bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The CV is dead, long live the CV!
Authors: Lobry Jean R. , Bel‐Venner Marie‐Claude , Bogdziewicz Michał , Hacket‐Pain Andrew , Venner Samuel
Published: September 2023

Biology has an increasing need to reconsider the tools used to assess the variability of measurements, in addition to their central tendency. More than 100 years after Pearson's publication, most biologists still use the “good old” Pearson's coefficient of variation, PCV, despite its documented flaws such as sensitivity to excess zero values and/or irrelevant low mean values, which may compromise its use in some biological applications.

A new statistic was developed in 2017 by Kvålseth, KCV, which is easy to implement. Unlike PCV, KCV is bounded (between 0 and 1), and it can be computed from PCV, ensuring backward compatibility with past studies. In addition to simulated data, we used the recent MASTREE+ database comprising the time series of the fruiting dynamics of perennial plants worldwide to compare the properties of PCV and KCV.

Using as a benchmark the loose hump‐shaped relationship between the interannual variability of fruiting and latitude, KCV led to significant increase in statistical power as it required almost half as many time series as PCV to detect the relationship. Perhaps most importantly, simulated data showed that KCV allows huge reductions in the length of time series required to estimate the population true variability, saving more than half the duration of long‐term monitoring if fruiting fluctuations are very large, which is common in perennial plant species. Compared to the widely used PCV, KCV has great accuracy for estimating and analysing variability in biology, while strongly increasing statistical power.

Selecting appropriate tools to assess the variability of measurements is crucial, particularly where the variability is of primary biological interest. Using Kvålseth's KCV is a promising avenue to circumvent the well‐known issues of the former Pearson’ PCV, its properties remain to be explored in other fields of biology, for purposes other than purely statistical ones (e.g. estimating heritability or evolvability of traits).
Fatigue in patients with heart failure: A study of diagnostic accuracy fatigue in patients with heart failure
Authors: de Macêdo Beatriz Medeiros , Dias Almeida Anna Thays , Carino Ana Carolina Costa , da Conceição Dias Fernandes Maria Isabel , de Sá Tinôco Jéssica Dantas , Andriola Isadora Costa , de Oliveira Lopes Marcos Venícios , de Carvalho Lira Ana Luisa Brandão
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To analyze the accuracy of defining characteristics of the NANDA International nursing diagnosis, fatigue (00093), in patients with heart failure.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study on the diagnostic accuracy of the defining characteristics of the nursing diagnosis. The sample consisted of 96 patients with heart failure in treatment in a public hospital. The latent class analysis method was used to test the accuracy measurements and estimate the prevalence of the diagnosis. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte.

Results

The prevalence of the fatigue nursing diagnosis was 42.54%. Increased physical symptoms (0.9988) and tiredness (0.9988) were the sensitive defining characteristics. Disinterested in surroundings (0.9999) was the specific defining characteristics.

Conclusions

A set of three defining characteristics of the nursing diagnosis of fatigue was accurate in patients with heart failure. Thus, this set can be used by nurses to confirm nursing diagnosis fatigue in patients with heart failure.

Implications for nursing practice

This research contributes by providing accurate defining characteristics of fatigue in patients with heart failure. Thus, nurses should recognize the nursing diagnosis of fatigue in patients with heart failure through accurate defining characteristics and propose rapid and effective nursing interventions that have positive health results.
Emergency department patient and physician survey accuracy compared to chart abstraction in patients with acute respiratory illness
Authors: Hunold Katherine M. , Schwaderer Andrew L. , Exline Matthew , Hebert Courtney , Lampert Brent C. , Southerland Lauren T. , Stephens Julie A. , Boyer Edward W. , Gure Tanya R. , Mion Lorraine C. , Hill Michael , Chu Ching‐Min B. , Ernie Edriane , Caterino Jeffrey M.
Published: September 2023

Background

High‐quality research studies in older adults are needed. Unfortunately, the accuracy of chart review data in older adult patients has been called into question by previous studies. Little is known on this topic in patients with suspected pneumonia, a disease with 500,000 annual older adult U.S. emergency department (ED) visits that presents a diagnostic challenge to ED physicians. The study objective was to compare direct interview and chart abstraction as data sources.

Methods

We present a preplanned secondary analysis of a prospective, observational cohort of ED patients ≥65 years of age with suspected pneumonia in two Midwest EDs. We describe the agreement between chart review and a criterion standard of prospective direct patient survey (symptoms) or direct physician survey (examination findings). Data were collected by chart review and from the patient and treating physician by survey.

Results

The larger study enrolled 135 older adults; 134 with complete symptom data and 129 with complete examination data were included in this analysis. Pneumonia symptoms (confusion, malaise, rapid breathing, any cough, new/worse cough, any sputum production, change to sputum) had agreement between patient/legally authorized representative survey and chart review ranging from 47.8% (malaise) to 80.6% (confusion). All examination findings (rales, rhonchi, wheeze) had percent agreement between physician survey and chart review of ≥80%. However, all kappas except wheezing were less than 0.60, indicating weak agreement.

