bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Island biodiversity in peril: Anticipating a loss of mammals' functional diversity with future species extinctions
Authors: Llorente‐Culebras Sonia , Carmona Carlos P. , Carvalho William D. , Menegotto André , Molina‐Venegas Rafael , Ladle Richard J. , Santos Ana M. C.
Published: June 2024

Islands are biodiversity hotspots that host unique assemblages. However, a substantial proportion of island species are threatened and their long‐term survival is uncertain. Identifying and preserving vulnerable species has become a priority, but it is also essential to combine this information with other facets of biodiversity like functional diversity, to understand how future extinctions might affect ecosystem stability and functioning. Focusing on mammals, we (i) assessed how much functional space would be lost if threatened species go extinct, (ii) determined the minimum number of extinctions that would cause a significant functional loss, (iii) identified the characteristics (e.g., biotic, climatic, geographic, or orographic) of the islands most vulnerable to future changes in the functional space, and (iv) quantified how much of that potential functional loss would be offset by introduced species. Using trait information for 1474 mammal species occurring in 318 islands worldwide, we built trait probability density functions to quantify changes in functional richness and functional redundancy in each island if the mammals categorized by IUCN as threatened disappeared. We found that the extinction of threatened mammals would reduce the functional space in 63% of the assessed islands, although these extinctions in general would cause a reduction of less than 15% of their overall functional space. Also, on most islands, the extinction of just a few species would be sufficient to cause a significant loss of functional diversity. The potential functional loss would be higher on small, isolated, and/or species‐rich islands, and, in general, the functional space lost would not be offset by introduced species. Our results show that the preservation of native species and their ecological roles remains crucial for maintaining the current functioning of island ecosystems. Therefore, conservation measures considering functional diversity are imperative to safeguard the unique functional roles of threatened mammal species on islands.
Economic and environmental bottlenecks in the industrial‐scale production of lipid‐derived biofuels from oleaginous yeasts: A review of the current trends and future prospects
Authors: Banerjee Shivali , Singh Vijay
Published: June 2024

Concerns about climate change and the reliance on fossil fuel reserves have motivated researchers to identify new renewable sources of energy. Biomass holds the potential to replace fossil‐derived products with biofuels and bio‐based chemicals. Plant‐derived lipids are promising sources of biofuels; however, the production of plant oil often leads to the release of massive amounts of carbon dioxide due to deforestation and land‐use change. The production of biofuels via plant oils (such as soybean) also competes with food production and in turn, impacts biodiversity. To mitigate these issues, the production of lipids from oleaginous yeasts could be an excellent alternative by incorporating these microbes into biorefineries utilizing agricultural or forest residues. Eventually, these microbial lipids could be potential sources for producing lipid‐derived biofuels. However, the current conventional methods for the production and recovery of lipids from oleaginous microbes suffer from economic and ecological challenges that affect its industrial‐scale expansion. This review highlights the major economic and environmental bottlenecks for the production of lipid‐derived biofuels from oleaginous yeasts. It also provides perspectives on the strategies that could be adapted on economic and ecological fronts to assist the expansion of the production of microbial lipid‐derived biofuels at an industrial scale.
Clinically recognized sleep disorders in people living with HIV
Authors: Lam Jennifer O. , Hou Craig E. , Alexeeff Stacey , Levine Tory , Sarovar Varada , Lea Alexandra N. , Metz Verena E. , Horberg Michael A. , Satre Derek D. , Silverberg Michael J.
Published: June 2024

Objective

Despite recognition that people with HIV (PWH) are more vulnerable to sleep issues, there is limited understanding of clinically recognized sleep disorders in this population. Our objective was to evaluate the full spectrum of sleep disorder types diagnosed among PWH in care.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of PWH, and a comparator group of people without HIV (PWoH), in a large healthcare system. The incidence of clinically diagnosed sleep disorders was calculated using Poisson regression for three outcomes: any type of sleep disorder, insomnia, and sleep apnea. Incidence was compared between PWH and PWoH by computing the adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR), accounting for sleep disorder risk factors. Comparisons to PWoH were made for all PWH combined, then with PWH stratified by HIV management status (well‐managed HIV defined as being on antiretroviral therapy, HIV RNA <200 copies/mL, and CD4 count ≥500 cells/μL).

Results

The study included 9076 PWH and 205 178 PWoH (mean age 46 years, 90% men). Compared with PWoH, sleep disorder incidence was greater among PWH overall [aIRR = 1.19, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12–1.26], particularly for insomnia (aIRR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.45–1.67). Sleep apnea incidence was lower among PWH (aIRR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.84–0.97). In HIV management subgroups, PWH without well‐managed HIV had lower sleep apnea incidence (vs. PWoH: aIRR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.70–0.89) but PWH with well‐managed HIV did not (vs. PWoH: aIRR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.89–1.06).

