bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benchmarking brain–computer interface algorithms: Riemannian approaches vs convolutional neural networks
Authors: Eder Manuel , Xu Jiachen , Grosse-Wentrup Moritz
Published: July 2024

Objective. To date, a comprehensive comparison of Riemannian decoding methods with deep convolutional neural networks for EEG-based brain–computer interfaces remains absent from published work. We address this research gap by using MOABB, The Mother Of All BCI Benchmarks, to compare novel convolutional neural networks to state-of-the-art Riemannian approaches across a broad range of EEG datasets, including motor imagery, P300, and steady-state visual evoked potentials paradigms. Approach. We systematically evaluated the performance of convolutional neural networks, specifically EEGNet, shallow ConvNet, and deep ConvNet, against well-established Riemannian decoding methods using MOABB processing pipelines. This evaluation included within-session, cross-session, and cross-subject methods, to provide a practical analysis of model effectiveness and to find an overall solution that performs well across different experimental settings. Main results. We find no significant differences in decoding performance between convolutional neural networks and Riemannian methods for within-session, cross-session, and cross-subject analyses. Significance. The results show that, when using traditional Brain-Computer Interface paradigms, the choice between CNNs and Riemannian methods may not heavily impact decoding performances in many experimental settings. These findings provide researchers with flexibility in choosing decoding approaches based on factors such as ease of implementation, computational efficiency or individual preferences.
The effect of shortfin mako shark skin at the reattachment of a separated turbulent boundary layer
Authors: Santos Leonardo M , Lang Amy , Wahidi Redha , Bonacci Andrew , Gautam Sashank , Parsons Jacob
Published: July 2024

This smooth flat experimental study investigates the capability of mako shark scales to control flow separation when placed downstream of the onset of turbulent boundary layer separation and within the reattachment region. The objective of the study is to validate the hypothesis that the shark scales’ bristling and recoiling would prevent the flow separation on the flank region (the fastest flow region) of the shark. A rotating cylinder was used to induce an adverse pressure gradient over a flat plate to produce a region of separated flow where the shark skin specimen was mounted. Two types of mako shark scales (flank (B2) and between flank and dorsal fin (B1)) were positioned in the preferred flow direction on a flat plate. The B2 scales are slender, 200 μm tall, and can bristle up to 50°. In contrast, B1 scales are wider, shorter, and can bristle at 30°. The bristling angle and shape are the main mechanisms by which the scales act to inhibit flow from moving upstream near the wall. Thus, the difference in the bristling angles and structures of the scales is attributed to the fact that the B2 scales function in a thicker boundary layer (behind the shark’s gills) where they must bristle sufficiently high into the boundary layer to control the flow separation, and because the adverse pressure gradient in this region is higher where flow separation is more likely. The scales are placed in the reattachment region to elucidate their ability to control and reattach an already separated turbulent flow. The results show that B2 scales placed in the reattachment region reduce the size of the turbulent separation bubble and decrease the turbulent kinetic energy, while B1 scales have the opposite effect.
A new data-driven map predicts substantial undocumented peatland areas in Amazonia
Authors: Hastie Adam , Householder J Ethan , Honorio Coronado Eurídice N , Hidalgo Pizango C Gabriel , Herrera Rafael , Lähteenoja Outi , de Jong Johan , Winton R Scott , Aymard Corredor Gerardo A , Reyna José , Montoya Encarni , Paukku Stella , Mitchard Edward T A , Åkesson Christine M , Baker Timothy R , Cole Lydia E S , Córdova Oroche César J , Dávila Nállarett , Águila Jhon Del , Draper Frederick C , Fluet-Chouinard Etienne , Grández Julio , Janovec John P , Reyna David , W Tobler Mathias , Del Castillo Torres Dennis , Roucoux Katherine H , Wheeler Charlotte E , Fernandez Piedade Maria Teresa , Schöngart Jochen , Wittmann Florian , van der Zon Marieke , Lawson Ian T
Published: July 2024

Tropical peatlands are among the most carbon-dense terrestrial ecosystems yet recorded. Collectively, they comprise a large but highly uncertain reservoir of the global carbon cycle, with wide-ranging estimates of their global area (441 025–1700 000 km2) and below-ground carbon storage (105–288 Pg C). Substantial gaps remain in our understanding of peatland distribution in some key regions, including most of tropical South America. Here we compile 2413 ground reference points in and around Amazonian peatlands and use them alongside a stack of remote sensing products in a random forest model to generate the first field-data-driven model of peatland distribution across the Amazon basin. Our model predicts a total Amazonian peatland extent of 251 015 km2 (95th percentile confidence interval: 128 671–373 359), greater than that of the Congo basin, but around 30% smaller than a recent model-derived estimate of peatland area across Amazonia. The model performs relatively well against point observations but spatial gaps in the ground reference dataset mean that model uncertainty remains high, particularly in parts of Brazil and Bolivia. For example, we predict significant peatland areas in northern Peru with relatively high confidence, while peatland areas in the Rio Negro basin and adjacent south-western Orinoco basin which have previously been predicted to hold Campinarana or white sand forests, are predicted with greater uncertainty. Similarly, we predict large areas of peatlands in Bolivia, surprisingly given the strong climatic seasonality found over most of the country. Very little field data exists with which to quantitatively assess the accuracy of our map in these regions. Data gaps such as these should be a high priority for new field sampling. This new map can facilitate future research into the vulnerability of peatlands to climate change and anthropogenic impacts, which is likely to vary spatially across the Amazon basin.
Footprint tools tiptoeing towards nitrogen sustainability
Authors: Galloway James N , Castner Elizabeth A , Dukes Elizabeth S M , Fox Jessica , Leach Allison M
Published: July 2024