Conclusions

Both patient symptoms and examination findings demonstrated discrepancies between chart review and direct survey with larger discrepancies in symptoms reported. Researchers should consider these potential discrepancies during study design and data interpretation.
Letter: Entecavir versus tenofovir on serum lipoprotein levels of hepatitis B virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma after curative hepatectomy
Authors: Su Jia‐Yong , Wu Ying‐Ling , Wu Xuan‐Lin , Liu Zhen‐Xiu , Wang Yi‐Yang , Li Zhong‐Hai , Luo Jia‐Xin , Wu Kun‐Jun , Zhong Jian‐Hong
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Ogawa et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17107 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17693.
Editorial: IBD cost evolution – transitioning from compensating lost productivity to escalating medication expenses
Authors: Rezazadeh Ardabili Ashkan , Van Bodegraven Adriaan A.
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Everhov et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17675
Translating pharmacogenomic sequencing data into drug response predictions—How to interpret variants of unknown significance
Authors: Tremmel Roman , Pirmann Sebastian , Zhou Yitian , Lauschke Volker M.
Published: September 2023

The rapid development of sequencing technologies during the past 20 years has provided a variety of methods and tools to interrogate human genomic variations at the population level. Pharmacogenes are well known to be highly polymorphic and a plethora of pharmacogenomic variants has been identified in population sequencing data. However, so far only a small number of these variants have been functionally characterized regarding their impact on drug efficacy and toxicity and the significance of the vast majority remains unknown. It is therefore of high importance to develop tools and frameworks to accurately infer the effects of pharmacogenomic variants and, eventually, aggregate the effect of individual variations into personalized drug response predictions. To address this challenge, we here first describe the technological advances, including sequencing methods and accompanying bioinformatic processing pipelines that have enabled reliable variant identification. Subsequently, we highlight advances in computational algorithms for pharmacogenomic variant interpretation and discuss the added value of emerging strategies, such as machine learning and the integrative use of omics techniques that have the potential to further contribute to the refinement of personalized pharmacological response predictions. Lastly, we provide an overview of experimental and clinical approaches to validate in silico predictions. We conclude that the iterative feedback between computational predictions and experimental validations is likely to rapidly improve the accuracy of pharmacogenomic prediction models, which might soon allow for an incorporation of the entire pharmacogenetic profile into personalized response predictions.
Individualized treatment with voriconazole in the Chinese population: Inflammation level as a novel marker for dose optimization
Authors: Hao Xu , Li Yuanyuan , Zhang Ying , Bian Jialu , Zhao Jinxia , Zhao Yinyu , Hu Lei , Luo Xingxian , Yang Changqing , Feng Yufei , Huang Lin
Published: September 2023

Aims

The aim of this study was to explore the influence and possible mechanisms of pharmacokinetics‐related gene polymorphisms, especially CYP2C19 polymorphisms, and non‐genetic factors combined with the inflammatory status on the voriconazole (VRC) metabolism of the Chinese population.

Methods

Clinical studies were performed by collecting more than one VRC trough concentration and C‐reactive protein (CRP) level. A total of 265 blood samples were collected from 120 patients.

Results

Results of multiple regression analyses demonstrated that CYP2C19 genotypes and albumin (Alb) level remained predictors of Cminss/D in patients with no to mild inflammation (R2 = 0.12, P < .001). In addition, in patients with moderate to severe inflammation, it resulted in a significant model containing factors of CRP and total bilirubin (T‐Bil) levels (R2 = 0.19, P < .001). In non‐clinical studies, 32 rats were divided into control and inflammatory groups, and it was found that the mean residence time (MRT(0–t)) of VRC in the inflammatory group was significantly longer than that in the control group (P < .001), which may be due to down‐regulation of mRNA and protein expression of CYP2C19 (CYP2C6 in rats) through interleukin (IL)‐6/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 pathway.

Conclusions

Therefore, the effect of CYP2C19 polymorphisms on VRC metabolism may be masked by inflammatory status, which should be of more concern than CYP2C19 polymorphisms in patients with moderate to severe inflammation. Additionally, the impact of Alb and T‐Bil on VRC metabolism should not be disregarded.
DADLE promotes motor function recovery by inhibiting cytosolic phospholipase A2 mediated lysosomal membrane permeabilization after spinal cord injury
Authors: Chen Yituo , Zhang Haojie , Jiang Liting , Cai Wanta , Kuang Jiaxuan , Geng Yibo , Xu Hui , Li Yao , Yang Liangliang , Cai Yuepiao , Wang Xiangyang , Xiao Jian , Ni Wenfei , Zhou Kailiang
Published: September 2023

Background and Purpose

Autophagy is a protective factor for controlling neuronal damage, while necroptosis promotes neuroinflammation after spinal cord injury (SCI). DADLE (D‐Ala2, D‐Leu5]‐enkephalin) is a selective agonist for delta (δ) opioid receptor and has been identified as a promising drug for neuroprotection. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism/s by which DADLE causes locomotor recovery following SCI.

Experimental approach

Spinal cord contusion model was used and DADLE was given by i.p. (16 mg·kg−1) in mice for following experiments. Motor function was assessed by footprint and Basso mouse scale (BMS) score analysis. Western blotting used to evaluate related protein expression. Immunofluorescence showed the protein expression in each cell and its distribution. Network pharmacology analysis was used to find the related signalling pathways.

