bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction of lauric acid content in virgin coconut oil improved plasma lipid profile in high‐fat diet‐induced hypercholesterolemic mice
Authors: Chatturong Usana , Palang Iyapa , To‐on Kittiwoot , Deetud Watcharakorn , Chaiwong Suriya , Sakulsak Natthiya , Sonthi Phattarapon , Chanasong Rachanee , Chulikorn Ekarin , Kanprakobkit Winranath , Wittaya‐areekul Sakchai , Kielar Filip , Chootip Krongkarn
Published: August 2023

Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is claimed to have various health benefits, but favorable effects of its major component (∼50%), lauric acid, are controversial. Therefore, we aimed to reduce lauric acid content (∼30%) in VCO and evaluate its effect compared to VCO and medium‐chain triglycerides (MCT), on food intake, bodyweight (BW), lipid profiles, and hepatic histology. Female C57BL/6 mice were treated with different diets for 3 months: control (normal diet), high‐fat diet (HF), HF + VCO, HF + MCT, HF + low lauric acid VCO (LLA), and normal diet + LLA (C + LLA). LLA was prepared by enzymatic interesterification of VCO with methyl octanoate (methyl caprylate) and methyl decanoate (methyl caprate). Plasma and liver lipids, including total cholesterol (TC), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglyceride, were measured by colorimetric assay, and hepatic fat accumulation was examined by oil‐red‐O staining. HF mice exhibited high plasma and liver TC and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL). VCO or MCT treatment lowered liver TC and LDL, whereas LLA increased plasma HDL and markedly improved TC:HDL ratio. The HF‐induced hepatic fat accumulation was attenuated by all treatments, of which VCO was the most effective. Control mice administered with LLA demonstrated lower liver TC and LDL, but higher plasma TC and HDL compared to controls. Lowest BW gain and food intake were found in mice treated with LLA. In conclusion, VCO, MCT, and LLA ameliorated hepatic histopathology caused by HF. VCO and MCT improved liver lipid profiles, whereas LLA has more beneficial effect on plasma lipids via a better TC:HDL ratio and showed promise for BW control.
Non‐A to E hepatitis in children: Detecting a novel viral epidemic during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Brüssow Harald
Published: August 2023

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, two further novel viral epidemics were described in 2022, monkeypox virus infections in men having sex with men and non‐A to E hepatitis in children. The latter occurred in the first half of 2022 with about 1000 cases worldwide, necessitating liver transplantation in 5% and causing death in 2% of patients. It took some effort to clarify the cause of the novel hepatitis epidemic. Researchers were confronted with a polymicrobial viral infection consisting of an adenovirus‐associated virus type 2 (AAV2) infection, co‐occurring with either human adenovirus type 41 (HAdV41) or herpesvirus infections; most prominently human herpesvirus type 6 (HHV‐6). AAV‐2, a small Dependovirus of the Parvovirus family, needs these helper viruses for its replication. AAV2 is used as a vector for liver‐targeting gene therapy but was not previously known to cause acute hepatitis. HAdV41 and HHV‐6 are mostly known to cause diarrhoea and febrile illnesses associated with skin rashes in children, respectively. Except for a few case reports of HHV‐6 hepatitis, HAdV and HHV‐6 are mostly known as major pathogens in immunosuppressed transplantation patients. A potential role of SARS‐CoV‐2 has also been discussed but the most popular hypothesis involves an indirect role of the COVID‐19 pandemic for this novel disease. Exposure to HHV‐6 infections occurs nearly quantitatively during the first year of life. Social distancing measures, followed by the lifting of these measures in 2022 might have caused a delayed exposure to multiple, normally benign childhood viral infections eliciting a dysregulated immune response with pathological effects for liver cells. In the fall of 2022, when these conditions were not longer met, case numbers dwindled. The hypothesis of an unequilibrated immune response instead of intrinsic cytopathic activity of the implicated viruses is further supported by the enrichment of a particular HLA allele in cases over controls.
Suppression of FOXO1 attenuates inflamm‐aging and improves liver function during aging
Authors: Yang Wanbao , Kim Da Mi , Jiang Wen , Ai Weiqi , Pan Quan , Rahman Shahina , Cai James J. , Brashear Wesley A. , Sun Yuxiang , Guo Shaodong
Published: August 2023

