bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renewable Musa Sapientum derived porous nano spheres for efficient energy storage devices
Authors: Molahalli Vandana , Soman Gowri , Bhat Vinay S , M S Jyothi , Sirimahachai Uraiwan , Maradur Sanjeev , De Padova Paola , Chattham Nattaporn , Hegde Gurumurthy
Published: July 2024

Biomass-based carbonaceous materials derived from Musa Sapientum have gained much attention in recent years for their application in energy storage devices, especially supercapacitors. In the present work, we synthesized carbonaceous material from banana peel as the biomass precursor by using a pyrolysis method carried out at various temperatures (600, 800, and 1000 °C). The characterization of the prepared carbonaceous materials BP600, BP800 and BP1000 was done by using different characterization techniques such as FTIR, XRD, FE-SEM, and TEM, studies. The electrochemical study of the synthesized material was carried out by cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The supercapacitive performance of the material was studied using a 3-electrode system with 3M KOH as an electrolyte. As a result, the BP600 exhibited a better specific capacitance with higher energy and power densities along with a maximum cyclic stability of 16,000 cycles. To show the practical applicability of the material BP 600, two electrode system studies were carried out as well, which showed preferentially good values for specific capacitance with appreciable power and energy density values. The study provides us with a green approach for the fabrication of non-toxic, low-cost, and environmentally friendly potential porous carbonaceous electrode materials by converting bio-waste into a clean and renewable source of energy.
Improved tools for live imaging of F-actin structures in yeast
Authors: Wirshing Alison C.E. , Goode Bruce L.
Published: July 2024

For over 20 years, the most effective probe for live imaging of yeast actin cables has been Abp140-GFP. Here, we report that endogenously-tagged Abp140-GFP poorly decorates actin patches and cables in the bud compartment of yeast cells, while robustly decorating these structures in the mother cell. Using mutagenesis, we found that asymmetric decoration by Abp140 requires F-actin binding. By expressing integrated Bni1-Bnr1 and Bnr1-Bni1 chimeras, we demonstrate that asymmetric cable decoration by Abp140 also does not depend on which formin assembles the cables in each compartment. In contrast, the short actin-binding fragment of Abp140 (known as “Lifeact”), fused to 1x or 3xmNeonGreen and expressed from the endogenous ABP140 promoter, uniformly decorates patches and cables in both compartments. Further, this probe dramatically improves live imaging detection of cables (and patches) without altering their in vivo dynamics or cell growth. Improved detection allows us to visualize cables growing inward from the cell cortex and dynamically interacting with the vacuole. This probe also robustly decorates the cytokinetic actomyosin ring. Because Lifeact-3xmNeon expressed at relatively low levels provides intense labeling of cellular F-actin structures, this tool may improve live imaging in other organisms where higher levels of Lifeact expression are detrimental.
Origin Story Part II: Change in Anti-Intellectual Attitude Endorsement
Authors: Motta Matthew
Published: July 2024

Chapter 6 offers a novel exploration into how epistemic abilities (i.e., knowledge of basic scientific facts) and motivations (i.e., interest in scientific topics) shape within-person change in anti-intellectual attitude endorsement over time. While both science knowledge and interest are correlated with one another, this chapter shows that only gains in science interest are associated with decreased anti-intellectualism over time. These effects are particularly strong for Americans who are currently in the process of receiving a college degree, which is consistent with the idea that exposure to new people and ideas in college—including experts and intellectuals—may stimulate both interest in academic research and in those who produce it. Insights from Chapter 6 serve as the evidentiary basis for a series of recommendations discussed in the book’s conclusion regarding how to design effective strategic communication interventions that facilitate trust in scientists and other experts.
The Bidirectionality Thesis: Hofstadter’s Forgotten Prediction
Authors: Motta Matthew
Published: July 2024

Chapter 7 offers a general test of the dynamic (bidirectional) relationship between anti-intellectualism and opposition to the role that experts play in the policymaking process. Consistent with Hofstadter’s often-overlooked theoretical expectations, the chapter finds that Americans’ preferences regarding experts’ role in the policymaking process and anti-intellectualism are mutually reinforcing. People who become more anti-intellectual over time are less likely to want experts to exert a strong influence on shaping public policies, while people who come to prefer a smaller policy role for experts tend to embrace negative views toward experts. These findings are the first to highlight the bidirectional nature of anti-intellectualism and its policy consequences and serve as an important conceptual context for understanding the analyses presented in Chapter 8.
Anti-Intellectualism and Its Pernicious Policy Consequences
Authors: Motta Matthew
Published: July 2024

