bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Boosting Healthiness Exposure in Category-Constrained Meal Recommendation Using Nutritional Standards
Authors: Li Ming , Li Lin , Tao Xiaohui , Xie Zhongwei , Xie Qing , Yuan Jingling
Published: February 2024

Food computing, a newly emerging topic, is closely linked to human life through computational methodologies. Meal recommendation, a food-related study about human health, aims to provide users a meal with courses constrained from specific categories (e.g., appetizers, main dishes) that can be enjoyed as a service. Historical interaction data, important user information, is often used by existing models to learn user preferences. However, if a user’s preferences favor less healthy meals, the model will follow that preference and make similar recommendations, potentially negatively impacting the user’s long-term health. This emphasizes the necessity for health-oriented and responsible meal recommendation systems. In this article, we propose a healthiness-aware and category-wise meal recommendation model called CateRec, which boosts healthiness exposure by using nutritional standards as knowledge to guide the model training. Two fundamental questions are raised and answered: (1) How can the healthiness of meals be
evaluated?
Two well-known nutritional standards from the World Health Organization and the United Kingdom Food Standards Agency are used to calculate the healthiness score of the meal. (2) How can the model training be
guided
in a health-oriented manner? We construct category-wise personalization partial rankings and category-wise healthiness partial rankings, and theoretically analyze that they meet the necessary properties and assumptions required to be trained by the maximum posterior estimator under Bayesian probability. The data analysis confirms the existence of user preferences leaning towards less healthy meals in two public datasets. A comprehensive experiment demonstrates that our CateRec effectively boosts healthiness exposure in terms of mean healthiness score and ranking exposure while being comparable to the state-of-the-art model in terms of recommendation accuracy.
Signaling from RAS to RAF: The Molecules and Their Mechanisms
Authors: Jeon Hyesung , Tkacik Emre , Eck Michael J.
Published: February 2024

RAF family protein kinases are a key node in the RAS/RAF/MAP kinase pathway, the signaling cascade that controls cellular proliferation, differentiation, and survival in response to engagement of growth factor receptors on the cell surface. Over the past few years, structural and biochemical studies have provided new understanding of RAF autoregulation, RAF activation by RAS and the SHOC2 phosphatase complex, and RAF engagement with HSP90–CDC37 chaperone complexes. These studies have important implications for pharmacologic targeting of the pathway. They reveal RAF in distinct regulatory states and show that the functional RAF switch is an integrated complex of RAF with its substrate (MEK) and a 14-3-3 dimer. Here we review these advances, placing them in the context of decades of investigation of RAF regulation. We explore the insights they provide into aberrant activation of the pathway in cancer and RASopathies (developmental syndromes caused by germline mutations in components of the pathway).
Impact of Pressure Distribution and Magnitude on the Performance of Lithium Metal Anodes
Authors: Shea John , Huang Xiaozhou , Li Matthew , Son Seoung-Bum , Su Chi-Cheung , Liu Tongchao , Dong Pei , Chen Anna , Yang Li , Luo Chao , Amine Khalil , Janakiraman Umamaheswari
Published: February 2024

Li metal anodes are a critical battery technology due to their ability to substantially increase the energy density of Li-based batteries. It is well known that pressure greatly impacts the performance of a Li-metal anode. However, precisely how the pressure value and distribution of pressure affect performance is unclear. Furthermore, the solid-electrolyte interphase composition that forms under varying pressure distributions remains a key parameter for practical lithium metal anodes. In this work, different pressure distributions were employed by using differently shaped and oriented mechanical springs in the coin cells, resulting in varying contact points. Pressure-sensitive films were used to spatially map the pressure and correlate it to the performance. It was found that higher average pressure does not necessarily have a positive effect on performance. When high pressure is paired with poor pressure uniformity, the performance is in fact worse likely due to the current focusing effect, rendering unsatisfied cycling stability. This work points to the importance of controlling the relationship between average pressure and pressure uniformity.
The mechanosensitive gene arrestin domain containing 2 regulates myotube diameter with direct implications for disuse atrophy with aging
Authors: Laskin Grant R. , Cabrera Ana Regina , Greene Nicholas P. , Tomko Robert J. , Vied Cynthia , Gordon Bradley S.
Published: February 2024

We establish Arrdc2 as a novel mechanosensitive gene highly induced in response to mechanical unloading, particularly in aged muscle. Arrdc2 induction in C2C12 myotubes is sufficient to produce thinner myotubes and a transcriptional landscape consistent with muscle atrophy and disuse.
S100b treatment overcomes RAGE signaling deficits in myoblasts on advanced glycation end-product cross-linked collagen and promotes myogenic differentiation
Authors: Olson Lucas C. , Nguyen Tri , Sabalewski Eleanor L. , Puetzer Jennifer L. , Schwartz Zvi , McClure Michael J.
Published: February 2024

Collagen cross-linked by advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) induced myoblast proliferation but prevented differentiation, myotube formation, and RAGE upregulation. RAGE inhibition occluded AGE-induced myoblast proliferation, while the delivery of S100b, a RAGE ligand, recovered fusion deficits.
Integrated miRNA-mRNA networks underlie attenuation of chronic β-adrenergic stimulation-induced cardiac remodeling by minocycline
Authors: Russell Jacob J. , Mummidi Srinivas , DeMarco Vincent G. , Grisanti Laurel A. , Bailey Chastidy A. , Bender Shawn B. , Chandrasekar Bysani
Published: February 2024

