bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant activity of Robusta coffee peel extract (Coffea canephora Pierre ex A. Froehner) and its formulation as a face serum gel
Authors: Maysarah H , Desiyana L S , Sari I , Rapiah S N , Illian D N , Husni M A
Published: July 2024

The utilization of coffee peel becomes crucial in the coffee manufacturing process since the amount of coffee peel waste produced is proportional to the amount of coffee harvested. The ethanolic extract of Robusta coffee peel contains polyphenolic, which known as natural antioxidants. Phytochemical screening, antioxidant activity of Robusta coffee peels by the DPPH radical scavenging assay, and their formulation into a face serum gel were carried out. Phytochemical screening showed that Robusta coffee peel extract contains alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins and triterpenoids. The antioxidant activity of Robusta coffee peel extract gave an IC50 value 27.9657 µg/mL, which is considered to have very significant antioxidant activity. Formulas I and II of the serum gel formulation contain 0.006% and 0.009% of the Robusta coffee peel extract, respectively. The organoleptic, viscosity, pH, spreadability, adhesion, and stability tests have met all of the parameters. The serum gel passed the preparation’s irritation test without showing any signs of irritation. The antioxidant activity of face serum gel gave an IC50 value of 56.2754 µg/mL in formula I, which was categorized as having strong antioxidant activity, and 30.3451 µg/mL in formula II, which was categorized as having very strong antioxidant activity. In summary, Robusta coffee peel extract has the potential to be a natural antioxidant and might be made into a face serum gel preparation.
Organizational factors affecting supply chain vulnerability of building project
Authors: Nurisra  , Sugiarto  , Mubarak  , Oktaviani C Z , Fachrurrazi
Published: July 2024

The project construction supply chain can be particularly vulnerable to disruptive events because of the dispersed nature of temporary project teams and the unpredictability of the operating environment. Supply chain vulnerabilities are the fundamental elements that leave the business subject to disruption. It is necessary to identify the vulnerabilities in the supply chain before attempting to improve its resilience. This study proposes to identify the primary causes of organizational vulnerability in the supply chain of construction projects based on these problems. The study focuses on medium-sized and large construction companies that work on building projects in Aceh Province between 2018 and 2022. This study used a data collection technique by distributing questionnaires to contractor companies involved in construction projects. The primary data collection was analyzed using descriptive analysis and the Relative Importance Index (RII) method. The results obtained show that management vulnerability is the main vulnerable factor in the organization of the supply chain of construction projects, with the highest index being delayed in information and decision-making with an RII value of 0.9118. The findings of this study may be useful to contractor firms in managing the construction project supply chain.
Determining the zoning pattern of education facilities based on aspects of density and radius of settlements in Banda Aceh
Authors: Agussaini H , Muliadi  , Awana A A , Lathifah D
Published: July 2024

The zoning system is a refinement of the rayonization system used in the admission of new students (Penerimaan Peserta Didik Baru-PPDB). The government implemented this system to achieve equal distribution of access and quality of education nationally. However, the zoning system faces several obstacles that prevent it from running optimally. In Banda Aceh, the distribution of State-owned Senior High Schools (SMAN) is uneven across sub-districts, making the PPDB difficult to implement. This study examines the accessibility of settlements in Banda Aceh by analyzing the distribution of high school education facilities. The study uses the spatial analysis method (service area) to determine the accessibility of SMAN to settlements in Banda Aceh. The results show that at a distance of 1600 meters, 48.12% of all settlements were served, while for a 10-minute travel time, 24.87% of the total settlements were served. The data suggests that SMAN education facilities are not evenly distributed throughout residential areas in Banda Aceh. This is true for both the ideal distance of 1600 meters and the travel distance of under 10 minutes, with less than 50% coverage. To address this issue, new SMAN schools should be added to reduce the distance between schools and residences.
Analysis of tough clay soil plastic index from several quarries in Aceh Besar District for seismic mitigation
Authors: Munirwansyah M , Putri D A
Published: July 2024

Clay soils that tend to have the potential for landslides and earthquake-induced cracking are a serious problem in the development of infrastructure and settlements in the area. This research investigation sample was collected at a quarry in several areas of Aceh Besar District to identify problematic soil behavior in various quarries. The method used was stabilization by conducting compaction testing to obtain the optimum moisture content of the natural soil. The quarry soil samples taken were disturbed samples, which were then tested directly at the Soil Mechanics Laboratory. The data used in this study is the plastic index (PI) value. This research aims to assess stabilization strategies for problematic clay soils as an earthquake risk mitigation effort in the Aceh Besar region. The results of this study are expected to provide practical guidance for stakeholders in planning and developing more earthquake-resistant infrastructure in Aceh Besar. The result of the test showed that the OMC value was 36.3% with a dry weight of 1.22 gr/cm3.
Optical characterizations of densely doped Tm3+:KYW crystals at low temperatures
Authors: Lei Yisheng , Kling Trevor , Hosseini Mahdi
Published: July 2024

We investigate the optical lifetime, decay characteristics, spectral linewidth and energy level properties of thulium ions doped in a KY(WO

4

)