Chapter 8 offers a multifaceted look at the impact anti-intellectualism has on evidence-based economic, climate, and health policy. Beginning with macroeconomic policy, the chapter shows that anti-intellectualism is associated with the devaluation of economists’ policy-relevant expertise on issues related to unemployment and taxation. It also presents new evidence that Congress tends to invite fewer testimonies from economic experts in periods where public anti-intellectual sentiment is elevated. The chapter documents similar dynamics (on both counts) with respect to belief in human-caused climate change and the solicitation of expert input on climate-focused legislation. Finally, it shows that anti-intellectualism has been associated with opposition to evidence-based medicine throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, including the acceptance of pandemic-related misinformation, noncompliance with expert-recommended health behaviors (e.g., social distancing, mask wearing, and vaccine uptake), and opposition to expert-backed health policies (e.g., childhood vaccine mandates in public schools).
What’s Next, Doc?
Authors: Motta Matthew
Published: July 2024

Chapter 9 concludes by summarizing the lessons learned from the analyses presented throughout this book and suggesting directions for future research. Anti-intellectualism is the product of both socio-political and epistemic forces. It both shapes and is shaped by views about the role that experts play in the policymaking process. Perhaps most importantly, anti-intellectualism inspires opposition both among political elites and the American public more generally to experts’ policy influence in several important areas. Most importantly, the chapter considers how anti-intellectual attitude acceptance can be reduced. Drawing on insights from Chapter 6, the book’s final chapter points to a potentially unified approach to combating anti-intellectualism by suggesting that efforts to stimulate Americans’ interest in and curiosity about science, technology, and related matters could help mitigate the extent to which Americans express negativity toward experts.
Design and development of a new pictorial tool to facilitate communication around advance care planning
Authors: Baylina Melé Mireia , Villavicencio-Chávez Christian , Garzón Rodríguez Cristina , Edo-Gual Montserrat , Crespo Iris
Published: July 2024

Background

Advance care planning (ACP) aims to ensure that people with chronic or advanced disease receive medical care that is consistent with their values and preferences. However, professionals may find it challenging to engage these patients in conversations about the end of life. We sought to develop a pictorial tool to facilitate communication around ACP.

Methods

This was a three-phase study. In phase 1, we used the nominal group and Delphi techniques to achieve expert consensus regarding the conceptual content of the tool. In phase 2, a professional cartoonist was commissioned to create a series of cartoons representing each of the content areas resulting from the Delphi process. The pictorial tool was then administered (phase 3) with a sample of individuals with advanced/chronic disease to explore whether the cartoons were easy to understand and conveyed the intended message.

Results

Following a three-round Delphi process, consensus was reached regarding a set of 12 key content areas that should be considered in the context of an ACP interview. The cartoons created to represent each of the 12 areas were then reviewed and ordered so as to reflect the typical stages of an end-of-life care interview. After administering the pictorial tool with 24 frail older adults with advanced/chronic disease, changes were made to 9 of the 12 cartoons.

Conclusions

The new pictorial tool comprises a set of 12 cartoons that can guide professionals as they seek to engage frail older adults with advanced/chronic disease in conversations about the end of life and ACP.
Hospital falls clinical practice guidelines: a global analysis and systematic review
Authors: McKercher Jonathan P , Peiris Casey L , Hill Anne-Marie , Peterson Stephen , Thwaites Claire , Fowler-Davis Sally , Morris Meg E
Published: July 2024

Background

Hospital falls continue to be a persistent global issue with serious harmful consequences for patients and health services. Many clinical practice guidelines now exist for hospital falls, and there is a need to appraise recommendations.

Method

A systematic review and critical appraisal of the global literature was conducted, compliant with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Epistemonikos, Infobase of Clinical Practice Guidelines, Cochrane CENTRAL and PEDro databases were searched from 1 January 1993 to 1 February 2024. The quality of guidelines was assessed by two independent reviewers using Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation Global Rating Scale and Appraisal of Guidelines of Research and Evaluation Recommendation Excellence (AGREE-REX). Certainty of findings was rated using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation Confidence in Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research. Data were analysed using thematic synthesis.

Results

2404 records were screened, 77 assessed for eligibility, and 20 hospital falls guidelines were included. Ten had high AGREE-REX quality scores. Key analytic themes were as follows: (i) there was mixed support for falls risk screening at hospital admission, but scored screening tools were no longer recommended; (ii) comprehensive falls assessment was recommended for older or frail patients; (iii) single and multifactorial falls interventions were consistently recommended; (iv) a large gap existed in patient engagement in guideline development and implementation; (v) barriers to implementation included ambiguities in how staff and patient falls education should be conducted, how delirium and dementia are managed to prevent falls, and documentation of hospital falls.

