bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential use of Spirulina sp. as fish feed : A mini review
Authors: Prameswari Rhiana , Andriani Yuli , Gumilar Iwang , Hasan Zahidah
Published: January 2025

Spirulina sp. is one of the microalgae that is used as natural food for fish seeds or larvae. Spirulina sp. contains 60–71% protein, 8% fat, 16% carbohydrates, and vitamins as well as 1.6% Chlorophyll- a, 18% Phycocyanin, 17% β-Carotene, and 20–30% γ-linoleaic acid from total fatty acids. Cultivation of Spirulina sp. can be done using organic media and inorganic media. The types of inorganic media that can be used are Urea, TSP, Zarrouk, Conwy and Walne, while the organic media that can be used are vermicompost, quail droppings, guano, liquid waste from banana stems, coconut husks, canna plants, fermented Azolla pinnata , and bioslurry . The cultivated Spirulina can be used as fish feed in either fresh or dried form. Several research results show that giving Spirulina sp. flour had a significant effect (P0.05) on the growth and brightness of fish color with additional concentrations in the range of 1.2-10 grams/100 grams of feed
Cashew Apple: Nutritional Composition, Nutritive Value and Potentials as Commercial Feedstuff for Livestock
Authors: Ojediran Taiwo K. , Olorunlowu Segun Abraham , Oyekola Oluwatosin , Olagoke Olayemi C. , Emiola Isiaka Adewale
Published: January 2025

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) apple is an underutilized false fruit that accompanies the cashew nut. This review critically examines the nutrient composition, nutritive value, and potential of cashew apple as commercial feedstuff for livestock. It encompasses a comprehensive analysis of the various constituents present in cashew apple, including macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemical factors. By synthesizing information from a wide range of studies, this review highlights the considerable variations in the nutrient content of cashew apple and establishes various nutritive values for different livestock. Furthermore, this review suggests the need for further research to explore the full spectrum of health-promoting attributes and potential applications of cashew apple-derived components. Overall, this comprehensive assessment of the nutrient composition of cashew apple provides valuable insights for researchers, nutritionists, and food industry professionals seeking to unlock the nutritional potential of this often overlooked fruit.
Populism and regional cooperation: how did Pink Tide governments promote a new regional (or global?) order through populism?
Authors: Jaramillo Jassir Mauricio
Published: January 2025

For most political science scholars, populism is conceived as a domestic phenomenon. For decades, populism has been considered either as a democratic deviation that threatens the rule of law or as a legitimate discourse that encourages participation. Beyond this ongoing debate, it is necessary to consider whether populism has had effects on regional integration or cooperation. Such is the case with Latin American Pink Tide governments, most of which were populists. Those regimes were different from the most well-known Latin American populist leaders, such as Juan Domingo Perón, Getúlio Vargas, or Jose Maria Velasco Ibarra, as new leftist governments promoted a regional cooperation framework. In 2004, the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of our America (ALBA) was founded; two years later, the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) was created; and in 2008, this was the case for the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). Unlike traditional populists, who focused their interests on domestic politics, this new radical populism has had a regional scope. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to explore how populism has been reshaping regional cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean over the last 20 years. The research is divided into three parts. First, we explore the causes of the reemergence of populism in Latin America from the 2000s. Second, we analyze how Pink Tide populisms proposed and institutionalized a regional integration and cooperation framework on three fronts: ALBA, UNASUR, and CELAC. Finally, we discuss the current relevance of populism to regional integration dynamics, two decades after the Pink Tide populist governments’ appearance.
The husband stitch and patriarchal medical violence
Authors: Kosi Teja
Published: January 2025

This article aims to map and conceptualise the widespread practice called the ‘husband stitch’, a surgical procedure in which the practitioner adds one or more extra stitches beyond the number needed to repair a woman’s vagina after a vaginal birth. The idea behind it is that a smaller vagina will increase sexual pleasure for the male partner of the birthing woman. The procedure exemplifies the ways in which a patriarchal ideology still underpins the so-called objective medical knowledge and practice. The first part of the article describes the procedure and its place in contemporary actively guided birth. Based on the author’s archive of ethnographic voices, field observations, media texts and secondary sources, the second part of the article conceptualises the three ideal types of the procedure as distinct but often overlapping forms of patriarchal violence. The first two types fall under direct patriarchal violence, as the figures of the husband and the doctor play key roles. The third type represents a form of internalised violence, which is further deciphered by employing a repertoire of postfeminist concepts working with various contemporary neopatriarchal perceptions of femininity.
Long-term drought and risk of infant mortality in Africa: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Pin , Rogne Tormod , Warren Joshua L. , Asare Ernest O. , Akum Robert A. , Toure N’datchoh E. , Ross Joseph S. , Chen Kai
Published: January 2025

Background

As extreme events such as drought and flood are projected to increase in frequency and intensity under climate change, there is still large missing evidence on how drought exposure potentially impacts mortality among young children. This study aimed to investigate the association between drought and risk of infant mortality in Africa, a region highly vulnerable to climate change that bears the heaviest share of the global burden.