As we face multiple environmental crises (e.g. climate change, nutrient pollution, freshwater scarcity), there is often a disconnect between an entity’s activities and the pollution resulting from that activity. Footprint tools help address this disconnect. They are effective in educating people, institutions and communities on how their resource use results in environmental pollution and what we can do to moderate that pollution. These tools connect an entity’s activities with the associated pollution. Footprint tools are also constantly evolving. As we better understand how to best estimate emissions—especially from sources further removed like those from the supply chain—the guidance and methods for calculating footprints is changing and improving. This paper reviews footprint tools for people, institutions and communities, with a focus on nitrogen footprint tools (NFTs). It also gives examples of how these tools have been applied to achieve pollution reductions. It concludes with an assessment of how nitrogen and multi-element footprint tools fit into the overall topic of environmental management and discusses their benefits and limitations.
TUnA: an uncertainty-aware transformer model for sequence-based protein–protein interaction prediction
Authors: Ko Young Su , Parkinson Jonathan , Liu Cong , Wang Wei
Published: July 2024

Protein–protein interactions (PPIs) are important for many biological processes, but predicting them from sequence data remains challenging. Existing deep learning models often cannot generalize to proteins not present in the training set and do not provide uncertainty estimates for their predictions. To address these limitations, we present TUnA, a Transformer-based uncertainty-aware model for PPI prediction. TUnA uses ESM-2 embeddings with Transformer encoders and incorporates a Spectral-normalized Neural Gaussian Process. TUnA achieves state-of-the-art performance and, importantly, evaluates uncertainty for unseen sequences. We demonstrate that TUnA’s uncertainty estimates can effectively identify the most reliable predictions, significantly reducing false positives. This capability is crucial in bridging the gap between computational predictions and experimental validation.
Rotational isomerism of amide units in the ring of rotaxanes in response to base/acid stimuli
Authors: Nakamura Takanori , Okuma Yukari , Miyagawa Shinobu , Kawasaki Tsuneomi , Naito Masaya , Tokunaga Yuji
Published: July 2024

Rotational isomerism of 4 amide moieties of the threaded macrocyclic component of [2]rotaxanes featuring mono- and bis-ammonium moieties in dumbbell-shaped axle components was investigated in response to base, and the rotational isomerization of both rotaxanes could be controlled reversibly through the addition of appropriate amounts of base and acids.
Inhibition of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in a large animal preclinical arteriovenous fistula model leads to improved remodelling and reduced stenosis
Authors: Xu Yang , Korayem Adam , Cruz-Solbes Ana S , Chandel Nirupama , Sakata Tomoki , Mazurek Renata , Mavropoulos Spyros A , Kariya Taro , Aikawa Tadao , Yamada Kelly P , D'Escamard Valentina , V'Gangula Bhargavi , Baker Andrew H , Ma Lijiang , Björkegren Johan L M , Fuster Valentin , Boehm Manfred , Fish Kenneth M , Tadros Rami , Ishikawa Kiyotake , Kovacic Jason C
Published: July 2024

Aims

Vein grafts are used for many indications, including bypass graft surgery and arteriovenous fistula (AVF) formation. However, patency following vein grafting or AVF formation is suboptimal for various reasons, including thrombosis, neointimal hyperplasia, and adverse remodelling. Recently, endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) was found to contribute to neointimal hyperplasia in mouse vein grafts. We aimed to evaluate the clinical potential of inhibiting EndMT and developed the first dedicated preclinical model to study the efficacy of local EndMT inhibition immediately prior to AVF creation.

Methods and results

We first undertook pilot studies to optimize the creation of a femoral AVF in pigs and verify that EndMT contributes to neointimal formation. We then developed a method to achieve local in vivo SMAD3 knockdown by dwelling a lentiviral construct containing SMAD3 shRNA in the femoral vein prior to AVF creation. Next, in Phase 1, six pigs were randomized to SMAD3 knockdown or control lentivirus to evaluate the effectiveness of SMAD3 knockdown and EndMT inhibition 8 days after AVF creation. In Phase 2, 16 pigs were randomized to SMAD3 knockdown or control lentivirus and were evaluated to assess longer-term effects on AVF diameter, patency, and related measures at 30 days after AVF creation. In Phase 1, compared with controls, SMAD3 knockdown achieved a 75% reduction in the proportion of CD31+ endothelial cells co-expressing SMAD3 (P < 0.001) and also a significant reduction in the extent of EndMT (P < 0.05). In Phase 2, compared with controls, SMAD3 knockdown was associated with an increase in the minimum diameter of the venous limb of the AVF (1.56 ± 1.66 vs. 4.26 ± 1.71 mm, P < 0.01) and a reduced degree of stenosis (P < 0.01). Consistent with this, neointimal thickness was reduced in the SMAD3 knockdown group (0.88 ± 0.51 vs. 0.45 ± 0.19 mm, P < 0.05). Furthermore, endothelial integrity (the proportion of luminal cells expressing endothelial markers) was improved in the SMAD3 knockdown group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

