bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The development of Aloe vera-based edible film with the addition of sago starch and glycerol for food packaging
Authors: Affandi M S S , Utomo A R , Setijawaty E , Darmoatmodjo L M Y D , Jati I R A P
Published: June 2023

The edible film is a thin sheet material made of carbohydrates, protein or fat compounds. Research on the development of edible film is promising due to the increased plastic waste, which could disturb the environmental balance. The biodegradable nature of edible film provides an environmental-friendly material for packaging. Nevertheless, creating an edible film with similar properties to plastic will require extensive research. This research aims to develop Aloe vera-based edible film with the addition of sago starch as a texture enhancer and glycerol as a plasticizer and investigate the effect of different concentrations of sago starch on the physicochemical properties of edible film. In this research, six different concentration of sago starch was applied, which are 2.5%; 3%; 3.5%; 4%; 4.5%; and 5% (w/w). Each treatment was repeated four times. The result shows that the increase of sago starch concentration could increase the tensile strength and percent of elongation of edible film. On the contrary, the moisture content, water activity, and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) were decreased. The range of tensile strength, percent of elongation, moisture content, water activity, and WVTR were 0.0254-0.4827 N/cm2, 46.67%-61,79%, 13.39%-16.65%, 0.559-0.636, and 5.6460-10.0810 g/m2/hour, respectively.
The effect of consumer knowledge and perceptions on the purchase decision of chocolate with sustainability label
Authors: Muhammad D R A , Anandito R. B K , Fauza G , Saputri L M
Published: June 2023

This study aims to determine the effect of knowledge, environmental perception, quality perception and price perception on the decision to buy of chocolate product with sustainability label. An internet survey was used to collect data from 406 respondents of Indonesian people with an age range of 15-40 years and had consumed chocolate bars. The technique used in this study was a non-probability sampling technique with a purposive sampling approach. The analytical method used in this study was quantitative analysis, namely multiple linear regression analysis. This analysis includes validity and reliability tests, multiple regression analysis, hypothesis testing with t test and F test, and analysis of the coefficient of determination (R2). The result shows that the knowledge variable (X1) had no partial effect on the decision to buy chocolates with sustainability label (Y). However, for the environmental perception variable (X2), the quality perception variable (X3), and the perception variable. price (X4) had a positive and significant effect on the decision to buy chocolate bar products with sustainability label (Y). In addition, knowledge, environmental perception, quality perception, price perception simultaneously had a positive effect on the decision to buy chocolate bar products with sustainability label. The influence of the four variables on the decision to buy chocolate bars with sustainability label was obtained from the analysis of the coefficient of determination (R2), which was found at 55.1%. While the remaining 44.9% was affected by other variables outside the four variables studied in this study.
Gelatin methacryloyl and Laponite bioink for 3D bioprinted organotypic tumor modeling
Authors: de Barros Natan Roberto , Gomez Alejandro , Ermis Menekse , Falcone Natashya , Haghniaz Reihaneh , Young Patric , Gao Yaqi , Aquino Albert-Fred , Li Siyuan , Niu Siyi , Chen RunRun , Huang Shuyi , Zhu Yangzhi , Eliahoo Payam , Sun Arthur , Khorsandi Danial , Kim Jinjoo , Kelber Jonathan , Khademhosseini Ali , Kim Han-Jun , Li Bingbing
Published: June 2023

Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro tumor models that can capture the pathophysiology of human tumors are essential for cancer biology and drug development. However, simulating the tumor microenvironment is still challenging because it consists of a heterogeneous mixture of various cellular components and biological factors. In this regard, current extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimicking hydrogels used in tumor tissue engineering lack physical interactions that can keep biological factors released by encapsulated cells within the hydrogel and improve paracrine interactions. Here, we developed a nanoengineered ion-covalent cross-linkable bioink to construct 3D bioprinted organotypic tumor models. The bioink was designed to implement the tumor ECM by creating an interpenetrating network composed of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA), a light cross-linkable polymer, and synthetic nanosilicate (Laponite) that exhibits a unique ionic charge to improve retention of biological factors released by the encapsulated cells and assist in paracrine signals. The physical properties related to printability were evaluated to analyze the effect of Laponite hydrogel on bioink. Low GelMA (5%) with high Laponite (2.5%–3.5%) composite hydrogels and high GelMA (10%) with low Laponite (1.0%–2.0%) composite hydrogels showed acceptable mechanical properties for 3D printing. However, a low GelMA composite hydrogel with a high Laponite content could not provide acceptable cell viability. Fluorescent cell labeling studies showed that as the proportion of Laponite increased, the cells became more aggregated to form larger 3D tumor structures. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot experiments showed that an increase in the Laponite ratio induces upregulation of growth factor and tissue remodeling-related genes and proteins in tumor cells. In contrast, cell cycle and proliferation-related genes were downregulated. On the other hand, concerning fibroblasts, the increase in the Laponite ratio indicated an overall upregulation of the mesenchymal phenotype-related genes and proteins. Our study may provide a rationale for using Laponite-based hydrogels in 3D cancer modeling.
Application of different MPPT algorithms for PMSG-based grid-connected wind energy conversion system
Authors: Raj Sonali , Kumar Ramesh
Published: June 2023

