bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gut microbiota-associated metabolites and risk of ischemic stroke in REGARDS
Authors: Ament Zsuzsanna , Patki Amit , Bhave Varun M , Chaudhary Ninad S , Garcia Guarniz Ana-Lucia , Kijpaisalratana Naruchorn , Judd Suzanne E , Cushman Mary , Long D Leann , Irvin M Ryan , Kimberly W Taylor
Published: March 2023

Several metabolite markers are independently associated with incident ischemic stroke. However, prior studies have not accounted for intercorrelated metabolite networks. We used exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to determine if metabolite factors were associated with incident ischemic stroke. Metabolites (n = 162) were measured in a case-control cohort nested in the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study, which included 1,075 ischemic stroke cases and 968 random cohort participants. Cox models were adjusted for age, gender, race, and age-race interaction (base model) and further adjusted for the Framingham stroke risk factors (fully adjusted model). EFA identified fifteen metabolite factors, each representing a well-defined metabolic pathway. Of these, factor 3, a gut microbiome metabolism factor, was associated with an increased risk of stroke in the base (hazard ratio per one-unit standard deviation, HR = 1.23; 95%CI = 1.15–1.31; P = 1.98 × 10−10) and fully adjusted models (HR = 1.13; 95%CI = 1.06–1.21; P = 4.49 × 10−4). The highest tertile had a 45% increased risk relative to the lowest (HR = 1.45; 95%CI = 1.25–1.70; P = 2.24 × 10−6). Factor 3 was also associated with the Southern diet pattern, a dietary pattern previously linked to increased stroke risk in REGARDS (β = 0.11; 95%CI = 0.03–0.18; P = 8.75 × 10−3). These findings highlight the role of diet and gut microbial metabolism in relation to incident ischemic stroke.
Comparison of Audiovisual Components of Dance in Novices and Experts’ Aesthetic Interest Perceptions
Authors: Joung Jeehyun , Kim Jeounghoon
Published: March 2023

Aesthetic appreciation of dance is associated with external components of physical features and audiences’ subjective aspects, which can be explained by cross-modal integration. In this study, we designed aesthetic appraisal tasks measured on a 5-point Likert scale by manipulating audiovisual combinations of dance movements and musical properties to measure novices and experts’ interest appraisals. Using statistical analyses and psychometric curve fitting, we found that novices judged that variations in travel patterns on stage and moving the entire body were interesting. In contrast, experts judged that the variation in the dancer's upper body parts synchronized only with the time signature was interesting. Accordingly, while novices had a low interest decision threshold for dancing across the stage and a high range of body configurations, experts had a high threshold for those cases. Overall, only experts had the ability to integrate audiovisual contents to appreciate the aesthetic values in dance movements.
Mini review of microplastic pollutions and its impact on the environment and human health
Authors: Azfaralariff Ahmad , Mat Lazim Azwan , Amran N Hidayah , Mukhtar N Hafizah , Bakri N Dyana , Azrihan N Najmina , Mohamad Mazlan
Published: March 2023

In recent years, the environmental pollution of microplastics (MPs) has increasingly drawn our attention. MPs are small fragments of plastics that are commonly dispersed in the environment. The accumulation of environmental MPs is due to population growth and urbanization, while natural disasters such as hurricanes, flooding and human activity may influence their distribution. The leaching of chemicals from MPs raises a significant safety problem and environmental approaches aimed at reducing the use and recycling of plastics, with the replacement by bioplastics and wastewater treatment developments are called for. This summary also helps in demonstrating the connection between terrestrial and freshwater MPs and wastewater treatment plants as the major contributors to environmental MPs by discharges of sludge and effluent. More research on the classification, detection, characterization and toxicity of MPs are essential to enable greater options and solutions. Control initiatives need to intensify the comprehensive study of MP waste control and management information programmes in the fields of institutional engagement, technological research and development, legislation and regulation. A comprehensive quantitative analysis approach for MPs should be created in the future, and more reliable traceability analysis methods should be built to examine further its environmental activity and existence, where this should be done to improve scientific research on MP pollution in terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments and hence, develop more scientific and rational control policies.
Effect of deep cryogenic treatment, tempering temperature and time on hardness of Nimonic-90
Authors: Singh Gurkirat , Pandey Kailash N.
Published: March 2023

The present study has been done to determine the effect of deep cryogenic treatment (DCT) on the hardness of Nimonic-90. From the study, it has been found that the hardness of the material is significantly affected with cryogenic treatment which includes soaking the samples at subzero temperature (−196 °C) for 24 h and 48 h and tempering operation which includes heating the samples in temperature range of 100–200 °C. Also, it has been found that as the tempering temperature decreases from 200–100 °C, the hardness of the samples increases. The number of tempering cycles affected the hardness of the samples as well. The lowest hardness value came out for the untreated sample as 284 HV. Among all the cryo-treated samples, the highest value of hardness was for the single tempering at a tempering temperature of 100 °C, soaking period of 48 h, and tempering time of 1 h which was 435.76 HV. The minimum hardness in DCT samples was for the case of 24 h soaking period, tempering temperature of 200 °C and tempering time of 3 h. which was 376.9 HV. The tremendous improvement in hardness of Nimonic-90 is because of microstructural changes at different soaking period and tempering temperature which includes phase transformation and morphological changes that includes grain size which decreased from 43 to 4.418 µm, precipitation of Cr23C6, NiC, and Cr2Ti at respective soaking period, tempering temperature, and the number of tempering cycles in each treatment.
How can we make an orderly transition away from fossil fuels? A global tour of modern energy
Authors: Li Xiaoyi
Published: March 2023