Key Results

DADLE promoted functional recovery after SCI. In SCI model of mice, DADLE significantly increased autophagic flux and inhibited necroptosis. Concurrently, DADLE restored autophagic flux by decreasing lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP). Additionally, chloroquine administration reversed the protective effect of DADLE to inhibit necroptosis. Further analysis showed that DADLE decreased phosphorylated cPLA2, overexpression of cPLA2 partially reversed DADLE inhibitory effect on LMP and necroptosis, as well as the promotion autophagy. Finally, AMPK/SIRT1/p38 pathway regulating cPLA2 is involved in the action DADLE on SCI and naltrindole inhibited DADLE action on δ receptor and on AMPK signalling pathway.

Conclusion and Implication

DADLE causes its neuroprotective effects on SCI by promoting autophagic flux and inhibiting necroptosis by decreasing LMP via activating δ receptor/AMPK/SIRT1/p38/cPLA2 pathway.
The impact of a community‐based music program during infancy on the quality of parent–child language interactions
Authors: Smith Amy R. , Salley Brenda , Hanson‐Abromeit Deanna , Paluch Rocco A. , Engel Hideko , Piazza Jacqueline , Kong Kai Ling
Published: September 2023

The early language environment, especially high‐quality, contingent parent–child language interactions, is crucial for a child's language development and later academic success. In this secondary analysis study, 89 parent–child dyads were randomly assigned to either the Music Together® (music) or play date (control) classes. Children were 9‐ to 15‐month old at baseline, primarily white (86.7%) and female (52%). Measures of conversational turns (CTs) and parental verbal quality were coded from parent–child free play episodes at baseline, mid‐intervention (month 6), and post‐intervention (month 12). Results show that participants in the music group had a significantly greater increase in CT measures and quality of parent verbalization post‐intervention. Music enrichment programs may be a strategy to enhance parent–child language interactions during early childhood.
Effects of climate on the distribution and conservation of commonly observed European earthworms
Authors: Zeiss Romy , Briones Maria J. I. , Mathieu Jérome , Lomba Angela , Dahlke Jessica , Heptner Laura‐Fiona , Salako Gabriel , Eisenhauer Nico , Guerra Carlos A.
Published: September 2023

Belowground biodiversity distribution does not necessarily reflect aboveground biodiversity patterns, but maps of soil biodiversity remain scarce because of limited data availability. Earthworms belong to the most thoroughly studied soil organisms and—in their role as ecosystem engineers—have a significant impact on ecosystem functioning. We used species distribution modeling (SDMs) and available data sets to map the spatial distribution of commonly observed (i.e., frequently recorded) earthworm species (Annelida, Oligochaeta) across Europe under current and future climate conditions. First, we predicted potential species distributions with commonly used models (i.e., MaxEnt and Biomod) and estimated total species richness (i.e., number of species in a 5 × 5 km grid cell). Second, we determined how much the different types of protected areas covered predicted earthworm richness and species ranges (i.e., distributions) by estimating the respective proportion of the range area. Earthworm species richness was high in central western Europe and low in northeastern Europe. This pattern was mainly associated with annual mean temperature and precipitation seasonality, but the importance of predictor variables to species occurrences varied among species. The geographical ranges of the majority of the earthworm species were predicted to shift to eastern Europe and partly decrease under future climate scenarios. Predicted current and future ranges were only poorly covered by protected areas, such as national parks. More than 80% of future earthworm ranges were on average not protected at all (mean [SD] = 82.6% [0.04]). Overall, our results emphasize the urgency of considering especially vulnerable earthworm species, as well as other soil organisms, in the design of nature conservation measures.
High‐resolution single‐cell transcriptomic survey of cardiomyocytes from patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Lu Jiansen , Ren Jie , Liu Jie , Lu Minjie , Cui Yueli , Liao Yuhan , Zhou Yuan , Gao Yun , Tang Fuchou , Wang Jizheng , Wang Shuiyun , Wen Lu , Song Lei
Published: September 2023

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common inherited cardiovascular disease, which can cause heart failure and lead to death. In this study, we performed high‐resolution single‐cell RNA‐sequencing of 2115 individual cardiomyocytes obtained from HCM patients and normal controls. Signature up‐ and down‐regulated genes in HCM were identified by integrative analysis across 37 patients and 41 controls from our data and published human single‐cell and single‐nucleus RNA‐seq datasets, which were further classified into gene modules by single‐cell co‐expression analysis. Using our high‐resolution dataset, we also investigated the heterogeneity among individual cardiomyocytes and revealed five distinct clusters within HCM cardiomyocytes. Interestingly, we showed that some extracellular matrix (ECM) genes were up‐regulated in the HCM cardiomyocytes, suggesting that they play a role in cardiac remodelling. Taken together, our study comprehensively profiled the transcriptomic programs of HCM cardiomyocytes and provided insights into molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of HCM.
Ghana's Debt Crisis and the Political Economy of Financial Dependence in Africa: History Repeating Itself?
Authors: Abotebuno Akolgo Isaac
Published: September 2023