We demonstrate that minocycline treatment prevents cardiac hypertrophy and fibrotic remodeling induced by chronic β-adrenergic stimulation by inducing antifibrotic shifts in the cardiac miRNA-mRNA transcriptome.
The Comparison of the Initial TIMI Flow Grade in Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Receiving Ticagrelor vs. Clopidogrel before Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Elahifar Amin , Rafati Ali , Alemzadeh-Ansari Mohammad Javad , Pasebani Yeganeh , Naghshtabrizi Behshad , Mohammadi Younes , Hosseini Seyed Kianoosh
Published: February 2024

Objective. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the best treatment for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Evidence is in favor of ticagrelor over clopidegrel in STEMI patients regarding the reduction of stent thrombosis risk during and after PCI. We compared initial thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow in STEMI patients on ticagrelor vs. clopidogrel. Methods. This prospective cohort recruited 160 patients with acute STEMI, referred to the emergency department of Farshchian Heart Center, during March 2018–2019. Before angiography, the patients received clopidogrel (600 mg) or ticagrelor (180 mg) on top of aspirin. Initial TIMI flow was compared between the two groups as the primary outcome. A logistic regression was performed to calculate the predictors of initial TIMI flow. Analyses were performed using R, version 4.2.1. Results. In ticagrelor and clopidogrel groups, the mean ± standard deviation age of the patients was 59.46 ± 13.11 and 61.34 ± 11.08 years (p value = 0.33), respectively. In the ticagrelor and clopidogrel groups, initial TIMI flow grades were as follows: 0 : 50% and 71.2%, I: 26.2% and 16.2%, II: 12.5% and 10%, and III: 12.9% and 2.5%, respectively (p value = 0.005). Final TIMI flow grades were as follows: I: 26.2% and 16.2%, II: 7.5% and 13.8%, and III: 66.3% and 70%, respectively (p value = 0.41). Ticagrelor was associated with significantly higher initial TIMI flow grade compared to the clopidogrel group (adjusted odds ratio: 2.90 (95% CI: 1.51–5.72)). Conclusion. In STEMI patients who were candidates for primary PCI, ticagrelor administration led to a better initial TIMI flow grade compared to clopidogrel.
In‐Depth Analysis on the Fabry‐Perot Effect of Cs2AgBiBr6 Double Perovskite‐Based Solar Cells via Optical Path Length Modulation
Authors: Seo Kyeong-Ho , Feng Junhao , Bae Jin-Hyuk
Published: February 2024

Herein, the Fabry‐Perot (F‐P) interference of cesium silver bismuth bromide (Cs2AgBiBr6) double perovskite solar cells has been analyzed by modulating the optical path length of each layer step by step using the finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) method. The study was performed pass through three main steps. In step 1, for the fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO)/Cs2AgBiBr6 double perovskite/gold (Au) architecture, we increased the absorption layer thickness from 150 to 600 nm at intervals of 150 nm and then predicted the optical performance including the absorption and reflection. In step 2, titanium dioxide (TiO2) layer was added between FTO electrode and Cs2AgBiBr6 double perovskite and then scaled from 20 to 200 nm at intervals of 20 nm. In the analysis process, short‐circuit current density (Jsc) repeatedly fell and rose as the TiO2 layer thickness increased, and when TiO2 layer thickness is 100 nm, Jsc showed the highest value of 13.91 mA/cm2. In step 3, by applying a spiro‐OMeTAD layer between the Cs2AgBiBr6 double perovskite absorption layer and Au electrode, the Jsc showed a continuous increase with slight decrease as the spiro‐OMeTAD layer thickness increased from 110 to 200 nm, and when the spiro‐OMeTAD layer thickness was 200 nm, Jscwas calculated as 14.57 mA/cm2, which is the highest value in the range. In the case of the optimal condition of full structure device, the Fabry‐Perot resonance peaks were discovered at 477, 520, 572, 659, and 778 nm five wavelength regions, and the influence of the Fabry‐Perot resonance on the generation rate inside the absorption layer on the 520, 572, and 659 nm monochromatic wavelength light was analyzed according to the position in the device. Our study approaches the Cs2AgBiBr6 double perovskite solar cell from an F‐P cavity perspective and shows the light trapping phenomenon of the device according to the optical path length modulation.
The Web-Based Portal SpatialTME Integrates Histological Images with Single-Cell and Spatial Transcriptomics to Explore the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Shi Jintong , Wei Xia , Xun Zhenzhen , Ding Xinyu , Liu Yao , Liu Lianxin , Ye Youqiong
Published: February 2024

The tumor microenvironment (TME) represents a complex network in which tumor cells communicate not only with each other but also with stromal and immune cells. The intercellular interactions in the TME contribute to tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and treatment outcome. Recent advances in spatial transcriptomics (ST) have revolutionized the molecular understanding of the TME at the spatial level. A comprehensive interactive analysis resource specifically designed for characterizing the spatial TME could facilitate further advances using ST. In this study, we collected 296 ST slides covering 19 cancer types and developed a computational pipeline to delineate the spatial structure along the malignant–boundary–nonmalignant axis. The pipeline identified differentially expressed genes and their functional enrichment, deconvoluted the cellular composition of the TME, reconstructed cell type–specific gene expression profiles at the sub-spot level, and performed cell–cell interaction analysis. Finally, the user-friendly database SpatialTME (http://www.spatialtme.yelab.site/) was constructed to provide search, visualization, and downloadable results. These detailed analyses are able to reveal the heterogeneous regulatory network of the spatial microenvironment and elucidate associations between spatial features and tumor development or response to therapy, offering a valuable resource to study the complex TME.

