these numerical benefits in mind, a new one-step implicit block method with three intrastep grid points has been created. The major term of the local truncation error is minimized to determine which of these points is optimal. The reformulation of the suggested technique leads to a significant decrease in computing cost while maintaining the same consistency, zero-stability, $\mathcal{A}$
A
-stability, and convergence. Several sorts of error are calculated, together with CPU time and efficiency plot, to determine which is superior. Differential models from the fields of heat transfer, population dynamics, and chemical engineering show that the suggested method does a better job than some of the current hybrid block and implicit Radau methods with similar properties.
Food addiction, orthorexia nervosa and dietary diversity among Bangladeshi university students: a large online survey during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Sultana Mst. Sadia , Islam Md. Saiful , Sayeed Abu , Koly Kamrun Nahar , Baker Katya , Hossain Rakib , Ahmed Sanjida , Ferdous Most. Zannatul , Mubarak Mahfuza , Potenza Marc N. , Sikder Md Tajuddin
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Maladaptive eating behaviors like food addiction (FA) are common among students, and orthorexia nervosa (ON) is being evaluated as a new condition among eating disorders (EDs). Moreover, dietary diversity (DD) is recognized as an important component of a healthy diet. Thus, the current study sought to examine the prevalence of ON and FA as well as the factors associated with ON, FA, and DD among university students in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Four-thousand-and-seventy-six students were recruited and completed an online survey consisting of the Bratman Orthorexia test, the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale, and a questionnaire based on the Food and Agriculture Organizations’ guidelines. Inferential statistics, bivariate and multivariable linear regression were used for analyzing data.

Results

ON and FA were observed in 1.7% and 7.5% of participants, respectively, with 43.8% exhibiting Health Fanatic eating attitude. The mean DD score was 5.96 (SD = 1.56). Students with ON consumed more legumes, nuts, seeds, and vegetables including dark green leafy vegetables whereas students with FA consumed more organ meats and eggs. Students who were older-aged, married, formerly smoked, had fitness goals, and had guilty feelings about violating food rules were more likely to have ON, whereas those who were female, were married, actively smoked, and were overweight and obese were more likely to have FA.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that students from Bangladesh are at risk of FA, and less so for ON. These entities and low DD deserve more research attention in Bangladesh to increase awareness and ensure appropriate interventions.
Co-occurrence, stability and manifestation of child and adolescent mental health problems: a latent transition analysis
Authors: Göbel Kristin , Ortelbach Niklas , Cohrdes Caroline , Baumgarten Franz , Meyrose Ann-Katrin , Ravens-Sieberer Ulrike , Scheithauer Herbert
Published: November 2022

Background

Complex constellations of socio-emotional and behavioural problems (i.e., mental health problems) in childhood and adolescence are common and heighten the risk for subsequent personality, anxiety and mood disorders in adulthood. Aims of this study included the examination of patterns of mental health problems (e.g., externalizing-internalizing co-occurrence) and their transitions to reported mental disorders by using a longitudinal person-centered approach (latent class and latent transition analysis).

Methods

The sample consisted of 1255 children and adolescents (51.7% female, mean age = 12.3 years, age range 8–26 years) from three time points of the comprehensive mental health and wellbeing BELLA study. Children and their parents completed the German SDQ (Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire, Goodman, 1997) and reported on diagnoses of ADHD, depression, and anxiety.

Results

Latent class analysis identified a normative class, an emotional problem class, and a multiple problem class. According to latent transition analysis, the majority of the sample (91.6%) did not change latent class membership over time; 14.7% of individuals showed a persistent pattern of mental health problems. Diagnoses of mental disorders were more likely to be reported by individuals in the emotional problem or multiple problem class.

Conclusions

Results highlight the need for early prevention of mental health problems to avoid accumulation and manifestation in the transition to adolescence and young adulthood.
Prognostic and predictive biomarkers for response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation in esophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Matani Hirsch , Sahu Divya , Paskewicz Michael , Gorbunova Anastasia , Omstead Ashten N. , Wegner Rodney , Finley Gene G. , Jobe Blair A. , Kelly Ronan J. , Zaidi Ali H. , Goel Ajay
Published: November 2022

Background

Esophageal adenocarcinoma is a lethal disease. For locally advanced patients, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery is the standard of care. Risk stratification relies heavily on clinicopathologic features, particularly pathologic response, which is inadequate, therefore establishing the need for new and reliable biomarkers for risk stratification.