Conclusion

Evidence-based hospital falls guidelines are now available, yet systematic implementation across the hospital sector is more limited. There is a need to ensure an integrated and consistent approach to evidence-based falls prevention for a diverse range of hospital patients.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for the Development of Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder in a Large U.S. Military Cohort
Authors: Jacobson Isabel G , Geronimo-Hara Toni Rose , Sharifian Neika , McMaster Hope S , Mehlman Haley , Rull Rudolph P , Maguen Shira ,   for the Millennium Cohort Study Team, Esquivel Alejandro P , Ray Travis N , Klimek-Johnson Patrycja , Baccetti Anna , Belding Jennifer , Boparai Satbir , Carey Felicia , Castañeda Sheila , Harbertson Judith , Kolaja Claire , Lewis Crystal , Magallon Sandra , Richard Erin , Rivera Anna , Sheppard Beverly , Trone Daniel , Villalobos Javier , Walstrom Jennifer , Wooten Nikki , Zhu Katie
Published: July 2024

While bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder (BED) are prevalent in military populations, an understanding of risk and protective factors is limited by a lack of longitudinal population-based epidemiological research. This study examined the prevalence of BN and BED among active duty service members and identified military and psychosocial factors associated with their development. Millennium Cohort Study participants were followed for up to 15 years and prevalence was ascertained using survey and electronic medical record data. Longitudinal multivariable logistic regression models evaluated risk factors associated with the development of bulimia nervosa (n=96,245) or binge eating disorder (n=113,733). Weighted prevalence estimates from survey data (range, 0.80%-4.80%) were higher than those from medical records (0.04%-0.14%). Military factors significantly associated with increased risk for BN and BED included active duty component (vs Reserve/Guard); serving in the Army, Marines, or Navy/Coast Guard (vs Air Force); and combat deployment (vs deployment without combat). Associated psychosocial factors included lack of social support, experiencing at least one life stressor, and screening positive for posttraumatic stress disorder or problem drinking. Findings highlight the critical need for disordered eating screening and prevention efforts that bolster coping skills, which can ultimately improve service member functioning and readiness.
Role of contrast-enhanced mammogram as an adjunct to tomosynthesis in evaluation of circumscribed breast lesions
Authors: Porkodi Dharmalingam , Devimeenal Jagannathan
Published: July 2024

Objectives

We evaluated the role of contrast-enhanced mammogram (CEM) in the characterization of circumscribed lesions detected in digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and correlated with histopathology.

Methods

A retrospective study was done on 205 circumscribed breast masses detected with DBT and for whom CEM was done before core biopsy/excision biopsy. Morphology of lesion enhancement was noted at a 2-min CEM image and depending on the enhancement pattern, they were classified as benign, malignant, and indeterminate. Indeterminate lesions were further characterized by contrast kinetics at 8 min and divided into benign and malignant lesions. The results were correlated with histopathology reports.

Results

Among the 205 lesions, 158 were benign and 47 were malignant by histopathology. All 47 malignant cases were diagnosed as malignant (sensitivity-100%) and 150 out of 158 benign lesions were diagnosed as benign by CEM (specificity-95%). Eight benign lesions were reported as malignant (false positive) by CEM. Positive predictive value was 85.4% (47/55); negative predictive value (NPV) was 100% (150/150); accuracy was 96% (197/205).

Conclusions

The high sensitivity of CEM in our study suggests that CEM helps in the early diagnosis of benign-looking circumscribed breast malignancies. The high NPV of CEM helps to avoid unnecessary biopsies and interventions in benign lesions.

Advances in knowledge

This study describes the contrast enhancement pattern of benign and malignant circumscribed breast lesions and thereby helps in the diagnosis of malignancy at an early stage. CEM is a promising adjunct tool since it offers functional imaging as a supplement to anatomical imaging by DBT.
Broader anti-EBV TCR repertoire in multiple sclerosis: disease specificity and treatment modulation
Authors: Schneider-Hohendorf Tilman , Wünsch Christian , Falk Simon , Raposo Catarina , Rubelt Florian , Mirebrahim Hamid , Asgharian Hosseinali , Schlecht Ulrich , Mattox Daniel , Zhou Wenyu , Dawin Eva , Pawlitzki Marc , Lauks Sarah , Jarius Sven , Wildemann Brigitte , Havla Joachim , Kümpfel Tania , Schrot Miriam-Carolina , Ringelstein Marius , Kraemer Markus , Schwake Carolin , Schmitter Thomas , Ayzenberg Ilya , Fischer Katinka , Meuth Sven G , Aktas Orhan , Hümmert Martin W , Kretschmer Julian R , Trebst Corinna , Kleffner Ilka , Massey Jennifer , Muraro Paolo A , Chen-Harris Haiyin , Gross Catharina C , Klotz Luisa , Wiendl Heinz , Schwab Nicholas
Published: July 2024

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection has long been associated with the development of multiple sclerosis (MS). Patients with MS have elevated titres of EBV-specific antibodies in serum and show signs of CNS damage only after EBV infection. Regarding CD8+ T cells, an elevated but ineffective response to EBV was suggested in MS patients, who present with a broader MHC-I-restricted EBV-specific T-cell receptor beta chain (TRB) repertoire compared to controls. It is not known whether this altered EBV response could be subject to dynamic changes, e.g. by approved MS therapies, and whether it is specific for MS.

Peripheral blood TRB repertoire samples (n = 1317) of healthy donors (n = 409), patients with MS (n = 710) before and after treatment, patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (n = 87), MOG antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) (n = 64) and Susac’s syndrome (n = 47) were analysed.