Conclusions

PWH have high sleep disorder incidence, and insomnia is the most common clinical diagnosis. Lower sleep apnea incidence among PWH may reflect underdiagnosis in those with sub‐optimally treated HIV and will be important to investigate further.
The impact of nine sweeps on preventing prostate cancer and benign prostate hyperplasia
Authors: Hashim Hashim Talib , Hashim Ali Talib , Shah Jaffer , Almamoury Ameer , Kadhim Mustafa Hayder , Aji Narjiss , Alhaideri Adil , Chichah Maryam , Alhatemi Ahmed Qasim Mohammed
Published: June 2024

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), often known as prostate gland enlargement, is a common disorder in elderly men. The nine sweeps or Istibra, a traditional Islamic habit, has been hypothesized to decrease the risk of prostate diseases. This study aims to investigate the potential preventive effects of Istibra on prostate cancer and BPH among individuals with a positive family history. It is a retrospective cohort study conducted among 215 high‐risk people for prostate cancer with positive family history who have been on regular habits of using the nine sweeps (Istibra) for 20 years or more. The data was collected retrospectively and full history was taken from each of the patients. Odds ratios were calculated to evaluate the relationship between Istibra usage and prostate pathologies. The majority of participants had no chronic diseases or exposure to known carcinogens. Most individuals performed Istibra 5–10 times per day for 20 years or more. Despite positive family histories, 82% and 85% of participants were not diagnosed with BPH or prostate cancer, respectively. Istibra may be effective in preventing BPH and prostate cancer among individuals with positive family histories. Further studies with larger samples are warranted to confirm these findings and elucidate the mechanism of action.
Climate change effects in older people's health: A scoping review
Authors: Montoro‐Ramírez Eva Mª , Parra‐Anguita Laura , Álvarez‐Nieto Carmen , Parra Gema , López‐Medina Isabel Mª
Published: June 2024

Background

Climate change has serious consequences for the morbidity and mortality of older adults.

Objective

To identify the effects of climate change on older people's health.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and the PRISMA‐ScR checklist. Quantitative research and reports from organizations describing the effects of climate change on older people were selected.

Results

Sixty‐three full‐text documents were selected. Heat and air pollution were the two factors that had the most negative effects on cardiovascular and respiratory morbidity and mortality in older people. Mental health and cognitive function were also affected.

Conclusions

Climate change affects several health problems in older individuals, especially high temperatures and air pollution. Nursing professionals must have the necessary skills to respond to the climate risks in older adults. More instruments are required to determine nursing competencies on climate change and the health of this population group.

Patient of Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Epistemological aspects of participatory design studies conducted in the field of health science
Authors: Nielsen Charlotte , Jensen Charlotte Myhre , Trettin Bettina
Published: June 2024

Aim(s)

To discuss the methodological aspects of participatory design, arguing for a three‐phase approach and the suitability of situating participatory design within a phenomenological–hermeneutical tradition in health science.

Design and methods

Methodological discussion based on participatory design theory, epistemology and research studies.

Results

The epistemological and methodological discussions show how the core values and key elements of participatory design align with the phenomenological–hermeneutical approach. In addition, examples of participatory design studies are provided to illustrate how it can be conducted in health science.

Conclusion

Participatory design is a flexible framework based on genuine participation, defined by three core values: having a say, mutual learning and democratization. The iterative processes allow for adjustments in alignment with the core values and the scientific stance that defines the choice of methods, tools and techniques. A phenomenological–hermeneutic approach in participatory design studies is relevant and aligned with the core values of participatory design. Thus, this paper argues for a close integration between the participatory design methodology and the phenomenological–hermeneutic scientific approach within health science.

Implications for the profession

Participatory design is a powerful methodology with core values that can co‐design sustainable health technologies with potential to impact patient care and the clinical practice of nurses. When combined with qualitative research methods, patients' lived experiences serve as the foundation for improving clinical nursing practice. Discussing the epistemological aspects of participatory design provides nurse researchers with a coherent methodological understanding, essential for the continual development of nursing research.

Impact

This paper discusses the research methodology of participatory design within health sciences. It aims to address the lack of understanding of the methodology, particularly within a specific scientific stance.

The main finding is the elaboration on participatory design and the relevance of a phenomenological–hermeneutical approach.

The paper has the potential to impact researchers, master's and PhD students, as well as others engaged in participatory design or other methodologies related to user involvement within health science.

Reporting method

No available EQUATOR guidelines were applicable to this methodological paper, as no new data were created or analysed.

