bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dopamine and acetylcholine correlations in the nucleus accumbens depend on behavioral task states
Authors: Costa Kauê Machado , Zhang Zhewei , Zhuo Yizhou , Li Guochuan , Li Yulong , Schoenbaum Geoffrey
Published: May 2024

Dopamine in the nucleus accumbens ramps up as animals approach desired goals. These ramps have received intense scrutiny because they seem to violate long-held hypotheses on dopamine function. Furthermore, it has been proposed that they are driven by local acetylcholine release, i.e., that they are mechanistically separate from dopamine signals related to reward prediction errors. Here, we tested this hypothesis by simultaneously recording accumbal dopamine and acetylcholine signals in rats executing a task involving motivated approach. Contrary to recent reports, we found that dopamine ramps were not coincidental with changes in acetylcholine. Instead, we found that acetylcholine could be positively, negatively, or uncorrelated with dopamine depending on whether the task phase was determined by a salient cue, reward prediction error, or active approach, respectively. Our results suggest that accumbal dopamine and acetylcholine are largely independent but may combine to engage different postsynaptic mechanisms depending on the behavioral task states.
Acetylcholine demixes heterogeneous dopamine signals for learning and moving
Authors: Jang Hee Jae , Ward Royall McMahon , Golden Carla E. M. , Constantinople Christine M.
Published: May 2024

Midbrain dopamine neurons promote reinforcement learning and movement vigor. A major outstanding question is how dopamine-recipient neurons in the striatum parse these heterogeneous signals. Here we characterized dopamine and acetylcholine release in the dorsomedial striatum (DMS) of rats performing a decision-making task. We found that dopamine acted as a reward prediction error (RPE), modulating behavior and DMS spiking on subsequent trials when coincident with pauses in cholinergic release. In contrast, at task events that elicited coincident bursts of acetylcholine and dopamine, dopamine preceded contralateral movements and predicted movement vigor without inducing plastic changes in DMS firing rates. Our findings provide a circuit-level mechanism by which cholinergic modulation allows the same dopamine signals to be used for either movement or learning depending on instantaneous behavioral context.
A gentle palette of plasma membrane dyes
Authors: Ling Jing , Liu Yitong , Fu Yunzhe , Liu Shuzhang , Ding Ling , Huang Lulu , Xi Peng , Chen Zhixing
Published: May 2024

Plasma membrane stains are one of the most important organelle markers for unambiguous assignments of individual cells and monitoring membrane morphology and dynamics. The state-of-the-art PM stains are bright, specific, fluorogenic, and compatible with super-resolution imaging. However, when recording membrane dynamics, particularly under light-intensive microscopes, PM is prone to photodynamic damages due to its phospholipid bilayer nature. Here we developed PK Mem dyes tailored for time-lapse fluorescence imaging. By integrating triplet-state quenchers into the MemBright dyes featuring cyanine chromophores and amphiphilic zwitterion anchors, PK Mem dyes exhibited a three-fold reduction in phototoxicity and a more than four-fold improvement in photostability in imaging experiments. These dyes enable 2D and 3D imaging of live or fixed cancer cell lines and a wide range of primary cells, at the same time pair well with various fluorescent markers. PK Mem dyes can be applied to neuronal imaging in brain slices andin vivotwo-photon imaging. The gentle nature of PK Mem palette enables ultralong-term recording of cell migration and cardiomyocyte beating. Notably, PK Mem dyes are optically compatible with STED/SIM imaging, which can handily upgrade the routine of time-lapse neuronal imaging, such as growth cone tracking and mitochondrial transportations, into nanoscopic resolutions.
Liquid-like condensates that bind actin drive filament polymerization and bundling
Authors: Walker Caleb , Chandrasekaran Aravind , Mansour Daniel , Graham Kristin , Torres Andrea , Wang Liping , Lafer Eileen M. , Rangamani Padmini , Stachowiak Jeanne C.
Published: May 2024

