bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term risk of arrhythmias in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A population-based, sibling-controlled cohort study
Authors: Sun Jiangwei , Roelstraete Bjorn , Svennberg Emma , Halfvarson Jonas , Sundström Johan , Forss Anders , Olén Ola , Ludvigsson Jonas F.
Published: October 2023

Background

Although previous evidence has suggested an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), its association with arrhythmias is inconclusive. In this study, we aimed to explore the long-term risk of arrhythmias in patients with IBD.

Methods and findings

Through a nationwide histopathology cohort, we identified patients with biopsy-confirmed IBD in Sweden during 1969 to 2017, including Crohn’s disease (CD: n = 24,954; median age at diagnosis: 38.4 years; female: 52.2%), ulcerative colitis (UC: n = 46,856; 42.1 years; 46.3%), and IBD-unclassified (IBD-U: n = 12,067; 43.8 years; 49.6%), as well as their matched reference individuals and IBD-free full siblings. Outcomes included overall and specific arrhythmias (e.g., atrial fibrillation/flutter, bradyarrhythmias, other supraventricular arrhythmias, and ventricular arrhythmias/cardiac arrest). Flexible parametric survival models estimated hazard ratios (aHR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), after adjustment for birth year, sex, county of residence, calendar year, country of birth, educational attainment, number of healthcare visits, and cardiovascular-related comorbidities. Over a median of approximately 10 years of follow-up, 1,904 (7.6%) patients with CD, 4,154 (8.9%) patients with UC, and 990 (8.2%) patients with IBD-U developed arrhythmias, compared with 6.7%, 7.5%, and 6.0% in reference individuals, respectively. Compared with reference individuals, overall arrhythmias were increased in patients with CD [54.6 versus 46.1 per 10,000 person-years; aHR = 1.15 (95% CI [1.09, 1.21], P < 0.001)], patients with UC [64.7 versus 53.3 per 10,000 person-years; aHR = 1.14 (95% CI [1.10, 1.18], P < 0.001)], and patients with IBD-U [78.1 versus 53.5 per 10,000 person-years; aHR = 1.30 (95% CI [1.20, 1.41], P < 0.001)]. The increased risk persisted 25 years after diagnosis, corresponding to 1 extra arrhythmia case per 80 CD, 58 UC, and 29 IBD-U cases over the same period. Patients with IBD also had a significantly increased risk of specific arrhythmias, except for bradyarrhythmias. Sibling comparison analyses confirmed the main findings. Study limitations include lack of clinical data to define IBD activity, not considering the potential role of IBD medications and disease activity, and the potential residual confounding from unmeasured factors for arrhythmias.

Conclusions

In this study, we observed that patients with IBD were at an increased risk of developing arrhythmias. The excess risk persisted even 25 years after IBD diagnosis. Our findings indicate a need for awareness of this excess risk among healthcare professionals.
Covariates of a healthy diet and physical activity self-management one year after Bariatric surgery: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Maghsoodlo Maryam , Shakibazadeh Elham , Barzin Maryam , Salimi Yahya , Mokhtari Zeinab , Yaseri Mehdi
Published: October 2023

Background

Healthy diet and physical activity self-management is important in maintaining weight loss and preventing weight regain after bariatric surgery. We aimed at evaluating covariates of healthy diet and physical activity self-management among patients undergone bariatric surgery using Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) model.

Method

In this cross-sectional study, 272 patients with a history of bariatric surgery were selected from the data registry of Tehran Obesity Treatment Study (TOTS). Data were collected using bariatric surgery self-management standard questionnaire (BSSQ), and items based on HAPA model for healthy diet and physical activity self-management. Data were analyzed using Path analysis and AMOS version 24.

Results

The mean score of self-management was (32 ± 10SD). Coping planning construct (β = 0.22; p<0.001) and risk perception (β = 0.02; p<0.01) in dietary self-management and action planning (β = 0.16; p = 0.001) and risk perception (β = 0.001; p = 0.17) in physical activity self-management had the highest and lowest effect powers, respectively. Coping planning (β = 0.22; p<0.001) and action planning (β = 0.17; p<0.03) in diet, and action planning (β = 0.16; p = 0.010) in physical activity were significantly related to self-management. Also, task-coping self-efficacy (β = 0.28; and p<0.001), outcome expectancies (β = 0.37; p<0.001), risk perception (β = 0.13; p = 0.015) in diet and coping self-efficacy (β = 0.50; p<0.001), outcome expectancies (β = 0.12; p = 0.021) in physical activity were significantly related to behavioral intention. The values of CFI = 0.939 and RMSEA = 0.052 for diet and CFI = 0.948 and RMSEA = 0.048 for physical activity indicated adequate fit.