2

crystal at 4 K temperature. High doping concentration of thulium ions with inhomogeneous broadening allow us to study nonradiative behaviors, instantaneous spectral diffusion, and spectral power broadening in this solid-state material. The theoretical consideration of ion–ion interactions is shown to accurately characterize the absorption, decay and other spectral behaviors of Tm

3
+

ions. We observe more than ten-fold reduction in the decay time of 3H4 state and about three-fold reduction in the spectral-hole lifetime as we approach the center of the inhomogeneous broadening, corresponding to higher optical densities.
Efficient protein structure archiving using ProteStAr
Authors: Deorowicz Sebastian , Gudyś Adam
Published: July 2024

Motivation

The introduction of Deep Minds’ Alpha Fold 2 enabled the prediction of protein structures at an unprecedented scale. AlphaFold Protein Structure Database and ESM Metagenomic Atlas contain hundreds of millions of structures stored in CIF and/or PDB formats. When compressed with a general-purpose utility like gzip, this translates to tens of terabytes of data, which hinders the effective use of predicted structures in large-scale analyses.

Results

Here, we present ProteStAr, a compressor dedicated to CIF/PDB, as well as supplementary PAE files. Its main contribution is a novel approach to predicting atom coordinates on the basis of the previously analyzed atoms. This allows efficient encoding of the coordinates, the largest component of the protein structure files. The compression is lossless by default, though the lossy mode with a controlled maximum error of coordinates reconstruction is also present. Compared to the competing packages, i.e. BinaryCIF, Foldcomp, PDC, our approach offers a superior compression ratio at established reconstruction accuracy. By the efficient use of threads at both compression and decompression stages, the algorithm takes advantage of the multicore architecture of current central processing units and operates with speeds of about 1 GB/s. The presence of Python and C++ API further increases the usability of the presented method.

Availability and implementation

The source code of ProteStAr is available at https://github.com/refresh-bio/protestar.
Paediatric magnetoencephalography and its role in neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Rhodes Natalie , Sato Julie , Safar Kristina , Amorim Kaela , Taylor Margot J , Brookes Matthew J
Published: July 2024

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a non-invasive neuroimaging technique that assesses neurophysiology through the detection of the magnetic fields generated by neural currents. In this way, it is sensitive to brain activity, both in individual regions and brain-wide networks. Conventional MEG systems employ an array of sensors that must be cryogenically cooled to low temperature, in a rigid one-size-fits-all helmet. Systems are typically designed to fit adults and are therefore challenging to use for paediatric measurements. Despite this, MEG has been employed successfully in research to investigate neurodevelopmental disorders, and clinically for presurgical planning for paediatric epilepsy. Here, we review the applications of MEG in children, specifically focussing on autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Our review demonstrates the significance of MEG in furthering our understanding of these neurodevelopmental disorders, while also highlighting the limitations of current instrumentation. We also consider the future of paediatric MEG, with a focus on newly developed instrumentation based on optically pumped magnetometers (OPM-MEG). We provide a brief overview of the development of OPM-MEG systems, and how this new technology might enable investigation of brain function in very young children and infants.
Investigating the impact of schizophrenia traits on attention: the role of the theta band in a modified Posner cueing paradigm
Authors: Qu Hongyu , Zhao Shuo , Li Zimo , Wu Jinglong , Murai Toshiya , Li Qi , Wu Yan , Zhang Zhilin
Published: July 2024

Joint attention is an indispensable tool for daily communication. Abnormalities in joint attention may be a key reason underlying social impairment in schizophrenia spectrum disorders. In this study, we aimed to explore the attentional orientation mechanism related to schizotypal traits in a social situation. Here, we employed a Posner cueing paradigm with social attentional cues. Subjects needed to detect the location of a target that is cued by gaze and head orientation. The power in the theta frequency band was used to examine the attentional process in the schizophrenia spectrum. There were four main findings. First, a significant association was found between schizotypal traits and attention orientation in response to invalid gaze cues. Second, individuals with schizotypal traits exhibited significant activation of neural oscillations and synchrony in the theta band, which correlated with their schizotypal tendencies. Third, neural oscillations and synchrony demonstrated a synergistic effect during social tasks, particularly when processing gaze cues. Finally, the relationship between schizotypal traits and attention orientation was mediated by neural oscillations and synchrony in the theta frequency band. These findings deepen our understanding of the impact of theta activity in schizotypal traits on joint attention and offer new insights for future intervention strategies.
Exploring learner engagement in an Indian ESP classroom
Authors: Karthika V K
Published: July 2024

The lack of interest from learners and their struggles to engage in classroom activities can impede the learning process. In this article, I discuss a framework that has proven effective in my teaching environment, fostering both initial and sustained engagement among learners throughout a course. The CLARA model, adapted from Mercer and Dörnyei (2020), outlines key principles of learner engagement upon which educators can draw to design their teaching approaches, with the aim of enhancing learner engagement and improving learning outcomes. As an illustrative example of this model’s effectiveness, I hope to demonstrate how, as a class, we used CLARA to inform our approach. This involved identifying climate action as a theme for our classroom, challenging ourselves to find ways in which we could work on this topic, and creating climate action comics as an interesting, challenging, and effective output for learner creativity and engagement.
Sex differences in treatment of familial hypercholesterolaemia: a meta-analysis
Authors: Iatan Iulia , Akioyamen Leo E , Ruel Isabelle , Guerin Amanda , Hales Lindsay , Coutinho Thais , Brunham Liam R , Genest Jacques
Published: July 2024

Background and Aims

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a highly prevalent monogenic disorder characterized by elevated LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Sex disparities in diagnosis, lipid-lowering therapy, and achieved lipid levels have emerged worldwide, resulting in barriers to care in FH. A systematic review was performed to investigate sex-related disparities in treatment, response, and lipid target achievement in FH (PROSPERO, CRD42022353297).