This paper analyzes the economic, social and political three-dimensional driving effects of new energy substitution for fossil energy under the joint action of market, government and international competition from three perspectives: profit motive, mutual benefit and responsibility motive, combined with the relevant data of 78 countries from 1965 to 2021. The results show that fossil energy prices and energy security positively influence the process of new energy substitution, and environmental pollution negatively affects the process of new energy substitution, and the pushback effect of energy security on new energy substitution is more significant in the study interval, indicating that at the beginning of the new energy revolution, global environmental governance and willingness to reduce emissions drive the development of new energy industry, but the “carbon emission reduction” of each country has increased the complexity of new energy substitution, especially in some developed countries in taking responsibility for global environmental governance divergent views. Further heterogeneity analysis reveals that each country’s energy strategy affects the degree of substitution of “quality” and “quantity” of new energy, and the speed, areas and corrective ability of new energy development vary among countries under different strategic choices.
Moral courage of master’s students of nursing during COVID-19
Authors: Huang Mingtao , Dong Wenhong , Zhao Qianqian , Mo Nan
Published: March 2023

Background

Moral courage is a recognized virtue. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the master’s students of nursing (MSNs) in China have shown tenacious moral courage.

Objective

This study elaborates on the moral courage of Chinese MSNs through their experiences of volunteering during the pandemic.

Research Design

Descriptive qualitative, interview-based.

Participants and Research Context

Participants were nursing postgraduate students who participated in the prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic selected by purposeful sampling. The sample size was determined by data saturation, which was reached with 10 participants. Data were analyzed using a deductive method of content analysis. Because of the isolation policy, telephone interviews were adopted.

Ethical considerations

After obtaining the approval of the ethical institution of the author’s school (No. 138, 30 August 2021), verbal consent was obtained before the interview with the participants. All data were processed anonymously and confidentially. In addition, we recruited participants through MSNs’ counselors, and obtained their phone numbers with their permission.

Results

Data analysis resulted in 15 subcategories that were subsequently grouped into 3 major categories including proceed without hesitation, the outcome of practicing moral courage, and develop and maintain moral courage.

Conclusion

This qualitative study is based on the special background of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the MSNs in China have shown tenacious moral courage in the work of epidemic prevention and control. Five factors led them to take action without hesitation, and six possible outcomes followed. Lastly, this study provides some suggestions for nurses and nursing students to enhance their moral courage. To better develop and support moral courage in the future, it is necessary to use different methods and multidisciplinary approaches to study moral courage.
Exploring Adherence to Client Treatment Recommendations in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics
Authors: Evans Kylie E. , Bender Anna E. , Rolock Nancy , Hambrick Erin P. , Bai Rong , White Kevin , Diamant-Wilson Roni , Bailey Keith A.
Published: March 2023

Purpose: Treatment adherence is a central component of implementation fidelity and key to our understanding of client outcomes. This study examines treatment adherence in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) and four functional outcomes among a sample of adopted youth: sensory integration, self-regulation, and relational and cognitive functioning. Methods: The sample includes 178 youth receiving supportive services from a U.S. adoption service provider. Regression analysis was used to examine clinician adherence to NMT recommendations and child outcomes. Results: Most (61.24%) of the essential or therapeutic treatment recommendations were carried out with majority adherence. A key finding is the predictive relationship between adherence to treatment recommendations and improvement in child outcomes at T2, controlling for all other variables in the model. Conclusions: Findings illustrate the importance of treatment adherence in promoting positive outcomes for children engaged in NMT. Implications are discussed regarding clinician training and reducing barriers to treatment adherence.
Cross-Sectional Study for Investigation of the Association Between Modifiable Risk Factors and Gastrointestinal Cancers at a Tertiary Hospital in Ghana
Authors: Boi-Dsane Naa Adzoa Adzeley , Amarh Vincent , Tsatsu Sandra Enyonam , Bachelle Sarah Vuunipuo , Bediako-Bowan Antoinette Afua Asiedua , Koney Nii Koney-kwaku , Dzudzor Bartholomew
Published: March 2023

Background

Malignancies affecting the gastrointestinal tract are among the principal threats to global public health. In Ghana, these cancers are responsible for a significant number of hospitalizations and mortalities at major health facilities across the country. The increasing incidence of these malignancies necessitates an investigation of the association between lifestyle (modifiable risk factors) and these disorders.