Conclusion

HAPA was applicable as a framework for interventions promoting healthy diet and physical activity self-management in patients who have undergone bariatric surgery.
Exploring factors of e-waste recycling intention: The case of generation Y
Authors: Bhutto Muhammad Yaseen , Rūtelionė Aušra , Šeinauskienė Beata , Ertz Myriam
Published: October 2023

The seriousness of the e-waste crisis stems from the fact that consumers do not participate much in ensuring the proper disposal of electronic materials. In this context, millennials are the largest segment of consumers of electronic products who are not yet motivated to get sustainably rid of them. However, to inspire consumers to recycle e-waste, it is necessary to investigate consumers’ behavioral intentions towards e-waste thoroughly. This study integrates the theory of planned behavior, social influence theory, and personality traits to examine how consumers gauge their choice to recycle e-waste. Data were collected from randomly surveying 300 Lithuanians through a structured questionnaire. Using the PLS-SEM approach, results show that attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control significantly influence consumers’ e-waste recycling intention. Regarding personality traits, only openness to experience significantly affects consumers’ e-waste recycling intention. In contrast, other traits such as agreeableness, conscientiousness, extraversion, and neuroticism have a non-significant influence on consumers’ e-waste recycling intention. In addition, normative and informational social influence affects consumers’ e-waste recycling intention. The current study advances our understanding of e-waste recycling behavior by examining how TPB, personality factors, and social influence theory influence intentions. It provides valuable insights for policymakers and marketers on understanding and encouraging the e-waste behavior of Lithuanian Y-generation consumers.
Investigating mental representations of psychoactive substance use and other potentially addictive behaviors using a data driven network-based clustering method
Authors: File Domonkos , File Bálint , Bőthe Beáta , Griffiths Mark D. , Demetrovics Zsolt
Published: October 2023

Background and aims

The aim of the present study was to examine the mental representations of the use of different substances and other potentially addictive behaviors in order to explore meaningful similarities and differences that may contribute to a better understanding of behavioral addictions’ representations and diagnostic criteria.

Methods

The authors mapped the mental and emotional representations of 661 participants (70.5% women; Mage = 35.2 years, SD = 11.7) to the concept "your most disturbing excessive activity" using free-word associations combined with a network-based clustering method.

Results

The network analyses identified four distinct mental representations, three implicating dominantly negative (Guilt/Shame/Relief, Addiction/Health, and Procrastination/Boredom) and one dominantly positive emotion (Stress/Relaxation). The distribution of Addiction/Health and Procrastination/Boredom representations were different across substance use and problem behaviors, indicating meaningful differences in the underlying cognitive evaluation processes. The Addiction/Health representation was more frequent for substances, while for other addictive behaviors, the Procrastination/Boredom representation was more frequent, and its frequency increased with the self-reported intensity of the behavior. Guilt/Shame/Relief was equally common for both substances and behaviors, but importantly, for substances its’ likelihood increased with the intensity of use.

Conclusion

The common part of representations for substance use and other potentially addictive behaviors supports the scientific viewpoint, that real addictions can exist even in the absence of psychoactive drugs. Based on the results, a novel proposition is posited, that a more appropriate indicator of tolerance for problem behaviors might be the perceived amount of time wasted on the activity rather than the actual time spent.
Sexualized drug use among gay men and other men who have sex with men in Latin America: A description of the phenomenon based on the results of LAMIS-2018
Authors: Lisboa Cristian , Stuardo Valeria , Folch Cinta
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Sexualized drug use (SDU) to enhance and extend sexual relations may involve risks of substances abuse (intoxication, interactions and overdose) and higher exposure to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. There are inconsistencies in the methodology and findings of previous research on SDU in Latin America (LA), and more studies are required. The purpose of this research was to characterize SDU in gay men and other men who have sex with men from 18 LA countries, and describe the aspects by comparing people who practice and do not practice SDU, at the general and country levels.

Material and methods

Cross-sectional study based on the data collected by LAMIS-2018. Dependent variable was SDU (last 12 months), and the independent variables were: drug use (in any context/in sexual context), sociodemographic, socioepidemiological, and psychosocial aspects. A descriptive analysis was carried out, comparing those who practiced and did not practice SDU.

Results

LAMIS-2018 included 64,655 participants, averaging 30 years of age. 13.6% declared having practiced SDU (6.6% with multiple partners). In the last sexual encounter the most commonly used drugs were cannabis (9.3%), poppers (6%), and Viagra (5.4%), and in the last encounter with multiple partners, poppers (19.7%), cannabis (17%), and Viagra (13.2%). HIV diagnosis was reported by 27% of people practicing SDU, vs. 14.3% in the other group. Severe anxiety-depression symptoms were more common among people practicing SDU (9.2% vs. 7%), as were the episodes of homophobic intimidation (52.6% vs. 48.2%), insults (34.4% vs. 28.6%), and aggression (4.1% vs. 3.0%).

Conclusions

SDU was reported by a high percentage of people, with a predominance of the use of drugs related to sexual practice, and others for recreational use. Aspects described as the higher proportion of self-reported HIV diagnosis and severe symptoms of anxiety-depression among those who practiced SDU, show that is necessary to implement preventive strategies to reduce the harmful impacts that can sometimes result from this practice, including harm reduction policies, promote access to mental health services and support in situations of homophobia and stigma.
Cortical spheroid on perfusable microvascular network in a microfluidic device
Authors: Russell Teal , Dirar Qassim , Li Yan , Chiang Chiwan , Laskowitz Daniel T. , Yun Yeoheung
Published: October 2023

Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived brain spheroids can recapitulate the complex cytoarchitecture of the brain, as well as the genetic/epigenetic footprint of human brain development. However, hiPSC-derived 3D models such as spheroid and organoids does not have a perfusable microvascular network, which plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis in vivo. With the critical balance of positive and negative angiogenic modulators, 3D microvascular network can be achieved by angiogenesis. This paper reports on a microfluidic-based three-dimensional, cortical spheroid grafted on the vascular-network. Vascular network was formed by inducing angiogenic sprouting using concentration gradient-driven angiogenic factors in the microfluidic device. We investigate critical factors for angiogenic vascular network formation with spheroid placement, including 1) a PKCα activator, phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA); 2) orientation of endothelial cells under perfusion and permeability of vascular network; 3) effect of extracellular matrix (ECM) types and their densities on angiogenesis; and 4) integration with cortical spheroid on vascular network. This paper demonstrates proof of concept for the potential utility of a membrane-free in vitro cortical spheroid tissue construct with perfusable microvascular network that can be scaled up to a high throughput platform. It can provide a cost-effective alternative platform to animal testing by modeling brain diseases and disorders, and screening drugs.
“I care about sex, I care about my health”: A mixed-methods pre-test of a HIV prevention mobile health app for Black women in the southern United States
Authors: Chandler Rasheeta , Guillaume Dominique , Francis Sherilyn , Xue Eric , Shah Kewal , Parker Andrea , Hernandez Natalie
Published: October 2023

Background

Black women experience higher rates of adverse sexual and reproductive health and HIV outcomes, however the use of mHealth to address these health disparities in this population has been inadequate. This study involved a one-month pre-test with Black women living in metro-Atlanta to evaluate the usability, acceptability, and engagement of an HIV prevention appSavvyHER.

Methods

An explanatory mixed-methods design was employed in which quantitative data was collected through weekly cross-sectional surveys, and qualitative data was collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews. Descriptive and ANOVA analysis was conducted for the quantitative data using STATA software. Qualitative data was analyzed through qualitative descriptive methods on Atlas.ti.

Results

Participants had high levels of acceptability towards the app and usedSavvyHERmoderately. The most frequently used features were live groups (2.96 ±0.22, 95% CI 2.51,3.41), viewing resources and educational information (2.77 ± 0.21, 95% CI 2.33,3.20), and mental health monitoring (2.73 ±0.21, 95% CI 2.29,3.12). The least used features were pregnancy symptom monitoring (1.92 ±0.27, 95% CI 1.38,2.47) and STI symptom monitoring (2.0 ±0.25, 95% CI 1.48,2.52). In qualitative interviews, several women discussed how the ability to engage in active discussions and join live sessions with other end-users was a favorable aspect ofSavvyHER. Although the app’s primary focus was on sexual and reproductive health and HIV prevention, women were more likely to access mental health monitoring and physical activity monitoring features. Women expressed their fondness of the app design and interface as it was reflective of the diversity of Black women.

Conclusion

Further research is needed to explore the efficacy in using SavvyHER and additional mHealth interventions to enhance Black women’s sexual and reproductive health and overall wellness.
Are anxiety and depression associated with cognition and cardiovascular function in young male and female adults?
Authors: Ruthmann Florine , Guerouaou Nadia , Vasseur Francis , Migaud Maria-Claire , Deplanque Dominique , Gottrand Frederic , Beghin Laurent , Viltart Odile
Published: October 2023

The results of recent studies suggested that emotional disorders (such as anxiety and depression), cognitive impairments and cardiovascular disorders are related on the subclinical level. These major health issues are often concomitant and have complex, sex-dependent relationships; it is therefore important to study these issues concomitantly in the general population, in order to gain a better understanding of early-stage subclinical relationships between these conditions. The objective of this exploratory study was to assess correlations between anxiety, depression, cognition, and endothelial function in young adults from the general population. Endothelial function (via the reactive hyperaemia index (RHI) was assessed with a plethysmographic device. Depression and anxiety were self-reported via the Beck Disorder Inventory II and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, respectively. The Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery was used to measure performances in visuospatial memory, visuospatial working memory, and sustained attention. Performances in inhibition and flexibility were evaluated with the Color Word Interference Test. Forty-four young adults (21 males; mean ± standard deviation age: 25.8 ± 1.1; 23 females; mean age: 25.6 ± 1.4) were included in the study. Anxiety was correlated with a low RHI (r = -0.40, p = 0.015, 95% CI [-0.64, -0.08]). In females, the depression score was positively correlated with the number of errors in the visuospatial memory task (r = 0.42, p = 0.049; 95% CI [-0.002, 0.70]) and visuospatial working memory (r = 0.57, p = 0.005; 95% CI [0.10, 0.79]). In males, high anxiety and depression scores were negatively correlated with the number of errors in visuospatial working memory task (anxiety: r = -0.77, p = 0.001; 95% CI [-0.91, -0.43]; depression r = -0.61, p = 0.004, 95% CI [-0.82, -0.22], respectively). However, the relationship between cognitive performance and RHI was not significant. Our data suggest that anxiety and depression could be differentially related to cognitive and endothelial functions in a non-clinical population of young adults. More research is needed to confirm these results, understand the pathophysiological mechanisms in more details, and assess the importance of a sex-specific approach.
The relationship between political instability and stock market performance: An analysis of the MSCI index in the case of Pakistan
Authors: Mai Zhiying , Nawaz Saleem Hassan Mujtaba , Kamran Muhammad
Published: October 2023