Methods and findings

In this cross-sectional study, we obtained data on infant mortality in 34 African countries during 1992–2019 from the Demographic and Health Surveys program. We measured drought by the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index at a timescale of 24 months and a spatial resolution of 10 × 10 km, which was further dichotomized into mild and severe drought. The association between drought exposure and infant mortality risk was estimated using Cox regression models allowing time-dependent covariates. We further examined whether the association varied for neonatal and post-neonatal mortality and whether there was a delayed association with drought exposure during pregnancy or infancy.

The mean (standard deviation) number of months in which children experienced any drought during pregnancy and survival period (from birth through death before 1 year of age) was 4.6 (5.2) and 7.3 (7.4) among cases and non-cases, respectively. Compared to children who did not experience drought, we did not find evidence that any drought exposure was associated with an increased risk of infant mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.00, 1.04], p = 0.072). When stratified by drought severity, we found a statistically significant association with severe drought (HR: 1.04; 95% CI [1.01, 1.07], p = 0.015), but no significant association with mild drought (HR: 1.01; 95% CI [0.99, 1.03], p = 0.353), compared to non-exposure to any drought. However, when excluding drought exposure during pregnancy, the association with severe drought was found to be non-significant. In addition, an increased risk of neonatal mortality was associated with severe drought (HR: 1.05; 95% CI [1.01, 1.10], p = 0.019), but not with mild drought (HR: 0.99; 95% CI [0.96, 1.02], p = 0.657).

Conclusions

Exposure to long-term severe drought was associated with increased infant mortality risk in Africa. Our findings urge more effective adaptation measures and alleviation strategies against the adverse impact of drought on child health.
Protocol for evaluating the effects of integrating music with taekwondo training in children with autism spectrum disorder: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yu Clare C. W. , Mok Kam M. , Mak Emma , Au Chun T. , Chan Dorothy F. Y. , Wu Stanley , Chung Raymond C. K. , Ip Matthew C. K. , Wong Simpson W. L.
Published: January 2025

Background

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are known to experience difficulties in coordinating fine- and gross-motor movement. Previous interventional studies have reported significant effect of exercise-based intervention programs on improving motor skills and alleviating symptoms in ASD; however, researchers are yet to know why some participants experienced less improvement than others. One plausible explanation for suboptimal treatment outcomes is insufficient engagement in the exercise programs due to the children’s difficulties in following instructions and performing the correct movements. In the proposed research, we will test the above speculation by manipulating the amount of music-therapy elements into a 10-week Taekwondo training program designed specifically for children with autism.

Methods

This is a randomized controlled trial. Seventy-two children aged 7 to 9 years who meet the diagnostic criteria of ASD will be recruited and randomized into either the “Taekwondo training with elements of music therapy” group or the “Taekwondo training alone” group. In both groups, the participating children will attend Taekwondo training sessions twice a week over 10 consecutive weeks. In the “Taekwondo training with elements of music therapy” group, elements of music therapy will be incorporated into the Taekwondo training. Assessment will be conducted before the program commences, immediately after the completion of the 10-week program, and 2 months after the post-test. The outcome domains to be evaluated include the immediate effects during the exercise sessions. These effects include the level of engagement in the exercise sessions (primary outcome), enjoyment, physical activity level, and rate of perceived exertion. Furthermore, the evaluation will also cover the overall effects of the training program on gross motor skills, Taekwondo skills performance, executive function, psychosocial functioning, and behavioral problems.

Discussion/Findings

The findings of this study will inform strategies for the promotion of physical activity and engagement among children with ASD when participating in exercise training classes. The study will also suggest the importance of regular physical activity for the physical and mental well-being of children with ASD.

Trial registration

Clinical trial registration: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06277778. Registered on 15 February 2024.
Allelopathic and auto-toxic effects of aqueous extracts of Codonopsis pilosula root secretions
Authors: Qiu Daiyu , Wang Xue , Xu Fengbin , Li Qian , Ren Fengying , Jiang Kan
Published: January 2025

Water-soluble constituents in the root exudates of C. pilosula exhibit both allelopathic and auto-toxic properties, which substantially impede its growth. To mitigate the constraints associated with the continuous cropping of C. pilosula, this study examined the impact of aqueous extracts from the root exudates at various developmental stages on seed germination and seedling growth. Additionally, we isolated and characterized significant auto-toxic allelochemicals. Our findings revealed that the inhibitory effects on seed germination, seedling growth, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes-collectively referred to as a comprehensive effect-intensified progressively with increasing concentrations of the aqueous extracts from C. pilosula root exudates. The most pronounced auto-toxic comprehensive effect was observed with extracts at a concentration of 50 mL during the reproductive phase, diminishing SOD and POD activities, and MDA levels in C. pilosula seedlings by 72.3%, 71.7%, and 83.3% respectively, compared to the control (P<0.05). Three primary allelopathic compounds-acetic acid, hexamethyl cyclotrisiloxane, and methoxybenzene oxime were isolated and identified in the aqueous extracts. Acetic acid, constituting 44.1% of the total chemical profile, exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on seed germination and seedling growth (P<0.05). In conclusion, the aqueous extracts of C. pilosula root exudates significantly inhibit seed germination and seedling growth, especially during the plant’s reproductive stage, with low molecular weight organic acids being the predominant allelopathic components.
Screening attendance of breast or cervical cancers and its associated factors among 30–49 year old women in Gedeo zone, South Ethiopia: Cross-sectional study
Authors: Demeke Abel Desalegn , Deribe Bedilu , Girma Martha , Gizaw Muluken , Getachew Sefonias , Unverzagt Susanne , Kantelhardt Eva J. , Ferrell Betty , Kroeber Eric Sven , Taylor Lesley
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Breast and cervical cancers are the most frequent and fatal cancers among women. Thus, early detection is necessary to improve the prognosis of affected women. However, in Ethiopia, the rates of screening remain alarmingly low.