EndMT inhibition in a preclinical AVF model by local SMAD3 knockdown using gene therapy led to reduced neointimal hyperplasia, increased endothelialization, and a reduction in the degree of AVF stenosis. This provides important proof of concept to pursue this approach as a clinical strategy to improve the patency of AVFs and other vein grafts.
Thyroid hormone levels in children with Prader–Willi syndrome: a randomized controlled growth hormone trial and 10-year growth hormone study
Authors: Trueba-Timmermans Demi J , Grootjen Lionne N , Kerkhof Gerthe F , Rings Edmond H H M , Hokken-Koelega Anita C S
Published: July 2024

Context

Several endocrine abnormalities were reported in children with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS), including hypothyroidism. Growth hormone (GH) treatment may impact the thyroid hormone axis by direct inhibition of T4 or TSH secretion or by increased peripheral conversion of free T4 (FT4) to T3.

Objective

The objective of this study is to evaluate thyroid function during GH treatment in a large group of children with PWS.

Methods

Serum FT4, T3, and TSH are measured in a 2-year randomized controlled GH trial (RCT) and 10-year longitudinal GH study (GH treatment with 1.0 mg/m²/day [∼0.035 mg/kg/day]).

Results

Forty-nine children with PWS were included in the 2-year RCT (median [interquartile range, IQR] age: GH group 7.44 [5.47-11.80] years, control group 6.04 [4.56-7.39] years). During the first 6 months, median (IQR) FT4 standard deviation score (SDS) decreased in the GH group from −0.84 (−1.07 to −0.62) to −1.32 (−1.57 to −1.08) (P < .001) and T3 SDS increased from 0.31 (−0.01-0.63) to 0.56 (0.32-0.79) (P = .08), while in the control group, FT4 and T3 SDS remained unchanged. In our 10-year GH study, 240 children with PWS (median [IQR] age: 1.27 (0.54-4.17) years] were included. Between 2 and 10 years, median (IQR) FT4 SDS remained unchanged, being −0.87 (−0.98 to −0.77) after 2 years and −0.88 (−1.03 to −0.74) after 10 years (P = .13). TSH SDS decreased from −0.35 (−0.50 to −0.21) after 2 years to −0.68 (−0.84 to −0.53) after 10 years (P < .001).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that GH treatment decreases FT4 levels, due to increased peripheral conversion of FT4 to T3 in the first months of treatment, but thereafter, FT4 and T3 normalize and remain stable during long-term GH treatment in almost all children and adolescents with PWS.
Personality traits and technical efficiency of Chinese rice farmers
Authors: Qian Chen , Zhu Xueqin , Antonides Gerrit , Heerink Nico
Published: July 2024

Given the complex managerial tasks and the risks and uncertainties involved in agricultural production, it is expected that personality traits may play an integral role in shaping farmers’ performance. This study uses a large rural household survey dataset collected in three rice-producing provinces in China to examine this proposition. We find that openness to experience and internal locus of control have favourable effects on technical efficiency (TE), while agreeableness and neuroticism are associated with lower TE. Cognitive skills, as measured by years of education, do not contribute to higher TE of the interviewed farmers. These results imply that the motivational component of human capital (i.e. personality traits) is of greater importance for a farmer’s managerial performance than cognitive skills attained through current formal education. The effectiveness of policies aimed at improving rural welfare may be enhanced by adapting agricultural training programmes to include fostering entrepreneurial and social skills, especially for those with unfavourable personality traits for agricultural production, in addition to improving agricultural knowledge.
May Measurement Month 2021: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Paraguay
Authors: Paniagua Maria , Ortellado José , Beaney Thomas , Clarke Jonathan , Castillo Manuel , Villamayor Abdón , Poulter Neil R , Aparicio Rocío
Published: July 2024

The aim of this study was to highlight the importance of measuring blood pressure (BP) to identify new, known, and treated individuals with hypertension and to raise awareness in the general population about the importance of good BP control. In Paraguay, 3663 individuals aged ≥18 years of both sexes were recruited from May to November 2021 as part of the May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign, which was initiated by the International Society of Hypertension in 2017. Volunteers of 18 regional health teams applied the questionnaire provided by the MMM 2021 organization throughout the country. Due to COVID-19 constraints, the majority of the questionnaires (52.2%) were administered in health centres of the Ministry of Health and concluded with three BP and pulse readings using OMRON-automated BP measurement devices. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg or as a diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg or taking antihypertensive medication. We found that 57.4% of screenees were hypertensive and 72.9% of these (82.3% of women and 59.4% of men) had known hypertension. Of patients with hypertension, 70.1% were on antihypertensive medication, and 40.9% had controlled BP (<140/90 mmHg). Among hypertensives detected, 79.7% of women were on antihypertensive medication and 44.1% had controlled BP, while 56.4% of men were on treatment and 34.3% had controlled BP. In summary, we found high levels of hypertension with high rates of awareness and treatment particularly among women, although control rates were low particularly among men. This may be because most screening was conducted predominately in hospital settings.
May Measurement Month 2021: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Pakistan
Authors: Memon Feroz S , Beaney Thomas , Bai Kavita , Ishaq Muhammad , Memon Salma , Kerr Gabriele , Poulter Neil R
Published: July 2024

