bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Network pharmacology and in silico approaches to uncover multitargeted mechanism of action of Zingiber zerumbet rhizomes for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Byregowda Bharath Harohalli , Baby Krishnaprasad , Maity Swastika , Nayak Usha Yogendra , S Gayathri , Fayaz Shaik Mohammad , Nayak Yogendra
Published: June 2024

Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a disease with high mortality, and there are only two specific drugs available for therapeutic management with limitations. The study aims to identify comprehensive therapeutic mechanisms of Zingiber zerumbet rhizomes (ZZR) to treat IPF by using network pharmacology followed battery of in silico studies. Methods The protein-protein interaction network was developed using Cytoscape to obtain core disease targets involved in IPF and their interactive molecules of ZZR. Based on the pharmacophore properties of phytomolecules from ZZR, the drug targets in IPF were explored. Protein-protein interaction network was built in Cytoscape to screen potential targets and components of ZZR. Molecular docking and dynamics were conducted as an empirical study to investigate the mechanism explored through network pharmacology in relation to the hub targets. Results The network analysis conferred kaempferol derivatives that had demonstrated a promising therapeutic effect on the perturbed, robust network hubs of TGF-β1, EGFR, TNF-α, MMP2 & MMP9 reported to alter the biological process of mesenchymal transition, myofibroblast proliferation, and cellular matrix deposition in pulmonary fibrosis. The phytomolecules of ZZR act on two major significant pathways, namely the TGF-β-signaling pathway and the FOXO-signaling pathway, to inhibit IPF. Confirmational molecular docking and dynamics simulation studies possessed good stability and interactions of the protein-ligand complexes by RMSD, RMSF, rGyr, SASA, and principal component analysis (PCA). Validated molecular docking and dynamics simulations provided new insight into exploring the mechanism and multi-target effect of ZZR to treat pulmonary fibrosis by restoring the alveolar phenotype through cellular networking. Conclusions Network pharmacology and in silico studies confirm the multitargeted activity of ZZR in the treatment of IPF. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are to be conducted to validate these findings.
What is required to foster transformational inclusion in journal article publications?
Authors: Ewuoso Cornelius
Published: June 2024

Empirical studies show a clear geographical bias in journal publications that invisibilizes Africa. This primarily conceptual article – which adopts a philosophical analytical method – builds on these studies by drawing on two key sites of internal exclusion (language of competence and epistemological capture) in African scholarships to explain why such geographical bias is immoral. Furthermore, the article uses these concepts and integration – described as deliberative iterations – to articulate what concretely needs to happen and the specific actions to be taken to foster transformational inclusion in bioethics publications.
Monitoring of coastline change using Sentinel-2 MSI data. A case study in Thanh Hoa Province, Vietnam
Authors: Trinh Le Hung , Le Thi Giang , Tran Xuan Bien , Tran Quoc Vinh , Le Van Phu , To Thi Phuong
Published: June 2024

Vietnam is a coastal country with a coastline of more than 3,260 km, stretching from north to south. Coastal change in Vietnam is complicated further by the effects of climate change, including erosion and accretion, causing great impacts on infrastructure and the environment. This article presents the results of assessing coastline changes in Thanh Hoa Province (North Central region of Vietnam) from Sentinel-2 MSI satellite image data for the period 2015–23. Three Sentinel-2 MSI images taken in December 2015, December 2020 and December 2023 were used to calculate the water indices, including Normalised Difference Water Index (NDWI), Modified Normalised Difference Water Index (MNDWI) Argumented Normalised Difference Water Index (ANDWI) and Automated Water Extraction Index (AWEIsh), then extract the shoreline using the thresholding method and select the water index with the highest accuracy through comparing the overall accuracy and Kappa coefficient. The coastlines of 2015, 2020 and 2023 years are overlaid to evaluate the coastal changes in the study area. The results received in the study provide objective and timely information, helping managers effectively monitor and respond to coastline changes.
Cele kształcenia do twórczości formułowane przez nauczycieli polskich liceów ogólnokształcących
Authors: Gralewski Jacek
Published: June 2024