Main Objective

To determine the association between lifestyle and gastrointestinal cancers of patients attending the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH).

Study Design

This was a cross-sectional prospective study where demographic data were obtained from consenting patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer at the oncology and surgical clinics of the KBTH. Diagnostic investigations, gastrointestinal cancer phenotype, year of diagnosis and treatment(s) received were also obtained from the participants. Information on smoking status, alcohol consumption, sources of dietary proteins, daily intake of water, and frequency of fruit intake were also obtained from the participants. Odds ratio and P-values were determined to ascertain whether there might be a significant association between gastrointestinal cancers and specified lifestyle.

Results

Colorectal cancers were the most prevalent form of gastrointestinal cancers among the participants. Alcohol consumption or smoking habits were not significantly associated with onset of gastrointestinal cancers among the study participants. There was a significant association but weak correlation between red meat consumption and the colorectal cancer.

Conclusion

This study shows consumption of red meat to be a modifiable risk factor that is associated with lower gastrointestinal cancers in the study participants. Further longitudinal studies using large number of participants is needed for confirming the observations from this current study.
Improving palbociclib adherence among women with metastatic breast cancer using a CONnected CUstomized Treatment Platform: A pilot study
Authors: Sadigh Gelareh , Meisel Jane L , Byers Kristina , Robles Andrew , Serrano Leslie , Jung Olivia S , Coleman Debrua , Yeager Katherine A , Graetz Ilana
Published: March 2023

Objective

To pilot test a mobile health intervention using a CONnected CUstomized Treatment Platform that integrates a connected electronic adherence monitoring smartbox and an early warning system of non-adherence with bidirectional automated texting feature and provider alerts.

Methods

In total, 29 adult women with hormone-receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative metastatic breast cancer and a prescription for palbociclib were asked to complete a survey and participate in a CONnected CUstomized Treatment Platform intervention, including use of a smartbox for real-time adherence monitoring, which triggered text message reminders for any missed or extra dose, and referrals to (a) participant's oncology provider after three missed doses or an episode of over-adherence, or (b) a financial navigation program for any cost-related missed dose. Use of smartbox, number of referrals, palbociclib adherence, CONnected CUstomized Treatment Platform usability measured by System Usability Scale, and changes in symptom burden and quality of life were assessed.

Results

Mean age was 57.6 and 69% were white. The smartbox was used by 72.4% of participants, with palbociclib adherence rate of 95.8%±7.6%. One participant was referred to oncology provider due to missed doses and one was referred to financial navigation. At baseline, 33.3% reported at least one adherence barrier including inconvenience to get prescription filled, forgetfulness, cost, and side effects. There were no changes in self-reported adherence, symptom burden or quality of life over 3 months. CONnected CUstomized Treatment Platform usability score was 61.9 ± 14.2.

Conclusion

The CONnected CUstomized Treatment Platform interventions is feasible, resulting in a high palbociclib adherence rate without any decline in overtime. Future efforts should focus on improving usability.
Videoconferencing interventions and COPD patient outcomes: A systematic review
Authors: Bowman Meghan , Jalink Matthew , Sharpe Isobel , Srivastava Siddhartha , Wijeratne Don Thiwanka
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Videoconferencing circumvents various physical and financial barriers associated with in-person care. Given this technology's potential benefits and timely nature, we conducted a systematic review to understand how videoconferencing for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) follow-up care affects patient-related outcomes.

Methods

We included primary research evaluating the use of bidirectional videoconferencing for COPD patient follow-up. The outcomes of interest were resource utilization, mortality, lifestyle factors, patient satisfaction, barriers, and feasibility. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, EBM Reviews, and CINAHL databases for articles published from January 1, 2010, to August 2, 2021. Relevant information was extracted and presented descriptively and common themes and patterns were identified. The risk of bias for each study was assessed using design-specific validated tools.

Results

We included 39 studies of 18,194 patients (22 quantitative, 12 qualitative, and 5 mixed methods). The included studies were grouped by type of intervention; 18 studies explored videoconferencing for exercise, 19 explored videoconferencing for clinical assessment/monitoring, and 2 examined videoconferencing for education. Generally, videoconferencing was associated with high levels of patient satisfaction. There were mixed results in terms of its effects on resource utilization and lifestyle-related factors. Additionally, 12 studies were at high risk of bias, indicating that these results should be interpreted with caution.

Conclusions

The videoconferencing interventions resulted in high levels of patient satisfaction, despite facing technological issues. Overall, more research is needed to better understand the effects of videoconferencing interventions on resource utilization and other patient outcomes, quantifying their advantages over in-person care.
Obesity diagnoses in children and adolescents in Norway by immigrant background
Authors: Kjøllesdal Marte K.R. , Shah Sara M.B. , Labberton Angela S. , Bergh Ingunn H. , Qureshi Samera , Surén Pål
Published: March 2023

Aim:

Relatively few obese children and adolescents receive specialist treatment. Our aim was to assess associations between risk of receiving an obesity diagnosis in secondary/tertiary health services by socio-economic position and immigrant background in order ultimately to improve equity in health services.