Significance:

SpatialTME provides spatial structure, cellular composition, expression, function, and cell–cell interaction information to enable investigations into the tumor microenvironment at the spatial level to advance understanding of cancer development and treatment.
The Changes in Relative Blood Volume during Dialysis Are Characterized by Ultrafiltration Rate and Predialysis Blood Test Values
Authors: Tanaka Tomoyuki , Kawakubo Yoshifumi , Shigematsu Takeshi , Nishimura Haruhiko
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Continuous monitoring of relative blood volume (percentage BV) in hemodialysis (HD) is critical for determining dry weight and preventing intradialytic hypotension. However, the cause of the BV variation remains unknown. This research aimed to examine factors that influence the percentage BV. Methods: We devised a formula based on coefficients (“a,” “τ,” and “b”) to predict changes in percentage BV. “a” denotes a significant decrease in percentage BV in the early stages of HD. “τ” represents the transition from early to late phase of HD. “b” denotes the slope of the decrease in percentage BV in the late phase of HD. We measured the percentage BV in 18 patients with end-stage renal disease. The coefficients were estimated by fitting experimental data from patients using a least squares optimization algorithm. A correlation analysis of these parameters and patient predialysis data was performed. Results: Ultrafiltration rate (UFR) was found to be negatively correlated with “b” (r = −0.851, p < 0.01). However, UFR was not significantly related to “a.” Predialysis serum total protein level was negatively correlated with “a” (r = −0.531, p = 0.042). Predialysis serum albumin and predialysis sodium were not significantly correlated with “a” and “τ.” Plasma osmolarity did not have a significant relationship with “a” and “τ.” Discussion/Conclusion: UFR influenced the decrease in percentage BV in the late phase but did not influence the decrease of percentage BV in the early phase. “a” was associated with predialysis serum total protein level but not with plasma osmolality or predialysis sodium. This implies that colloid oncotic pressure is important for plasma refilling immediately after dialysis begins. During the change of percentage BV, the decrease in the early phase of dialysis was not related to UFR, but related to other parameters, especially predialysis total protein level. A decrease in the late phase of dialysis is related to UFR.
Weight Stigma in Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa: A Scoping Review
Authors: Eggerichs Laura Ann , Wilson Oliver W.A. , Chaplin John E. , Ramos Salas Ximena
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Being stigmatized because of one’s weight can pose physical, mental, and social challenges. While weight stigma and its consequences are established throughout Europe, North America, and Australasia, less is known about weight stigma in other regions. The objective of this study was to identify the extent and focus of weight stigma research in Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Methods: A scoping review of weight stigma research in Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa was conducted. SCOPUS and PsychINFO databases were searched, and weight stigma experts were contacted to identify relevant literature. Sources were classified based on country/region, population, setting, and category of weight stigma researched. Results: A total of 130 sources were identified from 33 countries and territories. Results indicate that weight stigma has been investigated across populations and settings, mainly focusing on manifestations of weight stigma through experiences, practices, drivers, and personal outcomes of these manifestations. Conclusions: Weight stigma is a developing global health concern not restricted to Europe, North America, and Australasia. The extent and focus of weight stigma research in Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa vary between countries and regions leaving several research gaps that require further investigation.
Otolith as a tool to differentiate juveniles of two species Centropomidae
Authors: Carvalho Barbara Maichak de , Bot Neto Renato Luiz , Schwarz Júnior Roberto , Spach Henry Louis , Volpedo Alejandra Vanina
Published: February 2024

Centropomus undecimalis and Centropomus ensifurus are a species belonging to the family Centropomidae, which has an important role in estuarine ecosystem. The present study aimed at comparing the otoliths shape of juveniles both species collected in in the lower São Francisco River (10°28′34.02″S, 36°24′27.02″W). In the laboratory, 52 otoliths were extracted, photographed, measured and the contour was analyzed by the wavelet method. The otolith contours varied between species (n = 28 C. ensiferus and n = 24 C. undecimalis). The Linear Discriminant Analysis correctly reclassified 92.3% of all otoliths among species. MANOVA also evidenced significant differences in contour between species (F = 3.73; p < 0.0001). The results suggest that C. ensiferus is adapted to enviroments with higher turbidity and the C. undecimalis tends to colonize environments with lower turbidity and spends more time in the water column.
Não Conte Poesia aos Mortos
Authors: Kader Yasmim Naif Amin Mahmud
Published: February 2024

Conto sobre "se a morte fosse uma mulher?".
Do cenário literário ao cinematográfico: de como Nelson Pereira adaptou os romances de Jorge Amado e a presença palimpséstica do romancista em seus filmes
Authors: Sousa Douglas Rodrigues de
Published: February 2024

