bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Firearms and post‐separation abuse: Providing context behind the data on firearms and intimate partner violence
Authors: Spearman Kathryn J. , Marineau Lea , Owolabi Adebola , Alexander Kamila A. , Campbell Jacquelyn
Published: November 2023

Aim

The aim of this study is to provide insight from maternal survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) describing their experiences with their ex‐partners' firearm ownership, access, storage and behaviours in the context of co‐parenting and separation.

Design

We conducted a qualitative descriptive study informed by the IPV and Coparenting Model.

Methods

The analytic sample consists of self‐identified maternal survivors (n = 14) who completed semi‐structured qualitative interviews between January and May 2023 describing experiences of post‐separation abuse. Participants were recruited through social media and domestic violence advocacy and legal aid organizations. In the interview guide, participants were asked one item about firearm exposure: Have you or your children had any experiences with guns and your ex‐partner that made you or your children feel scared? Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed. Interview transcripts were managed and coded in ATLAS.ti using a codebook. Codes were applied using descriptive content analysis, discrepancies reconciled and themes related to firearm exposure in the context of post‐separation abuse identified.

Results

Six themes emerged related to firearm experiences and post‐separation abuse: (1) gun ownership (2) gun access; (3) unsafe storage; (4) direct and symbolic threats; (5) involving the children; (6) survivors' protective actions.

Conclusion

This manuscript provides context on how abusive ex‐partners' firearm ownership, access and threats cause terror and pervasive fear for mothers and children following separation. Analysis of qualitative data provides important insights into opportunities to address firearm injury prevention.

Impact

Findings add to the contextual understanding of how survivors of IPV experience non‐fatal firearm abuse. Existing quantitative data may not capture the full extent of fear caused by perpetrators' gun ownership access and symbolic threats. Data from this study can help inform firearm injury prevention efforts.

Patient or Public Contribution

The authors would like to acknowledge and thank the individuals who helped in cognitive testing of the interview guide prior to conducting interviews with participants, including (3) survivors of post‐separation abuse. The authors would also like to acknowledge domestic violence advocates and those individuals who helped with recruitment and connected us with participants. Importantly, with deep gratitude, the authors would like to thank the participants who generously shared their time and stories with us.
Emotion regulation as central to psychopathology across childhood and adolescence: a commentary on Nobakht et al. (2023)
Authors: Evans Spencer C. , Shaughnessy Shannon
Published: November 2023

An important goal of clinical/developmental research is to identify factors contributing to the onset and maintenance of psychopathology – particularly factors that could be modified through intervention. Large‐scale, multi‐informant, longitudinal studies provide valuable opportunities for testing such etiological hypotheses, as illustrated by Nobakht et al.'s recent six‐wave cohort study spanning ages 4–14. At a within‐person level, emotion regulation (ER) deficits consistently predicted oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) symptoms (including both irritability and defiance), whereas victimization did not. These results comport with growing evidence highlighting ER's centrality to ODD and psychopathology more broadly. While the ER findings carry promising implications, caution is warranted in interpreting the results for victimization given that its association with psychopathology is well‐documented. More research is needed to test precise questions about within‐ and between‐person processes involving ER, victimization, and psychopathology across development. Pressing research questions include whether, how, and when youths' ER can be modified, and with what effects on clinical outcomes.
Are stress‐tested banks in the United States becoming similar? Evidence from convergence tests
Authors: Kirimhan Destan , Nazlioglu Saban , Payne James E.
Published: November 2023

US bank stress tests were introduced to improve the risk posture and management practices of large and complex banking institutions. We investigate whether stress‐tested banks in the United States converge to each other in their levels and determinants of profitability, as well as their risk taking and systemic risk contributions. Our results are consistent with convergence in profitability, asset quality, management quality, securitization income, and income diversification of stress‐tested banks. Our difference‐in‐differences estimation results provide causal evidence of stress tests leading to convergence in income diversification. Furthermore, stress‐tested banks converge in their income diversification strategies, return volatility, default risk, leverage risk, and systemic risk contributions. This study sheds light on a situation where these banks may simultaneously have exposure to the same risks, leaving the financial system more vulnerable to a crisis as a result of the exposed risk.
Reservation Rates in Interbank Money Markets
Authors: RAINONE EDOARDO
Published: November 2023

This paper proposes a dyadic econometric model with reservation rates to control for endogenous matching in interbank money markets. We apply our method to a unique data set and study the interbank market during the European sovereign debt crisis. The estimates uncover the existence of reservation rates, their omission can bias important quantities like the discount enjoyed by big banks, a potential measure of the “too‐big‐to‐fail” subsidy. We test predictions of various theories on the interbank market. The market did not freeze completely during the crisis and active peer monitoring was still in place under limited information asymmetry. Dispersion in rates and liquidity hoarding was driven by banks' nationality, regardless of the borrower quality.
Geopolitical Risk and Investment
Authors: WANG XINJIE , WU YANGRU , XU WEIKE
Published: November 2023

Using a news‐based index of geopolitical risk (GPR), we document a strong negative relationship between firm‐level corporate investment and GPR. When the GPR index doubles, next‐quarter investment declines by 14% of its sample mean. The effect is more pronounced for firms with more irreversible investment or higher market power, confirming the real options theory. However, the effect is less significant for firms with a stronger ability to substitute labor for capital, a higher labor‐to‐capital ratio, or a higher labor share, supporting the convex return theory. Overall, our results suggest that the real options channel dominates the Oi–Hartman–Abel effect.
Perception of benefits‐barriers of exercise, physical activity level, and body awareness in women with premenstrual syndrome
Authors: Kiloatar Humeyra , Kurt Gamze
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The study aims to investigate the relationship between premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and physical activity, body awareness, and the benefits/barriers to exercise (a), as well as to compare women with and without PMS in relation to these parameters (b).

