bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyperstretching in elongational flow of densely grafted comb and branch-on-branch model polystyrenes
Authors: Hirschberg Valerian , Faust Lorenz , Abbasi Mahdi , Huang Qian , Wilhelm Manfred , Wagner Manfred H.
Published: February 2024

Strain hardening of long-chain branched polymers in elongational flow occurs due to the stretch of the backbone chain between branch points. With an increasing number of side arms, the length of the backbone chain segment between two branch points of a comb decreases. Of particular interest is the case when the number Nb of arms per entanglement length of the polymer is larger than one. This leads not only to larger strain hardening but also to hyperstretching, i.e., the elongational stress growth shows an enhanced increase with strain. We consider elongational data reported by Abbasi et al. [Macromolecules 50(15), 5964–5977 (2017)] and Faust et al. [Macromol. Chem. Phys. 224(1), 2200214 (2023)] on a series of comb and branch-on-branch polystyrene (PS) melts with the average number Nb of branches per entanglement segment of the backbone ranging from Nb = 0.2 to Nb = 9.5. In addition, we present measurements of the elongational viscosity of two PS combs with Nb = 4.7 as well as of blends consisting of 5 to 50 wt. % of a PS comb and a monodisperse linear PS. Analysis by the hierarchical multimode molecular stress function model shows that while backbone chains of loosely grafted combs with Nb < 1 are stretched affinely in elongational flow, backbone chains of more densely grafted combs with Nb > 1 show increasing hyperstretching with increasing Nb. The elongational data of the comb/linear blends confirm that hyperstretching is an intrinsic property of the comb macromolecule with Nb > 1, independent of its concentration in the blend. While this is of considerable interest from a modeling point of view, hyperstretching causing an enhanced increase of the elongational stress growth can also have a significant impact on the processability of polymers, and quantification of this effect is, therefore, important.
Flow induced rigidity percolation in shear thickening suspensions
Authors: Goyal Abhay , Martys Nicos S. , Del Gado Emanuela
Published: February 2024

Discontinuous shear thickening (DST) is associated with a sharp rise in a suspension’s viscosity with increasing applied shear rate or stress. Key signatures of DST, highlighted in recent studies, are the very large fluctuations of the measured stress as the suspension thickens with increasing rate. A clear link between microstructural development and the dramatic increase in stress fluctuations has not been established yet. To identify the microstructural underpinnings of this behavior, we perform simulations of sheared dense suspensions. Through an analysis of the particle contact network, we identify a subset of constrained particles that contributes directly to the rapid rise in viscosity and large stress fluctuations. Indeed, both phenomena can be explained by the growth and percolation of constrained particle networks—in direct analogy to rigidity percolation. A finite size scaling analysis confirms this to be a percolation phenomenon and allows us to estimate the critical exponents. Our findings reveal the specific microstructural self-organization transition that underlies DST.
SKIPping With PAX: Evaluating the Effects of a Dual-Component Intervention on Gross Motor Skill and Social–Emotional Development
Authors: Brian Ali , Munn Emily E. , Abrams T. Cade , Case Layne , Taunton Miedema Sally , Stribing Alexandra , Lee Unjong , Griffin Stephen
Published: February 2024

Improving the development of the social, emotional, and physical domains during early childhood impacts the overall trajectory of a child’s well-being. However, researchers often address these independently, leaving a gap for a more integrated approach to promoting development. This study explores the effects of a dual-component intervention on changes in preschool-aged boys’ and girls’ gross motor and social–emotional skills. Preschoolers (N = 475; girls = 220 and boys = 255) ages 3–6 years completed the 9-month dual-component intervention and were randomized into control (n = 148) or intervention (n = 327) groups by classroom. Significant improvements were observed in social skills, locomotor, and total Test of Gross Motor Development-3. Additionally, boys and girls improved at the same rate in ball skills, locomotor, and total Test of Gross Motor Development-3. These results suggest that the dual-component intervention can improve preschoolers’ social skills and motor skills with no differential effects.
Mutant p53 protects triple-negative breast adenocarcinomas from ferroptosis in vivo
Authors: Dibra Denada , Xiong Shunbin , Moyer Sydney M. , El-Naggar Adel K. , Qi Yuan , Su Xiaoping , Kong Elisabeth K. , Korkut Anil , Lozano Guillermina
Published: February 2024

The
TP53
tumor suppressor gene is mutated early in most of the patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The most frequent
TP53
alterations are missense mutations that contribute to tumor aggressiveness. Here, we used an autochthonous somatic TNBC mouse model, in which mutant p53 can be toggled on and off genetically while leaving the tumor microenvironment intact and wild-type for p53 to identify physiological dependencies on mutant p53. In TNBCs that develop in this model, deletion of two different hotspot p53R172H and p53R245W mutants triggers ferroptosis in vivo, a cell death mechanism involving iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Mutant p53 protects cells from ferroptosis inducers, and ferroptosis inhibitors reverse the effects of mutant p53 loss in vivo. Single-cell transcriptomic data revealed that mutant p53 protects cells from undergoing ferroptosis through NRF2-dependent regulation of
Mgst3
and
Prdx6
, which encode two glutathione-dependent peroxidases that detoxify lipid peroxides. Thus, mutant p53 protects TNBCs from ferroptotic death.
Complete genome sequence of
Luteolibacter
sp. strain LG18, an
L
-glucose-utilizing bacterium isolated from soil
Authors: Yachida Masashi , Nakamura Akira
Published: February 2024