Methods:

The study population comprised Norwegian-born children aged 2–18 years between 2008 and 2018 ( N=1,414,623), identified via the Medical Birth Registry. Cox regressions were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) of an obesity diagnosis from secondary/tertiary health services (Norwegian Patient Registry) by parental education and household income and by immigrant background.

Results:

Higher parental education and household income were associated with a lower hazard of obesity diagnosis regardless of Norwegian versus immigrant background. Compared to having a Norwegian background, having a Latin American (HR=4.12; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.18–5.34), African (HR=1.54; 95% CI 1.34–1.76) and Asian (HR=1.60; 95% CI 1.48–1.74) background was associated with higher hazard of obesity diagnosis. Adjusted for parental education and household income, corresponding HRs were 3.28 (95% CI 2.95–3.65) for Latin America, 0.95 (95% CI 0.90–1.01) for Africa and 1.08 (95% CI 1.04–1.11) for Asia. Within Asia, those with a background from Pakistan, Turkey, Iraq and Iran had higher hazards than those with a Norwegian background, while those with a background from Vietnam had lower hazards, even after adjusting for parental education and household income.

Conclusions:

To ensure more equitable treatment, more knowledge is warranted about health-service access and referral patterns, and underlying population prevalence rates, for obese children and adolescents with different immigrant backgrounds.
Governing principles: Articulating values in social media platform policies
Authors: Scharlach Rebecca , Hallinan Blake , Shifman Limor
Published: March 2023

As sites where social media corporations profess their commitment to principles like community and free speech, policy documents function as boundary objects that navigate diverse audiences, purposes, and interests. This article compares the discourse of values in the Privacy Policies, Terms of Service, and Community Guidelines of five major platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and TikTok). Through a mixed-methods analysis, we identified frequently mentioned value terms and five overarching principles consistent across platforms: expression, community, safety, choice, and improvement. However, platforms limit their burden to execute these values by selectively assigning responsibility for their enactment, often unloading such responsibility onto users. Moreover, while each of the core values may potentially serve the public good, they can also promote narrow corporate goals. This dual framing allows platforms to strategically reinterpret values to suit their own interests.
Economy of marginality and familiarity: Making sense of South Asian migrant breakout business in Hong Kong
Authors: Kwok Kim , Parzer Michael
Published: March 2023

This article examines an emerging phenomenon within the South Asian economy in Hong Kong: Disadvantaged entrepreneurs, mainly from Pakistan, Nepal and India, have adopted breakout strategies to target other disadvantaged migrants, particularly Indonesian and Filipino foreign domestic workers. This challenges the widely shared assumption that breakout strategies of migrant entrepreneurs address primarily the mainstream population. By applying Erving Goffman’s notion of frame, we focus on how these entrepreneurs understand and interpret their (change of) market orientation in the context of a specific entrepreneurial environment, where power asymmetries exist in the economic and political constellation between the ethnic majority and various groups of migrants. Regarding methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted, and analyses were done based on 15 business units with 19 migrant entrepreneurs targeting other marginalised migrant groups with whom they share stigmatisation by the ethnic majority. The findings reveal that four frames around “marginality” and “familiarity” play a crucial role in shaping South Asian migrant entrepreneurs’ market orientation and strategies: a) shared experiences of discrimination, b) unwanted locality as resources, c) common culture, and d) race-based affinity and sympathy. These results contribute to the debates by adding a rather neglected form of market orientation to the diversification of migrant entrepreneurial strategies in existing literature, supplementing the economic and social explanations by applying a cultural sociological perspective of social inequality, and critically reviewing the assumption that breakout automatically generates economic success and social mobility.
Noise and transient ischaemic attacks – A challenge?
Authors: Cassidy Tim , Chapman Lucy
Published: March 2023

Consistency in medical decision-making is ideally expected. This includes consistency between different clinicians so that the same patient will receive the same diagnosis regardless of the assessing clinician. It also encompasses reliability as an individual clinician meaning at any given time or context, we apply the same process and principles to ensure the decisions we make do not deviate significantly from our peers or indeed our own past decisions. However, consistency in decision-making can be challenged when working within a busy healthcare system. We discuss the concept of ‘noise’ and explore how it affects decision-making in acute presentations of transient neurology where doctors can differ in terms of their diagnostic decisions.
Endovascular reconstruction of the inferior vena cava in a patient presenting with deep venous thrombosis with concomitant inferior vena cava hypoplasia and aneurysmal dilatation of the iliac veins
Authors: Barry Ian Patrick , Tosenovsky Patrik
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Congenital malformations of the inferior vena cava are rare and remain an under recognised cause of spontaneous deep venous thrombosis (DVT). The purpose of this case report is to highlight the rare occurrence of a concomitant iliac vein aneurysm and the feasibility of endovascular reconstruction in the presence of extensive iliocaval thrombus burden, especially in cases where other treatment modalities have been unsuccessful.

