bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring cardiovascular implications of juvenile dermatomyositis: Insights from aortic stiffness analysis and 3D echocardiography
Authors: Dedeoglu Reyhan , Uluğ Murt Nujin , Gunalp Aybuke , Oztunc Funda , Dedeoglu Savas , Sahin Sezgin , Barut Kenan , Kasapcopur Ozgur
Published: February 2024

Objective

Our goal was to use three dimensional (3D) strain analysis to evaluate myocardial function and ascending aorta elasticity changes in juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM).

Methods

Between 2019 and 2021, 23 JDM patients and 20 healthy volunteers participated. Both groups underwent 2D and 3D strain analysis, assessing aortic stiffness using aortic distensibility, stiffness index, strain, and elastic modulus.

Results

JDM patients had a median age of 13.3 ± 5.2 years, while controls had a median age of 13.8 ± 4.76 years. 3D strain analysis revealed significantly lower global longitudinal (GLS) and circumferential strain (GCS) in JDM patients compared to controls. Specifically, 3D GLS was notably reduced in patients (−28.1% vs. −31%, p = .047) compared to controls, and 3D GCS was also lower in patients (−27.5% vs. −30.5%, p = .019) compared to controls. Aortic strain and elastic modulus were significantly lower in JDM patients, while aortic stiffness index and distensibility showed no significant differences. Correlation analyses within the JDM group revealed a negative correlation between 3D GLS and age at diagnosis (r = −.561, p = .04), as well as a positive correlation between 3D GLS and both aortic strain (r = .514, p = .0001) and elastic modulus (r = .320, p = .03) in JDM patients.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated a trend towards lower ejection fraction and strain in patients with JDM, along with increased aortic stiffness using 3D echocardiography. These findings suggest potential cardiovascular involvement in juvenile dermatomyositis, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive cardiac assessments in these patients.
Biogeographic affiliation and centers of richness as predictors of elevational range‐size patterns for Malesian flora
Authors: Whitman Melissa , Russo Sabrina E.
Published: February 2024

Our goal was to interrogate the idea that “mountain passes are higher in the tropics” by investigating ecological and biogeographic drivers of elevational range‐sizes patterns among equatorial flora. We used herbarium records for 60 species‐rich plant families, representing 18 535 species total, to estimate distributions over a 4500 m elevational gradient. For each family, we estimated the change in average range‐sizes with increasing elevation (i.e. Rapoport's rule, abbreviated as ERR) and quantified 15 metrics of familial richness distribution, evolutionary age, and biogeographic affiliation. We visualized covariation across families using phylogenetic principal components analysis (pPCA). We then evaluated how family‐level ERR slopes correlated with each metric individually, as well as when using multivariate techniques to reduce dimensionality. We hypothesized that if long term climate stability over millions of years promotes habitat specialization, then among taxa with longer‐term tropical affiliations, we would expect smaller range‐sizes within lowland forests, with greater range‐size expansion towards higher elevations, expressed as a positive ERR slope. Conversely, variation in growing conditions should promote larger, relatively consistent, range‐sizes at all sections of an elevational gradient, expressed as a neutral ERR slope. Our results support this corollary because of the dichotomy of ERR slopes observed in relation to the elevational distribution of richness and historical biogeographic positioning. We found that families with greater Sundaland endemism, or richness that was restricted to tropical lowland forests, had positive ERR slopes. Families with stronger Sahul affiliation, or montane centered richness, had shallower, neutral, or negative ERR slopes, as did clades with temperate origins. Families with Wallacea affiliation, broader latitudinal or elevational distributions, cosmopolitanism, greater richness, or older evolutionary age had mixed results. We conclude that the relative steepness of an ERR slope is an indicator of a taxonomic group's tolerance of habitat variation and vulnerability to contemporary climate change.
Signatures of selection in Mulinia lateralis underpinning its rapid adaptation to laboratory conditions
Authors: Yang Zujing , Zhao Ang , Teng Mingxuan , Li Moli , Wang Hao , Wang Xuefeng , Liu Zhi , Zeng Qifan , Hu Liping , Hu Jingjie , Bao Zhenmin , Huang Xiaoting
Published: February 2024

The dwarf surf clam, Mulinia lateralis, is considered as a model species for bivalves because of its rapid growth and short generation time. Recently, successful breeding of this species for multiple generations in our laboratory revealed its acquisition of adaptive advantages during artificial breeding. In this study, 310 individuals from five different generations were genotyped with 22,196 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with the aim of uncovering the genetic basis of their adaptation to laboratory conditions. Results revealed that M. lateralis consistently maintained high genetic diversity across generations, characterized by high observed heterozygosity (Ho: 0.2733–0.2934) and low levels of inbreeding (Fis: −0.0244–0.0261). Population analysis indicated low levels of genetic differentiation among generations of M. lateralis during artificial breeding (Fst <0.05). In total, 316 genomic regions exhibited divergent selection, with 168 regions under positive selection. Furthermore, 227 candidate genes were identified in the positive selection regions, which have functions including growth, stress resistance, and reproduction. Notably, certain selection signatures with significantly higher Fst value were detected in genes associated with male reproduction, such as GAL3ST1, IFT88, and TSSK2, which were significantly upregulated during artificial breeding. This suggests a potential role of sperm‐associated genes in the rapid evolutionary response of M. lateralis to selection in laboratory conditions. Overall, our findings highlight the phenotypic and genetic changes, as well as selection signatures, in M. lateralis during artificial breeding. This contributes to understanding their adaptation to laboratory conditions and underscores the potential for using this species to explore the adaptive evolution of bivalves.
Success rates and factors influencing pregnancy outcome after 464 transvaginal ultrasound‐guided twin reductions in the mare
Authors: Sielhorst Jutta , Baade Sophie , Neudeck Kim‐Carolin , Tönissen Anna , Rohn Karl , Hollinshead Fiona , Sieme Harald
Published: February 2024