The liver is a key metabolic organ that maintains whole‐body nutrient homeostasis. Aging‐induced liver function alterations contribute to systemic susceptibility to aging‐related diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms of liver aging remain insufficiently understood. In this study, we performed bulk RNA‐Seq and single‐cell RNA‐Seq analyses to investigate the underlying mechanisms of the aging‐induced liver function changes. We found that liver inflammation, glucose intolerance, and liver fat deposition were aggravated in old mice. Aging significantly increased pro‐inflammation in hepatic macrophages. Furthermore, we found that Kupffer cells (KCs) were the major driver to induce pro‐inflammation in hepatic macrophages during aging. In KCs, aging significantly increased pro‐inflammatory levels; in monocyte‐derived macrophages (MDMs), aging had a limited effect on pro‐inflammation but led to a functional quiescence in antigen presentation and phagosome process. In addition, we identified an aging‐responsive KC‐specific (ARKC) gene set that potentially mediates aging‐induced pro‐inflammation in KCs. Interestingly, FOXO1 activity was significantly increased in the liver of old mice. FOXO1 inhibition by AS1842856 significantly alleviated glucose intolerance, hepatic steatosis, and systemic inflammation in old mice. FOXO1 inhibition significantly attenuated aging‐induced pro‐inflammation in KCs partially through downregulation of ARKC genes. However, FOXO1 inhibition had a limited effect on aging‐induced functional quiescence in MDMs. These results indicate that aging induces pro‐inflammation in liver mainly through targeting KCs and FOXO1 is a key player in aging‐induced pro‐inflammation in KCs. Thus, FOXO1 could be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of age‐associated chronic diseases.
The impact of post‐retirement financial market participation on retirement income sufficiency in Australia
Authors: Xu Xiaobo , Fang Jiali , Young Martin , Zou Liping
Published: August 2023

Using HILDA survey data, we document a strong positive relationship between post‐retirement financial market participation and retiree income sufficiency in Australia. We find a 17% improvement in the income replacement ratio and a 3.26 times higher annuitised net wealth for financial market participants compared to non‐participants. We further investigate how age, residence area, relationship status, education, health, and employment affect the main finding in all and female retirees. The results highlight the value of financial market participation in facilitating household retirement security and provide further support for the active promotion of household financial market participation, both in Australia and globally.
The Cdk5 inhibitor β‐butyrolactone impairs reconsolidation of heroin‐associated memory in the rat basolateral amygdala
Authors: Li Haoyu , Zhao Haiting , Hu Ting , Meng Li , Mo Xin , Gong Mengqi , Liao Yiwei
Published: August 2023

The persistence of maladaptive heroin‐associated memory, which is triggered by drug‐related stimuli that remind the individual of the drug's pleasurable and rewarding effects, can impede abstinence efforts. Cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5), a neuronal serine/threonine protein kinase that plays a role in multiple neuronal functions, has been demonstrated to be involved in drug addiction and learning and memory. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of cdk5 activity in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) in relapse to heroin seeking, using a self‐administration rat model. Male rats underwent 10 days of heroin self‐administration training, during which an active nose poke resulted in an intravenous infusion of heroin that was accompanied by a cue. The rats then underwent nose poke extinction for 10 days, followed by subsequent tests of heroin‐seeking behaviour. We found that intra‐BLA infusion of β‐butyrolactone (100 ng/side), a Cdk5 inhibitor, administered 5 min after reactivation, led to a subsequent decrease in heroin‐seeking behaviour. Further experiments demonstrated that the effects of β‐butyrolactone are dependent on reactivated memories, temporal‐specific and long‐lasting on relapse of heroin‐associated memory. Results provide suggestive evidence that the activity of Cdk5 in BLA is critical for heroin‐associated memory and that the specific inhibitor, β‐butyrolactone, may hold potential as a substance for the treatment of heroin abuse.
Fence‐related mortalities of Temminck's pangolin (Smutsia temminckii) in South Africa quantified through a citizen science approach
Authors: Stracquadanio Leandra , Penny Samuel , Ganswindt André , Burnside Niall , Tolhurst Bryony
Published: August 2023

Fence mortalities threaten Temminck's pangolin (Smutsia temminckii) in South Africa. Temminck's pangolins are bipedal, which leads to contact between their unprotected abdomens and electrified wires. We report findings of an online survey of landowners, managers and conservationists to investigate associations between mortalities, fence type and fence perimeter‐area ratio, and between mortalities and concern level reported by respondents. Of 14 recorded taxa, pangolins were the second most reported mortalities, with ground‐level electric wired fences having a larger negative impact than other fence types.
Association between socioeconomic status with pregnancy and neonatal outcomes: An international multicenter cohort
Authors: Maher Gillian M. , Ward Liam J. , Hernandez Leah , Kublickas Marius , Duvekot Johannes J. , McCarthy Fergus P. , Khashan Ali S. , Kublickiene Karolina
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Previous evidence examining the association between socioeconomic status and pregnancy complications are conflicted and often limited to using area‐based measures of socioeconomic status. In this study, we aimed to examine the association between individual‐level socioeconomic factors and a wide range of adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes using data from the IMPROvED birth cohort conducted in Sweden, the Netherlands and Republic of Ireland.

Material and methods

The study cohort consisted of women who participated in the IMPROvED birth cohort between 2013 and 2017. Data on socioeconomic factors were self‐reported and obtained at 15 weeks' gestation, and included level of education, employment status, relationship status, and income. Data on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes included gestational hypertension, pre‐eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, emergency cesarean section, preterm birth, post term delivery, small for gestational age and Apgar score at 1 min. These data were obtained within 72 h following delivery and confirmed using medical records. Multivariable logistic regression examined the association between each socioeconomic variable and each outcome separately adjusting for maternal age, maternal body mass index, maternal smoking, maternal alcohol consumption and cohort center. We also examined the effect of exposure to any ≥2 risk factors compared to none.