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, The Cochrane library, PubMed, Scopus, PsycInfo, and grey literature databases were searched from inception to 26 April 2023. Records were eligible if they described sex differences in the treatment of adults with FH.

Results

Of 4432 publications reviewed, 133 met our eligibility criteria. In 16 interventional clinical trials (eight randomized and eight non-randomized; 1840 participants, 49.4% females), there were no differences between males and females in response to fixed doses of lipid-lowering therapy, suggesting that sex was not a determinant of response. Meta-analysis of 25 real-world observational studies (129 441 participants, 53.4% females) found that females were less likely to be on lipid-lowering therapy compared with males (odds ratio .74, 95% confidence interval .66–.85). Importantly, females were less likely to reach an LDL-C < 2.5 mmol/L (odds ratio .85, 95% confidence interval .74–.97). Similarly, treated LDL-C levels were higher in females. Despite this, male sex was associated with a two-fold greater relative risk of major adverse cardiovascular events including myocardial infarction, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and cardiovascular mortality.

Conclusions

Females with FH were less likely to be treated intensively and to reach guideline-recommended LDL-C targets. This sex bias represents a surmountable barrier to clinical care.
Analysis of endogenous NOTCH1 from POFUT1 S162L patient fibroblasts reveals the importance of the O-fucose modification on EGF12 in human development
Authors: Matsumoto Kenjiroo , Luther Kelvin B , Haltiwanger Robert S
Published: July 2024

NOTCH1 is a transmembrane receptor interacting with membrane-tethered ligands on opposing cells that mediate the direct cell–cell interaction necessary for many cell fate decisions. Protein O-fucosyltransferase 1 (POFUT1) adds O-fucose to Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)-like repeats in the NOTCH1 extracellular domain, which is required for trafficking and signaling activation. We previously showed that POFUT1 S162L caused a 90% loss of POFUT1 activity and global developmental defects in a patient; however, the mechanism by which POFUT1 contributes to these symptoms is still unclear. Compared to controls, POFUT1 S162L patient fibroblast cells had an equivalent amount of NOTCH1 on the cell surface but showed a 60% reduction of DLL1 ligand binding and a 70% reduction in JAG1 ligand binding. To determine if the reduction of O-fucose on NOTCH1 in POFUT1 S162L patient fibroblasts was the cause of these effects, we immunopurified endogenous NOTCH1 from control and patient fibroblasts and analyzed O-fucosylation using mass spectral glycoproteomics methods. NOTCH1 EGF8 to EGF12 comprise the ligand binding domain, and O-fucose on EGF8 and EGF12 physically interact with ligands to enhance affinity. Glycoproteomics of NOTCH1 from POFUT1 S162L patient fibroblasts showed WT fucosylation levels at all sites analyzed except for a large decrease at EGF9 and the complete absence of O-fucose at EGF12. Since the loss of O-fucose on EGF12 is known to have significant effects on NOTCH1 activity, this may explain the symptoms observed in the POFUT1 S162L patient.
Assessment of window renovation potential in an apartment with an energy performance approach
Authors: Pekdogan Tugce , Yildizhan Hasan , Ahmadi Mohammad Hossein , Sharifpur Mohsen
Published: July 2024

Windows are of great importance in improving the energy efficiency of buildings. It is possible to achieve this with the help of the regeneration of window design. The amount of energy used, the expense of heating and cooling, and the emissions of greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change can all be significantly reduced by improving the energy efficiency of windows. For this, computer modeling and BIM-based simulation programs provide significant timesaving in simultaneously evaluating design variations’ visual and thermal results. This study selected a four-story residential building to analyze the energy load and thermal comfort of the windows redesign and examine the energy-saving potential for residential buildings. To analyze the renewed window design strategies, a four-story apartment building is selected as a case study in Izmir/Turkey (38° 4′, 27° 2′). This apartment is built on a 90 m2 gross floor area. The existing indoor environmental conditions of the flat are generally observed as cool and low illuminated by the occupants, so the window design options must be compared and renewed. As the first option, current conditions are simulated. The second option is to simulate different patterns for window-to-wall ratio (WWR). Moreover, the third option is to simulate different types of glass in each window. Currently, the WWR of the selected flat in the north, east and south directions is around 10%. But more is needed to provide daylight to the apartment. This article used Autodesk Revit and Green Building Studio simulations to investigate WWR and glass types and evaluate energy use intensity’s (EUI) impact. As a result, this study shows that a 10% WWR on all building facades leads to an EUI of 993.9 MJ/m2/year. In contrast, increasing the WWR to 95% significantly increased EUI, reaching 2121 MJ/m2/year. In addition, it has been shown that the use of low U-value glasses, such as translucent wall panels and super-insulated three-pane clear Low-E, can provide energy savings of up to 5% per year, and especially the super-insulated three-pane Low-E glass type provides the highest efficiency on all facades.
A Credibility Divide? Discerning Truth From Misinformation in Chile
Authors: Bachmann Ingrid , Valenzuela Sebastián , Mujica Constanza , Labarca Claudia , Grassau Daniela , Halpern Daniel
Published: July 2024