Background

Transvaginal ultrasound‐guided aspiration (TUA) is used for post‐fixation twin reduction in mares. However, there is limited information regarding factors that influence pregnancy outcome after TUA.

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of day of gestation on which TUA is performed, aspiration volume, puncture of the conceptus, medication administered before and after TUA, embryo location, mare age and parity and operator experience on pregnancy and foaling rates after TUA.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Data were collected from case records of 464 TUAs performed by 14 operators in 422 mares diagnosed pregnant with dizygotic twins in two different facilities between 2010 and 2019. Pregnancy status was determined by ultrasonography at 5–7 days and 3–4 weeks after the TUA was performed. Subsequent pregnancy and foaling results were obtained by follow‐up communication. The effects of mare, gestation‐ and TUA‐related variables on pregnancy and foaling rates were analysed by the chi‐square‐test for homogeneity and Fisher's exact test and logistic regression.

Results

TUA was performed between 21 and 82 days of gestation in unilaterally (267/359 [74.4%]) and bilaterally fixed (92/359 [25.6%]) twin pregnancies. A singleton pregnancy (218/381 [57.2%]), persistent twin pregnancy (60/381 [15.8%]), or the loss of both conceptuses (103/381 [27%]) was confirmed 5–7 days after TUA was performed. At 3–4 weeks post TUA 50.3% (163/324) of mares were diagnosed with a single viable pregnancy and 40.1% (127/317) went on to deliver a live single foal. TUA performed early in gestation (D 25–35) resulted in the birth of a live singleton foal in 49.3% (74/150) of mares.

Main limitations

Missing retrospective data despite extensive follow‐up.

Conclusion

This is the first large scale study to demonstrate that acceptable pregnancy and foaling rates can be achieved in mares diagnosed with twins when TUA is performed early in gestation (<40 days).
Effect of printing orientation on mechanical properties of SLA 3D‐printed photopolymer
Authors: Li Yifan , Teng Zhenjie
Published: February 2024

Herein, we conducted tensile and fracture tests on a photopolymer produced with a stereolithography apparatus (SLA), utilizing dog‐bone and semi‐circular bending specimens fabricated in five different orientations. The analysis revealed a direct linear correlation between the tensile strength and printing orientation, highlighting a decrease in tensile strength with an increase in orientation angle. Young's modulus of the printed material remained insensitive to the printing orientation. Conversely, fracture toughness demonstrated a distinct cubic polynomial relationship with the printing orientation. The equivalent material concept in conjunction with the maximum tangential stress criterion was used to predict the fracture behavior of SLA printed polymer. This research sheds light on the significant effect of printing orientation on the mechanical properties of SLA printed materials, offering pivotal insights for optimizing SLA printing across various applications and catalyzing progress in this research field.
Measuring and Testing Multivariate Spatial Autocorrelation in a Weighted Setting: A Kernel Approach
Authors: Bavaud François
Published: February 2024

We propose and illustrate a general framework in which spatial autocorrelation is measured by the Frobenius product of two kernels, a feature kernel and a spatial kernel. The resulting autocorrelation index generalizes Moran's index in the weighted, multivariate setting, where regions, differing in importance, are characterized by multivariate features. Spatial kernels can traditionally be obtained from a matrix of spatial weights, or directly from geographical distances. In the former case, the Markov transition matrix defined by row‐normalized spatial weights must be made compatible with the regional weights, as well as reversible. Equivalently, space is specified by a symmetric exchange matrix containing the joint probabilities to select a pair of regions. Four original weight‐compatible constructions, based upon the binary adjacency matrix, are presented and analyzed. Weighted multidimensional scaling on kernels yields a low‐dimensional visualization of both the feature and the spatial configurations. The expected values of the first four moments of under the null hypothesis of absence of spatial autocorrelation can be exactly computed under a new approach, invariant orthogonal integration, thus permitting to test the significance of beyond the normal approximation, which only involves its expectation and expected variance. Various illustrations are provided, investigating the spatial autocorrelation of political and social features among French departments.
The frequency of sarcopenia in haemophilia patients: Effects on musculoskeletal health and functional performance
Authors: Uzuner Bora , Ketenci Sertaç , Durmus Dilek , Atay Hilmi Memis
Published: February 2024

Introduction

In patients with haemophilia A, chronic arthropathy develops over time as a result of recurrent joint bleeds, which leads to restricted mobility and disability in the affected joints. There are limited studies in the literature evaluating sarcopenia in patients with haemophilia. The present study aims to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia in severe haemophilia‐A patients and to evaluate musculoskeletal health and functional performance.