Patient or public contribution

There was no direct patient or public contribution, as this is a methodological paper.
The TF/Nrf2/GSTP1 pathway is involved in stress‐induced hepatocellular injury through ferroptosis
Authors: Tian Xiaofei , Li Yingmin , Lei Lei , Feng Xiaowei , Xin Hongjian , Chen Hao , Zhang Guozhong , Zuo Min , Shi Weibo , Cong Bin
Published: June 2024

Stress triggers a comprehensive pathophysiological cascade in organisms. However, there is a substantial gap in the research regarding the effects of stress on liver function. This study aimed to investigate the impact of restraint stress on hepatocellular damage and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. An effective mouse restraint stress model was successfully developed, and liver function analysis was performed using laser speckle imaging, metabolomics and serum testing. Alterations in hepatocyte morphology were assessed using haematoxylin and eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy. Oxidative stress in hepatocytes was assessed using lipid reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde. The methylation status and expression of GSTP1 were analysed using DNA sequencing and, real‐time PCR, and the expression levels of GPX4, TF and Nrf2 were evaluated using real‐time quantitative PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemical staining. A stress‐induced model was established in vitro by using dexamethasone‐treated AML‐12 cells. To investigate the underlying mechanisms, GSTP1 overexpression, small interfering RNA, ferroptosis and Nrf2 inhibitors were used. GSTP1 methylation contributes to stress‐induced hepatocellular damage and dysfunction. GSTP1 is involved in ferroptosis‐mediated hepatocellular injury induced by restraint stress via the TF/Nrf2 pathway. These findings suggest that stress‐induced hepatocellular injury is associated with ferroptosis, which is regulated by TF/Nrf2/GSTP1.
The role of inflammation in takotsubo syndrome: A new therapeutic target?
Authors: Li Xiao , Yang Jingmin Jing , Xu Danyan
Published: June 2024

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a particular form of acute heart failure that can be challenging to distinguish from acute coronary syndrome at presentation. TTS was previously considered a benign self‐limiting condition, but it is now known to be associated with substantial short‐ and long‐term morbidity and mortality. Because of the poor understanding of its underlying pathophysiology, there are few evidence‐based interventions to treat TTS. The hypotheses formulated so far can be grouped into endogenous adrenergic surge, psychological stress or preexisting psychiatric illness, coronary vasospasm with microvascular dysfunction, metabolic and energetic alterations, and inflammatory mechanisms. Current evidence demonstrates that the infiltration of immune cells such as macrophages and neutrophils play a pivotal role in TTS. At baseline, resident macrophages were the dominant subset in cardiac macrophages, however, it underwent a shift from resident macrophages to monocyte‐derived infiltrating macrophages in TTS. Depletion of macrophages and monocytes in mice strongly protected them from isoprenaline‐induced cardiac dysfunction. It is probable that immune cells, especially macrophages, may be new targets for the treatment of TTS.
Impact of the child's birth weight on maternal misperceptions of young children's weight: A retrospective study with nationally representative data
Authors: Lee Sangmi
Published: June 2024

Aim

A young child's abnormal birth weight (BW) can affect a mother's misperceptions of her child's weight, potentially hindering the child's health management. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of children's BW on maternal misperceptions of children's weight during early childhood.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted for 485,095 children who were 54–60 months of age, born between 2011 and 2013, and participated in South Korea's Sixth National Health Screening Program for Infants and Children (NHSPIC). Data on BW, weight, sex, birth year, preterm birth, breastfeeding history, maternal age, mothers' perceptions of the child's weight, and socioeconomic status were collected and incorporated in the final analysis via data linkage between the NHSPIC and Korean healthcare claims information. Multiple logistic regression analysis was applied to identity the impact of BW on mothers' misperceptions of children's weight, after adjustment for all variables.

Results

Low BW (LBW) children had the lowest proportion (57.1%) of mothers who accurately identified their child's weight compared to normal or high BW. LBW was an independent factor affected maternal misperception of the child's weight (underestimation: adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.41–1.52; overestimation: aOR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.73–0.97). Overweight or underweight status, male gender, preterm birth, a younger mother, and low socioeconomic status were also associated with both underestimation and overestimation.

Conclusion

LBW emerged as an important risk factor for maternal misperception of a child's weight. Therefore, pediatric nurses need to apply interventions to improve perceptions of children's weight among mothers of young LBW children.
Nurse‐led remote digital support for adults with chronic conditions: A systematic synthesis without meta‐analysis
Authors: Kilfoy Alicia , Chu Charlene , Krisnagopal Archanaa , Mcatee Enoch , Baek Sunny , Zworth Mallory , Hwang Kyobin , Park Hyun , Jibb Lindsay
Published: June 2024

Aim

The systematic review aims to synthesize the literature examining the effectiveness of nurse‐led remote digital support on health outcomes in adults with chronic conditions.

Background

Adults with chronic diseases have increased rates of mortality and morbidity and use health care resources at a higher intensity than those without chronic conditions—placing strain on the patient, their caregivers and health systems. Nurse‐led digital health disease self‐management interventions have potential to improve outcomes for patients with chronic conditions by facilitating care in environments other that the hospital setting.

Design and Methods

We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and Cochrane Central databases from inception to 7 December 2022. We included randomized controlled trials assessing the impact of nurse‐led remote digital support interventions compared to usual care on health‐related outcomes in adults with chronic illness. The Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool was used to assess bias in studies. Outcomes were organized into four categories: self‐management, clinical outcomes, health care resource use and satisfaction with care. Results are presented narratively based on statistical significance.