Results

A total of 2879 participants were included. Adjusted results suggested that those with less than third level of education had an increased odds of gestational hypertension (OR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.23–2.46), while those on a middle level of income had a reduced odds of emergency cesarean section (OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.42–0.84). No significant associations were observed between socioeconomic variables and neonatal outcomes. Exposure to any ≥2 socioeconomic risk factors was associated with an increased risk of preterm birth (OR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.06–2.89).

Conclusions

We did not find strong evidence of associations between individual‐level socioeconomic factors and pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in high‐income settings overall, with only few significant associations observed among pregnancy outcomes.
Children with cystic fibrosis are still receiving inconclusive diagnosis despite undergoing newborn screening
Authors: Loukou Ioanna , Moustaki Maria , Douros Konstantinos
Published: August 2023

Aim

We aimed to familiarise clinicians with the terms cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator related metabolic syndrome (CRMS) and cystic fibrosis screen positive inconclusive diagnosis (CFSPID). We also sought to highlight the monitoring and outcomes of children that match these designations.

Methods

A literature review was performed by searching PubMed from its inception until 30 November 2022. All relevant articles were included in this narrative review.

Results

Despite the implementation of newborn screening programmes for cystic fibrosis (CF), the diagnosis remains uncertain in some newborn infants with elevated immunoreactive trypsinogen. In 2016, a unified definition for CRMS/CFSPID was established to categorise these children. While many of them remain healthy, a portion of these children may develop CF. As a result, it is crucial to monitor them regularly.

Conclusion

CRMS/CFSPID is a designation and not a diagnosis. Longer longitudinal studies are needed to shed light on the most appropriate follow‐up of these children. Paediatricians need to be knowledgeable about this condition in order to administer proper care, and children should be in contact with their local CF centre.
Review article: Emerging and current management of acute‐on‐chronic liver failure
Authors: Butt Mohsin F. , Jalan Rajiv
Published: August 2023

Background

Acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a clinically and pathophysiologically distinct condition from acutely decompensated cirrhosis and is characterised by systemic inflammation, extrahepatic organ failure, and high short‐term mortality.

Aims

To provide a narrative review of the diagnostic criteria, prognosis, epidemiology, and general management principles of ACLF. Four specific interventions that are explored in detail are intravenous albumin, extracorporeal liver assist devices, granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor, and liver transplantation.

Methods

We searched PubMed and Cochrane databases for articles published up to July 2023.

Results

Approximately 35% of hospital inpatients with decompensated cirrhosis have ACLF. There is significant heterogeneity in the criteria used to diagnose ACLF; different definitions identify different phenotypes with varying mortality. Criteria established by the European Association for the Study of the Liver were developed in prospective patient cohorts and are, to‐date, the most well validated internationally. Systemic haemodynamic instability, renal dysfunction, coagulopathy, neurological dysfunction, and respiratory failure are key considerations when managing ACLF in the intensive care unit. Apart from liver transplantation, there are no accepted evidence‐based treatments for ACLF, but several different approaches are under investigation.

Conclusion

The recognition of ACLF as a distinct entity from acutely decompensated cirrhosis has allowed for better patient stratification in clinical settings, facilitating earlier engagement with the intensive care unit and liver transplantation teams. Research priorities over the next decade should focus on exploring novel treatment strategies with a particular focus on which, when, and how patients with ACLF should be treated.
COVID‐19 and K‐12 teachers: Associations between mental health, job satisfaction, perceived support, and experiences of ageism and sexism
Authors: Monahan Caitlin , Zhang Yinghao , Levy Sheri R.
Published: August 2023

K‐12 public school teachers faced unprecedented and novel disruptions in their workplace during the first entire school year of the COVID‐19 pandemic, leading to concerns about their treatment, mental health, and job satisfaction. Between April and June 2021, 341 public U.S. K‐12 school teachers from 12 states (covering Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, West, and Pacific Northwest) completed online surveys regarding their perceived general support, experiences of ageism and sexism, job satisfaction, and mental health. Mental health symptoms mediated the relationships between sexism, ageism, and perceived support with job satisfaction (Model 1) and job satisfaction mediated the relationships between sexism, ageism, and perceived support with mental health symptoms (Model 2). Thus, the data supported two models pointing to dual co‐existing pathways from (a) general support and (b) experiences of discrimination to both job satisfaction and mental health. These results highlight the importance of developing and implementing policies and programs that can improve teachers’ general support from their community along with addressing job satisfaction.
Combined translational pharmacometrics approach to support the design and conduct of the first‐in‐human study of DWP16001
Authors: Lee So Jin , Bae Soo Hyeon , Jeon Sangil , Ji Hye Young , Han Seunghoon
Published: August 2023

Aims

The objective of this study was to characterize the pharmacokinetics (PK)/pharmacodynamics (PD) of DWP16001, a novel sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, and predict efficacious doses for the first‐in‐human study using various translational approaches.