Studies on misinformation often overlook people’s assessment of true information, focusing instead on beliefs in and sharing of false content. This is problematic, as it limits scholars’ ability to produce an accurate assessment of citizens’ capacity to distinguish between true and false content. To shed light on this matter, this study relies on a two-wave online survey (Nrespondents = 465) to examine people’s truth discernment, that is, how much they believe and share true content relative to false content. It does so in Chile over two different crises: after the 2019 protests (Wave 1, November 2019), and at the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic (Wave 2, May–June 2020). While true information was deemed credible more often than false information, discernment tended to be better for those who had a better perception of traditional media content and those more politically engaged. Conversely, credibility and sharing of false content tended to be more common with younger people and those with high levels of trust in social media. Over time, levels of credibility and sharing discernment remained stable.
Global Misinformation & Disinformation Special Issue Introduction
Authors: Lukito Josephine
Published: July 2024

This introductory article discusses the current state of scholarship about global misinformation and disinformation, highlighting key actors that researchers study, common research questions, and differences between within-country and between-country mis/disinformation. It also provides an overview of the 8 submissions in the International Journal of Public Opinion’s special issue on Global Misinformation and Disinformation.
Gendering Zoom Diplomacy: Women’s Participation in Digital Diplomacy
Authors: Donovan Outi
Published: July 2024

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent emergence of “Zoom diplomacy,” scholarship on digital diplomacy has shifted attention from the nexus between social media and foreign policy to exploring the use of digital technologies in diplomatic encounters. While these studies have generated important insights on the affordances and limitations of digital diplomacy, we know much less about the impact of digitalization on the gendered hierarchies and power dynamics that characterize diplomatic practices. In what ways does digitalization of diplomacy shape these hierarchical and gendered practices of diplomacy? In taking stock of recent empirical findings on digital diplomacy, the analysis reviews the varied effects of digitalization on women’s diplomatic agency. Focusing on peace diplomacy, it suggests that digitalization of diplomacy produces ambivalent agency where digitalization opens up some opportunities for disrupting gendered diplomatic practices, but within patriarchal gender structures. The analysis highlights the ways in which digital diplomatic agency and competence are shaped by gendered material and normative structures, suggesting that on the borders of what is conventionally regarded as diplomacy, digitalization may be reinforcing diplomacy as a masculine practice.
On-Field Rule Out of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Can Blood-Based Biomarker Testing Change Outcome of Major Sporting Events?
Authors: Wu Alan H B , Peacock W Franklin
Published: July 2024

Background

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is defined as a Glascow Coma Score of between 13 and 15. The diagnosis and rule out of individuals suffering from mTBI on an acute basis is imperfect and involves subjective measures. Serum biomarkers that exhibit narrow within-individual biological variation can be used for the early rule-out of mTBI, when baseline levels are compared during health.

Methods

This is a descriptive study that applies published biological variation data of serum mTBI biomarkers for early rule out of sports-related injury.

Results

Laboratory tests such as glial fibrillary acidic protein, fatty acid binding protein 7, and phosphorylated protein enriched in astrocytes have low within-individual variances and are potential candidates. Aldolase C also rises early in blood but the biological variation is of this marker is currently unknown.

Conclusions

The use of blood-based biomarkers, measured in real time using point-of-care testing devices when compared to a pre-competition baseline instead of a population-based reference interval, can provide early rule out of mTBI, and possibly enable on-field evaluations and a medical decision for a return to competition.
The comparative effect of teriparatide and denosumab on activins, follistatins, and inhibins in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis
Authors: Anastasilakis Athanasios D , Polyzos Stergios A , Makras Polyzois , Savvidis Matthaios , Mantzoros Christos S
Published: July 2024

The activins–follistatins–inhibins (AFI) hormonal system affects bone metabolism. Treatments that alter bone metabolism may also alter the AFI molecules. In this non-randomized, open-label, head-to-head comparative study, circulating levels of the AFI system were evaluated in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis treated for 12 mo with either teriparatide (n = 23) or denosumab (n = 22). Τeriparatide treatment increased activin B (P=.01) and activin AB (P=.004) and the ratios activin A/follistatin (P=.006), activin B/follistatin (P=.007), activin AB/follistatin (P<.001), and activin AB/ follistatin-like 3 (FSTL3) (P=.034). The significant P for trend in group × time interactions of activins B and AB and of the ratio activin AB/FSTL3 remained robust after adjustment for BMI and LS BMD but it was lost for activin B after adjustment for previous antiresorptive treatment. The effect of teriparatide on BMD was attenuated when it was adjusted for baseline activins levels or their 12-mo changes. No changes were observed after denosumab treatment. In conclusion, activins B and AB, as well as the ratios of all activins to follistatin and of activin AB to FSTL3 increased with teriparatide treatment, possibly in a compensatory manner. Future studies are needed to study the potentially important role activins may play in bone biology and any associations with the effect of teriparatide on BMD.

