bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design, development and usability of an educational AI chatbot for People with Haemophilia in Senegal
Authors: Babington‐Ashaye Awa , de Moerloose Philippe , Diop Saliou , Geissbuhler Antoine
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Gaps in the disease knowledge of People with Haemophilia (PWH) in Senegal are important barriers to the effective management of haemophilia. Digital health systems for chronic diseases in low‐ and middle‐income countries are suggested to improve education and self‐management. Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbots could improve knowledge and support symptom monitoring.

Aim

Development process and usability testing of an AI chatbot to assess its future adoption in Senegal.

Methods

An AI chatbot prototype was designed based on a multilingual conversational engine using Natural Language Processing. A sequential mixed method was used including a co‐creative design process with a task force made up of PWH and medical doctors. Usability was assessed through the System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire.

Results

An AI chatbot in French and Wolof, named Saytù Hemophilie, was developed for Android and Apple iOS devices. It was assessed as a very usable system with a SUS score of 81.7, above average. 42% would prefer to use the Wolof version even if they were very satisfied with the French version. The level of Wolof in the app did not always correspond to users’ levels. Participants praised its accessibility and reliability, and its ability to enhance self‐learning.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that a culturally adapted digital conversational agent is likely to be used by PWH in Senegal and their families to improve education and self‐management of haemophilia. Relevance and impact are foreseen for other communities in Africa and beyond.
Records of Nanhua island arc activity between the north and south Wuyi terranes in the Cathaysia Block
Authors: Liu Huan , Zhao Xilin , Jiang Jian , Zhang Jinguo
Published: June 2023

The characteristics and pre‐Devonian tectonic evolution between the North and South Wuyi terranes are important for understanding the tectonic framework and aggregation of the micro‐terrenes in the Cathaysia Block, as well as the evolution of the South China Block. This paper provides systematic studies on the petrologic features, zircon U–Pb geochronology and geochemical characteristics of the low‐grade meta‐volcanic and metasedimentary rocks between the North and South Wuyi terranes, and proposes an alternative model for their tectonic evolution. Geochronological data show that the metasedimentary rocks have detrital zircon U–Pb ages ranging from 583 to 3284 Ma with a record of the Nanhua period (764–722 Ma). The meta‐volcanic rocks have centralized ages ranging from 720 to 760 Ma and yield weighted average ages of 746–733 Ma. Geochemical studies of the meta‐volcanic rocks show similar characteristics to island arc magmatic rocks, with relatively high SiO2, K2O and Al2O3, low TFeO and MgO contents, and enrichment of Rb, Ba, Th, Pb and Hf elements, and depletion in Ti, Nb, Sr and Ta. These features indicate that the North and South Wuyi terranes may have collided at about 746–733 Ma and eventually pieced together at 583 Ma, with the protoliths of the meta‐volcanic rocks and the metasedimentary rocks formed in the same tectonic setting of an island arc during Nanhua island arc magmatism related to the collision. The occurrence of Nanhua island arc activity between the North and South Wuyi terranes suggests that multi‐micro‐terranes and multi‐stage collisions may be major characteristics of the tectonic evolution process in the Cathaysia Block.
A single‐center retrospective comparative analysis of urinary continence in robotic prostatectomy with a combination of umbilical ligament preservation and Hood technique
Authors: Shimmura Hiroaki , Banno Taro , Nakamura Kazutaka , Murayama Anju , Shigeta Haruki , Sawano Toyoaki , Kouchi Yukiko , Ozaki Akihiko , Yamabe Fumito , Iizuka Junpei , Takagi Toshio
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Data available on the effect of the recently developed Hood technique and its modified iterations in robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy on postoperative urinary continence are insufficient. We evaluated the time to achieve urinary continence with the modified Hood technique compared with the standard or umbilical ligament preservation robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy.

Methods

This retrospective analysis examines patient records for those who underwent robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy at the Jyoban Hospital of Tokiwa Foundation in Fukushima, Japan, from 2017 to 2021. The main outcome was to determine significant differences in the time taken to achieve urinary continence among the three procedure types. We employed the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis to estimate the time to achieve urinary continence in the three procedure types of robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy. Additionally, we used a Cox regression hazard model to evaluate the association between the time to achieve urinary continence and the procedure types.

Results

We considered 196 patients in this study. The estimated rates of achieving urinary continence at 6 months following standard, umbilical ligament preservation, and modified Hood technique robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy were 77.6%, 89.5%, and 100%, respectively. The multivariable Cox hazard regression model showed that patients who underwent the modified Hood technique were significantly more likely to achieve urinary continence than those who underwent the standard robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy.

Conclusions

The modified Hood technique achieved better urinary continence outcomes, with all patients with the procedure achieving urinary continence at 6 months. Further randomized controlled trials are required to validate this finding.
Characteristics of uroflowmetry patterns in men with detrusor underactivity revealed by artificial intelligence
Authors: Matsukawa Yoshihisa , Kameya Yoshitaka , Takahashi Tomoichi , Shimazu Atsuki , Ishida Shohei , Yamada Muneo , Sassa Naoto , Yamamoto Tokunori
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To elucidate the characteristics of uroflowmetry (UFM) observed in men with detrusor underactivity (DU) using our developed artificial intelligence (AI) diagnostic algorithm to distinguish between DU and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO).