A worldwide screening initiative called May Measurement Month is held every year with the goal of raising both public and individual awareness of checking blood pressure (BP) and its control. A total of 11 366 volunteer adults (≥18 years) were screened in Pakistan. The mean age of the study population was 47.1 ± 13.2 years and 83.8% were male. Of the 6615 (58.2%) participants with hypertension, 69.1% were aware and 4233(64.0%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of all participants on antihypertensive medication, 41.9% had controlled BP (140/90 mmHg). Of participants with hypertension, only 26.8% had controlled BP. Of the 7133 participants not on antihypertensive medication, 2382 (33.4%) were found to be hypertensive. In Pakistan, the proportion of hypertension and uncontrolled BP remains high, suggesting a widespread lack of adopting healthy lifestyle choices, sufficient healthcare facilities, awareness of checking their BP, and also inadequate management of hypertension.
May Measurement Month 2021: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Nigeria
Authors: Wahab Kolawole W , Dele-Ojo Bolade , Ahmadi-Abhari Sara , Okubadejo Njide , Odili Augustine , Aje Akinyemi , Idoko Patrick , Gbadamosi Maruf , Abubakar Sani , Akintunde Adeseye , Aigbe Fred , Makusidi Muhammad , Nyandaiti Yakub , Poulter Neil R , Omotoso Ayodele B ,   MMM21 Nigeria Collaborators, Kolo Philip M , Ayoola Yekeen , Bello Halima , Alaofin Wemimo , Bello Hamzat Abiodun , Ogunmodede Ayodele , Olanrewaju Timothy , Iwuozo Emmanuel , Okafor Christian , Akinlade Mathias , Opadijo Oladimeji G , Ogah Okechukwu , Obiako Reginald , Amusa Ganiyu , Gbadamosi Hakeem , Amadi Casmir , Ale Adegoke , Ukpeh Ido , Effa Emmanuel
Published: July 2024

There is a need to constantly assess the awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in Nigeria. This study determined the frequency of undiagnosed hypertension across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. We conducted an opportunistic screening of adults aged at least 18 years in the month of May 2021. Participants were recruited by trained volunteers using the May Measurement Month protocol. Blood pressure (BP) was measured using validated digital sphygmomanometers. We defined hypertension as systolic BP ≥ 140 and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg and/or the use of BP-lowering medications. A total of 9361 participants (51.5% females) with a mean age of 40.7 ± 15.5 years were screened. Hypertension was present in 3192 (34.1%) of the participants. About half (1491, 46.7%) of the hypertensives were unaware of the diagnosis. Among the 3192 participants with hypertension, less than half (1540, 48.2%) were on antihypertensive medications, while only 36.4% of those on antihypertensive medications had their BP controlled (<140/90 mmHg). About one-third of Nigerians in this opportunistic screening had hypertension, with about half of them being unaware of their diagnosis while only about two out of every five on antihypertensive medications had controlled BP. Urgent health actions are needed in Nigeria to reduce the burden of hypertension and its complications.
May Measurement Month 2021: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Nepal
Authors: Inagaki Yoko , Koirala Sweta , Paudel Kiran , Tiwari Kiran , Sapkota Abhishek , Babu Soti Pabitra , Clarke Jonathan , Beaney Thomas , Poulter Neil R , Neupane Dinesh
Published: July 2024

Despite the well-recognized importance of prevention and early treatment of hypertension, the majority of adults in Nepal are not aware of their high blood pressure (BP) and are left untreated. In this paper, we report the result of the May Measure Month 2021 campaign in Nepal: a nationwide community-based hypertension screening campaign. An opportunistic cross-sectional survey was conducted in 15 districts between September 2021 and December 2021. An individual was included if aged 18 years or more and provided informed consent. Structured questionnaires were administered, and BP was measured three times in a sitting position by trained volunteers. A total of 5172 participants were included. The median age (interquartile range) was 37 (25–51), and 49.9% were female. The mean (SD) of the systolic and diastolic BP was 123.9 (14.9) and 80.2 (9.3) mmHg, respectively. A total of 1066 participants (20.6%) were identified as hypertensive (systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg or on antihypertensive medication), of whom 399 (39.5%) and 298 (29.5%) were aware of their BP status and treated with at least one antihypertensive medicine, respectively. Blood pressure control (<140/90 mmHg) was achieved in 15.6% of all hypertensives and in 56.0% of treated individuals. Multivariate logistic regression showed an association between hypertension and the following variables: every 1-year increase of age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.13 (1.11–1.15) if age < 40 and OR = 1.05 (1.04–1.06) if age ≥ 40], male [OR = 1.57 (1.33–1.89)], regular alcohol use [OR = 1.59 (1.30–1.93)], and diabetes [OR = 2.63 (1.93–3.58)]. Hypertension awareness, treatment, and control were suboptimal in Nepal. This study supports a strong need to scale up community-based hypertension programmes in Nepal and raises the possibility of task sharing with community health workers.
May Measurement Month 2021: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Malawi
Authors: Ndhlovu Henry , Chirwa Maureen , Mbulaje Lucia , Chiwanda Jonathan , Beaney Thomas , Janssen-Telders Carolina , Poulter Neil R
Published: July 2024