Recent accounts of the re‐emergence of debt distress in Africa, while offering significant insights, fail to provide the historical political‐economic context within which African indebtedness is set. On the surface, spending induced by the COVID‐19 pandemic, economic fallout from the Russia–Ukraine war, and repeated examples of fiscal indiscipline by African governments appear to be the causes of the current wave of debt crises. Beyond these factors, however, this article argues that the present indebtedness, like previous episodes, is rooted in the economic and financial subordination of African economies. Specifically, the article places Ghana's extensive debt within the country's post‐independence political‐economic context, and thus traces the structural factors and external constraints that underlie its economic vulnerability and financial dependence. These include the collapse of developmentalism in the 1970s, the Structural Adjustment Programmes of the 1980s, and an exploitative transnational lending system dominated by Western commercial creditors. Internally, recent fiscal mistakes by the government, within its limited policy space, have exacerbated Ghana's indebtedness. The Ghanaian experience shows that unconditional debt cancellation, widely called for, is a necessary but insufficient measure to address the recurring cycles of indebtedness. Debt cancellation should be followed by broader economic and financial reforms, globally and domestically.
Political hierarchy spillovers: Evidence from China
Authors: Chen Meng‐Ting , Zhang Jiakai
Published: September 2023

This paper explores the impact of the political hierarchies of cities in China from different perspectives. First, we examine the economic disparities between prefectural cities and municipalities. Furthermore, this paper draws upon a quasi‐ experiment to analyze the impact of upgrading Chongqing to a municipality in 1997 using the synthetic control method. The city‐upgrading policy significantly increased Chongqing's gross domestic product (GDP) in the following 4 years. Finally, we find that the policy increased GDP in treated cities within 1200 km of Chongqing by about 10%–13% relative to the control cities.
Recent advances in understanding the role of the skin microbiome in the treatment of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Kim Kyunghee , Jang Hyeji , Kim Eunyul , Kim Hyeju , Sung Gun Yong
Published: September 2023

The skin is the largest organ in the human body, and histologically consists of the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Humans maintain a cooperative symbiotic relationship with their skin microbiota, a complex community of bacteria, fungi and viruses that live on the surface of the skin, and which act as a barrier to protect the body from the inside and outside. The skin is a ‘habitat’ and vast ‘ecosystem’ inhabited by countless microbes; as such, relationships have been forged through millions of years of coevolution. It is not surprising then that microbes are key participants in shaping and maintaining essential physiological processes. In addition to maintaining barrier function, the unique symbiotic microbiota that colonizes the skin increases the immune response and provides protection against pathogenic microbes. This review examines our current understanding of skin microbes in shaping and enhancing the skin barrier, as well as skin microbiome–host interactions and their roles in skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis (AD). We also report on the current status of AD therapeutic drugs that target the skin microbiome, related research on current therapeutic strategies, and the limitations and future considerations of skin microbiome research. In particular, as a future strategy, we discuss the need for a skin‐on‐a‐chip‐based microphysiological system research model amenable to biomimetic in vitro studies and human skin equivalent models, including skin appendages.
Epiphanes brachionus spinosa from a temporary habitat in the Chihuahuan Desert: Morphological response to Asplanchna and control of sexual reproduction
Authors: Gilbert John J.
Published: September 2023

The rotifer Epiphanes brachionus spinosa occurs in shallow temporary waters with hydroperiods up to several months in the Chihuahuan Desert (U.S.A. and Mexico). Clonal populations from one such habitat were initiated from stem females hatched from fertilised resting eggs in flooded dried sediment, and cultured with the alga Cryptomonas erosa at 19°C in a photoperiod (L:D 16:8). Experiments show that the rotifer has: (1) a morphological response to the predatory rotifer Asplanchna, with which it can co‐occur; and (2) an early and constant propensity for sex and resting‐egg production during population development.

Stem females, and females from later generations, have two posterior spines. Measurements of live juveniles and adults indicate that spine length increases isometrically during postnatal growth.

Presence of live Asplanchna brightwellii, or its kairomone in Asplanchna‐conditioned medium, significantly increase spine length. In one clone, spine lengths of juvenile Epiphanes from cultures with or without live Asplanchna were, respectively, c. 40 and c. 27 μm. In that clone, spine lengths of adult Epiphanes in cultures with or without Asplanchna kairomone were, respectively, c. 54 and c. 37 μm. In another clone, these spine lengths were, respectively, c. 44 and c. 36 μm. Asplanchna‐induced spine elongation may act as a mechanical defence against capture and ingestion by the predator.

Sexual reproduction in E. brachionus spinosa populations is initiated soon after populations develop from stem females and then continues at a rate allowing both population growth by female parthenogenesis and production of resting eggs. Resting eggs hatched after 6–12 days at 19°C. Stem females were amictic (producing daughters parthenogenetically) but produced some daughters that were mictic (producing haploid males parthenogenetically or fertilised resting eggs). In subsequent generations tested 2–7 weeks after hatching of stem females, amictic females from three clonal populations produced similar proportions of mictic daughters (mean c. 0.25) when cultured singly in large volumes (15 and 40 ml) or a small one (1.5 ml).