Results

Forty‐four papers pertaining to 40 unique studies were included. Interventions most targeted diabetes (n = 11) and cardiovascular disease (n = 8). Websites (n = 10) and mobile applications (n = 10) were the most used digital modalities. Nurses supported patients either in response to incoming patient health data (n = 14), virtual appointment (n = 8), virtual health education (n = 5) or through a combination of these approaches (n = 13). Positive impacts of nurse‐led digital chronic disease support were identified in each outcome category. Mobile applications were the most effective digital modality.

Conclusion and Relevance to Clinical Practice

Results show that nurse‐led remote digital support interventions significantly improve self‐management capacity, clinical health outcomes, health care resource use and satisfaction with care. Such interventions have potential to support overall health for adults with chronic conditions in their home environments.
Insensitive Investors
Authors: CHARLES CONSTANTIN , FRYDMAN CARY , KILIC METE
Published: June 2024

We experimentally study the transmission of subjective expectations into actions. Subjects in our experiment report valuations that are far too insensitive to their expectations, relative to the prediction from a frictionless model. We propose that the insensitivity is driven by a noisy cognitive process that prevents subjects from precisely computing asset valuations. The empirical link between subjective expectations and actions becomes stronger as subjective expectations approach rational expectations. Our results highlight the importance of incorporating weak transmission into belief‐based asset pricing models. Finally, we discuss how cognitive noise can provide a microfoundation for inelastic demand in the stock market.
Balancing Variety and Quality: Examining the Impact of Benefit‐Linked Cross‐Subsidization on Multisided Platforms
Authors: Tavalaei M. Mahdi , Santaló Juan , Gawer Annabelle
Published: June 2024

Multisided platforms face a fundamental trade‐off: should they ease entry for a larger number of providers of complementary products or services (complementors) to join the platform and benefit from cross‐side network externalities, or should they limit entry to maintain complementors’ incentives to provide high‐quality offerings? We contend that a specific cross‐subsidizing pricing strategy – where the amount of subsidy to complementors is explicitly linked to the overall revenue they generate on the other side of the platform – may mitigate this trade‐off. Using data from the airport industry, we demonstrate that following a reduction of airlines’ entry barriers, airports that subsidize airlines, based on the aforementioned scheme, can boost their financial performance and maintain traffic composition in favour of legacy airlines, which bring passengers who spend more in airport shops. Our findings shed light on how cross‐subsidization may balance the variety and quality of complementors and their offerings on multisided platforms.
Bending stories, disrupting boundaries: spatial reclamation as literacy practices beyond the rows and rules
Authors: Walker Amy , Pennington Casey M.
Published: June 2024

In this article, we explore the dynamic interplay of youth agency, spatial justice, and literacy practices across community spaces through micro‐analysis of photographs and interviews of children and youth. Through a lens of spatial reclamation, the study investigates how children and youth disrupt adult‐designed spaces to restory and reclaim narratives, ultimately reshaping the socio‐spatial landscape. Combining the concepts of restorying and spatial justice, we explore the awareness and agency children exhibit when challenging dominant expectations, particularly examining instances of rulebreaking and safety negotiation. Examining two distinct settings—a school playground and a community protest—the study reveals how youth engage in embodied performances that rupture anticipated discourses in place. The findings underscore the multilayered nature of youth rulebreaking as a form of resistance and as a form of leadership, emphasising the potential for transformative socio‐spatial impact as youth reclaim narratives through new co‐constructions of space. Across age groups and geographies, Black and Brown youth and children emerge as leaders in reshaping spaces through their acts of resistance, redefining boundaries, and leading peaceful protests. The article calls for a nuanced understanding of how spatial justice intersects with restorying, urging educators and researchers to reconsider acts of reclamation as literacies across adult‐dictated spaces.
Psychological Distress, Multicare Needs and Social Resource Utilisation of Family Caregivers of People With Dementia: A Descriptive‐Correlational Study
Authors: Shen Wan‐Ching , Chang Ling‐Hui , Huang Ying‐Che , Wang Jing‐Jy
Published: June 2024

Background

The population of people with dementia increases yearly, imposing a growing burden on family caregivers. Psychological distress impacts the mental health of family caregivers of people with dementia. Caregiver psychological distress can result in increased social resource utilisation and unmet multicare needs.

Purpose

The study explored the psychological distress of family caregivers of people with dementia and examined the impact on social resource utilisation and multicare needs.

Methods

A descriptive‐correlational study collected data in Taiwan from a cross‐sectional sample of family caregivers of people with dementia using a self‐report questionnaire. Data were analysed using linear and logistic regression.

