bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient perspectives on psychological interventions provided in adult psychiatric inpatient wards: A thematic synthesis
Authors: Carr Lydia , Awenat Yvonne , Ray Sinéad , Tai Sara
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Psychological intervention is an important part of psychiatric inpatient treatment for people experiencing severe problems affecting their mental health. Unfortunately, many service users accessing acute inpatient services are not being offered psychological interventions. Recent research has focussed on effectiveness, facilitators and barriers to providing psychological interventions in this setting. This review aimed to provide a qualitative synthesis of service user perspectives regarding psychological interventions provided on inpatient wards, to understand what is helpful and unhelpful about current provision.

Method

A systematic literature search of four databases was conducted to identify published qualitative literature regarding service user perspectives of NICE‐recommended psychological interventions provided on adult acute mental health inpatient wards. Study quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. Data was analysed and synthesised using thematic analysis.

Results

The search was completed in May 2023. Seventeen studies were included in the review and encapsulated feedback from at least 192 service users. All studies were rated as high or moderate on the quality appraisal tool. Three superordinate themes were identified: ‘Connecting with Others’, ‘Psychological Processes’ and ‘Engaging with the Intervention’. Participants valued supportive relationships with peers and therapists and felt empowered to achieve change through expression, focussing on difficulties and gaining new perspectives. Participants wanted more support to maintain benefits and sometimes struggled to engage with group therapy due to difficult peer dynamics.

Conclusions

The results give a detailed synthesis of some of the important factors, from service users' perspectives, for accessing psychological interventions. Recommendations for clinical practice and future research are provided.
Green fintech: Developing a research agenda
Authors: Puschmann Thomas , Khmarskyi Valentyn
Published: January 2024

Digitalization and sustainability have been the core drivers of transformation of the financial industry in recent years. In this context, green fintech plays a major role, which, however, is still an unexplored field in business, information systems and finance research. This paper conducts a systematic literature analysis and develops a research agenda based on a framework, which is derived from clustering 74 academic research papers. The framework consists of the four clusters strategy, organization, technology, and potentials along nine dimensions. The research agenda reveals that green fintech is still a very premature field of research. The analysis shows that areas like customer‐ and government‐related services, insurance‐oriented approaches and SDGs which focus on life on land and life below water are still rare and that most of the approaches focus on blockchain technology, while other financial technologies like artificial intelligence are still underrepresented.
Development and evaluation of multi‐functionalized sialic acid conjugated asiatic acid nanoconstruct to mitigate cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Halder Tripti , Saha Bijit , Dhas Namdev , Acharya Sanjeev , Acharya Niyati
Published: January 2024

Sialic acid (SA) serves a critical role in neuronal repair and cognitive functions. SA is a nine‐carbon carboxylated sugar with a glycoconjugate cap that acts as a ligand and surface decoration with SA facilitates delivery to the target site. The present research aimed to develop SA surface modified AA nanostructured lipid carrier (NLCs) with carbodiimide conjugation method. Sterylamine, poloxamer 188 and tween 80 were used as surfactants and several characterization studies including, differential scanning calorimetry, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and x‐ray photon spectroscopy were analyzed. Further, in vitro, neuroprotective efficiency was evaluated in SH‐SY5Y cells and hCMEC/D3 cells and found significant potential effects with the treatments of developed NLCs. Pharmacodynamics studies were also assessed in beta‐amyloid‐injected rats following quantification of Alzheimer's disease (AD) hallmarks like, Aβ(1–42), tau‐protein, glycogen synthase kinase‐3β levels, interleukin‐6 and tumor necrosis factor‐α for neuroinflammatory responses. Characterization studies revealed the conjugation on developed NLCs. The in vitro and in vivo results showed significant effects of SA decorated NLCs in reversing the damage by toxicant which was further characterized by the levels of neurotransmitters like acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase. The results revealed significant (p < .05) refurbishment of cholinergic functions after 28 days of treatment of developed NLCs. These preclinical findings support the use of SA as a ligand to deliver the AA at targeted site as well as to mitigate the cognitive deficits in AD.
A meta‐analysis of the relationship between glycaemic variability and the mortality of patients with heart failure
Authors: Fu Xiaoxiao , Wei Yang , Fang Jun
Published: January 2024

Recent findings indicate that fluctuations in blood glucose could potentially increase the risk of unfavourable outcomes in individuals with cardiovascular conditions. The objective of the research was to assess the correlation between glycaemic variability (GV) and the mortality of patients with heart failure (HF) through a comprehensive review and meta‐analysis. Longitudinal follow‐up studies comparing the mortality risk between HF patients with higher and lower GV were identified by searching Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. The results were combined using a random‐effects model that accounted for the potential variability. The meta‐analysis included nine cohort studies involving 76 843 patients diagnosed with HF, out of which 35 853 patients died within a follow‐up period of up to 86 months. The combined findings indicated that a significant increase in GV was linked to an elevated risk of mortality in patients with HF during the follow‐up period (RR 2.18, 95% CI 1.61 to 2.96, P < 0.001, I2 = 83%). The relationship between GV and mortality in HF patients was not significantly influenced by the patients' diabetic status (diabetic or non‐diabetic), type of GV (acute or long‐term GV), study design (prospective or retrospective), country of the study (Asian or non‐Asian), follow‐up durations, or the scores of study quality (P‐values for subgroup differences all >0.05). A high GV could be a risk factor of mortality of patients with HF.
Novel electrocardiographic criteria may render possible the more accurate recognition of cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Vereckei András , Katona Gábor , Szénási Gábor , Vidács László Dániel , Földeák Dóra , Takács Hedvig , Nagy Viktória , Sepp Róbert
Published: January 2024

Aims

The early diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is paramount, since there are effective therapies that improve patient survival. The diagnostic accuracy of classical electrocardiographic (ECG) signs, such as low voltage, pseudoinfarct pattern, and conduction disturbances in the diagnosis of CA, is inferior to that of the echocardiographic myocardial deformation criteria; therefore, our aim was to find more accurate novel ECG criteria for this purpose.