Mictic‐female production is probably automatic and controlled by an endogenous mechanism, rather than specifically induced by crowding or some other environmental factor. Early and continuous sexual reproduction assures production of resting eggs throughout short and unpredictable hydroperiods.
Weighted thyroid‐stimulating hormone disturbance in prognosis of hepatitis B virus‐related acute‐on‐chronic liver failure
Authors: Tu Yasi , Ji Feiyang , Yang Jing , Rao Qunfang , Wu Haiquan , Xie Zhongyang , Zhang Sainan , Hou Zhouhua , Wu Daxian
Published: September 2023

Aim

To weight the prognostic value of thyroid hormones in catastrophic acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF).

Methods

A retrospective cohort (n = 635) and two prospective cohorts (n = 353, and 198) were enrolled in this study. The performance of a novel developed prognostic score was assessed from aspects of reliability, discrimination, and clinical net benefit.

Results

Thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) was identified to have the most potential as a prognostic predictor for hepatitis B virus‐related ACLF among thyroid hormones. The novel score (modified chronic liver failure–organ failure score [mCLIF‐OFs]) was developed with weighted TSH and other scored organs in the CLIF‐OFs using the retrospective cohort (n = 635). The predicted risk and observed probabilities of death were comparable across the deciles of mCLIF‐OFs (Hosmer–Lemeshow χ2 = 4.28, p = 0.83; Brier scaled = 11.9). The C‐index of mCLIF‐OFs (0.885 [0.883–0.887]) for 30‐day mortality was significantly higher than that of the CLIF‐OFs, chronic liver failure–sequential organ failure assessment score (CLIF‐SOFAs), CLIF‐C ACLFs, Model of End‐stage Liver Disease (MELD), and Child–Pugh (all p < 0.001). The absolute improvements of prediction error rates of the mCLIF‐OFs compared to the above five scores were from 19.0% to 61.1%. After the analysis of probability density function, the mCLIF‐OFs showed the least overlapping coefficients (27.9%) among the above prognostic scores. Additionally, the mCLIF‐OFs showed greater net benefit than the above five prognostic scores over a wide range of risk threshold of death. Similar results were validated in two prospective ACLF cohorts with HBV and non‐HBV etiologies.

Conclusion

Weighted TSH portended the outcome of ACLF patients, which could be treated as a “damaged organ” of the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis. The novel mCLIF‐OFs is a reliable prognostic score with better discrimination power and clinical net benefit than CLIF‐OFs, CLIF‐SOFAs, CLIF‐C ACLFs, MELD, and Child–Pugh.
Frailty in people 50 years or older living with HIV: A sex perspective
Authors: Wiechmann Susana Lilian , Tejo Alexandre Mestre , Inácio Manuel Victor Silva , Mesas Arthur Eumann , Martínez‐Vizcaíno Vicente , Cabrera Marcos Aparecido Sarria
Published: September 2023

Objective

To estimate prefrailty and frailty prevalence and associated factors in people living with HIV (PLHIV) from a sex perspective.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study on PLHIV at specialized public health centres in Brazil. Data were obtained from individuals aged ≥50 years using antiretroviral therapy (ART) and with an undetectable viral load through personal interviews, clinical evaluations and medical records. Frailty and prefrailty were characterized using the Fried Frailty Phenotype tool. Multinomial regression models were performed, and the associated factors were selected through the backward stepwise method.

Results

Among 670 patients, 373 men and 297 women were included. The prevalence of frailty and prefrailty was significantly higher for women (16.2% and 56.2%, respectively) than for men (11.5% and 46.4%, respectively). Low socioeconomic and educational level, multimorbidity, depression, subjective cognitive complaints, and low scores on the Mini‐Mental State Exam (MMSE) were associated (P < 0.05) with frailty for both sexes. However, in the sex‐specific analysis, while smoking (OR = 3.66, 95% CI: 1.58–8.48) and a history of low adherence to ART (OR = 3.10, 95% CI: 1.33–7.23) were associated with frailty in men, depression (OR = 3.39, 95% CI: 1.36– 8.44) and the absence of functional dentition (OR = 3.77, 95% CI: 1.36– 10.43) were associated with frailty in women.

Conclusions

This study adds self‐reported cognitive complaints as a potential predictor of frailty in both sexes and supports the known deleterious effect of multimorbidity on frailty in adults living with HIV. Furthermore, it suggests that other possible predictors, such as depression, oral health status and adherence to ART, may be sex‐specific.
Family, friends, school and nation: Socio‐ecological determinants of mental health among Filipino college students post‐lockdown
Authors: Cleofas Jerome V.
Published: September 2023