Rozwijanie kreatywności traktowane jest jako jedno z ważnych zadań stojących przed nauczycielami oraz całymi systemami edukacji. Stanowi jeden z celów działań edukacyjnych formułowanych w ramach programów kształcenia wielu państw, w tym również Polski. Dlatego celem badania omówionego w niniejszym artykule badania była analiza celów kształcenia do twórczości jakie formułują nauczyciele liceów.
W badaniu wzięło udział 219 nauczycieli matematyki oraz języka polskiego z 32 liceów ogólnokształcących, których poproszono o wskazanie pięciu najważniejszych – ich zdaniem – celów kształcenia, które są istotne z punktu widzenia przygotowania uczniów szkoły średniej do samodzielnej aktywności twórczej w życiu dorosłym. Ocena celów kształcenia wskazanych przez nauczycieli dokonana przez ekspertów wykazała, że zaledwie co trzeci z nich (31,08%) dotyczył szeroko rozumianego kształcenia do twórczości. Mimo iż badani nauczyciele mieli możliwość wskazania aż pięciu celów kształcenia do twórczości, to przeciętnie formułowali zaledwie jeden (M = 1,20; SD = 1,19). Co trzeci z badanych nauczycieli nie sformułował ani jednego celu kształcenia, który zostałby uznany przez ekspertów za sprzyjający kształceniu do twórczości (36,99%), co czwarty wskazał tylko jeden taki cel (26,48%), co piąty dwa (21,46%), co dziesiąty trzy (10,05%), a co dwudziesty – cztery takie cele (5,02%).
Te Kukunetanga: Vegetable and fruit intake during pregnancy
Authors: Wyatt Hannah , Huang William , Rush Elaine , Hume Patria , Waller Nimisha
Published: June 2024

Background: Carotenoids, found in vegetables and fruits, act as antioxidants and are a source of vitamin A. Carotenoids may play an important role in maternal and fetal health (e.g., eye health and brain development) and the prevention of pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, small for gestational age babies and/or intrauterine growth restriction. No studies have examined relationships among carotenoid concentrations, intake of vegetables and fruit, and weeks of gestation. Understanding of the stability of carotenoid concentrations across gestation, despite increasing demands placed on the body (e.g., increase in metabolic demands, body mass and volume), may help inform specific guidelines for vegetable and fruit intake during pregnancy. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the relationships of vegetable and fruit intake, body mass, volume, density and gestation with the carotenoid reflection score. Method: Carotenoid concentration in the fat of women throughout their pregnancy was assessed using a non-invasive Veggie Meter™ device which measures carotenoid reflection spectroscopy from the fingertip. Gestation and vegetable and fruit intake were self-reported. Body mass and body volume were measured via a 3D body scanner and force plate. Correlations between baseline visit measures, differences between visit I and II and repeated measures correlations (up to four visits) were analysed for all measures. Findings: Only nine of the 35 women (25.7%) in this study met the guideline of 7+ a day for vegetable and fruit intake. Carotenoid reflective scores tended to be lower for those with greater body mass (r = -0.48, 95% CI = -0.70, -0.18; p < 0.001) and volume (r = -0.50, 95% CI = -0.71, -0.20; p < 0.001). Although women increased their vegetable and fruit intake with increased gestation (rrm = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.2, 0.83; p = 0.01), their carotenoid reflective score did not increase (rrm = -0.29, 95% CI = -0.66, 0.19; p = 0.22). Conclusion: Supporting previous recommendations for the general population that vegetable and fruit intake should increase relative to body size, the current study findings suggest it may be advisable for women to progressively consume more vegetables and fruit to align with increases in body mass throughout pregnancy.
Influencers: The Power of Comments
Authors: Nistor Cristina , Selove Matthew
Published: June 2024

This paper builds a game theory model of influencer endorsements and product comments by their followers.
Competitive Model Selection in Algorithmic Targeting
Authors: Iyer Ganesh , Ke T. Tony
Published: June 2024

We study how market competition influences the algorithmic design choices of firms in the context of targeting. Firms face a general bias-variance trade-off when choosing the design of a supervised learning algorithm in terms of model complexity or the number of predictors to accommodate. Each firm has a data analyst who uses the chosen algorithm to estimate demand for multiple consumer segments, based on which it devises a targeting policy to maximize estimated profits. We show that competition induces firms to strategically choose simpler algorithms that involve more bias but lower variance. Therefore, more complex/flexible algorithms may have higher value for firms with greater monopoly power.

History: Anthony Dukes served as the senior editor for this article.

Funding: This work was supported by Hong Kong Research Grants Council [project number 14503122].
UK's first secure school opens after years of debate and delay
Authors: Simpson Fiona
Published: June 2024

CYP Now takes a tour of the Oasis Restore secure school with its state-of-the-art facilities to learn how a new holistic offer for youth justice is designed to shift settings away from punishment towards rehabilitation
Local authorities band together to recruit more foster carers
Authors: Copps John , Owers Mark
Published: June 2024

Working in regional ‘clusters’, councils are building and testing a new approach to foster carer recruitment through a government-funded programme. Experts outline the impact on the future of fostering
Scheme tackles harassment in schools
Authors: Virdi Amrit
Published: June 2024

London borough develops education programme to teach young people about how to respond to sexual harassment if witnessed
Commissioning Care
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: June 2024

A shortage of provision and a rise in vulnerable children has made social care placements harder to find and more expensive for councils and led to policymakers developing plans for regional commissioning
Investigating Boredom Among Chinese Senior High School Students in English as a Foreign Language Classrooms
Authors: Chen Bin , Li Yunheng , Liu Honggang
Published: June 2024