Methods

We tested the diagnostic value of five novel ECG criteria, two of them devised by us, in 34 patients with confirmed CA (20 transthyretin amyloidosis and 14 AL amyloidosis) and 45 control patients with left ventricular hypertrophy on echocardiography due to hypertension, valvular aortic stenosis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The following novel ECG criteria, that suggested CA, were tested: QRS amplitude in lead I < 0.55 mV (I < 0.55); QRS amplitude in lead aVR < 0.5 mV (aVR < 0.5); average QRS amplitude of leads I + aVR < 0.575 mV [(I + aVR) < 0.575]; average QRS amplitude of leads I + aVR/average QRS amplitude of leads V1–4 < 0.375 [(I + aVR)/(V1–4) < 0.375]; average QRS amplitude of leads I + aVR/longest intrinsicoid deflection in leads I,aVL,V1–6 < 0.0115 [(I + aVR)/I,aVL,V1–6ID < 0.0115].

Results

The I < 0.55, aVR < 0.5, (I + aVR) < 0.575, (I + aVR)/(V1–4) < 0.375, (I + aVR)/I,aVL,V1–6ID < 0.0115 test accuracy (TA) were 81%, 84.8%, 82.3%, 84.8%, and 83.3%, respectively; the sensitivity (SE): 76.5%, 82.4%, 85.3%, 82.4%, and 76.9%; specificity (SP): 84.4%, 86.7%, 80%, 86.7%, and 87.5%; positive predictive values (PPV): 78.8%, 82.4%, 76.3%, 82.4%, and 80%; negative predictive values (NPV): 82.6%, 86.7%, 87.8%, 86.7%, and 85.4%; area under curve (AUC) values: 0.8922, 0.8794, 09016, 0.8824, and 0.8462 were respectively. These parameters of the novel ECG criteria were at least as good as those reported by other authors in the literature of the qualitative (TA: 67%, SE: 80%, SP: 34%, PPV: 75%, NPV: 42%, AUC: 0.57) and quantitative apical sparing (TA: 64–80%, SE: 66–81.3%, SP: 55–78.3%, PPV: 33–83.9%, NPV: 41–75%, AUC: 0.62–0.68) and left ventricular ejection fraction/global longitudinal strain >4.1 (TA: 77%, SE: 93%, SP: 38%, PPV: 79%, NPV: 69%, AUC: 0.65) echocardiographic criteria. Among the classical criteria, the low voltage in limb leads criterion was present most frequently (in 73.5%) in patients with CA, with slightly worse diagnostic value than the novel ECG criteria (TA: 78.5%, SE: 73.5%, SP: 82.2%, PPV: 75.8%, NPV: 80.4%).

Conclusions

The novel ECG criteria [mostly the aVR < 0.5, (I + aVR)/(V1–4) < 0.375] seem at least as reliable in the diagnosis of CA as the best echocardiographic myocardial deformation criteria and might be used either together with the echocardiographic criteria or as stand‐alone criteria to diagnose CA in the future.
Prognostic impact of MitraScore in elderly Asian patients with heart failure: sub‐analysis of FRAGILE‐HF
Authors: Kaneko Tomohiro , Kagiyama Nobuyuki , Kasai Takatoshi , Kamiya Kentaro , Saito Hiroshi , Saito Kazuya , Ogasahara Yuki , Maekawa Emi , Konishi Masaaki , Kitai Takeshi , Iwata Kentaro , Jujo Kentaro , Wada Hiroshi , Maeda Daichi , Hiki Masaru , Sunayama Tsutomu , Dotare Taishi , Nagamatsu Hirofumi , Ozawa Tetsuya , Izawa Katsuya , Yamamoto Shuhei , Aizawa Naoki , Makino Akihiro , Oka Kazuhiro , Momomura Shin‐Ichi , Matsue Yuya , Minamino Tohru
Published: January 2024

Aims

MitraScore is a novel, simple, and manually calculatable risk score developed as a prognostic model for patients undergoing transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair (TEER) for mitral regurgitation. As its components are considered prognostic in heart failure (HF), we aimed to investigate the usefulness of the MitraScore in HF patients.