May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global initiative aiming at raising awareness and screening people for blood pressure (BP) for free. Malawi started participating in 2017 due to our membership with the International Society of Hypertension, and this was done mainly to raise awareness of high BP, which could be of benefit to the population. An opportunistic cross-sectional survey of participants aged 18 years and above was carried out from May to September 2021 in Blantyre and Lilongwe. All BP measurements, definition of hypertension, and statistical analysis followed the standard MMM protocol. A total of 7074 participants took part with 4348 (61.5%) being male and 2726 (38.5%) female. A total of 1525 (21.6%) participants were found to have hypertension. Of these, 84 (5.5%) were aware that they had the condition, and 81 (5.3%) of those with hypertension were on antihypertensive treatment. Of those on antihypertensive treatment, 61 (76.5%) had controlled BP. The screenings were done in just two districts and a few locations, which therefore are not representative of the whole country. This shows there is a significant need to expand screening opportunities within Malawi for early detection of hypertension to have a greater impact on the country as far as the fight against hypertension is concerned.
May Measurement Month 2021: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Zimbabwe
Authors: Gwini Rudo , Beaney Thomas , Kerr Gabriele , Poulter Neil R , Mwembe Desmond , Chifamba Jephat
Published: July 2024

The May Measurement Month 2021 campaign in Zimbabwe was aimed at assessing the frequency of hypertension and improving awareness among the population of the sequelae of elevated blood pressure (BP). Participants aged 18 years and above were recruited at outdoor booths to fill out a questionnaire and provide three BP measurements with 1-min intervals. Of the 2094 participants, over one-third (37.3%) were hypertensive, half of hypertensives (49.7%) were aware they had elevated pressure, and less than half (45.0%) of the hypertensive patients were on antihypertensive medications. Increasing age was directly proportional to hypertension with a large leap from 9.5 to 27.7% between the 18–29 and 30–39 age groups. Hypertension remains a major public health challenge in Zimbabwe. Improving access to preventive health screening services as well as treatment facilities is essential to early detect and control hypertension.
A Risk Variant rs6922617 in TREM Is Discrepantly Associated With Defining Neuropathological Hallmarks in the Alzheimer’s Continuum
Authors: Qian Shuangjie , Zheng Yi , Jiang Tao , Hou Jialong , Cao Ruixue , Cai Jinlai , Ma Enzi , Wang Wenwen , Song Weihong , Xie Chenglong
Published: July 2024

The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-rs6922617 in the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM) gene cluster is a potential risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here, we examined whether rs6922617 is associated with AD-defining neuropathological hallmarks and memory performance. We assessed the interaction between the variant rs6922617 and levels of beta-amyloid (Aβ), tau pathology, neurodegeneration, namely amyloid-tau-neurodegeneration framework, and cognition functions in 660 healthy controls, 794 mild cognitively impaired, and 272 subjects with AD. We employed linear regression and linear mixed models to examine the association. Here we find that the SNP-rs6922617 in the TREM gene cluster is associated with a higher global amyloid-ligands positron emission tomography (Aβ-PET) burden and lower fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) load. Interestingly, rs6922617 risk allele carriers exhibit a significantly reduced tau accumulation compared to the non-carriers, indicating a discrepant association with Aβ and tau pathologies. Though the participants carrying the rs6922617 risk allele do not show a correlation with poorer cognitive performance, stronger neuropathological phenotypes, and memory impairments are evident in ApoE ε4 carriers with the rs6922617 risk allele. These results support the notion that the SNP-rs6922617 in the TREM gene cluster is associated with AD-related neuropathological hallmarks, such as Aβ and FDG-mediated neurodegeneration, rather than tau accumulation. Although the direct association with memory impairment in the Alzheimer’s continuum remains inconclusive, our findings suggest a potential role of rs6922617 in facilitating neuropathology hallmarks.
Exploring Older Adults’ Subjective Views on Aging Positively: Development and Validation of the Positive Aging Scale
Authors: Park Miriam Sang-Ah , Badham Stephen , Vizcaino-Vickers Samuel , Fino Emanuele
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives

Historically, aging research has focused primarily on health deterioration and negative aspects associated with aging. This has limited the scope of our understanding of the experience of aging and the relationships between aging and well-being from an integrative biopsychosocial perspective. In the same vein, there is a lack of reliable and valid assessments of aging that capture the positive aspects that characterize and improve the subjective experience of this period of life, particularly one that focuses on psychosocial well-being, including meaningful experiences and activities, group memberships, and general abilities. This study presents the development and validation of the Positive Aging Scale (PAS), a novel self-report assessment.

Research Design and Methods

This was an online cross-sectional study conducted on 501 UK residents aged ≥60 years. A number of self-reported items and measures of positive aging, general health, well-being, and cognitive functioning were administered to the sample. We used exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and assessed the dimensionality, reliability, and concurrent criterion-related validity of the PAS.