Materials and Methods

Participants were administered The Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS), International Physical Activity Questionnaire‐Short Form (IPAQ‐SF), Body Awareness Questionnaire, and The Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale.

Results

The age range of the participants included in the study was 19–48, with a mean age of 26.45 ± 7.14. A statistically significant difference was found between the women with and without PMS in terms of PMSS score, exercise benefits subscale score, and exercise barriers subscale score (p < 0.05). The results indicated that there was a significant positive correlation between PMSS score and exercise barriers subscale score (p < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between IPAQ score and body awareness questionnaire, exercise benefits subscale score, total score of exercise benefits and barriers of scale (p < 0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between IPAQ score and exercise barriers subscale score (p < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between body awareness questionnaire score and exercise benefits subscale score, total score of exercise benefits and barriers of scale (p < 0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between body awareness questionnaire score and exercise barriers subscale score (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study provide valuable insights into the relationship between PMS, physical activity, body awareness, and exercise benefits/barriers among women. By addressing the barriers and benefits to exercise and enhancing body awareness, healthcare professionals can potentially improve women's with PMS overall well‐being and encourage them to adopt and maintain a physically active lifestyle.
Chemical and genetic characterization of the ungrouped pallasite Lieksa
Authors: Chiappe Emily M. , Ash Richard D. , Luttinen Arto , Lukkari Sari , Kuva Jukka , Hilton Connor D. , Walker Richard J.
Published: November 2023

The meteorite Lieksa was found in 2017 in Löpönvaara, Finland, and later donated to the Finnish Museum of Natural History. Here, we report siderophile element concentrations, genetic isotopic data, and a metal–silicate segregation age for the meteorite. The ~280 g Lieksa is ~80% metal and ~20% silicate and oxide inclusions by volume, with the inclusions consisting primarily of Fe‐rich olivine. Due to Lieksa's silicate content, coupled with a texture characterized by metal enclosing the silicates, it has been classified as a pallasite. Lieksa's olivine and bulk chemical characteristics are distinct from those of the known pallasite and iron meteorite groups, consistent with its classification as ungrouped. The meteorite exhibits a flat, chondrite‐normalized highly siderophile element pattern, consistent with an origin as an early crystallization product from a metallic melt with chondritic relative abundances. Molybdenum, Ru, and 183W isotopic data indicate that Lieksa formed in the non‐carbonaceous (NC) domain of the solar nebula. Radiogenic 182W abundances for Lieksa yield a model metal–silicate segregation age of 1.5 ± 0.8 Myr after calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusion formation, which is within the range established for other NC‐type pallasite and iron meteorite parent bodies.
Adapting the inoculation methods of kiwifruit canker disease to identify efficient biocontrol bacteria from branch microbiome
Authors: Shao Xiaolong , Wu Qianhua , Li Li , He Weimei , He Xueting , Cheng Dongjin , Murero Aprodisia , Lin Long , Wang Limin , Zhong Caihong , Huang Lili , Qian Guoliang
Published: November 2023

Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa), the bacterium that causes kiwifruit bacterial canker, is a common field occurrence that is difficult to control globally. Currently, exploring the resources for efficient biocontrol bacteria is a hot spot in the field. The common strategy for isolating biocontrol bacteria is to directly isolate biocontrol bacteria that can secrete diffusible antibacterial substances, most of which are members of Bacillus, Pseudomonas and Streptomycetaceae, from disease samples or soil. Here, we report a new approach by adapting the typical isolation methods of kiwifruit canker disease to identify efficient biocontrol bacteria from the branch microbiome. Using this unique approach, we isolated a group of kiwifruit biocontrol agents (KBAs) from the branch microbiome of Psa‐resistant varieties. Thirteen of these showed no antagonistic activity in vitro, which depends on the secretion of antibacterial compounds. However, they exhibited antibacterial activity via cell‐to‐cell contacts mimicked by co‐culture on agar plates. Through biocontrol tests on plants, two isolates, KBA13 and KBA19, demonstrated their effectiveness by protecting kiwifruit branches from Psa infection. Using KBA19, identified as Pantoea endophytica, as a representative, we found that this bacterium uses the type VI secretion system (T6SS) as the main contact‐dependent antibacterial weapon that acts via translocating toxic effector proteins into Psa cells to induce cell death, and that this capacity expressed by KBA19 is common to various Psa strains from different countries. Our findings highlight a new strategy to identify efficient biocontrol agents that use the T6SS to function in an antibacterial metabolite‐independent manner to control wood diseases.
Embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes arising from the internal auditory canal of an adult: Illustrative case with molecular investigations
Authors: Sheriff Adam , Takami Hirokazu , Takayanagi Shunsaku , Kitagawa Yosuke , Tanaka Shota , Ikemura Masako , Matsuura Reiko , Matsushita Yuko , Ichimura Koichi , Saito Nobuhito
Published: November 2023