Objective

To assess the magnitude of screening attendance for breast or cervical cancer, as well as the factors that predict it, among women aged 30–49 years old in Gedeo Zone, South Ethiopia, in 2023.

Method

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a multi-stage cluster sampling technique. Data were collected using pretested, structured questionnaires by trained interviewers. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were employed to identify factors associated with screening attendance.

Results

A total of 554 women participated in the study. Of them, 132 (23.8%) were screened for breast or cervical cancer. Higher age of 40–44 versus 45–49 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 4.18 [95% CI 1.59, 10.9]), higher education status ([AOR] 5.49 [95% CI 2.01, 13.1]), having family or a friend with history of breast or cervical cancer ([AOR] 5.55 [95% CI 2.47, 12.5]), short anticipated time to seek help ([AOR] 4.66 [1.31, 11.7]), adequate health literacy ([AOR] 6.98 [95% CI 2.82,13.3]) and high self-efficacy ([AOR] 2.32 [95% CI 1.08, 4.96]) were positive factors with higher screening attendance. High response cost ([AOR] 0.19 95% CI [0.08, 0.50]) was a negative factor and associated with lower screening attendance.

Conclusion and recommendation

The study found that only one in four women attended breast or cervical cancer screening. Screening uptake was better in women with higher education, health literacy, self-efficacy, and older age–similar to factors associated with other health seeking behavior. Interestingly, history of breast or cervical cancer in a friend or relative was also associated with higher uptake. This indicates that in addition to awareness campaigns, personal testimonials of survivors could encourage women to visit screening facilities.
A prospective model of the potential clinical and economic impact of cervical cancer screening supported by a mobile phone app
Authors: Asirwa Fredrick Chite , Bresnahan Brian W. , Yego Faith , Duncan Dana , Karichu James K. , Garrison Jr. Louis P.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Cervical cancer is a preventable and highly curable disease when detected early and adequately treated, yet it remains the leading cause of cancer-related death in women in Kenya due to low screening coverage and treatment. Implementing World Health Organization screening guidelines for human papillomavirus (HPV) is challenging due to the complex logistics of result return and follow-up requiring multiple clinic visits. Increasing the use of mobile technology can support follow-up care in cervical cancer screening programs.

Methods

We developed a prospective clinico-economic model to assess the potential impact of a mobile phone-based application (“app”) communicating laboratory results and recommendations to improve follow-up care for cervical cancer screening in Kenya. The model is structured to simulate a three-visit pathway for HPV-based screening used in a clinical trial of the app and based on epidemiological data, clinical guideline-based workflow, and patient-based behavioral pathways. Published literature, expert elicitation, and time-and-motion observations were used to estimate clinical data, care pathways, and visit-related costs. This analysis was conducted from a base-case healthcare system perspective with a scenario from a “limited” societal perspective.

Results

In a simulated cohort of women using the app-based intervention compared to conventional care, with 10,000 women in each arm, use of the app is projected to increase healthcare costs by $12.53 per enrolled woman during the trial period and to detect and treat an additional 247 women—229 with precancerous cervical lesions and 18 with cervical cancer. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of the app versus conventional care was $174 per case detected and treated. This would be cost-saving given the average lifetime cost per cervical cancer case of $1,000–$3,000.

Conclusion

Use of a mobile phone-based app is costlier than conventional screening but by improving visit compliance, it can be a cost-effective and cost-saving strategy to enhance detection and treatment in cervical cancer screening programs.
Combined effects of basalt fiber geometrical characteristics on pavement performance of asphalt mixtures
Authors: Zhou Heng , Li Mengxin , Jin Guyue , Guo Mengyu , Jiang Yingjun
Published: January 2025

Fibers have been widely adopted in asphalt mixture to improve its pavement performance. Lignin fiber and polyester fiber are the most popular two choices. Lignin fiber is derived from wood, which is not aligned with the principles of sustainable development. The production process for polyester fiber is more complex and costly, presenting both environmental and economic challenges in engineering applications. In contrast, basalt fiber is cost-effective, exhibit excellent wear resistance and impact toughness, and possess high mechanical strength. It is an ideal choice to improve pavement performance of asphalt mixtures. However, most of the existing studies focused on analyzing a single characteristic index of basalt fiber. They neglected the composite effects of geometric characteristics of basalt fiber, such as fiber diameter and length, on the pavement performance of asphalt mixtures at varying fiber contents. Therefore, taking the SMA-13 as an example, the combined effect of basalt fiber geometrical characteristics (fiber diameter, fiber length, and fiber content) on pavement performance are elucidated. Additionally, a random forest algorithm is adopted to perform a weight analysis of fiber characteristics and their correlation with pavement performance.
HIV viral load suppression rates among adults and children living with HIV in the North West Region of Cameroon: A call for action!
Authors: Tayong Gladys Fosah E. , Sander Melissa , Vuchas Comfort , Samje Moses , Kum Vera , Enokbonong Pascal , Yeika Eugene , Bekombo Ndanga , Nyibio Paul , Ngwani Vanessa B. , Ndié Justin , Yembe Njamnshi wepnyu , Ashuntangtang Gloria
Published: January 2025