As societies recover from the systemic socio‐economic impacts of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease pandemic, the mental health of the youth must be monitored as they transition back to on‐campus learning. This study sought to determine the socio‐ecological determinants of mental health among Filipino college students after a 2‐year lockdown (i.e., community quarantine). A total of 1204 students aged 18–24 participated in this cross‐sectional online survey research. Multi‐level socio‐ecological determinants were measured, such as individual (age, gender), micro/mesosystem (family, friends and school), exo/macrosystem (national resilience) and chronosystem (life satisfaction change over time). Findings suggest that male students who identify as cisheterosexual (cisgender, which refers to gender identity that aligns with biological sex, and heterosexual, which refers to sexual attraction exclusively for the opposite sex), with higher ratings for family, school community, national identity, trust in public institutions and improvements in life satisfaction post‐lockdown, demonstrated higher mental well‐being. Meanwhile, female, gender and sexual minorities, with lower ratings for family, respect for diversity in school and decline in life satisfaction post‐lockdown, reported higher psychological distress.
Mullite‐type EMBO4: synthesis, structural, optical, and vibrational properties of rare tin(II) borates with M = Al and Ga
Authors: Wittmann Sarah , Murshed Mohammad Mangir , Bilovol Vitaliy , Koldemir Aylin , Pöttgen Rainer , Nielsen Ulla Gro , Gesing Thorsten Michael
Published: September 2023

Metal tin‐(II)‐borates are rarely studied mainly due to the susceptibility of either oxidation into tin(IV) or disproportionation into elemental tin(0) and tin(IV). We report mullite‐type SnAlBO4 and SnGaBO4 ceramics produced by conventional solid‐state synthesis in sealed quartz tubes at low pressure of 10–7 MPa. Both compounds are isostructural to PbAlBO4 as confirmed by Rietveld refinements of powder X‐ray data. The crystal structures are highly influenced by the stereochemical activity of the 5s2 lone electron pair of the Sn2+ cation measured by the Wang–Liebau eccentricity parameter. To further consolidate the structural features 119Sn Mössbauer, solid state NMR, Raman, IR and UV/vis spectroscopic measurements are performed. The 119Sn Mössbauer isomer shifts and the quadrupole splitting values confirm the SnO4 coordination and Sn(II) valence states. Solid state 11B, 27Al and 119Sn NMR spectra provided insights into the local crystal‐chemical environment. The vibrational properties are discussed from group theoretical analysis to mode assignments. SnAlBO4 and SnGaBO4, respectively, possess an electronic band gap of 3.73(9) and 3.21(4) eV calculated from the diffuse reflectance UV/Vis spectra.
Robotic magnetic navigation‐guided catheter ablation establishes highly effective pulmonary vein isolation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation when compared to conventional ablation techniques
Authors: Noten Anna M. E. , Romanov Alexander , De Schouwer Koen , Beloborodov Vladimir , Bhagwandien Rohit , Hoogendijk Mark G. , Mikheenko Igor , Wijchers Sip , Yap Sing‐Chien , Schwagten Bruno , Szili‐Torok Tamas
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is a pivotal part of ablative therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF). Currently, there are multiple techniques available to realize PVI, including: manual‐guided cryoballoon (MAN‐CB), manual‐guided radiofrequency (MAN‐RF), and robotic magnetic navigation‐guided radiofrequency ablation (RMN‐RF). There is a lack of large prospective trials comparing contemporary RMN‐RF with the more conventional ablation techniques. This study prospectively compared three catheter ablation techniques as treatment of paroxysmal AF.

Methods

This multicenter, prospective study included patients with paroxysmal AF who underwent their first ablation procedure. Procedural parameters (including procedural efficiency), complication rates, and freedom of AF during 12‐month follow‐up, were compared between three study groups which were defined by the utilized ablation technique.

Results

A total of 221 patients were included in this study. Total procedure time was significantly shorter in MAN‐CB (78 ± 21 min) compared to MAN‐RF (115 ± 41 min; p < .001) and compared to RMN‐RF (129 ± 32 min; p < .001), whereas it was comparable between the two radiofrequency (RF) groups (p = .062). A 3% complication rate was observed, which was comparable between all groups. At 12‐month follow‐up, AF recurrence was observed in 40 patients (19%) and was significantly lower in the robotic group (MAN‐CB 19 [24%], MAN‐RF 16 [23%], RMN‐RF 5 [8%] AF recurrences, p = .045) (multivariate hazard ratio of RMN‐RF on AF recurrence 0.32, 95% confidence interval: 0.12–0.87, p = .026).

Conclusion

RMN‐guided PVI results in high freedom of AF in patients with paroxysmal AF, when compared to cryoablation and manual RF ablation. Cryoablation remains the most time‐efficient ablation technique, whereas RMN nowadays has comparable efficiency with manual RF ablation.
The effect of sliding shear combined sugarcane basecutter on the cutting quality of sugarcane stubble
Authors: Qian Jun , Xu Yang , Ma Shaochun , Li Wenzhi , Li Lingfeng , Zhou Baocheng
Published: September 2023