Apart from MS, none of the evaluated diseases presented with a broader anti-EBV TRB repertoire. In MS patients undergoing autologous haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation, EBV reactivation coincided with elevated MHC-I-restricted EBV-specific TRB sequence matches. Therapy with ocrelizumab, teriflunomide or dimethyl fumarate reduced EBV-specific, but not CMV-specific MHC-I-restricted TRB sequence matches.

Together, these data suggest that the aberrant MHC-I-restricted T-cell response directed against EBV is specific to MS with regard to neuromyelitis optica, MOGAD and Susac’s syndrome and that it is specifically modified by MS treatments interfering with EBV host cells or activated lymphocytes.
Exploring the psychological impact of childhood-onset psoriasis: a systematic review
Authors: Shah Veranca , Larson Allison , Jafferany Mohammad
Published: July 2024

Childhood-onset psoriasis is often associated with various psychological challenges. Numerous studies have delved into the connection between adult-onset psoriasis and its potential to heighten a patient’s susceptibility to various psychological challenges. However, less has been written about the influence of childhood psoriasis on psychological disorders, particularly anxiety and depression, eating disorders and substance abuse. In this study, we delve into studies that shed light on these associated risks. A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, focusing on the psychological impacts of childhood-onset psoriasis. From an initial pool of 313 articles, we utilized Covidence, a specialized software designed for screening and selection, adhering to strict exclusion criteria such as psoriasis in adulthood and incorrect study designs. This process refined our focus to 12 relevant articles, which were critically analysed to understand the psychological comorbidities associated with childhood-onset psoriasis. Our review reveals a significant link between childhood-onset psoriasis and increased instances of depression and anxiety. Notably, children with psoriasis demonstrate higher frequencies of suicidal thoughts and behaviours, as well as a marked propensity for substance abuse and addiction. The study also uncovers a strong connection between psoriasis in children and the development of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Childhood-onset psoriasis significantly affects the psychological wellbeing of children, with heightened risks for depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance abuse and eating disorders. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive management strategies that encompass not only the physical symptoms but also mental health and psychological support for children with psoriasis. Early intervention and regular screenings are crucial in mitigating these risks and improving the quality of life of paediatric patients with psoriasis.
Dermatopathology
Authors: Banda Thandiwe , Andrew Kashini , Thomson Michelle , Grant Lucy
Published: July 2024

A man in his 60s presented to dermatology with a 4-year history of a large inflammatory plaque on the dorsal aspect of his left arm. Histology showed extensive necrotizing granulomatous inflammation in keeping with a diagnosis of perforating granuloma annulare.
Lateral expansion of the mammalian cerebral cortex is related to anchorage of centrosomes in apical neural progenitors
Authors: Morozov Yury M , Rakic Pasko
Published: July 2024

The centrosome is the main microtubule organizing center in stem cells, and its mother centriole, anchored to the cell membrane, serves as the basal body of the primary cilium. Prolonged anchorage of centrosomes and primary cilia to the apical segment of the membrane of apical neural progenitor cells is considered vital for interkinetic nuclear translocation and repetitive cycling in the ventricular zone. In contrast, the basolateral anchorage of primary cilia has been regarded as the first step in delamination and conversion of apical to basal neural progenitor cells or neurons. Using electron microscopy analysis of serial sections, we show that centrosomes, in a fraction of cells, anchor to the basolateral cell membrane immediately after cell division and before development of cilia. In other cells, centrosomes situate freely in the cytoplasm, increasing their probability of subsequent apical anchorage. In mice, anchored centrosomes in the cells shortly after mitosis predominate during the entire cerebral neurogenesis, whereas in macaque monkeys, cytoplasmic centrosomes are more numerous. Species-specific differences in the ratio of anchored and free cytoplasmic centrosomes appear to be related to prolonged neurogenesis in the ventricular zone that is essential for lateral expansion of the cerebral cortex in primates.
Enhanced multistage deep learning for diagnosing anterior disc displacement in the temporomandibular joint using MRI
Authors: Min Chang-Ki , Jung Won , Joo Subin
Published: July 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to propose a new method for the automatic diagnosis of anterior disc displacement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) using MRI and deep learning. By using a multistage approach, the factors affecting the final result can be easily identified and improved.

Methods

This study introduces a multistage automatic diagnostic technique using deep learning. This process involves segmenting the target from MR images, extracting distance parameters, and classifying the diagnosis into 3 classes. MRI exams of 368 TMJs from 204 patients were evaluated for anterior disc displacement. In the first stage, 5 algorithms were used for the semantic segmentation of the disc and condyle. In the second stage, 54 distance parameters were extracted from the segments. In the third stage, a rule-based decision model was developed to link the parameters with the expert diagnosis results.

Results

In the first stage, DeepLabV3+ showed the best result (95% Hausdorff distance, Dice coefficient, and sensitivity of 6.47 ± 7.22, 0.84 ± 0.07, and 0.84 ± 0.09, respectively). This study used the original MRI exams as input without preprocessing and showed high segmentation performance compared with that of previous studies. In the third stage, the combination of SegNet and a random forest model yielded an accuracy of 0.89 ± 0.06.

