bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of light‐intensity physical activity on cardiometabolic parameters in young adults with overweight and obesity: The SED‐ACT randomized controlled crossover trial
Authors: Hoffmann Sascha W. , Schierbauer Janis , Zimmermann Paul , Voit Thomas , Grothoff Auguste , Wachsmuth Nadine , Rössler Andreas , Lackner Helmut K. , Moser Othmar
Published: June 2024

Aims

To investigate how a change in body position with light‐intensity physical activity (PA) ‘snacks’ (LIPAS, alternate sitting and standing, walking or standing continuously) compared with uninterrupted prolonged sitting affects glucose metabolism and heart rate variability (HRV) parameters in young adults with overweight and obesity.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a four‐arm randomized controlled crossover trial. The following conditions were tested during an 8‐h simulated workday: uninterrupted prolonged sitting (SIT), alternate sitting and standing (SIT‐STAND; 2.5 h total), continuous standing (STAND), and continuous walking (1.0 mph; WALK). The primary outcome was to investigate how a change in body position (alternate sitting and standing, walking or standing continuously) compared with uninterrupted sitting affects mean 8‐h glucose metabolism. Secondary outcomes included the effects on 2‐h postprandial glucose concentrations, as well as on 8‐h/24‐h heart rate and HRV parameters, in the respective study arms. Capillary blood samples were drawn from an hyperemised earlobe in the fasted state and once every hour during each trial intervention by puncturing the earlobe with a lancet and collecting 20 μL of blood (Biosen S‐Line Lab+; EKF diagnostics, Barleben, Germany). HRV was assessed for 24 h including the 8‐h intervention phase, and a home phase by means of a Holter electrocardiogram. All participants received the same standardized non‐relativised breakfast and lunch during the four trial visits.

Results

Seventeen individuals (eight women, mean age 23.4 ± 3.3 years, body mass index 29.7 ± 3.8 kg/m2, glycated haemoglobin level 34.8 ± 3.1 mmol/mol [5.4 ± 0.3%], body fat 31.8 ± 8.2%) completed all four trial arms. Compared with SIT (89.4 ± 6.8 mg/dL), 8‐h mean glucose was lower in all other conditions (p < 0.05) and this was statistically significant compared with WALK (86.3 ± 5.2 mg/dL; p = 0.034). Two‐hour postprandial glucose after breakfast was approximately 7% lower for WALK compared with SIT (p = 0.002). Furthermore, significant time × condition effects on HRV parameters favouring light‐intensity walking were observed (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Replacement and interruption of prolonged sitting with light‐intensity walking showed a significant blood glucose‐lowering effect and improved HRV during an 8‐h work environment in young adults with overweight and obesity.
Emerging clinical role of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibition–Part two: Current and emerging concepts in the clinical use of PCSK9 inhibition
Authors: Cao Zhang Alexander M. , Ziogos Efthymios , Harb Tarek , Gerstenblith Gary , Leucker Thorsten M.
Published: June 2024

Background

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors have emerged as a novel class of drugs with cardioprotective effects through their lipid‐lowering effects.

Objective

This review aims to discuss existing and novel strategies of PCSK9 inhibition, providing an overview of established randomized controlled trials and ongoing outcome trials that assess the efficacy and long‐term safety of PCSK9 inhibitors. It also explores the evolving role of PCSK9 beyond lipid metabolism and outlines the pleiotropic actions of PCSK9 inhibition in various disorders and future directions including novel strategies to target PCSK9.

Conclusion

PCSK9 inhibition shows promise not only in lipid metabolism but also in other disease processes, including atherosclerotic plaque remodeling, acute coronary syndrome, stroke, inflammation, and immune response.
Preprocedural assessment of coronary artery disease in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation: Rationale and design of the EASE‐IT CT registry
Authors: Mascherbauer Julia , Rudolph Tanja , Strauch Justus T. , Seiffert Moritz , Bleiziffer Sabine , Bartko Philipp Emanuel , Zielinski Marie , Vijayan Anjaly , Bramlage Peter , Hengstenberg Christian
Published: June 2024

Background

Invasive coronary angiography (ICA) is the standard for pre‐procedural assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). However, it requires hospitalization and can be associated with complications. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) may be a viable alternative to rule out prognostically relevant CAD.

Methods

The EASE‐IT CT Registry is an investigator‐initiated, prospective, observational, multicentre pilot registry involving patients aged ≥75 years with severe aortic stenosis (AS) intended to implant a transcatheter heart valve (THV) of the SAPIEN family. A total of 150 patients will be recruited from four sites in Germany and Austria. The registry will consist of two prospective cohorts: the investigational CTA‐only cohort and the CTA + ICA control cohort. The CTA‐only cohort will enrol 100 patients in whom significant (≥50%) left main (LM) and/or proximal left anterior descending artery (LAD) stenosis are ruled out on CTA. The CTA + ICA control cohort will enrol 50 patients who have undergone both CTA and ICA before TAVI and in whom ≥50% LM/proximal LAD stenosis has been ruled out by CTA. Three composite endpoints will be assessed at 3 months post‐TAVI: CAD‐specific endpoints, VARC‐3‐defined device success and early safety.