Methods

Subjective and objective parameters, including four UFM parameters (first peak flow rate, time to first peak, gradient to first peak, and the ratio of first peak flow rate to maximum flow rate [Qmax]) selected by analyzing the judgment basis of the AI diagnostic system, were compared in 266 treatment‐naive men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Patients were divided into the DU (70; 26.32%) and non‐DU (196; 73.68%) groups, and the UFM parameters for predicting the presence of DU were determined by multivariate analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Detrusor underactivity was defined as a bladder contractility index <100 and a BOO index <40.

Results

Most parameters on the first peak flow of UFM were significantly lower in the DU group. On multivariate analysis, lower first peak flow rate and lower ratio of first peak flow rate to Qmax were significant parameters to predict DU. In the ROC analysis, the ratio of the first peak flow rate to Qmax showed the highest area under the curve (0.848) and yielded sensitivities of 76% and specificities of 83% for DU diagnosis, with cutoff values of 0.8.

Conclusions

Parameters on the first peak flow of UFM, especially the ratio of the first peak flow rate to Qmax, can diagnose DU with high accuracy in men with LUTS.
Safety and health at work as fundamental rights: A comparative‐historical study of the ILO's strategy of realistic vigilance
Authors: HILGERT Jeffrey
Published: June 2023

This article is a comparative‐historical study of ILO action on occupational safety and health (OSH) as fundamental rights. In the two decades following the adoption of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the ILO used a realist lens and prioritized the idea that OSH were dependent upon economic preconditions for their protection. This history is revisited in the light of the new complex of global health uncertainty and the addition of OSH to the framework of fundamental principles and rights at work. The analysis highlights the applicability of a realistic vigilance approach to the ILO's current work on OSH.
Sexe, situation de famille, état de santé: les facteurs explicatifs des inégalités de pension dans le modèle de retraite chilien
Authors: PARADA‐CONTZEN Marcela
Published: June 2023

L'autrice cherche à mesurer l'impact des événements de vie sur le capital‐vieillesse dans le contexte du Chili, où le régime de prévoyance repose sur des comptes d'épargne individuels obligatoires. Cet impact empruntant des canaux multiples, elle utilise un système d'équations corrélées, qui rendent compte du comportement d'activité, du choix du fonds de pension, des décisions d'épargne, de la propension au risque, de la situation familiale et de l'état de santé. L'analyse montre que les problèmes de santé n'ont pas d'effet sexué sur la retraite, contrairement aux chocs liés aux caractéristiques familiales, qui ont un impact plus important pour les femmes que pour les hommes.
Elaboración de un índice compuesto de calidad del empleo de las personas LGBTQ+ en Quebec (Canadá)
Authors: BAIOCCO Michele , BLAIS Martin , SAMOILENKO Mariia , CHAMBERLAND Line , CÔTÉ Isabel
Published: June 2023

El heterosexismo y el cisgenerismo pueden dar lugar a experiencias de exclusión social en el trabajo, que perturban el bienestar de las personas LGBTQ+. Para medir esta realidad, los autores elaboran un índice específico de calidad del empleo, basado en datos de una muestra de 1761 trabajadores de Quebec, seleccionados en el marco de la encuesta UNIE‐LGBTQ (2019‐2020). Este índice, creado a partir de puntuaciones factoriales, comprende 16 indicadores y 5 dimensiones. Tiene una coherencia interna aceptable y se asocia moderadamente con la satisfacción laboral de las personas LGBTQ+. El índice revela las diferencias esperadas entre los grupos, lo que confirma su validez de constructo.
Effectiveness of virtual reality in reducing preoperative anxiety in adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Gao Yan , Wang Nan , Liu Naiquan
Published: June 2023

Aim

To evaluate the impact of a virtual reality (VR) intervention on adult patients' preoperative anxiety, heart rate, respiration rate and blood pressure.

Design

A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Data Sources

A librarian‐designed search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL, CBM, CNKI and Wanfang databases was conducted to identify research studies in English or Chinese on RCTs from their inception to 31 May 2022. Detailed search strategies and the checklist are provieded in Supplementary filesS1andS2.

Review Methods

Two researchers independently screened eligible studies. The Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. A fixed‐ or random‐effects meta‐analysis model was used to determine the pooled mean difference based on the results of the heterogeneity test.

Results

This study included 11 articles with a total of 892 participants. VR distraction comprised five studies, and VR exposure consisted of six studies. The results indicated that VR could reduce preoperative anxiety in adult patients and VR exposure seems to be more effective. The results also indicated that VR intervention can effectively reduce patients' heart rate and blood pressure compared to traditional intervention methods, but had no significant effect on respiration rate.

Conclusion

VR technology could relieve preoperative anxiety in adult patients through distraction or exposure. More well‐designed RCTs containing a wider range of surgical types are needed to verify our findings before we can make strong recommendations.