Conclusions

An algorithm was developed to automatically diagnose TMJ-anterior disc displacement using MRI. Through a multistage approach, this algorithm facilitated the improvement of results and demonstrated high accuracy from more complex inputs. Furthermore, existing radiological knowledge was applied and validated.
Wait-times benchmarks for risk-based prioritization in transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a simulation study
Authors: Miranda Rafael N , Austin Peter C , Fremes Stephen E , Mamas Mamas A , Sud Maneesh K , Naimark David M J , Wijeysundera Harindra C
Published: July 2024

Background

Demand for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has increased in the last decade, resulting in prolonged wait-times and undesirable health outcomes in many health systems. Risk-based prioritization and wait-times benchmarks can improve equitable access to patients.

Methods and results

We used simulation models to follow-up a synthetic population of 50 000 individuals from referral to completion of TAVI. Based on their risk of adverse events, patients could be classified as ‘low-’, ‘medium-’, and ‘high-risk’, and shorter wait-times were assigned for the higher risk groups. We assessed the impacts of the size and wait-times for each risk group on waitlist mortality, hospitalization, and urgent TAVIs. All scenarios had the same resource constraints, allowing us to explore the trade-offs between faster access for prioritized patients and deferred access for non-prioritized groups. Increasing the proportion of patients categorized as high-risk, and providing more rapid access to the higher-risk groups achieved the greatest reductions in mortality, hospitalizations and urgent TAVIs (relative reductions of up to 29%, 23%, and 38%, respectively). However, this occurs at the expense of excessive wait-times in the non-prioritized low-risk group (up to 25 weeks). We propose wait-times of up to 3 weeks for high-risk patients and 7 weeks for medium-risk patients.

Conclusion

Prioritizing higher-risk patients with faster access leads to better health outcomes, however this also results in unacceptably long wait-times for the non-prioritized groups in settings with limited capacity. Decision-makers must be aware of these implications when developing and implementing waitlist prioritization strategies.
Is the output growth rate in NIPA a welfare measure?
Authors: Durán Jorge , Licandro Omar
Published: July 2024

This paper shows that, in a dynamic general equilibrium framework, the rate of output growth as measured by national income and product accounts reflects changes in welfare in the precise sense of equivalent variation. The main argument is straightforward. In a two-sector dynamic general equilibrium model of heterogeneous households, recursive preferences and quasi-concave technology, the Bellman equation provides a representation of household preferences over current consumption and investment. When applied to this representation of preferences, a Fisher–Shell true quantity index turns out to be equal to the Divisia index, closely approximated by the Fisher ideal chain index used in national income and product accounts.
Transportation model for acute aortic dissection: implications for reduced treatment centres
Authors: Goehlich Amelie , Prasse Paul , Zaschke Lisa , Habazettl Helmut , Falk Volkmar , Kurz Stephan D
Published: July 2024

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the present study was to model the effects of a reduced number of treatment centres for acute type A aortic dissection on preclinical transportation distance and time. We examined whether treatment in selected centres in Germany would be implementable with respect to time to treatment.

METHODS

For our transportation model, the number of aortic dissections and respective mean annual volume were collected from the annual quality reports (2015–2017) of all German cardiac surgery centres (n = 76). For each German postal code, the fastest and shortest routes to the nearest centre were calculated using Google Maps. Furthermore, we analysed data from the German Federal Statistical Office from January 2005 to December 2015 to identify all surgically treated patients with acute type A aortic dissection (n = 14 102) and examined the relationship between in-hospital mortality and mean annual volume of medical centres.

RESULTS

Our simulation showed a median transportation distance of 27.13 km and transportation time of 35.78 min for 76 centres. Doubling the transportation time (70 min) would allow providing appropriate care with only 12 medical centres. Therefore, a mean annual volume of >25 should be obtained. High mean annual volume was associated with significantly lower in-hospital mortality rates (P < 0.001). A significantly lower mortality rate of 14% was observed (P < 0.001) if a mean annual volume of 30 was achieved.

CONCLUSIONS

Operationalizing the volume–outcome relationship with fewer but larger medical centres results in lower mortality, which outweighs the disadvantage of longer transportation time.
Atrial fibrillation and risk of sudden cardiac arrest in young adults
Authors: Kim Yun Gi , Jeong Joo Hee , Han Kyung-Do , Roh Seung-Young , Lee Hyoung Seok , Choi Yun Young , Shim Jaemin , Kim Young-Hoon , Choi Jong-Il
Published: July 2024

Aims

Evidence of an association between atrial fibrillation (AF) and sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in young adults is limited. In this study, we aim to evaluate this association in a general population aged between 20 and 39 years.