Conclusion

The EASE‐IT CT Registry evaluates whether TAVI can be carried out safely without performing ICA if prognostically relevant CAD of the LM/proximal LAD is ruled out with CTA. If so, the omission of ICA would help streamline the pre‐procedural workup of TAVI patients.
What is adoration? Contesting meaning in the margins of the Opus Caroli regis contra synodum (c.790–4)
Authors: Foden Huw
Published: June 2024

Contradictions over the meaning of adoration (adoratio) in Theodulf of Orléans’ Opus Caroli regis contra synodum have been used to minimize the role of mistranslation in the late eighth‐century Greek–Latin dispute over images. This study, however, scrutinizes the contested meaning of adoration in the original manuscript to expose tensions among Charlemagne’s key theological advisers. These fissures reveal the text’s collaborative production and purpose: neither the fully independent work of a lone scholar, nor intended for publication to an extensive audience, but a project to stimulate debate amidst the king’s counsellors.
Facial emotion recognition: A comprehensive review
Authors: Kaur Manmeet , Kumar Munish
Published: June 2024

Facial emotion recognition (FER) represents a significant outcome of the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology. In today's digital era, the ability to decipher emotions from facial expressions has evolved into a fundamental mode of human interaction and communication. As a result, FER has penetrated diverse domains, including but not limited to medical diagnosis, customer feedback analysis, the automation of automobile driver systems, and the evaluation of student comprehension. Furthermore, it has matured into a captivating and dynamic research field, capturing the attention and curiosity of contemporary scholars and scientists. The primary objective of this paper is to provide an exhaustive review of FER systems. Its significance goes beyond offering a comprehensive resource; it also serves as a valuable guide for emerging researchers in the FER domain. Through a meticulous examination of existing FER systems and methodologies, this review equips them with essential insights and guidance for their future research pursuits. Moreover, this comprehensive review contributes to the expansion of their knowledge base, facilitating a profound understanding of this rapidly evolving field. In a world increasingly dependent on technology for communication and interaction, the study of FER holds a pivotal role in human‐computer interaction (HCI). It not only provides valuable insights but also unlocks a multitude of possibilities for future innovations and applications. As we continue to integrate AI and facial emotion recognition into our daily lives, the importance of comprehending and enhancing FER systems becomes increasingly evident. This paper serves as a stepping stone for researchers, nurturing their involvement in this exciting and ever‐evolving field.
Modelling decisions and density dependence in monarch butterflies: A comment on Meehan and Crossley (2023)
Authors: Crone Elizabeth E. , Murphy Atticus W. , Schultz Cheryl B.
Published: June 2024

Decisions about which processes to include in a population model can have substantial impact on estimates of population trends and extinction risk. This is particularly important for species of conservation concern, whose conservation status is decided in part on the basis of these models.

In their recent paper, Meehan and Crossley (2023) Insect Conservation and Diversity, 16, 566–573 revisit a time series of overwintering monarch butterfly abundances, which previous assessments had characterised as rapidly declining and at risk of extinction. The authors, in contrast, reported no evidence for declines in the past 10 years and characterised extinction risk as low.

A primary reason for the difference between these conclusions was that Meehan and Crossley used a more complex model that included a parameter for density dependence. While negative density dependence may play a role in monarch population regulation, there are a variety of unresolved issues with how and if density dependence should be included in models of monarch populations, including widely known issues with separating observation error from density dependence in noisy time series and taxon‐specific issues with fitting models to data surveyed every fourth generation and pooled at continental scales.

These issues make the conclusions of Meehan and Crossley about monarch population viability much less robust than implied in their article. They do not provide convincing evidence that density dependence reduces extinction risk in monarch butterflies. Our commentary supports their general conclusion that population viability projections depend on model assumptions, but the ways in which monarch butterfly populations are regulated remains an open question.
The influence of perceived risk on purchase intention in e‐commerce—Systematic review and research agenda
Authors: Phamthi Van Anh , Nagy Ákos , Ngo Trung Minh
Published: June 2024

This study systematically reviews the current state of research on the impact of perceived risk on purchase intention (PR&PI) in e‐commerce to propose an agenda for future research. The authors selected and reviewed 133 studies conducted over the last decade. The theory‐context‐method (TCM) framework sheds light on developing trends in theories, contextual coverage, and methodological approaches in PR&PI research. Simultaneously, the stimulus‐organism‐response (SOR) framework reveals and categorizes the factors influencing perceived risk and purchase intention. The study enriches the current literature by proposing a research agenda to unpack gaps in the current literature and instruct future studies. Additionally, it diversifies the framework‐based systematic review by applying the SOR framework with seven sectors visualized in a Venn diagram. This enhances the explanatory power of different types of variables and mechanisms of patterns in PR&PI research. Further, the review also inspires businesses to develop risk‐reducing strategies and software. The study also provides e‐retailers and e‐sellers with an understanding of factors affecting consumers' risk perceptions, emotions and responses to e‐commerce, allowing them to improve their performance.
Reference intervals for reticulocyte count and derived reticulocyte parameters in a cohort of healthy adults
Authors: Posada‐Franco Yolanda , García‐Álvarez Ana , Hernández‐Álvarez Elena , Serrano‐García Irene , Contera‐Raposo Rocío , Martínez‐Novillo González Mercedes , Sanz‐Casla María Teresa
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Reticulocyte count and novel derived parameters provide insight into the effectiveness of erythropoiesis and may be useful tools in the classification and diagnosis of anemias. However, there is no standardisation, so we consider it necessary that each laboratory evaluates the parameters according to its own methodology and instrumentation and establishes its own reference ranges. Our aim was to establish the reference intervals (RIs) of reticulocyte profile provided by the Beckman Coulter DxH 900 haematological autoanalyzer in our reference population.