Renewable energy sources such as wind energy sources have become the most prominent area of research work over the last two decades. Extraction of maximum power and lowering of THD are still the main issues during the integration of wind energy sources to the grid due to the noncontrollable variability of wind energy sources and the application of power electronic devices as interfacing devices. The main objective of this paper is to utilize modern optimization techniques for extracting maximum power points and implementing a Multilevel inverter to obtain minimal THD. This paper has introduced Improved Grey Wolf Optimization with Levy Flight for tracking maximum power from WECS. This Levy flight concept is applied in combination with the improved hunting process of GWO for providing an efficacy solution and a high rate of convergence through global tracking. Distinct MPPT algorithms such as Perturb and Observe (P&O), Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO), and Levy Flight Grey Wolf optimization (LGWO) are presented, simulated, and analyzed using MATLAB/SIMULINK. These algorithms have been compared based on quantitative analysis to examine the stability, figure out performance, and verify the best algorithm among the proposed algorithms. The consequences of the comparison demonstrated the supercilious characteristic of LGWO in the matter of tracking GMPP, rate of convergence, and the time to catch GMPP. The multilevel inverter is utilized as an interfacing unit between wind energy sources and the grid. This power electronic-based multilevel inverter is the main source of harmonic generation. This harmonic has been reduced to 5.5% (THD) due to the application of a 23-level Cascaded H-bridge multilevel Inverter using MATLAB/SIMULINK software.
Symmetric tensor networks for generative modeling and constrained combinatorial optimization
Authors: Lopez-Piqueres Javier , Chen Jing , Perdomo-Ortiz Alejandro
Published: June 2023

Constrained combinatorial optimization problems abound in industry, from portfolio optimization to logistics. One of the major roadblocks in solving these problems is the presence of non-trivial hard constraints which limit the valid search space. In some heuristic solvers, these are typically addressed by introducing certain Lagrange multipliers in the cost function, by relaxing them in some way, or worse yet, by generating many samples and only keeping valid ones, which leads to very expensive and inefficient searches. In this work, we encode arbitrary integer-valued equality constraints of the form

A

x
⃗

=

b
⃗

, directly into U(1) symmetric tensor networks (TNs) and leverage their applicability as quantum-inspired generative models to assist in the search of solutions to combinatorial optimization problems within the generator-enhanced optimization framework of Alcazar et al (2021 arXiv:2101.06250). This allows us to exploit the generalization capabilities of TN generative models while constraining them so that they only output valid samples. Our constrained TN generative model efficiently captures the constraints by reducing number of parameters and computational costs. We find that at tasks with constraints given by arbitrary equalities, symmetric matrix product states outperform their standard unconstrained counterparts at finding novel and better solutions to combinatorial optimization problems.
Carotenoid-dependent plumage coloration is associated with reduced male care in passerine birds
Authors: Rincón-Rubio Verónica A , Székely Tamás , Liker András , Gonzalez-Voyer Alejandro
Published: June 2023

The immense diversity of plumage coloration exhibited by birds is the result of either pigments deposited in the feathers or microstructural arrangements of feather barbules. Some of the most common pigments are carotenoids, which produce bright yellow, orange, and red colors. Carotenoids differ from other pigments since birds cannot synthesize them de novo and must obtain them from the diet. Carotenoid pigments are usually associated with signaling and sexual selection, although they also have antioxidant properties and play a role in the immune response. Here, we hypothesize that carotenoid-dependent plumage coloration functions as a signal of a male’s tendency to invest in offspring care because they play an important role in self-maintenance and may provide key information about individual quality; allowing females to obtain information about a male’s tendency to invest in offspring care. Using phylogenetic comparative analyses across 349 passerine birds, we show that species that consume carotenoid-rich foods have more carotenoid-dependent plumage coloration than species with carotenoid-poor diets. In addition, carotenoid-dependent plumage coloration is associated with decreased male investment in offspring care. Our results suggest that investment in carotenoid-dependent plumage coloration trades off against male investment in offspring care and will likely have broad implications for our understanding of the ecological contexts that facilitate various evolutionary processes, such as sexual selection and signaling associated with plumage colors.
Melatonin modulates endometrial decidualization via NOTCH1–NRF2–FOXO1–GSH pathway
Authors: Jin Shan , Wang Ting-Ting , Huang Ji-Cheng , Wang Yu-Si , Guo Bin , Yue Zhan-Peng
Published: June 2023