Results

A total of 301 caregivers provided data for analysis. Nearly two‐thirds of caregivers were female with a mean age of 57 years old (SD = 12). Over half of the family caregivers of people with dementia experienced mild‐to‐moderate psychological distress. The greater the psychological distress, the greater the probability of using social resources (1.09 times per 1‐point increase, p = 0.002). Psychological distress was positively associated with the number of caregivers' care needs (β = 0.371, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Findings of this study can assist healthcare professionals in better understanding the psychological distress and care needs of caregivers. Services designed to meet the needs of family caregivers will improve psychological distress.
Urban functional zone mapping by coupling domain knowledge graphs and high‐resolution satellite images
Authors: Chen Yixiang , Dang Xu , Zhu Daoyou , Huang Yi , Qin Kun
Published: June 2024

Timely and accurate mapping of urban functional zones (UFZs) is crucial to urban planning and management. Although existing methods for identifying urban functions have made remarkable progress, they still suffer from limitations, such as high sample dependency, insufficient semantic relationship representation, and poor interpretability due to being data‐driven models. To bridge this gap between these methods and the way humans identify functional areas, a new framework that couples domain knowledge and remote sensing images was proposed for the mapping of UFZs. First, to model the concepts, attributes, and spatial and semantic relationships of urban functional objects, a UFZ knowledge graph (UFZ‐KG) was constructed to assist in the mapping of UFZs. Then, the contrastive language‐image pretraining model was adopted to encode jointly the semantic features of UFZ‐KG and the visual features of UFZ images. In this model, a nonlinear embedding module was designed to achieve semantic alignment of these two different modal features in shared space. The effectiveness of the proposed method was verified in three test areas in Shenzhen, China. Results demonstrate that the proposed method of coupling UFZ‐KG with satellite images significantly enhances the UFZ classification accuracy compared to the method that solely relies on image features. Furthermore, it exhibits good generalization performance.
Thinking with the Harrisons
Authors: Douglas Anne , Fremantle Chris
Published: June 2024

Helen Mayer Harrison and Newton Harrison, known as ‘the Harrisons’, dedicated five decades to exploring and demonstrating a new approach to artistic practice, centred on “doing no work that does not attend to the wellbeing of the web of life.” Their collaborative practice pioneered a way of drawing together art and ecology. They closely observed, often with irony and humour, how human intervention disrupts the dynamics of life as a web of interrelationships. The authors of this book ‘think with’ the Harrisons, critically tracing their poetics as a reimaging and reconfiguring of the arts in response to the unfolding planetary crisis. They draw parallels between the artists’ poetics and rethinking in the philosophy of science, particularly drawing on the work of Isabelle Stengers. Thinking with the Harrisons is for anyone concerned with the implications of ecological concerns as a reimagining of public life, including the interaction of art and science. Throughout their joint practice, the Harrisons sought to engage policy makers, governments, ecologists, artists, and inhabitants of specific places, sensitizing us to the crises that emerge from grounded experiences of place and time.
Diurnally asymmetric cloud cover trends amplify greenhouse warming
Authors: Luo Hao , Quaas Johannes , Han Yong
Published: June 2024

Surface air temperature (SAT) is a key indicator of climate change. Variations in cloud cover affect SAT by interacting with radiation. During daytime, clouds tend to cool the surface by blocking sunlight, while nighttime clouds warm the surface by trapping longwave radiation. Here, we show that, on the global scale, cloud cover, particularly low-level cloudiness, exhibits diurnally asymmetric trends in a warming climate. Cloud fraction on average decreases more during the day than at night. Climate models indicate that the diurnally asymmetric cloud cover variation is mainly driven by trends in the lower tropospheric stability and is largely attributed to the increasing greenhouse gases rather than natural variability. This asymmetry, therefore, turns out to be an amplifier of surface warming, by both decreasing the daytime cloud shortwave albedo effect and increasing the nighttime cloud longwave greenhouse effect.
What are the experiences of teleophthalmology in optometric referral pathways? A qualitative interview study with patients and clinicians
Authors: Patel Dilisha , Abdi Sarah , Carmichael Josie , Balaskas Konstantinos , Blandford Ann
Published: June 2024

Objective

Implementing teleophthalmology into the optometric referral pathway may ease the current pressures on hospital eye services caused by over-referrals from some optometrists. This study aimed to understand the practical implications of implementing teleophthalmology by analysing lived experiences and perceptions of teleophthalmology in the optometric referral pathway for suspected retinal conditions.

Design

Qualitative in-depth interview study

Setting

Fourteen primary care optometry practices and four secondary care hospital eye services from four NHS Foundation Trusts across the UK.

Participants

We interviewed 41 participants: patients (17), optometrists (18), and ophthalmologists (6) who were involved in the HERMES study. Through thematic analysis, we collated and present their experiences of implementing teleophthalmology.

Results

All participants interviewed were positive towards teleophthalmology as it could enable efficiencies in the referral pathway and improve feedback and communication between patients and healthcare professionals. Concerns included setup costs for optometrists and anxieties from patients about not seeing an ophthalmologist face to face. However, reducing unnecessary visits and increasing the availability of resources and capacity were seen as significant benefits.