An L-glucose-utilizing bacterium,
Luteolibacter
sp. strain LG18, was isolated from soil, and the complete genome sequence was determined. Strain LG18 contained a single circular chromosome of 5.80 Mb with a G + C content of 64.5%, in which 4,598 protein-coding genes, 9 rRNA, and 56 tRNA genes were identified.
MicroMPN: methods and software for high-throughput screening of microbe suppression in mixed populations
Authors: Franco Meléndez Karla , Schuster Layla , Donahey Melinda Chue , Kairalla Emily , Jansen M. Andrew , Reisch Christopher , Rivers Adam R.
Published: February 2024

Screening assays are used to test if one or more microbes suppress a pathogen of interest. In the presence of more than one microbe, the screening method must be able to accurately distinguish viable pathogen cells from non-viable and non-target microbes in a sample. Current screening methods are time-consuming and require special reagents to detect viability in mixed microbial communities. Screening assays performed using soil or other complex matrices present additional challenges for screening. Here, we develop an experimental workflow based on the most probable number (MPN) assay for testing the ability of synthetic microbial communities to suppress a soil-borne pathogen. Our approach, fluorMPN, uses a fluorescently labeled pathogen and microplate format to enable high-throughput comparative screening. In parallel, we developed a command-line tool, MicroMPN, which significantly reduces the complexity of calculating MPN values from microplates. We compared the performance of the fluorMPN assay with spotting on agar and found that both methods produced strongly correlated counts of equal precision. The suppressive effect of synthetic communities on the pathogen was equally recoverable by both methods. The application of this workflow for discriminating which communities lead to pathogen reduction helps narrow down candidates for additional characterization. Together, the resources offered here are meant to facilitate and simplify the application of MPN-based assays for comparative screening projects.

IMPORTANCE

We created a unified set of software and laboratory protocols for screening microbe libraries to assess the suppression of a pathogen in a mixed microbial community. Existing methods of fluorescent labeling were combined with the most probable number (MPN) assay in a microplate format to enumerate the reduction of a pathogenic soil microbe from complex soil matrices. This work provides a fluorescent expression vector available from Addgene, step-by-step laboratory protocols hosted by protocols.io, and MicroMPN, a command-line software for processing plate reader outputs. MicroMPN simplifies MPN estimation from 96- and 384-well microplates. The microplate screening assay is amenable to robotic automation with standard liquid handling robots, further reducing the hands-on processing time. This tool was designed to evaluate synthetic microbial communities for use as microbial inoculates or probiotics. The fluorMPN method is also useful for screening chemical and antimicrobial libraries for pathogen suppression in complex bacterial communities like soil.
Chan–Lam N-Arylation of Adamantane-Containing Amines
Authors: Kuliukhina D. S. , Malysheva A. S. , Averin A. D. , Savelyev E. N. , Orlinson B. S. , Novakov I. A. , Beletskaya I. P.
Published: February 2024

The Chan–Lam reaction conditions were optimized for the synthesis of N-aryl derivatives of adamantane-containing amines. A number of adamantane-containing amines and diamines with different steric hindrances at the primary amino groups were reacted with p-tolylboronic acid under the optimized conditions [0.1 M solution of amine in MeCN, p-tolylboronic acid (2 equiv), DBU (2 equiv), copper(II) acetate (20 mol %), 25°C, 24 h]. The reactivity of the amines was found to strongly depend on their structure, and the maximum yield of the target products reached 74% from the monoamines and 66% from the diamines.
Double burden of malnutrition and associated factors among women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa: a multilevel multinomial logistic regression analysis
Authors: Seifu Beminate Lemma , Mare Kusse Urmale , Legesse Bruck Tesfaye , Tebeje Tsion Mulat
Published: February 2024

Background

Globally, malnutrition among women of reproductive age is on the rise and significantly contributing to non-communicable disease, deaths and disability. Even though the double burden of malnutrition (DBM) is a common problem among women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), there are limited studies examining the factors contributing to underweight, overweight, and obesity at the SSA level.

Objective

To determine the factors associated with the DBM, and their relative magnitude, among women of reproductive age in SSA.

Design

Cross-sectional study design.

Setting

33 SSA countries.

Participants

240 414 women of reproductive age.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

A multilevel multinomial logistic regression model was applied to identify factors associated with malnutrition. The adjusted relative risk ratio with 95% CI was used to declare the statistical significance of the association.