Results

The results suggested that a unidimensional solution represents the data well, with the positive aging factor adequately loading on 8 items, and the solution showing factorial invariance between young-old and old participants (i.e., ≥75 years). Total PAS scores positively correlate with general health, well-being, and cognitive functioning.

Discussion and Implications

The PAS demonstrated strong psychometric properties and the findings highlight correlations between the PAS and key outcomes of positive aging, including general health. Implications for research and interventions are discussed.
Prioritizing Protecting Oneself Over the COVID-19 Virus Versus Other Health and Social Needs Among Older Adults Living Alone: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Develay Élise , Dassieu Lise , Beauchet Olivier , Galery Kevin , Quesnel-Vallée Amélie , Karunananthan Sathya , Godard-Sebillotte Claire , Archambault Patrick , Launay Cyrille , Tchouaket Éric , Puzhko Svetlana , Holyoke Paul , Sourial Nadia
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives

People aged 65 and older, deemed most “vulnerable” by public health, were targeted by the coronavirus disease 2019 protection measures, which sought to minimize physical contact and social activities. Older adults living alone were particularly affected by these measures. However, such measures meant to protect the older population may not have necessarily reflected older adults’ individual prioritization choices. This study therefore aimed to understand how protecting oneself over the virus was considered in the prioritization of other health and social needs of older adults living alone during the pandemic.

Research Design and Methods

This study adopted a qualitative design. A total of 17 semistructured interviews were conducted between May 2021 and June 2022 with older adults living alone. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. A reflexive thematic analysis as defined by Braun and Clarke was performed.

Results

Our analysis showed 2 forms of prioritization across 2 themes. This first theme focused on participants who reported prioritizing protecting themselves over the virus by limiting in-person contact and activities. The second theme showed that although several participants reported that protecting themselves over the virus was important to them, the prioritization of this need was not shared by all and, in some cases, evolved over the course of the pandemic.

Discussion and Implications

Our study demonstrated heterogeneity in the prioritization of older adults needs. Future public health recommendations should consider these variations in the needs and priorities of older adults when determining public health measures.
Integrative Omics Uncovers Low Tumorous Magnesium Content as A Driver Factor of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zhang Rou , Hu Meng , Liu Yu , Li Wanmeng , Xu Zhiqiang , He Siyu , Lu Ying , Gong Yanqiu , Wang Xiuxuan , Hai Shan , Li Shuangqing , Qi Shiqian , Li Yuan , Shu Yang , Du Dan , Zhang Huiyuan , Xu Heng , Zhou Zongguang , Lei Peng , Chen Hai-Ning , Dai Lunzhi
Published: July 2024

Magnesium (Mg) deficiency is associated with increased risk and malignancy in colorectal cancer (CRC), yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we used genomic, proteomic, and phosphoproteomic data to elucidate the impact of Mg deficiency on CRC. Genomic analysis identified 160 genes with higher mutation frequencies in Low-Mg tumors, including key driver genes such as KMT2C and ERBB3. Unexpectedly, initiation driver genes of CRC, such as TP53 and APC, displayed higher mutation frequencies in High-Mg tumors. Additionally, proteomic and phosphoproteomic data indicated that low Mg content in tumors may activate epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) by modulating inflammation or remodeling the phosphoproteome of cancer cells. Notably, we observed a negative correlation between the phosphorylation of DBN1 at S142 (DBN1S142p) and Mg content. A mutation in S142 to D (DBN1S142D) mimicking DBN1S142p up-regulated MMP2 and enhanced cell migration, while treatment with MgCl2 reduced DBN1S142p, thereby reversing this phenotype. Mechanistically, Mg2+ attenuated the DBN1–ACTN4 interaction by decreasing DBN1S142p, which in turn enhanced the binding of ACTN4 to F-actin and promoted F-actin polymerization, ultimately reducing MMP2 expression. These findings shed new light on the crucial role of Mg deficiency in CRC progression and suggest that Mg supplementation may be a promising preventive and therapeutic strategy for CRC.
Successful Long-Term Treatment of Collagenous Sprue With Tacrolimus in a 25-Year-Old With Severe Intestinal Failure
Authors: Lange Kathleen , Stallhofer Johannes , Gaßler Nikolaus , Ripoll Cristina , Stallmach Andreas
Published: July 2024

Lay Summary

A 25-year-old male presented with chronic watery diarrhea and severe intestinal failure due to collagenous sprue. Treatments, including immunosuppressants and a gluten-free diet, were ineffective. Tacrolimus shows promise in treating refractory cases.
The curious genealogy of the “executive state”: A critical review of the latest administrative reform in Greece
Authors: Kivotidis Dimitrios
Published: July 2024