Impact

Our systematic review and meta‐analysis show a positive effect of VR distraction and exposure interventions in reducing preoperative anxiety in adult patients. We suggest incorporating VR into preoperative procedures as an auxiliary way to reduce negative emotions in eligible patients.

No Patient or Public Contribution

Our paper is a systematic review and meta‐analysis and such details do not apply to our work.
Genome‐wide association studies for epistatic genetic effects on fertility and reproduction traits in Holstein cattle
Authors: Alves Kristen , Brito Luiz F. , Sargolzaei Mehdi , Schenkel Flavio S.
Published: June 2023

Non‐additive genetic effects are well known to play an important role in the phenotypic expression of complex traits, such as fertility and reproduction. In this study, a genome scan was performed using 41,640 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers to identify genomic regions associated with epistatic (additive‐by‐additive) effects in fertility and reproduction traits in Holstein cattle. Nine fertility and reproduction traits were analysed on 5825 and 6090 Holstein heifers and cows with phenotypes and genotypes, respectively. The Marginal Epistasis Test (MAPIT) was used to identify SNPs with significant marginal epistatic effects at a chromosome‐wise 5% and 10% false discovery rate (FDR) level. The −log10(p) values were adjusted by the genomic inflation factor (λ) to correct for the potential bias on the p‐values and minimize the possible effects of population stratification. After adjustments, MAPIT enabled the identification of genomic regions with significant marginal epistatic effects for heifers on BTA5 for age at first insemination, BTA3 and BTA24 for non‐return rate (NRR); BTA16 and BTA28 for gestation length (GL); BTA1, BTA4 and BTA17 for stillbirth (SB). For the cow traits, MAPIT enabled the identification of regions on BTA11 for GL, BTA11 and BTA16 for SB and BTA19 for calf size (CZ). An additional approach for mapping epistasis in a genome‐wide association study was also proposed, in which the genome scan was performed using estimates of epistatic values as the input pseudo‐phenotypes, computed using single‐trait animal models. Significant SNPs were identified at the chromosome‐wise 5% and 10% FDR levels for all traits. For the heifer traits, significant regions were found on BTA7 for AFS; BTA12 for NRR; BTA14 and BTA19 for GL; BTA19 for calving ease (CE); BTA5, BTA24, BTA25 and in the X chromosome for SB; BTA23 and in the X chromosome for CZ and in the X chromosome for the number of services (NS). For the cow traits, significant regions were found on BTA29 and in the X chromosome for NRR, BTA11, BTA16 and in the X chromosome for SB, BTA2 for GL, BTA28 for CZ, BTA19 for calving to first insemination, and in the X chromosome for NS and first insemination to conception. The results suggest that the epistatic genetic effects are likely due to many loci with a small effect rather than few loci with a large effect and/or a single SNP marker alone do not capture the epistatic effects well. The genomic architecture of fertility and reproduction traits is complex, and these results should be validated in independent dairy cattle populations and using alternative statistical models.
Developing a telehealth medical nutrition therapy (MNT) service for adults living in rural Australia at risk of cardiovascular disease: An intervention development study
Authors: Herbert Jaimee , Schumacher Tracy , Brown Leanne J. , Collins Clare E.
Published: June 2023

Background

Receiving medical nutrition therapy (MNT) from an accredited practising dietitian (APD) can reduce diet‐related cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. However, people living in rural areas of Australia experience barriers to accessing dietitians because of their remote location. Telehealth has the potential to improve dietetic access in rural areas; however, there is limited research into the development and delivery of telehealth MNT interventions specific to these areas. The present study describes the development of the Healthy Rural Hearts (HealthyRHearts) telehealth MNT intervention, which was developed as a part of the HealthyRHearts randomised control trial, set in primary care practices in rural areas of the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network. The aim of HealthyRHearts is to improve diet‐related risk factors for CVD in rural adults at moderate to high CVD risk using a telehealth MNT intervention delivered by an APD.

Methods

The study describes the development of the HealthyRHearts telehealth MNT intervention, using the 14‐item GUIDance for rEporting of intervention Development (GUIDED) checklist and the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) framework to guide description.

Results

HealthyRHearts is a complex intervention that aims to translate a telehealth MNT intervention for CVD prevention into rural and remote primary care settings. The intervention is designed to be implemented across multiple sites of varying characteristics and needs, with the ability to accommodate individual complexities within the rural context and target population. Participants are adults aged 45–75 years who are assessed as moderate to high risk of CVD by their general practitioner (GP). Consenting participants are referred to the intervention by their GPs and receive five telehealth MNT consultations with an APD over 6‐months. APDs are trained in the intervention protocol including intervention materials, resources and behaviour change counselling strategies.