Results

The pooled prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity among women in SSA were 8.87%, 16.47% and 6.10%, respectively. Women who are from rural residence and smoke cigarettes were more likely to be underweight. Conversely, women between the age of 24–34 and 35–49, who have higher education, belong to a middle and rich household, are ever married, have high parity, use contraceptives, have media exposure and smoke cigarettes were more likely to be overweight and/or obese.

Conclusion

The findings of our study suggest that certain factors such as residence, education status, wealth, marital status, occupation, cigarette smoking, and contraceptive use have a significant assocation with malnutrition among women. Therefore, it is important for public health programs aimed at preventing the double burden of malnutrition to focus on these factors through comprehensive public awareness and cost-effective operational health interventions.
Role of HDL cholesterol in anthracycline-induced subclinical cardiotoxicity: a prospective observational study in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with R-CHOP
Authors: Ou Wenxin , Jiang Tiantian , Zhang Nan , Lu Kai , Weng Yue , Zhou Xi , Wang Dong , Dong Qian , Tang Xiaoqiong
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity is a debilitating cardiac dysfunction for which there are no effective treatments, making early prevention of anthracycline-induced subclinical cardiotoxicity (AISC) crucial. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) plays a role in cardioprotection, but its impact on AISC remains unclear. Our study aims to elucidate the protective capacity of HDL-C in AISC in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) treated with R-CHOP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, prednisone and rituximab).

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Conducted in China from September 2020 to September 2022.

Participants

70 chemotherapy-naïve patients newly diagnosed with DLBCL who were scheduled to receive the standard dose of R-CHOP; 60 participants included in a case–control study (DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10085-6).

Primary outcome measures

Serum biomarkers, 2D speckle tracking echocardiography and conventional echocardiography were measured at baseline, at the end of the third and sixth cycles of R-CHOP and 6 and 12 months after chemotherapy.

Results

24 patients experienced AISC, while 10 did not. 36 patients were lost to follow-up and death. Cox regression analysis showed that higher levels of HDL-C were associated with a significantly lower risk of AISC (unadjusted HR=0.24, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.67, p=0.006; adjusted HR=0.27, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.79, p=0.017). Patients without AISC had a more stable and higher HDL-C level during the follow-up period. HDL-C levels significantly decreased from the end of the third cycle of chemotherapy to the end of the sixth cycle of chemotherapy in all patients (p=0.034), and particularly in the AISC group (p=0.003). The highest level of HDL-C was significantly higher in patients without AISC than in those with AISC (1.52±0.49 vs 1.22±0.29, p=0.034).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that higher HDL-C levels may associate with lower AISC risk in patients with DLBCL treated with R-CHOP. HDL-C could be a cardioprotective target, but further research is needed to confirm its benefits and limitations.

Study registration number

Study registration number: ChiCTR2100054721
Prolonged Remission Induced by FENofibrate in children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes (PRIFEN): protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Groele Lidia , Dżygało Katarzyna , Kowalska Agnieszka , Szypowska Agnieszka
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Sphingolipids regulate proinsulin folding, insulin secretion and control beta cells apoptosis. Recent evidence has demonstrated that, among other factors, reduced amounts of sulfatide may be relevant in the development of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Thus, fenofibrate, which activates sulfatide biosynthesis, may prolong remission in subjects with T1D. The aim of the study is to evaluate clinical efficacy of fenofibrate on the maintenance of residual beta-cell function in children with newly diagnosed T1D.

Methods and analysis

A total of 102 children aged 10–17 years with newly diagnosed T1D will be enrolled in a double-blind, two-centre randomised, non-commercial, placebo-controlled trial. Subjects who will meet all inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned to receive fenofibrate at a dose of 160 mg or an identically appearing placebo, orally, once daily, for 12 months. The primary endpoint will be the area under the curve of the C-peptide level during 2-hour responses to a mixed-meal tolerance test (MMTT). Secondary endpoints include fasting and maximum C-peptide concentration in the MMTT, parameters of diabetes control and glucose fluctuations, daily insulin requirement, inflammation markers, genetic analysis, safety and tolerance of the fenofibrate

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol was approved by the Bioethics Committee. The results of this study will be submitted to a peer-reviewed diabetic journal. Abstracts will be submitted to international and national conferences.

Trial registration number

EnduraCT 2020-003916-28.
Prevalence and correlates of depression and anxiety symptoms among older adults in Shenzhen, China: a cross-sectional population-based study
Authors: Peng Xiaodong , Zhang Shengming , You Liqin , Hu Wenxuan , Jin Shan , Wang Jianhong
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To investigate the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms among older adults in an urban district in China, as well as their associated factors.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

General communities in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.

Participants

A total of 5372 community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years or older were initially recruited. Ultimately, 5331 participants met the inclusion criteria and were included in this study.

Methods

Participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, along with assessments including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalised Anxiety Scale-7, UCLA Loneliness Simplification Scale, Insomnia Severity Index Scale (ISI), Community Dementia Brief Screening Scale and the 8-item Dementia Screening Questionnaire. Statistical analyses included the Shapiro-Wilk test, independent t-test, Wilcoxon rank test, χ2test and univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis.