Methods

A mechanistic PK/PD model was developed for DWP16001 using nonlinear mixed‐effect modelling to describe animal PK/PD properties. Using allometry and in silico physiologically based equations, human PK parameters were predicted. Human PD parameters were scaled by applying interspecies difference and in vitro drug‐specific factors. Human parameters were refined using early clinical data. Model‐predicted PK and PD outcomes were compared to observations before and after parameter refinement.

Results

The PK/PD model of DWP16001 was developed using a 2‐compartment model with first‐order absorption and indirect response. Efficacious doses of 0.3 and 2 mg of DWP16001 were predicted using human half‐maximal inhibitory concentration values translated from Zucker Diabetic Fatty rats and normal rats, respectively. After parameter refinement, doses of 0.2 and 1 mg were predicted to be efficacious for each disease model, which improved the prediction results to within a 1.2‐fold difference between the model prediction and observation.

Conclusions

This study predicted efficacious human doses of DWP16001 using population PK/PD modelling and a combined translational pharmacometrics approach. Early clinical data allowed the methods used to translate in vitro and in vivo findings to clinical PK/PD values for DWP16001 to be optimized. This study has shown that a refinement step can be readily applied to improve model prediction and further support the study design and conduct of a first‐in‐human study.
Haematolymphoid malignancies: It is not importantWHOwe are butWHEREwe go from here
Authors: Lim Megan S.
Published: August 2023

The World Health Organization and the International Consensus Classification have both addressed and categorized T‐cell lymphomas and histiocytic and dendritic tumours. Differences in the classification systems has generated considerable debate. Falini and colleagues now provide some clarity for the readership, with a framework for navigating the current classifications. They highlight the importance of finding a common path to formulate a single classification scheme in the near future.

Commentary on: Falini et al. A comparison of the International Consensus and 5th WHO classifications of T‐cell lymphomas and histiocytic/dendritic cell tumours. Br J Haematol 2023;203:369–383.
A warrant for violence? An analysis of Donald Trump's speech before the US Capitol attack
Authors: Ntontis Evangelos , Jurstakova Klara , Neville Fergus , Haslam S. Alexander , Reicher Stephen
Published: August 2023

On January 6th, 2021, Donald Trump's speech during a ‘Save America’ rally was followed by mass violence, with Trump's supporters storming the U.S. Capitol to prevent the certification of Joe Biden's victory in the presidential election. In its wake, there was a great deal of debate around whether the speech contained direct instructions for the subsequent violence. In this paper, we use a social identity perspective on leadership (and more specifically, on toxic leadership) to analyse the speech and see how its overall argument relates to violence. We show that Trump's argument rests on the populist distinction between the American people and elites. He moralises these groups as good and evil respectively and proposes that the very existence of America is under threat if the election result stands. On this basis he proposes that all true Americans are obligated to act in order prevent Biden's certification and to ensure that the good prevails over evil. While Trump does not explicitly say what such action entails, he also removes normative and moral impediments to extreme action. In this way, taken as a whole, Trump's speech enables rather than demands violence and ultimately it provides a warrant for the violence that ensued.
Dexmedetomidine attenuates myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury in hyperlipidemic rats by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress and NF‐κB
Authors: Gao Weiwei , Du Liang , Li Nan , Li Yating , Wu Jinfang , Zhang Ze , Chen Huan
Published: August 2023

The present study was conducted to determine the protective effect of Dexmedetomidine (DEX) in myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury in hyperlipidemic rats. Towards this, the effect of DEX was first evaluated on the infarct size and the histopathology of cardiac tissues using TTC and H and E staining, and it was found that DEX significantly improved the infarct size and architecture of the myocardial tissues following the I/R injury. DEX also showed significant improvement in various examined hemodynamic parameters (e.g., LVSP, and ± dp/dtmax) in a dose‐dependent manner. The lipid profile (LDL, VLDL, TC, TG, and HDL level) of the rats were also found significantly improved in DEX‐treated rats. The level of various pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐17, and TNF‐α), cardiac injury (CK, CK‐MB, Troponin I AST, ALT, and LDH), and oxidative stress (MDA, SOD, and GSH) biomarkers were also found to be restored near to the normal in DEX‐treated group. It has been found that DEX also significantly reduces apoptosis of rat cardiomyocytes. In western blot analysis, DEX showed a significant reduction in the activation of NF‐κB. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the protective effect of Dexmedetomidine in myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury in hyperlipidemic rats possibly via amelioration of oxidative stress, and inflammation apoptosis.
Hederagenin inhibits high glucose‐induced fibrosis in human renal cells by suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome activation through reducing cathepsin B expression
Authors: Yang Guohua , Yang Wang , Jiang Hairong , Yi Qing , Ma Wei
Published: August 2023