Tratamos neste trabalho da relação de trocas e influências entre a literatura de Jorge Amado e a cinematografia de Nelson Pereira dos Santos. De como o escritor brasileiro contribuiu para influenciar, em alguns momentos, o processo de criação do cineasta.
Espaços para conversar: a espacialidade como dispositivo dramatúrgico convivial
Authors: Coletta Marcos
Published: February 2024

Este artigo aborda espacialidades cênicas pensadas como ambientes compositores e facilitadores da dinâmica dramatúrgica convivial e performativa que privilegia e acentua a relação entre atores e espectadores. O autor realiza uma breve retrospectiva histórica de alguns exemplos importantes para a explosão do espaço teatral no século XX, e discute as singularidades espaciais de três espetáculos teatrais brasileiros contemporâneos que trabalham espacialidades relacionais como um ponto nevrálgico de suas dramaturgias: Hysteria (2001), do Grupo XIX de Teatro (São Paulo); Aquilo que meu olhar guardou para você (2012), do Grupo Magiluth (Pernambuco); e Fauna (2016), do Grupo Quatroloscinco – Teatro do Comum (Minas Gerais).
A persistência da visão: Paulo Emílio Salles Gomes e o Modernismo (1964-1977)
Authors: Vigneron Victor
Published: February 2024

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar determinadas formas de prolongamento do Modernismo em São Paulo. Mais especificamente, trata-se de observar a manifestação desse movimento na trajetória do crítico de cinema Paulo Emílio Salles Gomes entre os anos 1960 e 1970. Situado numa posição singular ante o Modernismo, o crítico articulou, ao longo de sua trajetória, diversas maneiras de lidar com o movimento. Por um lado, é possível aferir o prolongamento do tema nas formulações do crítico sobre a figura de Oswald de Andrade, de quem foi próximo desde os anos 1930. Por outro lado, uma reflexão mais abrangente sobre o Modernismo se cristaliza no início dos anos 1970, num documento em que Paulo Emílio reflete sobre a Semana de 22. Por meio dessas duas perspectivas, espera-se refletir sobre o sentido da atualização do Modernismo no contexto turbulento que se seguiu ao Golpe de 1964.
Introduction
Authors: Mutran Munira H. , Izarra Laura P.Z.
Published: February 2024

Introduction.
Ireland and Argentina in the Twentieth Century: Diaspora, diplomacy, dictatorship, Catholic mission and the Falklands crisis. Dermot Keogh.
Authors: Duggan Daniel
Published: February 2024

Ireland and Argentina in the Twentieth Century: Diaspora, diplomacy, dictatorship, Catholic mission and the Falklands crisis. Dermot Keogh. Cork University Press. 2022. 566 pp. ISBN 978-1782055112
Queer Whispers: Gay and Lesbian Voices of Irish Fiction by José Carregal
Authors: Pacheco Victor Augusto da Cruz
Published: February 2024

Carregal, José. Queer Whispers: Gay and Lesbian Voices of Irish Fiction. Dublin: University College Dublin Press, 2021. pp. 218.
Food is a Love Language: An Analysis of Connection and Desire in Stir-Fry
Authors: Borges Esther
Published: February 2024

This paper aims at analysing the Irish contemporary novel Stir-fry (1994), written by Emma Donoghue. The story is set in rural Ireland in the early 1990s, and this study focusses on how food, and the room of the kitchen, is used throughout the novel as a way to represent the emotional connections between the characters as well as the sexual awakening of the main character, Maria. The parallels between Maria’s relationship with food and the kitchen back at her original home in opposition to  her new home in Dublin help create an understanding of how the character changes perspective on society and her own sexuality, exploring her new Self away from suffocating expectations and prejudices imposed by a highly religious, misogynistic and homophobic society.
Samuel Beckett no Cerrado Brasileiro. Diálogos
Authors: Nogueira Ronei Vieira , Camargo Robson Corrêa de
Published: February 2024

Este artigo discute como a obra literária e dramática de Samuel Beckett pode dialogar com o imaginário do cerrado goiano, analisando as performances do Máskara – Núcleo Transdisciplinar de Pesquisas em Teatro, Dança e Performance, grupo fundado em 2002 na Escola de Música e Artes Cênicas da Universidade Federal de Goiás. Em 20 anos de existência o coletivo já encenou 5 espetáculos tendo como base os textos do escritor irlandês, trazendo em sua composição elementos do imaginário da cidade de Goiânia e as cores e referências visuais do Cerrado. Partindo de reflexões do encenador brasileiro Robson Corrêa de Camargo e do filósofo e liderança indígena brasileira Ailton Krenak, o artigo reflete sobre como as particularidades da obra de Beckett encontra terreno fértil para fincar suas raízes em solo goiano.
Breaking Silences: Women, Citizenship and Theatre In Northern Ireland
Authors: Fitzpatrick Lisa
Published: February 2024