Results

The prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms among older adults in Shenzhen communities was 10.4% and 11.3%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, age (B=−0.01, p<0.05), relatively poor health status in the past year (B=1.00, p<0.01), poor health status in the past year (B=2.40, p<0.01), ISI score (B=0.21, p<0.01), -item Ascertain Dementia Questionnaire (AD8) score (B=0.22, p<0.01), UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS) score (B=0.24, p<0.01) were significantly associated with the severity of depression symptom, Compared with their respective reference categories, relatively poor health status in the past year (B=0.50, p<0.01), poor health status in the past year (B=1.32, p<0.01), ISI score (B=0.23, p<0.01), sleep duration (B=0.05, p<0.01), AD8 score (B=0.21, p<0.01), Community Screening Instrument for Dementia score (B=0.13, p<0.01), ULS score (B=0.22, p<0.01) were significantly associated with the severity of anxiety symptom.

Conclusions

We observed a high prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms among older adults in this study. The existing welfare system and infrastructure should remain and targeted mental health programmes addressing the identified risk factors should be proposed.
Qualitative study investigating the professional and personal effects of patient suicide on general practitioners in Northern Ireland
Authors: McAnee Grainne , Norwood Kelly , Leavey Gerard
Published: February 2024

Objective

There is a dearth in suicide literature addressing the impact on general practitioners (GPs) of losing a patient. We aimed to examine the personal and professional impact as well as the availability of support and why GPs did or did not use it.

Design

A qualitative study using one-to-one interviews with participants recruited using snowball sampling.

Setting

The study was conducted in a primary care setting.

Participants

Interviews were held with 19 GPs within primary care in Northern Ireland.

Results

GPs are impacted both personally and professionally when they lose a patient to suicide, but may not access formal help due to commonly held idealised notions of a ‘good’ GP who is regarded as having solid imperturbability. Fear of professional repercussions also plays a major role in deterring help-seeking.

Conclusions

There is a need for a systemic culture shift within general practice which allows doctors to seek support when their physical or mental health require it. This may help prevent stress, burnout and early retirement.
Examining behaviour change techniques (BCTs) in technology-based interventions for enhancing social participation in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Zhu Di , Al Mahmud Abdullah , Liu Wei
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Technology-based interventions have improved the social participation of older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. Nevertheless, how these interventions modify social participation remains to be seen, and what efficient behaviour change techniques (BCTs) have been used. As such, this study aims to conduct a scoping review, identifying the features and BCTs behind technology-based interventions that improve social participation for individuals with MCI or dementia.

Methods and analysis

The scoping review method will be used to search journal articles from electronic databases, such as PsycINFO, PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus and reference lists. Following the population, concept and context structure, this study focuses on adults over 60 diagnosed with MCI or dementia. It delves into technology-based interventions, specifically focusing on BCTs, features and overall effectiveness for improving social participation. The research considers contextual factors, exploring the diverse settings where these interventions are used, including homes, healthcare facilities and community centres. This approach aims to provide nuanced insights into the impact of technology-based interventions on social participation in the targeted demographic. Two authors will independently screen titles, abstracts and full texts using Covidence software. Disagreements will be resolved through consensus or a third reviewer, and reasons for exclusion will be documented. We will conduct a detailed analysis of BCTs to pinpoint effective strategies applicable to future technology-based intervention designs. Through this scoping review, we aim to provide valuable insights that guide the direction of future research. Specifically, we seek to inform the development of effective technology-based interventions tailored to support social participation for people with MCI or dementia.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not necessary, as this review will use available articles from electronic databases. The outcome of the study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Protocol registration number

https://osf.io/tkzuf/
Manchester Intermittent Diet in Gestational Diabetes Acceptability Study (MIDDAS-GDM): a two-arm randomised feasibility protocol trial of an intermittent low-energy diet (ILED) in women with gestational diabetes and obesity in Greater Manchester
Authors: Dapre Elizabeth , Issa Basil G , Harvie Michelle , Su Ting-Li , McMillan Brian , Pilkington Andrea , Hanna Fahmy , Vyas Avni , Mackie Sarah , Yates James , Evans Benjamin , Mubita Womba , Lombardelli Cheryl
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is rising in the UK and is associated with maternal and neonatal complications. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance advises first-line management with healthy eating and physical activity which is only moderately effective for achieving glycaemic targets. Approximately 30% of women require medication with metformin and/or insulin. There is currently no strong evidence base for any particular dietary regimen to improve outcomes in GDM. Intermittent low-energy diets (ILEDs) are associated with improved glycaemic control and reduced insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes and could be a viable option in the management of GDM. This study aims to test the safety, feasibility and acceptability of an ILED intervention among women with GDM compared with best National Health Service (NHS) care.