Introduction

HIV continues to be a major public health problem in Cameroon where 2.7% of the population aged 15 to 49 are living with HIV. The prevalence remains higher in females, 3.4% versus 1.9% in males. The North West region of Cameroon has a higher prevalence than the national average; 4% in the general population, 5.8% in females and 1.6% in males. Despite the availability of pediatric HIV treatment, gaps in outcomes of children living with HIV (CLHIV) persists. This study aimed to compare the HIV viral suppression rates among adults and children living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the North West Region of Cameroon. In this study we hypothesized that the virologic outcome of children living with HIV is unfavorable compared to adults.

Methodology

This study was a comparative cross-sectional analytical study with secondary analysis of Viral load laboratory database. Data was collected in June 2023. We systematically collected deidentified data on viral load test of all PLHIV with HIV viral load results in the Bamenda TB reference laboratory database for the period January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022. Data was analyzed using Stata SE 14.2. Categorical variables were described using absolute and relative frequencies. These were compared using Pearson’s chi-squared test. Quantitative variables were described using mean as a characteristic of central tendency and standard deviation (SD) as a characteristic of dispersion.

Results

Analysis revealed that of the 23,814 PLHIV whose viral load test was done at the Bamenda TB reference laboratory during the year 2022, 17,364(73%) were female and 1436 (6%) were children. The level of HIV viral suppression (viral load<1000 copies/ml) in children was lower compared to that of adults (80% vs. 95%; p<0.001). Females had lower viral suppression than males (94% vs. 91%; p<0.001).

Conclusion

The results revealed a significant lower HIV viral suppression rate in children than in adults. Women also had a significantly higher HIV viral suppression than males. Findings indicated that HIV viral suppression rate is significantly higher for routine viral load testing than for targeted testing after enhanced adherence counselling, thus the need to systematically offer enhanced adherence counselling and other evidence-based support interventions in routine care to all PLHIV to avoid persistent high viral non-suppression. Action is needed to tackle all known factors contributing to high viral non-suppression in children living with HIV and to help achieve 95% viral suppression rate in CLHIV in the North West region of Cameron.
Prevalence, outcome and conduct of in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation in government hospitals of Nepal
Authors: Hamal Pawan Kumar , Kunwar Surendra , Gautam Kapil , Bhattarai Ramesh , Yadav Rupesh Kumar , Lamsal Ritesh , Singh Radeep , Pathak Sonam , Pokhrel Nabin
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an evidence-based intervention that saves lives. In low- and middle-income countries like Nepal, the occurrence of the problem and its outcome are seldom studied. The study aims to highlight the prevalence, performance, and outcome of CPR in government hospitals of Nepal.

Methods

A mixed method study was done for two months in central and provincial government hospitals of Nepal. A total of 80 resuscitations were evaluated using a questionnaire based on the American Heart Association 2020 guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. An in-depth interview was conducted with 15 active participants of the resuscitation in different sites. Thematic analysis was done using the framework of the chain of survival of arrest victims.

Results

The overall prevalence of CPR was found to be 1.92% [95% CI: 0.01,0.02] with 5.4% in central hospitals and 0.65% in provincial hospitals with 60% cardiac arrests occurring in the intensive care unit. Estimated time from recognition of the arrest to initiating CPR was 1.9 ±1.4 minutes. Asystole 66.25% was the commonest arrest rhythm and 21.25% had difficulty interpreting rhythm. Only 11.25% of the victims had return of spontaneous circulation and were subsequently transferred for post-arrest care. The qualitative analysis highlighted the lack of trained staff, a dedicated system, feedback mechanism, and provision of post-arrest care.

Conclusion

Across various level of Nepal’s healthcare system, cardiopulmonary resuscitation is prevalent with poor performance and outcome. To improve outcomes, it is essential to implement standardized procedures and ensure high quality resuscitation delivery before and after the event supported by well-trained healthcare personnel and adequate infrastructure.
A data pipeline for secure extraction and sharing of social determinants of health
Authors: Schappe Tyler , McElroy Lisa M. , Ogundolie Moronke , Matsouaka Roland , Rogers Ursula , Bhavsar Nrupen A.
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Linking neighborhood- and patient-level data provides valuable information about the influence of upstream social determinants of health (SDOH). However, sharing of these data across health systems presents challenges. We set out to develop a pipeline to acquire, deidentify, and share neighborhood-level SDOH data across multiple health systems.

Methods

We created a pipeline centered around Decentralized Geomarker Assessment for Multi-Site Studies (DeGAUSS) that utilizes containerization to geocode patient addresses and obtain neighborhood-level SDOH variables. We compared DeGAUSS to a third-party vendor geocoding tool available at Duke Health using a cohort of adult patients referred for abdominal transplant from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2022. We calculated Cohen’s Kappa and percent disagreement at census block group and tract levels, and by Area Deprivation Index, urbanicity, and year.