This essay seeks to weave together an analysis of women’s citizenship and its dependency on certain silences, and the exploration of this tension in two recent productions by Belfast- based Kabosh Theatre Company. Kabosh, and company Artistic Director Paula McFetridge, stage work that examines the realities of the region in the post-conflict era.  In constructing the theoretical frame for the analysis, the concept of “silence” and “silencing” draws from Kristie Dotson (2015), and from work on violence such as Gayatri Spivak’s concept of “epistemic violence” and a wide range of sources on the performance of violence in theatre. Chantal Mouffe’s concept of agonistic democracy shapes the discussion of the Northern Irish state, and Wendy Brown and Joane Butler are the key scholars for the consideration of citizenship and nation.
Pediatric ECG-Based Deep Learning to Predict Left Ventricular Dysfunction and Remodeling
Authors: Mayourian Joshua , La Cava William G. , Vaid Akhil , Nadkarni Girish N. , Ghelani Sunil J. , Mannix Rebekah , Geva Tal , Dionne Audrey , Alexander Mark E. , Duong Son Q. , Triedman John K.
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Artificial intelligence–enhanced ECG analysis shows promise to detect ventricular dysfunction and remodeling in adult populations. However, its application to pediatric populations remains underexplored.

METHODS:

A convolutional neural network was trained on paired ECG–echocardiograms (≤2 days apart) from patients ≤18 years of age without major congenital heart disease to detect human expert–classified greater than mild left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, hypertrophy, and dilation (individually and as a composite outcome). Model performance was evaluated on single ECG–echocardiogram pairs per patient at Boston Children’s Hospital and externally at Mount Sinai Hospital using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC).

RESULTS:

The training cohort comprised 92 377 ECG–echocardiogram pairs (46 261 patients; median age, 8.2 years). Test groups included internal testing (12 631 patients; median age, 8.8 years; 4.6% composite outcomes), emergency department (2830 patients; median age, 7.7 years; 10.0% composite outcomes), and external validation (5088 patients; median age, 4.3 years; 6.1% composite outcomes) cohorts. Model performance was similar on internal test and emergency department cohorts, with model predictions of LV hypertrophy outperforming the pediatric cardiologist expert benchmark. Adding age and sex to the model added no benefit to model performance. When using quantitative outcome cutoffs, model performance was similar between internal testing (composite outcome: AUROC, 0.88, AUPRC, 0.43; LV dysfunction: AUROC, 0.92, AUPRC, 0.23; LV hypertrophy: AUROC, 0.88, AUPRC, 0.28; LV dilation: AUROC, 0.91, AUPRC, 0.47) and external validation (composite outcome: AUROC, 0.86, AUPRC, 0.39; LV dysfunction: AUROC, 0.94, AUPRC, 0.32; LV hypertrophy: AUROC, 0.84, AUPRC, 0.25; LV dilation: AUROC, 0.87, AUPRC, 0.33), with composite outcome negative predictive values of 99.0% and 99.2%, respectively. Saliency mapping highlighted ECG components that influenced model predictions (precordial QRS complexes for all outcomes; T waves for LV dysfunction). High-risk ECG features include lateral T-wave inversion (LV dysfunction), deep S waves in V1 and V2 and tall R waves in V6 (LV hypertrophy), and tall R waves in V4 through V6 (LV dilation).

CONCLUSIONS:

This externally validated algorithm shows promise to inexpensively screen for LV dysfunction and remodeling in children, which may facilitate improved access to care by democratizing the expertise of pediatric cardiologists.
Multiorgan Dysfunction and Associated Prognosis in Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis
Authors: Ioannou Adam , Nitsche Christian , Porcari Aldostefano , Patel Rishi K. , Razvi Yousuf , Rauf Muhammad U. , Martinez‐Naharro Ana , Venneri Lucia , Accietto Antonella , Netti Lucrezia , Bandera Francesco , Virsinskaite Ruta , Kotecha Tushar , Knight Dan , Petrie Aviva , Whelan Carol , Wechalekar Ashutosh , Lachmann Helen , Hawkins Philip N. , Gillmore Julian D. , Fontana Marianna
Published: February 2024

Background

Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR‐CA) is a progressive and ultimately fatal cardiomyopathy. Biomarkers reflecting multiorgan dysfunction are of increasing importance in patients with heart failure; however, their significance in ATTR‐CA remains largely unknown. The aims of this study were to characterize the multifaceted nature of ATTR‐CA using blood biomarkers and assess the association between blood biomarkers and prognosis.

Methods and Results

This is a retrospective cohort study of 2566 consecutive patients diagnosed with ATTR‐CA between 2007 and 2023. Anemia (39%), high urea (52%), hyperbilirubinemia (18%), increased alkaline phosphatase (16%), increased CRP (C‐reactive protein; 27%), and increased troponin (98.2%) were common findings in the overall population, whereas hyponatremia (6%) and hypoalbuminemia (2%) were less common. These abnormalities were most common in patients with p.(V142I) hereditary ATTR‐CA, and became more prevalent as the severity of cardiac disease increased. Multivariable Cox regression analysis demonstrated that anemia (hazard ratio [HR], 1.19 [95% CI, 1.04–1.37];
P
=0.01), high urea (HR, 1.23 [95% CI, 1.04–1.45];
P
=0.01), hyperbilirubinemia (HR, 1.32 [95% CI, 1.13–1.57;
P
=0.001), increased alkaline phosphatase (HR, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.01–1.42;
P
=0.04), hyponatremia (HR, 1.65 [95% CI, 1.28–2.11];
P
<0.001), and troponin‐T >56 ng/L (HR, 1.72 [95% CI, 1.46–2.03];
P
<0.001) were all independently associated with mortality in the overall population. The association between biomarkers and mortality varied across the spectrum of genotypes and left ventricular ejection fraction, with anemia remining independently associated with mortality in p.(V142I) hereditary ATTR‐CA (HR, 1.58 [95% CI, 1.17–2.12];
P
=0.003) and in a subgroup of the overall population with a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% (HR, 1.39 [95% CI, 1.08–1.81];
P
=0.01).