Method and analysis

We aim to recruit 48 women with GDM diagnosed between 24 and 30 weeks gestation from antenatal clinics at Wythenshawe and St Mary’s hospitals, Manchester Foundation Trust, over 13 months starting in November 2022. Participants will be randomised (1:1) to ILED (2 low-energy diet days/week of 1000 kcal and 5 days/week of the best NHS care healthy diet and physical activity advice) or best NHS care 7 days/week until delivery of their baby. Primary outcomes include uptake and retention of participants to the trial and adherence to both dietary interventions. Safety outcomes will include birth weight, gestational age at delivery, neonatal hypoglycaemic episodes requiring intervention, neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia, admission to special care baby unit or neonatal intensive care unit, stillbirths, the percentage of women with hypoglycaemic episodes requiring third-party assistance, and significant maternal ketonaemia (defined as ≥1.0 mmol/L). Secondary outcomes will assess the fidelity of delivery of the interventions, and qualitative analysis of participant and healthcare professionals’ experiences of the diet. Exploratory outcomes include the number of women requiring metformin and/or insulin.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been granted by the Cambridge East Research Ethics Committee (22/EE/0119). Findings will be disseminated via publication in peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations and shared with diabetes charitable bodies and organisations in the UK, such as Diabetes UK and the Association of British Clinical Diabetologists.

Trial registration number

NCT05344066.
A Digitally Enabled, Pharmacist service to detecT medicine harms in residential aged care (nursing home) (ADEPT): protocol for a feasibility study
Authors: Boord Monique S , Brown Peter , Soriano Julian , Meola Tahlia , Dumuid Dorothea , Milte Rachel , Roughead Elizabeth E , Lovell Nigel H , Stone Helen , Whitehouse Joseph , Janetzki Jack L , Gebreyohannes Eyob Alemayehu , Lim Renly
Published: February 2024

Introduction

This feasibility study aims to develop and test a new model of practice in Australia using digital technologies to enable pharmacists to monitor early signs and symptoms of medicine-induced harms in residential aged care.

Methods and analysis

Thirty residents will be recruited from an aged care facility in South Australia. The study will be conducted in two phases. In phase I, the study team will work with aged care software providers and developers of digital technologies (a wearable activity tracker and a sleep tracking sensor) to gather physical activity and sleep data, as well as medication and clinical data from the electronic medication management system and aged care clinical software. Data will be centralised into a cloud-based monitoring platform (TeleClinical Care (TCC)). The TCC will be used to create dashboards that will include longitudinal visualisations of changes in residents’ health, function and medicine use over time. In phase II, the on-site pharmacist will use the centralised TCC platform to monitor each resident’s medicine, clinical, physical activity and sleep data to identify signs of medicine-induced harms over a 12-week period.

A mixed methods process evaluation applying the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) evaluation framework will be used to assess the feasibility of the service. Outcome measures include service reach, changes in resident symptom scores (measured using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System), number of medication adverse events detected, changes in physical activity and sleep, number of pharmacist recommendations provided, cost analysis and proportion of all pharmacists’ recommendations implemented at 4-week, 8-week and 12-week postbaseline period.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained from the University of South Australia’s Human Research Ethics Committee (205098). Findings will be disseminated through published manuscripts, conference presentations and reporting to the study funder.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12623000506695.
Brain health measurement: a scoping review
Authors: Lee Angeline , Shah Suraj , Atha Karyna , Indoe Peter , Mahmoud Naira , Niblett Guy , Pradhan Vidushi , Roberts Nia , Malouf Reem Saleem , Topiwala Anya
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Preservation of brain health is an urgent priority for the world’s ageing population. The evidence base for brain health optimisation strategies is rapidly expanding, but clear recommendations have been limited by heterogeneity in measurement of brain health outcomes. We performed a scoping review to systematically evaluate brain health measurement in the scientific literature to date, informing development of a core outcome set.

Design

Scoping review.

Data sources

Medline, APA PsycArticles and Embase were searched through until 25 January 2023.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Studies were included if they described brain health evaluation methods in sufficient detail in human adults and were in English language.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts and full texts for inclusion and extracted data using Covidence software.

Results

From 6987 articles identified by the search, 727 studies met inclusion criteria. Study publication increased by 22 times in the last decade. Cohort study was the most common study design (n=609, 84%). 479 unique methods of measuring brain health were identified, comprising imaging, cognitive, mental health, biological and clinical categories. Seven of the top 10 most frequently used brain health measurement methods were imaging based, including structural imaging of grey matter and hippocampal volumes and white matter hyperintensities. Cognitive tests such as the trail making test accounted for 286 (59.7%) of all brain health measurement methods.

Conclusions

The scientific literature surrounding brain health has increased exponentially, yet measurement methods are highly heterogeneous across studies which may explain the lack of clinical translation. Future studies should aim to develop a selected group of measures that should be included in all brain health studies to aid interstudy comparison (core outcome set), and broaden from the current focus on neuroimaging outcomes to include a range of outcomes.
Impact of digital assistive technologies on the quality of life for people with dementia: a scoping review
Authors: Schneider Charlotte , Nißen Marcia , Kowatsch Tobias , Vinay Rasita
Published: February 2024

Background

Digital assistive technologies (DATs) have emerged as promising tools to support the daily life of people with dementia (PWD). Current research tends to concentrate either on specific categories of DATs or provide a generic view. Therefore, it is of essence to provide a review of different kinds of DATs and how they contribute to improving quality of life (QOL) for PWD.