Methods

Thirty haemophilia‐A patients and 26 adult male volunteers were enrolled in the study. For detection of sarcopenia, the appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) obtained by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) was divided by height squared (m2) to obtain the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) value. The thighs of both lower extremities were measured using the Modified Sonographic Tight Adjustment Ratio (STAR) method, which was obtained by adding the bilateral rectus femoris and vastus intermedius muscle thicknesses measured by ultrasound. Hand and quadriceps muscle strength (MS) were measured with a dynamometer. Physical performance was determined using the walking speed (WS), timed up‐and‐go test (TUGT), 5‐repetition sit‐to‐stand test (5RSTS), and 6‐min walk test (6MWT). Haemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS) and Haemophilia Early Arthropathy Detection‐Ultrasonography (HEAD‐US) were also used to assess the musculoskeletal system.

Results

According to the modified STAR values calculated based on body mass index, sarcopenia was present in 15 (50%) of 30 patients. However, based on the ASMI‐BIA values, sarcopenia was present in only two (6.6%) patients. A weak correlation was found between ASMI and HJHS, HEAD‐US, WS, TUGT, and hand MS (left), while a moderate correlation was found with knee MS (right), knee MS (left), and 5RSTS. A strong correlation was found between the modified STAR score and HEAD‐US, HJHS, knee MS (left), 5RSTS, TUGT, and WS, while a moderate correlation was found with hand MS (left), hand MS (right), and knee MS (right).

Conclusion

This study showed muscle loss, joint mobility restrictions, and decreased functional capacity in haemophilia patients and demonstrated the presence of sarcopenia in these patients. The STAR measurement method showed stronger relationships with MS and functional performance values than ASMI measurements in terms of evaluating sarcopenia.
Clinician perceptions of research priorities for the management of noncritically ill patients admitted to hospital with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Bandara Methma M. , Barina Lauren A. , McPhee Grace M. , Goulding Susan R. , Denholm Justin T. , Morpeth Susan C. , Tong Steven Y. C. ,   the ASCOT Group
Published: February 2024

The changing phenotype of coronarvirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) may quickly render guideline‐recommended interventions obsolete. We developed a 40‐question clinician survey in consultation with the Australasian COVID‐19 Trial site investigators. The survey was designed to assess clinician perceptions of the current treatment strategies and future research priorities in the management of non‐critically ill patients admitted to hospital with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. There were 84 complete responses from predominantly Australian and New Zealand clinicians. The perceived prevalence of patients with incidental COVID‐19, nosocomial infection, underlying illness exacerbated by COVID‐19, and/or immunocompromised status suggests new populations to target. The results highlighted clinician interest in antiviral therapies for future research in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised cohorts. These survey results underscore the need for ongoing surveillance of COVID‐19 disease phenotypes and clinician and patient priorities for future research.
Optimal two‐period pricing decisions and value‐added service strategies of two‐sided platform considering suppliers entry timing
Authors: Zeng Huabao , Shu Tong , Yu Yue , Cheng Jiaming
Published: February 2024

The flourishing platform business model has been rapidly integrated into manufacturing industries, and value‐added service (VAS) provided by the platforms has become a critical part of enhancing competitiveness. This study investigates the optimal two‐period pricing decisions and VAS strategies of the two‐sided platform for manufacturing. For both the supplier and manufacturer side, the platform decides the entry fees in each period and provides differentiated quality of basic services, as well as the VAS (if any). Moreover, the manufacturer's utility of accessing is influenced by the cross‐network externality, which is related to the number of suppliers in each period. In the presence of the supplier's varying entry timing, three VAS strategies are available for the platform including: (1) VAS for suppliers in Period 1 (Model S1), (2) VAS for suppliers in Period 2 (Model S2), and (3) VAS for manufacturers in Period 1 or 2 (Model M). We establish a two‐period game model under each VAS strategy. Then, the optimal platform's pricing decisions are derived, and the optimal performances in three VAS strategies are compared. Findings demonstrate that when the cross‐network externality strength is large, the platform always prefers Model S1; only when both the cross‐network externality strength and quality of the platform's basic service are comparatively low, the platform selects Model S2; otherwise, the platform chooses Model M. This study also extends to the scenario that the platform provides bilateral VAS in Period 1 (Model B1) or Period 2 (Model B2). Notably, the platform is not always willing to offer bilateral VAS, especially when the VAS cost coefficient is relatively high.
Vonoprazan is superior to lansoprazole for healing of severe but not mild erosive esophagitis: A systematic review with meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Simadibrata Daniel Martin , Lesmana Elvira , Fass Ronnie
Published: February 2024

Background and Aim

Healing rates of severe erosive esophagitis (EE; Los Angeles [LA] Grade C/D) in patients treated with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) is suboptimal (~60–70%). Vonoprazan, a potassium‐competitive acid blocker, is suggested to have better healing rates in patients with severe EE. This meta‐analysis compares the efficacy and safety of vonoprazan 20 mg versus lansoprazole 30 mg daily in healing EE, specifically in those with LA Grade C/D.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL on May 24, 2023. Studies that randomized EE patients to vonoprazan 20 mg daily or lansoprazole 30 mg daily and compared healing rates were included. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane's Risk of Bias 2 tool. The fixed‐effect model was used to obtain the pooled efficacy and safety outcomes. Subgroup analysis was done to compare healing rates in mild (LA Grade A/B) versus severe EE and based on study location.