Conclusions

Overall, we report positive experiences of implementing teleophthalmology into the optometric referral pathway for suspected retinal conditions. Successful implementation will require appropriate investment to set up and integrate new technology and remunerate services, and continued evaluation to ensure timely feedback to patients and between healthcare professionals is received.

Trial registration number

nct18106677.
Understanding experiences, unmet needs and priorities related to post-stroke aphasia care: stage one of an experience-based co-design project
Authors: Anemaat Lisa N , Palmer Victoria J , Copland David A , Binge Geoffrey , Druery Kent , Druery Julia , Mainstone Kathryn , Aisthorpe Bruce , Mainstone Penelope , Burton Bridget , Wallace Sarah J
Published: June 2024

Objective

People with post-stroke aphasia (language/communication impairment) and their supporters report mixed satisfaction with stroke and aphasia care. To date, however, their journey of care and the key service interactions that shape their experience have not been comprehensively explored. We aimed to investigate the lived experience of post-stroke aphasia care, across the continuum of care and by geographical location, to establish priorities for service design.

Design

This is the first stage of an experience-based co-design study. We purposively sampled people with aphasia (PWA) and significant others (SOs) across 21 hospital and health service sites, community groups and by self-referral. Participants shared experiences of care in online interviews and focus groups. Touchpoints (key moments that shape experience) and unmet needs were identified using qualitative thematic analysis. Priorities for service design were established using an adapted nominal group technique.

Setting

Sites spanned remote, regional and metropolitan areas in Queensland, Australia.

Participants

PWA (n=32; mild=56%; moderate=31%; severe=13%) and SOs (n=30) shared 124 experiences of acute, rehabilitation and community-based care in 23 focus groups and 13 interviews.

Results

Both positive and negative healthcare experiences occurred most frequently in hospital settings. Negative experiences regularly related to communication with health professionals, while positive experiences related to the interpersonal qualities of healthcare providers (eg, providing hope) for PWA, or witnessing good rapport between a PWA and their health professional for SOs. To improve services, PWA prioritised communicatively accessible education and information and SOs prioritised access to psychological and peer support.

Conclusions

We identified key aspects of post-stroke aphasia care that shape experience. The needs of PWA and SOs may be better met through health professional training in supported communication, increased service availability in regional and remote areas, communication-accessible hospital environments, increased access to psychological and peer support, and meaningful involvement of SOs in rehabilitation.
Propofol enhancement of slow wave sleep to target the nexus of geriatric depression and cognitive dysfunction: protocol for a phase I open label trial
Authors: Rios Rachel Lynn , Green Michael , Smith S Kendall , Kafashan MohammadMehdi , Ching ShiNung , Farber Nuri B , Lin Nan , Lucey Brendan P , Reynolds Charles F , Lenze Eric J , Palanca Ben Julian Agustin
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Late-life treatment-resistant depression (LL-TRD) is common and increases risk for accelerated ageing and cognitive decline. Impaired sleep is common in LL-TRD and is a risk factor for cognitive decline. Slow wave sleep (SWS) has been implicated in key processes including synaptic plasticity and memory. A deficiency in SWS may be a core component of depression pathophysiology. The anaesthetic propofol can induce electroencephalographic (EEG) slow waves that resemble SWS. Propofol may enhance SWS and oral antidepressant therapy, but relationships are unclear. We hypothesise that propofol infusions will enhance SWS and improve depression in older adults with LL-TRD. This hypothesis has been supported by a recent small case series.

Methods and analysis

SWIPED (Slow Wave Induction by Propofol to Eliminate Depression) phase I is an ongoing open-label, single-arm trial that assesses the safety and feasibility of using propofol to enhance SWS in older adults with LL-TRD. The study is enrolling 15 English-speaking adults over age 60 with LL-TRD. Participants will receive two propofol infusions 2–6 days apart. Propofol infusions are individually titrated to maximise the expression of EEG slow waves. Preinfusion and postinfusion sleep architecture are evaluated through at-home overnight EEG recordings acquired using a wireless headband equipped with dry electrodes. Sleep EEG recordings are scored manually. Key EEG measures include sleep slow wave activity, SWS duration and delta sleep ratio. Longitudinal changes in depression, suicidality and anhedonia are assessed. Assessments are performed prior to the first infusion and up to 10 weeks after the second infusion. Cognitive ability is assessed at enrolment and approximately 3 weeks after the second infusion.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the Washington University Human Research Protection Office. Recruitment began in November 2022. Dissemination plans include presentations at scientific conferences, peer-reviewed publications and mass media. Positive results will lead to a larger phase II randomised placebo-controlled trial.