Melatonin is important for oocyte maturation, fertilization, early embryonic development, and embryo implantation, but less knowledge is available regarding its role in decidualization. The present study found that melatonin did not alter the proliferation of human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs), as well as cell cycle progress, but suppressed stromal differentiation after binding to the melatonin receptor 1B (MTNR1B), which was visualized in decidualizing ESCs. Further analysis evidenced that application of melatonin resulted in the diminishment for NOTCH1 and RBPJ expression. Supplementation of recombinant NOTCH1 protein (rNOTCH1) counteracted the impairment of stromal differentiation conferred by melatonin, while the addition of the NOTCH signaling pathway inhibitor DAPT aggravated the differentiation progress. Meanwhile, melatonin might restrain the expression and transcriptional activity of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), whose blockage accelerated the fault of stromal differentiation under the context of melatonin, but this restraint was subsequently ameliorated by rNOTCH1. Forkhead box O 1 (FOXO1) was identified as a downstream target of melatonin in decidualization. Repression of NRF2 antagonized the retrieval of rNOTCH1 due to aberrant FOXO1 expression elicited by melatonin. Moreover, melatonin brought about the occurrence of oxidative stress accompanied by an obvious accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species and a significant reduction in glutathione (GSH) content, as well as enzymatic activities of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase, whereas supplementation of rNOTCH1 improved the above-mentioned effects. Nevertheless, this improvement was disrupted by the blockage of NRF2 and FOXO1. Furthermore, addition of GSH rescued the defect of stromal differentiation by melatonin. Collectively, melatonin might impair endometrial decidualization by restraining the differentiation of ESCs dependent on NOTCH1–NRF2–FOXO1–GSH pathway after binding to the MTNR1B receptor.
Total neoadjuvant therapy versus standard neoadjuvant treatment strategies for the management of locally advanced rectal cancer: network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Donnelly Mark , Ryan Odhrán K , Ryan Éanna J , Creavin Ben , O’Reilly Mary , McDermott Ray , Kennelly Rory , Hanly Ann , Martin Seán T , Winter Des C
Published: June 2023

Background

This study compared the advantages and disadvantages of total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) strategies for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer, compared with the more traditional multimodal neoadjuvant management strategies of long-course chemoradiotherapy (LCRT) or short-course radiotherapy (SCRT).

Methods

A systematic review and network meta-analysis of exclusively RCTs was undertaken, comparing survival, recurrence, pathological, radiological, and oncological outcomes. The last date of the search was 14 December 2022.

Results

In total, 15 RCTs involving 4602 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer, conducted between 2004 and 2022, were included. TNT improved overall survival compared with LCRT (HR 0.73, 95 per cent credible interval 0.60 to 0.92) and SCRT (HR 0.67, 0.47 to 0.95). TNT also improved rates of distant metastasis compared with LCRT (HR 0.81, 0.69 to 0.97). Reduced overall recurrence was observed for TNT compared with LCRT (HR 0.87, 0.76 to 0.99). TNT showed an improved pCR compared with both LCRT (risk ratio (RR) 1.60, 1.36 to 1.90) and SCRT (RR 11.32, 5.00 to 30.73). TNT also showed an improvement in cCR compared with LCRT (RR 1.68, 1.08 to 2.64). There was no difference between treatments in disease-free survival, local recurrence, R0 resection, treatment toxicity or treatment compliance.

Conclusion

This study provides further evidence that TNT has improved survival and recurrence benefits compared with current standards of care, and may increase the number of patients suitable for organ preservation, without negatively influencing treatment toxicity or compliance.
Longitudinal SARS-CoV-2 neutralization of Omicron BA.1, BA.5 and BQ.1.1 after four vaccinations and the impact of breakthrough infections in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Platen Louise , Liao Bo-Hung , Tellenbach Myriam , Cheng Cho-Chin , Holzmann-Littig Christopher , Christa Catharina , Dächert Christopher , Kappler Verena , Bester Romina , Werz Maia Lucia , Schönhals Emely , Platen Eva , Eggerer Peter , Tréguer Laëtitia , Küchle Claudius , Schmaderer Christoph , Heemann Uwe , Keppler Oliver T , Renders Lutz , Braunisch Matthias Christoph , Protzer Ulrike
Published: June 2023

Background

Individuals on haemodialysis (HD) are more vulnerable to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection than the general population due to end-stage kidney disease–induced immunosuppression.

Methods

A total of 26 HD patients experiencing SARS-CoV-2 infection after a third vaccination were matched 1:1 with 26 of 92 SARS-CoV-2-naïve patients by age, sex, dialysis vintage and immunosuppressive drugs receiving a fourth vaccination with a messenger RNA–based vaccine. A competitive surrogate neutralization assay was used to monitor vaccination success. To determine infection neutralization titres, Vero-E6 cells were infected with SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VoCs), Omicron sublineage BA.1, BA.5 and BQ.1.1. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50, serum dilution factor 1:x) was determined before, 4 weeks after and 6 months after the fourth vaccination.

Results

A total of 52 HD patients received four coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccinations and were followed up for a median of 6.3 months. Patient characteristics did not differ between the matched cohorts. Patients without a SARS-CoV-2 infection had a significant reduction of real virus neutralization capacity for all Omicron sublineages after 6 months (P < .001 each). Those patients with a virus infection did not experience a reduction in real virus neutralization capacity after 6 months. Compared with the other Omicron VoC, the BQ.1.1 sublineage had the lowest virus neutralization capacity.