Report

This is the report of a 25-year-old male who presented with acute onset left lower limb pain/swelling secondary to extensive iliocaval DVT. This was due to multiple abnormalities of the venous system including hypoplasia of the IVC with aneurysmal dilatation of the iliac veins. He failed an initial management strategy of anticoagulation and thrombolysis but subsequently underwent endovascular reconstruction of the iliocaval system via venoplasty and stenting. Complete symptom resolution and venous patency, including resolution of venous aneurysmal disease, were maintained at twelve-month follow-up.

Discussion

Reduction of the iliac vein diameter so early after successful reconstruction suggests that the iliac venous aneurysm was secondary to significant venous hypertension, and that if the obstruction causing it is treated, the vein can return to a normal vessel diameter.
Chippin’ In: An Analysis of the Criminological Concepts Within Cyberpunk 2077
Authors: Steele Morgan James
Published: March 2023

The cyberpunk genre dominates much of our popular culture, from how we think of cyber- and white-collar crime, to our understanding of how technology influences the criminal justice system. This article explores the common criminological themes prevalent within the recent video game Cyberpunk 2077 as an example of popular criminology. Specifically, it explores the game's story and environment by examining key characters’ responses to structural inequalities through an anomie theory lens. Key characters and groups within the game exemplify Merton's (1938) different responses to rampant poverty and socioeconomic inequality. This is then extended to the “cyberpsycho” problem within the game, incorporating General Strain Theory to discuss why specific individuals develop the problem within Cyberpunk 2077.
Traumatic posterior cerebral artery dissection and dissecting aneurysms: A systematic review with an illustrative case report
Authors: Essibayi Muhammed Amir , Kerezoudis Panagiotis , Keser Zafer , Lanzino Giuseppe
Published: March 2023

Background

Traumatic posterior cerebral artery (tPCA) dissection and dissecting aneurysms are rare and constitute a challenging clinical entity.

Objective

We analyze existing literature on tPCA dissection and present our institutional experience.

Methods

We retrospectively queried our database for tPCA isolated dissection or dissecting aneurysms from 2008 until now and conducted a systematic literature review of published cases. We analyzed the clinical and radiographic characteristics and treatment outcomes of tPCA dissection.

Results

Including our case, a total of 11 cases with either isolated dissection ( n = 2) or dissecting aneurysms ( n = 9) were included. The median age was 27 years, and 45% were females. The median interval between trauma and tPCA dissection diagnosis was nine days. Mental status declined in four (36%) patients. Half of the patients demonstrated tentorial subdural hematoma on head CT. Ischemic stroke was detected in three (43%) patients. Four (36%) patients were conservatively managed, one (9.1%) patient was treated with surgical clipping of the proximal PCA, and six patients underwent endovascular treatments. The complication rate was 20%. Immediate total occlusion was demonstrated in five patients (100%), and the conservatively managed case showed immediate, spontaneous thrombosis of the aneurysm. Glasgow Coma Scale scores were 15 in eight (89%) and 14 in one (11%) patients at the last clinical follow-up with a median of six months. The mortality and retreatment rates were null.

Conclusions

tPCA dissection is diagnosed late and commonly affects the young population. The clinical outcome for this condition is typically favorable. Current endovascular techniques showed considerable efficacy and safety.
A corpus-assisted discourse analysis of the representation of Syrian refugees in Canadian newspapers
Authors: Omidian Sijani Nasim
Published: March 2023

This paper examines the representation of Syrian refugees in the Canadian press, from December 2015 to December 2017, in four English-language major newspapers. Using methods of Corpus Linguistics (CL) and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), this study found three prominent themes, namely intake, integration, and concern, through which Syrian refugees are depicted across the political spectrum. The results indicate that adopting a more inclusive immigration policy did not totally negate the biased and discriminatory representations entrenched in the media coverage of refugees, but it can set the stage for more empowering and sympathetic treatment of refugees in the media. This analysis speaks to the importance of media discourse in producing and maintaining particular depictions of refugees among the Canadian public, highlighting the role of ideological and political stances in the portrayals of refugees across news outlets.
Effects of Electrical Conductivity and Pruning on Secondary Metabolite Contents in Fruits of Jaltomata procumbens (Cav.) J. L. Gentry
Authors: Flores-Sánchez Ignacio Darío , Sandoval-Villa Manuel , Soto-Hernández Ramón Marcos
Published: March 2023