Trial registration number

NCT04680910.
New wormhole shape function and energy density function in f(R,Lm) gravity theory
Authors: De Krishnendu , Mitra Saugata , De Uday Chand
Published: June 2024

In this work, static traversable wormholes are investigated in the context of [Formula: see text] gravity theory. Considering [Formula: see text] model (in which [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are constants) and assuming [Formula: see text], a new shape function is obtained which is not asymptotically flat, but satisfies all the conditions of a shape function. Also in this case, all energy conditions (except strong energy conditions) are satisfied. Assuming [Formula: see text] and shape function [Formula: see text], a new energy density function is obtained. Finally, a comparative study of ECs is investigated for different shape functions under the assumption [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] (where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are constants) and we have seen that the presence of exotic matter is not required in most of the cases.
The Effectiveness of Quadratus Lumborum and Fascia Iliaca Blocks on Patient Outcomes in Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Gauhl Cameron , McDougall Seaneen
Published: June 2024

Hip arthroplasty is a common procedure with high costs and difficult rehabilitation. It causes postoperative pain, and this can reduce mobility which extends in‐patient time. An optimal analgesia regime is crucial to identify. Opioids produce effective pain relief but are associated with nausea, vomiting, and respiratory depression which can hinder physiotherapy and discharge. Finding alternatives has been of interest in recent years, particularly fascial blocks. These are anaesthetic injections beneath fascia which spread to nerves providing pain relief from surgery and are used with a general or spinal anaesthetic. Two of these blocks which are of interest to total hip arthroplasty are the quadratus lumborum block and fascia iliaca block. Studies have investigated the effectiveness of these blocks through patient factors, primarily pain scores, opioid consumption, and other secondary outcomes such as ambulation and length of stay. This review takes a narrative approach and investigates the literature around the topic. Pain and opioid consumption were the most widely reported outcomes, reported in 90% and 86% of studies. 83% of these studies reported positive effects on pain scores when FIB was utilised. 80% of these studies reported positive effects on opioid consumption when FIB was used. When QLB block was utilised, pain and opioid consumption were positively impacted in 82% of studies. This paper has been written with the intention of reviewing current literature to give an impression of the effectiveness of the blocks and propose potential areas for future work on the blocks.
Configuration Design and Performance Analysis of a Three‐Power Source Power Transmission System Based on Lever Method
Authors: Hu Jianjun , Xue Shouzhi , Xin Yuntong , Wang Yangguang
Published: June 2024

This paper proposes a supplementary design method for a three‐power source hybrid power transmission system based on the lever method, aimed at enhancing its power performance and economic efficiency. It makes up for some defects of traditional configuration design methods. Firstly, in order to better show the connection between the two planetary rows in the composite distribution configuration, an equivalent lever model with four nodes was established. The rod model was screened based on the connection relationship between the mechanical point distribution and power source. The rod model was analyzed in combination with the motor speed and torque characteristics, and the value interval of the two mechanical points of the composite distribution rod model was obtained. Then, the four‐node rod model was split. By adding the clutch and brake to control the connection between different nodes of the planetary bank, the working mode of the configuration can be switched. The supplementary design was carried out by increasing the input distribution to compensate for the low efficiency of the composite distribution configuration when driving at low speed, and three optimal configurations were obtained. (Based on the constraints of factors such as rod length, there are finally three solutions that meet the requirements.) Finally, the vehicle dynamics model was established, and the simulation results based on the dynamic programming principle showed that compared with the typical three‐power configuration Prius+, the fuel economy of the optimal configuration was improved in different degrees. Configuration (II) was selected as the object for parameter optimization, and the results showed that the power performance of the vehicle is improved by 1.8%, and the economy is improved by 5.47%, which verifies the validity of the configuration design method proposed in this paper.
Clinical Effectiveness of Two Old Immunosuppressant Drugs, Methotrexate and Azathioprine, in the Treatment of Lichen Planopilaris: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Saber Mina , Hajheidari Parisa , Fatemi Naeini Farahnaz , Mohaghegh Fatemeh
Published: June 2024

Background. Lichen planopilaris is the leading cause of cicatricial alopecia, and its management is challenging for dermatologists. It is a cell‐mediated autoimmune disorder in which activated T‐lymphocytes attack hair follicles. Aim. To compare the efficacy and safety of methotrexate versus azathioprine, two medications that affect lymphocyte function, in treating LPP. Methods. 32 LPP patients were randomly assigned to receive either 15 mg/week methotrexate or 2 mg/kg azathioprine for six months. Treatment efficacy was evaluated using the Lichen Planopilaris Activity Index (LPPAI), trichoscopy, and photography after 2, 4, and 6 months of treatment. Results. Both methotrexate and azathioprine groups showed significant improvements in LPPAI (P < 0.001) and perifollicular scaling on trichoscopy (P < 0.01). However, the two groups had no significant difference during the study. The azathioprine group significantly improved perifollicular erythema on trichoscopy (P = 0.002), but this was not significantly different from the methotrexate group (P = 0.69). Photographic assessment showed that more than 75% of patients in both groups improved without significant differences between the two groups. Conclusion. Methotrexate and azathioprine are two antilymphocyte medications which are both equally effective and well‐tolerated for managing LPP. This trial is registered with IRCT20191006045005N2.
Combined Effects of pH Adjustment and Bentonite Addition Timing on Protein Stability of Sauvignon Blanc Wine
Authors: Hung Wenfeng , Harrison Roland , Morton James , Trought Mike , Frost Andy , Tian Bin
Published: June 2024