Results

The pipeline successfully generated SDOH data for 97.8% of addresses. There was high concordance between DeGAUSS and the vendor tool at the census block group (0.93) and tract levels (0.95). At the block group level, disagreement proportion differed by year and urbanicity, with larger disagreement in the rural category than in micropolitan and metropolitan categories (13%, 7%, 6.2%, respectively).

Discussion and conclusion

We describe a novel pipeline that can facilitate the secure acquisition and sharing of neighborhood-level SDOH without sharing PHI. The pipeline can be scaled to include additional social, climate, and environmental variables, and can be extended to an unlimited number of health systems.
Classification and Regression Trees analysis identifies patients at high risk for kidney function decline following hospitalization
Authors: Wang Weihao , Zhu Wei , Hajagos Janos , Fochtmann Laura , Koraishy Farrukh M.
Published: January 2025

Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline is associated with negative health outcomes, but the use of decision tree algorithms to predict eGFR decline is underreported. Among patients hospitalized during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, it remains unclear which individuals are at the greatest risk of eGFR decline after discharge. We conducted a retrospective cohort study on patients hospitalized at Stony Brook University Hospital in 2020 who were followed for 36 months post discharge. Random Forest (RF) identified the top ten features associated with fast eGFR decline. Logistic regression (LR) and Classification and Regression Trees (CART) were then employed to uncover the relative importance of these top features and identify the highest risk patients. In the cohort of 1,747 hospital survivors, 61.6% experienced fast eGFR decline, which was associated with younger age, higher baseline eGFR, and acute kidney injury (AKI). Multivariate LR analysis showed that older age was associated with lower odds of fast eGFR decline whereas length of hospitalization and vasopressor use with greater odds. CART analysis identified length of hospitalization as the most important factor and that patients with AKI and hospitalization of 27 days or more were at highest risk. After grouping by ICU and COVID-19 status and propensity score matching for demographics, these risk factors of fast eGFR decline remained consistent. CART analysis can help identify patient subgroups with the highest risk of post-discharge eGFR decline. Clinicians should consider the length of hospitalization in post-discharge monitoring of kidney function.
Serum lipids mediate the association of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances exposure and age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Chen Xiaodong , Li Jiaqi , Xu Ningda , Li Xuewei , Li Jiarui , Guo Qianwen , Zhang Jia , Miao Heng , Huang Lvzhen
Published: January 2025

Background

This study aims to investigate the connection between serum lipids, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) risk and assess whether serum lipids mediate the association between PFAS and AMD.

Methods

1605 participants were enrolled from NHANES 2005–2008. Four serum PFAS levels with high detective rates, including perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) were examined. Restricted cubic spline analysis (RCS) and weighted quantile sum (WQS) analysis were employed to detect nonlinear and mixed exposure effects.

Results

PFOS level was associated with any AMD (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.12 to 2.11; P = 0.011), early AMD (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.95; P = 0.024), and late AMD (OR, 3.35; 95% CI, 1.55 to 7.23; P = 0.004) risk. PFHxS (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.01 to 2.93; P = 0.045) and PFOA (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.21 to 3.63; P = 0.011) levels were associated with late AMD risk. The RCS showed a nonlinear connection between PFOS exposure and AMD risk (P nonlinear = 0.006). WQS analysis indicated a positive relationship between mixed PFAS exposure and AMD risk (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.75; P = 0.030). Serum total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were associated with AMD risk (ORTC, 1.005; 95% CI, 1.001 to 1.009; P = 0.026. ORHDL, 1.028; 95% CI, 1.014 to 1.042; P<0.001), and mediated the relationship of PFOS exposure and AMD risk, with mediation proportions of 5.73% (P = 0.020) and 7.27% (P = 0.032), respectively.

Conclusions

PFOS exposure was connected with AMD risk and serum TC and HDL mediated this relationship.
The risk of malnutrition as a predictor of arrhythmia recurrence after catheter ablation in patients with paroxysmal non-valvular atrial Fibrillation and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Zhang Zixi , Wang Cancan , Liu Qiming , Xiao Yichao , Zhou Jiabao , Wu Keke , Huang Yunying , Zhang Zeying , Liu Shiping , Lin Qiuzhen
Published: January 2025

Background

Malnutrition presents a significant challenge in managing patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), yet its impact on AF recurrence after catheter ablation in this population remains unclear.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 204 patients with paroxysmal non-valvular AF and HFpEF who underwent radiofrequency or cryoballoon ablation. Risk of malnutrition as assessed using three screening tools: the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score, Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), and Nutritional Risk Index (NRI)]. We examined the relationship between risk of malnutrition and AF recurrence post-ablation.

Results

After a mean follow-up period of 11.2 ±  1.8 months, 43 patients (21.1%) experienced AF recurrence. Despite being classified as overweight or obese based on body mass index, many patients were at risk of malnutrition according to the CONUT score, NRI, and PNI. Adjusted analyses showed that higher CONUT scores (HR: 10.132; 95% CI: 2.545–40.336; P =  0.001), lower NRI (HR: 22.734; 95% CI: 6.399–80.776; P <  0.001), or lower PNI (HR: 9.469; 95% CI: 3.232–27.739; P <  0.001) were significantly associated with increased risk of AF recurrence. Restricted cubic spline regression revealed an inverted U-shaped relationship between the CONUT score and AF recurrence, and L-shaped relationships for both NRI and PNI with AF recurrence.