Methods

One hundred and seventy‐five healthy adults (18 to 62 years) were included. Subjects were collected from the blood donation centre of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (Madrid, Spain) upon informed consent. Whole blood was collected and assayed for 14 haematological parameters on the Beckman Coulter DxH 900 analyzer in the haematology laboratory of the Clinical Analysis Department. RIs were established as per Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute EP28‐A3c guidelines using three different statistical approaches.

Results

RIs estimated using the non‐parametric method and the Harrell‐Davis bootstrap method were very similar. RIs estimated by the robust method were narrower. Gender partitioning was required for two haematological parameters (low haemoglobin density (LHD) and microcytic anaemia factor (MAF)). The rest of the parameters did not need to be partitioned according to Lahti's method.

Conclusion

RIs have been established for 14 hematologic parameters of the reticulocyte profile for the Beckman Coulter DxH 900 haematology analyzer using a healthy cohort of adult subjects.
Helminth infection induces a distinct subset of CD101hi lung tissue–infiltrating eosinophils that are differentially regulated by type 2 cytokines
Authors: Noble Sophia‐Louise , Vacca Francesco , Hilligan Kerry L , Mules Thomas C , Le Gros Graham , Inns Stephen
Published: June 2024

Eosinophils play divergent roles in health and disease, contributing to both immunoregulatory and proinflammatory responses. Helminth infection is strongly associated with eosinophilia and the induction of the type 2 cytokines interleukin (IL)‐5, IL‐4 and IL‐13. This study aimed to elucidate the heterogeneity of pulmonary eosinophils in response to helminth infection and the roles of IL‐5, IL‐4 and IL‐13 in driving pulmonary eosinophil responses. Using the murine helminth model Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (Nb), we characterize a subtype of eosinophils, defined by high expression of CD101, that is induced in the lungs of Nb‐infected mice and are phenotypically distinct from lung eosinophils that express low levels of CD101. Strikingly, we show that the two eosinophil subtypes have distinct anatomical localization within the lung: CD101low eosinophils are predominantly localized in the lung vasculature, whereas Nb‐induced CD101hi eosinophils are predominantly localized in the extravascular lung niche. We show that CD101hi eosinophils are also induced across other models of pulmonary infection and inflammation, including a nonlung‐migrating helminth infection, house dust mite–induced allergic inflammation and influenza infection. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the induction of CD101hi tissue eosinophils is independent of IL‐5 and IL‐4 signaling, but is dependent on intact IL‐13 signaling. These results suggest that IL‐13 produced during helminth infection and other disease states promotes a pulmonary tissue‐infiltrating program in eosinophils defined by high expression of CD101.
Income gap between male and female psychiatric nurses in China: A national survey
Authors: Gu Jingyang , Cheng Yang , Gu Mengyue , Wang Song , Shi Yudong , Xia Lei , Jiang Feng , Liu Huanzhong , Tang Yilang
Published: June 2024

Aim

To investigate gender differences in the actual and expected income among psychiatric nurses in China.

Background

Although studies have shown that male nurses earn more than female nurses in other countries, there are no published data regarding gender income differences among psychiatric nurses in China.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study involving 41 representative psychiatric hospitals in China. Demographic, income, and job‐related data were analyzed using the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) based on the propensity score.

Findings

The sample included 9256 psychiatric nurses, and nearly four‐fifths (79.3%) were female. Males earned slightly higher average monthly incomes than female nurses, while initial analysis showed no significant overall gender income difference (p > 0.05). Notably, most participants (92.5%) desired an income increase of at least 10%, with over half (56.2%) expressing significant dissatisfaction with their current income. After adjustment using propensity score combined with IPTW, females in the junior and mid‐level groups had significantly lower income than their male counterparts (all p < 0.01), despite having different night shift patterns. However, there were no significant gender differences in actual or expected income among senior‐level psychiatric nurses (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

A majority of psychiatric nurses in China express dissatisfaction with their current incomes and expect higher incomes. Male nurses earned significantly more than female nurses in the junior and mid‐level professional groups, potentially due to their differences in night shifts.