As an important cash crop, sugarcane played an important role in the development of national economy. In response to the problem of severe stubble splitting caused by unsupported basecutting, the interaction between the basecutter and stalk were analyzed under the supported and unsupported basecutting modes, and the cutting force model was also established. The theoretical analysis results showed that supported basecutting could effectively reduce the bending resistance and inertia force of the stem, and avoid significant deformation of the stem. To some extent, supported basecutting could ensure the cutting quality of sugarcane stubble. The basecutting process of supported and unsupported basecutting were comparative analyzed based on ABAQUS. The simulation results showed that supported cutting could effectively reduce the maximum cutting stress and limit the displacement of the stem, and it could effectively ensure the stability of sugarcane stubble. The test bench was built with adjustable feeding speed (FS), rotational speed (RS), sugarcane cluster diameter (CD), and cutting inclination angle (CA). Based on the Box–Behnken center combination design scheme, the response surface experiments were conducted with the stubble splitting rate as experimental indicators. The analysis of variance showed that CD and CA had a significant impact on the splitting rate, with the degree of influence being: CD > CA > FS > RS. The model was optimized and solved, and the optimal parameter combination was the feeding speed of 1.4 m/s, the rotation speed of 180 r/min, the sugarcane cluster diameter of 3 cm, and the cutting inclination angle of 20°. Through bench test, it has been verified that the splitting rate of sugarcane stubble was 8.84%, and the damage rate of sugarcane stubble was less than 10%, met the sugarcane harvest standards.

Practical Applications

The cutting quality of sugarcane stubble has a significant impact on the growth of sugarcane in the following year. Unsupported basecutting would often lead to stubble damage. The interaction relationship between the basecutter and stalk of unsupported basecutting and supported basecutting were analyzed based on theoretical analysis and simulation tests. By optimizing the kinematic and structure parameters of basecutter and analyzing the cutting performance of the basecutter, the stubble splitting rates under the supported basecutting mode was reduced. The research could provide a reference for parameter optimization and basecutting methods of the sugarcane harvester.
Community‐Based Doulas' Roles Within the Birth Support System: Young Black Mothers’ Perspectives
Authors: Herriott Anna L. , Etling Sophia , Hans Sydney L.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Doulas have been found to be beneficial to pregnant adolescents during childbirth, but little is known about their role within the larger system of people providing birth support, including family and health care providers. The purpose of this study was to examine, from the perspectives of young mothers, the role of the doula within their broader birth support system.

Methods

One hundred pregnant Black adolescents and young women (aged 13 to 21) who were provided perinatal community‐based and racially concordant doula services at no cost to them were interviewed after the birth of their newborn, prior to hospital discharge. Interviews generated birth story narratives and responses to focused questions about their experiences of birth support. Thematic analysis was conducted to examine the role of the doula within the context of the broader system of birth support.

Results

Doulas functioned in 2 primary ways within the birth support system by (1) providing tandem support alongside family and health care providers and (2) filling gaps in health care not provided by family and providers. Laboring adolescents sometimes described their family members and doulas working in tandem to provide multiple types of support such as comfort measures, coaching, and help with pushing. They also identified gaps in their care or support filled by the doula, in particular gaps due to family members’ physical or emotional unavailability or health care providers’ many responsibilities.

Discussion

The findings highlight the ways in which doulas support pregnant adolescents during childbirth through their deft navigation of the existing support system. Well‐being was enhanced by the inclusion of the doula in the birth support system. The findings align with existing research that underscores the valuable role doulas play in supporting individuals during childbirth, particularly for those most affected by processes of marginalization.
Impact of different chemical denture cleansers on the properties of digitally fabricated denture base resin materials
Authors: Elrahim Ramy Abdallah Abd , Shown Ahmed , Abdellah Mahmoud , Abualsaud Reem , Helal Mohamed Ahmed
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To compare the impact of three different chemical denture cleansers (CDCs) (Corega, chlorhexidine, and hydrogen peroxide) on the surface roughness, microhardness, and color stability of 3D‐printed, computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD‐CAM) milled, and heat‐polymerized denture base material (DBM).

Materials and Methods

A total of 420 disc‐shaped specimens (10 ± 0.1 × 2 ±0.1 mm) were fabricated using three different construction techniques: three‐dimensional (3D) printing (n = 140), CAD‐CAM milling (n = 140), and heat‐polymerization (n = 140). Sixty specimens (20 of each DBM) were used for baseline (pre‐immersion) measurements (T1) for the tested surface properties (hardness [n = 10/material] and roughness [n = 10/material]). The remaining 360 specimens (n = 120/material) were investigated for surface roughness, microhardness, and color change after immersion for 1 year (T2) in distilled water or CDCs (n = 30/solution and n = 10/test). The data were analyzed using two‐way ANOVA, one‐way ANOVA followed by post‐hoc Tukey's test at a significance level of less than 0.05.

Results

Significant differences were observed in the effects of the tested CDCs on the surface roughness, micro‐hardness, and color stability of varying DBM specimens (p < 0.05). Corega showed the highest surface roughness and color change in all DBMs while H2O2 resulted in the lowest microhardness for all DBMs. The lowest changes in all tested properties were seen with distilled water followed by chlorhexidine. A significant effect of type of cleanser, denture base material, and the interaction between the two was seen on all measured properties (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The tested CDCs significantly affected the surface properties of all DBMs but at varying degrees. Corega produced the highest negative effect on roughness and color change while H2O2 dramatically affected the microhardness. Prolonged use of CDCs should be cautiously followed.
JURASSIC PETROLEUM SYSTEMS IN THE LUSITANIAN BASIN, PORTUGAL: NEW INSIGHTS BASED ON OIL – SOURCE ROCK CORRELATIONS
Authors: Brito Marco , Rodrigues René , Baptista Rui , Duarte Luís V. , Azerêdo Ana C. , Jones Cleveland M.
Published: September 2023