Clinical Trials identifier: NCT04206618. ClinicalTrials.gov  https://clinicaltrials.gov/search?term=NCT04206618.
Looters to collectors
Authors: Hill Katrina
Published: July 2024

During the plunder of the Summer Palace in Beijing (commonly ‘Pekin’ in English until the 1890s) by the Anglo-French army in 1860, soldiers of the British forces acquired imperial objects. They repurposed these at home in Britain as commodities, trophies and decorative art. This essay takes a critical look at their activities as collecting – the purposeful selection and assembly of objects – and considers the tastes and priorities that were factors in the selection of treasures from the imperial estate; it then examines how, in the hands of soldiers, dealers and collectors, new meanings accrued to objects that were economic, political and aesthetic. This collecting history is told through case studies involving exhibitions, designed interiors and auctions at which objects from the Summer Palace figured, and situates these within the wider collecting and exhibition cultures of the later nineteenth century. The facts show that soldiers’ collections of Summer Palace material not only fed the art market, but also had a formative impact on the understanding and valuation of the objects in the marketplace.
Effectiveness of Participatory Research Interventions on Obesity and Obesity-Related Behaviors in Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Queral Judit , Wargers Annemieke , Llauradó Elisabet , Jansen Wilma , Solà Rosa , Tarro Lucia , Mölenberg Famke J M
Published: July 2024

Context

Adolescence is an optimal period to promote healthy lifestyles because behavior patterns are established in this stage. It has been suggested that engaging youth increases the effectiveness of interventions, but an overview is lacking.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of participatory research (PR) interventions, where adolescents (11–18 years old) from high-income countries had a significant role in the intervention development and/or delivery, compared with no (PR) intervention control groups on obesity-related outcomes and healthy lifestyle behaviors (HLBs).

Data Sources

Eight databases (Embase, Medline ALL, Web of Science Core Collection, PsycINFO, ERIC, CINAHL, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) and Google Scholar were searched from 1990 to 2024 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs (in English).

Data Extraction

Two researchers independently performed the data extraction and risk-of-bias assessment.

Data Analysis

Sixteen studies were included and outcomes have been narratively described. Seven studies evaluated youth-led interventions, 3 studies evaluated co-created interventions, and 6 studies evaluated the combination of both. Six studies focused on physical activity (PA), 2 on nutrition, and 8 on a combination of PA, nutrition, and/or obesity-related outcomes. Ten studies presented at least 1 significant effect on PA, nutrition, or obesity-related outcomes in favor of the intervention group. Additionally, 12 studies were pooled in a meta-analysis. Whereas a small desired effect was found for fruit consumption, a small undesired effect was found for vegetable consumption. The pooled analysis found no significant effects on moderate–vigorous PA, total PA, and PA self-efficacy.

Conclusion

We found some evidence that youth empowerment in research may have positive effects on obesity-related HLBs, specifically an increased fruit consumption. However, the overall evidence was inconclusive due to limited studies and the heterogeneity of the studies included. This overview may guide future public health interventions that aim to engage and empower adolescents.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO registration Nº CRD42021254135.
Guaranteed storage? Risk and credit constraints in the demand for postharvest technology
Authors: Schwab Benjamin , Yu Jisang
Published: July 2024

Uninsured risk is often cited to explain the lagging adoption of new agricultural technologies in low-income regions. However, insurance interventions suffer from poor take-up. We test whether bundling a new product–hermetic storage bags–with a warranty can serve as a viable alternative. We compare the warranty to a credit intervention and a control using an incentivized auction in rural Bangladesh. We find the warranty had no impact on demand. Providing the bags on credit significantly increased willingness-to-pay, and machine learning estimates indicate credit may have raised the demand for the most marginal farmers. Warranties failed to stimulate demand along any dimension.
Male genital self-image, premature ejaculation, and affecting factors
Authors: Koçak Vesile , Tufan Osman
Published: July 2024

Background

Negative genital self-image is associated with sexual unresponsiveness and dysfunction.

Aim

This study aims to determine the relationship between men’s genital self-image and premature ejaculation, with identifying influencing factors.

Methods

The research is designed as a descriptive and correlational study. The sample consists of 188 men aged 18 to 60 years who volunteered to participate in the study.

Outcomes

A negative correlation was observed between genital self-image and premature ejaculation (P < .05).

Results

The average age of the participating men was 39.5 ± 9.79 years (mean ± SD), with 91.5% being married. The average age of the participants’ first sexual encounter was 20.43 ± 4.01 years, and 38.3% reported experiencing premature ejaculation. The mean score for the Male Genital Self-image Scale was 21.10 ± 5.59, and that for the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool was 6.96 ± 3.73. As a result of the study, it was revealed that participants who experienced premature ejaculation were not at peace with their bodies and were dissatisfied with their sexual experiences and their genital size and function, with significantly lower levels of genital self-image (P < .05).

Clinical Implications

Identifying factors that affect men’s genital self-image is crucial for maintaining sexual functions.

Strengths and Limitations

In Turkey, sexuality is a taboo subject, often considered shameful and rarely discussed, making it challenging to find participants willing to engage in research.