Methods and results

We calculated MitraScore for 1100 elderly patients (>65 years old) hospitalized for HF in the prospective multicentre FRAGILE‐HF study and compared its prognostic ability with other simple risk scores. The primary endpoint was all‐cause deaths, and the secondary endpoints were the composite of all‐cause deaths and HF rehospitalization and cardiovascular deaths. Overall, the mean age of 1100 patients was 80 ± 8 years, and 58% were men. The mean MitraScore was 3.2 ± 1.4, with a median of 3 (interquartile range: 2–4). A total of 326 (29.6%), 571 (51.9%), and 203 (18.5%) patients were classified into low‐, moderate‐, and high‐risk groups based on the MitraScore, respectively. During a follow‐up of 2 years, 226 all‐cause deaths, 478 composite endpoints, and 183 cardiovascular deaths were observed. MitraScore successfully stratified patients for all endpoints in the Kaplan–Meier analysis (P < 0.001 for all). In multivariate analyses, MitraScore was significantly associated with all endpoints after covariate adjustments [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval): 1.22 (1.10–1.36), P < 0.001 for all‐cause deaths; adjusted HR 1.17 (1.09–1.26), P < 0.001 for combined endpoints; and adjusted HR 1.24 (1.10–1.39), P < 0.001 for cardiovascular deaths]. The Hosmer–Lemeshow plot showed good calibration for all endpoints. The net reclassification improvement (NRI) analyses revealed that the MitraScore performed significantly better than other manually calculatable risk scores of HF: the GWTG‐HF risk score, the BIOSTAT compact model, the AHEAD score, the AHEAD‐U score, and the HANBAH score for all‐cause and cardiovascular deaths, with respective continuous NRIs of 0.20, 0.22, 0.39, 0.39, and 0.29 for all‐cause mortality (all P‐values < 0.01) and 0.20, 0.22, 0.42, 0.40, and 0.29 for cardiovascular mortality (all P‐values < 0.02).

Conclusions

MitraScore developed for patients undergoing TEER also showed strong discriminative power in HF patients. MitraScore was superior to other manually calculable simple risk scores and might be a good choice for risk assessment in clinical practice for patients receiving TEER and those with HF.
Intramolecular Hydrogen Atom Transfer from Unactivated C(sp3)−H Bond to Alkyl Radical
Authors: Liu Huiying , Jin Qihao , Wu Xinxin
Published: January 2024

Regioselective C(sp3)−H bond functionalization in atom‐ and step‐economic mode has long been recognized as a prominent and challenging task due to its application in late‐stage modification of complex skeletons, natural products and drugs. As a complement to transition metal‐catalyzed C−H activation and carbene/nitrene insertion reactions, hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) emerges as a versatile tool for C(sp3)−H bond functionalization and showcases significant and distinctive superiority in terms of selectivity trend and substrate scope. Intramolecular HAT processes initiated by nitrogen‐ and oxygen‐centered radicals, aryl radicals, and vinyl radicals, have already been well developed in the past century. In contrast, the development of alkyl radical‐mediated HAT reactions lagged behind, although generation methods of corresponding alkyl radicals under mild conditions have gained rapid growth. Especially, selective and efficient HAT from unactivated C(sp3)−H to alkyl radical is highly challenging due to their comparable BDEs and radical polarity. This Concept highlights recent advance in regioselective functionalization of ubiquitous unactivated C−H bonds enabled by intramolecular H‐atom transfer to alkyl radicals.
The link between workaholism and well‐being via self‐care and the moderating role of group identification
Authors: Junker Nina M. , Theisges Louisa , Avanzi Lorenzo , van Dick Rolf , Kaluza Antonia J.
Published: January 2024

Although the negative consequences of workaholism for well‐being are well‐known, research on its underlying processes and potential boundary conditions is scarce. Drawing on the conservation of resources theory, we propose that self‐care mediates the negative association between workaholism and well‐being, such that workaholism decreases self‐care, which, in turn, increases well‐being. Building on the social identity approach, we further argue that group identification moderates the workaholism–self‐care‐link, such that the more individuals identify with their groups, the stronger the negative indirect association. We tested our assumptions in a longitudinal three‐wave study among students (Study 1, NT1 = 300, NT2 = 211, NT3 = 164), in which we found that the indirect association between workaholism and well‐being via self‐care was only significant for those students who more highly identified with their group. We replicated this contingency of the workaholism–self‐care association on group identification in a two‐wave time‐lagged study among employees (Study 2, NT1 = 335, NT2 = 134). Taken together, these findings help gain a deeper understanding of why and when workaholism decreases well‐being.
Pyrolysis kinetics behavior and pyrolysate compositions analysis of agriculture waste toward the production of sustainable renewable fuel and chemicals
Authors: Mishra Ranjeet Kumar , Mohanty Kaustubha , Wang Xianhua
Published: January 2024

This work deals with the characterization of feed, kinetic, and compositional study of sugarcane baggage (SCB) using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), Py‐GC‐MS, and X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer. XRF analyzer was used to determine the mineral of ash content, and Py‐GC‐MS was employed to determine the hot vapor composition produced during fast pyrolysis. Cots‐Redfrem (CR) methods and master plots were utilized to determine the kinetic parameters. Studies on the physicochemical properties of SCB have demonstrated its potential for use as a bioenergy feedstock. The average activation energy was found to be 25.44 kJ mol−1 at (n = 1) and 31.21 kJ mol−1 at n ≠ 1 using the CR model. The master plot study suggested that pyrolysis occurred with various mechanisms, while kinetic results of SCB demonstrated that activation energy varied with conversion value. XRF examination revealed significant mineral materials that aided in the pyrolysis process. Finally, the introduction of ZSM‐5 at 20 wt % results increased hydrocarbons (~3 wt %), furfurelas (~4 wt %) and reduced the phenols (~15 wt %), acid (~9 wt %) and oxygnetaed compounds. The present study showed that introducing zeolite catalysts improved pyrolysis products' properties.
Techno feasibility study and optimum sizing evaluation of an industrial‐level solar chimney power plant with a storage system: A case study in Mumbai, India
Authors: Behera Biren K. , Sharma Kaushal K. , Sahoo Sudhansu S. , Kumar Santosh
Published: January 2024