The stock market is the barometer of the economy that reflects the overall health and direction of the economic development and is affected by different factors including social, environmental and political. It is important to investigate the effect of the political instability on the stock market performance, especially on emerging economies. Therefore, we aim to study the relationship between political instability and stock market performance in Pakistan. To meet our objectives, we used past data from 1996 to 2021. Data are collected from the DataStream data base. MSCI indices are used as the proxy for the Stock market performance of the selected country. World governance six indicators are used in the study as the explanatory variable concentrating the political instability index as the main explanatory variable. Regression analysis is used but two-way robustness analysis was done for the accuracy of the findings through GMM methods and taking GDP as another endogenous variable. Our findings shows that the political stability has significant positive impact on the stock market performance while, political instability has negative impact on stock market performance. Moreover, other governance indicators has a significant positive impact on performance. However, political instability disrupts the operations and economical activities that leads to decrease the investor confidence and also decrease the foreign investment with the increment of the risk in the country. Moreover, our study has some implications for investors to develop the diversified portfolio to minimize the risk and policy makers can increase their foreign direct investment within the economy by controlling the political instability.
The contagion effect of heterogeneous investor groups
Authors: Park A-Young , Oh Gabjin
Published: October 2023

This paper suggests an alternative approach to measuring systemic risk in financial markets by examining the interconnectedness among heterogeneous investors. Utilizing variance decomposition and a trading database from the Korea Stock Exchange spanning 2002-2018, we find that systemic risk, as quantified by total connectedness based on microlevel investor activity, intensifies during both domestic and global financial crises. In addition, our analysis indicates that retail investors, often termed noise traders, are pivotal contributors to the propagation of financial shocks. We also find that portfolios constructed by the sensitivity of total connectedness yield additional returns. This study could enhance our understanding of the contagion effect by incorporating the investor perspective, and the findings could offer valuable insights for policy-makers and regulators.
Race-based biases in psychological distress and treatment judgments
Authors: Kunstman Jonathan W. , Ogungbadero Tade , Deska Jason C. , Bernstein Michael J. , Smith April R. , Hugenberg Kurt
Published: October 2023

Racism creates and sustains mental health disparities between Black and White Americans and the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing harassment directed at Black Americans has exacerbated these inequities. Yet, as the mental health needs of Black Americans rise, there is reason to believe the public paradoxically believes that psychopathology hurts Black individuals less than White individuals and these biased distress judgments affect beliefs about treatment needs. Four studies (two pre-registered) with participants from the American public and the field of mental health support this hypothesis. When presented with identical mental illnesses (e.g., depression, anxiety, schizophrenia), both laypeople and clinicians believed that psychopathology would be less distressing to Black relative to White individuals. These distress biases mediate downstream treatment judgments. Across numerous contexts, racially-biased judgments of psychological distress may negatively affect mental healthcare and social support for Black Americans.
Effect of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists on Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy
Authors: Yao Rebecca , Gala Khushboo S. , Ghusn Wissam , Abboud Donna M. , Wallace Franklyn K. , Vargas Eric J.
Published: October 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Inadequate bowel preparation can result in decreased diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic safety of colonoscopy for colon cancer screening. The Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) has been used to assess the quality of bowel preparation. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) are commonly used medications for diabetes mellitus and obesity that are known to delay gastrointestinal motility. We hypothesized that the use of GLP-1RA would be associated with decreased quality of bowel preparation.

METHODS:

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent screening or surveillance colonoscopy at a large academic medical center between December 2021 and December 2022. We included patients taking any GLP-1RA for diabetes or obesity during colonoscopy defined as our cases, and patients who were prescribed GLP-1RA at one point but not within 3 months of colonoscopy defined as our controls. We excluded patients on any promotility or antimotility agents and those without BBPS recorded on their procedure report. Independent t test assessed statistical differences in the case and control groups to compare the quality of bowel preparation for continuous variables, and the χ2 test was used for categorical variables. Multivariate linear regression including diabetes as a covariate was also performed for continuous variables, and multivariate logistic regression was performed for categorical variables.

RESULTS:

A total of 446 patients were included in the study, comprising 265 (59%) cases and 181 controls (41%). There were no statistically significant differences between groups at baseline except for the diagnosis of diabetes (P = 0.001) with a higher proportion of patients with diabetes in the cases. The mean BBPS was significantly higher in controls (7.0 ± 1.9 vs 7.5 ± 2.4, P = 0.046) when controlling for diabetes. The percentage of patients with a total BBPS score of <5 was significantly higher in cases (15.5% vs 6.6%, P = 0.01). The proportion of patients who required a repeat colonoscopy due to poor bowel preparation was also significantly higher in cases (18.9% vs 11.1%, P = 0.041).