Diabetic nephropathy is a major complication of diabetes mellitus and is related to dysfunction of renal cells. Hederagenin is a triterpenoid saponin from some Chinese herbs with anti‐inflammatory and anti‐diabetic activities. However, its role in diabetic nephropathy progression is still obscure. This study aimed to explore the effects of hederagenin on renal cell dysfunction in vitro. Human renal mesangial cells (HRMCs) and human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (HRPTEpiCs) were cultured under high glucose (HG) conditions to mimic diabetic nephropathy‐like injury. Cell proliferation was evaluated by CCK‐8. mRNA and protein levels were determined by qRT‐PCR and western blotting, respectively. The secretion levels of fibrosis‐related biomarkers were analyzed by ELISA. Results showed that hederagenin reduced HG‐induced proliferation increase in HRMCs and HRPTEpiCs. Hederagenin attenuated HG‐induced increase in mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, and IL‐1β. Hederagenin also suppressed HG‐induced increase in mRNA and secretion levels of FN, Col. IV, PAI‐1, and TGF‐β1. NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 attenuated HG‐induced fibrosis of renal cells, and its activator nigericin reversed the suppressive effect of hederagenin on HG‐induced fibrosis. Bioinformatics analysis predicted cathepsin B (CTSB) as a target of hederagenin to modulate NOD‐like receptor (NLR) pathway. Hederagenin decreased CTSB level, and CTSB overexpression reversed the suppressive effect of hederagenin on HG‐induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation and fibrosis in HRMCs and HRPTEpiCs. In conclusion, hederagenin attenuates HG‐induced fibrosis of renal cells by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation via reducing CTSB expression, indicating a therapeutic potential of hederagenin in diabetic nephropathy.
Predictors of child participation in child welfare emergency placements—A Norwegian case file study
Authors: Gresdahl May , Fauske Halvor , Storhaug Anita Skårstad
Published: August 2023

Background

Although child participation has attained significant awareness in child welfare research, little is known about how this right is upheld in emergency cases. Therefore, the various degrees to which children participate in child welfare services' emergency cases and factors predicting such participation were explored.

Method

Degrees of participation found in 148 case files (Mage = 11–12 years old, range; 3–18 years; 59% girls, 48% with minority backgrounds) from four Norwegian municipalities were regressed on 15 independent variables in a multinomial logistic regression.

Results

The children's advancing age increases their probabilities of involvement in the decision‐making processes regarding emergency placements (p  < 0.001). The children's minority backgrounds enhance their likelihood of being informed of the placement and having their opinions given weight in decision‐making processes (p = 0.010). The study, nevertheless, revealed that 39% of children in emergency placements are not involved in these processes.

Conclusions

Case file documentation indicates inadequate involvement of children in emergency cases. Nevertheless, older children and those with minority backgrounds are more likely to participate, although the degree of their involvement varies. The study did not find a correlation between prior contact with child welfare services and child participation.
Long‐Term outcomes in adult patients with congenital heart disease considered for transplantation: A single center study
Authors: Hickey Gavin , Ratnayake Charith , Elliot Andrea , Alsaied Tarek , Fabio Anthony , Cook Stephen , Hindes Morgan , Hoskoppal Arvind , Saraf Anita
Published: August 2023

Background

Adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients pose unique challenges in identifying the time for transplantation and factors influencing outcomes.

Objective

To identify hemodynamic, functional, and laboratory parameters that correlate with 1‐ and 10‐year outcomes in ACHD patients considered for transplantation.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of long‐term outcomes in adult patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) evaluated for heart or heart + additional organ transplant between 2004 and 2014 at our center was performed. A machine learning decision tree model was used to evaluate multiple clinical parameters correlating with 1‐ and 10‐year survival.

Results

We identified 58 patients meeting criteria. D‐transposition of the great arteries (D‐TGA) with atrial switch operation (20.7%), tetralogy of Fallot/pulmonary atresia (15.5%), and tricuspid atresia (13.8%) were the most common diagnosis for transplant. Single ventricle patients were most likely to be listed for transplantation (39.8% of evaluated patients). Among a comprehensive list of clinical factors, invasive hemodynamic parameters (pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), systemic vascular pressure (SVP), and end diastolic pressures (EDP) most correlated with 1‐ and 10‐year outcomes. Transplanted patients with SVP < 14 and non‐ transplanted patients with PCWP < 15 had 100% survival 1‐year post‐transplantation.

Conclusion

For the first time, our study identifies that hemodynamic parameters most strongly correlate with 1‐ and 10‐year outcomes in ACHD patients considered for transplantation, using a data‐driven machine learning model.
Prevalence of obesity and associated complications in China: A cross‐sectional, real‐world study in 15.8 million adults
Authors: Chen Kang , Shen Zewei , Gu Weijun , Lyu Zhaohui , Qi Xuan , Mu Yiming , Ning Yi ,   for the Meinian Investigator Group
Published: August 2023

Aim

To evaluate the prevalence of overweight/obesity and associated complications from a large, cross‐sectional, nationwide database in China.

Materials and Methods

Data were obtained from 519 Meinian health check‐up centres across 243 cities. Eligible participants were aged ≥18 years, with a routine check‐up in 2019 (N = 21 771 683) and complete height, weight, sex and region data. The unadjusted prevalence rates of overweight/obesity were calculated by age, sex and region. In addition, the nationwide prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were standardized according to the 2010 China census by age group and sex. The prevalence of obesity‐related complications by body mass index (BMI) groups was calculated using logistic regression.