Conclusion

Men’s genital self-image influences the characteristics of premature ejaculation.
Integrative analysis of transcriptome and metabolome reveal the differential tolerance mechanisms to low and high salinity in the roots of facultative halophyte Avicennia marina
Authors: Li Jing , Xu Chao-Qun , Song Ling-Yu , Guo Ze-Jun , Zhang Lu-Dan , Tang Han-Chen , Wang Ji-Cheng , Song Shi-Wei , Liu Jing-Wen , Zhong You-Hui , Chi Bing-Jie , Zhu Xue-Yi , Zheng Hai-Lei
Published: July 2024

Mangroves perform a crucial ecological role along the tropical and subtropical coastal intertidal zone where salinity fluctuation occurs frequently. However, the differential responses of mangrove plant at the combined transcriptome and metabolome level to variable salinity are not well documented. In this study, we used Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh., a pioneer species of mangrove wetlands and one of the most salt-tolerant mangroves, to investigate the differential salt tolerance mechanisms under low and high salinity using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis. The results showed that HAK8 was up-regulated and transported K+ into the roots under low salinity. However, under high salinity, AKT1 and NHX2 were strongly induced, which indicated the transport of K+ and Na+ compartmentalization to maintain ion homeostasis. In addition, A. marina tolerates low salinity by up-regulating ABA signaling pathway and accumulating more mannitol, unsaturated fatty acids, amino acids' and L-ascorbic acid in the roots. Under high salinity, A. marina undergoes a more drastic metabolic network rearrangement in the roots, such as more L-ascorbic acid and oxiglutatione were up-regulated, while carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids were down-regulated in the roots, and, finally, glycolysis and TCA cycle were promoted to provide more energy to improve salt tolerance. Our findings suggest that the major salt tolerance traits in A. marina can be attributed to complex regulatory and signaling mechanisms, and show significant differences between low and high salinity.
A randomized phase 2b study of subcutaneous PD-L1 antibody ASC22 in virally suppressed patients with chronic hepatitis B who are HBeAg-negative
Authors: Qian Jiandan , Xie Yao , Mao Qianguo , Xie Qing , Gu Ye , Chen Xinyue , Hu Guoxin , Yang Yongfeng , Lu Jiajie , Zou Guizhou , Zhang Qin , Fu Lei , Chen Yongping , Guo Xiaolin , Hou Jinlin , Yan Yuemei , Wu Jinzi J. , Cui Yimin , Wang Guiqiang
Published: July 2024

Background and Aims:

Studies have shown that blocking the programmed cell death-1/programmed cell death ligand 1 pathway may lead to a potential cure for HBV infections. ASC22 (envafolimab) is a humanized, single-domain programmed cell death ligand 1 antibody administered subcutaneously. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ASC22 in virally suppressed patients with chronic hepatitis B on nucleos(t)ide analogs.

Approach and Results:

This randomized, single-blind, phase IIb trial enrolled patients with chronic hepatitis B in 2 cohorts for a 24-week treatment with ASC22 or placebo (PBO) once every 2 weeks and 24-week follow-up. In total, 60, 59, and 30 patients were treated with 1.0, 2.5 mg/kg ASC22, and PBO, respectively. The mean changes in HBsAg from baseline at weeks 24 and 48 were −0.309 (p < 0.001) and −0.272 (p < 0.023) log10 IU/mL in the 1.0 mg/kg ASC22 group, −0.231 (p = 0.007) and −0.205 (p = 0.12) log10 IU/mL in the 2.5 mg/kg ASC22 group, and −0.003 and −0.063 log10 IU/mL in the PBO group, respectively (intent-to-treat population). Three out of 10 patients with baseline HBsAg levels ≤100 IU/mL in the 1.0 mg/kg group obtained on-treatment HBsAg loss. Most adverse events were mild (97.9%). There were no study drug–related serious adverse events in the 1.0 mg/kg ASC22 group.

Conclusions:

Subcutaneous administration of 1.0 mg/kg ASC22 once every 2 weeks for 24 weeks was shown to be safe and well-tolerated in virally suppressed patients with chronic hepatitis B on nucleos(t)ide analogs and can induce HBsAg decline, especially in patients with HBsAg ≤100 IU/mL.
Contralateral differences in ankle SBP and pulse wave velocity: associations with incident heart failure and mortality
Authors: Charry Daniela , Xu Jing , Meyer Michelle L. , Kucharska-Newton Anna , Matsushita Kunihiro , Tanaka Hirofumi
Published: July 2024

Background:

Contralateral differences in brachial SBP are indicative of underlaying cardiovascular issues.

Objectives:

To examine the association of contralateral differences in ankle SBP, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), and heart-ankle pulse wave velocity (haPWV) with incident heart failure and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

Methods:

Cox proportional-hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) in 5077 participants (75 ± 5 years) of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study.