Liquid-like protein condensates perform diverse physiological functions. Previous work showed that VASP, a processive actin polymerase, forms condensates that polymerize and bundle actin. To minimize their curvature, filaments accumulated at the inner condensate surface, ultimately deforming the condensate into a rod-like shape, filled with a bundle of parallel filaments. Here we show that this behavior does not require proteins with specific polymerase activity. Specifically, we found that condensates composed of Lamellipodin, a protein that binds actin but is not an actin polymerase, were also capable of polymerizing and bundling actin filaments. To probe the minimum requirements for condensate-mediated actin bundling, we developed an agent-based computational model. Guided by its predictions, we hypothesized that any condensate-forming protein that binds actin could bundle filaments through multivalent crosslinking. To test this idea, we added an actin-binding motif to Eps15, a condensate-forming protein that does not normally bind actin. The resulting chimera formed condensates that drove efficient actin polymerization and bundling. Collectively, these findings broaden the family of proteins that could organize cytoskeletal filaments to include any actin-binding protein that participates in protein condensation.
Self-efficacy changes and gender effects on self-efficacy in a large-scale robotic telescope focused curriculum
Authors: Freed Rachel , McKinnon David , Salimpour Saeed , Fitzgerald Michael , Reichart Dan , Norris Christina
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we present the results of an investigation into the effects of engaging with robotic telescopes during an Astronomy 101 (Astro101) course in the United States and Canada on the self-efficacy of students. Using an astronomy self-efficacy survey that measures both astronomy personal self-efficacy and instrumental self-efficacy, the authors probed their covariance with the respondents’ experience of an Astro101 course that uses robotic telescopes to collect astronomical data. Strong effects on both self-efficacy scales were seen over the period of a semester utilizing a scalable educational design using robotic telescopes. After participation in the course, the results show that the gender gap in self-efficacy between self-identified men and women is largely reduced to statistically insignificant differences compared to the initial large significant difference.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Microwave photo-association of fine-structure-induced Rydberg
(n+2)D5/2nFJ
macro-dimer molecules of cesium
Authors: Bai Jingxu , Jiao Yuechun , Song Rong , Raithel Georg , Jia Suotang , Zhao Jianming
Published: May 2024

Long-range (n+2)D5/2nFJ Rydberg macro-dimers are observed in an ultracold cesium Rydberg gas for 39≤n≤48. Strong dipolar flip (〈D5/2F5/2|V̂dd|F5/2D5/2〉, 〈D5/2F7/2|V̂dd|F7/2D5/2〉) and cross (〈D5/2F7/2|V̂dd|F5/2D5/2〉) couplings lead to bound, fine-structure-mixed (n+2)D5/2nFJ macro-dimers at energies between the FJ fine-structure levels. The (n+2)D5/2nFJ macro-dimers are measured by microwave photo-association from optically prepared [(n+2)D5/2]2 Rydberg-pair precursor states. Calculated adiabatic potential curves are used to elucidate the underlying physics and to model the macro-dimer spectra, with good overall agreement. Microwave photo-association allows Franck-Condon tuning, which we have studied by varying the detuning of a Rydberg-atom excitation laser. Further, in Stark spectroscopy, we have measured molecular DC electric polarizabilities that are considerably larger than those of the atomic states. The large molecular polarizabilities are unexpected and may be caused by high-ℓ mixing. The observed linewidths of the Stark-shifted molecular lines provide initial evidence for intramolecular induced-dipole-dipole interaction.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Backaction-evading receivers with magnetomechanical and electromechanical sensors
Authors: Richman Brittany , Ghosh Sohitri , Carney Daniel , Higgins Gerard , Shawhan Peter , Lobb C. J. , Taylor Jacob M.
Published: May 2024