Methods and results

Young adults who underwent health check-ups between 2009 and 2012 were screened from a nationwide healthcare database in South Korea. A history of AF diagnosis before the health check-ups was identified based on the relevant International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition codes reported in the database. Associations between an established diagnosis of AF and the risk of SCA during follow-up were examined. A total of 6 345 162 young people were analysed with a mean follow-up duration of 9.4 years. The mean age was 30.9 ± 5.0 years, and 5875 (0.09%) individuals were diagnosed with AF. During follow-up, SCA occurred in 5352 (0.08%) individuals, and the crude incidence was 0.56 and 0.09 events per 1000 person-years for participants with and without AF, respectively. Individuals with AF had a 3.0-fold higher risk in a multivariate model adjusted for age, sex, lifestyle, anthropometric data, and medical comorbidities (adjusted hazard ratio 2.96, 95% confidence interval 1.99–4.41, P < 0.001). Both incident and prevalent AFs were associated with an increased risk of SCA, with no significant differences between the two groups.

Conclusion

Atrial fibrillation was associated with a significantly higher risk of SCA developing in healthy young adults. Whether the rate or rhythm control influences the risk of SCA in young patients with AF remains to be examined.
Geographic variation in shortfalls of dementia specialists in the United States
Authors: Liu Jodi L , Baker Lawrence , Chen Annie Yu-An , Wang Jue (Jessie)
Published: July 2024

Dementia specialists—neurologists, geriatricians, and geriatric psychiatrists—serve a critical clinical function in diagnosing early-stage Alzheimer's disease and determining eligibility for treatment with disease-modifying therapies. However, the availability of dementia specialists is limited and varies across the United States. Using data from the Area Health Resources Files, we found that the median density of dementia specialists across hospital referral regions in United States is 28.8 per 100 000 population aged 65 years and older (interquartile range 19.3-43.6). We derived thresholds of 33-45 dementia specialists per 100 000 population aged 65 years and older as the provider density necessary to care for older adults with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Based on these thresholds, we estimated that 34%-59% of the population aged 65 years and older resided in areas with potential dementia specialist shortfalls. The extent of potential shortfalls varied by state and rurality. A better understanding of potential gaps in the availability of dementia specialists will inform policies and practices to ensure access to services for people with cognitive impairment and dementia.
Psychological distress, health-promoting lifestyle and sociodemographic factors in Honduran university students: a structural equation model
Authors: Castillo-Díaz Marcio Alexander , Martínez María Candelaria , Periañez Carlos Alberto Henao , Sauceda-Acosta Dilcia
Published: July 2024

This study sought to analyze an explanatory model on the relationship among sociodemographic factors, health-promoting lifestyle behaviors and psychological distress (depression, anxiety and stress) in college students. This is an observational, analytical and cross-sectional study conducted on a national sample of 4203 students who entered a macro university in Honduras in 2021, 2022 and 2023. We used a sociodemographic survey, the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP-II) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21). Univariate analysis and a multivariate structural equation model were conducted. The average HPLP-II score was 117.45 (± 23.41), and the average DASS-21 score was 20.06 (± 14.16). The multivariate model showed a good data fit (comparative fit index = 0.951; Tucker–Lewis index = 0.957; root mean square error of approximation = 0.067 [90% CI = 0.067–0.068]). Results indicate that being a woman (β = 0.11; p < 0.001) and being enrolled in biological and health sciences (β = 0.09; p < 0.001) significantly predict HPLP-II scores. Furthermore, being a woman (β = 0.17; p < 0.001), age (β = 0.10; p < 0.001) and having pre-existing medical conditions (β = 0.16; p < 0.001) significantly explain part of the variance of DASS-21. A significant reverse relationship between health-promoting behavior and psychological distress was shown (r = −0.36; p < 0.001). This study identifies protective and risky sociodemographic factors linked to health-promoting lifestyle behaviors and psychological distress. Our findings have implications for developing comprehensive intervention policies and strategies to promote health in higher education settings.
Links between Innate and Adaptive Immunity Can Favor Evolutionary Persistence of Immunopathology
Authors: Cressler Clayton E , Adelman James S
Published: July 2024

Synopsis

Immunopathology, or the harm caused to an organism’s own tissues during the activation of its immune system, carries substantial costs. Moreover, avoiding this self-harm may be an important mechanism underlying tolerance of infection, helping to reducing fitness costs without necessarily clearing parasites. Despite the apparent benefits of minimizing immunopathology, such damage persists across a range of host species. Prior work has explored a trade-off with resistance during a single infection as a potential driver of this persistence, with some collateral damage being unavoidable when killing parasites. Here, we present an additional trade-off that could favor the continued presence of immunopathology: robust immune responses during initial infection (e.g., innate immunity in vertebrates) can induce stronger memory (adaptive immunity), offering protection from future infections. We explore this possibility in an adaptive dynamics framework, using theoretical models parameterized from an ecologically relevant host-parasite system, house finches (Haemorhous mexicanus) infected with the bacterial pathogen, Mycoplasma gallisepticum. We find that some degree of immunopathology is often favored when immunopathology during first infection either reduces susceptibility to or enhances recovery from second infection. Further, interactions among factors like transmission rate, recovery rate, background mortality, and pathogen virulence also shape these evolutionary dynamics. Most notably, the evolutionary stability of investment in immunopathology is highly dependent upon the mechanism by which hosts achieve secondary protection (susceptibility vs. recovery), with the potential for abrupt evolutionary shifts between high and low investment under certain conditions. These results highlight the potential for immune memory to play an important role in the evolutionary persistence of immunopathology and the need for future empirical research to reveal the links between immunopathology during initial infections and longer-term immune protection.
‘Fire and Rehire’: Four Lessons from Australia
Authors: Pittard Marilyn J , Ewing K D
Published: July 2024