The current study focuses on the modeling and analysis of an industrial‐scale solar chimney power plant (SCPP) with the storage system. Rating and sizing estimations are time‐consuming and difficult to get since sun radiation is diffuse and imprecise; as a result, a theoretical technique is used to gather the necessary data. The generator is assumed to be fully loaded for the sake of the computations. Considerations including chimney height, collector radius, and storage thickness are made in order to get the appropriate generator rating and daily energy output. The optimum sizing assessment has also been obtained based on the input criteria. To get the required results, weather information for Mumbai, India has been taken into account. Based on the findings, the technical feasibility was researched and presented.
Review of epilepsy care in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Tshimbombu Tshibambe N. , Shin Minkyung , Thesen Thomas , Mesu’a Kabwa Luabeya , Blackmon Karen , Kashama Jean Marie Kashama wa , Jobst Barbara C. , Fontaine Dominique , Olarinde Immanuel , Okitundu‐Luwa E‐Andjafono Daniel
Published: January 2024

Epilepsy imposes a substantial burden on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These challenges encompass the lack of comprehensive disease surveillance, an unresolved understanding of its pathophysiology, economic barriers limiting access to essential care, the absence of epilepsy surgical capabilities, and deeply ingrained societal stigmas. Notably, the national prevalence of epilepsy remains undetermined, with research primarily concentrating on infectious factors like Onchocerca volvulus, leaving other potential causes underexplored. Most patients lack insurance, incurring out‐of‐pocket expenses that often lead them to opt for traditional medicine rather than clinical care. Social stigma, perpetuated by common misconceptions, intensifies the social isolation experienced by individuals living with epilepsy. Additionally, surgical interventions are unavailable, and the accessibility of anti‐seizure medications and healthcare infrastructure remains inadequate. Effectively tackling these interrelated challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including conducting research into region‐specific factors contributing to epilepsy, increasing healthcare funding, subsidizing the costs of treatment, deploying mobile tools for extensive screening, launching awareness campaigns to dispel myths and reduce stigma, and promoting collaborations between traditional healers and medical practitioners to enhance local understanding and epilepsy management. Despite the difficulties, significant progress can be achieved through sustained and compassionate efforts to understand and eliminate the barriers faced by epilepsy patients in the region. This review outlines essential steps for alleviating the epilepsy burden in the DRC.

Plain Language summary

There are not enough resources to treat epilepsy in the DRC. PWEs struggle with stigma and the lack of money. Many of them still use traditional medicine for treatment and hold wrong beliefs about epilepsy. That is why there is a need for more resources to make the lives of PWEs better in the DRC.
Modulation of the gut microbiome and Firmicutes phylum reduction by a nutraceutical blend in the obesity mouse model and overweight humans: A double‐blind clinical trial
Authors: Nehmi‐Filho Victor , de Freitas Jessica Alves , Franco Lucas Augusto , Martins Roberta Cristina , Turri José Antônio Orellana , Santamarina Aline Boveto , Fonseca Joyce Vanessa da Silva , Sabino Ester Cerdeira , Moraes Bruna Carvalho , Souza Erica , Murata Gilson Masahiro , Costa Silvia Figueiredo , Alcântara Paulo Sérgio , Otoch José Pinhata , Pessoa Ana Flávia Marçal
Published: January 2024

Overweight and obesity are closely linked to gut dysbiosis/dysmetabolism and disrupted De‐Ritis ratio [aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio], which may contribute to chronic noncommunicable diseases onset. Concurrently, extensive research explores nutraceuticals, and health‐enhancing supplements, for disease prevention or treatment. Thus, sedentary overweight volunteers were double‐blind randomized into two groups: Novel Nutraceutical_(S) (without silymarin) and Novel Nutraceutical (with silymarin). Experimental formulations were orally administered twice daily over 180 consecutive days. We evaluated fecal gut microbiota, based on partial 16S rRNA sequences, biochemistry and endocrine markers, steatosis biomarker (AST/ALT ratio), and anthropometric parameters. Post‐supplementation, only the Novel Nutraceutical group reduced Clostridium clostridioforme (Firmicutes), Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (F/B ratio), and De‐Ritis ratio, while elevating Bacteroides caccae and Bacteroides uniformis (Bacteroidetes) in Brazilian sedentary overweight volunteers after 180 days. In summary, the results presented here allow us to suggest the gut microbiota as the action mechanism of the Novel Nutraceutical promoting metabolic hepatic recovery in obesity/overweight non‐drug interventions.
Exploring health preference heterogeneity in the UK: Using the online elicitation of personal utility functions approach to construct EQ‐5D‐5L value functions on societal, group and individual level
Authors: Schneider Paul , Devlin Nancy , van Hout Ben , Brazier John
Published: January 2024