Conclusions

SARS-CoV-2-naïve HD patients had significantly decreased virus neutralization capacity 6 months after the fourth vaccination, whereas patients with a SARS-CoV-2 infection had no change in neutralization capacity. This was independent of age, sex, dialysis vintage and immunosuppression. Therefore, in infection-naïve HD patients a fifth COVID-19 vaccination might be reasonable 6 months after the fourth vaccination.
Improved detection of echocardiographically occult left ventricular thrombi following ST-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Reindl Martin , Lechner Ivan , Holzknecht Magdalena , Tiller Christina , Fink Priscilla , Oberhollenzer Fritz , Mayr Agnes , Troger Felix , Pamminger Mathias , Henninger Benjamin , Theurl Markus , Klug Gert , Brenner Christoph , Bauer Axel , Metzler Bernhard , Reinstadler Sebastian J
Published: June 2023

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate predictors of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)-occult left ventricular (LV) thrombi (LVT) and to propose a clinical model for improved detection of TTE-occult LVT post–ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Patients with acute STEMI are at significant risk for developing LVT. However, this complication often (up to 65%) remains undetected by using TTE, referred to as TTE-occult LVT.

Methods and results

In total, 870 STEMI patients underwent TTE and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), the reference method for LVT detection, 3 days after infarction. Clinical (body mass index, peak cardiac troponin T) and echocardiographic [ejection fraction, apical wall motion scores (AWMSs)] predictors were analysed. Primary endpoint was the presence of TTE-occult LVT identified by CMR imaging. From the overall cohort, 37 patients (4%) showed an LVT by CMR. Of these thrombi, 25 (68%) were not identified by TTE. Transthoracic echocardiography-occult thrombi did not significantly differ in volume (1.4 vs. 2.74 cm3), diameter (19.0 vs. 23.3 mm), and number of fragments or shape compared with TTE-apparent LVT (all P > 0.05). For predicting these TTE-occult LVT, the 16-segment AWMS (AWMS16Seg) showed highest validity {area under the curve: 0.91 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.89–0.93]; P < 0.001}, with an association independent of ejection fraction and 17-segment AWMS (AWMS17Seg) [odds ratio: 1.68 (95% CI: 1.43–1.97); P < 0.001] and clinical (body mass index, peak troponin) and angiographic (culprit lesion, post-interventional thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow) associates of TTE-occult LVT (all P < 0.05). Dichotomization at AWMS16Seg ≥ 8 (n = 260, 30%) allowed for a detection of all TTE-occult LVT (sensitivity: 100%), with a corresponding specificity of 77%.

Conclusion

After acute STEMI, AWMS16Seg served as a simple and very robust predictor of TTE-occult LVT. An AWMS16Seg-based algorithm to identify patients for additional CMR imaging offers great potential to optimize detection of TTE-occult LVT following STEMI.
The primary cardiomyopathy of systemic sclerosis on cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Chhikara Sanya , Kanda Adinan , Ogugua Fredrick M , Rouf Rejowana , Nouraee Cyrus , Bawaskar Parag , Molitor Jerry A , Shenoy Chetan
Published: June 2023

Aims

Cardiac disease in systemic sclerosis (SSc) may be primary or secondary to other disease manifestations of SSc. The prevalence of the primary cardiomyopathy of SSc is unknown. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging can help accurately determine the presence and cause of cardiomyopathy. We aimed to investigate the prevalence, the CMR features, and the prognostic implications of the primary cardiomyopathy of SSc.

Methods and results

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients with SSc who had a clinical CMR for suspected cardiac involvement. We identified the prevalence, the CMR features of the primary cardiomyopathy of SSc, and its association with the long-term incidence of death or major adverse cardiac events (MACEs): heart failure hospitalization, ventricular assist device implantation, heart transplantation, and sustained ventricular tachycardia. Of 130 patients with SSc, 80% were women, and the median age was 58 years. On CMR, 22% had an abnormal left ventricular ejection fraction, and 40% had late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). The prevalence of the primary cardiomyopathy of SSc was 21%. A third of these patients had a distinct LGE phenotype. Over a median follow-up of 3.6 years after the CMR, patients with the primary cardiomyopathy of SSc had a greater incidence of death or MACE (adjusted hazard ratio 2.01; 95% confidence interval 1.03–3.92; P = 0.041).

Conclusion

The prevalence of the primary cardiomyopathy of SSc was 21%, with a third demonstrating a distinct LGE phenotype. The primary cardiomyopathy of SSc was independently associated with a greater long-term incidence of death or MACE.
Bev Said “No”: Learning From Nursing Home Residents About Care Politics in Our Aging Society
Authors: Klostermann Janna
Published: June 2023

How do nursing home residents decide when, whether, or how to respond to their own and others’ care needs when the need to do is constant? What can we learn from them about care politics in our aging society? Drawing on ethnographic research conducted in three long-term residential care homes in Ontario Canada, this article weaves approaches from the arts, humanities, and interpretive sociology to respond to these questions. Contextualizing nursing home residents’ stories of care within broader sociocultural and political contexts, I consider how they develop critical and creative insights, not only about direct care or nursing home life but about moral, philosophical, and culturally significant questions relevant to care provision. As political actors engaged in a “politics of responsibility,” they put work into navigating, negotiating, and making sense of their own and others’ care needs in under-resourced contexts and in relation to circulating narratives about care, aging, and disability. Exposed to constant demands to care for others, residents’ stories highlight the importance of expanding cultural narratives to embrace embodied differences or care needs, to help people to talk about their own needs or limits, and to organize care as a shared, collective responsibility.
Extreme Heat Vulnerability Among Older Adults: A Multilevel Risk Index for Portland, Oregon
Authors: Kohon Jacklyn N , Tanaka Katsuya , Himes Dani , Toda Eiji , Carder Paula C , Carlson Bryant
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives

Extreme heat is an environmental health equity concern disproportionately affecting low-income older adults and people of color. Exposure factors, such as living in rental housing and lack of air conditioning, and sensitivity factors, such as chronic disease and social isolation, increase mortality risk among older adults. Older persons face multiple barriers to adaptive heat mitigation, particularly those living in historically temperate climates. This study measures two heat vulnerability indices to identify areas and individuals most vulnerable to extreme heat and discusses opportunities to mitigate vulnerability among older adults.

Research Design and Methods

We constructed two heat vulnerability indices for the Portland, OR, metropolitan area: one using area scale proxy measures extracted from existing regional data and another at the individual scale using survey data collected following the 2021 Pacific Northwest Heat Dome event. These indices were analyzed using principal component analysis and Geographic Information Systems.

Results

Results indicate that the spatial distribution of areas and individuals vulnerable to extreme heat are quite different. The only area found among the most vulnerable on both indices has the largest agglomeration of age- and income-restricted rental housing in the metropolitan area.

Discussion and Implications

Due to spatial variations in heat-related risk at the individual and area scales, measures addressing heat risk should not be spatially uniform. By focusing resources on older adult individuals and areas in particular need of assistance, heat risk management policies can be both highly efficient and cost effective.
Poleward spawning of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) is facilitated by ocean warming but triggered by energetic constraints
Authors: dos Santos Schmidt T C , Slotte A , Olafsdottir A H , Nøttestad L , Jansen T , Jacobsen J A , Bjarnason S , Lusseau S M , Ono K , Hølleland S , Thorsen A , Sandø A B , Kjesbu O S
Published: June 2023

The Northeast Atlantic mackerel is an income breeder with indeterminate fecundity, spawning in multiple batches at optimal temperatures around 11°C in the upper water column during February–July along the continental shelf from 36–62°N. Based on macroscopic staging of gonads (N ∼62000) collected in 2004–2021, we detected an on-going extension of spawning activities into the Norwegian Sea feeding area (62–75°N), reaching stable levels around 2012 onwards. This poleward expansion increased as more fish entered the area, whilst the maximum proportions of spawners concurrently dropped from about 75 to 15% from May to July. Detailed histological examinations in 2018 confirmed the macroscopic results but clarified that 38% of the spawning-capable females in July terminated their spawning by atresia. We suggest that increased access to suitable spawning areas (≥10°C), following ocean warming from 2002 onwards, functions as a proximate cause behind the noticed expansion, whereas the ultimate trigger was the historic drop in body growth and condition about 10 years later. Driven by these energetic constraints, mackerel likely spawn in the direction of high prey concentrations to rebuild body resources and secure the future rather than current reproduction success. The ambient temperature that far north is considered suboptimal for egg and larval survival.
Recent marine growth declines in wild and ranched Atlantic salmonSalmo salarfrom a western European catchment discovered using a 62-year time series
Authors: Long A P , Vaughan L , Tray E , Thomas K , Maoiléidigh N Ó , Poole R , Cotter D , Doogan A , Brophy D
Published: June 2023

To address population declines, many salmon populations are supplemented with hatchery-bred fish. Little is known about how growth performance of hatchery-bred and wild salmon compare during critical periods such as the first summer at sea. This study compares scale growth measurements between 1725 ranched and 1976 wild salmon from the Burrishoole catchment (western Ireland) over 62 years (1956–2017). Post-smolt growth (PSG) was greater in wild than ranched fish; this difference was consistent with compensatory growth rather than size-dependant growth. Temporal trends in marine growth of wild and ranched fish were similar, with a marked decline in PSG and return size after the early 2000s. The decline in PSG was significantly related to freshwater growth and autumn sea surface temperature in the Norwegian Sea. Temporal changes in the pattern of intercirculi spacings along the PSG growth trajectory were also identified; circuli deposited during the first summer at sea were narrower in the 2000s and 2010s compared to earlier decades, while circuli from the first winter were wider. The recent decline in growth affects both populations similarly, is associated with increasing temperature and is manifested as a change in growth pattern as well as overall growth.
To predict the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) using Generalized Additive2 Models (GA2M)
Authors: Lapi Francesco , Nuti Lorenzo , Marconi Ettore , Medea Gerardo , Cricelli Iacopo , Papi Matteo , Gorini Marco , Fiorani Matteo , Piccinocchi Gaetano , Cricelli Claudio
Published: June 2023

Objective

To train and test a model predicting chronic kidney disease (CKD) using the Generalized Additive2 Model (GA2M), and compare it with other models being obtained with traditional or machine learning approaches.

Materials

We adopted the Health Search Database (HSD) which is a representative longitudinal database containing electronic healthcare records of approximately 2 million adults.