Methods

Thirty four patients with locally advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma were analyzed, of which 21 received a CROSS regimen with carboplatin, paclitaxel, and radiation. Capture-based targeted sequencing was performed on the paired baseline and post-treatment samples. Differentially mutated gene analysis between responders and non-responders of treatment was performed to determine predictors of response. A univariate Cox proportional hazard regression was used to examine associations between gene mutation status and overall survival.

Results

A 3-gene signature, based on mutations in EPHA5, BCL6, and ERBB2, was identified that robustly predicts response to the CROSS regimen. For this model, sensitivity was 84.6% and specificity was 100%. Independently, a 9 gene signature was created using APC, MAP3K6, ETS1, CSF3R, PDGFRB, GATA2, ARID1A, PML, and FGF6, which significantly stratifies patients into risk categories, prognosticating for improved relapse-free (p = 4.73E-03) and overall survival (p = 3.325E-06). The sensitivity for this model was 73.33% and the specificity was 94.74%.

Conclusion

We have identified a 3-gene signature (EPHA5, BCL6, and ERBB2) that is predictive of response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and a separate prognostic 9-gene classifier that predicts survival outcomes. These panels provide significant potential for personalized management of locally advanced esophageal cancer.
Factors modulating home range and resource use: a case study with Canarian houbara bustards
Authors: Abril-Colón Inmaculada , Alonso Juan Carlos , Palacín Carlos , Ucero Alberto , Álvarez-Martínez José Manuel
Published: November 2022

Background

The home range of an animal is determined by its ecological requirements, and these may vary depending on many intrinsic and extrinsic factors, which are ultimately driven by food resources. Investigating the effects of these factors, and specifically how individuals use food resources within their home ranges is essential to understand the ecology and dynamics of animal populations, and to establish conservation measures in the case of endangered species. Here, we investigate these questions in the Canarian houbara bustard, an endangered subspecies of African houbara endemic to the Canary Islands.

Methods

We analysed GPS locations of 43 houbaras in 2018–2021, using solar GSM/GPRS loggers provided with accelerometers. We assessed (1) the variation in their home range and core area with kernel density estimators in relation to several intrinsic and extrinsic factors and (2) their foraging habitat selection.

Results

Home ranges were smallest during the breeding season (November–April), when rains triggered a rapid growth of herbaceous vegetation. Displaying males and nesting females had smaller home ranges than individuals not involved in reproduction. Both sexes used almost exclusively non-cultivated land, selecting low densityLaunaea arborescensshrublands, pastures and green fallows as foraging habitats. Heavier males used smaller home ranges because they spent more time displaying at a fixed display site, while heavier females moved over larger areas during the mating period, probably visiting more candidate mates. During the non-breeding season (May–October), both sexes showed larger home ranges, shifting to high density shrubland, but also partly to cultivated land. They selected sweet potato fields, green fallows, alfalfas, orchards and irrigated fields, which offered highly valuable food resources during the driest months of the year.

Conclusions

Our study shows how Canarian houbara, originally a desert-dwelling species that uses mostly shrublands and pastures, has developed the necessary adaptations to benefit from resources provided by current low intensity farming practices in the study area. Maintaining appropriate habitat conditions in the eastern Canary islands should constitute a key conservation measure to prevent the extinction of this endangered houbara subspecies.
Ubiquitin-positive astrogliopathy clinically mimicking Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Morris Meaghan , Moghekar Abhay , Guo Haidan , Pletnikova Olga , Redding-Ochoa Javier , Albert Marilyn , Resnick Susan M. , Chen Liam
Published: November 2022