Boredom is a commonly experienced unpleasant emotion in foreign language classrooms and may negatively influence students’ learning status and outcomes. Unfortunately, limited attention has been directed to classroom boredom among students while learning foreign languages. To address this gap, this study adopted a mixed-methods approach to investigate English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom boredom experienced by students. We invited 675 Chinese senior high school EFL students to participate in the questionnaire survey about their classroom boredom, and 4 of them voluntarily participated in semi-structured interviews. The results of quantitative data analyses indicate that Chinese senior high school EFL students experienced medium levels of classroom boredom, with male students feeling significantly more bored than females and no difference in boredom in terms of grade and class type. Qualitative data also reveal students’ preferences for challenging language learning activities and learner-centered pedagogy. Our findings shed light on ways of improving EFL learners’ classroom learning experiences and emotional status.
Surviving not living: Bird Box and mothering through trauma
Authors: Long Maggie
Published: June 2024

Bird Box is described as a post-apocalyptic horror thriller, released in 2018, which depicts the plight of a mother raising two young children in the grip of collective trauma, and the ripple effects thereof. In this article, I draw upon key theoretical constructs from the field of trauma studies including attachment and psychoanalytic theories, in relation to the protagonist of Bird Box (Malorie) and her children, to illuminate the effects of relational, collective and transgenerational trauma on mothers and their children. In particular, I apply my reflections upon features of the film to mothering in the socio-political context of Northern Ireland, and the COVID-19 pandemic, to elucidate the complexities of mothering in these contexts. I suggest that Bird Box creates a visceral experience of mothering through trauma for viewers, which enables us to think through salient questions about the needs of mothers and children, beginning to live again in the aftermath of trauma.
Codesigning youth diversion programmes with community-led organisations: a case study
Authors: Walker Sarah C. , Cunningham Kathryn A. , Gilbert Emi J. , Norman Larry , Worthy Shaun , Holand Kathleen
Published: June 2024

Background:

We explore the feasibility of applying methods of participatory codesign to collaborative service development with community-led youth diversion programmes. Collaborative partnerships can support wealth redistribution and community mobilisation, a goal of governments aiming to implement equity-focused policy. There is little systematic exploration of methods aiming to structure the relationship between government and community-led programmes as part of youth criminal-legal diversion efforts.

Methods:

We use case study methodology to assess the feasibility and impact of a curriculum codesign approach between a university research team and two community-led organisations providing diversion services through a county juvenile court. The codesign method was informed by participatory design and use of research evidence frameworks.

Findings:

The analysis focuses on the feasibility of the approach from the perspective of the university research team and community organisations as well as how well the approach successfully navigated critical components of participatory process, including shared power, deference to community vision and values, and a valued end product. We conclude that the approach was generally feasible as a quality improvement strategy and well-received by the community-led organisations.

Discussion and conclusions:

Codesign is a promising strategy for reconciling public administration and health equity goals. The approach used in this case study adds to a small literature on methods of using codesign as a quality improvement process with applications for government contracting and monitoring, programme development and capacity-building.
Porn Vilification and Age Verification: Regulating Online Pornography and Sex Work
Authors: Colliver Stacey
Published: June 2024

Abstract: This commentary presents regulatory mechanisms recently proposed or passed by countries around the world requiring providers of online pornography to implement age-verification technologies. Canada's "Protecting Young Persons from Exposure to Pornography" Act (PYPEPA) is presented as a key exemplar of the problematic discourses used to construct pornography and sex work as dangerous that contribute to the creation of harmful and ineffective legislation with far-reaching consequences for the sex work community. PYPEPA and other presented legislation demonstrate a pattern of moralistic policies rooted in problematic discourses and fundamental misunderstandings of the sex work industry, which persist despite evidence of their growing harm. This problematic framing of online pornography creates a perceived need for the government to "do something", resulting in punitive policies that have far-reaching consequences. While proponents of these bills are attempting to reduce the potential for harm on children who access to online pornography, the stated goals of the legislation suggest that they are unnecessarily concerned with defining acceptable categories of sexuality. Alternatives to the vilification of online pornography, with the mutually-aligned goal of limiting the potential for harm, are explored as a better way forward.
Broadband NIRS assessment of cerebral water content in adults
Authors: Goyal Vidisha , Arrington Michael D. , Zhao Hongting , Forti Rodrigo M. , Harris LaBeausha H. , Urner Tara M. , Boodooram Tisha S. , Bai Shasha , Samuels Owen B. , Kandiah Prem A. , Sadan Ofer , Buckley Erin M.
Published: June 2024

The sensitivity of broadband near-infrared spectroscopy (bbNIRS) to obtain cerebral water content in adults was assessed by quantifying measurement repeatability and demonstrating feasibility to detect alterations in neurocritical patients.
Non-transverse electromagnetic fields in micro- and nano-fibers
Authors: Saglam U. , Yavuz D. D.
Published: June 2024