Methods

We selected all patients aged 15 years or older being active in HSD between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2020 with no prior diagnosis of CKD. The following models were trained and tested using 20 candidate determinants for incident CKD: logistic regression, Random Forest, Gradient Boosting Machines (GBMs), GAM, and GA2M. Their prediction performances were compared by calculating Area Under Curve (AUC) and Average Precision (AP).

Results

Comparing the predictive performances of the 7 models, the AUC and AP for GBM and GA2M showed the highest values which were equal to 88.9%, 88.8% and 21.8%, 21.1%, respectively. These 2 models outperformed the others including logistic regression. In contrast to GBMs, GA2M kept the interpretability of variable combinations, including interactions and nonlinearities assessment.

Discussion

Although GA2M is slightly less performant than light GBM, it is not “black-box” algorithm, so being simply interpretable using shape and heatmap functions. This evidence supports the fact machine learning techniques should be adopted in case of complex algorithms such as those predicting the risk of CKD.

Conclusion

The GA2M was reliably performant in predicting CKD in primary care. A related decision support system might be therefore implemented.
Genetic analysis of growth curve in Moghani Sheep using Bayesian and restricted maximum likelihood
Authors: Rashedi Dehsahraei Azar , Ghaderi-Zefrehei Mostafa , Rafeie Farjad , Zakizadeh Sonia , Shirani Shamsabadi Javad , Elahi Torshizi Mahdi , Neysi Saied , Rahmatalla Siham A
Published: June 2023

This study was conducted to predict the genetic (co)variance components of growth curve parameters of Moghani sheep breed using the following information: birth weight (N = 7278), 3-mo-old weight (N = 5881), 6-mo-old weight (N = 5013), 9-mo-old weigh (N = 2819], and 12-mo-old weight (N = 2883). The growth parameters (A: maturity weight, B: growth rate, and K: maturity rate) were calculated using Gompertz, Logistic, Brody, and Von Bertalanffy nonlinear models via NLIN procedure of SAS software. The aforementioned models were compared using Akaike information criterion, root mean square error, adjusted co-efficient of determination. Also, both Bayesian (using MTGSAM) and RMEL (using WOMBAT) paradigms were adapted to predict the genetic (co)variance components of growth parameters (A, B, K) due to the best fitted growth models. It was turned out that Von Bertalanffy best fitted to the data in this study. The year of birth and lamb gender had a significant effect on maturity rate (P < 0.01). Also it turned out that within the growth parameter, with increasing (co)variance matrix complexity, the Bayesian paradigm fitted well to the data than the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) one. However, for simple animal model and across all growth parameters, REML outperformed Bayesian. In this way, the h2a predicted (0.15 ± 0.05), (0.11±.05), and (0.04 ± 0.03) for A, B, and K parameters, respectively. Practically, in terms of breeding plan, we could see that genetic improvement of growth parameters in this study is not a tractable strategy to follow up and improvement of the management and environment should be thoroughly considered. In terms of paradigm comparison, REML’s bias correction bears up an advantageous approach as far as we are concerned with small sample size. To this end, REML predictions are fairly accurate but the mode of posterior distributions could be overestimated. Finally, the differences between REML and Bayesian estimates were found for all parameter data in this study. We conclude that simulation studies are necessary in order to trade off these parading in the complex random effects scenarios of genetic individual model.
Perianal extramammary Paget’s disease with adenocarcinoma of perianal skin area, a case report
Authors: Alhebshi Alhasan H , Aldekhail Mohammed , Abduljabbar Alaa
Published: June 2023

Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) is an uncommon slow-growing skin adenocarcinoma originating in the anogenital region and axilla outside the mammary glands, often in regions with apocrine glands. The most common location is the vulva, followed by perineal, perianal, scrotal and penile skin. Here, we report a case of a 63-year-old male with EMPD in the perianal region. He reported 4 years of pain associated with an increasing region of skin irritation and bleeding on defecation that did not improve with topical agents. A biopsy sample revealed poorly differentiated carcinoma consistent with adenocarcinoma and associated with Paget disease. Workup was done. The patient tolerated local excision of the region well with no complications. A rare disease, EMPT, is challenging to diagnose and manage. Histopathological findings can, however, differentiate it from a wide array of similar skin conditions. Thorough investigations should be undertaken before initiating treatment to ensure the best outcomes.
Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis: diagnostic complexity and review of the literature
Authors: Arnott William , Hutchins Jemima , Malhotra Tanishk , Ketheesan Yathurshika , Steinberg Lilly , Carter Lucy , Diab Jason , Wong King
Published: June 2023

We report the case of a 39-year-old male presenting with acute onset vomiting and diarrhoea. Initially treated empirically for gastroenteritis, imaging later confirmed a complicated episode of cholecystitis with fistular formation and intra-abdominal cyst. Following cholecystectomy, histology confirmed a case of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC). This paper presents a detailed summary of the condition alongside a literature review of all available episodes of XGC since 2017 with the aim of highlighting diagnostic conclusions regarding the nature of the disease and its clinical manifestations.
A dahlia flower extract has antidiabetic properties by improving insulin function in the brain
Authors: Pretz Dominik , Heyward Philip M , Krebs Jeremy , Gruchot Joel , Barter Charles , Silcock Pat , Downes Nerida , Rizwan Mohammed Zubair , Boucsein Alisa , Bender Julia , Burgess Elaine J , Boer Geke Aline , Keerthisinghe Pramuk , Perry Nigel B , Tups Alexander
Published: June 2023