A new method has recently been developed for valuing health states, called ‘Online elicitation of Personal Utility Functions’ (OPUF). In contrast to established methods, such as time trade‐off or discrete choice experiments, OPUF does not require hundreds of respondents, but allows estimating utility functions for small groups and even at the individual level. In this study, we used OPUF to elicit EQ‐5D‐5L health state preferences from a (not representative) sample of the UK general population, and then compared utility functions on the societal‐, group‐, and individual level. A demo version of the survey is available at: https://eq5d5l.me. Data from 874 respondents were included in the analysis. For each respondent, we constructed a personal EQ‐5D‐5L value set. These personal value sets predicted respondents' choices in three hold‐out discrete choice tasks with an accuracy of 78%. Overall, preferences varied greatly between individuals. However, PERMANOVA analysis showed that demographic characteristics explained only a small proportion of the variability between subgroups. While OPUF is still under development, it has important strengths: it can be used to construct value sets for patient reported outcome instruments such as EQ‐5D‐5L, while also allowing examination of underlying preferences in an unprecedented level of detail. In the future, OPUF could be used to complement existing methods, allowing valuation studies in smaller samples, and providing more detailed insights into the heterogeneity of preferences across subgroups.
Enabling environment and challenges for UN joint programming to strengthen nutrition: A multi‐country survey in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Senegal
Authors: Halidou Doudou Maimouna , Ouedraogo Ousmane , Cruz Sarah , Dieudonné Diasso , Levrac Mohamed
Published: January 2024

The United Nations plays an important role in supporting governments to implement nutrition policies and accelerate progress. The development of a common UN nutrition agenda and joint programming are two crucial aspects to improve complementarities and synergies to maximize the nutritional impact. The objective was to identify the success factors and challenges during the planning process of the UN common nutrition agenda in three different contexts. This is a qualitative study, conducted in Burkina Faso, Mali and Senegal between 2016 and 2018. The data was collected using an orientation kit developed by the UN Network which includes an inventory of UN nutrition actions, individual interviews, and consensus workshops. A total of 32 nutrition focal points from UN agencies participated in the study. In all countries, UN nutrition interventions were concentrated in areas with the highest number of stunted. Most of these actions were aligned with the priorities of nutrition policies and were complementary. Governance actions were mainly oriented towards sector governance. Key success of joint nutrition programming by UN includes commitment of country director and technicians, functional UN Network, participation of field‐level stakeholders and strengthening of information between UN agencies. Certain prerequisites such as the existence of nutrition policy, stakeholder and action mapping, inventory of UN nutrition actions, situation analysis contributed to the formulation of a common nutrition agenda at country level. Among the challenges, we note effective implementation of joint programs to strengthen complementarity; diversity of beneficiary targeting strategies between sectors; low mobilization of resources; lack of coordination intra and inter agencies; understaffing; strengthening partnership and multisectoral accountability; ownership of the common nutrition agenda by all agencies. The development of common nutrition agenda and joint programs would maximize the nutritional impact in the country level.
Frequent batch auction versus continuous time auction under order cancellation and maker‐taker fee
Authors: Ge Hengshun , Yang Haijun
Published: January 2024

We investigate the consequences of different market designs and policies on market quality in a high‐frequency market. Based on an extensible theoretical framework, high‐frequency traders in our model can be either market makers or arbitragers, which leads to a Nash equilibrium between their utilities. We consider the optimal strategies of different market agents in various market conditions based on the equilibrium. We find frequent batch auctions benefit market liquidity but harm market volatility compared to continuous‐time auctions. Order cancellation ban harms market quality while the taker fee is beneficial. We also find that market design and policy changes are only effective in low‐latency markets. Finally, we address that the total effect of high‐frequency trading is positive, so it is vital to reap high‐frequency traders' benefits while minimising their harms in high‐frequency markets.
The economic consequences of obstetric fistula: A systematic search and narrative review
Authors: Bari Kimiya , Oliver Victoria L. , Abbas Shazra , Marthias Tiara , Kane Sumit
Published: January 2024

Background

Obstetric fistula develops from obstructed labor and is a devastating condition with significant consequences across several domains of a woman's life. This study presents a narrative review of the evidence on the economic consequences of obstetric fistula.

Methods

Three databases were searched, and search results were limited to English language papers published after 2003. Search results were reviewed for relevance based on title and abstract followed by full text review using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Bibliographies of papers were also scanned to identify relevant papers for inclusion. Data were extracted under three categories (defined a priori): the economic consequences of having the condition, the economic consequences of seeking care, and the macroeconomic impacts.

Results

The search returned 517 unique papers, 49 of which were included after screening. Main findings identified from the studies include women losing their jobs, becoming dependent on others, and losing financial support when relationships are lost. Seeking care was economically costly for families or unaffordable entirely. There were no studies describing the impact of fistula on national economies.

Conclusion

Economic consequences of obstetric fistula are multifaceted, pervasive, and are intertwined with the physical and psychosocial consequences of the condition. Understanding these consequences can help tailor existing fistula programs to better address the impacts of the condition. Further research to address the dearth of literature describing the macroeconomic impact of obstetric fistula will be critical to enhance the visibility of this condition on the health agendas of countries.
Change motivation and mindfulness in individual psychotherapy: Examining a sample of adult outpatients with depression and/or anxiety
Authors: Baumann Ines , Kalmar Julia , Gruber Elena , Blanck Paul , Vonderlin Eva , Heidenreich Thomas , Mander Johannes
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Existing literature has demonstrated that both motivation to change and mindfulness are associated with therapy outcomes in samples with mental disorders. Between the constructs of mindfulness and motivation to change occurs some theoretical‐related and empirical overlap. However, it is still little known about the association of these two constructs. For this reason, we investigated the relationship of motivation to change and mindfulness in a sample of 116 adult outpatients with a primary diagnosis of depression or anxiety.