We present an analytical and numerical study of electromagnetic modes in micro- and nano-fibers (MNFs) where the electric and magnetic fields of the modes are not necessarily orthogonal to each other. We first investigate these modes for different fiber structures including circular- and rectangular-core fibers as well as photonic crystal fibers. We then discuss two specific applications of these modes: (1) generation of hypothetical axions that are coupled to the electromagnetic fields through the dot product of electric and magnetic fields of a mode, E→⋅B→, and (2) a new type of optical trap (optical tweezers) for chiral atoms with magneto-electric cross coupling, where the confining potential again is proportional to E→⋅B→.
Generating broadband cylindrical vector modes based on polarization-dependent acoustically induced fiber gratings using the dispersion turning point
Authors: Xie Meiting , Xu Jiangtao , Wang Jiajun , Zhao Huihui , Liu Yeshuai , Wen Jianxiang , Pang Fufei , Sun Jianfeng , Zeng Xianglong
Published: June 2024

Cylindrical vector beams (CVBs) with special polarization distribution have been extensively investigated due to the unique ways of interacting with matter. Although several configurations have been developed to generate CVBs, such as Q-plates and subwavelength gratings, the bandwidth of a single CVB is inherently narrow due to the phase geometry, which would limit its application for femtosecond lasers. Here, a broadband CVB mode converter based on an acoustically induced fiber grating (AIFG) and a tuning method of dispersion turning point (DTP) is demonstrated both theoretically and experimentally with the 3-dB bandwidth of 125 nm, which is more than 10 times that of conventional AIFGs. Not only can the DTP wavelength be tuned from the original 1500 nm to 1650 nm by thinning the fiber, but also the stable generation of a single broadband HE21odd/even mode can be controllably implemented by adjusting the polarization state of the incident light, owing to the larger beat length difference between HE21 and other CV modes. Additionally, the femtosecond CVBs and orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes are successfully generated and amplified by combining the broadband AIFG with a figure-9 mode-locked fiber laser. Meanwhile, it is verified by simulation that the choice of broadband CV mode and the tunability of DTP wavelength can be realized by designing ring-core fibers with different structures, which can furthermore improve the flexibility of generating high purity CVBs. This study provides a highly controllable technique for the generation of broadband CVBs and OAMs paving the way for high-capacity CVBs communication.
Universally Achieving Crisp Imaging in Phone Camera with Field-dependent Deconvolution in Raw Format
Authors: Zhang Ruxin , Song Xiaofei , Zhang Yuanlong , Xie Jiachen , Chen Jiawei , Li Xiang , Zhang Haiyu , Zhou Qiqun , Wu Jiamin , Wang Haoqian , Dai Qionghai
Published: June 2024

We present Raw2raw, an innovative image reconstruction pipeline to mitigate blurriness caused by under-optimized smartphone systems. Our style effectively preserves data structure and underscores the potential of portable biomedical data capture and smart-phone camera applications.
In vivo Localization of a Breast Cancer Targeting Molecular Probe for Fluorescence Imaging and Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Li Zihao , de la Cruz Flecha Anakin , Lapham JT , DeNyse Christopher , Fung Shannon , Stafford Elaina , Choe Regine , Schmitthenner Hans F. , Baran Timothy M.
Published: June 2024

We introduce a peptide-based targeted molecular imaging probe for breast cancer imaging and photodynamic therapy treatment. This work presents results of in vitro and in vivo localization of the probe relative to an untargeted fluorophore.
Association between adverse childhood experiences and type 2 diabetes mellitus in later life: A case-control study
Authors: Barman Nilima , Islam Abul B. M. M. K. , Haque M. Atiqul
Published: June 2024

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur before 18 years of age. Studies emphasize the importance of childhood adversity as a risk factor for developing non-communicable diseases, including type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in adulthood. This case-control study involved 137 patients with T2DM and 134 non-diabetic adults of both genders (mean age 46.9 and 45.7 years, respectively). In addition to collecting socio-demographic, behavioral, and anthropological data, a 10-item ACE scale was utilized to gather information regarding childhood adversities, while perceived stress was assessed using the perceived stress scale-4. Fasting and 2-hour post glucose load blood sugar levels, HbA1c, and fasting lipid profiles were measured. Both univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate whether ACE is a potential risk factor for T2DM, with a significance level of 0.05. Around two-thirds of T2DM patients reported having ACE scores of 4 or higher, with the mean ACE score significantly higher in the case group than in the control group (3.96 vs. 3.34; p<0.0001). The logistic regression analysis found that T2DM was linked to female gender, hypertension, dyslipidemia, family history of DM, higher perceived stress, and a higher ACE score of 4 and above. After adjusting for confounding factors, individuals with an ACE score of 4 or higher had a significantly greater risk of developing T2DM (OR: 2.24; 95% CI 1.238–4.061). The study revealed a significant association between higher ACE scores and an increased risk of developing T2DM. As a recommendation, further investigation into the epigenetic mechanisms underlying this relationship is warranted.
Longitudinal assessment of human antibody binding to hemagglutinin elicited by split-inactivated influenza vaccination over six consecutive seasons
Authors: Carlock Michael A. , Allen James D. , Hanley Hannah B. , Ross Ted M.
Published: June 2024