Embryonal tumors with multilayered rosettes (ETMRs) are aggressive central nervous system (CNS) tumors that usually occur in young children. Here, we describe the first incidence of ETMR in an adult patient that also originated in the novel location of the internal auditory canal (IAC). The 36‐year‐old patient initially presented with unsteadiness, diplopia, and tinnitus. The tumor in the IAC was discovered on brain magnetic resonance imaging, and gross total resection was performed followed by pathological and molecular diagnosis. The patient received whole brain and spinal cord radiotherapy after an intracranial recurrence and adjuvant chemotherapy consisting of four cycles of ifosfamide, cisplatin, and etoposide. Progression was rapid; however, the patient survived for 22 months after diagnosis before succumbing to the disease. Molecular investigation revealed a DICER1 mutation at exon 25, and methylation classification categorized the tumor as ETMR, non‐C19MC‐altered. This case underscores the diverse possible presentations of ETMR, DICER1‐mutated and the importance of molecular techniques to characterize and promptly treat atypical ETMR.
Diagnostic accuracy of community optometrists for age‐related macular degeneration using colour fundus photographs: A pilot evaluation
Authors: Ho Sharon , Doig Gordon S. , Ly Angelica
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The accurate diagnosis of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) represents an important step in delaying and preventing vision loss and achieving optimal patient care. Therefore, this pilot study aimed to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of community optometrists for identifying AMD using colour fundus photographs (CFPs) to support sample size calculations for subsequent definitive studies.

Methods

Five practising community optometrists were invited to classify a total of 1023 CFPs for the (1) presence of AMD, and, if applicable, (2) stage of AMD (early/intermediate/late geographic atrophy/late neovascular AMD). Diagnosis by referral centre clinicians formed the reference standard. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (aROC). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were also calculated.

Results

Of the 1023 CFPs included in the study, 226 images were of AMD and 797 images were of other ocular conditions or no abnormal findings. Participating community optometrists had a mean (SD) age of 30.2 (8.9) years, 60.0% (3/5) were female and the mean number of years practising in primary eye care was 5.4 (5.4) years. Community optometrists demonstrated excellent performance for diagnosing AMD, with an aROC of 0.86 (95% CI 0.83 to 0.89), sensitivity of 84.5% (95% CI 79.1 to 89.0) and specificity of 88.0% (95% CI 85.5 to 90.1). The aROC (95% CI) for diagnosing early, intermediate, late geographic atrophy and late neovascular AMD was 0.82 (0.73 to 0.91), 0.76 (0.72 to 0.81), 0.69 (0.49 to 0.90) and 0.55 (0.34 to 0.75), respectively.

Conclusions

These results justify the need for an appropriately powered definitive study to assess community clinicians' diagnostic accuracy for AMD.
Cytoglobin functions as a redox regulator of melanogenesis in normal epidermal melanocytes
Authors: Tanaka Yo , Sato‐Matsubara Misako , Tsuruta Daisuke , Tanaka Hiroshi , Kadono Chiho , Sugawara Koji , Kawada Norifumi , Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Ito Shosuke , Yoshizato Katsutoshi
Published: November 2023

Epidermal melanocytes are continuously exposed to sunlight‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress generated during the synthesis of melanin. Therefore, they have developed mechanisms that maintain normal redox homeostasis. Cytoglobin (CYGB), a ubiquitously expressed intracellular iron hexacoordinated globin, exhibits antioxidant activity and regulates the redox state of mammalian cells through its activities as peroxidase and nitric oxide (NO) dioxygenase. We postulated that CYGB functions in the melanogenic process as a regulator that maintains oxidative stress within a physiological level. This was examined by characterizing normal human melanocytes with the knockdown (KD) of CYGB using morphological and molecular biological criteria. CYGB‐KD cells were larger, had more dendrites, and generated more melanin granules in the advanced stages of melanogenesis than control cells. The expression levels of major melanogenesis‐associated genes and proteins were higher in CYGB‐KD melanocytes than in wild type (WT) cells. As expected, CYGB‐KD melanocytes generated more ROS and NO than WT cells. In conclusion, CYGB physiologically contributes to maintaining redox homeostasis in the melanogenic activity of normal melanocytes by controlling the intracellular levels of ROS and NO.
Impact of periodontitis on oral health‐related quality of life of patients with psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Mishra Supriya , Johnson Lynn , Kaushal Laxmi , Upadhyay Palak
Published: November 2023

Background

Since oral health issues can have a negative influence on a person's physical functioning, social status, and wellbeing, oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) becomes an indispensable part of overall health. Previous published studies report that periodontitis (PD) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) have a significant negative impact on OHRQoL. Based on these findings, it would be reasonable to assume that patients with coexisting PsA and PD would see a comparable or maybe synergistic effect on their OHRQoL. Hence, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the OHRQoL and its impact among subjects with concurrent PsA and PD.