Conclusion

Using the GUIDED and TIDieR frameworks to guide description of the HealthyRHearts intervention development process facilitates detailed description of decision‐making pathways for each element of the intervention design. The comprehensive description of the intervention development process for HealthyRHearts is intended to facilitate replication, iteration and optimisation of the intervention for rural contexts.
Continuous glucose monitoring with data sharing in older adults: A qualitative study
Authors: Allen Nancy A. , Grigorian Ernest G. , Mansfield Kelly , Berg Cynthia A. , Litchman Michelle L.
Published: June 2023

Aims

This study examined the perceptions of the SHARE plus intervention and its effects on communication, collaboration, and involvement in day‐to‐day diabetes management in older adults with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their care partners.

Background

The SHARE plus intervention includes continuous glucose monitoring with a data sharing app that allows care partners to view glucose data on a smartphone and receive alerts. People with T1D and their care partners are educated about communication strategies, problem‐solving strategies, and action planning when using glucose data sharing.

Design

Qualitative descriptive design.

Methods

Older adults with T1D wore a continuous glucose monitor for 3 months (n = 10). Care partners (n = 10) used a data‐sharing app. The SHARE plus intervention consisted of one 90‐min education session. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted across 10 dyads (person with diabetes and care partner) following the 12‐week study. A qualitative description and a constant comparison approach were used to examine similarities and differences in experiences. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analysed for common themes. The manuscript adheres to COREQ EQUATOR checklist.

Results

The SHARE plus intervention increased diabetes knowledge across the dyads, improving confidence and helping partners understand how to navigate symptoms and behaviours and when to intervene. Dyads worked together to optimise diabetes management through improved communication, collaboration, and management of disagreements. Although the majority of persons with diabetes and their care partners reported no conflictual communication, disagreements about diabetes management remained in some dyads. The SHARE plus intervention impacted care partners in various ways from a psychological perspective. While live‐in‐care partners felt peace of mind, care partners living away from persons with diabetes had some increased worry and concern.

Conclusion

The SHARE plus intervention results can help guide future development of diabetes dyadic care and education interventions using diabetes technology.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The SHARE plus intervention is a brief, practical intervention that can help diabetes clinicians improve communication and collaboration among spouses living with older adults with T1D who use continuous glucose monitoring with data sharing.

Patient Contribution

A person with diabetes was part of the research team and assisted with design of the intervention and subsequent interviews and analysis.
Telemedicine in the diagnosis and management of temporomandibular disorders: A systematic review conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions
Authors: Abdul Nishath Sayed , Kumari Minti , Shenoy Mahesh , Shivakumar Ganiga Channaiah , Herford Alan Scott , Cicciù Marco , Minervini Giuseppe
Published: June 2023

Background

Telemedicine (T‐Med) has always been an important tool in the arsenal of clinicians worldwide. This technique has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially in light of the COVID‐19 pandemic, which has made it difficult for some people to access traditional dental care. The current review aimed to analyse the usage of telemedicine in the diagnosis and management of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and its impact on general health.

Methods

An extensive search of databases was conducted using keywords such as, “telemedicine,” “teledentistry,” “TMJ” and “temporomandibular disorders,” resulting in a total of 482 papers to be available from which eligible studies were selected. The Risk of Bias in Observational Studies of Exposures (ROBINS‐E) tool was used to evaluate methodological quality of included studies.

Results

Two studies were selected which fulfilled the eligibility criteria. All assessed studies indicated varying degrees of positive outcomes for patients who were intervened for TMDs using T‐Med.

Conclusion

T‐Med shows promising results for the diagnosis and management of TMDs, especially since the advent of the COVID‐19 pandemic and thereafter. Long‐term clinical trials with larger samples are needed to further ascertain validity in this regard.
Multiplexed LC‐MS/MS quantification of salivary RNA modifications in periodontitis
Authors: Vignon Margaux , Bastide Amandine , Attina Aurore , David Alexandre , Bousquet Philippe , Orti Valérie , Vialaret Jérôme , Lehmann Sylvain , Periere Dominique DevilleDe , Hirtz Christophe
Published: June 2023

Objective

To analyse the salivary epitranscriptomic profiles as periodontitis biomarkers using multiplexed mass spectrometry (MS).

Background

The field of epitranscriptomics, which relates to RNA chemical modifications, opens new perspectives in the discovery of diagnostic biomarkers, especially in periodontitis. Recently, the modified ribonucleoside N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) was revealed as a crucial player in the etiopathogenesis of periodontitis. However, no epitranscriptomic biomarker has been identified in saliva to date.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐four saliva samples were collected from periodontitis patients (n = 16) and from control subjects (n = 8). Periodontitis patients were stratified according to stage and grade. Salivary nucleosides were directly extracted and, in parallel, salivary RNA was digested into its constituent nucleosides. Nucleoside samples were then quantified by multiplexed MS.

Results

Twenty‐seven free nucleosides were detected and an overlapping set of 12 nucleotides were detected in digested RNA. Among the free nucleosides, cytidine and three other modified nucleosides (inosine, queuosine and m6Am) were significantly altered in periodontitis patients. In digested RNA, only uridine was significantly higher in periodontitis patients. Importantly there was no correlation between free salivary nucleoside levels and the levels of those same nucleotides in digested salivary RNA, except for cytidine, m5C and uridine. This statement implies that the two detection methods are complementary.