Participants between the ages of 10–86 years old were vaccinated with split-inactivated influenza vaccine (Fluzone®) in six consecutive influenza seasons from 2016–2017 to 2021–2022. Vaccine effectiveness varies from season to season as a result of both host immune responses as well as evolutionary changes in the influenza virus surface glycoproteins that provide challenges to vaccine manufacturers to produce more effective annual vaccines. Next generation influenza vaccines are in development and may provide protective immune responses against a broader number of influenza viruses and reduce the need for annual vaccination. An improved understanding how current influenza vaccines are influenced by human host immune responses in people of different ages and co-morbidities is necessary for designing the next-generation of ’universal’ or broadly-protective influenza vaccines. Overall, pre-existing immune responses to previous influenza virus exposures, either by past infections or vaccinations, is a critical factor influencing host responses to seasonal influenza vaccination. Participants vaccinated in consecutive seasons had reduced serum hemagglutination-inhibition (HAI) activity against strains included in the vaccine compared to participants that had not been vaccinated in the preceding 1–2 years prior to entering this study. The magnitude and breadth of these antibody responses were also modulated by the age of the participant. Elderly participants over 65 years of age, in general, had lower pre-existing HAI titers each season prior to vaccination with lower post-vaccination titers compared to children or young adults under the age of 35. The administration of higher doses (HD) of the split-inactivated vaccine enhanced the antibody titers in the elderly. This report showcases 6 consecutive years of antibody HAI activity in human subjects receiving seasonal split-inactivated influenza vaccine.
The impact of financial development on enterprise green innovation under low carbon pilot city
Authors: Du Jianxiao , Han Yajie , Cui Xiaoyu
Published: June 2024

Low-carbon pilot city (LCPC) plays a pivotal role in stimulating green innovation among enterprises. However, relying solely on policy often proves less effective, necessitating support from financial development. Yet, current research frequently overlooks the impact of financial development on LCPC policy. Drawing on economic, management, and organizational psychology theories, we investigate the influence of the financial development level on enterprise green innovation in LCPC, utilizing data from listed companies between 2010 and 2018. The main finding is that LCPC facilitates institutional-level green innovation. Concurrently, financial development augments the effectiveness of LCPC policy, further expediting green innovation activities among enterprises in these pilot cities. Heterogeneity analyses reveal that financial development significantly promotes green innovation, particularly among state-owned enterprises, those with myopic management, non-high technology industries, and businesses in the southern region within LCPC. Mechanism tests identify enterprises’ financing constraints and R&D investment levels as key pathways through which financial development fosters green economic development in LCPC. This study provides micro-level evidence from China elucidating the effects of environmental policies and offers practical implications for the low-carbon transformation of the manufacturing sector amid peak emissions and carbon-neutral targets. Additionally, it provides valuable guidance for other emerging economies seeking enhanced resource and environmental protection through the implementation of energy-saving and emission-reduction fiscal policy.
Dynamic evolution of utilization efficiency of medical and health services in China
Authors: Zhang Jing
Published: June 2024

In order to optimize the Chinese medical and health system and improve people’s health level, the SFA Malmquist model, the spatial econometric model, and the standard deviation ellipse method were used to measure the efficiency of medical and health services in China’s 31 provinces between 2010 and 2020. Study results indicated that the average efficiency value of the 31 provinces generally exceeded 0.8. Specifically, the average efficiency values in the eastern and central regions increased from 0.852 to 0.875 and from 0.858 to 0.88, respectively. In the western and northeastern regions, these values rose from 0.804 to 0.835 and from 0.827 to 0.854, respectively. From the perspective of spatial distribution, there were high-high and low-low clusters in most provinces with significant spatial dependence among them. This analysis reveals that medical and health services efficiency in China demonstrates a spatial pattern extending from northeast to southwest.
Research on the evolution of cross-platform online public opinion for public health emergencies considering stakeholders
Authors: Shen Yan , Luo Zhou , Song Xinping , Liu Chunhua
Published: June 2024

Objective

To explore the different processes of the themes and emotional evolution of various stakeholders in the network public opinion of sudden public health emergencies at different stages of the public opinion evolution lifecycle.

Methods

This paper proposes a cross-platform analysis method for online public opinion during the public health emergencies based on stakeholders. Firstly, data from multiple platforms are collected and integrated. Secondly, stakeholders are categorized and the stages of public opinion evolution are determined based on stakeholder theory and lifecycle theory. Finally, the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA)+Word2vec model and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model are used to analyze the themes and emotional evolution of stakeholders during different stages of public opinion evolution.