Material and Methods

The present study was a comparative, cross‐sectional investigation. A total of 200 participants were categorized into four groups‐ PD‐PsA (n = 50), PsA (n = 50), PD (n = 50), and healthy controls (n = 50). Demographic data and periodontal parameters—plaque index, sites with gingival bleeding, probing pocket depth, gingival recession, and clinical attachment level were recorded for all the four groups. Number of mobile teeth due to periodontitis was recorded for the PSA‐PD and PD groups. OHIP‐14 questionnaire was administered to all the four groups. Collected data was then subjected to statistical analysis.

Results

The severity of OHIP‐14 summary scores was highest in the PsA‐PD group (18.06 ± 11.22) followed by the PD group (17.02 ± 9.99) and lowest in the healthy group (6.32 ± 5.59) (p < .0001). The scores of all the domains‐ oral pain, oral function, orofacial appearance and psychological impact were highest among the PsA‐PD group followed by the PD group (p < .0001). The combined interaction of PsA and PD on the OHRQoL was statistically significant (F = 6.33, p = .012). Results of the multiple linear regression analysis indicated that there was a moderate collective significant effect between age, past dental visit, frequency of daily tooth brushing, use of other oral hygiene aids, and OHIP‐14 (F(3,196) = 13.08, p < .001, R2 = 0.17, adjusted R2 = 0.15).

Conclusion

The negative impact on OHRQoL was highest in the patients with concurrent presence of PD with PsA followed by those with PD alone. While the summary scores and dimensional scores of OHIP‐14 were insignificant when patients with PsA‐PD and PD alone were compared, these scores were significantly higher in patients with PsA‐PD than patients with PsA alone.
Peat fires in Brunei Darussalam: considerations for ASEAN haze cooperation and emerging regional infrastructure development
Authors: Varkkey Helena , Lupascu Massimo
Published: November 2023

This paper sheds light on the extent of the haze problem in Brunei Darussalam and on Brunei's unique position in contributing to the haze through fires occurring in disturbed parts of its peatlands. Brunei's peatland fires, which have their roots in infrastructure development, juxtapose drastically with the drivers of peat fires in other parts of southern Southeast Asia, which are mainly due to small‐ or large‐scale agriculture development. Our discussion highlights how Brunei's status as both a small state in ASEAN and a minor producer of smoke haze has resulted in Brunei remaining at the sidelines of haze diplomacy and cooperation at the ASEAN level. Further, the paper points out a lack of attention to the role of infrastructure development on peatlands in driving fires and haze in the country and how this is also increasingly becoming an issue in neighbouring countries, where massive infrastructure projects are underway, cutting through Borneo's peatlands.
Description of two novel HLA alleles: HLA‐DQB1*03:477 and HLA‐DQB1*03:487
Authors: Chen Nanying , Wang Fang , He Yizhen , He Ji , Zhu Faming
Published: November 2023

Compared to the HLA‐DQB1*03:03:02:01, the HLA‐DQB1*03:477 and HLA‐DQB1*03:487 alleles each show one single nucleotide substitution.
Chromatin accessibility mediated transcriptome changes contribute to flavor substance alterations and jasmonic acid hyperaccumulation during oolong tea withering process
Authors: Kong Weilong , Zhao Ping , Zhang Qing , Yang Jingjing , Zhu Qiufang , Zhang Yanbing , Deng Xuming , Chen Xiao , Lin Jinke , Zhang Xingtan
Published: November 2023

During the oolong tea withering process, abiotic stresses induce significant changes in the content of various flavor substances and jasmonic acid (JA). However, the changes in chromatin accessibility during withering and their potential impact remain poorly understood. By integrating ATAC‐seq, RNA‐seq, metabolite, and hormone assays, we characterized the withering treatment‐induced changes in chromatin accessibility, gene expression levels, important metabolite contents, and JA and JA‐ILE contents. Additionally, we analyzed the effects of chromatin accessibility alterations on gene expression changes, content changes of important flavor substances, and JA hyperaccumulation. Our analysis identified a total of 3451 open‐ and 13 426 close‐differentially accessible chromatin regions (DACRs) under withering treatment. Our findings indicate that close‐DACRs‐mediated down‐regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) resulted in the reduced accumulation of multiple catechins during withering, whereas open‐DACRs‐mediated up‐regulated DEGs contributed to the increased accumulation of important terpenoids, JA, JA‐ILE and short‐chain C5/C6 volatiles. We further highlighted important DACRs‐mediated DEGs associated with the synthesis of catechins, terpenoids, JA and JA and short‐chain C5/C6 volatiles and confirmed the broad effect of close‐DACRs on catechin synthesis involving almost all enzymes in the pathway during withering. Importantly, we identified a novel MYB transcription factor (CsMYB83) regulating catechin synthesis and verified the binding of CsMYB83 in the promoter‐DACRs regions of key catechin synthesis genes using DAP‐seq. Overall, our results not only revealed a landscape of chromatin alters‐mediated transcription, flavor substance and hormone changes under oolong tea withering, but also provided target genes for flavor improvement breeding in tea plant.
Gênero e Sexualidade no Discurso dos Tribunais de Justiça Brasileiros
Authors: De Andrade Souza Daniela , Borges Vieira de Carvalho Grasielle
Published: November 2023