Results

Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with low risks of bias comprising 2208 participants were included. Vonoprazan 20 mg was superior to lansoprazole 30 mg daily in healing severe EE at all weeks (Week 2 RR 1.294 [95% CI 1.169–1.433], Week 4 1.160 [1.059–1.270], and Week 8 1.175 [95% CI 1.107–1.247]), but was similar for mild EE at all weeks (P‐interaction < 0.01). Vonoprazan 20 mg was more efficacious than lansoprazole 30 mg at Week 8 in Western versus Asian studies (P‐interaction < 0.01). Any, serious, and drug‐related treatment‐emergent adverse events were comparable between groups.

Conclusion

Vonoprazan 20 mg is superior to lansoprazole 30 mg for healing severe EE but not mild EE. Vonoprazan 20 mg daily has a similar safety profile to lansoprazole 30 mg daily.
Central bank communication and macro information in analyst forecasts: Evidence from Chinese listed firms
Authors: Chen Dong , Liu Kun , He Lerong
Published: February 2024

The paper examines how central bank communication affects the macro information in analyst forecasts. Using quarterly data of Chinese‐listed firms from 2007 to 2018, we find that richer and more frequent central bank communication increases the macro information contained in analyst forecasts. This effect is realized through the employment of in‐house economists by security firms. In addition, we document that the effect of central bank communication on macroeconomic information in analyst forecasts is more salient under a contractionary monetary policy regime, during a bear market, or when the economic policy is more uncertain. We also show that analyst forecasts are more sensitive to central bank communication when firms that they follow are state‐owned enterprises, have larger leverage ratios, or are located in more developed regions. In addition, analyst forecasts are more susceptible to central bank communication when the communication is in an informal oral format, when the public has more trust in the credibility of the central bank communication, and when the central bank pays more attention to expectation management after 2010. Finally, we show that richer and more frequent central bank communication also improves the accuracy of analyst forecasts.
Angiosperm‐wide analysis of fruit and ovary evolution aided by a new nuclear phylogeny supports association of the same ovary type with both dry and fleshy fruits
Authors: Xiang Yezi , Zhang Taikui , Zhao Yiyong , Dong Hongjin , Chen Hongyi , Hu Yi , Huang Chien‐Hsun , Xiang Jun , Ma Hong
Published: February 2024

Fruit functions in seed protection and dispersal and belongs to many dry and fleshy types, yet their evolutionary pattern remains unclear in part due to uncertainties in the phylogenetic relationships among several orders and families. Thus we used nuclear genes of 502 angiosperm species representing 231 families to reconstruct a well supported phylogeny, with resolved relationships for orders and families with previously uncertain placements. Using this phylogeny as a framework, molecular dating supports a Triassic origin of the crown angiosperms, followed by the emergence of most orders in the Jurassic and Cretaceous and their rise to ecological dominance during the Cretaceous Terrestrial Revolution. The robust phylogeny allowed an examination of the evolutionary pattern of fruit and ovary types, revealing a trend of parallel carpel fusions during early diversifications in eudicots, monocots, and magnoliids. Moreover, taxa in the same order or family with the same ovary type can develop either dry or fleshy fruits with strong correlations between specific types of dry and fleshy fruits; such associations of ovary, dry and fleshy fruits define several ovary‐fruit “modules” each found in multiple families. One of the frequent modules has an ovary containing multiple ovules, capsules and berries, and another with an ovary having one or two ovules, achenes (or other single‐seeded dry fruits) and drupes. This new perspective of relationships among fruit types highlights the closeness of specific dry and fleshy fruit types, such as capsule and berry, that develop from the same ovary type and belong to the same module relative to dry and fleshy fruits of other modules (such as achenes and drupes). Further analyses of gene families containing known genes for ovary and fruit development identified phylogenetic nodes with multiple gene duplications, supporting a possible role of whole‐genome duplications, in combination with climate changes and animal behaviors, in angiosperm fruit and ovary diversification.
Analysis of the centre of pressure in bipedal stance among individuals with and without intellectual disabilities, individuals with Down syndrome and dancers with Down syndrome
Authors: Massó‐Ortigosa N. , Rey‐Abella F. , Gutiérrez‐Vilahú L. , Milà R. , Guerra‐Balic M. , Oviedo G. R.
Published: February 2024

Background

Individuals with intellectual disabilities (IDs) often present deficiencies in motor, balance and postural control. On the other hand, the practice of physical activity and dance usually reduces these deficiencies. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to compare the control of the centre of pressure (COP) in people with Down syndrome (DS) or other causes of ID in relation to people without disabilities and to observe the influence of vision and the practice of dance.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study analyses the COP in a static standing position with open and closed eyes in four study groups. A total of 273 people were recruited (80 adults without ID, 46 adults with DS, 120 adults with other causes of ID and 27 dancers with DS).