Results

There are differences in the evolution patterns of different types of stakeholders. The evolution process of stakeholders’ focus points exhibits a two-stage transition from concentration to divergence. The focus points of stakeholders are closely associated with their respective social domains. The emotions of the public undergo a three-stage process of positive-negative-positive change.

Conclusions

This study can provide a reference for the government to have a more comprehensive understanding of the development trend of public opinion and reduce the negative impact of public opinion.
The relationship between parental support for exercise and depression: The mediating effects of physical exercise and physical self-esteem
Authors: Wang Chao , Luo Yonghua , Li Hansen , Zhang Guodong
Published: June 2024

The mental health challenges among Chinese college students have become a pressing social concern. This study examined the relationship between parental support for exercise and depression among freshmen and also explored the mediating role of physical exercise and physical self-esteem. Utilizing the Parental Exercise Support Scale, Depression Self-Rating Scale, Physical Activity Rating Scale, and Physical Self-Esteem Scale, a questionnaire survey was conducted. Convenient samples from two universities were recruited by university teachers, which included 766 university freshmen. Correlation and linear regression analyses were employed to assess the overall associations while bootstrapping method was used to test mediation effects. Results indicated significant correlations between parental support for exercise and physical exercise, physical self-esteem, and depression. Physical exercise and physical self-esteem were found to mediate the relationship between parental support for exercise and depression, both individually and sequentially. These findings highlight the potential association between parental support for exercise and the mental health of college freshmen and also offer a mechanism to understand this association.
Postoperative opioids administered to inpatients with major or orthopaedic surgery: A retrospective cohort study using data from hospital electronic prescribing systems
Authors: Huang Yun-Ting , Dixon William G. , O’Neill Terence W. , Jani Meghna
Published: June 2024

Background

Opioids administered in hospital during the immediate postoperative period are likely to influence post-surgical outcomes, but inpatient prescribing during the admission is challenging to access. Modified-release(MR) preparations have been especially associated with harm, whilst certain populations such as the elderly or those with renal impairment may be vulnerable to complications. This study aimed to assess postoperative opioid utilisation patterns during hospital stay for people admitted for major/orthopaedic surgery.

Methods

Patients admitted to a teaching hospital in the North-West of England between 2010–2021 for major/orthopaedic surgery with an admission for ≥1 day were included. We examined opioid administrations in the first seven days post-surgery in hospital, and “first 48 hours” were defined as the initial period. Proportions of MR opioids, initial immediate-release(IR) oxycodone and initial morphine milligram equivalents (MME)/day were calculated and summarised by calendar year. We also assessed the proportion of patients prescribed an opioid at discharge.

Results

Among patients admitted for major/orthopaedic surgery, 71.1% of patients administered opioids during their hospitalisation. In total 50,496 patients with 60,167 hospital admissions were evaluated. Between 2010–2017 MR opioids increased from 8.7% to 16.1% and dropped to 11.6% in 2021. Initial use of oxycodone IR among younger patients (≤70 years) rose from 8.3% to 25.5% (2010–2017) and dropped to 17.2% in 2021. The proportion of patients on ≥50MME/day ranged from 13% (2021) to 22.9% (2010). Of the patients administered an opioid in hospital, 26,920 (53.3%) patients were discharged on an opioid.

Conclusions

In patients hospitalised with major/orthopaedic surgery, 4 in 6 patients were administered an opioid. We observed a high frequency of administered MR opioids in adult patients and initial oxycodone IR in the ≤70 age group. Patients prescribed with ≥50MME/day ranged between 13–22.9%. This is the first published study evaluating UK inpatient opioid use, which highlights opportunities for improving safer prescribing in line with latest recommendations.
A national survey of children’s experiences and needs when attending Canadian pediatric emergency departments
Authors: Ma Keon , Rahimi Asa , Rajagopal Manasi , Yaskina Maryna , Goldman Ran D. , Jones Ashley , Erickson Tannis , Poonai Naveen , McGahern Candice , Weingarten Laura , Lerman Bethany , Auclair Marie-Christine , Wong Helen , Hartling Lisa , Schreiner Kurt , Scott Shannon , Ali Samina ,   on behalf of the Pediatric Emergency Research Canada Family Needs study team
Published: June 2024

Background

Optimizing a child’s emergency department (ED) experience positively impacts their memories and future healthcare interactions. Our objectives were to describe children’s perspectives of their needs and experiences during their ED visit and relate this to their understanding of their condition.

Methods

514 children, aged 7–17 years, and their caregivers presenting to 10 Canadian pediatric EDs completed a descriptive cross-sectional survey from 2018–2020.