A reivindicação de direitos através das decisões de cortes de justiça tem sido parte da política do movimento brasileiro de Lésbicas, Gays, Bissexuais, Travestis, Transexuais, Transgêneros, Queer, Intersexo, Assexuais, Pansexuais e demais orientações sexuais e identidades de gênero (LGBTQIAP+). Em razão desse contexto, o presente trabalho analisou, mobilizando as ferramentas foucaultianas e baseando-se nas prerrogativas dos estudos transviados, o discurso jurídico das decisões de tribunais de justiça do país sobre uniões homossexuais e retificação de registro civil de pessoas trans entre 2011 e 2018, de modo a verificar de que forma as categorias de homossexualidade e transexualidade apareceram nesse discurso. Metodologicamente, a pesquisa mapeou os acórdãos dos tribunais de maior porte por região no Brasil, de modo que foi possível selecionar aqueles com demandas mais volumosas. Os acórdãos foram tratados a partir da análise do discurso foucaultiana permitindo concluir que, embora os direitos tenham sido, em grande parte, reconhecidos nos tribunais analisados, as regras que constituíram o discurso destas decisões continuaram a operar regulações sobre o gênero e a sexualidade. Outra conclusão é que houve uma mudança do discurso nos acórdãos dentro do período analisado, o que permite inferir como o judiciário acompanha as pautas dos movimentos sociais e dialoga com elas.
PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Discurso; Decisões Judiciais; Direitos LGBTQIAP+; Transviados
Gauss sums and Van der Geer–Van der Vlugt curves
Authors: Takeuchi Daichi , Tsushima Takahiro
Published: November 2023

We study Van der Geer–Van der Vlugt curves in a ramification‐theoretic view point. We give explicit formulae on the ‐polynomials of these curves. As a result, we show that these curves are supersingular and give sufficient conditions for these curves to be maximal or minimal.
Materials characterization: Can artificial intelligence be used to address reproducibility challenges?
Authors: Lau Miu Lun , Burleigh Abraham , Terry Jeff , Long Min
Published: November 2023

Material characterization techniques are widely used to characterize the physical and chemical properties of materials at the nanoscale and, thus, play central roles in material scientific discoveries. However, the large and complex datasets generated by these techniques often require significant human effort to interpret and extract meaningful physicochemical insights. Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques such as machine learning (ML) have the potential to improve the efficiency and accuracy of surface analysis by automating data analysis and interpretation. In this perspective paper, we review the current role of AI in surface analysis and discuss its future potential to accelerate discoveries in surface science, materials science, and interface science. We highlight several applications where AI has already been used to analyze surface analysis data, including the identification of crystal structures from XRD data, analysis of XPS spectra for surface composition, and the interpretation of TEM and SEM images for particle morphology and size. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with the integration of AI into surface analysis workflows. These include the need for large and diverse datasets for training ML models, the importance of feature selection and representation, and the potential for ML to enable new insights and discoveries by identifying patterns and relationships in complex datasets. Most importantly, AI analyzed data must not just find the best mathematical description of the data, but it must find the most physical and chemically meaningful results. In addition, the need for reproducibility in scientific research has become increasingly important in recent years. The advancement of AI, including both conventional and the increasing popular deep learning, is showing promise in addressing those challenges by enabling the execution and verification of scientific progress. By training models on large experimental datasets and providing automated analysis and data interpretation, AI can help to ensure that scientific results are reproducible and reliable. Although integration of knowledge and AI models must be considered for the transparency and interpretability of models, the incorporation of AI into the data collection and processing workflow will significantly enhance the efficiency and accuracy of various surface analysis techniques and deepen our understanding at an accelerated pace.
Partly Substituting Whey for Collagen Peptide Supplementation Improves Neither Indices of Muscle Damage Nor Recovery of Functional Capacity During Eccentric Exercise Training in Fit Males
Authors: Robberechts Ruben , Poffé Chiel , Ampe Noémie , Bogaerts Stijn , Hespel Peter
Published: November 2023

Previous studies showed that collagen peptide supplementation along with resistance exercise enhance muscular recovery and function. Yet, the efficacy of collagen peptide supplementation in addition to standard nutritional practices in athletes remains unclear. Therefore, the objective of the study was to compare the effects of combined collagen peptide (20 g) and whey protein (25 g) supplementation with a similar daily protein dose (45 g) of whey protein alone on indices of muscle damage and recovery of muscular performance during eccentric exercise training. Young fit males participated in a 3-week training period involving unilateral eccentric exercises for the knee extensors. According to a double-blind, randomized, parallel-group design, before and after training, they received either whey protein (n = 11) or whey protein + collagen peptides (n = 11). Forty-eight hours after the first training session, maximal voluntary isometric and dynamic contraction of the knee extensors were transiently impaired by ∼10% (Ptime < .001) in whey protein and whey protein + collagen peptides, while creatine kinase levels were doubled in both groups (Ptime < .01). Furthermore, the training intervention improved countermovement jump performance and maximal voluntary dynamic contraction by respectively 8% and 10% (Ptime < .01) and increased serum procollagen type 1N-terminal peptide concentration by 10% (Ptime < .01). However, no differences were found for any of the outcomes between whey and whey protein + collagen peptides. In conclusion, substituting a portion of whey protein for collagen peptide, within a similar total protein dose, improved neither indices of eccentric muscle damage nor functional outcomes during eccentric training.
Household Food Insecurity Is Associated With Physical Activity in Youth and Young Adults With Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Reid Lauren A. , Geraci Marco , Mendoza Jason A. , Merchant Anwar T. , Reboussin Beth A. , Pate Russell R. , Dolan Lawrence M. , Sauder Katherine A. , Lustigova Eva , Kim Grace , Liese Angela D.
Published: November 2023