Results

A greater area of oscillation and path of the COP was observed in the participants with ID compared with the participants without ID, especially in the sway area of the COP. The oscillation speed of the COP was also higher. When analysing the displacement of the COP, anteroposterior and mediolateral components, there were also differences, except when comparing the group of dancers with DS with respect to the group without ID. The visual condition only influenced the group of participants without disabilities.

Conclusions

The results of our study show that there is a less efficient static postural control in people with ID, as greater displacements were observed in the COP of the participants with ID. The differences in some specific variables that analyse the displacement of the COP were smaller when comparing the group of dancers with DS and the individuals without ID.
Clinical efficacy of intense pulsed light combined with low‐dose intralesional corticosteroids in treating noninfectious granulomas after mesotherapy: A case series analysis
Authors: Wang Jieyi , Chen Zhuoxuan , Zhou Cheng , Yu Bo
Published: February 2024

Background

Mesotherapy is a popular cosmetic procedure for localized delivery of substances. However, due to the lack of standardized processes, there are potential risks of adverse reactions. Granulomas formation is one of the chronic reactions which impose significant physical and mental burdens on patients.

Objectives

The aim of this analysis is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of combining intense pulsed light (IPL) with intralesional corticosteroids for treating noninfectious granulomas after mesotherapy.

Methods

This retrospective observational case series included patients who suffer from noninfectious granulomas after mesotherapy and received combination of IPL and intralesional corticosteroids treatment between October 2021 and December 2022 at Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China. The process and effect were analyzed and summarized.

Results

Among the seven patients, five expressed extreme satisfaction with the efficacy, while two was slightly satisfied. The physicians believed that all patients had shown significant improvement. No adverse reactions or recurrences were observed during follow‐up.

Conclusion

Based on this analysis, the application of the combined treatment in patients suffering from noninfectious granuloma due to mesotherapy demonstrates good clinical efficacy and safety, making it worth considering as a treatment option.
Almond supplementation on appetite measures, body weight, and body composition in adults: A systematic review and dose‐response meta‐analysis of 37 randomized controlled trials
Authors: Chahibakhsh Negar , Rafieipour Nastaran , Rahimi Homan , RajabiNezhad Sepideh , Momeni Seyed Aref , Motamedi Amir , Malekzadeh Janmohamad , Islam Md. Shahidul , Mohammadi‐Sartang Mohsen
Published: February 2024

Background and Objective

Almond consumption has an inverse relationship with obesity and factors related to metabolic syndrome. However, the results of available clinical trials are inconsistent. Therefore, we analyzed the results of 37 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and evaluated the association of almond consumption with subjective appetite scores and body compositions.

Methods

Net changes in bodyweight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), fat mass (FM), body fat percent, fat‐free mass (FFM), waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and subjective appetite scores were used to calculate the effect size, which was reported as a weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

This meta‐analysis was performed on 37 RCTs with 43 treatment arms. The certainty in the evidence was very low for appetite indices, body fat percent, FFM, VAT, and WHR, and moderate for other parameters as assessed by the GRADE evidence profiles. Pooled effect sizes indicated a significant reducing effect of almond consumption on body weight (WMD: −0.45 kg, 95% CI: −0.85, −0.05, p = 0.026), WC (WMD: −0.66 cm, 95% CI: −1.27, −0.04, p = 0.037), FM (WMD: −0.66 kg, 95% CI: −1.16, −0.17, p = 0.009), and hunger score (WMD: −1.15 mm, 95% CI: −1.98, −0.32, p = 0.006) compared with the control group. However, almond did not have a significant effect on BMI (WMD: −0.20 kg m−2, 95% CI: −0.46, 0.05, p = 0.122), body fat percent (WMD: −0.39%, 95% CI: −0.93, 0.14, p = 0.154), FFM (WMD: −0.06, 95% CI: −0.47, 0.34, p = 0.748), WHR (WMD: −0.04, 95% CI: −0.12, 0.02, p = 0.203), VAT (WMD: −0.33 cm, 95% CI: −0.99, 0.32), fullness (WMD: 0.46 mm, 95% CI: −0.95, 1.88), desire to eat (WMD: 0.98 mm, 95% CI: −4.13, 2.23), and prospective food consumption (WMD: 1.08 mm, 95% CI: −2.11, 4.28). Subgroup analyses indicated that consumption of ≥50 g almonds per day resulted in a significant and more favorable improvement in bodyweight, WC, FM, and hunger score. Body weight, WC, FM, body fat percent, and hunger scores were decreased significantly in the trials that lasted for ≥12 weeks and in the subjects with a BMI < 30 kg/m2. Furthermore, a significant reduction in body weight and WC was observed in those trials that used a nut‐free diet as a control group, but not in those using snacks and other nuts. The results of our analysis suggest that almond consumption may significantly improve body composition indices and hunger scores when consumed at a dose of ≥50 g/day for ≥12 weeks by individuals with a BMI < 30 kg/m2.