Results

Median child age was 12.0 years (IQR 9.0–14.0); 56.5% (290/513) were female. 78.8% (398/505) reported adequate privacy during healthcare conversations and 78.3% (395/504) during examination. 69.5% (348/501) understood their diagnosis, 89.4% (355/397) the rationale for performed tests, and 67.2% (338/503) their treatment plan. Children felt well taken care of by nurses (90.9%, 457/503) and doctors (90.8%, 444/489). Overall, 94.8% (475/501) of children were happy with their ED visit. Predictors of a child better understanding their diagnosis included doctors talking directly to them (OR 2.21 [1.15, 4.28]), having someone answer questions and worries (OR 2.51 [1.26, 5.01]), and older age (OR 1.08 [1.01, 1.16]). Direct communication with a doctor (OR 2.08 [1.09, 3.99]) was associated with children better understanding their treatment, while greater fear/ ‘being scared’ at baseline (OR 0.59 [0.39, 0.89]) or at discharge (OR 0.46 [0.22, 0.96]) had the opposite effect.

Interpretation

While almost all children felt well taken care of and were happy with their visit, close to 1/3 did not understand their diagnosis or its management. Children’s reported satisfaction in the ED should not be equated with understanding of their medical condition. Further, caution should be employed in using caregiver satisfaction as a proxy for children’s satisfaction with their ED visit, as caregiver satisfaction is highly linked to having their own needs being met.
Psychological factors associated with exercise self-efficacy in the recipients of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator
Authors: Chen Pei-Yun , Chou Ching-Yi , Lien Miao-Hsin , Chen Shu-Wen , Lu Shu-Hua , Lo Chyi
Published: June 2024

Background

Insufficient exercise affects the health of patients who have implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD). The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlations between exercise self-efficacy (ESE) and its associated psychological factors in ICD recipients.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included individuals who had undergone ICD implantation at the cardiology department of a medical centre in Taiwan. A face-to-face survey was conducted. The survey questionnaire included questions regarding the participants’ demographics, perceived health (PH), ICD shock–related anxiety (ICD-SRA), self-care self-efficacy (SSE), perceived exercise benefit (PE-benefit), perceived exercise barrier (PE-barrier), and ESE. Data were analysed using SPSS 20.0 Software. Stepwise multiple regression analyses were also performed to evaluate the predictive effects of the aforementioned factors on ESE.

Results

A total of 52 ICD recipients were enrolled. ESE was negatively correlated with ICD-SRA (r = −0.511; p < 0.01) and PE-barrier (r = −0.563; p < 0.01), but positively correlated with SSE (r = 0.339; p < 0.05) and PE-benefit (r = 0.464; p < 0.01). The stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that PE-barrier, PE-benefit, and ICD-SRA effectively predicted ESE in the participants.

Conclusions

ESE may be improved by overcoming PE-barrier, ICD-SRA and enhancing PE-benefit. Consequently, improving ESE may enhance the health benefits of exercise.
Synthetic and practical reconstructions of SST and seawater pH using the novel multiproxy SMITE method
Authors: Hughes Hunter P. , Thompson Diane , Foster Gavin L. , Lees Jonathan , Surge Donna , Standish Christopher D.
Published: June 2024

Geochemical proxies of sea surface temperature (SST) and seawater pH (pHsw) in scleractinian coral skeletons are valuable tools for reconstructing tropical climate variability. However, most coral skeletal SST and pHsw proxies are univariate methods that are limited in their capacity to circumvent non-climate-related variability. Here we present a novel multivariate method for reconstructing SST and pHsw from the geochemistry of coral skeletons. Our Scleractinian Multivariate Isotope and Trace Element (SMITE) method optimizes reconstruction skill by leveraging the covariance across an array of coral elemental and isotopic data with SST and pHsw. First, using a synthetic proxy experiment, we find that SMITE SST reconstruction statistics (correlation, accuracy, and precision) are insensitive to noise and variable calibration period lengths relative to Sr/Ca. While SMITE pHsw reconstruction statistics remain relative to δ11B throughout the same synthetic experiment, the magnitude of the long-term trend in pHsw is progressively lost under conditions of moderate-to-high analytical uncertainty. Next, we apply the SMITE method to an array of seven coral-based geochemical variables (B/Ca, δ11B, Li/Ca, Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, U/Ca & Li/Mg) measured from two Bermudan Porites astreoides corals. Despite a <3.5 year calibration period, SMITE SST and pHsw estimates exhibit significantly better accuracy, precision, and correlation with their respective climate targets than the best single- and dual-proxy estimators. Furthermore, SMITE model parameters are highly reproducible between the two coral cores, indicating great potential for fossil applications (when preservation is high). The results shown here indicate that the SMITE method can outperform the most common coral-based SST and pHsw reconstructions methods to date, particularly in datasets with a large variety of geochemical variables. We therefore provide a list of recommendations and procedures for users to begin implementing the SMITE method as well as an open-source software package to facilitate dissemination of the SMITE method.
Automated monitoring of brush use in dairy cattle
Authors: Sadrzadeh Negar , Foris Borbala , Krahn Joseph , von Keyserlingk Marina A. G. , Weary Daniel M.
Published: June 2024