Several neurodegenerative pathologies can clinically mimic Parkinson’s disease, including neurodegenerative diseases with glial pathology. However, the glial aggregates are typically composed of known pathogenic proteins and are associated with prominent neuronal loss in the substantia nigra. Here we present an unusual case of a 91-year-old man with a clinical diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, but whose autopsy findings showed a ubiquitin-positive astrogliopathy without significant neuronal loss in the substantia nigra. These glial aggregates affected the basal ganglia, cortex, and cerebellum, and were negative for tau, alpha-synuclein, TDP-43, FUS, and p62. This case is a rare example of an unknown glial neurodegenerative pathology mimicking Parkinson’s disease without significant loss of nigral dopaminergic neurons.
Increased unsaturated lipids underlie lipid peroxidation in synucleinopathy brain
Authors: Fu YuHong , He Ying , Phan Katherine , Bhatia Surabhi , Pickford Russell , Wu Ping , Dzamko Nicolas , Halliday Glenda M. , Kim Woojin Scott
Published: November 2022

Lipid peroxidation is a process of oxidative degradation of cellular lipids that is increasingly recognized as an important factor in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. We were therefore interested in the manifestation of lipid peroxidation in synucleinopathies, a group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the central pathology of α-synuclein aggregates, including Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy, dementia with Lewy bodies and Alzheimer’s disease with Lewy bodies. We assessed lipid peroxidation products, lipid aldehydes, in the amygdala, a common disease-affected region in synucleinopathies, and in the visual cortex, a disease-unaffected region. We found that the levels of lipid aldehydes were significantly increased in the amygdala, but not in the visual cortex. We hypothesized that these increases are due to increases in the abundance of unsaturated lipids, since lipid aldehydes are formed from unsaturated lipids. We undertook a comprehensive analysis of membrane lipids using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and found that unsaturated phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine and sphingomyelin were specifically elevated in the amygdala and correlated with increases in lipid aldehydes. Furthermore, unsaturated phosphatidylethanolamine levels were associated with soluble α-synuclein. Put together, these results suggest that manifestation of lipid peroxidation is prevalent in synucleinopathies and is likely to be due to increases in unsaturated membrane lipids. Our findings underscore the importance of lipid peroxidation in α-synuclein pathology and in membrane structure maintenance.
The hippocampal sparing subtype of Alzheimer’s disease assessed in neuropathology and in vivo tau positron emission tomography: a systematic review
Authors: Ferreira Daniel , Mohanty Rosaleena , Murray Melissa E. , Nordberg Agneta , Kantarci Kejal , Westman Eric
Published: November 2022

Neuropathology and neuroimaging studies have identified several subtypes of Alzheimer’s disease (AD): hippocampal sparing AD, typical AD, and limbic predominant AD. An unresolved question is whether hippocampal sparing AD cases can present with neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) in association cortices while completely sparing the hippocampus. To address that question, we conducted a systematic review and performed original analyses on tau positron emission tomography (PET) data. We searched EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science databases until October 2022. We also implemented several methods for AD subtyping on tau PET to identify hippocampal sparing AD cases. Our findings show that seven out of the eight reviewed neuropathologic studies included cases at Braak stages IV or higher and therefore, could not identify hippocampal sparing cases with NFT completely sparing the hippocampus. In contrast, tau PET did identify AD participants with tracer retention in the association cortex while completely sparing the hippocampus. We conclude that tau PET can identify hippocampal sparing AD cases with NFT completely sparing the hippocampus. Based on the accumulating data, we suggest two possible pathways of tau spread: (1) a canonical pathway with early involvement of transentorhinal cortex and subsequent involvement of limbic regions and association cortices, and (2) a less common pathway that affects association cortices with limbic involvement observed at end stages of the disease or not at all.
Different biomechanical effects of clear aligners in bimaxillary space closure under two strong anchorages: finite element analysis
Authors: Liu Jun-qi , Zhu Guan-yin , Wang Yi-gan , Zhang Bo , Wang Shuang-cheng , Yao Ke , Zhao Zhi-he
Published: November 2022

Background

Clear aligner (CA) treatment has been gaining popularity, but the biomechanical effects of CAs in bimaxillary dentition have not been thoroughly investigated. Direct and indirect strong anchorages are two common anchorage control methods, but the underlying biomechanical mechanism has not yet been elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the different biomechanical effects of CAs in closing the bimaxillary space under different anchorage controls, further instructing the compensation strategies design and strong anchorage choice in clinical practice.

Methods

Three-dimensional (3D) bimaxillary models of different anchorage controls were created based on cone-beam computed tomography and intraoral scan data. Four first premolars were extracted using 3D modeling software. Finite element analysis was conducted to simulate the space closure process of the CAs.