Implications for nursing policy and health policy

Policymakers and hospital administrators should optimize the income structures of nurses and develop targeted policies to address the gender income gap. Improving nurse income has the potential to enhance motivation and satisfaction within the profession.
Translating ‘proportionate universal healthcare’ into meaningful system design to optimize equity in child and family services
Authors: Kemp Lynn , Donohoe Kathy , Matthews Prue , Aspery Wendy
Published: June 2024

Aim

To conduct a child and family health nursing service redesign to improve pathways of access, response and outcomes for all families with children aged 0–5 years.

Design

The study was conducted as an iterative, mixed‐method study of the process and impact of the service redesign, informed by a participatory action research paradigm and the NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation process for developing a model of care.

Methods

Diagnostic, solution design, implementation and sustainability phases were undertaken. Quantitative analyses were undertaken of administrative data, and child and family health nurse and client surveys. Qualitative analyses were undertaken of design workshops.

Results

The administrative data demonstrated that prior to the redesign service provision was the same for all clients regardless of levels of risk. The design solution, developed through a series of diagnostic and visioning workshops, included multiple new client response pathways. Implementation included development of tools and training. Sustainability of the redistribution of resources to the new pathways was assessed though an evaluation demonstrating a positive impact for families with adversity, with no deleterious effects for families receiving a universal response, and improvements in the emotional labour undertaken by nurses. Despite this, nurse burnout increased post‐redesign.

Conclusion

The shift from equal services (everyone receives the same) to equitable proportionate universal provision in response to need can be achieved and has positive impacts for nurses and families.

Impact

This study shows the value of undertaking a systematic and participatory approach to service redesign. A proportionate universalism approach can ensure that early childhood nursing services are available to all in relation to needs.

Reporting method

The Revised Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence (SQUIRE 2.0) check‐list was used to guide reporting.

Patient or public contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Polyamory in Black: A Companion Justification for Minimal Marriage
Authors: Clardy Justin L.
Published: June 2024

A number of Black writers have cast Black marriage in a state of emergency – Black folks are not getting (or staying) married like they used to. Yet in seeking to address the Black marriage problem many have left marriage's ‘monogamous‐only’ condition unexamined. In this article, I take a different approach. I draw on a long‐standing prevalence of de facto non‐monogamy among those marked Black and argue that the numerical constraint making marriage between two people violates equal treatment. To make the case, I show how anti‐non‐monogamy attitudes have been racialized in ways that are expressive of anti‐Blackness. In my view, the effects of this racialization include ongoing and disproportionate impacts on an already burdened group – Black polyamorists. A failure to reform the monogamous‐only condition of marriage tacitly endorses anti‐non‐monogamous attitudes of the past where Black intimate relationships were thought inferior and therefore deserving of an inferior social standing. Finally, I look to an account of minimal marriage as a site of possibility for establishing a marriage institution that is more just in relation to equal treatment and a site of repair for racialized non‐monogamists whose historical denial to accessing marriage has had the effect of accumulated social and political disadvantage.
Predicting ventricular arrhythmia inducibility in ajmaline‐induced Brugada type I pattern: Validation of the dST‐Tiso interval
Authors: Iacopino Saverio , Fabiano Emmanuel , Sorrenti Paolo , Petretta Andrea , Colella Jacopo , Di Vilio Alessandro , Statuto Giovanni , Filannino Pasquale , Artale Paolo , Giacopelli Daniele , Peluso Gianluca , Fabiano Gennaro , Campagna Giuseppe , Cecchini Federico
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The dST‐Tiso is a newly proposed electrocardiographic (ECG) marker during Brugada (BrS) type I pattern, that predicts the likelihood of ventricular arrhythmia (VA) inducibility in patients with ajmaline‐induced pattern. The objective of this study was to validate the effectiveness of this criterion using an independent data set.

Methods

Consecutive patients exhibiting a BrS type I ECG pattern following ajmaline administration underwent programmed ventricular stimulation (PVS). dST‐Tiso interval was measured in all patients and tested as a predictor for positive VA inducibility.

Results

Among 128 patients (median age 43 years, 59% male) with drug‐induced BrS type I ECG pattern who underwent PVS, 32 (25.0%) had VA inducibility that required defibrillation. Compared to noninducible subjects, those with positive PVS were more commonly male (81% vs. 51%, p = 0.003), had longer PQ (165 vs. 160 ms, p = 0.016) and dST‐Tiso (310 vs. 230 ms, p < 0.001) intervals, and shorter QT interval (412 vs. 420 ms, p = 0.022). When treated as a continuous variable, dST‐Tiso confirmed significant association with VA inducibility, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.02 (95% confidence interval: 1.01–1.03, p < 0.001) for each 1 ms increase in duration. A dST‐Tiso interval >300 ms yielded a sensitivity of 75%, a specificity of 86%, and positive and negative predictive values of 69% and 91%, respectively.