Butein, a rare chalcone found in the toxic plant Toxicodendron vernicifluum, has been shown to regulate glucose homeostasis via inhibition of the nuclear factor kappa-B kinase subunit beta (IKKβ)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway in the brain. Here, we investigated whether the nonpoisonous plant Dahlia pinnata could be a source of butein as a potential treatment for type 2 diabetes (T2D). In mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) to induce glucose intolerance, an oral D. pinnata petal extract improved glucose tolerance at doses of 3.3 mg/kg body weight and 10 mg/kg body weight. Surprisingly, this effect was not mediated by butein alone but by butein combined with the closely related flavonoids, sulfuretin and/or isoliquiritigenin. Mechanistically, the extract improved systemic insulin tolerance. Inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase to block insulin signaling in the brain abrogated the glucoregulatory effect of the orally administered extract. The extract reinstated central insulin signaling and normalized astrogliosis in the hypothalamus of HFD-fed mice. Using NF-κB reporter zebrafish to determine IKKβ/NF-κB activity, a potent anti-inflammatory action of the extract was found. A randomized controlled crossover clinical trial on participants with prediabetes or T2D confirmed the safety and efficacy of the extract in humans. In conclusion, we identified an extract from the flower petals of D. pinnata as a novel treatment option for T2D, potentially targeting the central regulation of glucose homeostasis as a root cause of the disease.
Does obesity affect treatment response to secukinumab and survival in ankylosing spondylitis? Real-life data from the TURKBIO Registry
Authors: Karakaş Ali , Gulle Semih , Can Gerçek , Dalkılıc Ediz , Akar Servet , Koca Suleyman Serdar , Pehlivan Yavuz , Senel Soner , Tufan Abdurrahman , Ozturk Mehmet Akif , Yilmaz Sema , Yazici Ayten , Cefle Ayse , Yüce İnel Tuba , Erez Yesim , Sari Ismail , Birlik Merih , Direskeneli Haner , Akkoc Nurullah , Onen Fatos
Published: June 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of obesity on the treatment response to secukinumab and drug survival rate in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods

We performed an observational cohort study that included AS patients based on the biological drug database in Turkey (TURKBIO) Registry between 2018 and 2021. The patients were divided into three groups: normal [body mass index (BMI) < 25 kg/m2], overweight (BMI: 25–30 kg/m2), and obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). Disease activity was evaluated at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. Drug retention rates at 12 months were also investigated.

Results

There were 166 AS patients using secukinumab (56.6% male, mean age: 44.9 ± 11.6 years). The median follow-up time was 17.2 (3–33.2) months. Forty-eight (28.9%) patients were obese. The mean age was higher in the obese group than in others (P = .003). There was no statistically significant difference in Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index 50, Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society 20 (ASAS20), ASAS40, Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) low disease activity, and ASDAS clinically important improvement responses between the three groups at 3, 6, and 12 months, although they were numerically lower in obese patients. Drug retention rates at 12 months were similar in all groups (P > .05).

Conclusions

This study suggested that obesity did not affect secukinumab treatment response and drug retention in AS patients.
Ethnicity, Coronavirus Disease-Related Stress, and E-cigarette Use and Cigarette Smoking Among Young Adults: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Pokhrel Pallav , Lipperman-Kreda Sharon , Wills Thomas A , Keaweʻaimoku Kaholokula Joseph , Kawamoto Crissy T , Amin Samia , Herzog Thaddeus A
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Research has rarely examined ethnic differences in exposure to coronavirus disease (COVID)-related stress in relation to smoking and e-cigarette use.

Aims and Methods

Using pre- and post-COVID data from a sample of predominantly Asian American (AA) and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) young adults, this study aimed to test the effects of ethnicity on cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use through exposure to COVID-related stress. Young adults from Hawaii who provided pre-COVID data in or before January 2020 were followed up with in March–May 2021. N = 1907 (mean age = 24.9 [SD = 2.9], 56% women) provided complete data relevant to the current analysis at both waves of data collection. Structural equation modeling was used to test the effects of ethnicity (white, Asian [eg, Japanese, Chinese], Filipino, NHPI, and other) on pre- to post-COVID changes in cigarette and e-cigarette use via effects on COVID-related stress.

Results

Relative to Asian young adults, members of all other ethnic groups (NHPI, Filipino, white, and other) indicated greater exposure to COVID-related stress. Higher levels of COVID-related stress were associated with increased dual-use status and increased current e-cigarette and cigarette use frequencies. Higher COVID-related stress mediated the effects of NHPI, Filipino, and other ethnicity on increased dual-use status.

Conclusions

The current data indicate that young adults of vulnerable ethnic groups who experience higher COVID-related stress are at increased risk for dual use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes.