This article critically discusses the latest reform of the Greek administration system, which took the form of an Act establishing an “executive state.” It intends to make two contributions to the existing literature. First, it offers a critique of the executive state. Existing critiques generally focus on the bureaucratic concentration of powers in the office of the Prime Minister or the abandonment of positive elements found in previous reform attempts. However, they largely accept the reform as a technical response to the crisis. In contrast, this article presents a comprehensive critique that fully addresses the historic origins and contemporary significance of the notion and institutional forms of the executive state, revealing it as a political, rather than technical, measure that reflects deeper views about the relationship between the state, the economy, and society. Additionally, the article assesses the two main effects of this administrative reform—the centralization and depoliticization of policymaking—as manifestations of an authoritarian shift. The second contribution concerns the literature on authoritarian liberalism, which examines the authoritarian tendencies inherent in liberal forms and ideals. While several authors have explored the authoritarian tendencies of institutional reform in the face of crisis, this article seeks to explore the authoritarian phenomenon as part of a process of market capture and to examine its effects specifically on administrative law and structures. Ultimately, this article argues that administrative reform in Greece follows a rather sinister genealogy, and must be understood as an essential counterpart to the generalized and sustained attack on social and political rights following the dictates of the market.
A Prospective Evaluation of the Diagnostic Accuracy of the Point-of-Care VISITECT CD4 Advanced Disease Test in 7 Countries
Authors: Gils Tinne , Hella Jerry , Jacobs Bart K M , Sossen Bianca , Mukoka Madalo , Muyoyeta Monde , Nakabugo Elizabeth , Van Nguyen Hung , Ubolyam Sasiwimol , Macé Aurélien , Vermeulen Marcia , Nyangu Sarah , Sanjase Nsala , Sasamalo Mohamed , Dinh Huong Thi , Ngo The Anh , Manosuthi Weerawat , Jirajariyavej Supunnee , Denkinger Claudia M , Nguyen Nhung Viet , Avihingsanon Anchalee , Nakiyingi Lydia , Székely Rita , Kerkhoff Andrew D , MacPherson Peter , Meintjes Graeme , Reither Klaus , Ruhwald Morten
Published: July 2024

Background

CD4 measurement is pivotal in the management of advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease. VISITECT CD4 Advanced Disease (VISITECT; AccuBio, Ltd) is an instrument-free, point-of-care, semiquantitative test allowing visual identification of CD4 ≤ 200 cells/µL or >200 cells/ µL from finger-prick or venous blood.

Methods

As part of a diagnostic accuracy study of FUJIFILM SILVAMP TB LAM, people with HIV ≥18 years old were prospectively recruited in 7 countries from outpatient departments if a tuberculosis symptom was present, and from inpatient departments. Participants provided venous blood for CD4 measurement using flow cytometry (reference standard) and finger-prick blood for VISITECT (index text), performed at point-of-care. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of VISITECT to determine CD4 ≤ 200 cells/ µL were evaluated.

Results

Among 1604 participants, the median flow cytometry CD4 was 367 cells/µL (interquartile range, 128–626 cells/µL) and 521 (32.5%) had CD4 ≤ 200 cells/µL. VISITECT sensitivity was 92.7% (483/521; 95% confidence interval [CI], 90.1%–94.7%) and specificity was 61.4% (665/1083; 95% CI, 58.4%–64.3%). For participants with CD4 0–100, 101–200, 201–300, 301–500, and >500 cells/µL, VISITECT misclassified 4.5% (95% CI, 2.5%–7.2%), 12.5 (95% CI, 8.0%–18.2%), 74.1% (95% CI, 67.0%–80.5%), 48.0% (95% CI, 42.5%–53.6%), and 22.6% (95% CI, 19.3%–26.3%), respectively.

Conclusions

VISITECT's sensitivity, but not specificity, met the World Health Organization's minimal sensitivity and specificity threshold of 80% for point-of-care CD4 tests. VISITECT's quality needs to be assessed and its accuracy optimized. VISITECT’s utility as CD4 triage test should be investigated.

Clinical Trials Registration. NCT04089423.
The Second Wave of Attention Economics. Attention as a Universal Symbolic Currency on Social Media and beyond
Authors: Heitmayer Maxi
Published: July 2024

Since the advent of social media, capturing and holding the attention of people has become paramount for the success of products, political messages and even research. The economics of attention is often seen as part of the market economy. We argue that a larger societal transformation is underway, which will see attention become the defining currency that moves individuals, exchanges, and many other elements of society. This paper connects the attention economy to the institutional foundations of modernity. It then discusses how attention can be accumulated and exchanged like a currency and proposes a dual-stream model distinguishing between calcified and flow attention. Based on this model, we investigate recent developments facilitating the use of attention as a currency, and their potential impact on our daily lives more generally. We conclude by providing an outlook and concrete questions for future research to understand where the economics of attention economy is heading.
Representation of Social Determinants of Health terminology in medical subject headings: impact of added terms
Authors: Suda-King Chikako , Winch Lucas , Tucker James M , Zuehlke Abbey D , Hunter Christine , Simmons Janine M
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To enhance and evaluate the quality of PubMed search results for Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) through the addition of new SDoH terms to Medical Subject Headings (MeSH).

Materials and Methods

High priority SDoH terms and definitions were collated from authoritative sources, curated based on publication frequencies, and refined by subject matter experts. Descriptive analyses were used to investigate how PubMed search details and best match results were affected by the addition of SDoH concepts to MeSH. Three information retrieval metrics (Precision, Recall, and F measure) were used to quantitatively assess the accuracy of PubMed search results. Pre- and post-update documents were clustered into topic areas using a Natural Language Processing pipeline, and SDoH relevancy assessed.

Results

Addition of 35 SDoH terms to MeSH resulted in more accurate algorithmic translations of search terms and more reliable best match results. The Precision, Recall, and F measures of post-update results were significantly higher than those of pre-update results. The percentage of retrieved publications belonging to SDoH clusters was significantly greater in the post- than pre-update searches.