Background: Physical activity (PA) is essential for optimal diabetes management. Household food insecurity (HFI) may negatively affect diabetes management behaviors. The purpose of this study was to cross-sectionally examine the association between HFI and PA in youth and young adults (YYA) with type 1 (N = 1998) and type 2 (N = 391) diabetes from the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study. Methods: HFI was measured with the US Household Food Security Survey Module. PA was measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form. Walking, moderate-intensity PA (excluding walking), vigorous-intensity PA, moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA, and total PA were estimated as minutes per week, while time spent sitting was assessed in minutes per day. All were modeled with median regression. Meeting PA guidelines or not was modeled using logistic regression. Results: YYA with type 1 diabetes who experienced HFI spent more time walking than those who were food secure. YYA with type 2 diabetes who experienced HFI spent more time sitting than those who were food secure. Conclusions: Future research should examine walking for leisure versus other domains of walking in relation to HFI and use objective PA measures to corroborate associations between HFI and PA in YYA with diabetes.
Caribbean salinity anomalies contributed to variable North Atlantic circulation and climate during the Common Era
Authors: Zhuravleva Anastasia , Bauch Henning A. , Mohtadi Mahyar , Fahl Kirsten , Kienast Markus
Published: November 2023

Paleoceanographic reconstructions show that the strength of North Atlantic currents decreased during the Little Ice Age. In contrast, the role of ocean circulation in climate regulation during earlier historical epochs of the Common Era (C.E.) remains unclear. Here, we reconstruct sea surface temperature (SST) and salinity in the Caribbean Basin for the past 1700 years using the isotopic and elemental composition of planktic foraminifera tests. Centennial-scale SST and salinity variations in the Caribbean co-occur with (hydro)climate changes in the Northern Hemisphere and are linked to a North Atlantic SST forcing. Cold phases around 600, 800, and 1400 to 1600 C.E. are characterized by Caribbean salinification and Gulf of Mexico freshening that implies reductions in the strength of North Atlantic surface circulation. We suggest that the associated changes in the meridional salt advection contributed to the historical climate variability of the C.E.
Lachnospiraceae
-derived butyrate mediates protection of high fermentable fiber against placental inflammation in gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Huang Shuangbo , Chen Jianzhao , Cui Zhijuan , Ma Kaidi , Wu Deyuan , Luo Jinxi , Li Fuyong , Xiong Wenyu , Rao Sujuan , Xiang Quanhang , Shi Wei , Song Tongxing , Deng Jinping , Yin Yulong , Tan Chengquan
Published: November 2023

Inflammation-associated insulin resistance is a key trigger of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but the underlying mechanisms and effective interventions remain unclear. Here, we report the association of placental inflammation (tumor necrosis factor–α) and abnormal maternal glucose metabolism in patients with GDM, and a high fermentable dietary fiber (HFDF;
konjac
) could reduce GDM development through gut flora–short-chain fatty acid–placental inflammation axis in GDM mouse model. Mechanistically, HFDF increases abundances of
Lachnospiraceae
and butyrate, reduces placental-derived inflammation by enhancing gut barrier and inhibiting the transfer of bacterial-derived lipopolysaccharide, and ultimately resists high-fat diet–induced insulin resistance.
Lachnospiraceae
and butyrate have similar anti-GDM and anti–placental inflammation effects, and they can ameliorate placental function and pregnancy outcome effects probably by dampening placental immune dysfunction. These findings demonstrate the involvement of important placental inflammation–related mechanisms in the progression of GDM and the great potential of HFDFs to reduce susceptibility to GDM through gut-flora-placenta axis.
Toward the understanding of DSG2 and CD46 interaction with HAdV-11 fiber, a super-complex analysis
Authors: Effantin Gregory , Hograindleur Marc-André , Fenel Daphna , Fender Pascal , Vassal-Stermann Emilie
Published: November 2023