Jaltomata procumbens is a semidomesticated plant species used as food, and the presence of several types of secondary metabolites are detected in one of its forms. Growth conditions, the electrical conductivity (EC) of the nutrient solution, and the pruning management may influence the secondary metabolite content. The objective was to evaluate the effects of EC and pruning on the metabolite content of 2 J. procumbens forms, in greenhouse and hydroponics. Treatments included 2 forms (erect and decumbent), 3 EC levels (1, 2, and 3 dS m−1), and 2 pruning levels (with and without pruning). The contents of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and terpenoids were evaluated. EC and pruning management differentially influenced the contents of each group of metabolites in both forms in a combined and individual manner, with EC exerting a stronger effect than pruning. A total of 7 phenolic acids, 4 flavonoids, and 5 terpenoids were detected: the erect form contained significant amounts of syringic acid, rutin, and carnosol at 33.44, 36.43, and 0.26 mg 100 g−1 of dry weight, respectively, whereas the decumbent form had high contents of gallic and rosmarinic acids and morin at 59.03, 28.31, and 61.54 mg 100 g−1 of dry weight, respectively. Considering the variability observed depending on the metabolite group of interest, the specific management of EC and pruning is required for each form.
The Intersectionality of Twitter Responses to Black Canadian Politicians
Authors: Al-Rawi Ahmed , Ackah Betty B. B. , Chun Wendy H. K.
Published: March 2023

Research has shown that Black politicians in the Global North contend with higher instances of abusive language on social media platforms. The study investigates how public interactions engage with the intersectional positionalities of nine Black Canadian politicians. We collected all the replies to tweets posted by the politicians from 2006 to 2021. Results from the manual analysis showed that 56% of the tweets had a neutral tone, meaning that even if they contained abusive language, they did not directly address the politician. They were also not complimentary. There were more negative tweets than positive ones; 23% versus 21%. The themes of the tweets with negative tones centered on opposition to the politicians’ discussion of racial inequalities or racism, or their party affiliations, especially affiliation to the Liberal Party or relationship with Prime Minister Trudeau. The manual analysis showed women politicians received higher rates of abuses, while in the sentiment analysis stage that covered the entire data set, men were more trolled with 66.6% of words directed at them being negative, compared to 55.7% for the women.
Providing a clearer insight into how sport-related concussion and physical pain impact mental health, cognition, and quality of life
Authors: Walker Daniel , Qureshi Adam W. , Marchant David , Ford Ben , Balani Alex Bahrami
Published: March 2023

Sport-related concussion (SRC) and physical pain are both associated with poor mental health, impaired cognition, and reduced quality of life. Despite SRC and physical pain often co-occurring, there is little research that investigates these two factors together, and therefore it is difficult to conclude which of these contributes to the negative outcomes associated with them. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of SRC and physical pain on mental health, cognitive ability, and quality of life. Depression was measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, anxiety was assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory while the SF-12 recorded health-related quality of life. A trail making task (TMT) assessed cognitive flexibility of participants. Analysis of 83 participants (43 concussed) revealed that SRC led to reduced accuracy on TMT(A) and (B), whereas physical pain was responsible for poorer mental health and reduced quality of life. This study highlights the influence that SRC has on cognitive ability and the impact that physical pain has on mental health and quality of life. With this information, we are better placed to predict the negative consequences of SRC and physical pain and therefore tailor support accordingly.
Undetectable measurable residual disease is associated with improved outcomes in AML irrespective of treatment intensity
Authors: Bazinet Alexandre , Kadia Tapan , Short Nicholas J. , Borthakur Gautam , Wang Sa A. , Wang Wei , Loghavi Sanam , Jorgensen Jeffrey , Patel Keyur , DiNardo Courtney , Daver Naval , Alvarado Yesid , Haddad Fadi G. , Pierce Sherry , Nogueras Gonzalez Graciela , Maiti Abhishek , Sasaki Koji , Yilmaz Musa , Thompson Philip , Wierda William , Garcia-Manero Guillermo , Andreeff Michael , Jabbour Elias , Konopleva Marina , Huang Xuelin , Kantarjian Hagop , Ravandi Farhad
Published: March 2023

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can be treated with either high- or low-intensity regimens. Highly sensitive assays for measurable residual disease (MRD) now allow for a more precise assessment of response quality. We hypothesized that treatment (Rx) intensity may not be a key predictor of outcomes, assuming that an optimal response to therapy is achieved. We performed a single-center retrospective study including 635 patients with newly diagnosed AML responding to either intensive cytarabine/anthracycline-based chemotherapy (IA; n = 385) or low-intensity venetoclax-based regimens (LOW + VEN; n = 250) and who had adequate flow cytometry–based MRD testing performed at the time of best response. The median overall survival (OS) was 50.2, 18.2, 13.6, and 8.1 months for the IA MRD−, LOW + VEN MRD−, IA MRD+, and LOW + VEN MRD+ cohorts, respectively. The 2-year cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) was 41.1%, 33.5%, 64.2%, and 59.9% for the IA MRD−, LOW + VEN MRD−, IA MRD+, and LOW + VEN MRD+ cohorts, respectively. The CIR was similar between patients within MRD categories irrespective of the treatment regimen received. The IA cohort was enriched for younger patients and favorable AML cytogenetic/molecular categories. Using multivariate analysis, age, best response (complete remission [CR]/CR with incomplete hematologic recovery/morphologic leukemia-free state), MRD status, and European LeukemiaNet (ELN) 2017 risk remained significantly associated with OS, whereas best response, MRD status, and ELN 2017 risk were significantly associated with CIR. Treatment intensity was not significantly associated with either OS or CIR. Achievement of MRD− CR should be the key objective of AML therapy in both high- and low-intensity treatment regimens.
Association of normal-weight central obesity with hypertension: a cross-sectional study from the China health and nutrition survey
Authors: Ren Huihui , Guo Yaoyao , Wang Dan , Kang Xiaonan , Yuan Gang
Published: March 2023

Background

Central obesity is associated with an increased risk of hypertension in the general population. However, little is known regarding the potential relationship between central obesity and the risk of hypertension among adults with a normal body mass index (BMI). Our aim was to assess the risk of hypertension among individuals with normal weight central obesity (NWCO) in a large Chinese population.