Conclusions

Systematic nutritional assessment is crucial in patients with paroxysmal non-valvular AF and HFpEF. High CONUT scores, low NRI, or low PNI serve as independent predictors for AF recurrence. Further large-scale randomized controlled trials are required to validate these findings.
How corporate financialization affects main business performance—Empirical evidence based on a dynamic panel threshold model
Authors: Chen Baodong , Li Jing , Zhang Jiayi
Published: January 2025

Corporate financialization is a growing concern in China, and its impact on the main business of real enterprises is a crucial topic. This paper uses data from all A-share non-financial listed companies in China between 2013 and 2022 to establish a dynamic panel threshold model and test the effect of corporate financialization on enterprise performance. The empirical results indicate a threshold effect between the two variables, corporate financialization has both positive and negative effects on main business performance, with a threshold of 5.82%. Additionally, significant heterogeneous results are found for the nature of ownership, asset maturity, industry and regional distribution.
The effects of a single bout of high intensity exercise on stress reactivity, mind wandering, and lecture comprehension in young adults
Authors: Morava Anisa , Shirzad Ali , Van Riesen James , Shirzad Mustafa , Elshawish Nader , Alushaj Erind , Prapavessis Harry
Published: January 2025

Post-secondary students experience acute stressors daily. Acute stress has been associated with poor cognitive and learning outcomes. Prior work has demonstrated a single bout of exercise can attenuate acute stress responses. The present study examined the effects of a single 30-minute bout of high intensity aerobic exercise on multidimensional stress reactivity and learning-related outcomes. Forty participants were randomized to either engaging in an exercise bout or seated rest. Participants were then exposed to the Trier Social Stress Test followed by a 20-minute video lecture. The video lecture contained embedded mind wandering probes. Acute exercise did not attenuate stress responses, however promoted greater on-task behaviour (i.e., less mind wandering) and improved lecture comprehension scores. Notably, state anxiety was positively associated with mind wandering and mind wandering was negatively associated with lecture comprehension. Collectively, examining the role of acute interventions that reduce state anxiety may promote favourable learning outcomes in young adults.
The combined impacts of toxic drug use and the 2021 Heat Dome in Canada: A thematic analysis of online news media articles
Authors: Tetzlaff Emily J. , Goulet Nicholas , Gorman Melissa , Kenny Glen P.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

During the summer of 2021, western Canada experienced a historic and deadly extreme heat event. Simultaneously, toxic drug use and overdoses related to high-risk use of opioids and polysubstance use continued to rise across the country. However, the combined impacts of these intersecting public health crises remain poorly understood as relevant data sources are limited in Canada.

Methods

We explored news media articles (n = 86, 3%) discussing toxic drug use, overdose-related deaths and the 2021 Heat Dome which were identified in a systematic review of Canadian online news media (e.g., newspaper articles, radio broadcasts) from five subscription news databases and an extensive grey literature search (n = 2909). The analyzed articles were published before, during and after the 2021 Heat Dome, and were qualitatively coded and thematically analyzed in NVivo to identify patterns of meaning across the dataset.

Results

Four main themes were identified within our media-based analysis: (I) the reported impact of toxic drug use on human thermoregulation and behavioural adaptation; (II) the reported demand of intersecting crises on the health system; (III) barriers and stigma reported to influence an individual’s access to or use of heat mitigation behaviours and services; and (IV) the reported impact of extreme heat on the public health response to drug poisoning emergencies.

Conclusion

With increasing temperature extremes and a rising tide of toxic drug use and overdoses, our findings illustrate that there is a need for further research to better understand the combined impacts when toxic drug use, overdose-related deaths, and extreme heat coincide.
Ventricular function assessment using an ultrafast spoiled gradient echo sequence with an intravascular blood pool contrast agent in pediatric patients
Authors: Miah Tayaba , Gunda Rithvik , Greil Gerald , Hussain Mohammad , Zou Qing
Published: January 2025

Background

Balanced steady-state free processing (bSSFP) MR sequence has long been considered the gold standard method for ventricular function assessment (VFA), and normal values are based on this acquisition. However, bSSFP sequence suffers from susceptibility artifacts due to scenarios such as cardiac implants. The T1-TFE sequence, also known as ultrafast spoiled gradient sequence, is less affected by such susceptibility artifacts. While it is unclear if T1-TFE sequence yields similar VFA results as the bSSFP sequence.

Purpose

To validate if the T1-TFE sequence, with an intravascular blood pool contrast agent, yields similar results for VFA as the gold-standard non-contrast bSSFP approach, so that the T1-TFE sequence can be used for VFA when bSSFP approach fails.

Methods

Two sets of images from two different sequences were utilized in this study. T1-TFE (with contrast) scans were used as one while bSSFP-derived images were used as the other. 37 pediatric patients were recruited into this study. Semi-automated software (cvi42) was used to segment and derive ventricular volumes. Image quality was objectively assessed by comparing signal-to-noise (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) scores. Last, two expert readers provided a subjective analysis of image quality. Paired t-tests were used to assess significant differences in volumetric values (end-diastolic and end-systolic) between T1-TFE and bSSFP sequences. A Bland-Altman analysis evaluated potential bias and agreement between these sequences.