Results:

Over a mean follow-up of 7.5 ± 2.2 years, there were 457 heart failure events, 1275 all-cause and 363 cardiovascular deaths. Interankle SBP difference of at least 10 mmHg [hazard ratio = 1.12; confidence interval (CI) 1.00–1.28], at least 15 mmHg (hazard ratio = 1.21; CI 1.03–1.43), contralateral difference in baPWV more than 240 cm/s (hazard ratio = 1.22; CI 1.02–1.46), and haPWV more than 80 cm/s (hazard ratio = 1.24; CI 1.04–1.48) were each independently associated with all-cause mortality after adjustment for confounders. Contralateral differences in ankle SBP of at least 15 mmHg (hazard ratio = 1.56; CI 1.17–2.09), and haPWV more than 80 cm/s (hazard ratio = 1.42; CI 1.03–1.96) were both independently associated with cardiovascular mortality. Unadjusted analysis revealed that those with contralateral differences in ankle SBP of at least 10 and at least 15 mmHg, baPWV more than 240, and haPWV more than 80 cm/s had higher risks of heart failure (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

These results underscore the significance of evaluating contralateral differences in ankle SBP and PWV as potential markers of increased mortality risk among older adults.
Effectiveness of digital health interventions on adherence and control of hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yap Hao Jeun , Lim Jun Jie Jeffrey , Tan Su-Yin Doreen , Ang Chin Siang
Published: July 2024

Background:

Hypertension, a risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease, is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide. Digital health is now widely utilized for hypertension management, and numerous studies have assessed its effectiveness.

Objective:

The review aims to analyse the effectiveness of digital health (i.e., mobile health (mHealth), telehealth, and the combination of mHealth & telehealth) on hypertensive patients, concerning three key areas: clinical outcomes, medication adherence, and adherence to lifestyle changes, as compared to standard care.

Methods:

The review followed the PRISMA framework. Eight electronic databases were scanned for randomized control trials focusing on the effects of mHealth or telehealth on hypertensive patients, published between 2010 and 2023. All processes were conducted by the first two authors independently. A meta-analysis was conducted for quantitative data, while a narrative synthesis was conducted for qualitative data.

Results:

In total, 74 studies involving 92 686 participants were identified. The meta-analysis favoured the interventions, revealing a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure for mHealth, telehealth and mHealth & telehealth groups. Nevertheless, medication adherence showed improvement only in the mHealth group, while blood pressure control showed improvement in both mHealth and mHealth & telehealth groups, and BMI showed improvement only in the mHealth group. Evidence for adherence to physical activity and DASH diet/salt intake remained inconclusive.

Conclusion:

In general, mHealth and telehealth have demonstrated their merits in improving the clinical outcomes of hypertensive patients.
Proposal of reference value for day-to-day blood pressure variability based on two outcomes: the Ohasama study
Authors: Satoh Michihiro , Metoki Hirohito , Kikuya Masahiro , Murakami Takahisa , Tatsumi Yukako , Tsubota-Utsugi Megumi , Hirose Takuo , Hara Azusa , Nomura Kyoko , Asayama Kei , Hozawa Atsushi , Imai Yutaka , Ohkubo Takayoshi
Published: July 2024

Background:

This study aimed to propose reference values for day-to-day home blood pressure (BP) variability that align with the established hypertension threshold of home BP for the risk of two different outcomes: cardiovascular mortality and cognitive decline.

Methods:

This prospective study was conducted in Ohasama town, Japan, with 1212 participants assessed for cardiovascular mortality risk (age: 64.7 years, 33.6% men). Additionally, 678 participants (age: 62.7 years, 31.1% men) were assessed for cognitive decline risk (Mini-Mental Scale Examination score <24). The within-individual coefficient of variation (CV) of home morning SBP (HSBP) was used as the index of day-to-day BP variability (%). Adjusted Cox regression models were used to estimate the HSBP-CV values, which provided the 10-year outcome risk at an HSBP of 135 mmHg.

Results:

A total of 114 cardiovascular deaths and 85 events of cognitive decline (mean follow-up:13.9 and 9.6 years, respectively) were identified. HSBP and HSBP-CV were associated with increased risks for both outcomes, with adjusted hazard ratios per 1-standard deviation increase of at least 1.25 for cardiovascular mortality and at least 1.30 for cognitive decline, respectively. The adjusted 10-year risks for cardiovascular mortality and cognitive decline were 1.67 and 8.83%, respectively, for an HSBP of 135 mmHg. These risk values were observed when the HSBP-CV was 8.44% and 8.53%, respectively.

Conclusion:

The HSBP-CV values indicating the 10-year risk of cardiovascular mortality or cognitive decline at an HSBP of 135 mmHg were consistent, at approximately 8.5%. This reference value will be useful for risk stratification in clinical practice.
Palmoplantar pustulosis successfully treated with topical roflumilast 0.3%
Authors: Altman David A.
Published: July 2024

Palmoplantar pustulosis is a difficult-to-treat, immune-mediated skin disease that presents as sterile pustules on the palms and soles. While thought to be related to psoriasis vulgaris, precise biologics that target the same cytokines as psoriasis vulgaris have led to inadequate and difficult treatment. Topical corticosteroids have a broader anti-inflammatory profile compared with biologics but are limited by adverse events making chronic treatment unsuitable. We report the case of an 82-year-old patient who was successfully treated with topical roflumilast 0.3% once daily for the treatment of palmoplantar pustulosis that was refractory to topical corticosteroid use.
Helmetless Tackling Training Intervention and Preseason Self-efficacy Effects on Head Impacts in Hawaiʻi High School Football
Authors: Lloansi Rodriguez Ivet , Freemyer Bret , Hashida Kumiko , Tamura Kaori , Murata Nathan , Furutani Troy , Gioia Gerald , Myers Jay , Swartz Erik
Published: July 2024

Objective:

To determine how football head impacts are influenced by self-efficacy (SE), helmetless tackling intervention participation (IP), and years of experience (YE) playing football.