Conclusion

The validation of the model based on the dST‐Tiso interval >300 ms confirmed its high accuracy in predicting VA inducibility in drug‐induced BrS type I pattern. This straightforward ECG marker might be linked to the extent of the electrical substrate of the disease.
Pacemaker‐mediated reentrant arrhythmia facilitated by an atrial‐tracking leadless pacemaker
Authors: Vrtikapa Dejan , Chong Luke , Modaff Daniel , Kipp Ryan
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Pacemaker‐mediated tachycardia is a known arrhythmia in patients with dual chamber pacemakers and defibrillators and intact ventriculoatrial (VA) conduction. We report a case of pacemaker‐mediated reentrant arrhythmia (PMRA) in a patient with an atrioventricular (AV) synchronous leadless pacemaker.

Methods and Results

A 91‐year‐old female presented with 2:1 AV conduction and received an AV synchronous leadless pacemaker. She had atrial mechanical sense‐ventricular paced beats between heart rates of 80–100 bpm more than 80% of the time. She was found to have a new cardiomyopathy and was referred for placement of biventricular pacemaker. At the time of device implantation, her electrocardiogram showed ventricular pacing with a short RP interval and superiorly directed P waves. Changes in the ventricular pacing rate resulted in changes in the atrial rate. Following device placement, her heart rate decreased to the lower rate limit of her pacemaker. The atrial mechanical sense impulse most likely was generated by a retrograde conducted P wave resulting in near incessant PMRA.

Conclusion

PMRA may occur in patients who receive an AV synchronous leadless pacemaker with intact VA conduction and sinoatrial node dysfunction. Due to the lower rates of PMRA, this arrhythmia may be underrecognized. Interventions for and implications of PMRA need further investigation.
A risk score based on polyamine metabolism and chemotherapy‐related genes predicts prognosis and immune cells infiltration of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Du Minjun , Meng Xiangzhi , Zhou Boxuan , Song Weijian , Shi Jianwei , Liang Mei , Liang Yicheng , Gao Yushun
Published: June 2024

We aimed to explore whether the genes associated with both platinum‐based therapy and polyamine metabolism could predict the prognosis of LUAD. We searched for the differential expression genes (DEGs) associated with platinum‐based therapy, then we interacted them with polyamine metabolism‐related genes to obtain hub genes. Subsequently, we analysed the main immune cell populations in LUAD using the scRNA‐seq data, and evaluated the activity of polyamine metabolism of different cell subpopulations. The DEGs between high and low activity groups were screened to identify key DEGs to establish prognostic risk score model. We further elucidated the landscape of immune cells, mutation and drug sensitivity analysis in different risk groups. Finally, we got 10 hub genes associated with both platinum‐based chemotherapy and polyamine metabolism, and found that these hub genes mainly affected signalling transduction pathways. B cells and mast cells with highest polyamine metabolism activity, while NK cells were found with lowest polyamine metabolism activity based on scRNA‐seq data. DEGs between high and low polyamine metabolism activity groups were identified, then 6 key genes were screened out to build risk score, which showed a good predictive power. The risk score showed a universal negative correlation with immunotherapy checkpoint genes and the cytotoxic T cells infiltration. The mutation rates of EGFR in low‐risk group was significantly higher than that of high‐risk group. In conclusion, we developed a risk score based on key genes associated with platinum‐based therapy and polyamine metabolism, which provide a new perspective for prognosis prediction of LUAD.
Information technology adoption and the growth of nonemployer businesses
Authors: Kim Younjun , Thompson Eric
Published: June 2024

The growth of nonemployer businesses as a share of the working‐age population has been little studied relative to the decline of employer business rate in the United States. We show that local labor markets specializing in routine task‐intensive jobs have experienced a higher adoption of information technology as well as the growth of nonemployer businesses primarily through increasing self‐employment in nonroutine manual task‐intensive jobs that are less frequently outsourced to business service firms.
A fully digital workflow involving 3D printed tooth reduction guides and injection resin‐indexes to restore an impacted canine
Authors: Puri Nikita , Atria Pablo J. , Oquendo Anabella , Blatz Markus B. , Sampaio Camila S.
Published: June 2024

Objective

The present clinical report describes a long‐term temporary restorative approach using injectable composite to reshape a canine into a central incisor, within the context of an ongoing orthodontic treatment. This treatment protocol describes a fully‐digital workflow, incorporating digital designed and 3D printed diagnostic wax up, reduction guides and resin‐injection index.

Clinical Considerations

Effective planning is important when aiming to deliver a comprehensive and multidisciplinary workflow, and digital tools serve as invaluable aids.

Conclusion

The use of a fully digital workflow in a comprehensive dental treatment resulted in a predictable and successful outcome for a restoration of a canine that was transformed into a central incisor.