Results

There were 15 770 094 eligible participants (median age 40 years; mean BMI 24.1 kg/m2; 52.8% male). By Chinese BMI classification, 34.8% were overweight and 14.1% were obese. Overweight and obesity were more prevalent in male than female participants (standardized: overweight 40.2% vs. 27.4%; obesity 17.6% vs. 9.6%, respectively). The prevalence of assessed complications was higher in participants with overweight/obesity versus those with normal BMI (P < 0.001 for trends). The most prevalent complications in participants with overweight/obesity were fatty liver disease, prediabetes, dyslipidaemia and hypertension. The number of complications increased with higher BMI.

Conclusions

Overweight/obesity and related complications are highly prevalent in this population. These data may better inform management and prevention public health strategies in China.
Reproductive success of the invasive weed Linaria dalmatica and seed loss due to predation by Rhinusa neta in northern California, USA
Authors: Pitcairn Michael J. , Popescu Viola
Published: August 2023

Linaria dalmatica (L.) Mill. (Dalmatian toadflax, Plantaginaceae) is a serious invasive weed of rangelands and natural areas in the western USA and Canada. The adventive weevil Rhinusa neta (Germar) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a seed predator of L. dalmatica and has recently spread into northern California, USA. Seed loss due to R. neta predation may impact the reproductive success and population abundance of local host plant populations. The aim of this study was to determine the intensity of seed predation and how it may be influenced by the reproductive success of L. dalmatica at six field sites in northern California in 2019 and 2020. Flower production ranged from 40 to 208 flowers per inflorescence, fruit production ranged from 6 to 57 fruit per inflorescence, and seed production ranged from 171 to 3734 seeds per inflorescence. These values are very low (<20%) compared to L. dalmatica plants growing in other regions. Fruit set, an indication of pollination success, ranged from 6.9 to 30.6% in 2019 and from 10.9 to 23.7% in 2020. Average seed set ranged from 36 to 138 seeds per uninfested fruit. The intensity of attack of R. neta ranged from 0 to 70.4%. Fruit attack appeared random at most locations. Average seed set for infested fruit ranged from 0 to 35 seeds per fruit and did not differ significantly between terminal and branch fruit. The population‐level impact of R. neta on seed production was directly related to the intensity of attack at a location. Intensity of attack ranged from <1 to 70% and resulted in corresponding seed losses of 0 to 62.7% among six locations. Predation intensity is expected to increase and stabilize at much higher levels in the future as R. neta continues its immigration into northern California.
Wearable detection of tonic seizures in childhood epilepsy: An exploratory cohort study
Authors: Proost Renee , Macea Jaiver , Lagae Lieven , Van Paesschen Wim , Jansen Katrien
Published: August 2023

Objective

To investigate the performance of a multimodal wearable device for the offline detection of tonic seizures (TS) in a pediatric childhood epilepsy cohort, with a focus on patients with Lennox–Gastaut syndrome.

Methods

Parallel with prolonged video‐electroencephalography (EEG), the Plug 'n Patch system, a multimodal wearable device using the Sensor Dot and replaceable electrode adhesives, was used to detect TS. Multiple biosignals were recorded: behind‐the‐ear EEG, surface electromyography, electrocardiography, and accelerometer/gyroscope. Biosignals were annotated blindly by a neurologist. Seizure characteristics were described, and performance was assessed by sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), F1 score, and false alarm rate (FAR) per hour. Performance was compared to seizure diaries kept by the caretaker.

Results

Ninety‐nine TS were detected in 13 patients. Seven patients (54%) had Lennox–Gastaut syndrome and six patients (46%) had other forms of (developmental) epileptic encephalopathies or drug‐resistant epilepsy. All but one patient had intellectual disability. Overall sensitivity was 41%, with a PPV of 9%, an F1 score of 14%, and a median FAR per hour of 0.75. Performance increased to an F1 score of 66% for nightly seizures lasting at least 10 s (sensitivity 66%, PPV 66%) and 71% for nightly seizures lasting at least 20 s (sensitivity 62%, PPV 82%). For these seizures there were no false alarms in 10 of 13 patients. Sensitivity of seizure diaries reached a maximum of 52% for prolonged (≥20 s) nightly seizures, even though caretakers slept in the same room.

Significance

We showed that it is feasible to use a multimodal wearable device with multiple adhesive sites in children with epilepsy and intellectual disability. For prolonged nightly seizures, offline manual detection of TS outperformed seizure diaries. The recognition of seizure‐specific signatures using multiple modalities can help in the development of automated TS detection algorithms.
A deep convolutional neural network model for medical data classification from computed tomography images
Authors: Sreelakshmi S. , Anoop V. S.
Published: August 2023