The practice of firing employees and then rehiring them in their same jobs on inferior conditions and lower wages (‘fire and rehire’) has emerged as a matter of acute political controversy. Its use in the United Kingdom has become even more controversial in the period since the Covid-19 pandemic. A brutal example of the practice was seen in the P&O case, which could be viewed as an example of ‘fire and replace’ as well as ‘fire and rehire’. In March 2022, P&O Ferries summarily dismissed 786 seafarers, setting aside £44 million to meet the anticipated compensation costs arising from its failure to comply with multiple employment law obligations owed to the crew. Approximately 100 of those dismissed were re-engaged on new terms, the remainder replaced by new crew engaged through agencies on inferior terms and conditions. This article addresses what would need to be done to ‘ban’ fire and rehire, and the related practice of fire and replace. It is argued that fire and rehire is a symptom of system failure which will not be addressed by sticking plaster solutions or by an unenforceable code, but by addressing the underlying causes. This means better regulation, treating collective agreements and contracts of employment with greater respect, better procedures for the negotiation of change, and more effective remedies designed to restrain employers from acting unlawfully. In addressing these matters we draw extensively on the experience of Australia where fire and rehire as understood or practised in the United Kingdom is largely unknown.
Evaluation of a Novel Point-of-Care Blood Myxovirus Resistance Protein A Measurement for the Detection of Viral Infection at the Pediatric Emergency Department
Authors: Piri Ruut , Ivaska Lauri , Kujari Anna-Maija , Julkunen Ilkka , Peltola Ville , Waris Matti
Published: July 2024

Background

Prompt differentiation of viral from bacterial infections in febrile children is pivotal in reducing antibiotic overuse. Myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) is a promising viral biomarker.

Methods

We evaluated the accuracy of a point-of-care (POC) measurement for blood MxA level compared to the reference enzyme immunoassay in 228 febrile children aged between 4 weeks and 16 years, enrolled primarily at the emergency department (ED). Furthermore, we analyzed the ability of MxA to differentiate viral from bacterial infections.

Results

The mean difference between POC and reference MxA level was −76 µg/L (95% limits of agreement from −409 to 257 µg/L). Using a cutoff of 200 µg/L, POC results were uniform with the reference assay in 199 (87.3%) children. In ED-collected samples, the median POC MxA level was 571 (interquartile range [IQR], 240–955) µg/L in children with viral infections, 555 (IQR, 103–889) µg/L in children with viral-bacterial coinfections, and 25 (IQR, 25–54) µg/L in children with bacterial infections (P < .001). MxA cutoff of 101 µg/L differentiated between viral and bacterial infections with 92% sensitivity and 91% specificity.

Conclusions

POC MxA measurement demonstrated acceptable analytical accuracy compared to the reference method, and good diagnostic accuracy as a biomarker for viral infections.
An efficient lightweight railway track segmentation network for resource-constrained platforms with TensorRT
Authors: Chen Chenglin , Wang Fei , Yang Min , Qin Yong , Bai Yun
Published: July 2024

Accurate and rapid railway track segmentation is fundamental for foreign object intrusion detection, inspection, online monitoring, and non-destructive assessment of transportation infrastructure. Recently, vision-based track segmentation algorithms have demonstrated strong performance. However, most existing models struggle to meet the real-time requirements of resource-constrained edge devices. Considering this challenge, we propose an edge-enabled real-time railway track segmentation algorithm, which is optimized to be suitable for edge applications by optimizing the network structure and quantizing the model after training. Initially, Ghost convolution is introduced to reduce the complexity of the backbone, thereby achieving the extraction of key information on the region of interest at a lower cost. To further reduce the model complexity and calculation, a new lightweight detection head is proposed to achieve the best balance between accuracy and efficiency. Subsequently, we introduce quantization techniques to map the model’s floating-point weights and activation values into lower bit-width fixed-point representations, reducing computational demands and memory footprint, ultimately accelerating the model’s inference. Finally, we draw inspiration from GPU parallel programming principles to expedite the pre-processing and post-processing stages of the algorithm by doing parallel processing. The approach is evaluated with the public and challenging dataset RailSem19 and tested on Jetson Nano. Experimental results demonstrate that our enhanced algorithm achieves an accuracy level of 83.3% with 25 FPS inference speed when the input size is 480$\times $480. The code can be found at: https://github.com/ccl-1/light-yolov8-seg-quantization-tensorrt.
Zinc proteinate with moderate chelation strength enhances zinc absorption by upregulating the expression of zinc and amino acid transporters in primary cultured duodenal epithelial cells of broiler embryos
Authors: Hu Yun , Wu Wei , Huang Liang , Zhang Liyang , Cao Chunyu , Zhang Weiyun , Hu Yangyang , Cui Xiaoyan , Li Tingting , Wang Shengchen , Luo Xugang
Published: July 2024