Conclusion

However, further well‐constructed randomized clinical trials are needed in order ascertain the outcome of our analysis.
Efficacy of information and communication technology interventions for the management of diabetes mellitus: An umbrella review and evidence map
Authors: Park Sangil , Lee Hyeri , Cho Wonyoung , Woo Ho Geol , Lim Hyunjung , Kim Sunyoung , Rhee Sang Youl , Yon Dong Keon
Published: February 2024

Introduction

We validated the quality of evidence and potential benefits of information and communication technology interventions on diabetes‐related health outcomes.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, and CINAHL and manually searched the reference lists of the retrieved review articles from each database's inception to October 2022. Randomized controlled trials were included to determine the benefits of information and communication technology interventions on diabetes outcomes.

Results

Ten meta‐analyses of randomized controlled trials were included, with 37 unique outcomes encompassing 379 studies and >70,000 participants across 47 countries and six continents. Information and communication technology intervention was associated with reduced HbA1c levels in patients with type 1 (moderate certainty), type 2 (moderate certainty), and gestational diabetes (low certainty) and showed potential benefits for type 2 diabetes, demonstrating a reduction in systolic blood pressure (high certainty), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (low certainty), and body weight (low certainty), whereas those for gestational diabetes demonstrated a reduction in fasting (low certainty) and 2‐h postprandial blood glucose levels (low certainty).

Conclusion

This umbrella review and evidence map revealed varying evidence on the potential benefits of information and communication technology interventions for diabetes‐related outcomes. Our results demonstrate these interventions to be novel treatment options for policymakers and physicians to establish personalized health strategies.
A phylogenetic perspective on ecological specialisation reveals hummingbird and insect pollinators have generalist diets
Authors: Maglianesi María A. , Varassin Isabela G. , Ávalos Gerardo , Jorge Leonardo R.
Published: February 2024

Specialisation in food resource use is a crucial process that fosters species coexistence in plant–animal networks, contributing to the maintenance of biodiversity, ecological complexity, and community stability. Notably, although there is a vast literature on ecological specialisation in pollination systems, the evolutionary similarity among the plant species visited by particular pollinators has been largely ignored. Here, we apply a robust phylogenetic approach to analyse whether the evolutionary relatedness of plant species is a significant factor in mediating pollinator visits and how it relates to the morphology of interacting species. We quantified ecological and clade specialisation of hummingbird and insect species in three mutualistic networks from the Costa Rican highlands and associated these metrics with species traits. We found that hummingbirds were overall ecologically more specialised than insects (i.e. visited a less diverse set of plant species). However, when evaluating the phylogenetic relatedness among the visited plant species, all hummingbird species and most insects had overdispersed diets, which indicates they visited phylogenetically distant plant species in the community. Moreover, a great proportion of these clade generalists visited plant species with a great variation in corolla length, showing a lack of preference for this morphological trait. Altogether, our results demonstrate that by incorporating plant phylogeny to network analysis, pollinator species were generalists and that corolla length weakly influences plant–pollinator interactions in the three studied networks. A phylogenetic perspective should occupy a central role in the study of specialisation since it contributes to understanding the interplay between ecological and evolutionary processes in mutualistic networks. Future research should focus on evaluating whether the phylogenetic structure of animal diets mediates patterns of interactions in different types of mutualisms and environmental contexts, linking these patterns to other floral traits. This knowledge may be valuable for deepening our comprehension of the underlying mechanisms shaping ecological networks.
Immune modulation by rural exposures and allergy protection
Authors: Xing Yuhan , Tsang Miranda Sin‐Man , Yang Zhaowei , Wang Maggie Haitian , Pivniouk Vadim , Leung Agnes Sze‐Yin , Leung Ting‐Fan , Roponen Marjut , Schaub Bianca , Vercelli Donata , Wong Chun‐Kwok , Li Jing , Wong Gary Wing‐Kin
Published: February 2024

Background

Growing up on traditional farms protects children from the development of asthma and allergies. However, we have identified distinct asthma‐protective factors, such as poultry exposure. This study aims to examine the biological effect of rural exposure in China.

Methods

We recruited 67 rural children (7.4 ± 0.9 years) and 79 urban children (6.8 ± 0.6 years). Depending on the personal history of exposure to domestic poultry (DP), rural children were further divided into those with DP exposure (DP+, n = 30) and those without (DP−, n = 37). Blood samples were collected to assess differential cell counts and expression of immune‐related genes. Dust samples were collected from poultry stables inside rural households. In vivo activities of nasal administration of DP dust extracts were tested in an ovalbumin‐induced asthma model.

Results

There was a stepwise increase in the percentage of eosinophils (%) from rural DP+ children (median = 1.65, IQR = [1.28, 3.75]) to rural DP− children (3.40, [1.70, 6.50]; DP+ vs. DP−, p = .087) and to the highest of their urban counterparts (4.00, [2.00, 7.25]; urban vs. DP+, p = .017). Similarly, rural children exhibited reduced mRNA expression of immune markers, both at baseline and following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Whereas LPS stimulation induced increased secretion of Th1 and proinflammatory cytokines in rural DP+ children compared to rural DP− children and urban children. Bronchoalveolar lavage of mice with intranasal instillation of dust extracts from DP household showed a significant decrease in eosinophils as compared to those of control mice (p < .05). Furthermore, DP dust strongly inhibited gene expression of Th2 signature cytokines and induced IL‐17 expression in the murine asthma model.