Conclusions

Cardiac and noncardiac biomarker abnormalities were common and reflect the complex and multifaceted nature of ATTR‐CA, with a wide range of biomarkers remaining independently associated with mortality. Clinical trials are needed to investigate whether biomarker abnormalities represent modifiable risk factors that if specifically targeted could improve outcomes.
Decolonial Dilemmas: The Deception of a “Global Knowledge Commonwealth” and the Tragedian Entrapment of an African Scholar
Authors: Serunkuma Yusuf K.
Published: February 2024

There are multiple initiatives and efforts to grant African scholars “global visibility” – as part of the decolonisation agenda. These efforts have included aiding and enabling African scholars to publish in journals of international renown, speaking or curating courses at Ivy League universities, and being experts on issues about Africa in international media. Other efforts include collaborations and citations in discourses about Africa. While these efforts and opportunities are intellectually and practically irresistible to a scholar from the subaltern world – as are to those offering and facilitating them – they are actually counterproductive to a decolonisation project. The positive energy they generate obscures the histories and power dynamics that govern so-called global spaces and audiences of knowledge production. Problematically presented as benign and benevolent spaces for participation in the “global knowledge commonwealth,” from which mutual understanding grows, and racism and exploitation could be ended, global spaces/audiences, rather grow out, and are core parts of the revolving doors and constantly mutating infrastructures of colonialist hegemony and control.
Learnability Advantage of Segmental Repetitions in Word Learning
Authors: Basnak Johanna , Ota Mitsuhiko
Published: February 2024

To date, research on wordform learning biases has mostly focused on language-dependent factors, such as the phonotactics and neighborhood density of the language(s) known by the learner. Domain-general biases, by contrast, have received little attention. In this study, we focus on one such bias—an advantage for string-internal repetitions—and examine its effects on wordform learning. Importantly, we consider whether any type of segmental repetition is equally beneficial for word recall, or whether learning is favored more or only by repeated consonants, in line with previous research indicating that consonants play a larger role than vowels in lexical processing. In Experiment 1, adult English speakers learned artificial consonant-vowel-consonant-vowel words containing either a repeated consonant (e.g., /sesu/, “c-rep”), a repeated vowel (e.g., /sepe/, “v-rep”), or dissimilar consonants and vowels (e.g., /sepu/, “no-rep”). Recall results showed no advantage for v-reps but higher accuracy for c-reps compared with no-reps. In Experiment 2, participants performed a label preference task with the same stimuli. The results showed dispreference for both c-reps and v-reps relative to no-reps, indicating that the results of Experiment 1 are independent of wordlikeness effects. These outcomes reveal that there is a form-learning bias for words with identical consonants but not for words with identical vowels, suggesting that a domain-general advantage for repetitions within strings is modulated by a language-specific processing bias for consonants.
Wayfarers in Cyberspace: A Temporal Investigation of Digital Nomads Based on Liquid Modernity Theory
Authors: Xiao Yunhao , Lutz Christoph
Published: February 2024

Following the recent rise of digital nomadism, this study explores changing patterns of travel and work among highly mobile individuals. We draw on liquid modernity theory to analyze data from Reddit’s r/digitalnomad subreddit over 3.5 years. Fifteen topics and seven clusters capture the rich discussions. The most discussed topic was Destination review and recommendation, followed by Emotional needs and lifestyle choice. Regulatory issues also emerged as a significant concern. The pandemic influenced sentiment fluctuations over time, but the tone of topics remained mostly neutral. Our research provides nuanced insights into digital nomads’ habits, concerns, and lifestyle choices, showing how travel-related aspects feature front and center. For the tourism industry, our findings offer actionable suggestions to cater to this dynamic and economically powerful traveler group. Finally, and as a theoretical contribution, the study enhances our understanding of the role of global disruptive events, such as pandemics, in liquid modernity.
Difficult to treat liver abscesses in children – Do not forget parasitic infections
Authors: Mishra Ruchi , Tetarbe Shivangi , Bendre Pradnya Suhas , Shah Ira
Published: February 2024

Liver abscess (LA) is a significant health concern worldwide, particularly in tropical regions such as India, and is usually pyogenic or amoebic in origin. In rare cases it can be caused by parasites. We present two children with difficult-to-treat LAs, revealing underlying parasitic infections as the causative agents, implicated by eosinophilia, elevated immunoglobulin-E levels and exposure to domestic animals. In the first case, disseminated echinococcosis was diagnosed through imaging, serology and histopathology. The second case showed a relationship between LAs and Toxocara infection, evidenced by microscopic stool examination of a household cat.
Micro-Macro Mediation Analysis in Social Networks
Authors: Duxbury Scott W.
Published: February 2024