Results

Ventricular function assessment via volumetric data analysis resulted in no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05), and high R2 values. SNR and CNR scores also presented with no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05), and nearly identical scores (SNR T1-TFE mean: 29.5 ± 3.1, SNR bSSFP mean: 28.8 ± 3.7, CNR T1-TFE mean: 28.8 ± 3.3, CNR bSSFP mean: 28.1 ± 4.0). Image quality assessment via expert subjective image analysis scores is consistent with the data. All Bland-Altman plots show good agreement and reveal no systematic bias or random error.

Conclusion

T1-TFE sequences in combination with Ferumoxytol allow reliable ventricular function assessment and overcome the limitations of traditional bSSFP MR sequences in this context.
Oxidative stress-driven enhanced iron production and scavenging through Ferroportin reorientation worsens anemia in antimony-resistant Leishmania donovani infection
Authors: Ghosh Souradeepa , Chigicherla Krishna Vamshi , Dasgupta Shirin , Goto Yasuyuki , Mukherjee Budhaditya
Published: January 2025

Despite the withdrawal of pentavalent-antimonials in treating Visceral leishmaniasis from India, recent clinical isolates of Leishmania donovani (LD) exhibit unresponsiveness towards pentavalent-antimony (LD-R). This antimony-unresponsiveness points towards a genetic adaptation that underpins LD-R’s evolutionary persistence and dominance over sensitive counterparts (LD-S). This study highlights how LD evolutionarily tackled antimony exposure and gained increased potential of scavenging host-iron within its parasitophorous vacuoles (PV) to support its aggressive proliferation. Even though anti-leishmanial activity of pentavalent antimonials relies on triggering oxidative outburst, LD-R exhibits a surprising strategy of promoting reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in infected macrophages. An inherent metabolic shift from glycolysis to Pentose Phosphate shunt allows LD-R to withstand elevated ROS by sustaining heightened levels of NADPH. Elevated ROS levels on the other hand trigger excess iron production, and LD-R capitalizes on this surplus iron by selectively reshuffling macrophage-surface iron exporter, Ferroportin, around its PV thereby gaining a survival edge as a heme-auxotroph. Higher iron utilization by LD-R leads to subsequent iron insufficiency, compensated by increased erythrophagocytosis through the breakdown of SIRPα-CD47 surveillance, orchestrated by a complex interplay of two proteases, Furin and ADAM10. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for managing LD-R-infections and their associated complications like severe anemia, and may also provide valuable mechanistic insights into understanding drug unresponsiveness developed in other intracellular pathogens that rely on host iron.
Transgressing Tikanga Captured by Māori: First-Hand Accounts 1816–1884, Trevor Bentley (2021)
Authors: Jablonski Sebastian
Published: January 2025

Review of: Transgressing Tikanga Captured by Māori: First-Hand Accounts 1816–1884, Trevor Bentley (2021)

Nelson: Potton & Burton, 288 pp.,

ISBN 978 1 98855 018 3 (pbk), NZ$39.99
La Littérature Irradiée: Les Essais Nucléaires En Polynésie Française Au Prisme De L’écriture, Andréas Pfersmann (2021)
Authors: Maufort Jessica
Published: January 2025

Review of: La Littérature Irradiée: Les Essais Nucléaires En Polynésie Française Au Prisme De L’écriture, Andréas Pfersmann (2021)

Marseille: La Courte Échelle and Éditions Transit, 88 pp.,

ISBN 978 2 91727 028 8 (pbk), €10
O “Tien” feito carne: Os Jesuítas e a formação do “cristianismo chinês”
Authors: Ribeiro António Vitor
Published: January 2025

A missão jesuíta no Oriente, e na China em particular, tem sido alvo de estudos de história missológica clássica, muitos deles de elevadíssima qualidade. O que se pretende com esta publicação não é a abordagem missológica, mas antes estudar as possibilidades e compatibilidades do cristianismo num ambiente cultural confuciano. Assim, propõe-se um olhar sobre a documentação de um ponto de vista etnológico, antropológico e filosófico. Os materiais utilizados vão desde relatos de rituais de exorcismo, sonhos de viagens ao Além, práticas culturais confucianas penetradas por elementos cristãos, conversas de missionários com camponeses, budistas, taoístas, mandarins e imperadores.
A um outro nível, pretende-se colocar a missão jesuítica na China (1600-1750) numa perspetiva de intercâmbio cultural, em que os acontecimentos na missão chinesa eram muitas vezes determinados por desenvolvimentos que ocorriam na Europa, nomeadamente a ascensão do jansenismo a partir da segunda metade do século XVII.
Esta abordagem, utilizando metodologias indiciárias, quase policiais, visa ainda lançar uma nova perspectiva sobre a famosa questão dos “ritos chineses”.
Közérthetőség és automatizáció
Authors: Üveges István
Published: January 2025