DISCUSSION:

The use of GLP-1RA was associated with a statistically significantly lower quality of bowel preparation, with additional clinical significance given a notable difference in the need for a repeat colonoscopy. It will be essential to understand the cumulative effect of medications that may delay gastric emptying on the quality of bowel preparation to better understand the appropriate measures and counseling that need to be taken before undergoing outpatient colonoscopies.
Kathleen Heugh and Tove Skutnabb-Kangas. 'Multilingual Education Works'. From the Periphery to the Centre. Orient-Biackswan, Hyderabad. 2010. 376 pp.
Authors: Pluddemann Peter
Published: October 2023

In this review of Multilingual Education Works I will be providing an overview of the book before providing chapter summaries that focus on recurring themes. A concluding section offers some suggestions on how an already compelling volume could be enhanced
Les paysans-ouvriers face aux machines dans la Pologne communiste
Authors: Bazin Jérôme
Published: October 2023

Cet article repose sur l’analyse des récits autobiographiques écrits par des paysans-ouvriers en Pologne en 1969. Après avoir présenté les enjeux relatifs à ce type de sources, il se concentre sur les façons dont les machines sont décrites par des indi- vidus qui partagent leur temps entre plusieurs activités et sont au contact aussi bien du monde agricole que du monde industriel ou artisanal. L’article interroge leur rapport aux machines et aborde quatre points à ce propos : comment les machines rendent le travail plus facile, comment les femmes paysannes-ouvrières parlent de cette facilité, comment les machines sont l’occasion de revenir sur l’appréhension de la qualification et du savoir-faire, comment elles sont associées à des lieux et à des mobilités.
« Abandonner le travail à la main » ?
Authors: Lacheze Cyril
Published: October 2023

Cet article examine les modifications des expériences de travail dans les tuileries françaises au XIXe siècle, à une époque de tensions et de transitions entre un modèle d’organisation hérité de l’époque moderne, et de nouvelles réalités issues des deux révolutions industrielles. Les ateliers originels, employant moins d’une dizaine de personnes, établissaient des liens forts avec leurs alentours, ouvriers comme patrons pratiquant la polyactivité et les produits étant généralement vendus dans les communes limitrophes. Le développement des moyens mécaniques eut des effets variables : certaines machines simples, relativement peu coûteuses et ne modifiant pas en profondeur la chaîne opératoire, furent rapidement adoptées. Les machines à mouler remettaient en cause la logique même du travail, et forçaient une mise à niveau de la chaîne opératoire : les établissements qui investirent dans ces innovations gagnèrent dans le dernier quart du siècle une situation monopolistique dans un marché en développement, mettant fin à l’activité de la majeure partie des tuileries ayant conservé leur fonctionnement manuel.
Utilization of Agro industrial Food Processing Wastes and Pollutants for Manufacture of Products of Industrial Value A review
Authors: Ray Swati , Mukherjee Avik , Ghosh Uma
Published: October 2023

Rapid industrialization as a consequence of the population explosion has led to the expansion of the agricultureand food processing sector to feed every mouth and to meet rapidly growing market demand. Extensive harvesting and processing of crops and raw agricultural harvests, and production of secondary and tertiary wastes from industrial manufacturing operations associated with agricultural and food products have impacted the environment in adverse ways, which is causing irreparable damages. To minimize the carbon load on earth, several sustainable technologies have been developed, which can save the environment as well as generate some useful and industrially important products. This review work focuses on the current scenario of these wastes, and their harmful effects on nature in general, and on the environment in particular. It also suggests that sustainable techniques can minimize these harmful impacts, and can instead manufacture some valuable products like antibiotics, enzymes, organic acid, organic chemicals, biomass, pigment, flavors, solid fuel, and bioalcohol. Thus, this is a comprehensive and extensive account of the utilization of agricultural and food processing wastes to derive valuable, useful products.
Takotsubo Syndrome in Black Americans: Insights From the National Inpatient Sample
Authors: Vriz Olga , Mushtaq Ali Hassan , Elshaer Ahmed Nahid , Shaik Abdullah , Landi Irene , Alzahrani Talal
Published: October 2023

Background

Data on race-related differences in the clinical outcomes of Takotsubo syndrome are limited, particularly for Black patients. This study aimed to assess whether race and sex may have an additional impact on the inpatient mortality of patients with Takotsubo syndrome.

Methods

A total of 4,628 patients from the United States' National Inpatient Sample from 2012 to 2016 were identified; propensity score analysis revealed a similar propensity score between Black patients (n = 2,314) and White patients (n = 2,314), which was used to balance observed covariates. Sex and age distributions were identical between the 2 groups. The groups were also similar in baseline characteristics, including cardiovascular risk factors. White patients were compared with Black patients on in-hospital outcomes and inpatient mortality. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to measure the difference in mortality based on race and sex.

Results

Compared with White patients, Black patients had a higher percentage of in-hospital complications, including cerebrovascular accidents (4.9% vs 2.5%, P ≤ .01), acute kidney injury (25% vs 19%, P ≤ .01); longer lengths of stay (8 vs 7 days, P ≤ .01); and higher inpatient mortality (6.1% vs 4.5%, P < .01). When analysis was conducted with race and sex combined, inpatient mortality was higher among Black men than among White women (odds ratio, 2.7 [95% CI, 1.80-3.95]; P ≤ .01).