Clinical Significance

This approach highlights the efficacy of digital technology in achieving precise and successful dental restorations, emphasizing its significance in modern dental practice.
Life‐history parameters of adult females of Merluccius capensis (Gadidae) off the south coast of South Africa
Authors: Nomxego Lungelwa C. J. , Kjesbu Olav Sigurd , Sauer Warwick , Lipinski Marek R.
Published: June 2024

This study explores the life‐history parameters of female Merluccius capensis off South Africa (N = 1819) during 2014–2016, including gonadosomatic index (GSI), length‐at‐maturity, length–weight relationships, and condition indices (relative condition [k] and Fulton's condition factor [K]). We detected weak indications of two peaks of spawning within the year, the first in austral autumn from March to May, whereas the other in austral spring around August. GSI was slightly higher in spring and autumn, though still low at all maturity stages (≤7%), though the opposite was true for the actively spawning stage (≥7%) as well as access to less such data during winter‐ and summertime. The length (L) at 50% maturity was around 38 cm (L50), though differences occurred between the two applied staging methods, histology and visual (macroscopic) classification, when L approached infinity. The latter method presented underestimated length at maturity values at the 75 and 95 percentiles (48 and 60 cm) compared to the corresponding percentiles given by histology (50 and 65 cm). There were trivial across‐method differences in L50. However, we found a clear reduction in L50 in view of published information in prior years when this estimate was 48 (1985), 42 (2008), 53 (2011), and 24.8 (2015) cm. Overall, L explained 90% of the variation in whole body weight (W). As the bootstrapped, grand mean growth coefficient was b = 2.98, indicating a slight allometric growth function, there were no significant variations between years, though an isometric growth existed for 2016 with b = 3.0, whereas for 2014 and 2015 this b was 2.98 and 2.93, respectively. In terms of demography, females <60 cm generally showed isometric growth (b = 3) as opposed to allometric growth (b = 2.95) at >60 cm. The relative condition index (k = 1) exhibited higher values than Fulton's K, which was 0.80. Overall, the maternal stock of M. capensis along the south coast seems to be in good condition and likely spawns throughout the year, but we found that the macroscopic data tend to give biased maturity ogives.
Development of high‐quality artificial intelligence for computer‐aided diagnosis in determining subtypes of colorectal cancer
Authors: Weng Weihao , Yoshida Naohisa , Morinaga Yukiko , Sugino Satoshi , Tomita Yuri , Kobayashi Reo , Inoue Ken , Hirose Ryohei , Dohi Osamu , Itoh Yoshito , Zhu Xin
Published: June 2024

Background and Aim

There are no previous studies in which computer‐aided diagnosis (CAD) diagnosed colorectal cancer (CRC) subtypes correctly. In this study, we developed an original CAD for the diagnosis of CRC subtypes.

Methods

Pretraining for the CAD based on ResNet was performed using ImageNet and five open histopathological pretraining image datasets (HiPreD) containing 3 million images. In addition, sparse attention was introduced to improve the CAD compared to other attention networks. One thousand and seventy‐two histopathological images from 29 early CRC cases at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine from 2019 to 2022 were collected (857 images for training and validation, 215 images for test). All images were annotated by a qualified histopathologist for segmentation of normal mucosa, adenoma, pure well‐differentiated adenocarcinoma (PWDA), and moderately/poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (MPDA). Diagnostic ability including dice sufficient coefficient (DSC) and diagnostic accuracy were evaluated.

Results

Our original CAD, named Colon‐seg, with the pretraining of both HiPreD and ImageNET showed a better DSC (88.4%) compared to CAD without both pretraining (76.8%). Regarding the attentional mechanism, Colon‐seg with sparse attention showed a better DSC (88.4%) compared to other attentional mechanisms (dual: 79.7%, ECA: 80.7%, shuffle: 84.7%, SK: 86.9%). In addition, the DSC of Colon‐seg (88.4%) was better than other types of CADs (TransUNet: 84.7%, MultiResUnet: 86.1%, Unet++: 86.7%). The diagnostic accuracy of Colon‐seg for each histopathological type was 94.3% for adenoma, 91.8% for PWDA, and 92.8% for MPDA.

Conclusion

A deep learning‐based CAD for CRC subtype differentiation was developed with pretraining and fine‐tuning of abundant histopathological images.
FOXO1 induced fatty acid oxidation in hepatic cells by targeting ALDH1L2
Authors: Cheng Jiemin , Yang Siqi , Shou Diwen , Chen Jiawei , Li Yongqiang , Huang Chen , Chen Huiting , Zhou Yongjian
Published: June 2024

Background and Aim

Lipid metabolism disorder is the primary feature of numerous refractory chronic diseases. Fatty acid oxidation, an essential aerobic biological process, is closely related to the progression of NAFLD. The forkhead transcription factor FOXO1 has been reported to play an important role in lipid metabolism. However, the molecular mechanism through which FOXO1 regulates fatty acid oxidation remains unclear.

Methods

Transcriptomic analysis was performed to examine the cellular expression profile to determine the functional role of FOXO1 in HepG2 cells with palmitic acid (PA)‐induced lipid accumulation. FOXO1‐binding motifs at the promoter region of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member L2 (ALDH1L2) were predicted via bioinformatic analysis and confirmed via luciferase reporter assay. Overexpression of ALDH1L2 was induced to recover the impaired fatty acid oxidation in FOXO1‐knockout cells.

Results

Knockout of FOXO1 aggravated lipid deposition in hepatic cells. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that knockout of FOXO1 increased the expression of genes associated with fatty acid synthesis but decreased the expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase1a (CPT1α) and adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), which contribute to fatty acid oxidation. Mechanistically, FOXO1 was identified as a transcription factor of ALDH1L2. Knockout of FOXO1 significantly decreased the protein expression of ALDH1L2 and CPT1α in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, overexpression of ALDH1L2 restored fatty acid oxidation in FOXO1‐knockout cells.