Mediation analysis is increasingly used in the social sciences. Extension to social network data, however, has proved difficult because statistical network models are formulated at a lower level of analysis (the dyad) than many outcomes of interest. This study introduces a general approach for micro-macro mediation analysis in social networks. The author defines the average mediated micro effect (AMME) as the indirect effect of a network selection process on an individual, group, or organizational outcome through its effect on an intervening network variable. The author shows that the AMME can be nonparametrically identified using a wide range of common statistical network and regression modeling strategies under the assumption of conditional independence among multiple mediators. Nonparametric and parametric algorithms are introduced to generically estimate the AMME in a multitude of research designs. The author illustrates the utility of the method with an applied example using cross-sectional National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health data to examine the friendship selection mechanisms that indirectly shape adolescent school performance through their effect on network structure.
High-Probability Request Sequence to Increase Compliance of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sayar Kubra , Gulboy Emrah , Yucesoy-Ozkan Serife , Baran Muhammet Sait
Published: February 2024

Non-compliance is a challenge for practitioners serving children with and without disabilities. Many interventions have been developed to increase compliance. High-probability request sequences (HPRS), an antecedent-based intervention that is based on behavioral momentum theory, is one way to increase compliant behavior. HPRS includes the presentation of two-to-five easy or known tasks with a high probability of compliance immediately before requesting tasks with a low probability of compliance. The purpose of the current meta-analysis was to review the literature in the last 40 years on high- p request sequences as an intervention to improve compliance in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Specifically, we examined the methodological rigor of the high-p single-case research for students with autism, identified the descriptive characteristics of these studies, and estimated treatment effects with Tau- U to determine whether HPRS is an evidence-based practice (EBP) for increasing compliance in children with ASD. Our results showed that HPRS is a very effective practice in increasing compliance in children with ASD (Tau- U = .87) and a promising EBP for improving compliance in children with ASD. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Social support and perceived partner responsiveness have complex associations with salivary cortisol in married couples
Authors: Fivecoat Hayley C. , Mattson Richard E. , Cameron Nicole , Johnson Matthew D.
Published: February 2024

Spousal support may help ameliorate the health consequences of stressful situations by downregulating cortisol. To examine how cortisol levels change in conjunction with spousal social support during discussions of a stressful situation, 191 married couples engaged in two 10-minute interactions addressing a personal (i.e., non-marital) problem. We coded for positive and negative social support provision and receipt, assessed the perception of received support, and collected salivary cortisol samples. We found that wives’ display of more negative behaviors while receiving support was associated with an increase in wives’ cortisol levels via an indirect (mediated) effect of perceived partner responsiveness. Overall, results suggest a link between support behaviors, changes in cortisol and perceived partner responsiveness, with more consistent links between support behaviors and responsiveness ratings relative to other paths, and cortisol effects found more often in wives than husbands. Exploratory analyses also suggest that cortisol levels coming into an interaction may impact elements of support interactions. The implications of the role of cortisol and partner responsiveness to the provision of spousal support are discussed.
A Phenomenological Microgenesis of Art Experience: A Qualitative Study of Zero Mass by Eric Orr
Authors: Funch Bjarne Sode , Theodoraki Stella
Published: February 2024

The aim of this study is to provide a phenomenological description of the art experience and by doing so, explaining why art is generally associated with an emotional response, but talked about in cognitive terms. The study is based on a microgenetic experiment in which the informants, prior to an interview, encounter a work of art by the American artist Eric Orr. The work consists of a pitch-black space and provides optimal conditions for a microgenetic study with an actual work of art, not a reproduction, which are typically used in microgenetic studies. The study shows a microgenesis in which pure sensation gives rise to an emotional response without any cognitive inference, and only after the emotional response, cognitive functions such as exploration, contextualization, and comprehension take over in the order mentioned.
(Mis)Perceptions of the Use of Deadly Force by Police: Exploring the Role of Social Media Consumption
Authors: Dierenfeldt Rick , Jackson Ellee , Rosenberger Jared , Garland Tammy S. , Reasonover Chance , Burgason Kyle A.
Published: February 2024

Recent high-profile uses of deadly force by police in the United States and elsewhere have been the subject of extensive media coverage and social unrest. In turn, researchers have exhibited nascent interest in the factors that influence the use of deadly force by police, as well as vignette-driven studies of circumstances in which deadly force is believed to be acceptable. Less attention has been paid to perceptions of the frequency with which deadly force is used, proportion that is legal and necessary, to what extent its use varies by race, or how these beliefs are shaped by media consumption. Using survey methodology, we examine the perceptions of 458 respondents from the Southeastern United States in relation to the frequency with which deadly force is used, proportion that is legal and necessary, to what extent its use varies by race, and how these beliefs are shaped by social media consumption net of the effects of personal demographics and experiences. Our findings indicate the majority of respondents drastically overestimate both the frequency with which police use deadly force and the proportion of incidents involving suspects who are people of color, while underestimating the proportion of incidents that are legally justified and necessary. These perceptions are influenced, in part, by social media consumption but the effects vary in direction and significance by social media platform.
A Phenomenological Investigation into the Use of Therapist Self-disclosure in Compassion-Focused Therapy With Forensic Clients
Authors: Rachwal Francesca , Gredecki Neil
Published: February 2024