Conclusion

This study showed that Black patients with Takotsubo syndrome have higher in-hospital complications and inpatient mortality rates. When race and sex were combined, inpatient mortality was significantly higher among Black men than among either White men and women or Black women.
Physicochemical characterization and antibacterial activity of Brazilian artisanal milk kefir
Authors: Azevedo Bilac Carla , Fernandes Silva Rodrigues Letícia , Oliveira de Araújo Marta , Oliveira Gomes Karolina , De Souza Silva Calliandra Maria , Rodrigues da Silva Izabel Cristina , Castilho Orsi Daniela
Published: October 2023

Milk kefir has an acidic taste and creamy consistency and results from the fermentation of milk by the microorganisms present in kefir grains. Milk kefir is known worldwide for its health benefits attributed to various bioactive compounds, including organic acids, bioactive peptides, and bacteriocins. This study evaluated the physicochemical composition of Brazilian artisanal milk kefir samples and studied the antibacterial activity of kefir beverage and of microorganisms isolated from kefir against potentially pathogenic bacteria. During the 24 and 48 h kefir fermentation, reducing sugars and pH decreased and lactic acid concentration increased. Kefir fermented in 48 h completely inhibited the bacterial growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli. Of the 29 microorganisms isolated from kefir, 10 strains (34.5%) showed inhibitory activity against S. aureus, Bacillus cereus, Streptococcus mutans, Klebsiella pneumoniae, S. enterica and E. coli. These strains showed inhibition zones of 12-40 mm against potentially pathogenic bacteria tested. Based on the antagonist capacity of the microorganisms isolated from milk kefir, these strains have potential to be used as food preservatives and as probiotic agents.
Designing superoleophobic and flame retardant coatings from fly ash based on layer-by-layer approach
Authors: Guo Junxiang , Wu Jianlong , Qinggele Jirigele , Zhao Zhixing , Wang Tongbin , Yang Hongjun , Cang Daqiang
Published: October 2023

The superoleophobic, superhydrophilic, and flame-retardant coatings were obtained through layer-by-layer (LBL) technology using fly ash (FA) as the core. Chitosan (CS), phytic acid (PA), and fluorosurfactant (FS50) were assembled onto FA by LBL assembly using the principle of electrostatic adsorption. The CS and PA were recycled assembled on FA core for 10 layers, which was further deposited with FS50 molecules as the final layer (marked as FA@CS-PA10@FS50). Multifunctional coatings consisted of the FA@CS-PA10@FS50 powders and polymer binders were formed and could be used on a variety of substrates of various shape and size. The obtained coatings presented superoleophobicity, superhydrophilicity, and flame retardance. The contact angles (CAs) of coated substrates were all greater than 150° towards various oils (rapeseed oil, diesel, hexadecane, and dodecane), while achieved water CAs as low as 0°. The as-fabricated coatings could efficiently separate different oil/water mixtures and lotions while avoiding pollution of the separated materials. The coatings also achieved superior flame retardance, and the fire was self-extinguished within 13 s. Moreover, it also obtained excellent mechanical durability.
A novel white mouse deer observation in Brunei Darussalam
Authors: Mannion Natasha L. M. , Charles Joseph K. , Gaulton Rachel , How Jerry Wong Sia , Khalid Salwa , Pfeifer Marion , Slik J. W. Ferry
Published: October 2023

Pure white animals have long been regarded as unusual and prized by hunters. For the first time, we report an incidence of a white lesser mouse deer (Tragulus kanchil), observed by camera trap in Brunei Darussalam. This adult individual was recorded on four separate occasions in the same location. Although the underlying cause of this rare phenotype is undeterminable from camera trap images, the individual does not display the pink eyes commonly characteristic of albinism. It is surprising that this individual has survived to adulthood, as its bright white colouration makes it more vulnerable to predation, as well as a target for hunters. Further study of this individual could reveal insights into how it has survived, and the genetic health of the local population of T. kanchil.
Prognostic evaluation of system immune-inflammatory index and prognostic nutritional index in double expressor diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Su Fang , Lian Ke
Published: October 2023

Predicting MYC and BCL2 double-expressor lymphoma prognosis using the system immune-inflammatory index (SII) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) (DEL). From January 2015 to December 2021, 281 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) wax blocks were used to make tissue chips. Screening double expressor lymphoma (DEL) instances involved immunocytochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Academic analysis used clinicopathological characteristics and follow-up data. SII, PNI, and DEL prognosis were correlated using univariate and multivariate cox regression analysis. The median age of 78 DEL patients is 60 (range: 43–74). SII and PNI cut-off values of 603.5, 3.07, and 144 predict PFS and OS well. Lower SII is associated with longer PFS (HR for SII = 0.34, 95% CI 0.15–0.76, P = 0.006; HR for NLR = 0.46, 95% CI 0.22–0.99, P = 0.048; HR for PLR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.17–0.94, P = 0.025; LMR = 0.39, 95%, CI 0.17–0.94, P = 0.025) and OS (HR for SII = 0.16, 95% CI 0.05–0.51, P = 0.005; HR for PNI = 0.20, 95% CI 0.06–0.62, P = 0.002). SII and PNI are promising predictors for twofold expressor DLBCL. Combining these increase prediction accuracy.
A perception-induced /t/-to-/k/ sound change: evidence from a cross-linguistic study
Authors: Chu Man-ni , Gussenhoven Carlos , van Hout Roeland
Published: October 2023