Implications

The findings imply that tobacco use prevention and treatment efforts may need to pay increased attention to racial or ethnic groups that have experienced greater adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prevalence and determinants of adult consumer use and comprehension of food labels in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nkhoma Dumisani E , Mumba Wongani K , Banda Kondwani J , Sakala Melody , Panyani David , Muwalo Blessings , Mbeye Nyanyiwe Masingi
Published: June 2023

Context

Food labelling is a global strategy recommended to reduce noncommunicable diseases. Few reviews, however, have focused on food label use in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Objective

To determine the prevalence of food label use and describe determinants of food label use and purchasing decisions of adult consumers in SSA.

Data source

PubMed (Medline), Web of Science, Cochrane Central, and Google Scholar databases.

Data extraction

Search criteria included adults (aged ≥18 years), conducted in SSA, focusing on food label use or understanding and their determinants or determinants of food-purchasing decisions, and articles published in English.

Study quality and data analysis

Risk-of-bias assessment of included studies was done using the Joann Briggs Institute checklist for prevalence studies. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger’s test. Analysis included narrative synthesis and moderator and meta-analyses of food label use.

Results

A total of 124 articles were found, of which 21 were included in the review. Of participants in the selected studies, 58% were female. About 80% reported food label use (either used sometimes or always) (70%–88%) (I2 = 97%; n = 6223), and regular use was estimated at 36% (28%–45%) (I2 = 97%; n = 5147). Food label use was influenced by level of income, education, employment status, and household size. Food-purchasing decisions were influenced by attributes such as expiry dates, price, and taste. Major recommendations reported were tailored education campaigns and reducing barriers to food label use.

Conclusion

Most (80%) of adults in SSA reported using food labels; however, only about one-third used them consistently. Demographic and situation factors determined patterns in food label use, whereas product attributes influenced food purchasing decisions. Complexity of these determinants requires adopting tailored, multisectoral, theory-driven programs to improve food label use.

Systematic Review Registration

Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/kc562)
How to Evaluate the Effects of IMF Conditionality
Authors: Kentikelenis Alexandros , Stubbs Thomas
Published: June 2023

Given the marked increase in the range and detail of data on International Monetary Fund (IMF) policy reforms, the stage is set to undertake fine-grained quantitative analyses of the impact of conditionality. In attempting to analyze the effects of conditionality, a number of methodological difficulties must be overcome. Countries select into IMF programs and receive conditions based on an array of domestic and global economic, political, and social characteristics, some of which cannot be directly observed or measured. These characteristics may in turn influence the outcome of interest. This chapter surveys the main strategies for studying the effects of IMF intervention. It then advances a compound instrumental variable design over a system of three equations to address the multiple sources of statistical bias.
Conditionality and Income Inequality
Authors: Kentikelenis Alexandros , Stubbs Thomas
Published: June 2023

In recent years, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has styled itself as a champion of meeting Sustainable Development Goals pertaining to reducing inequalities. This rebranding of the IMF as an inequality-combating champion was a sharp departure from the reputation of the organization across developing countries. This chapter evaluates statistically the impact of IMF conditionality on the Gini coefficient of disposable income, and then leverages new data on the extent of IMF-mandated fiscal austerity to investigate how it affects the concentration of income into deciles. The chapter finds that the IMF’s policy prescriptions increase income inequality. Trade liberalization and changes to exchange rates are the key conditions driving these results, plausibly linked to social dislocations in the transition period and removed protections for workers in order to attract foreign direct investment. Furthermore, low-income groups are particularly adversely affected by the implementation of austerity policies, whereas top earners experience increases in their incomes, thereby exacerbating inequalities.
Introduction
Authors: Mwambari David
Published: June 2023

This book maps and examines to the extent to which, and under what conditions, the master narrative of the genocide against the Tutsi has emerged, evolved, and been enforced as a hegemonic master narrative in Rwanda and worldwide. It also explores the plurality of responses to the postgenocide official memory and investigates the implications of these specific commemorations for larger questions about memory politics globally. The introduction locates the book in broader debates on master narrative and hegemonic memory literature and memory politics in postgenocide Rwanda. The methodology section includes an analysis of the author’s positionality as a Rwandan academic and complexities of researching such a sensitive topic that remains emotionally difficult for many Rwandans to discuss and analyze.
Specificity and Resolution in the Communicative Use of Singular Terms
Authors: Dickie Imogen
Published: June 2023

This chapter argues for an alternative to what I call the ‘standard view’ of communicative use of singular terms. On this view, communication using a singular term requires that speaker and hearer treat it as standing for the same object, and that their doing so be secured in an appropriately non-lucky way. The first part of the paper uses cases involving ‘felicitous non-specificity’, where communication using a singular term runs smoothly even though participants in the conversation do not have a specific object in mind, to raise an initial challenge to the standard view. The rest of the paper motivates an alternative account of what must go non-luckily right in communicative uses of singular terms, and shows how this account solves the initial puzzle. According to the alternative account, ordinary thinking about ordinary things involves sustaining relations of cognitive focus upon them, and communicative use of singular terms involves engagement in joint cognitive-focus-sustaining activity. But a focus relation has a degree of resolution. So cases of felicitous non-specificity are predicted by the proposal: they are cases where speaker and hearer are engaged in a joint focus-sustaining activity at a degree of resolution too coarse to distinguish one potential referent from another.