Design

Scoping review using the framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley and recommendations from Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews.

Data sources

Cochrane, Embase, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science (January 2013 to May 2023).

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Completed scientific literature with a primary focus on DATs for PWD, perspectives of caregivers, family members or healthcare workers in relation to a PWD, people living in diverse settings and all severities of dementia.

Data extraction and synthesis

Screening and data extraction were conducted, followed by quantitative and qualitative analyses using thematic analysis principles and Digital Therapeutics Alliance categories for DAT grouping.

Results

The literature search identified 6083 records, with 1056 duplicates. After screening, 4560 full texts were excluded, yielding 122 studies of different designs. The DATs were categorised into digital therapeutics (n=109), patient monitoring (n=30), digital diagnostics (n=2), care support (n=2) and health system clinical software (n=1). These categories were identified to impact various aspects of QOL: preserving autonomy, engagement, and social interaction, health monitoring and promotion, improving activities of daily living, improving cognition, maintaining dignity, managing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia and safety/surveillance.

Conclusions

Various DATs offer extensive support, elevating the QOL of PWD. Digital therapeutics are predominantly used for ageing-in-place and independent living through assistance with daily tasks. Future research should focus on less-represented digital health technology categories, such as care support, health & wellness or software solutions. Observing ongoing DAT developments and their long-term effects on QOL remains essential.
Questioning approaches to consent in time critical obstetric trials: findings from a mixed-methods study
Authors: Deja Elizabeth , Weeks Andrew , Van Netten Charlotte , Gamble Carrol , Meher Shireen , Gyte Gillian , Lavender Tina , Woolfall Kerry
Published: February 2024

Objective

Trial legislation enables research to be conducted without prior consent (RWPC) in emergency situations, yet this approach has rarely been used in time-critical obstetric trials. This study explored views and experiences of antenatal recruitment and consent and RWPC in an emergency intrapartum randomised clinical trial.

Design

Embedded, mixed-methods study within a trial, involving questionnaires, recorded recruitment discussions, interviews and focus groups in the first 13 months of trial recruitment (December 2020–January 2022).

Setting

COPE is a double-blind randomised controlled trial, comparing the effectiveness of carboprost or oxytocin as first-line treatment of postpartum haemorrhage.

Participants

Two hundred and eighty-six people (190 women/96 birth partners), linked to 198/380 (52%) COPE recruits participated in the embedded study. Of these, 272 completed a questionnaire (178 women/94 birth partners), 22 were interviewed (19 women/3 birth partners) and 16 consent discussions with 12 women were recorded. Twenty-seven staff took part in three focus groups and nine staff were interviewed.

Results

Participants recommended that information about the study should be more accessible antenatally for those who wish to be informed. Most women and staff did not think it would be appropriate to seek consent during pregnancy or early labour as it may cause ‘unnecessary panic’ and lead to research waste, as most women would not become eligible. There was support for the use of RWPC as COPE interventions are used in standard clinical practice and viewed as low risk. Women who were approached about the trial while having a postpartum haemorrhage also supported RWPC as they could not recall research discussions.

Conclusions

Findings support the use of RWPC for time-critical interventions, and raise questions about the appropriateness of other commonly used consent pathways, including antenatal consent and verbal assent.
Virtual quality improvement collaborative with primary care practices during COVID-19: a case study within a clinically integrated network
Authors: Rohweder Catherine L , Morrison Abigail , Mottus Kathleen , Young Alexa , Caton Lauren , Booth Ronni , Reed Christine , Shea Christopher M , Stover Angela M
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Quality improvement collaboratives (QICs) are a common approach to facilitate practice change and improve care delivery. Attention to QIC implementation processes and outcomes can inform best practices for designing and delivering collaborative content. In partnership with a clinically integrated network, we evaluated implementation outcomes for a virtual QIC with independent primary care practices delivered during COVID-19.

Methods

We conducted a longitudinal case study evaluation of a virtual QIC in which practices participated in bimonthly online meetings and monthly tailored QI coaching sessions from July 2020 to June 2021. Implementation outcomes included: (1) level of engagement (meeting attendance and poll questions), (2) QI capacity (assessments completed by QI coaches), (3) use of QI tools (plan-do-check-act (PDCA) cycles started and completed) and (4) participant perceptions of acceptability (interviews and surveys).

Results

Seven clinics from five primary care practices participated in the virtual QIC. Of the seven sites, five were community health centres, three were in rural counties and clinic size ranged from 1 to 7 physicians. For engagement, all practices had at least one member attend all online QIC meetings and most (9/11 (82%)) poll respondents reported meeting with their QI coach at least once per month. For QI capacity, practice-level scores showed improvements in foundational, intermediate and advanced QI work. For QI tools used, 26 PDCA cycles were initiated with 9 completed. Most (10/11 (91%)) survey respondents were satisfied with their virtual QIC experience. Twelve interviews revealed additional themes such as challenges in obtaining real-time data and working with multiple electronic medical record systems.