Conclusion

The high specificity and sensitivity of MS allowed the detection and quantification of multiple nucleosides from RNA and free nucleosides in saliva. Some ribonucleosides appear to be promising biomarkers of periodontitis. Our analytic pipeline opens new perspectives for diagnostic periodontitis biomarkers.
Extrudability of cookie batters evaluated with three measurement methods
Authors: De Souter Rachel , Vandeweyer Dries , Claes Johan
Published: June 2023

For cookie batters, there is a strong interaction between ingredient formulation and processing. Changing the amounts and types of sugar and fat in a recipe to change taste or healthiness influences the type of product formation in a production plant. In this study, the applicability of three measurement methods, a rheometer, a forward extrusion cell, and the Foodtexture Puff Device (FPD), was evaluated to measure the extrudability of cookie batters. When looking at the sugar and fat content, both the rheometer and the FPD proved to be consistent and reliable methods to describe the impact of those ingredients on extrudability. A further optimization of the measurement settings of the FPD may improve the performance of this new method. Although the forward extrusion cell performed well for recipes with an increasing sugar content, it did not yield proper results for recipes with a higher fat content due to a separating fat layer. This also limited the applicability of the forward extrusion cell for different fat types, while the other two methods performed well in that case. The small differences in consistency due to different sugar grain sizes were properly described by the forward extrusion cell and the FPD. Overall, it can be concluded that the rheometer performed best to analyze the extrudability of cookie batters, closely followed by the FPD, of which the measurement settings can be optimized. These methods can also be used in the product development phase.
Satellite image survey of beluga whales in the southern Kara Sea
Authors: Fretwell Peter T. , Cubaynes Hannah C. , Shpak Olga V.
Published: June 2023

The use of satellite imagery to find, count and monitor whales in remote and hard to access areas has shown some promise, but few satellite studies have, as yet, provided substantial conservation outcomes. Recent studies have shown the ability of very high‐resolution satellites to detect and count previously surveyed populations of belugas and narwhals in Canada. Here we describe the detection of a large aggregation of a poorly surveyed population of belugas in the southern Kara Sea, Russia, in a region where Soviet whaling is known to have had a heavy toll on belugas. We counted over 1,100 surface belugas using very high‐resolution satellite imagery. As only an unknown portion of the belugas can be seen on the surface, accurately converting the surface count to an abundance estimate will need further study, but using the analog of aerial surveys we estimate that this aggregation is between ~1,150–2,870 individuals. Although the species is not currently considered endangered, concern over belugas future population trends is increasing, as the species is reliant on Arctic sea ice, which is rapidly declining due to climate change. This study shows the utility of satellite imagery to discover and monitor new and little‐known cetacean populations.
An evidence‐based protocol for sensory soothing in paediatric intensive care
Authors: Boles Jessika , Wilson Sarah , Woodburn Ashlie , Betters Kristina
Published: June 2023

In recent years, an increasing body of literature has highlighted the significant sequelae of a paediatric intensive care unit admission for children and their families. More innovative bedside approaches are needed to support children's coping and development and help minimize the use of sedatives, given their known deleterious effects. To support nursing staff in managing agitation in critically ill infants and children, a ‘Sensory Pyramid’ program was built in collaboration with occupational therapists, child life specialists and critical care nursing staff at an academic medical center in the United States. Anchored in evidence‐based and developmentally appropriate non‐pharmacologic sensory soothing techniques, the protocol outlines escalating comfort interventions nurses can employ that are safe and feasible for implementation by bedside staff and families.
To disperse or compete? Coevolution of traits leads to a limited number of reproductive strategies
Authors: Planas‐Sitjà Isaac , Monnin Thibaud , Loeuille Nicolas , Cronin Adam L.
Published: June 2023

Reproductive strategies are defined by a combination of behavioural, morphological, and life‐history traits. Reproductive investment and offspring propagule size are two key traits defining reproductive strategies. While a substantial amount of work has been devoted to understanding the independent fitness effects of each of these traits, it remains unclear how coevolution between them ultimately affects the evolution of reproductive strategies, and how this might influence the relationship between dispersal and environmental factors. In this study we explore how the evolution of reproductive strategies defined by these two coevolving traits is influenced by resource availability and spatial structuring of the environment using a simulation model. We find three possible equilibrium strategies across all scenarios: a competitor strategy with high reproductive investment (producing large propagules which disperse short distances), and two coloniser strategies differing in reproductive investment (both producing small propagules which disperse long distances). The possible equilibrium strategies for each scenario depended on starting conditions, spatial structure and resource availability. Evolutionary transitions between these equilibrium strategies were more likely in heterogeneous than homogeneous landscapes and at higher resource levels. Transition from coloniser strategy to competitor strategy was usually a two‐step process, with changes in propagule size following initial evolution in investment. This highlights how the interaction between the two trait axes affects the evolution of reproductive strategies, particularly where fitness valleys preclude the simultaneous evolution of traits. Our results highlight the need to incorporate trait coevolution into evolutionary models to help develop a more integrative understanding of the structure of natural populations and how the interaction between traits constrains or hinders evolutionary processes.
Predictors of pacing‐induced cardiomyopathy detection and outcomes demonstration after conduction system pacing upgrade on patients with long‐term persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Wang Nan , Ma Pei‐pei , Jing Zhao‐meng , Chen Ying , Jia Jing‐jing , Zhao Fu‐lu , Zhao Yan‐ni , Xiao Xian‐jie , Li Guo‐cao , Yang Yi‐heng , Ma Cheng‐ming , Gao Lian‐jun , Xia Yun‐long , Yang Yan‐zong , Dong Ying‐xue
Published: June 2023