Methods

An outpatient sample of 116 depressive and/or anxious patients filled in the German short version of the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA‐S) and the German version of the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills (KIMS) before the start of cognitive‐behavioral therapy (pre) and after the 25th cognitive‐behavioral therapy session (post). To assess the association between change motivation and mindfulness, we calculated correlations, hierarchical regressions and cross‐lagged panel models (CLPM).

Results

Several positive and negative significant correlations at the premeasurement time point, at the postmeasurement time point, and over time (from pre to postmeasurement time point) demonstrated a relation between the KIMS and the URICA‐S. Hierarchical regression analyses and CLPM pointed towards relations between mindfulness and change motivation over time and in both directions for some subscales of the KIMS and the URICA‐S.

Conclusion

A bidirectional relation between motivation to change and mindfulness was supported in our naturalistic psychotherapy setting for several subscales. For a better understanding of the interconnection between the two constructs, future research should focus on the application of interventions to improve either mindfulness or motivation to change in psychotherapy. Additionally, the interactional effects of mindfulness and change motivation on therapy outcomes should be investigated.
‘Out of the glovebox’ studies of a multifunctional [Gd3+‐Ho3+‐Dy3+]:CsPbI2.7Br0.3 perovskite semiconductor system for energy applications
Authors: Jaffri Shaan Bibi , Ahmad Khuram Shahzad , Abrahams Isaac , El‐marghany Adel
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

This work deciphers the first report on the treble lanthanide‐doped perovskite heterosystem [Gd3+‐Ho3+‐Dy3+]:CsPbI2.7Br0.3 (GHD:C‐PVSK) and subsequently explores its prospects for solar cells, energy generation, and charge storage.

RESULTS

GHD:C‐PVSK remained optically active for a period of 28 days with a band gap energy of 1.62–1.76 eV. The developed perovskite material possesses cubic phase with typical ABX3 geometry and the subsequently deposited thin films have compact morphology. As a light absorber layer, a GHD:C‐PVSK‐based solution‐processed perovskite solar cell executed an efficiency of 15.11% and an improved fill factor of 71.25%. In electrocatalytic assays, GHD:C‐PVSK emerged as a bifunctional catalyst for oxygen and hydrogen generation with greater tendency towards pure hydrogen production, exuding overpotential (ηHER) – that is, 143 mV and 123.4 mV dec−1 of the Tafel slope value. With a remarkable service life of 100 min inside the electrolyte, the GHD:C‐PVSK electrode was characterized by its excellent charge storage. It has a unit capacity of 383 mA h g−1 and is marked by reduced equivalent series resistance (Rs) of 0.66 Ω.

CONCLUSION

Through photoelectrical and electrical analysis, GHD:C‐PVSK has emerged as a sustainable and energy‐efficient material that can be stabilized by suitable thermal modulation and lanthanide doping. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Criminal convictions in males and females diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A Swedish national registry study
Authors: Ångström Anna‐Karin , Andersson Anneli , Garcia‐Argibay Miguel , Chang Zheng , Lichtenstein Paul , D’Onofrio Brian M. , Tuvblad Catherine , Ghirardi Laura , Larsson Henrik
Published: January 2024

Background

Individuals with Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) face an elevated risk of criminal convictions compared to those without ADHD. However, understanding this link involves considering sex differences, coexisting psychiatric conditions, and unmeasured familial factors. This study aimed to explore the connection between ADHD and criminal convictions (both violent and non‐violent) in males and females, while also assessing the impact of comorbid psychiatric disorders and familial factors.

Methods

Using Swedish national registers, we identified individuals born between 1986 and 1997 (635,391 males and 600,548 females). ADHD was defined through clinical diagnosis and prescribed medications, while criminal convictions were determined based on Swedish lower court records. Unmeasured familial factors were accounted for using a sibling design approach.

Results

Findings revealed that individuals with ADHD had a notably higher absolute and relative risk of both violent and non‐violent criminal convictions compared to those without ADHD. While criminal convictions were more frequent among males with ADHD, females with ADHD exhibited higher relative risks (HR violent 10.50, non‐violent 4.04) than their male counterparts (HR violent 6.03, non‐violent 3.57). Additionally, lower socioeconomic status (SES) in individuals with ADHD was associated with increased relative risks for criminal convictions compared to individuals with ADHD who had higher SES. Adjusting for childhood and internalizing psychiatric disorders partially attenuated these associations, while substance use disorders (SUD) substantially attenuated them. SUD also contributed to an elevated absolute risk of criminal convictions in both male and female individuals with ADHD. Accounting for unmeasured shared familial factors slightly reduced the estimates, but the association between ADHD and criminal convictions persisted.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ADHD remains a potent independent risk factor for criminal convictions, with varying effects based on gender. This underscores the importance of tailored crime prevention strategies and early interventions for individuals with ADHD, especially when comorbid SUD is present.
Specific Alterations in Brain White Matter Networks and Their Impact on Clinical Function in Pediatric Patients With Thoracolumbar Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Yang Beining , Zheng Weimin , Wang Ling , Jia Yulong , Qi Qunya , Xin Haotian , Wang Yu , Liang Tengfei , Chen Xin , Chen Qian , Li Baowei , Du Jubao , Hu Yongsheng , Lu Jie , Chen Nan
Published: January 2024

Background

The alternation of brain white matter (WM) network has been studied in adult spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. However, the WM network alterations in pediatric SCI patients remain unclear.