Among human species B adenovirus, HAdV-11, has the particular feature of exploiting two primary receptors, desmoglein 2 (DSG2) and CD46, to mediate cell attachment. This serotype represents a particularly promising class of oncolytic viral vaccines. For instance, Enadenotucirev, a species B HAdV-11/HAdV-3 chimeric adenoviral vector, demonstrated preclinical tumor-selective cytotoxicity. Understanding the mechanism of HAdV-11 entry is a major challenge for the development of powerful vectors. Interactions between HAdV-11 and CD46 are well-characterized and clearly depend on the fiber protein, but the mechanism whereby HAdV-11 engages DSG2 has been still unresolved. In this study, we described a new cryo-EM structure of the HAdV-11 fiber in complex with DSG2. Kinetic interaction studies demonstrated that the binding stability of the HAdV-11 in complex with DSG2 was significantly lower than with CD46. Furthermore, competition assays with pseudotyped viruses suggested that the interaction of the HAdV-11 fiber with DSG2 was not required for infection but that DSG2 could serve as a receptor in the absence of CD46. Unexpectedly, we succeeded to isolate a HAdV-11 fiber/DSG2/CD46 “super complex” showing that these two receptors could simultaneously bind to the same trimeric HAdV-11K. Our work deciphers the use of two independent receptors by HAdV-11 from a biochemical and structural point of view, which can have an impact for future vectors design.

IMPORTANCE

The main limitation of oncolytic vectors is neutralization by blood components, which prevents intratumoral administration to patients. Enadenotucirev, a chimeric HAdV-11p/HAdV-3 adenovirus identified by bio-selection, is a low seroprevalence vector active against a broad range of human carcinoma cell lines. At this stage, there’s still some uncertainty about tropism and primary receptor utilization by HAdV-11. However, this information is very important, as it has a direct influence on the effectiveness of HAdV-11-based vectors. The aim of this work is to determine which of the two receptors, DSG2 and CD46, is involved in the attachment of the virus to the host, and what role they play in the early stages of infection.
Congenital duodenal obstruction repair with and without transanastomotic tube feeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bethell George Stephen , Neville Jonathan J , Johnson Mark John , Turnbull Joanne , Hall Nigel J
Published: November 2023

Objective

To determine the impact of transanastomotic tube (TAT) feeding in congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO).

Design

Systematic review with meta-analysis.

Patients

Infants with CDO requiring surgical repair.

Interventions

TAT feeding following CDO repair versus no TAT feeding.

Main outcome measures

The main outcome was time to full enteral feeds. Additional outcomes included use of parenteral nutrition (PN), cost and complications from either TAT or central venous catheter. Meta-analyses were undertaken using random-effects models (mean difference (MD) and risk difference (RD)), and risk of bias was assessed using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool.

Results

Twelve out of 373 articles screened met the inclusion criteria. All studies were observational and two were prospective. Nine studies, containing 469 infants, were available for meta-analysis; however, four were excluded due to serious or critical risk of bias. TAT feeding was associated with reduced time to full enteral feeds (−3.34; 95% CI −4.48 to −2.20 days), reduced duration of PN (−6.32; 95% CI −7.93 to −4.71 days) and reduction in nutrition cost of £867.36 (95% CI £304.72 to £1430.00). Other outcomes were similar between those with and without a TAT including inpatient length of stay (MD −0.97 (−5.03 to 3.09) days), mortality (RD −0.01 (−0.04 to 0.01)) and requirement for repeat surgery (RD 0.01 (−0.03 to 0.05)).

Conclusion

TAT feeding following CDO repair appears beneficial, without increased risk of adverse events; however, certainty of available evidence is low. Earlier enteral feeding and reduced PN use are known to decrease central venous catheter-associated risks while significantly reducing cost of care.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022328381.
Capabilities of GPT-4 in ophthalmology: an analysis of model entropy and progress towards human-level medical question answering
Authors: Antaki Fares , Milad Daniel , Chia Mark A , Giguère Charles-Édouard , Touma Samir , El-Khoury Jonathan , Keane Pearse A , Duval Renaud
Published: November 2023

Background

Evidence on the performance of Generative Pre-trained Transformer 4 (GPT-4), a large language model (LLM), in the ophthalmology question-answering domain is needed.

Methods

We tested GPT-4 on two 260-question multiple choice question sets from the Basic and Clinical Science Course (BCSC) Self-Assessment Program and the OphthoQuestions question banks. We compared the accuracy of GPT-4 models with varying temperatures (creativity setting) and evaluated their responses in a subset of questions. We also compared the best-performing GPT-4 model to GPT-3.5 and to historical human performance.

Results

GPT-4–0.3 (GPT-4 with a temperature of 0.3) achieved the highest accuracy among GPT-4 models, with 75.8% on the BCSC set and 70.0% on the OphthoQuestions set. The combined accuracy was 72.9%, which represents an 18.3% raw improvement in accuracy compared with GPT-3.5 (p<0.001). Human graders preferred responses from models with a temperature higher than 0 (more creative). Exam section, question difficulty and cognitive level were all predictive of GPT-4-0.3 answer accuracy. GPT-4-0.3’s performance was numerically superior to human performance on the BCSC (75.8% vs 73.3%) and OphthoQuestions (70.0% vs 63.0%), but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.55 and p=0.09).