New stable carbon isotope and biomarker data for oils and source rock extracts from the Lusitanian Basin, Portugal, were studied in order to investigate the petroleum systems which are present there. The new analytical data was combined with data presented in previous publications, and oil‐oil and oil‐ source rock correlations were carried out. Three genetic groups of oils (Groups 1, 2 and 3), belonging to three different petroleum systems, were identified:

Group 1 oils occur in the northern sector of the Lusitanian Basin and were generated by the Coimbra Formation (Sinemurian) source rock. Reservoir rocks for oils in this group are the Coimbra, Água de Madeiros (upper Sinemurian – lower Pliensbachian), Boa Viagem (Kimmeridgian –Tithonian) and Figueira da Foz (upper Aptian – Cenomanian) Formations. Other potential source rocks in the northern sector of the basin, such as the Polvoeira Member of the Água de Madeiros Formation and the Marly Limestones with Organic Facies (MLOF) Member of the Vale das Fontes Formation (Pliensbachian), had biomarker characteristics which differed from those of the Group 1 oils and did not therefore generate them.

Group 2 oils occur in the central and southern sectors of the basin. The source rock is the Cabaços Formation (middle Oxfordian), and reservoir rocks are the Montejunto (middle‐upper Oxfordian) and Abadia (Kimmeridgian) Formations.

Group 3 is represented by an oil sample from the central sector of the Lusitanian Basin. Both the source rock and the reservoir rock for the oil are the Montejunto Formation.

Geochemical data combined with the regional tectono‐stratigraphic history suggest that the generation‐migration‐accumulation of most of the oil (critical moment) in the Coimbra – Coimbra ‐ Água de Madeiros ‐ Boa Viagem ‐ Figueira da Foz (!) petroleum system occurred in the early Campanian. For the Cabaços – Montejunto ‐ Abadia (!) and Montejunto – Montejunto (!) petroleum systems, the critical moment occurred in the late Cenomanian.
Harassment and killing of porpoises (“phocoenacide”) by fish‐eating Southern Resident killer whales (Orcinus orca)
Authors: Giles Deborah A. , Teman Sarah J. , Ellis Samuel , Ford John K. B. , Shields Monika W. , Hanson M. Bradley , Emmons Candice K. , Cottrell Paul E. , Baird Robin W. , Osborne Richard W. , Weiss Michael , Ellifrit David K. , Olson Jennifer K. , Towers Jared R. , Ellis Graeme , Matkin Dena , Smith Courtney E. , Raverty Stephen A. , Norman Stephanie A. , Gaydos Joseph K.
Published: September 2023

Endangered Southern Resident killer whales (Orcinus orca) are fish‐eaters that preferentially prey on adult Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Despite being salmon specialists, individuals from all three killer whale pods (J, K, L) have been observed harassing and killing porpoises (family Phocoenidae) without consuming them. Retrospectively, we identified and analyzed 78 episodes of Southern Resident killer whales harassing porpoises between 1962 and 2020, of which 28 resulted in the porpoise's death (“phocoenacide”). Fifty‐six episodes involved harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), 13 involved Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli), and the porpoise species was unreported for nine episodes. Southern Resident killer whales often targeted young porpoises that were similar in size to adult Chinook salmon. Both sexes participated in porpoise harassment. Juveniles engaged in the behavior the most; however, their rates of engagement were not found to differ significantly from most other age classes. The behavior was passed through generations and social groupings, as it was first observed in L pod and spread to the other two pods. Killer whales are highly complex animals known to exhibit social learning and cultural transmission of learned behaviors, but the reason(s) for this behavior is unknown. Hypotheses include the social and developmental benefits of play, hunting practice, or displaced epimeletic behavior.
Thomas Aquinas, Saint for Our Times?
Authors: Sherwin Michael S.
Published: September 2023

Why celebrate Thomas Aquinas? Three eras that celebrated Aquinas in unique ways—the Fourteenth century that canonized him, the Sixteenth century that declared him a doctor of the Church, and the nineteenth century that made him patron of the schools—all struggled with the corrosive effects of nominalism and voluntarism on Western culture. With the help of G. K. Chesterton and C. S. Lewis, this essay suggests that these eras were drawn to Aquinas because his theology offers an antidote against these twin diseases. Specifically, Thomas Aquinas's theology can help us confront the ills of nominalism and voluntarism by encouraging us to celebrate nature, grace, and Christian apprenticeship in virtue as the perennial gifts of God's love.
Thomas Aquinas and The Interlinking of Sanctity and Doctrine, From One Centenary to Another
Authors: Millais Marc
Published: September 2023

From 1923 to the present day, various studies have increasingly analysed the beginnings of the cult of Thomas Aquinas, as well as the authenticity of his works. Over the last century, the reception of Thomas Aquinas between these two poles of sanctity and the authority accorded to his works has shown itself to be a significant pairing, of which this article unpacks some important stages.