Purpose

To evaluate WM network changes and their functional impact in children with thoracolumbar SCI (TSCI).

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Thirty‐five pediatric patients with TSCI (8.94 ± 1.86 years, 8/27 males/females) and 34 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls (HCs) participated in this study.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0 T/DTI imaging using spin‐echo echo‐planar and T1‐weighted imaging using 3D T1‐weighted magnetization‐prepared rapid gradient‐echo sequence.

Assessment

Pediatric SCI patients were evaluated for motor and sensory scores, injury level, time since injury, and age at injury. The WM network was constructed using a continuous tracing method, resulting in a 90 × 90 matrix. The global and regional metrics were obtained to investigate the alterations of the WM structural network. topology.

Statistical Tests

Two‐sample independent t‐tests, chi‐squared test, Mann–Whitney U‐test, and Spearman correlation. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

Compared with HCs, pediatric TSCI patients displayed decreased shortest path length (Lp = 1.080 ± 0.130) and normalized Lp (λ = 5.020 ± 0.363), and increased global efficiency (Eg = 0.200 ± 0.015). Notably, these patients also demonstrated heightened regional properties in the orbitofrontal cortex, limbic system, default mode network, and several audio‐visual‐related regions. Moreover, the λ and Lp values negatively correlated with sensory scores. Conversely, nodal efficiency values in the right calcarine fissure and surrounding cortex positively correlated with sensory scores. The age at injury positively correlated with node degree in the left parahippocampal gyrus and nodal efficiency in the right posterior cingulate gyrus.

Data Conclusion

Reorganization of the WM networks in pediatric SCI patients is indicated by increased global and nodal efficiency, which may provide promising neuroimaging biomarkers for functional assessment of pediatric SCI.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 5
Edge‐Type Hyperintense Intracranial Artery Plaque: A Potential MRI Biomarker of Stroke Recurrence
Authors: Li Hongxia , Chen Sui , Liu Jia , Li Yingle , Zhou Changsheng , Guo Bangjun , Tang Chunxiang , Liu Quanhui , Zhi Beibei , Zhang Longjiang , Zhang Zhiqiang , Cheng Xiaoqing , Lu Guangming
Published: January 2024

Background

Identifying patients at high risk of stroke recurrence is important for stroke prevention and treatment.

Purpose

To explore the characteristics of T1 hyperintense plaques (HIP) and their relationship with stroke recurrence in patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (sICAS).

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

One hundred fifty‐seven patients with moderate‐to‐severe (≥50%) nonocclusive sICAS and MRI studies (42 females and 115 males, mean age 58.69 ± 10.68 years).

Field Strength/Sequence

3D higher‐resolution black‐blood T1‐weighted fast‐spin‐echo sequence at 3.0 T.

Assessment

HIP (signal intensity [SI] of plaque‐to‐adjacent gray matter >1.0 on non‐contrast T1‐weighted images) and non‐HIP plaques were identified. HIP plaques were categorized as edge type (high SI adjacent to lumen) and non‐edge type (high SI within plaque). Clinical and imaging features of different plaque types were compared. Stroke recurrence was assessed through telephone or medical records at 3 and 6 months, and then once a year post‐MRI. The relationship between edge type and non‐edge types HIP with stroke recurrence was analyzed.

Statistical Tests

Student's t test, Mann–Whitney U‐test, chi square test and Fisher's exact test to compare features between plaque types. Kaplan–Meier curves (with log‐rank tests) and Cox proportional hazards regression to assess relationship between stroke recurrence and different plaque types. A two‐tailed P‐value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Of 157 culprit lesions, 87 (55%) were HIPs (43 edge type, 44 non‐edge type) and 70 (45%) were non‐HIPs. Plaque thickness, area, and volume were significantly higher for HIPs than for non‐HIPs. Among patients with HIPs, edge type was significantly more likely in the posterior circulation (53.5% vs. 27.3%), and had significantly higher plaque thickness, length, area, volume, plaque burden, and remodeling index than non‐edge type. Edge‐type HIP was significantly more common than non‐edge HIP in patients with diabetes mellitus (51.2% vs. 29.5%) and dyslipidemia (79.1% vs. 54.5%). During median follow‐up of 27 months, 33 patients experienced stroke recurrence. Recurrence was associated with edge‐type HIP (adjusted hazard ratio = 2.83; 95% confidence interval: 1.40–5.69), both in the overall cohort (34.9% vs. 15.8%) and in patients with HIP (34.9% vs. 9.0%). Age ≥60 years and edge‐type HIP had a significant interaction.

Data Conclusions

Hyperintense plaque may be categorized as edge type or non‐edge type. Edge‐type HIP may be a potential MRI biomarker of stroke recurrence.

Evidence Level

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Propensity‐score matched comparison of renal and neurohormonal effects of catheter ablation for frequent premature ventricular contractions in patients with and without systolic dysfunction
Authors: Hiroki Jiro , Mizukami Akira , Ueshima Daisuke , Mashiki Jun , Miyakuni Shota , Kono Toshikazu , Ono Maki , Miyazaki Shinsuke , Matsumura Akihiko , Sasano Tetsuo
Published: January 2024

Background

Catheter ablation (CA) for premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) restores cardiac and renal functions in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF); however, its effects on preserved EF remain unelucidated.