Conclusion

The findings of this study indicate that FOXO1 modulates fatty acid oxidation by targeting ALDH1L2.
A cross‐sectional content quality analysis of information in TikTok videos on “Dermarolling (Roller Microneedling)”
Authors: Awad Nardin , Hetzel John , Bhupalam Vishnu , Nestor Mark S.
Published: June 2024

Background

TikTok is one of the fastest‐growing social media platform, and its short‐form videos have become a widely used source of health information. “Dermarolling” is a form of roller microneedling often practiced at home, and patients may be using TikTok to inform their decision to pursue this treatment and their practice of it.

Aims

This study assessed the informational content quality, source, and engagement of TikTok dermarolling videos to highlight potentially harmful social media trends.

Methods

On a predetermined date, “dermarolling” was searched on TikTok. The top 75 results were screened. Number of views, creator type, type of video, and whether risks were discussed were recorded. Information quality was assessed using the DISCERN tool. The data were stratified by creator type, and statistical analysis was performed using R version 4.3.2. Median viewership and DISCERN scores were compared using Kruskal–Wallis tests with post hoc pairwise Wilcoxon tests. Fisher's exact test was used to compare rates of risk discussion between groups.

Results

Sixty‐one of the reviewed videos met the inclusion criteria. Influencer videos engaged the largest overall audience and had higher median viewership than other creators. Physicians, primarily dermatologists, created exclusively educational content and influencers created mostly experience‐based content. Overall content quality was generally low‐moderate, with a median (IQR) DISCERN score of 30.5 (26.5–33.5). Physician content had higher median DISCERN scores than influencers (p = 0.004) and others (p = 0.004). Physicians were more likely to discuss risks compared to influencers (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

TikTok content on “dermarolling” was of relatively low quality, and nonphysicians command a large viewership. Physician‐created content is often of higher informational quality, and dermatologists should escalate their efforts to engage patients in this space to mitigate the effects of potential misinformation.
Parenting in African American families: Profiles of general and culturally specific dimensions of parent–adolescent relationships during late adolescence
Authors: Smith Naila A. , McDonald Ashley , Ferrone Carly Trakofler , Johnson Shadane , Witherspoon Dawn P.
Published: June 2024

Developmental and parenting frameworks suggest that factors at the individual‐level and multiple levels of adolescents' contexts are important determinants of how African American parents prepare their children to live in a racially stratified society. Using a person‐centered approach, this study explored heterogeneity in profiles of African American parent–adolescent relationships (PARs) using indicators of parent‐reported ethnic‐racial socialization (cultural socialization, preparation for bias), general parenting practices (autonomy support, monitoring, behavioral control), and relationship quality (warmth, communication, conflict). We also examined how adolescents' characteristics, parents' personal and psychological resources, and contextual sources of stress and support contributed to profile membership. Data were from the Maryland Adolescent Development in Context Study (1991–2000) and consisted of 589 African American caregiver–adolescent dyads (caregivers: 89% female; 57.2% married; adolescents: 50.7% female; Mage = 17, SD = 0.64, range = 15–19 years old). Latent profile analysis revealed four profiles: (a) No‐Nonsense High Socializers, (b) Indulgent Average Socializers, (c) Unengaged Silent Socializers, and (d) Authoritative Cultural Socializers. Adolescent characteristics (gender, depression, and problem behavior), parents' personal and psychological resources (parenting self‐efficacy, centrality, private regard, and depression), and contextual sources of stress and support (stress: economic hardship, family stress, neighborhood disadvantage and support: marital status, family cohesion, family organization) were correlated with profile membership. Findings suggest that variability in African American PARs is shaped by an extensive set of individual and contextual factors related to adolescents and the family and neighborhood context. These findings have important implications for future research and how to target multiple potential levers for change in African American parenting practice.
Provider‐to‐provider telemedicine for sepsis is used less frequently in communities with high social vulnerability
Authors: Tu Kevin J. , Vakkalanka J. Priyanka , Okoro Uche E. , Harland Karisa K. , Wymore Cole , Fuller Brian M. , Campbell Kalyn , Swanson Morgan B. , Parker Edith A. , Mack Luke J. , Bell Amanda , DeJong Katie , Faine Brett , Zepeski Anne , Mueller Keith , Chrischilles Elizabeth , Carpenter Christopher R. , Jones Michael P. , Ward Marcia M. , Mohr Nicholas M.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Sepsis disproportionately affects patients in rural and socially vulnerable communities. A promising strategy to address this disparity is provider‐to‐provider emergency department (ED)‐based telehealth consultation (tele‐ED). The objective of this study was to determine if county‐level social vulnerability index (SVI) was associated with tele‐ED use for sepsis and, if so, which SVI elements were most strongly associated.