Objective

To identify the predictors of pacing‐induced cardiomyopathy (PICM) and illustrate the safety and feasibility of conduction system pacing (CSP) upgrade on patients with long‐term persistent atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

All patients with long‐term persistent AF and normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥50% were consecutively enrolled from January 2008 to December 2017, and all the patients with atrioventricular block (AVB) and high right ventricular pacing (RVP) percentage of at least 40%. The predictors of PICM were identified, and patients with PICM were followed up for at least 1 year regardless of CSP upgrade. Cardiac performances and lead outcomes were investigated in all patients before and after CSP upgrade.

Results

The present study included 139 patients, out of which 37 (26.62%) developed PICM, resulting in a significant decrease in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from 56.11 ± 2.56% to 38.10 ± 5.81% (p< .01). The median duration for the development of PICM was 5.43 years. Lower LVEF (≤52.50%), longer paced QRS duration (≥175 ms), and higher RVP percentage (≥96.80%) were identified as independent predictors of PICM. Furthermore, the morbidity of PICM progressively increased with an increased number of predictors. The paced QRS duration (183.90 ± 22.34 ms vs. 136.57 ± 20.71 ms, p < .01), LVEF (39.35 ± 2.71% vs. 47.50 ± 7.43%, p < .01), and left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (LVEDD) (55.53 ± 5.67 mm vs. 53.20 ± 5.78 mm, p = .03) improved significantly on patients accepting CSP upgrade. CSP responses and complete reverse remodeling (LVEF ≥50% and LVEDD < 50 mm) were detected in 80.95% (17/21) and 42.9% (9/21) of patients. The pacing threshold (1.52 ± 0.78 V/0.4 ms vs. 1.27 ± 0.59 V/0.4 ms, p = .16) was stable after follow‐up.

Conclusion

PICM is very common in patients with long‐term persistent AF, and CSP upgrade was favorable for better cardiac performance in this patient population.
Spawning induction for Latin American fishes
Authors: Mechaly Alejandro S. , Batlouni Sergio R. , Elisio Mariano , Sanches Eduardo A. , Guzmán Jonathan Chacon , García Minerva Maldonado , Rodríguez‐Forero Adriana , Vissio Paula , Fatsini Elvira , Núñez Jesús , Duncan Neil
Published: June 2023

Aquaculture offers solutions to meet the growing global demand for fish, and reports from the UN‐FAO indicate that aquaculture production in Latin America (LA) has grown at rates above the world average in recent years. One of the major constraints in the diversification of LA aquaculture is the control of reproduction in several popular native fish species for which difficulties in captive propagation have not yet been sufficiently overcome. This article reviews the use of hormone treatments to promote reproduction in females of these native fish species. LA has played a key role in the history of development of hormone administration, including the first hormonally induced spawning. That contribution is included in a historical overview of the discovery of the major hormones used in fish culture. The review provides a summary of difficulties to propagate females of various native fishes and the effects of administering hormones to enhance reproduction. Induced spawning of certain freshwater species was mainly achieved with pituitary extracts or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), although gonadotropin‐releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa) treatments are being researched, and successful studies suggest that low doses may be more effective. Research on new and emerging aquaculture species has applied both gonadotropins (Gths) and GnRHa‐based treatments, and GnRHa treatments have shown potential for marine species. However, native marine species new to aquaculture have also been conditioned to spawn spontaneously without hormones. Finally, we proposed future lines of research to examine reproductive strategies and GnRHa‐based hormone treatments to improve reproductive control for economically important fish species of LA.
Recent advances in acoustic technology for aquaculture: A review
Authors: Li Daoliang , Du Zhuangzhuang , Wang Qi , Wang Jun , Du Ling
Published: June 2023