Conclusions

Immune responses of rural children were dampened compared to urban children and those exposed to DP had further downregulated immune responsiveness. DP dust extracts ameliorated Th2‐driven allergic airway inflammation in mice. Determining active protective components in the rural environment may provide directions for the development of primary prevention of asthma.
A group that grieves together stays together: Examining the impact of Holocaust Memorial Day in Israel on affective polarization
Authors: Gur Tamar , Ayal Shahar , Wagner Magnus , Adler Eli , Halperin Eran
Published: February 2024

Affective polarization is defined as the tendency to dislike, distrust, and maintain hostile attitudes towards supporters of other political parties or ideologies. In its extreme form, affective polarization may pose a severe threat to these groups' cohesion, functionality, and existence. The current study explored the role of sadness, elicited by memorial days, in temporarily reducing affective polarization and protecting societies from its destructive outcomes. In a longitudinal study (517 participants), participants were surveyed prior to Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD), during HMD, and after HMD. The findings suggest that affective polarization declined during HMD. This effect was partially mediated by an increase in sadness. It is argued that one main function of memorial days is to harness the power of sadness to maintain cohesion and integrity among national groups.
Hilly terrain and housing wellness: Geo‐visualizing spatial dynamics of urban household quality in the Himalayan town of Darjeeling, India
Authors: Roy Subham , Majumder Suranjan , Bose Arghadeep , Chowdhury Indrajit Roy
Published: February 2024

Darjeeling, renowned as the ‘Queen of the Himalayas’, is one of the high‐altitude towns in India, distinguished by its exceptional topography and picturesque landscape. Given the challenges posed by limited land availability, susceptibility to natural hazards, and the need for context‐specific housing interventions in such hilly terrains, understanding housing conditions becomes paramount. Thus, this research explores the spatial patterns and heterogeneity of urban housing wellness in Darjeeling's hilly urban centre. A comprehensive assessment was conducted utilizing 15 key indicators. Three principal indices were formulated: Residence Quality, Residence Essential Services, and Residence Asset & Possession, culminating in the Urban Housing Wellness Index (UHWI). The index construction employed the Geographically Weighted Principle Component Analysis (GWPCA) technique. In further analysis, Univariate Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA) were used to determine clustering and spatial dependence, while Moran's I was utilized to gauge the spatial autocorrelation of housing conditions. A notable clustering pattern and spatial autocorrelation was observed in the urban housing wellness of the study area. The present study offers novel insights into the intricate dynamics of housing conditions in unique hilly terrains.
The politics of social policies in Portugal: Different responses in times of crises
Authors: Caleiras Jorge , Carmo Renato Miguel
Published: February 2024

Portugal has been confronted with a succession of crises in recent years. This article explores the differences in the way that, in Portugal, the welfare regime tackled the Great Recession context (financial, euro, sovereign debt, structural adjustment crises) and COVID‐19 crisis through very different policy responses. The fact that the governments in office acted differently when faced with realities that were close in time but very distinct, generates a paired comparative scenario, without forgetting the interim period. Supported by a plural methodological approach that gathers information from various sources, the outcomes reveal important aspects about the policy direction of changes and in terms of socio‐economic indicators. First, policy responses have followed three dynamics in tension: Retrenchment, Mitigation, and Expansion. Second, the policies make a difference, producing distinct outcomes in terms of socioeconomic indicators (unemployment, inequality, poverty). Third, the responses to crises induced more “radical” measures (towards Retrenchment or Expansion), which are not consistent with interim situations. Finally, while the austeritarian response was part of the government in office's program, this was not the case during the pandemic, when the response was involuntary and unprogrammed. This means that, in being a provisional and dated response, there is a high risk that in the near future there will be a resumption of Mitigation or even Retrenchment policies.
Simple spines of homotopy 2‐spheres are unique
Authors: Orson Patrick , Powell Mark
Published: February 2024

A locally flatly embedded 2‐sphere in a compact 4‐manifold is called a spine if the inclusion map is a homotopy equivalence. A spine is called simple if the complement of the 2‐sphere has abelian fundamental group. We prove that if two simple spines represent the same generator of then they are ambiently isotopic. In particular, the theorem applies to simple shake‐slicing 2‐spheres in knot traces.
Inspiratory and sigh breathing rhythms depend on distinct cellular signalling mechanisms in the preBötzinger complex
Authors: Borrus Daniel S. , Stettler Marco K. , Grover Cameron J. , Kalajian Eva J. , Gu Jeffrey , Conradi Smith Gregory D. , Del Negro Christopher A.
Published: February 2024