Methods

We used data from the TELEmedicine as a Virtual Intervention for Sepsis in Rural Emergency Department study. The primary exposures were SVI aggregate and component scores. We used multivariable generalized estimating equations to model the association between SVI and tele‐ED use.

Findings

Our study cohort included 1191 patients treated in 23 Midwestern rural EDs between August 2016 and June 2019, of whom 326 (27.4%) were treated with tele‐ED. Providers in counties with a high SVI were less likely to use tele‐ED (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.31‒0.87), an effect principally attributable to the housing type and transportation component of SVI (aOR = 0.44, 95% CI 0.22–0.89). Providers who treated fewer sepsis patients (1‒10 vs. 31+ over study period) and therefore may have been less experienced in sepsis care, were more likely to activate tele‐ED (aOR = 3.91, 95% CI 2.08‒7.38).

Conclusions

Tele‐ED use for sepsis was lower in socially vulnerable counties and higher among providers who treated fewer sepsis patients. These findings suggest that while tele‐ED increases access to specialized care, it may not completely ameliorate sepsis disparities due to its less frequent use in socially vulnerable communities.
Relationships between weight loss during short‐term feed deprivation, feed conversion efficiency, and growth in Delta Select and Delta Control line channel catfish families
Authors: Bosworth Brian G. , Chisolm Dakoda O. , Patterson Michael J. , Ott Brian D.
Published: June 2024

Weight loss during feed deprivation is correlated with feed conversion efficiency (FCR) in several fish species, suggesting weight loss could be used to indirectly select for improved feed conversion. Trials were conducted to determine relationships among weight loss and FCR with Delta Select and Delta Control line channel catfish fingerlings. Weight loss was measured for 79 Delta Select line families and 20 Delta Control line families in replicate feed deprivation trials. Weight loss was higher for Delta Controls than Delta Selects. The 10 Delta Select families with the highest weight loss, 10 Delta Select families with the lowest weight loss, and 10 random Delta Control families were used in a feeding trial. Initial weight, final weight, percent weight gain, and percent feed consumption were similar among Delta Select groups but higher than the Delta Control's. Feed conversion and survival were similar for all groups. Fish from the feeding trial were used in a third feed deprivation trial. Family means for weight loss were positively correlated across three feed deprivation trials but not correlated with feed conversion indicating selection for weight‐loss would not improve feed conversion. The faster growth of Delta Select catfish is as a result of increased feed consumption.
Evolving trends and outcomes on the US liver transplant waitlist of alcohol‐associated hepatitis patients with very high MELD scores
Authors: Tanaka Tomohiro , Axelrod David
Published: June 2024

Liver transplantation (LT) in patients with alcohol‐associated hepatitis (AH) has rapidly increased following the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and the implementation of the Acuity Circle policy, raising questions of equity and utility. Waitlist mortality among high (≥37) Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease LT candidates with AH and post‐transplant survival were assessed with a semiparametric survival regression and a generalized linear mixed‐effect model with LT centre‐ and listing date‐level random intercepts. These models demonstrate a lower mortality for the candidates listed with AH (adjusted sub‐hazard ratio .58_.72_.90 and odds ratio .44_.66_.99) when compared to other diagnoses (autoimmune hepatitis, metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease and primary biliary cholangitis). Post‐LT survival was comparable. This study highlights the limitations of current tools in characterizing the risk of mortality, and thus need for the modifications in prioritizing LT candidates with AH. Policy revision may be needed to ensure equivalent access to LT regardless of diagnosis.
Phytoplankton assemblages in response to environmental variability in tropical coastal waters of the Malacca Straits, Malaysia
Authors: Sohaimi Erqa Shazira , Amin Roswati Md , Idris Md Suffian , Chee Poh Seng , Akhir Mohd Fadzil Mohd
Published: June 2024

Surface phytoplankton community, abundance, and species spatial distributions were investigated in the Malacca Straits (MS) of Peninsular Malaysia during the late northeast monsoon (March) and southwest monsoon (August) in 2019 to understand factors controlling their community dynamics. This study reveals that the monsoonal transitions lead to changes in sea surface temperature (SST), sea surface salinity (SSS), total nitrogen (TN), total chlorophyll‐a (Tchl‐a), and phytoplankton density in the MS. A total of 204 and 163 phytoplankton species were identified during March and August, respectively, with diatoms representing the most (80.6%), followed by dinoflagellates (9.9%), cyanobacteria (8.3%), and others (1.2%). Meanwhile, the average total phytoplankton density was lower in March (10.78 × 103 ± 14.70 cell L−1) and greater in August (26.98 × 103 ± 45.63 cell L−1), with Chaetoceros compressus and Thalassiosira sp. Seven found the highest in each season, respectively. There was no significant correlation between phytoplankton density and environmental parameters in the MS, except for the cyanobacteria and dinoflagellate communities. However, the Canonical Correspondence Analysis results showed that environmental parameters such as SST, SSS, and nutrients in the MS could affect the dominant phytoplankton species, particularly diatoms. The findings suggest that environmental changes between the seasons may act as ecological drivers in the formation of phytoplankton communities in marine habitats of the MS.