Background and Aims. Bentonite fining is commonly used in white wine production, which can lead to the loss of wine volume and aroma compounds. Many factors influence the efficacy of bentonite fining. The effect of pH adjustment and timing of bentonite addition were studied for their combined effects on Sauvignon Blanc wine protein haze formation and bentonite requirement at microscale and commercial scale. Methods and Results. Three bentonite addition timings were conducted on a juice pH adjustment trial: before fermentation, during fermentation, and after fermentation. The hot and cold test was utilized to determine the bentonite requirement for protein stabilization. Wine proteins were analyzed using a modified Coomassie brilliant blue (CBB) assay, lithium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (LDS‐PAGE), and sodium dodecyl sulphate capillary gel electrophoresis (SDS‐CGE). Lower juice pH (2.80 and 3.00) resulted in sluggish fermentation, whereas the presence or absence of bentonite during fermentation showed similar fermentation kinetics at each pH. The presence of bentonite remaining in contact with ferment improved the completion of fermentation for the most sluggish ferment (pH 2.80). Commercial wine made from same batch of juice was adjusted to different pH values, and low‐pH wines had a lower wine protein content and an increasing protein adsorption efficiency of bentonite fining, leading to lower bentonite requirement. Conclusions. Bentonite addition during fermentation was the most efficient in protein removal but fining after fermentation required the least overall bentonite dosage. The different fermentation scales (i.e., microscale versus commercial scale) slightly affected wine protein contents but not molecular weight (MW) profiles. Protein contents and MW profiles in stabilized wines were affected by the original juice pH with more complex patterns from high‐pH juice. Significance of the Study. The findings of this study provide valuable information on optimization of bentonite fining to minimize the dosage so as to reduce the loss of wine volume and quality.
Abstract PO-020: ZBTB24 is a novel tumor suppressor and cooperates with CDKN2A to suppress B-cell lymphomagenesis
Authors: Li Rongrong , Sheshadri Namratha , Shen Jianliang , Yan Junrong , Jung Jaeyong , Tariq Muhammad Usama , Wang Y Lynn , Xie Ping , Zong Wei-Xing
Published: June 2024

B-cell lymphoma is the most common hematological malignancy that accounts for the sixth highest mortality among all cancers. Despite recent improvements on combined chemotherapy and immunotherapy, treatments remain challenging due to complex genetic heterogeneity and molecular pathogenesis. To explore novel mechanisms in B-cell lymphomagenesis, we performed a genome-wide CRISPR knockout screen in the murine interleukin-3 (IL-3)-dependent Ba/F3 pro-B cell line and identified Zbtb24 as a putative target whose silencing leads to elevated proliferative signaling and reduced apoptosis, conferring IL-3-independent growth in Ba/F3 cells. Silencing of ZBTB24 also accelerated growth in multiple human B-cell lymphoma cell lines. ZBTB24 is a member of the zinc-finger and BTB domain containing transcription factor that is highly expressed in spleen and bone marrow. While it has been shown that ZBTB24 may play an important role in B-cell development and activation, its involvement in B-cell lymphoma has not been described. Analysis of publicly available datasets found that ZBTB24 copy number deletion occurs in various B-cell lymphomas, which frequently co-occurs with deletion of the tumor suppressor CDKN2A. Hence, we generated B-cell specific Zbtb24 single knockout and Zbtb24/Cdkn2a double knockout mice to explore the role of Zbtb24 in vivo. While Zbtb24 and Cdkn2a single knockout mice remained tumor-free or showed low penetrance of tumorigenesis, the double knockout mice developed lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly accompanied with accelerated mortality. Flow cytometry analysis of bone marrow, spleen, and lymph nodes revealed malignant B-cells. Subsequent transplantation of the splenic cells induced identical malignant B-cell lymphomagenesis and immunophenotype in athymic nude mice, further confirming its malignant identity. These results indicate that ZBTB24 is a novel tumor suppressor in B-cell malignancy. Ongoing studies are being conducted to understand the mechanistic basis for ZBTB24 tumor suppressive function that may involve transcriptional regulation of its target gene expression. This project is supported by the NIH R01CA232246, R01CA129536, and the John Colaizzi Endowment Fund.

Citation Format: Rongrong Li, Namratha Sheshadri, Jianliang Shen, Junrong Yan, Jaeyong Jung, Muhammad Usama Tariq, Y Lynn Wang, Ping Xie, Wei-Xing Zong. ZBTB24 is a novel tumor suppressor and cooperates with CDKN2A to suppress B-cell lymphomagenesis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fourth AACR International Meeting on Advances in Malignant Lymphoma: Maximizing the Basic-Translational Interface for Clinical Application; 2024 Jun 19-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Blood Cancer Discov 2024;5(3_Suppl):Abstract nr PO-020.