Results

In the two strong anchorage groups, the bimaxillary dentition presented different movement patterns during the space closure process, and the lower dentition was more vulnerable to elastic force. From the vertical view, direct strong anchorage with elastic force had the advantage of flattening the longitudinal occlusal curve and resisting the roller-coaster effects, whereas indirect strong anchorage could lead to a deep longitudinal occlusal curve. From the sagittal view, indirect strong anchorage with metallic ligaments had a greater instantaneous anchorage protection effect, particularly in the lower dentition, which reduced the mesial movement of the posterior teeth by nearly four times that of the direct anchorage group. In addition, indirect strong anchorage presented better anterior teeth torque/tipping control, while direct strong anchorage could aggravate lingual tipping of the upper central incisors. Due to the differences in anterior–posterior anchorage and arch shape, compared with the upper dentition, anchorage preservation and vertical control effects were amplified in the lower dentition.

Conclusions

The biomechanical effects of CAs differed between the two strong anchorage groups. Due to the differences in dentition morphology, anterior–posterior anchorage, and dental arch shape, CAs present different biomechanical effects in bimaxillary space closure. Orthodontists should consider the corresponding mechanical compensation according to specific anchorage control methods and dentitions.
Privacy preserved incremental record linkage
Authors: Khan Shahidul Islam , Khan Abir Bin Ayub , Hoque Abu Sayed Md Latiful
Published: November 2022

Using an incremental approach to solve the record linkage problem is a relatively new research area. In incremental record linkage, every inserted record is compared with some existing clusters of records based on its blocking key value. Then, considering similarity, either the record will be put into an existing cluster, or a new cluster will be created for it. Although few papers have presented their solutions for incremental record linkage targeting the linkage quality or efficiency, privacy issue regarding the approach has not yet been discussed. Privacy is a major concern when record linkage is performed for sensitive data, e.g., health records, financial records, etc. In this regard, we have come up with a novel concept privacy-preserving incremental record linkage (PPiRL) which encapsulates privacy-preserving techniques with an incremental record linkage approach. In this chapter, we have proposed an end-to-end framework as our solution for PPiRL. For preserving privacy, we have used two types of privacy techniques namely phonetic encoding and generalization. We have used a recently developed phonetic algorithm “nameGist” to handle text-based features. For generalization, we have used the K-anonymization algorithm for numeric and categorical features. For handling incremental updates and internal linkage, we have used the Naive incremental clustering approach using Hierarchical Agglomerative clustering as the base clustering algorithm. We have performed various experiments to test the privacy and linkage quality of PPiRL. We have compared our work with the existing incremental record linkage framework and also with existing privacy-preserved record linkage techniques. It is apparent from our results that other than a small trade-off in linkage quality, our framework works better as a combined package of privacy and linkage solutions that any existing frameworks do not yet provide.
Two-stage credit scoring using Bayesian approach
Authors: Kyeong Sunghyon , Shin Jinho
Published: November 2022

Commercial banks are required to explain the credit evaluation results to their customers. Therefore, banks attempt to improve the performance of their credit scoring models while ensuring the interpretability of the results. However, there is a tradeoff between the logistic regression model and machine learning-based techniques regarding interpretability and model performance because machine learning-based models are a black box. To deal with the tradeoff, in this study, we present a two-stage logistic regression method based on the Bayesian approach. In the first stage, we generate the derivative variables by linearly combining the original features with their explanatory powers based on the Bayesian inference. The second stage involves developing a credit scoring model through logistic regression using these derivative variables. Through this process, the explanatory power of a large number of original features can be utilized for default prediction, and the use of logistic regression maintains the model's interpretability. In the empirical analysis, the independent sample t-test reveals that our proposed approach significantly improves the model’s performance compared to that based on the conventional single-stage approach, i.e., the baseline model. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov statistics show a 3.42 percentage points (%p) increase, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic shows a 2.61%p increase. Given that our two-stage modeling approach has the advantages of interpretability and enhanced performance of the credit scoring model, our proposed method is essential for those in charge of banking who must explain credit evaluation results and find ways to improve the performance of credit scoring models.
Reduced graphene oxide-based nanometal-composite containing copper and silver nanoparticles protect tomato and pepper against Xanthomonas euvesicatoria infection
Authors: Bytešníková Zuzana , Pečenka Jakub , Tekielska Dorota , Kiss Tomáš , Švec Pavel , Ridošková Andrea , Bezdička Petr , Pekárková Jana , Eichmeier Aleš , Pokluda Robert , Adam Vojtěch , Richtera Lukáš
Published: November 2022