John Ohala claimed that the source of sound change may lie in misperceptions which can be replicated in the laboratory. We tested this claim for a historical change of /t/ to /k/ in the coda in the Southern Min dialect of Chaoshan. We conducted a forced-choice segment identification task with CVC syllables in which the final C varied across the segments [p t k ʔ] in addition to a number of further variables, including the V, which ranged across [i u a]. The results from three groups of participants whose native languages have the coda systems /p t k ʔ/ (Zhangquan), /p k ʔ/ (Chaoshan) and /p t k/ (Dutch) indicate that [t] is the least stably perceived segment overall. It is particularly disfavoured when it follows [a], where there is a bias towards [k]. We argue that this finding supports a perceptual account of the historically documented scenario whereby a change from /at/ to /ak/ preceded and triggered a more general merger of /t/ with /k/ in the coda of Chaoshan. While we grant that perceptual sound changes are not the only or even the most common type of sound change, the fact that the perception results are essentially the same across the three language groups lends credibility to Ohala’s perceptually motivated sound changes.
Hurdles and potentials when implementing internet-delivered Acceptance and commitment therapy for chronic pain: a retrospective appraisal using the Quality implementation framework
Authors: Bendelin Nina , Gerdle Björn , Andersson Gerhard
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Internet-delivered psychological interventions can be regarded as evidence-based practices and have been implemented in psychiatric and somatic care at primary and specialist levels. However, challenges as low adherence and poor routinization, have arisen during attempts to implement internet-delivered interventions in chronic pain settings. Internet-delivered Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (IACT) has been found to be helpful for chronic pain patients and might aid in developing pain rehabilitation services. However, the integration of IACT into standard health care has not yet been described from an implementation science perspective. The aim of this hybrid 1 effectiveness-implementation study was to evaluate the process of implementing IACT in a pain rehabilitation setting, to guide future implementation initiatives.

Methods

In this retrospective study we described actions taken during an implementation initiative, in which IACT was delivered as part of an interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation program (IPRP) at a specialist level clinic. All documents relevant to the study were reviewed and coded using the Quality Improvement Framework (QIF), focusing on adoption, appropriateness and sustainability.

Results

The QIF-analysis of implementation actions resulted in two categories: facilitators and challenges for implementation. Sustainability may be facilitated by sensitivity to the changing needs of a clinical setting and challenged by unfitting capacity building. Appropriateness might be challenged by an insufficient needs assessment and facilitated by aligning routines for communication with the clinic’s existing infrastructure. Adoption may be facilitated by staff key champions and an ability to adapt to occurring hurdles. Possible influential factors, hypotheses and key process challenges are presented in a logic model to guide future initiatives.

Conclusions

Sustainable implementation may depend on both the continuity of facilitating implementation actions and flexibility to the changing needs and interests of patients, caregivers and organization. We conclude that the use of theories, models and frameworks (TMF) as well as a logic model may ease design, planning and evaluation of an implementation process. Lastly, we suggest that IACT may be appropriate for IPRP when given before or after IPRP, focusing on psychiatric comorbidities.
Evaluation of cholinergic enzymes and selected biochemical parameters in the serum of patients with a diagnosis of acute subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Aycan Abdurrahman , Tas Abdurrahim , Yeltekin Asli Cilingir , El-Tekreti Sama Amer Abbas , Arslan Ayse , Arslan Mustafa , Aycan Nur
Published: October 2023

Background

Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is the most severe form of hemorrhagic stroke and accounts for 5–7% of all strokes. Several chemical enzymes and cytokines are thought to cause reactions that may affect the mortality and morbidity of SAH patients. This study aimed to examine the possible relationships between these parameters and the occurrence of SAH and the clinical–radiological parameters in patients with acute SAH.

Methods

This study evaluated 44 patients, including 20 with SAH and 24 controls. We obtained blood from the patients and control groups, which was stored in heparinized tubes and used in determining tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), caspase-3, and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes.

Results

TNF-α, BDNF, AChE, and BChE enzyme levels were not related to the Glasgow Coma scale (GCS) score in the patient group (p > 0.05), whereas higher enzyme levels of caspase-3 were associated with lower GCS scores (p < 0.05). The difference between the control and patient groups in terms of mean TNF-α levels was statistically significant (p < 0.01). The BDNF levels were statistically insignificant in the patient groups (p > 0.05). Caspase-3, AChE, and BChE levels were significantly different between the control and patient groups (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Our results may be valuable for predicting the prognosis, diagnosis, and follow-up of patients with SAH. However, further studies are required to elucidate the relationship between the clinical and radiological results in patients with SAH and certain enzymes, cytokines, and growth factors.
Effizienzsteigerung: Laufwegreduzierung durch Sprachsteuerung
Authors: Norda Marvin , Veenhuis Torben , Engel Christoph , Appell Jens-E. , Hahn Axel
Published: October 2023