Design:

Cross-sectional.

Setting:

Three high schools.

Participants:

120 (male; n = 118, female; n = 2, 15.57 ± 1.23 years) participants were recruited from 5 high school teams (3 varsity and 2 junior-varsity).

Independent Variables:

SE, days of IP, and YE playing tackle football.

Main Outcome Measures:

SE was measured using a 53-question survey and categorized into 5 subscales. The accumulation of total head impacts (THI) was measured using Riddell InSite Speedflex helmets (Elyria, OH) throughout the season. Head impact exposure (HIE) was standardized as a ratio of impacts per session (games, scrimmages, and practices). Multiple regression analyses tested the relationship between THI or HIE with the predictor variables.

Results:

For THI, 22.1% was explained by the predictors (r = 0.470, r2 = 0.221). Intervention participation had a negative correlation (B = −4.480, P = 0.019), whereas confidence in performing proper tackling and blocking (SE1) (B = 3.133, P = 0.010) and >8 YE (B = 135.9, P = 0.009) positively correlated with THI. For HIE, 25.4% was explained by the predictors (r = 0.504, r2 = 0.254). Intervention participation negatively correlated (B = −0.077, P = 0.007), whereas SE1 (B = 3.133, P = 0.010) and >8 YE (B = 2.735, P ≤ 0.001) correlated positively with HIE.

Conclusions:

Increased head impacts were associated with less helmetless tackling participation, more than 8 YE, and more self-confidence in tackling ability. Increasing the amount of time athletes spend practicing proper tackling and blocking techniques to reduce head first and risky play is warranted to reduce the amount of head impacts received over time.
Lipopolysaccharide-binding protein in Crohn’s disease patients: a promising noninvasive biomarker monitoring disease activity
Authors: Toris Louison D. , Minsart Charlotte F. , Husson Cécile P. , Franchimont Denis P. , Liefferinckx Claire L.
Published: July 2024

Background

Following STRIDE-II recommendations, the discovery of novel noninvasive biomarkers, beyond the use of C-reactive protein (CRP) and fecal calprotectin, remains a medical need to further improve the monitoring of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study aims to evaluate the potential of serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) in monitoring IBD activity.

Methods

This retrospective cross-sectional study included 69 IBD patients (43 Crohn’s disease and 26 ulcerative colitis) and 82 controls. Serum LBP levels were measured by ELISA. Clinical, biological and endoscopic parameters were analyzed for IBD patients with no reports of missing data. Statistical tests, including nonparametric tests and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, were used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of LBP.

Results

IBD patients displayed a significantly higher LBP median [29.6 μg/ml (19.8–38.8) in Crohn’s disease and 22.8 (13.7–38.8) in ulcerative colitis] than controls [5.8 (4.7–7.3), P < 0.001] with little overlapping distributions. In Crohn’s disease patients, LBP levels gradually increased with endoscopic activity scores demonstrating a 1.7-fold rise in active patients compared to remitter patients (P = 0.02). LBP level exhibited a positive correlation with CRP (ρ = 0.75, P < 0.001) as well as fecal calprotectin (ρ = 0.42, P < 0.01), both of which further increased when excluding cases that did not match endoscopic activity.

Conclusion

LBP might be a promising noninvasive biomarker for monitoring disease activity, especially in Crohn’s disease patients. In clinical situations where current biomarkers lack sensitivity, LBP could be discriminative and help filling the gap for reliable therapeutic decisions.
Predictors of mortality over time in geriatric patients with hip fracture
Authors: Eversdijk Hubert A. J. , Nijdam Thomas M. P. , Kusen Jip Q. , Schuijt Henk-Jan , Smeeing Diederik P. J. , van der Velde Detlef
Published: July 2024

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to determine the variations in effect for predictors of mortality over time and risk of in-hospital complications in geriatric patients with a hip fracture. Many studies have investigated risk factors of short-term and long-term mortality separately. In current literature, little is known about the variations in effect of risk factors over time and no comparison with the general population is made.

Methods:

All patients with a hip fracture aged 70 years or older admitted to our hospital between January 1, 2016, and May 1, 2018, were included in this retrospective study. Patients who had undergone total hip arthroplasty (THA) were not included. The primary outcome was mortality after 1 year. Secondary outcomes were mortality after 30 days, 90 days, 2 years, and complications. Kaplan–Meier (KM) curves for risk factors were generated to visualize survival over time. Data were compared with data extracted from the national health records.

Results:

A total of 685 geriatric patients with hip fractures were included with a 1-year mortality of 27%. The adjusted odds ratios (AOR) found differed over time. Five risk factors for mortality were investigated in this study using KM curves: age, prefracture living situation, dementia, sex, and ASA classification.

Conclusions:

Over time, the variation of 5 risk factors for mortality were visualized in geriatric patients with a hip fracture: age, prefracture living situation, dementia, sex, and ASA classification. An elevated risk of mortality was discovered compared with the general population. The variation in effect observed in risk factors plays a vital role in prognosis. This insight will help guide accurate medical decision-making for a tailored treatment plan for geriatric patients with a hip fracture.