Xanthomonas euvesicatoria (Xe) is of the genera Xanthomonas, which causes a bacterial spot disease that affects tomato and pepper plants, resulting in significant economic losses. Commonly used bactericides lead to pathogen resistance, environmental contamination and a current risk to human health. Herein, a nanocomposite consisting of Cu and Ag loaded onto reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was synthesized, characterized and tested. After confirmation of the antibacterial properties in vitro, nanocomposites at concentrations of 50 and 500 µg mL−1 were applied to protect tomato and pepper plants under controlled greenhouse conditions. The tomato and pepper plants indicated significantly lower disease severity when treated with the nanocomposite (15.6 and 16.7%, respectively) than when treated with the commercial copper-based bactericide Kocide® 2000. The nanocomposite was demonstrated as a high-efficiency biocide and has the potential for crop disease management with no phytotoxic effect.

Graphical Abstract
A feasibility pilot trial of a peer-support educational behavioral intervention to improve diabetes medication adherence in African Americans
Authors: Shiyanbola Olayinka O. , Maurer Martha , Mott Mattigan , Schwerer Luke , Sarkarati Nassim , Sharp Lisa K. , Ward Earlise
Published: November 2022

Background

African Americans are twice as likely to die from diabetes, compared to other racial and ethnic groups in the USA. Poor adherence to diabetes medications is common among African Americans and contributes to these disproportionally worse outcomes. A pilot study was conducted to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a peer-supported intervention targeting diabetes and medication beliefs, communication, and self-efficacy skills to enhance medication adherence among African Americans with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Based on the extended self-regulatory model and information-motivation-behavioral skills model, this intervention was piloted using a single group pre/post-intervention study design at two sites. Seventeen African Americans who self-reported as adherent to diabetes medicines (ambassadors) were paired with 22 African Americans with self-reported poor medication adherence (buddies). Feasibility outcomes evaluated recruitment, retention, and intervention adherence. Measures assessed at baseline and 1-month post-intervention included glycemic control (hemoglobin A1c), self-reported medication adherence, diabetes beliefs, concerns about diabetes medicines, and diabetes self-efficacy. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests assessed for differences in mean scores of outcome variables at baseline compared with a 3-month follow-up. Semi-structured 60-min interviews were conducted with each buddy to explore their acceptability of the intervention. To ensure the rigor of the qualitative data, we focused on analytic criteria such as credibility, confirmability, and transferability.

Results

Most buddies and ambassadors were female and about 56 years old. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment success rates of 73% for buddies and 85% for ambassadors relative to our goals. Retention rate for hemoglobin A1c and medication adherence outcome assessment was 95% for buddies. Both buddies and ambassadors had excellent intervention adherence, with buddies having a mean attendance of 7.76 out of 8 sessions/phone calls and ambassadors completing > 99% of the 105 intervention calls with Buddies. Results showed a signal of change in hemoglobin A1c (effect size = 0.14) and medication adherence (effect size = 0.35) among buddies, reduction in buddies’ negative beliefs about diabetes and an increase in necessity beliefs of diabetes medicines. Summative interviews with buddies showed they valued ambassador’s encouragement of self-management behaviors.

Conclusions

Results support conduct of an efficacy trial to address medication adherence for African Americans with type 2 diabetes using a peer-supported tailored intervention.

Trial registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04028076.
Is mobile game-based learning effective for international adults learning Maltese?
Authors: Żammit Jacqueline
Published: November 2022