Recent study showed that zinc (Zn) and amino acid transporters may be involved in enhancing Zn absorption from Zn proteinate with moderate chelation strength (Zn-Prot M) in the duodenum of broilers. However, the specific mechanisms by which Zn-Prot M promotes the above Zn absorption are unknown. Therefore, in this study, 3 experiments were conducted to investigate specific and direct effects of Zn-Prot M and Zn sulfate (ZnS) on Zn absorption and expression of related transporters in primary duodenal epithelial cells of broiler embryos so as to preliminarily address possible mechanisms. In experiment 1, cells were treated with 100 μmol Zn/L as ZnS or Zn-Prot M for 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, or 120 min. Experiment 2 consisted of 3 sub-experiments. In experiment 2A, cells were treated with a Zn-unsupplemented basal medium (Control) or the basal medium supplemented with 100 or 200 μmol Zn/L as ZnS or Zn-Prot M for 60 min; in experiment 2B, cells were treated with a Zn-unsupplemented basal medium (Control) or the basal medium supplemented with 200 μmol Zn/L of as the ZnS or Zn-Prot M for 120 min; in experiment 2C, cells were treated with a Zn-unsupplemented basal medium (Control) or the basal medium supplemented with 400 or 800 μmol Zn/L as ZnS or Zn-Prot M for 120 min. In experiment 3, cells were treated with a Zn-unsupplemented basal medium (Control) or the basal medium supplemented with 400 μmol Zn/L as ZnS or Zn-Prot M for 120 min. The results of experiment 1 indicated that the minimum incubation time for saturable Zn absorption was determined to be 50.83 min using the best fit line. The results in experiment 2 demonstrated that a Zn concentration of 400 μmol/L and an incubation time of 120 min were suitable to increase the absorption of Zn from Zn-Prot M compared to ZnS. In experiment 3, Zn absorption across cell monolayers was significantly increased by Zn addition (P < 0.05), and was significantly greater with Zn-Prot M than with ZnS (P < 0.05). Compared to the control, Zn addition significantly decreased Zn transporter 10 and peptide-transporter 1 mRNA expression levels and increased y + L-type amino transporter 2 (y + LAT2) protein abundance (P < 0.05). Moreover, protein expression levels of zrt/irt-like protein 3 (ZIP3), zrt–irt-like protein 5 (ZIP5), and y + LAT2 were significantly greater for Zn-Prot M than for ZnS (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that Zn-Prot M promote Zn absorption by increasing ZIP3, ZIP5 and y + LAT2 protein expression levels in primary duodenal epithelial cells.
Bayesian linearized inversion for petrophysical and pore-connectivity parameters with seismic elastic data of carbonate reservoirs
Authors: Ba Jing , Chen Jiawei , Guo Qiang , Cheng Wei , Yang Zhifang , Chen Xiao , Luo Cong
Published: July 2024

Carbonate reservoirs are important targets for promoting the oil and gas reserve exploration and production in China. However, such reservoirs usually contain developed complex pore structures, which heavily affect the precision in seismic prediction of petrophysical parameters. As one of the most important parameters to characterize reservoir rock, pore-related parameters can not only describe the pore structure, but also be used to evaluate the oil/gas-bearing capabilities of potential reservoirs. The conventional rock-physics models (e.g. Gassmann's model) are formulated assuming fully connected pores, which is unable to accurately capture the geometrical complexity in real rocks. To characterize the influences of multiple pores on the elastic properties, this work presents a rock-physics modeling method for carbonates, wherein the percentage composition of connected pores is equivalently quantified as the pore-connectivity factor. The method treats the pore-connectivity factor as an objective variable to characterize the spatial variations of pore structure. Specifically, the method combines the differential equivalent medium theory and Gassmann's model, and derives a linearized forward operator to quantitatively link porosity, water saturation, and pore-connectivity factor to seismic elastic parameters. According to the Bayesian linear inverse theory, the simultaneous estimation of petrophysical and pore-connectivity parameters is achieved. To characterize the statistical variations with multiple lithofacies, the Gaussian mixture model is employed to quantify the prior distribution of the objective variables. The posterior distribution of the objective variables is analytically expressed with the linearized forward operator. Numerical experiments show that the accuracy of the proposed method in predicting elastic parameters is improved. Compared with the conventional Xu–White model and the varying pore aspect-ratio method, the accuracy of predicted P-wave velocity increases by 10.29% and 1.33%, respectively, and the predicted S-wave velocity increases by 6.44% and 0.03%, in terms of correlation coefficient. The application to the field data validates the effectiveness of the method, wherein the porosity and water saturation results help indicating the spatial distribution of potential reservoirs.