Discussion

A virtual QIC conducted with independent primary care practices during COVID-19 resulted in high participation and satisfaction. QI capacity and use of QI tools increased over 1 year. These implementation outcomes suggest that virtual QICs may be an attractive alternative to engage independent practices in QI work.
When is C(X) a p.p. local, a p.f. local or an r-local ring?
Authors: Azarpanah F. , Mohamadian R. , Saeidi A.
Published: February 2024

An element [Formula: see text] of a ring [Formula: see text] is called a p.p. (respectively, p.f.) element if the principal ideal [Formula: see text] is projective (respectively, flat) and a ring is called a p.p. (respectively, p.f.) ring if its every element is a p.p. (respectively, p.f.) element. As a natural generalization of these notions, a ring [Formula: see text] is called a p.p. (respectively, p.f.) local ring if for each [Formula: see text] either [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] is a p.p. (respectively, p.f.) element. We have shown that [Formula: see text] is a p.p. (respectively, p.f.) local ring if and only if at most one point of the space [Formula: see text] fails to be a basically disconnected point (respectively, [Formula: see text]-point) or equivalently, [Formula: see text] contains a maximal ideal [Formula: see text] such that each element of [Formula: see text], is a p.p. (respectively, p.f.) element. A ring with a unique regular maximal ideal is called an [Formula: see text]-local ring. To continue this approach, we introduce a space in which at most one point fails to be an almost [Formula: see text]-point, namely, essential almost[Formula: see text]-space, and we observe that non-almost [Formula: see text]-spaces which are essential almost [Formula: see text]-spaces are exactly the spaces which guarantee that [Formula: see text] to be an [Formula: see text]-local ring. Algebraic characterizations of these spaces are given and it is shown that [Formula: see text] is an essential almost [Formula: see text]-space if and only if every regular [Formula: see text]-ideal of [Formula: see text] is prime, if and only if the smallest [Formula: see text]-ideal containing each regular ideal of [Formula: see text] is a maximal ideal. Finally, we give a diagram summarizing the relations between the spaces we studied in the paper.
Rigorous Solution for the Kinematic Response of Single Disconnected Piles Subjected to Vertically Incident P-Waves
Authors: Hu Chenglong , Liu Qijian , Deng Tao , Zeng Lei
Published: February 2024

A rigorous solution for the kinematic response of the disconnected piles under vertically incident P-waves is presented. A new soil–pile column model is proposed with two fictitious soil columns as the extensions of the shaft along the pile top and tip. The discontinuity of the pile at the two ends is modeled using the Heaviside function to simulate the continuity of the soil–pile column. The total displacement of the soil is divided into the free-field and scattered components. The displacement of the soil–pile system is calculated in terms of the method of separation of variables and the soil–pile interaction. A parametric study indicates that for the disconnected pile, the displacement at the pile top increases significantly with the increase of the cushion thickness, and its effect on the scattered field is weak. The axial force of the disconnected pile decreases gradually with the increase of the cushion thickness. The displacement and axial force of the disconnected pile are significantly influenced by the slenderness ratio of the pile.
Just Transition in Response to Climate Change: A Case Study of Trans-Altitude Migrant Resettlement on the Qinghai–Xizang Plateau
Authors: HUANG Jihui , JIANG Wei , CAO Dongdong , ZHAN Yige
Published: February 2024

As a measure toward a joint target of promoting residents’ life, combating climate change, and protecting ecosystem in the Qinghai–Xizang Plateau, migrant resettlement has made a remarkable achievement not only in preserving the ecological environment and building climate barriers, but also in significantly upgrading the residents’ life quality. Yet, it also faces a multitude of challenges, such as the issue of just transition, which concerns the international community. To promote a just transition, the primary challenge lies in addressing the imbalance between the supply and demand in the resettlement. This includes matching the supply of public services with the material needs related to production and residents’ life, as well as the alignment between the residents’ cultural and psychological identification and the grassroots services available. Using Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as a theoretical framework, this paper examines just transition in migrant resettlement on the Qinghai–Xizang Plateau from a supply–demand perspective based on follow-up fieldwork, and argues that the local community has achieved significant progress in promoting just transition in terms of material security, spiritual needs, and self-development, but further efforts should still be made to improve just transition and ensure a more sustainable future.
Identification and Verification of Novel Biomarkers Involving Rheumatoid Arthritis with Multimachine Learning Algorithms: An In Silicon and In Vivo Study
Authors: Liu Fucun , Ye Juelan , Wang Shouli , Li Yang , Yang Yuhang , Xiao Jianru , Jiang Aimin , Lu Xuhua , Zhu Yunli
Published: February 2024