Sprache ist die natürlichste Form der Kommunikation, dennoch ist die Industrie bei der Implementierung von Sprachsteuerung als Human Machine Interface (HMI) noch zurückhaltend. Dies liegt vor allem daran, dass Effizienzvorteile noch nicht praxisnah erforscht wurden. Dieser Beitrag stellt eine Methodik zur Abschätzung des Effizienzpotenzials von Sprachsteuerung durch die Reduzierung von Laufwegen vor. Diese wird anschließend anhand von zwei Fallstudien exemplarisch angewendet.
STRUCTURAL VIOLENCE IN ANGOLA
Authors: Mendes Joel Nemona
Published: October 2023

This article aims to analyse the ongoing structural violence in Angola and outline the theoretical framework that are associated with it. Despite the end of the long civil war and the glimmer of peace, post-Cold War and political parties´ ideologies have deeply dived the country up to now. The MPLA government has used brutality against the opposition and incited physical and symbolic violence against the Bakongo and Ovimbundu ethnic groups. Indeed, the signing of the ceasefire in 2002 after the death of Jonas Savimbi did not bring true reconciliation in Angola. Political motivated crimes, the use of excessive force and brutality, kidnapping, mass killing and human rights abuse are common in Angola. Hence, the following guidingquestion arises: How can structural violence be fought in Angola? The theoretical research was based on Bourdieu's concepts of symbolic violence. Qualitative, bibliographic, documentary and empirical studies, with the collection of secondary data were carried out. The results can be fundamental in the search for solutions to promote reconciliation, tolerance and social cohesion through the peaceful resolution of conflicts for the progress of Angola and the humanity as well.
Maximal Fusion Capacity and Efficient Replenishment of the Dense Core Vesicle Pool in Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Baginska Urszula , Moro Alessandro , Toonen Ruud F. , Verhage Matthijs
Published: October 2023

Neuropeptides and neurotrophins, stored in dense core vesicles (DCVs), are together the largest currently known group of chemical signals in the brain. Exocytosis of DCVs requires high-frequency or patterned stimulation, but the determinants to reach maximal fusion capacity and for efficient replenishment of released DCVs are unknown. Here, we systematically studied fusion of DCV with single vesicle resolution on different stimulation patterns in mammalian CNS neurons. We show that tetanic stimulation trains of 50-Hz action potential (AP) bursts maximized DCV fusion, with significantly fewer fusion event during later bursts of the train. This difference was omitted by introduction of interburst intervals but did not increase total DCV fusion. Interburst intervals as short as 5 s were sufficient to restore the fusion capacity. Theta burst stimulation (TBS) triggered less DCV fusion than tetanic stimulation, but a similar fusion efficiency per AP. Prepulse stimulation did not alter this. However, low-frequency stimulation (4 Hz) intermitted with fast ripple stimulation (200 APs at 200 Hz) produced substantial DCV fusion, albeit not as much as tetanic stimulation. Finally, individual fusion events had longer durations with more intense stimulation. These data indicate that trains of 50-Hz AP stimulation patterns triggered DCV exocytosis most efficiently and more intense stimulation promotes longer DCV fusion pore openings.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTNeuropeptides and neurotrophins modulate multiple regulatory functions of human body like reproduction, food intake or mood. They are packed into dense core vesicles (DCVs) that undergo calcium and action potential (AP) fusion with the plasma membrane. In order to study the fusion of DCVsin vitro, techniques like perfusion with buffer containing high concentration of potassium or electric field stimulation are needed to trigger the exocytosis of DCVs. Here, we studied the relationship between DCVs fusion properties and different electric field stimulation patterns. We used six different stimulation patterns and showed that trains of 50-Hz action potential bursts triggered DCV exocytosis most efficiently and more intense stimulation promotes longer DCV fusion pore openings.
POTANSİYEL BİR FONKSİYONEL GIDA OLARAK FARKLI TURP (RAPHANUS SATIVUS) ÇEŞİTLERİNE AİT TOZLARIN KİMYASAL VE FONKSİYONEL ÖZELLİKLERİNİN DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ
Authors: CANKURTARAN KÖMÜRCÜ Tekmile
Published: October 2023

Bu çalışmada, altı farklı turp çeşidinin (Daikon beyaz uzun, Daikon pembe uzun, karpuz, siyah, şalgam ve Antep turp) toz ürün formuna dönüştürülmesi ve gıda katkı maddesi olarak kullanılması üzerine turp çeşitlerinin karşılaştırılması amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaç doğrultusunda farklı turp çeşitlerinin kurutulmasıyla elde edilen tozların renk, pH, nem, bazı kimyasal özellikleri, DSC, fonksiyonel ve toz özellikleri belirlenmiştir. Elde edilen turp tozları arasında Daikon beyaz uzun turp örneklerinin parlaklık ve sarılık değerleri diğer turp örneklerinden daha yüksek bulunmuştur. Şalgam turp örneği toplam fenolik madde, DPPH ve CUPRAC antioksidan aktivite ve su absorpsiyon değeri en yüksek turp çeşidi olarak belirlenmiştir. En yüksek ıslanabilirlik ve çözünebilirlik değerleri Daikon pembe uzun turp örneklerinde (107.0 s ve 59.51 s), en yüksek yığın ve sıkıştırılmış yoğunluk değerleri is siyah turp örneklerinde (0.51 ve 2.02 g/cm3) belirlenmiştir.