The EULALIA (Enhancing University Language courses with an App powered by game-based learning and tangible user interface activities) project aimed to enhance the learning methodologies of four university language courses for Erasmus students in Italy, Malta, Poland and Spain by developing innovative and effective learning tools based on mobile and game-based learning paradigms and the use of tangible user interfaces. This study focuses on Malta by providing an in-depth view of the impact of game-based applications on enhancing international adult learning of Maltese as a second language (ML2). The findings encourage international adult students to learn ML2 through a game-based application to aid in increasing cultural awareness and better communication with locals. As part of the methodology, pre-surveys and post-surveys were used on a test group comprising 28 pre-surveyed and 9 post-surveyed ML2 adult learners who used the app and a reference group of 24 pre-surveyed and 23 post-surveyed ML2 learners who did not use the app. The results revealed that according to the participants, game-based learning did not improve cognitive function even though the learners were more engaged in language activities, and thus could process and absorb a wider range of information. The research found that game-based learning did not have a statistically significant effect on adult learners’ language proficiency and digital skills.
Watch for tachycardia
Authors: Galgut Oliver , Le Page Pierre , Mitchell Andrew R. J.
Published: November 2022

Background

Wearable devices capable of measuring health metrics are becoming increasingly prevalent. Most work has investigated the potential for these devices in the context of atrial fibrillation, our case highlights the potential of wearable devices across a wider range of arrhythmia.

Case presentation

A 51-year-old woman was referred to the cardiology clinic for an assessment of symptoms of intermittent exertional shortness of breath and palpitation. The patient was otherwise fit and well, took limited alcohol and no caffeine, and was a never smoker. There was no family history of heart disease. Physical examination in clinic was unremarkable, and a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), seven-day ambulatory ECG, exercise stress ECG, and trans-thoracic echocardiogram were all normal. During a severe episode the patient recorded an ECG using an Apple Watch (Apple Inc, California, USA). This was forwarded to the patient’s cardiologist, who suspected a broad complex tachycardia and organised an urgent follow-up appointment. A further 72-h Holter ECG monitor showed frequent sustained periods of monomorphic ventricular tachycardia, confirming the watch findings. The patient was started on beta blocker therapy with a rapid improvement in symptoms.

Conclusions

Current smartwatch technology can reliably identify irregular rhythms and can distinguish atrial fibrillation from sinus rhythm, with emerging evidence supporting detection of other cardiovascular diseases, including medical emergencies. There may also be a role for wearable devices in screening young populations for predictors of sudden cardiac death. At present device outputs require clinician interpretation, but in the future patients may present to primary or secondary care with a firm diagnosis of arrhythmia and may already be making wearable device guided behaviour changes.
Teaching distinguishing semiological features improves diagnostic accuracy of seizure-like events by emergency physicians
Authors: Grönheit Wenke , Behrens Vanessa , Liakina Tatjana , Kellinghaus Christoph , Noachtar Soheyl , Popkirov Stoyan , Wehner Tim , Brammen Eva , Wellmer Jörg
Published: November 2022

Background

Misdiagnosis of seizure-like events (SLE) in emergency situations is common. Here, we evaluate whether a single, video-based lesson highlighting distinguishing semiological features can improve the diagnostic accuracy of emergency physicians for epileptic seizures (ES), psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) and syncopes (SY).

Methods

40 emergency physicians (24 anesthetists, nine surgeons and seven internal medicine specialists by primary specialty) participated in a prospective trial on the diagnostic accuracy of SLE. They assessed video-displayed SLE at two time points: before and after a lecture on distinguishing semiological features. In the lecture, semiological features were demonstrated using patient videos, some were acted by the instructor in addition. The increase in correct diagnoses and recognition of distinguishing semiological features were analyzed.

Results

Before the lesson, 45% of 200 SLE-ratings were correct: 15% of SY (n = 40), 30% of PNES (n = 40), 59% of ES (n = 120, focal to bilateral tonic–clonic seizures (FBTCS) 87.5% (n = 40), focal impaired aware seizures (FIAS) 45% (n = 80)). Semiology teaching increased both the rate of correct diagnoses of SLE to overall 79% (p < 0.001) (ES 91% (p < 0.001), FBCTS 98% (n.s.), FIAS 88% (p < 0.001), PNES 88% (p < 0.001), SY 35% (p < 0.001)), and the number of recognized distinguishing semiological features. We identified several semiological features with high entity specific positive predictive values (> 0.8).

Conclusions

A single 45-min video-based lesson highlighting distinguishing semiological features improves the diagnostic accuracy of ES, PNES and SY by emergency physicians. We expect that including this aspect into the curriculum of emergency physicians will lead to better individual patient treatment in pre-hospital medicine and more appropriate subsequent use of clinical resources.