Access to brushes allows for natural scratching behaviors in cattle, especially in confined indoor settings. Cattle are motivated to use brushes, but brush use varies with multiple factors including social hierarchy and health. Brush use might serve an indicator of cow health or welfare, but practical application of these measures requires accurate and automated monitoring tools. This study describes a machine learning approach to monitor brush use by dairy cattle. We aimed to capture the daily brush use by integrating data on the rotation of a mechanical brush with data on cow identify derived from either 1) low-frequency radio frequency identification or 2) a computer vision system using fiducial markers. We found that the computer vision system outperformed the RFID system in accuracy, and that the machine learning algorithms enhanced the precision of the brush use estimates. This study presents the first description of a fiducial marker-based computer vision system for monitoring individual cattle behavior in a group setting; this approach could be applied to develop automated measures of other behaviors with the potential to better assess welfare and improve the care for farm animals.
Novel characterization of endogenous transient receptor potential melastatin 3 ion channels from Gulf War Illness participants
Authors: Marshall-Gradisnik Sonya , Martini Sasso Etianne , Eaton-Fitch Natalie , Smith Peter , Baraniuk James N. , Muraki Katsuhiko
Published: June 2024

Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a chronic condition characterized by multisystem symptoms that still affect up to one-third of veterans who engaged in combat in the Gulf War three decades ago. The aetiology of GWI is mainly explained by exposure to multiple toxic agents, vaccines, and medications. As there is a significant overlap in symptoms between GWI and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), the objective of this study was to investigate a biomarker widely reported in Natural Killer (NK) cells from ME/CFS patients, the Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 3 (TRPM3) ion channel. NK cells from 6 healthy controls (HC) and 6 GWI participants were isolated, and TRPM3 function was assessed through whole-cell patch-clamp. As demonstrated by prior studies, NK cells from HC expressed typical TRPM3 function after pharmacomodulation. In contrast, this pilot investigation demonstrates a dysfunctional TRPM3 in NK cells from GWI participants through application of a TRPM3 agonist and confirmed by a TRPM3 antagonist. There was a significant reduction in TRPM3 function from GWI than results measured in HC. This study provides an unprecedented research field to investigate the involvement of TRP ion channels in the pathomechanism and potential medical interventions to improve GWI quality of life.
Smart betas, return models and the tangency portfolio weights
Authors: Lennartsson Jan , Ekman Claes
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we analytically derive closed-form expressions for the tangency portfolio weights: the fully invested portfolio that maximizes the expected return over the risk-free rate, relative to the volatility of the portfolio return. We explicitly derive this portfolio from a range of underlying return models and show examples where it coincides with different well-known smart beta products. Specifically, we find the closed-form expression for the tangency portfolio weights for a return model with compound symmetric correlation matrix. We also deduce the tangency portfolio weights for the CAPM return model and illustrate in a case study that the estimated tangency portfolio weights may distinctly deviate from the market value weighted portfolio. Furthermore, we show that depending on the return model, the tangency portfolio weights may take a diverse set of shapes; from very diversified to highly concentrated portfolios.
Metacognitive beliefs, mood symptoms, and fatigue four years after stroke: An explorative study
Authors: Pedersen Synne G. , Anke Audny , Friborg Oddgeir , Ørbo Marte C. , Løkholm Mari T. , Kirkevold Marit , Heiberg Guri , Halvorsen Marianne B.
Published: June 2024

Objective

This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between metacognition and mood symptoms four years post-stroke and examined fatigue as a potential moderator for this relationship.

Methods

A number of 143 participants completed a survey that included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Metacognition Questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) (functional status) four years after stroke. Multiple regression analyses adjusting for demographic and stroke-specific covariates were performed with anxiety and depression as dependent variables and fatigue as a moderator.

Results

The proportions of participants satisfying the caseness criteria for anxiety and depression were 20% and 19%, respectively, and 35% reported severe fatigue. Analysed separately, all MCQ-30 subscales contributed significantly to anxiety, whereas only three MCQ-30 subscales contributed significantly to depression. In the adjusted analyses, the MCQ-30 subscales ‘positive beliefs’ (p < 0.05) and ‘uncontrollability and danger’ (p < 0.001), as well as fatigue (p < 0.001) and functional status at four years (p < 0.05) were significantly associated with anxiety symptoms. Similarly, the MCQ-30 subscales ‘cognitive confidence’ (p < 0.05) and ‘self-consciousness’ (p < 0.05), as well as fatigue (p < 0.001), stroke severity at baseline (p < 0.01), and functional status at four years (p < 0.01) were significantly associated with depression symptoms. Fatigue did not significantly moderate the relationship between any MCQ-30 subscale and HADS scores.

Conclusion

Maladaptive metacognitions were associated with the mood symptoms of anxiety and depression, independent of fatigue, even after controlling for demographic and stroke-specific factors. Future studies should implement longitudinal designs to determine whether metacognitions precede anxiety or depression after a stroke, and more strongly indicate the potential of metacognitive therapy for improving the mental health of individuals after a stroke.