Background. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains one of the most prevalent chronic joint diseases. However, due to the heterogeneity among RA patients, there are still no robust diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of RA. Methods. We retrieved RA-related and pan-cancer information datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases, respectively. Six gene expression profiles and corresponding clinical information of GSE12021, GSE29746, GSE55235, GSE55457, GSE77298, and GSE89408 were adopted to perform differential expression gene analysis, enrichment, and immune component difference analyses of RA. Four machine learning algorithms, including LASSO, RF, XGBoost, and SVM, were used to identify RA-related biomarkers. Unsupervised cluster analysis was also used to decipher the heterogeneity of RA. A four-signature-based nomogram was constructed and verified to specifically diagnose RA and osteoarthritis (OA) from normal tissues. Consequently, RA-HFLS cell was utilized to investigate the biological role of CRTAM in RA. In addition, comparisons of diagnostic efficacy and biological roles among CRTAM and other classic biomarkers of RA were also performed. Results. Immune and stromal components were highly enriched in RA. Chemokine- and Th cell-related signatures were significantly activated in RA tissues. Four promising and novel biomarkers, including CRTAM, PTTG1IP, ITGB2, and MMP13, were identified and verified, which could be treated as novel treatment and diagnostic targets for RA. Nomograms based on the four signatures might aid in distinguishing and diagnosing RA, which reached a satisfactory performance in both training (AUC = 0.894) and testing (AUC = 0.843) cohorts. Two distinct subtypes of RA patients were identified, which further verified that these four signatures might be involved in the immune infiltration process. Furthermore, knockdown of CRTAM could significantly suppress the proliferation and invasion ability of RA cell line and thus could be treated as a novel therapeutic target. CRTAM owned a great diagnostic performance for RA than previous biomarkers including MMP3, S100A8, S100A9, IL6, COMP, LAG3, and ENTPD1. Mechanically, CRTAM could also be involved in the progression through immune dysfunction, fatty acid metabolism, and genomic instability across several cancer subtypes. Conclusion. CRTAM, PTTG1IP, ITGB2, and MMP13 were highly expressed in RA tissues and might function as pivotal diagnostic and treatment targets by deteriorating the immune dysfunction state. In addition, CRTAM might fuel cancer progression through immune signals, especially among RA patients.
Structure Identification and Risk Assurance of Unknown Impurities in Pramipexole Oral Drug Formulation
Authors: Tjandrawinata Raymond R. , Cahyana Antonius H. , Nugroho Ajeng O. , Adi Indra K. , Talpaneni Joseph S. R.
Published: February 2024

Impurities compounds in any pharmaceutical product or drug substance are inevitable from a chemistry point of view. The quality and safety of a pharmaceutical product are also significantly affected by these impurities content; therefore, impurities need to be identified and characterized through the use of appropriate analytical methods. Pramipexole is a nonergot dopamine agonist used to treat various Parkinson’s disease symptoms. Two unknown impurities were detected from a pramipexole dihydrochloride solid dosage form. These impurities were identified and characterized using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectroscopy (UPLC-HRMS). These impurities were found to be enriched when mannitol existed in the formulation. The structure and mechanism involved in the existence of the impurities were proposed. Furthermore, observation of the binding affinity potential risk of these impurities to the pramipexole receptor has also been demonstrated through molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation study. The binding energy result showed that pramipexole interaction with dopamine receptors D2 and D3 was higher than pramipexole mannose adduct and pramipexole ribose adduct.
Genetics and Pathogenicity of Influenza A (H4N6) Virus Isolated from Wild Birds in Jiangsu Province, China, 2023
Authors: Song Xingdong , Tian Jingman , Li Minghui , Bai Xiaoli , Zhao Zhiguo , Shi Jianzhong , Zeng Xianying , Tian Guobin , Guan Yuntao , Cui Pengfei , Deng Guohua , Liu Liling , Chai Hongliang , Li Yanbing , Chen Hualan
Published: February 2024

During the routine surveillance, we isolated nine H4N6 subtype avian influenza viruses (AIVs) in Jiangsu Province, China, in March 2023. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that nine H4N6 viruses belonged to the Eurasian lineage and underwent complex genetic recombination among Asian countries during their evolution. It is particularly noteworthy that the PB2 and PB1 genes of our representative virus were descended from clade 2.3.4.4b H5 high‐pathogenic AIVs in Japan. Mutations of D3V and D622G in PB1, N66S in PB1‐F2, N30D, I43M, and T215A in M1, and P42S and I106M in NS1 were observed in nine isolates, which may increase the pathogenicity of the viruses in mice. The receptor binding analysis showed that the tested H4N6 virus could bind to both avian‐type and human‐type receptors. Vitro infection kinetics revealed that the representative virus could efficiently replicate in mammalian cells, including MDCK and 293T cells. Pathogenicity tests in mice indicated that the representative virus could replicate in nasal turbinates and lungs without prior adaptation. Our data reveal the potential public health issues represented by H4N6 viruses from wild birds and highlight the need to strengthen routine surveillance of wild birds.