Breathing behaviour involves the generation of normal breaths (eupnoea) on a timescale of seconds and sigh breaths on the order of minutes. Both rhythms emerge in tandem from a single brainstem site, but whether and how a single cell population can generate two disparate rhythms remains unclear. We posit that recurrent synaptic excitation in concert with synaptic depression and cellular refractoriness gives rise to the eupnoea rhythm, whereas an intracellular calcium oscillation that is slower by orders of magnitude gives rise to the sigh rhythm. A mathematical model capturing these dynamics simultaneously generates eupnoea and sigh rhythms with disparate frequencies, which can be separately regulated by physiological parameters. We experimentally validated key model predictions regarding intracellular calcium signalling. All vertebrate brains feature a network oscillator that drives the breathing pump for regular respiration. However, in air‐breathing mammals with compliant lungs susceptible to collapse, the breathing rhythmogenic network may have refashioned ubiquitous intracellular signalling systems to produce a second slower rhythm (for sighs) that prevents atelectasis without impeding eupnoea.

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Key points

A simplified activity‐based model of the preBötC generates inspiratory and sigh rhythms from a single neuron population.

Inspiration is attributable to a canonical excitatory network oscillator mechanism.

Sigh emerges from intracellular calcium signalling.

The model predicts that perturbations of calcium uptake and release across the endoplasmic reticulum counterintuitively accelerate and decelerate sigh rhythmicity, respectively, which was experimentally validated.

Vertebrate evolution may have adapted existing intracellular signalling mechanisms to produce slow oscillations needed to optimize pulmonary function in mammals.
Flow Instabilities and Control Mechanisms in Cylindrical Cavities With Top Bounding Walls
Authors: Sekaran Aarthi
Published: February 2024

Cavity flows studied over the past few decades have led to an increased understanding of the flow physics and instability modes in a range of configurations. While a large number of these studies focus on two-dimensional and three-dimensional rectangular/cuboidal cavities, significant variations are seen with three-dimensional cylindrical cavities with a top bounding wall. The present work details the flow physics of such cavities with a compressible (air) flow past the cavity at two pressure drops of 3850 Pa and 2000 Pa. Results from detached eddy simulations (DES) reveal the presence of the wake mode and shear layer instabilities, respectively, with modified dynamics and oscillatory modes owing to the top wall. In the interest of preventing mode switching with changes in operating conditions, which could lead to large-scale flow disruptions, a passive flow control technique is tested. The modified cavity (with a downstream ramp scaled by the size of shed structures) is seen to maintain the same mode throughout the range of operation offering valuable insights into design modifications for such cavities in practical settings.
Redescription of Scirula papilata Lin, 1997 (Acariformes: Cunaxidae), with the first description of males for the species
Authors: Chen Jian-xin , Yao Mao-yuan , Wu Yao-fang , Yi Tian-ci , Guo Jian-jun , Jin Dao-chao
Published: February 2024

A known species, Scirula papilata Lin, 1997 based on samples collected from Hubei Province, China, is redescribed with the detailed illustration and the first description of males.
The Perceptions and Experiences Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Agender Patients of Quality of Care With Health Care Services
Authors: Ford Lauren G. , Lewis Connor , Volberding Jennifer Lynn
Published: February 2024

Clinical Scenario: The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, agender (LGBTQIA+) community has a unique set of health care needs and experience barriers to services. Many providers assume these needs are similar to heterosexual counterparts. Investigating experiences and perceptions with health care and recommendations on how to improve care can provide insight for professionals. Clinical Question: What are the perceptions of quality of health care and experiences among the LGBTQIA+ patients? Summary of Key Findings: A search was performed for articles exploring perceptions and experiences of LGBTQIA+ patients with health care. Four articles were included. All were Level VI qualitative studies. All demonstrated a lack of cultural competency leading to poor experiences with providers. Common themes included: misgendering, stigmatization, and negative provider attitude leading to poor experiences. Experiences improved if providers used inclusive language, created welcoming environments, and had knowledge/experience about needs of LGBTQIA+ patients. Clinical Bottom Line: LGBTQIA+ patients felt providers lacked adequate knowledge to understand and care for their needs. Future research should include facts contributing to accessing health care services, solutions to these barriers, and increasing geographic areas. Strength of Recommendation: According to the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT) scale, there is Level C evidence that LGBTQIA+ patients experience providers who are not adequately prepared to properly care for their unique needs.
Overuse Injury Definitions and Rates of Overuse Injury in Epidemiology Studies Concerning High School-Aged Athletes: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Cich Tricia , Biese Kevin M.
Published: February 2024

Context: The definition of an “overuse injury” had some ambiguity until recent publications. It is unknown whether the improved definition of “overuse injury” has been applied to epidemiology studies that examine high school-aged athletes. This population may be predisposed to overuse injuries due to several factors. Clinical Question: Is there more consistency in how the term “overuse injury” is being used, and has the rate of overuse injuries in high school-aged athletes’ epidemiology studies changed since Roos and Marshall’s 2014 systematic review on overuse injury definitions? Clinical Bottom Line: Since Roos and Marshall’s systematic review, more studies are recognizing “overuse injuries” as needing a specific mechanism of injury; however, several studies failed to differentiate “overuse injuries” from “noncontact injuries.” The rate of overuse injuries does not appear to have changed significantly.