A jogi szövegek természetükből adódóan olyan magatartási normákat határoznak meg, amelyek betartása mindenkire nézve kötelező, és amelyek ismertét és megértését a jogalkotó minden állampolgár részéről feltételezi és elvárja. Ennek ellenére az ilyen szövegek megalkotása során legtöbbször csak a szaknyelvet ismerők szempontjai érvényesülnek, a laikusok nézőpontja nem. A problémára megoldást jelenthet, ha a közérthető fogalmazás automatizációs lehetőségeit vizsgáljuk. Egy olyan szoftver, amely egyfajta helyesírás ellenőrzőként segít a fogalmazónak könnyebben érthetővé tenni a szöveget, jelentős emberi munkaerő megtakarítását teszi lehetővé. Az értekezés a jogi és nyelvészeti szakirodalomra támaszkodva keresi a választ arra a kérdésre, hogy mely nyelvi, nyelvhasználati jegyek megváltoztatása segítheti a jogi szövegek közérthetővé tételét. Ennek során a kutatás nagyban támaszkodik a Plain Language Movement által meghatározott alapelvekre és javaslatokra. Egyszersmind felügyelt-, és felügyelet nélküli gépi tanulási megoldásokkal vizsgálja a közérthetőséget, mint klasszifikációs problémát. A kutatás eredményképpen elkészített szoftver egyfajta prototípusként hivatott szolgálni, amely segítheti a témával foglalkozók munkáját, ha saját megoldás elkészítése mellett döntenek. Egyúttal a megfelelő környezetben alkalmazva segítséget hivatott nyújtani a közérthető nyelvhasználatot fontosnak tekintők számára, gyorsítva főként a funkcionális jogi szövegek (pl. hivatali tájékoztatók) közérthető átiratainak elkészítését.
RuPaul’s Drag Race como instrumento de globalização queer
Authors: De Araújo Gomes Maiko Jhonata , Lira de Menezes Lucas
Published: January 2025

O artigo analisa de que forma o reality show estadunidense RuPaul’s Drag Race consegue exportar a cultura drag globalmente, enquanto paralelamente representa uma ameaça ao conservadorismo estadunidense, frente à ascensão de leis antidrag no país. Para tanto, o trabalho faz uso da metodologia qualitativa explicativa, utilizando-se de artigos e livros na área de globalização; estudos sobre conservadorismo e neoliberalismo; e estudos queer. Os resultados apontam que enquanto o mercado adota estratégias nichadas de consumo para a população LGBTQIA+, os Estados podem apresentar interesses domésticos conflitantes.
O sonho animista
Authors: Pentagna de Moraes João Antônio
Published: January 2025

Neste estudo, articulo e confronto o sonho tal como é compreendido pela psicanálise com as práticas oníricas animistas, interrogando a ideia freudiana do umbigo do sonho e, sobretudo, o estatuto das imagens: são representações do ego do sonhador ou espíritos? Desejos infantis recalcados ou os desejos dos outros? Ao fim, é considerada uma tradução possível entre o ponto de vista (no perspectivismo) e a pulsão de vida na psicanálise, a resistência ativa ou a aliança com os não humanos no xamanismo e uma pragmática clínica da realização de desejo.
Contrato e Consentimento entre os Nambiquara
Authors: Namba Janaina , Valiati Lucas
Published: January 2025

O presente artigo tem como objetivo examinar os estudos de Lévi-Strauss sobre os Nambiquara, com particular atenção às dinâmicas sociais consideradas pelo autor como elementos culturais primordiais para a constituição da vida em sociedade: contrato e consentimento. A partir dessa análise, realiza-se um diálogo com as teorias freudianas que envolvem a fundação da cultura, com ênfase na concepção de renúncia pulsional do psicanalista.
As razões dos outros
Authors: Ab’Sáber Tales
Published: January 2025

Os modos, epistemologias, objetos e problemas diferenciais de psicanálise e antropologia tendem a distanciar os dois campos. No entanto, eticamente e em alguns parâmetros de problemas de fundo de enunciação das duas disciplinas, elas também se aproximam. Este artigo investiga essas dissociações e articulações. Por fi m, ele propõe uma utilização mais consequente e própria da psicanálise por antropólogos, no nível da investigação e partilhamento dos próprios sonhos com os outros, fontes humanas de suas observações.
Continuing Medical Education Questions: February 2025
Authors: Bhalla Sean
Published: January 2025

Article Title: Quality Indicators for Upper GI Endoscopy
Artificial Neural Network Multi-layer Perceptron Models to Classify California's Crops using Harmonized Landsat Sentinel (HLS) Data
Authors: McCormick Richard , Thenkabail Prasad S. , Aneece Itiya , Teluguntla Pardhasaradhi , Oliphant Adam J. , Foley Daniel
Published: January 2025

Advances in remote sensing and machine learning are enhancing cropland classification, vital for global food and water security. We used multispectral Harmonized Landsat 8 Sentinel-2 (HLS) 30-m data in an artificial neural network (ANN) multi-layer perceptron (MLP) model to classify five crop classes (cotton, alfalfa, tree crops, grapes, and others) in California's Central Valley. The ANN MLP model, trained on 2021 data from the United States Department of Agriculture's Cropland Data Layer, was validated by classifying crops for an independent year, 2022. Across the five crop classes, the overall accuracy was 74%. Producer's and user's accuracies ranged from 65% to 87%, with cotton achieving the highest accuracies. The study highlights the potential of using deep learning with HLS time series data for accurate global crop classification.