Machine learning provides powerful techniques for several applications, including automated disease diagnosis through medical image classification. Recently, many studies reported that deep learning approaches have demonstrated significant performance and accuracy improvements over shallow learning techniques. The deep learning approaches have been used in many problems related to disease diagnoses, such as thyroid diagnosis, diabetic retinopathy detection, foetal localization, and breast cancer detection. Many deep learning methods have been reported in the recent past that uses medical images from various sources, such as healthcare providers and open data initiatives, and reported significant improvement in terms of precision, recall, and accuracy. This paper proposes a framework incorporating deep convolutional neural networks and an enhanced feature extraction technique for classifying medical data. To show the real‐world usability of the proposed approach, it has been used for the classification of COVID‐19 images from computed tomography scans. The experimental results show that the proposed approach outperformed some of the chosen baselines and obtained an accuracy of 98.91%, comparable with already reported accuracies.
Performance of Gradient and Gradient‐Free Optimizers in Transient Hydraulic Tomography
Authors: Chintala Syam , Kambhammettu B.V.N. P. , Harmya T. S.
Published: August 2023

Sub‐surface characterization in fractured aquifers is challenging due to the co‐existence of contrasting materials namely matrix and fractures. Transient hydraulic tomography (THT) is proved to be an efficient and robust technique to estimate hydraulic (Km, Kf) and storage (Sm, Sf) properties in such complex hydrogeologic settings. However, performance of THT is governed by data quality and optimization technique used in inversion. We assessed the performance of gradient and gradient‐free optimizers with THT inversion. Laboratory experiments were performed on a two‐dimensional, granite rock (80 cm × 45 cm × 5 cm) with known fracture pattern. Cross‐hole pumping experiments were conducted at 10 ports (located on fractures), and time‐drawdown responses were monitored at 25 ports (located on matrix and fractures). Pumping ports were ranked based on weighted signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) computed at each observation port. Noise‐free, good quality (SNR > 100) datasets were inverted using Levenberg–Marquardt: LM (gradient) and Nelder–Mead: NM (gradient‐free) methods. All simulations were performed using a coupled simulation‐optimization model. Performance of the two optimizers is evaluated by comparing model predictions with observations made at two validation ports that were not used in simulation. Both LM and NM algorithms have broadly captured the preferential flow paths (fracture network) via K and S tomograms, however LM has outperformed NM during validation (). Our results conclude that, while method of optimization has a trivial effect on model predictions, exclusion of low quality (SNR ≤ 100) datasets can significantly improve the model performance.
Institutional factors related to digital entrepreneurship by startups and SMEs in the Latin American context: Two cases in Brazil
Authors: Klein Amarolinda Zanela , Braido Gabriel Machado
Published: August 2023

Digital entrepreneurship relies not only on the individual entrepreneurs' skills and effort but also on rules and structures related to institutions, especially in developing contexts such as Latin America. Considering this, we analyse how institutional factors can affect digital entrepreneurship by SMEs and startups and what types of institutional changes are needed to support digital entrepreneurship by these companies. Based on institutional theory as a theoretical lens, we conducted two case studies in Brazil. The research results indicate that the digital entrepreneurial ecosystem's actors perform institutional work that generates changes related to the regulative, normative, and cultural/cognitive institutional pillars. These changes affect both the legitimacy of digital innovations created by SMEs and startups and the legitimacy of these companies as ecosystem players, which is vital for them to access the resources needed to innovate and thrive. Based on these results, we propose a theoretical framework and provide suggestions for practice and public policies related to digital entrepreneurship by SMEs and startups in the context studied.
Early indicators of response to transdiagnostic treatment of pediatric anxiety and depression
Authors: Goger Pauline , Rozenman Michelle , Gonzalez Araceli , Brent David A. , Porta Giovanna , Lynch Frances L. , Dickerson John F. , Weersing V. Robin
Published: August 2023

Background

Pediatric anxiety and depression are prevalent, impairing, and highly comorbid. Available evidence‐based treatments have an average response rate of 60%. One path to increasing response may be to identify likely non‐responders midway through treatment to adjust course prior to completing an episode of care. The aims of this study, thus, were to identify predictors of post‐intervention response assessing (a) mid‐treatment symptom severity, (b) session‐by‐session treatment process factors, and (c) a model optimizing the combination of these.

Method

Data were drawn from the treatment arm (N = 95, ages 8–16) of a randomized transdiagnostic intervention trial (Msessions = 11.2). Mid‐point measures of youth‐ and parent‐reported anxiety and depression were collected, and therapists rated homework completion, youth and parent engagement, and youth therapeutic alliance at each session. Logistic regression was used to predict response on the Clinical Global Impression Improvement Scale (CGI‐I ≤2) rated by independent evaluators masked to treatment condition.

Results

Mid‐point symptom measures were significant predictors of treatment response, as were therapist‐ratings of youth and parent engagement, therapeutic alliance, and homework completion. Therapist ratings were significant when tested as mean ratings summing across the first eight sessions of treatment (all ps < .004) and at individual session points (all ps <0.05). A combined prediction model included youth‐reported anxiety, parent‐reported depression, youth engagement at Session 2, and parent engagement at Session 8. This model correctly classified 76.5% of youth as non‐responders and 91.3% as responders at post‐treatment (Nagelkerke R2 = .59, χ2 (4, 80) = 46.54, p < .001).