Discussion

This evaluation confirms that inclusion of new SDoH terms in MeSH can lead to qualitative and quantitative enhancements in PubMed search retrievals. It demonstrates the methodology for and impact of suggesting new terms for MeSH indexing. It provides a foundation for future efforts across behavioral and social science research (BSSR) domains.

Conclusion

Improving the representation of BSSR terminology in MeSH can improve PubMed search results, thereby enhancing the ability of investigators and clinicians to build and utilize a cumulative BSSR knowledge base.
Pregnancy episodes in All of Us: harnessing multi-source data for pregnancy-related research
Authors: Smith Louisa H , Wang Wanjiang , Keefe-Oates Brianna
Published: July 2024

Objectives

The National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Program addresses gaps in biomedical research by collecting health data from diverse populations. Pregnant individuals have historically been underrepresented in biomedical research, and pregnancy-related research is often limited by data availability, sample size, and inadequate representation of the diversity of pregnant people. All of Us integrates a wealth of health-related data, providing a unique opportunity to conduct comprehensive pregnancy-related research. We aimed to identify pregnancy episodes with high-quality electronic health record (EHR) data in All of Us Research Program data and evaluate the program’s utility for pregnancy-related research.

Materials and Methods

We used a previously published algorithm to identify pregnancy episodes in All of Us EHR data. We described these pregnancies, validated them with All of Us survey data, and compared them to national statistics.

Results

Our study identified 18 970 pregnancy episodes from 14 234 participants; other possible pregnancy episodes had low-quality or insufficient data. Validation against people who reported a current pregnancy on an All of Us survey found low false positive and negative rates. Demographics were similar in some respects to national data; however, Asian-Americans were underrepresented, and older, highly educated pregnant people were overrepresented.

Discussion

Our approach demonstrates the capacity of All of Us to support pregnancy research and reveals the diversity of the pregnancy cohort. However, we noted an underrepresentation among some demographics. Other limitations include measurement error in gestational age and limited data on non-live births.

Conclusion

The wide variety of data in the All of Us program, encompassing EHR, survey, genomic, and fitness tracker data, offers a valuable resource for studying pregnancy, yet care must be taken to avoid biases.
Native Polistes wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) hold potential as biocontrol agents for lepidopteran pests of Brassica
Authors: Jandt Jennifer M , McCall Erin , Toth Amy L
Published: July 2024

Social paper wasps regularly prey upon lepidopteran larvae, some of which are economically impactful agricultural pest species. We examined the potential of native North American Polistes metricus Say (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) and Polistes fuscatus (Fabricius) for biocontrol of Brassica L. pests in an experimental setting. First, we translocated P. metricus to one-half of a divided screened hoop house and placed a mix of 4th–5th instar lepidopteran larvae (Trichoplusia ni (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Pieris spp. Schrank (Lepidoptera: Pieridae), and Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)) on half of the broccoli plants on both sides of the hoop house. We recorded and replaced missing caterpillars daily, and assessed leaf damage after 1 wk. P. metricus was 100% effective at removing all caterpillars from the wasp side of the hoop house, and plant damage by caterpillars was significantly reduced in the presence of wasps. We then replicated the study using a different combination of Polistes (fuscatus) and Brassica crop (kale) with a 2 × 2 experimental design in which plants had either T. ni larvae added or absent (factor 1), and were either covered with insect mesh or left exposed (factor 2). By the second day of exposure to these pest species, wasps removed over 80% of the larvae within 3 h of placing them on the plants. We discuss implications of this study for the potential use of native Polistes wasps as an integrated pest management strategy.
Enhanced CCR2 expression by ACKR2-deficient NK cells increases tumoricidal cell therapy efficacy
Authors: Hayes Alan J , Pingen Marieke , Wilson Gillian , Hansell Chris , Love Samantha , Burgoyne Paul , McElroy Daniel , Bartolini Robin , Vidler Francesca , Schuette Fabian , Gamble Alistair , Campbell Jordan , Galatis Dimitrios , Campbell John D M , Graham Gerard J
Published: July 2024

Chemokines regulate leukocyte navigation to inflamed sites and specific tissue locales and may therefore be useful for ensuring accurate homing of cell therapeutic products. We, and others, have shown that atypical chemokine receptor 2 (ACKR2)-deficient mice (ACKR2−/−) are protected from metastasis development in cell line and spontaneous mouse models. We have shown that this relates to enhanced CCR2 expression on ACKR2−/− natural killer cells, allowing them to home more effectively to CCR2 ligand-expressing metastatic deposits. Here we demonstrate that the metastatic-suppression phenotype in ACKR2−/− mice is not a direct effect of the absence of ACKR2. Instead, enhanced natural killer cell CCR2 expression is caused by passenger mutations that originate from the creation of the ACKR2−/− mouse strain in 129 embryonic stem cells. We further demonstrate that simple selection of CCR2+ natural killer cells enriches for a population of cells with enhanced antimetastatic capabilities. Given the widespread expression of CCR2 ligands by tumors, our study highlights CCR2 as a potentially important contributor to natural killer cell tumoricidal cell therapy.