Acoustic technology has great application prospects in aquaculture. In particular, two indispensable, critical technologies for the future aquaculture industry are multi‐sensor acquisition that can achieve multi‐scale information fusion, collection and establishment of a global acoustic fish database and highly developed deep learning intelligent algorithms that can establish a correlation mechanism between fish acoustic and behaviour characteristics. Acoustic technology offers remarkable advantages in large and turbid water bodies for studying spatial and temporal distribution patterns of aquatic organism populations, developing on‐demand feeding systems and estimating biomass. This article reviews the development of acoustic technology and its application in aquaculture over the last 30 years. It further analyses, in detail, the advantages and disadvantages of acoustic technology in evaluating aquatic organism biomass and morphological and physical indicators, aquatic organism behaviour and welfare improvement. Challenges of acoustic technology in acquiring dynamic target data accurately, building a global acoustic fish database and establishing connections between fish behaviour and acoustic characteristics are also discussed. In brief, this article aims to help researchers and practitioners better understand the current state‐of‐the‐art acoustic technologies, which can provide strong support for smart aquaculture applications.
Worst‐case scenarios: Modeling uncontrolled type 2 polio transmission
Authors: Kalkowska Dominika A. , Wiesen Eric , Wassilak Steven G. F. , Burns Cara C. , Pallansch Mark A. , Badizadegan Kamran , Thompson Kimberly M.
Published: June 2023

In May 2016, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) coordinated the cessation of all use of type 2 oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV2), except for emergency outbreak response. Since then, paralytic polio cases caused by type 2 vaccine‐derived polioviruses now exceed 3,000 cases reported by 39 countries. In 2022 (as of April 25, 2023), 20 countries reported detection of cases and nine other countries reported environmental surveillance detection, but no reported cases. Recent development of a genetically modified novel type 2 OPV (nOPV2) may help curb the generation of neurovirulent vaccine‐derived strains; its use since 2021 under Emergency Use Listing is limited to outbreak response activities. Prior modeling studies showed that the expected trajectory for global type 2 viruses does not appear headed toward eradication, even with the best possible properties of nOPV2 assuming current outbreak response performance. Continued persistence of type 2 poliovirus transmission exposes the world to the risks of potentially high‐consequence events such as the importation of virus into high‐transmission areas of India or Bangladesh. Building on prior polio endgame modeling and assuming current national and GPEI outbreak response performance, we show no probability of successfully eradicating type 2 polioviruses in the near term regardless of vaccine choice. We also demonstrate the possible worst‐case scenarios could result in rapid expansion of paralytic cases and preclude the goal of permanently ending all cases of poliomyelitis in the foreseeable future. Avoiding such catastrophic scenarios will depend on the development of strategies that raise population immunity to type 2 polioviruses.
What is an InsurTech? A scientific approach for defining the term
Authors: Sosa Gómez Iván , Montes Pineda Óscar
Published: June 2023

The insurance sector has been transformed as a result of the impact of InsurTech. However, although InsurTech has become a highly relevant concept in recent years, there has yet to be an agreed‐upon meaning of InsurTech. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a solid definition that provides a clear understanding of the term InsurTech. For this purpose, an essential study of the complete scientific production has been carried out through the results obtained for InsurTech in the most relevant databases up to December 31, 2021. This paper aims to define the term InsurTech considering all the contributions made by scholars in the existing academic literature. The research methodology has consisted of an extensive systematic literature review merged with a comprehensive analysis of the nature of the definitions of InsurTech through a three‐stage procedure. A total of 111 academic articles referring to InsurTech have been found. Based on a rigorous analysis and building on the common elements of the 17 meanings provided by the academics, a definition of Insurtech from a scientific approach has been presented. Finally, the nuances of this definition for an Insurtech to be considered as such are discussed and explained.
Household Debt and Risk Tolerance: Evidence From China
Authors: Li Jialong
Published: June 2023

This paper examines the relationship between the head of household's risk tolerance and household debt in China for a sample drawn from the China Household Finance Survey, 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017. The effect of risk tolerance on both the decision to hold and the amount of total household debt, housing debt and non‐housing debt held is analyzed. The key findings indicate that risk tolerance is positively associated with household debt and non‐housing debt. Differences are found in the effect of risk tolerance on household debt across rural and urban households. For example, there exists a positive relationship between risk tolerance and the probability of holding housing debt for rural households while such a relationship is not found for urban households. In addition, the effect of risk tolerance on household debt is larger for rural households.
The effect of a prior eccentric lowering phase on concentric neuromechanics during multiple joint resistance exercise in older adults
Authors: Mc Dermott Emmet J. , Balshaw Thomas G. , Brooke‐Wavell Katherine , Maden‐Wilkinson Thomas M. , Folland Jonathan P.
Published: June 2023