Existing research has demonstrated the benefits of therapist self-disclosure (TSD) in strengthening therapeutic alliance. However, little is known about its effectiveness in the forensic context. The current research sought to address this gap by interviewing six Compassion Focused (CFT) therapists who had experience of working across a range of forensic settings. Results of an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) indicated that all participants advocated using TSD as a powerful therapeutic tool when working with forensic clients. However, there was a tension between balancing risk with the rewards of TSD, and participants expressed how the secure forensic environment was not conducive to its use. There was a consensus that TSD was more strongly discouraged with clients who had sexual convictions. For some, this had an impact on their own disclosures. Training on the function of TSD is recommended in forensic practice to address some of the environmental barriers to its implementation.
Ketogenic Diet: Parental Experiences and Expectations
Authors: Orr Elizabeth , Whitney Robyn , Nandeesha Nandini , Kossoff Eric H. , RamachandranNair Rajesh
Published: February 2024

Background

The ketogenic diet may be difficult for some patients and their families to implement and can impact physical, emotional, and social well-being.

Methods

Through principles of fundamental qualitative description, we completed an exploratory study on parents’ experiences and expectations on the use and efficacy of the ketogenic diet for children with medically refractory epilepsy.

Results

Seventeen parents (10 mothers and 7 fathers) of 12 children with epilepsy participated. At the time of the interview, parents had experienced an average of 25 months of ketogenic diet treatment for their child (range 2 months to 98 months). Half of the caregivers learned about the ketogenic diet from their neurologist, whereas the remainder had heard about it from another source (ie, the internet). Most caregivers’ (n = 13) diet expectations were related to seizure control. However, child development (n = 5) and quality of life (n = 5) were also crucial to some. Physical impacts of the diet were most commonly gastrointestinal for children (n = 9). Social and emotional effects were noted in some older children with typical development. Most caregivers described negative impacts on finances (n = 15), relationships (n = 14), and emotional well-being (ie, stress) (n = 12). Caregivers benefited from the ketogenic diet team's regular communication, close follow-up, and family-centered care.

Conclusions

Despite the impacts that the ketogenic diet may have on caregivers’ emotional and social well-being, the positive impacts of the diet were felt to outweigh any perceived risks. Effects (both positive and negative) on quality of life and child development (eg, social, emotional, cognitive) are essential for caregivers and require additional investigation.
Spatial Plans as a Critical Intervention in Improving Population Health. A Discourse Arising from a Health Census Review of the State of Current Local Planning Policy in England
Authors: Chang Michael , Carhart Neil , Callway Rosalie
Published: February 2024

Planning decisions are dependent on the strength of regulatory instruments. The local plan is a public policy document informing decisions on land-use developments that can have impact on health of future populations. The article reports on a census review of local plans (n = 346) in England. Using content analysis, we found limited resilience with only 126 (36.4%) have links to local health needs, 101 (29.2%) have links to local health strategies, and 129 (37.5%) have a health policy. It is a novel approach to identify the current state of local policies as the starting point for projecting future health outcomes.
High Intensity Functional Training for People with Parkinson’s & Their Care Partners: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Handlery Reed , Handlery Kaci , Kahl Dana , Koon Lyndsie , Cabe Samuell Leyton , Regan Elizabeth Wherley
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Various forms of exercise have proven health benefits for people with Parkinson’s (pwPD) yet high intensity functional training (HIFT) has yet to be studied. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility, physical and psychosocial impacts of a HIFT program for pwPD and their care partners (CPs).

Design

A single group, pre-post design with assessments before, in the middle (13 weeks), and after the 25-week intervention.

Setting

Community fitness facility

Participants

Fourteen pwPD (10 at Hoehn Yahr Stage ≤2, 4 females) and 10 CPs (5 females) were included (mean age = 71.5 (6.1)).

Intervention

A 25-week HIFT program (≤49 exercise sessions, ≤75 min long)

Measures

Recruitment, retention, attendance, safety and exercise intensity (measured via session-Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE)) was assessed in addition to cardiovascular endurance, lower extremity strength, walking speed, balance, exercise self-efficacy, balance confidence, social support for exercise and health-related quality of life.

Analysis

Descriptive data was used to describe feasibility measures. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare pre- and post-program data. Effect size, r, was calculated.

Results

Recruitment rates were ≥40% for pwPD and CPs and retention rates were 80% for pwPD and 62.5% for CPs. Average session attendance was 71.2% with 15 adverse events reported, including 7 non-injurious falls. Median session-RPE was 5 (IQR = 1) out of 10. PwPD demonstrated significant improvements in cardiovascular endurance, self-selected and fast walking speeds, balance and social support for exercise. CPs demonstrated significant improvements in cardiovascular endurance and lower extremity strength. Exercise self-efficacy, balance confidence and health-related quality of life did not significantly change for pwPD or CPs.

Conclusion

High intensity functional training appears feasible for pwPD and their CPs and may lead to health benefits. Healthcare providers should consider HIFT as another option to engage pwPD in community-based exercise.