Methods

We identified 10 719 individuals aged 18 years or older from the China Health and Nutrition Survey 2015. Hypertension was defined by blood pressure measurements, physician diagnosis, or the use of antihypertensive treatment. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association of obesity patterns, defined by BMI, waist circumference (WC) and waist hip ratio (WHR), with hypertension after adjusting for confounding factors.

Results

The patients’ mean age was 53.6 ± 14.5 years, and 54.2% were women. Compared with individuals with a normal BMI but no central obesity, subjects with NWCO had a greater risk of hypertension (WC: OR, 1.49, 95% CI 1.14–1.95; WHR: OR, 1.33, 95% CI 1.08–1.65). Overweight-obese subjects with central obesity demonstrated the highest risk of hypertension after adjustment for potential confounders (WC: OR, 3.01, 95% CI 2.59–3.49; WHR: OR, 3.08, CI 2.6–3.65). Subgroup analyses showed that the combination of BMI with WC had similar findings to the overall population except for female and nonsmoking persons; when BMI was combined with WHR, a significant association of NWCO with hypertension was observed only in younger persons and nondrinkers.

Conclusions

Central obesity, as defined by WC or WHR, is associated with an increased risk of hypertension in Chinese adults with normal BMI, highlighting the need to combine measures in obesity-related risk assessment.
Analysis of status quo and influencing factors for health-promoting lifestyle in the rural populace with high risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases
Authors: Li Jing , Song Jia , Zhu Xia-Ling , Chen Mei-Fen , Huang Xu-Fang
Published: March 2023

Objective

To explore the status quo and influencing factors for health-promoting lifestyle in the rural populace with high risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and to provide reference for developing primary prevention strategies for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Method

Questionnaire-based survey of 585 cases of high-risk cardiovascular and cerebrovascular population in 11 administrative villages in Fuling of Lishui city was conducted using the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II (HPLP II), Perceived Social Support from Family Scale (PSS-Fa), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), and other questionnaire tools.

Results

The total score of the health-promoting lifestyle in the rural populace with high risk of cardiovascular disease is 125.55 ± 20.50, which is at an average level, and the mean scores of each dimension in descending order are—nutrition, interpersonal support, self-actualization, stress management, health responsibility, and exercise. Monofactor analysis revealed that age, education level, marriage, monthly per capita household income, physical activity based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), family support function, carotid intima-media thickness, and blood pressure were influencing factors for the health-promoting lifestyle in the rural populace with high risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (P < 0.05). Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that monthly per capita household income, family support function, physical activity based on the IPAQ, and education level were positively correlated with the level of the health-promoting lifestyle.

Conclusion

The health-promoting lifestyle level of the rural populace with high risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases needs to be improved. When assisting patients to improve their health-promoting lifestyle level, it is imperative to pay attention to improving patients' physical activity level, emphasizing the influence of the family environment on patients, and focusing on patients with economic difficulties and low education level.
Evaluation of early arterial wall lesions by elastography parameters in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Liu Jinping , Qiu Lanyan , Su Yuan , Zhang Hong , Shi Xianquan , Hu Xiangdong , Qian Linxue
Published: March 2023

Background

Arterialsclerosis caused by hypertension can lead to many complications, such as heart attack, stroke and so on. Early diagnosis and treatment of arterialsclerosis can prevent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and improve the prognosis. The present study aimed to explore the value of ultrasonography in evaluating the early lesion of the local arterial wall in hypertensive rats and identify useful elastography parameters.

Methods

A total of 24 spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), 10-, 20-, 30-, and 40-weeks-old, were used in this study, with 6 rats in each group. Blood pressure was recorded using the Animal Noninvasive Blood Pressure Measurement System (Kent company, model CODA, USA), and the local elasticity of the abdominal aorta of rats was measured using a ultrasound diagnostic instrument (VINNO, Suzhou city, China). According to the histopathological results, SHR were divided into two groups: the normal arterial elasticity and the early arterial wall lesions. Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare the differences in elastic parameters and influencing factors between the above two groups, and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to analyze and judge the value of each elastic parameter in evaluating early arterial lesions.