Aging involves a marked decline in physical function and especially muscle power. Thus, optimal resistance exercise (RE) to improve muscle power is required for exercise prescription. An eccentric lowering phase immediately before a concentric lift (ECC‐CON) may augment concentric power production, due to various proposed mechanisms (e.g., elastic recoil, pre‐activation, stretch reflex, contractile history), when compared with a concentric contraction alone (CON‐Only). This study compared the effect of a prior eccentric lowering phase on older adult concentric power performance (ECC‐CON vs. CON‐Only) during a common multiple joint isoinertial RE (i.e., leg press) with a range of loads. Twelve healthy older adult males completed two measurement sessions, consisting of ECC‐CON and CON‐Only contractions, performed in a counterbalanced order using 20–80% of one repetition maximum [% 1RM] loads on an instrumented isoinertial leg press dynamometer that measured power, force, and velocity. Muscle activation was assessed with surface electromyography (sEMG). For mean power ECC‐CON>CON‐Only, with a pronounced effect of load on the augmentation of power by ECC‐CON (+19 to +55%, 35–80% 1RM, all p < 0.032). Similarly, for mean velocity ECC‐CON>CON‐Only, especially as load increased (+15 to 54%, 20–80% 1RM, all p < 0.005), but mean force showed more modest benefits of ECC‐CON (+9 to 14%, 50–80% 1RM, all p < 0.05). In contrast, peak power and velocity were similar for ECC‐CON and CON‐Only with all loads. Knee and hip extensor sEMG were similar for both types of contractions. In conclusion, ECC‐CON contractions produced greater power, and velocity performance in older adults than CON‐Only and may provide a superior stimulus for chronic power development.
The functional and structural characterization of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris core effector XopP revealed a new kinase activity
Authors: Kotsaridis Konstantinos , Michalopoulou Vassiliki A. , Tsakiri Dimitra , Kotsifaki Dina , Kefala Aikaterini , Kountourakis Nikos , Celie Patrick H. N. , Kokkinidis Michael , Sarris Panagiotis F.
Published: June 2023

Exo70B1 is a protein subunit of the exocyst complex with a crucial role in a variety of cell mechanisms, including immune responses against pathogens. The calcium‐dependent kinase 5 (CPK5) of Arabidopsis thaliana (hereafter Arabidopsis), phosphorylates AtExo70B1 upon functional disruption. We previously reported that, the Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris effector XopP compromises AtExo70B1, while bypassing the host's hypersensitive response, in a way that is still unclear. Herein we designed an experimental approach, which includes biophysical, biochemical, and molecular assays and is based on structural and functional predictions, utilizing AplhaFold and DALI online servers, respectively, in order to characterize the in vivo XccXopP function. The interaction between AtExo70B1 and XccXopP was found very stable in high temperatures, while AtExo70B1 appeared to be phosphorylated at XccXopP‐expressing transgenic Arabidopsis. XccXopP revealed similarities with known mammalian kinases and phosphorylated AtExo70B1 at Ser107, Ser111, Ser248, Thr309, and Thr364. Moreover, XccXopP protected AtExo70B1 from AtCPK5 phosphorylation. Together these findings show that XccXopP is an effector, which not only functions as a novel serine/threonine kinase upon its host target AtExo70B1 but also protects the latter from the innate AtCPK5 phosphorylation, in order to bypass the host's immune responses. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with the identifier PXD041405.
Cholangiocytes express an isoform of soluble adenylyl cyclase that is N‐linked glycosylated and secreted in extracellular vesicles
Authors: Go Simei , Li Hang Lam , Chang Jung‐Chin , Verhoeven Arthur J. , Elferink Ronald P. J. Oude
Published: June 2023

Soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC)‐derived cAMP regulates various cellular processes; however, the regulatory landscape mediating sAC protein levels remains underexplored. We consistently observed a 85 kD (sAC85) or 75 kD (sAC75) sAC protein band under glucose‐sufficient or glucose‐deprived states, respectively, in H69 cholangiocytes by immunoblotting. Deglycosylation by PNGase‐F demonstrated that both sAC75 and sAC85 are N‐linked glycosylated proteins with the same polypeptide backbone. Deglycosylation with Endo‐H further revealed that sAC75 and sAC85 carry distinct sugar chains. We observed release of N‐linked glycosylated sAC (sACEV) in extracellular vesicles under conditions that support intracellular sAC85 (glucose‐sufficient) as opposed to sAC75 (glucose‐deprived) conditions. Consistently, disrupting the vesicular machinery affects the maturation of intracellular sAC and inhibits the release of sACEV into extracellular vesicles. The intracellular turnover of sAC85 is extremely short (t1/2 ~30 min) and release of sACEV in the medium was detected within 3 h. Our observations support the maturation and trafficking in cholangiocytes of an N‐linked glycosylated sAC isoform that is rapidly released into extracellular vesicles.
Variations in the morphological phosphorus in a full‐scale A2O + MBR process with heavy chemical P removal addition dosing
Authors: Hu Yongfeng , Zhang Yongxiang , Wang Kun , Zhao Chonghui , Du Wei
Published: June 2023

The removal of biological phosphorus (P) removal along with chemical P removal additions is significantly important role in removing P at full‐scale wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Few research groups have recently reported the use of P forms in these WWTPs. The current study mainly presents the varied forms of morphological phosphorus and the fate of chemical P removal agents in a full‐scale WWTP that has adopted the A2O + MBR process. With time, the TP concentration in the liquid phase and the solid phase reaches the minimum (0.27 mg/L) and maximum values (1.75 mg/g), respectively. At this point, the TP concentration at the end of the aerobic and membrane pool becomes nearly constant. This indicates the complete removal of effluent TP from in the system. The heavy chemical P removal and addition dosing result in Al–P being the predominant P form in the solid phase. The fate of the chemical P removal and agents was determined by investigating the valences of the surface elements in freeze‐dried MLSS at the membrane pool.