Methods

The study cohort comprised 246 patients with a PVC burden of >10% on Holter electrocardiography. Using propensity matching, we compared the changes in B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients who underwent CA or did not.

Results

Postoperative BNP levels were decreased significantly in the CA group, regardless of the degree of LVEF, whereas there was no change in those of the non‐CA group. Among patients who underwent CA, BNP levels decreased from 44.1 to 33.0 pg/mL in those with LVEF ≥50% (p = .002) and from 141.0 to 87.9 pg/mL in those with LVEF <50% (p < .001). Regarding eGFR, postoperative eGFR was significantly improved in the CA group of patients with LVEF ≥50% (from 71.4 to 74.7 mL/min/1.73 m2, p = .006), whereas it decreased in the non‐CA group. A similar trend was observed in the group with a reduced LVEF. Adjusted for propensity score matching, there was a significant decrease in the BNP level and recovery of eGFR after CA in patients with LVEF >50%.

Conclusions

This study showed that CA for frequent PVCs decreases BNP levels and increases eGFR even in patients with preserved LVEF.
The influence of tourists' emotional experiences on destination loyalty from the perspective of community economy
Authors: Li Xiubai , Yuan Yuan , Zhang Jihao
Published: January 2024

Community research has been a significant topic in various fields over time. This study (a) constructs a structural equation model for hypothetical community relationships between six factors: tourist interaction, positive emotional experience, general emotional experience, tourists' subjective well‐being, tourist satisfaction, and tourist destination loyalty, and (b) examines the impact of tourists' emotional experiences on their destination loyalty by taking community members as the main survey objects. The results show that tourist emotional experiences have a positive impact on tourists' loyalty. Finally, taking Guilin's evolution into a world‐class tourism city as an example, we propose suggestions on the development of community tourism.
A case of chronic pruritus developing at a noninjured nerve area in a patient with spinal cord injury: Role of protein gene product 9.5
Authors: Adachi Akimasa , Komine Mayumi , Murata Satoru , Ohtsuki Mamitaro
Published: January 2024

A patient in her 60s with spinal cord injury developed pruriginous lesion only in a nerve‐noninjured area, although erythema resulting from scratching was also prominent in a nerve‐injured lesion. The area of protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5)‐positive nerve fibres within the nerve‐injured lesion was significantly reduced compared with the nerve‐noninjured area. This case suggests an essential role for PGP 9.5‐positive nerve fibres in the development of chronic pruritus.
miR‐107‐5p ameliorates neurological damage, oxidative stress, and immune responses in mice with Alzheimer's disease by suppressing the Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor‐kappaB(NF‐κB) pathway
Authors: Hu Guang‐Jun , Jiang Xiao‐Yang , Du Si‐Yu , Zhang Kun , Chen Zhuo
Published: January 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressively debilitating neurodegenerative condition primarily affecting the elderly. Emerging research suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a role in the development of AD. This study investigates the impact of miR‐107‐5p on neurological damage, oxidative stress, and immune responses in AD. We utilized APP/PS1 mice as AD mouse models and C57BL/6 J mice as controls. AD mice received treatment with agomir miR‐107‐5p (to overexpress miR‐107‐5p) or BAY11‐7082 (an NF‐κB pathway inhibitor). We evaluated learning and memory abilities through the Morris water maze test. Histopathological changes, hippocampal neuron distribution, and apoptosis were assessed using hematoxylin–eosin, Nissl, and TUNEL staining. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, amyloid‐Aβ (Aβ1‐40/42) contents, and inflammatory factors (TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐1β) in hippocampal tissues were measured using ROS kits and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Microglial activation in hippocampal tissues was observed under a fluorescence microscope. miR‐107‐5p's binding to TLR4 was predicted via the TargetScan database and confirmed through a dual‐luciferase assay. miR‐107‐5p expression, along with TLR4, APOE, and TREM2 in hippocampal tissue homogenate, and NF‐κB p65 protein expression in the nucleus and cytoplasm were assessed via RT‐qPCR and Western blot. Overexpression of miR‐107‐5p ameliorated hippocampal neurological damage, oxidative stress, and immune responses. This was evidenced by improved enhanced learning/memory abilities, reduced Aβ1‐40 and Aβ1‐42 levels, diminished neuronal injuries, decreased ROS and TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β levels, increased APOE and TREM2 levels, and suppressed microglial activation. miR‐107‐5p directly targeted and inhibited TLR4 expression, leading to reduced nuclear translocation of NF‐κB p65 in the NF‐κB pathway. Inhibition of the NF‐κB pathway similarly improved neurological damage, oxidative stress, and immune response in AD mice. miR‐107‐5p exerts its beneficial effects by suppressing the TLR4/NF‐κB pathway, ultimately ameliorating neurological damage, oxidative stress, and immune responses in AD mice.
Is AI giving us more than we can or even should handle?
Authors: Hetzscholdt Pascal
Published: January 2024

Key points

Artificial intelligence (AI)'s dual functionalities in scholarly publishing raise ethical and practical concerns.

Chatbots, much more than AI‐driven search engines, have the potential to distort information and disseminate false truths and flawed science.

The role of AI in scholarly publishing needs to be critically examined.