Conclusion

This study provides initial evidence that response to transdiagnostic intervention for pediatric anxiety and depression may be reliably predicted by mid‐point. These data may serve as foundational evidence to develop adaptive treatment strategies to personalize intervention, correct treatment course, and optimize outcomes for youth with anxiety and depression.
Improving older adults' telehealth through a novel community–academic partnership: Preliminary data
Authors: Neumann Alicia V. , Gonzalez Andrea , Walter Louise C. , Rivera Josette
Published: August 2023

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic increased the use of telehealth, which posed unique challenges for the provision of care to older adults who face numerous barriers to accessing and using technology. To improve older adults' online health‐related abilities, the UCSF Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (UCSF‐GWEP) partnered with Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly‐San Francisco (LBFE‐SF) to develop a model telehealth training intervention.

Methods

LBFE‐SF recruited older adults from their members with wi‐fi and paired each one with a new device and volunteer trainer to cover seven lessons and four key tasks (emailing providers, video visits, accessing health information, and using patient portals). Older adults completed surveys to self‐assess their skill level after training, and their confidence before, immediately after, and 3 months post training. A subset of trainees were also interviewed about their program goals and experiences. UCSF‐GWEP conducted statistical analyses of survey data, and coded interview transcripts to identify aspects of the model supportive to learning and success.

Results

Of 43 participants, 31 completed training. Their median age was 75; 48% were non‐white; 45% had no more than a high school education; and 63% reported yearly income below U.S. $20,000.

Three months after completing the program, more than 50% of trainees reported that they needed little or no help performing all four key tasks, and confidence with video visits, online searches, and patient portals showed significant improvement. Additionally, in interviews participants reported improved health, social benefits, and explained that learning was facilitated by self‐pacing, repetition, and longitudinal support from volunteer trainers.

Conclusions

Older adults with various barriers to learning technology showed online independence and increased confidence with some telehealth tasks after a novel training intervention. Key characteristics of the model included a tablet device, one‐on‐one longitudinal support from volunteers, comprehensive learning materials, and community–academic partnership.
Nursing Home PRevention of Injury in DEmentia (NH PRIDE): A pilot study of a remote injury prevention service for NH residents
Authors: Berry Sarah D. , Hecker Emily J. , McConnell Eleanor S. , Xue Tingzhong‐Michelle , Tsai Timothy , Zullo Andrew R. , Colón‐Emeric Cathleen
Published: August 2023

Background

Medication optimization, including prescription of osteoporosis medications and deprescribing medications associated with falls, may reduce injurious falls. Our objective was to describe a remote, injury prevention service (NH PRIDE) designed to optimize medication use in nursing homes (NHs), and to describe its implementation outcomes in a pilot study.

Methods

This was a non‐randomized trial (pilot study) including NH staff and residents from five facilities. Long‐stay residents at high‐risk for injurious falls were identified using a validated risk calculator and staff referral. A remote team reviewed the electronic health record (EHR) and provided recommendations as Injury Prevention Plans (IPP). A research nurse served as a care coordinator focused on resident engagement and shared decision‐making. Outcomes included implementation measures, as identified in the EHR, and surveys and interviews with staff.

Results

Across five facilities, 274 residents were screened for eligibility, and 46 residents (16.8%) were enrolled. Most residents were female (73.9%) and had dementia (63.0%). An IPP was completed for 45 residents (97.8%). The nurse made a total of 93 deprescribing recommendations in 36 residents (80% of residents had one or more deprescribing recommendation; mean 2.2 recommendations/resident). Twenty of 45 residents (44.4%) had a recommendation for osteoporosis treatment. Among residents with recommendations, 21/36 (58.3%) had one or more deprescribing orders written and 6/20 (30.0%) had an osteoporosis medication prescribed. At 4 months, most medication changes persisted. Adverse side effects were rare. Staff members identified several areas for program refinement, including aligning recommendations with provider workflow and engaging consultant psychiatrists.

Conclusions

A remote injury prevention service is safe and feasible to enhance deprescribing and osteoporosis treatment in long‐stay NH residents at risk for injury. Additional investigation is needed to determine if this model could reduce injurious falls when deployed across NH chains.
Inconsistent and very weak evidence for a direct association between childhood personality and adult ideology
Authors: Fasching Neil , Arceneaux Kevin , Bakker Bert N.
Published: August 2023

Objective

We add depth and breadth to the study of the childhood personality–adult ideology link with additional data, measures, and measurement approaches.

Background

Past research in (political) psychology has put forward that individual differences in psychological needs shape ideology. Most evidence supporting this claim is cross‐sectional. Two previous longitudinal studies showed preliminary evidence that childhood personality traits linked to negativity bias correlate with political ideology in adulthood, yet these studies have limitations.

Methods

We report the results from two longitudinal studies (combined N = 13,822) conducted in the United Kingdom that measure childhood personality (5–11 years old) and political ideology from puberty (age 16) to early (age 26) and middle adulthood (age 42).

Results

We find very weak and inconsistent evidence that childhood personality traits related to negativity bias are directly associated with general conservatism, social conservatism, or economic conservatism across different stages of adulthood. Across the board, Bayes Factors most often indicate strong evidence for the null hypothesis.

Conclusion

We offer evidence that the results of previous research are not as robust or as consistent as scholars in the extant literature presume. Our findings call for more, not less, research on the link between childhood personality and political ideology.