Results

A total of 22 cases were divided into two groups: 14 in the normal arterial elasticity and 8 in the early arterial wall lesions. The differences in age, blood pressure, pulse wave velocity (PWV), compliance coefficient (CC), distensibility coefficient (DC), and elasticity parameter (EP) between the two groups were compared. The differences in PWV, CC, DC and EP were statistically significant. Subsequently, the ROC curve analysis was performed for the above four evaluation indexes of arterial elasticity; the results were as follows: the area under the curve of PWV, CC, DC, and EP was 0.946, 0.781, 0.946, and 0.911, respectively.

Conclusions

Early arterial wall lesions can be evaluated by ultrasound measurement of local PWV. PWV and DC can accurately evaluate the early arterial wall lesions in SHR, and the combined application of the two can improve the sensitivity and specificity of the approach.
Prevalence, incidence and clinical outcomes of epicardial coronary artery disease among transthyretin amyloidosis cardiomyopathy patients
Authors: Hassan Rana , Miller Robert J. H. , Howlett Jonathan G. , White James A. , Fine Nowell M.
Published: March 2023

Background

Transthyretin amyloidosis cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) patients are often older and may be at risk for obstructive epicardial coronary artery disease (oeCAD). While ATTR-CM may cause small vessel coronary disease, the prevalence and clinical significance of oeCAD is not well described.

Methods and results

The prevalence and incidence of oeCAD and its association with all-cause mortality and hospitalization among 133 ATTR-CM patients with ≥ 1-year follow-up was evaluated. The mean age was 78 ± 9 years, 119 (89%) were male, 116 (87%) had wild-type and 17 (13%) had hereditary subtypes. Seventy-two (54%) patients underwent oeCAD investigations, with 30 (42%) receiving a positive diagnosis. Among patients with a positive oeCAD diagnosis, 23 (77%) were diagnosed prior to ATTR-CM diagnosis, 6 (20%) at the time of ATTR-CM diagnosis, and 1 (3%) after ATTR-CM diagnosis. Baseline characteristics between patients with and without oeCAD were similar. Among patients with oeCAD, only 2 (7%) required additional investigations, intervention or hospitalization after ATTR-CM diagnosis. After a median follow-up of 27 months there were 37 (28%) deaths in the study population, including 5 patients with oeCAD (17%). Fifty-six (42%) patients in the study population required hospitalization, including 10 patients with oeCAD (33%). There was no significant difference in the rates of death or hospitalization among ATTR-CM patients with and without oeCAD, and oeCAD was not significantly associated with either outcome by univariable regression analysis.

Conclusions

While oeCAD is prevalent in ATTR-CM patients, this diagnosis is frequently known at time of ATTR-CM diagnosis and characteristics are similar to patients without oeCAD.
Peripheral artery disease in patients with schizophrenia as compared to controls
Authors: Jørgensen Linea Rosenberg , Hegtmann Cathrine Linnea , Straszek Sune P. V. , Høyer Christian , Polcwiartek Christoffer , Petersen Lars J. , Dalgaard Martin Kamp , Jensen Svend Eggert , Nielsen René Ernst
Published: March 2023

Background

Patients with schizophrenia have an increased prevalence of risk factors for peripheral artery disease (PAD) and is expected to have an increased prevalence of PAD. PAD can be detected utilizing toe–brachial index (TBI) which screens for vascular pathology proximal to the toes.

Methods

Using a cross-sectional design, we defined the subpopulations: (1) Patients diagnosed with schizophrenia less than 2 years before inclusion (SCZ < 2), (2) Psychiatric healthy controls matched to subpopulation 1 on sex, age, and smoking status, and (3) Patients diagnosed with schizophrenia 10 or more years before inclusion (SCZ ≥ 10). TBI was calculated by dividing toe pressures by systolic brachial blood pressure, and PAD was defined by TBI < 0.70. Logistic regression analysis with PAD as outcome and sex, age, smoking status, BMI, skin temperature, diagnosis of schizophrenia, and comorbidities as explanatory variables was conducted.

Results

PAD was present in 26.2% of patients diagnosed with SCZ < 2 (17 of 65) and in 18.5% of psychiatric healthy controls (12 of 65) with no statistically significant difference in prevalence rates (p = 0.29). PAD was present in 22.0% of patients diagnosed with SCZ ≥ 10 (31 of 141). In logistic regression, patients diagnosed with SCZ < 2 had an increased odds of PAD with psychiatric healthy controls as reference (Odds ratio = 2.80, 95% confidence interval 1.09–7.23, p = 0.03). The analysis was adjusted for age, sex, smoking status, BMI and comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes and heart disease.

Conclusions

This study did not find statistically significant increased prevalence rates of PAD in patients with schizophrenia even though patients with SCZ were compared to psychiatric healthy controls using TBI. Utilizing logistic regression PAD was associated with schizophrenia diagnosis within the last 2 years, age and skin temperature. As PAD is initially asymptomatic, screening could be relevant in patients with schizophrenia if other risk factors are prevalent. Further large-scale multicenter studies are warranted to investigate schizophrenia as a potential risk factor for PAD.

Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT02885792.