Conclusion

GPT-4, an LLM trained on non-ophthalmology-specific data, performs significantly better than its predecessor on simulated ophthalmology board-style exams. Remarkably, its performance tended to be superior to historical human performance, but that difference was not statistically significant in our study.
Employment and higher education in young adults with cerebral palsy: a cross-sectional analysis of the SPARCLE study
Authors: Vidart d'Egurbide Bagazgoïtia Nicolas , Perret Celia , Himmelmann Kate , Thyen Ute , Ehlinger Virginie , Duffaut Carine , Arnaud Catherine , Sentenac Mariane
Published: November 2023

Introduction

For young people with disabilities, access to higher education and employment should lead to improved personal self-esteem and well-being and, in the long run, to increased inclusion in society. Our aims were to describe the education and employment status of young adults with cerebral palsy (CP), to investigate the personal and contextual factors, including prior mainstream education, that most influence these statuses, and to study to what extent employment affects the quality of life (QoL).

Methods

We used data from the SPARCLE3 cross-sectional study, collected in 2018–2020 in five European regions. Eligible participants were adults with CP, 22–27 years, without moderate to profound intellectual disability. Outcomes were education and employment statuses. Unconditional logistic regressions were performed to test the association with impairments, comorbidities, personal and family characteristics and environmental factors. QoL scores (WHOQOL-bref score 0–100) were compared using linear regressions.

Results

Of the 227 participants, 21.6% had a tertiary degree, 35.2% were employed. The likelihood of being employed or of having a tertiary degree was reduced by more than 75% for those with more severe gross motor limitations or communication/speech difficulties. Those with a tertiary degree were more likely to be employed (OR 9.37 (95% CI 2.87 to 30.64)) while accessible car parking was the only associated environmental factor (OR 2.92 (95% CI 1.19 to 7.18)). Prior mainstream schooling increased the odds of being employed 16-fold. Individuals who were employed reported an 8-point increase in the physical and psychological well-being domains of QoL compared with those who were unemployed.

Conclusions

The employment situation of young adults with CP can still be improved, but our findings encourage the implementation of inclusive policies from an early age.
Persistence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies over 18 months following infection: UK Biobank COVID-19 Serology Study
Authors: Bešević Jelena , Lacey Ben , Callen Howard , Omiyale Wemimo , Conroy Megan , Feng Qi , Crook Derrick W , Doherty Nicola , Ebner Daniel , Eyre David W , Fry Dan , Horn Edward , Jones E Yvonne , Marsden Brian D , Peto Tim E A , Starkey Fenella , Stuart David , Welsh Samantha , Wood Natasha , Young Alan , Young Allen , Effingham Mark , Collins Rory , Holliday Jo , Allen Naomi
Published: November 2023

Background

Little is known about the persistence of antibodies after the first year following SARS-CoV-2 infection. We aimed to determine the proportion of individuals that maintain detectable levels of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies over an 18-month period following infection.

Methods

Population-based prospective study of 20 000 UK Biobank participants and their adult relatives recruited in May 2020. The proportion of SARS-CoV-2 cases testing positive for immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against the spike protein (IgG-S), and the nucleocapsid protein (IgG-N), was calculated at varying intervals following infection.

Results

Overall, 20 195 participants were recruited. Their median age was 56 years (IQR 39–68), 56% were female and 88% were of white ethnicity. The proportion of SARS-CoV-2 cases with IgG-S antibodies following infection remained high (92%, 95% CI 90%–93%) at 6 months after infection. Levels of IgG-N antibodies following infection gradually decreased from 92% (95% CI 88%–95%) at 3 months to 72% (95% CI 70%–75%) at 18 months. There was no strong evidence of heterogeneity in antibody persistence by age, sex, ethnicity or socioeconomic deprivation.

Conclusion

This study adds to the limited evidence on the long-term persistence of antibodies following SARS-CoV-2 infection, with likely implications for waning immunity following infection and the use of IgG-N in population surveys.
Reducing the risk of NHS disasters
Authors: Jesudason Edwin
Published: November 2023

How could we better use public inquiries to stem the recurrence of healthcare failures? The question seems ever relevant, prompted this time by the inquiry into how former nurse Letby was able to murder newborns under National Health Service care. While criminality, like Letby’s, can be readily condemned, other factors like poor leadership and culture seem more often regretted than reformed. I would argue this is where inquiries struggle, in the space between ethics and law—with what is awful but lawful. In response, we should learn from progress with informed consent. Inquiries and civil litigation have seen uninformed ‘consent’ shift from being undesirable to unlawful. If better leadership and culture were sole drivers here, we would likely be doing far better in many other areas of healthcare too. Instead, one could argue that progress on consent has been made by reducingepistemic injustice—by naming and addressingepistemicissues in ways that enhancesocial powerfor patients. If this is an ingredient that transforms clinician–patient working, might it also shift conduct within other key relationships, by showing up what else should become unlawful and why? Namingmedical paternalismmay have helped with consent reform, so I continue this approach, first naming two areas of epistemic injustice:management feudalismandlegal chokeholds. Remedies are then considered, including the democratisation of management and reforms to legal ethics, legislation and litigation. In brief, public inquiries may improve if they also target epistemic injustices that should become unlawful. Focus on informed consent and epistemic relationships has improved the medical profession. Likewise, it could help healthcare leaders shift from fiat towards consent, and their lawyers from a stifling professional secrecy towards the kind of candour a prudent public expects.