Today's mechanical sensors are capable of detecting extremely weak perturbations while operating near the standard quantum limit. However, further improvements can be made in both sensitivity and bandwidth when we reduce the noise originating from the process of measurement itself—the quantum-mechanical backaction of measurement—and go below this ‘standard’ limit, possibly approaching the Heisenberg limit. One of the ways to eliminate this noise is by measuring a quantum nondemolition variable such as the momentum in a free-particle system. Here, we propose and characterize theoretical models for direct velocity measurement that utilize traditional electric and magnetic transducer designs to generate a signal while enabling this backaction evasion. We consider the general readout of this signal via electric or magnetic field sensing by creating toy models analogous to the standard optomechanical position-sensing problem, thereby facilitating the assessment of measurement-added noise. Using simple models that characterize a wide range of transducers, we find that the choice of readout scheme—voltage or current—for each mechanical detector configuration implies access to either the position or velocity of the mechanical subsystem. This in turn suggests a path forward for key fundamental physics experiments such as the direct detection of dark matter particles.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Multimessenger measurements of the static structure of shock-compressed liquid silicon at 100 GPa
Authors: Poole H. , Ginnane M. K. , Millot M. , Bellenbaum H. M. , Collins G. W. , Hu S. X. , Polsin D. , Saha R. , Topp-Mugglestone J. , White T. G. , Chapman D. A. , Rygg J. R. , Regan S. P. , Gregori G.
Published: May 2024

The ionic structure of high-pressure, high-temperature fluids is a challenging theoretical problem with applications to planetary interiors and fusion capsules. Here we report a multimessenger platform using velocimetry and angularly and spectrally resolved x-ray scattering to measure the thermodynamic conditions and ion structure factor of materials at extreme pressures. We document the pressure, density, and temperature of shocked silicon near 100GPa with uncertainties of 6%, 2%, and 20%, respectively. The measurements are sufficient to distinguish between and rule out some ion screening models.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Gender differences in remote work: a study on the boundary management tactics of women and men
Authors: Shen Menghan , Zamani Efpraxia D.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify potential differences in experiences and their causes from a gender-based perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

We use secondary data, and we conduct a thematic analysis, to identify whether and how women and men negotiate differently.

Findings

Despite remote work being considered as creating a level-playing field for both genders, women are still vulnerable to work and life demands, and pre-existing stereotypes become exacerbated. In addition, we show how technology might be used to manage physical and temporal boundaries, through integration or segmentation tactics.

Originality/value

There is a growing body of literature that focuses on work-life conflict among teleworkers. Yet, there is limited research that explores such conflicts from a gender perspective, specifically whether and how different genders manage boundaries between work and life differently.
Teleworking and commuting mode choice in the post-COVID-19 era as a challenge for organisations
Authors: Hernández-Tamurejo Álvaro , Rodríguez Herráez Beatriz , Mora Agudo María Leonor
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This empirical research aims to provide organisations with useful information on how teleworking has affected employee commuting, allowing organisations to adapt working conditions to the new social context. This research sets out to provide evidence on the behaviour of teleworkers in terms of the mode of transport chosen when commuting to work physically.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on a survey conducted in Madrid based on a theoretical approach grounded in the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and discrete choice models. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and discriminant analysis have been used to determine the variables that influence the mode of transport chosen by teleworkers when commuting in person.

Findings

The results indicate the prevalence of private car use by teleworkers when working at the office, finding that attitudes and satisfaction with modes of transport significantly influence their choice. The characteristics and frequency of teleworking, however, are not significant, which indicates that teleworkers attach greater importance to their preferred mode of transport, regardless of the disadvantages.

Originality/value

This research provides empirical evidence using an inductive approach to understand the challenges that organisations are facing with regard to teleworking since commuting behaviour has changed for teleworkers. This requires organisations to give significant reconsideration to the issue of commuting as an important component of working time that could condition employee satisfaction and, therefore, the retention or recruitment of talent. Furthermore, residence and mobility changes afford organisations better access for recruitment, notwithstanding urban planning implications.
An examination of corporate citizenship on customer loyalty in the banking industry: a PLS-SEM analysis
Authors: Ghorbanzadeh Davood
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This research aims to address the need for a more in-depth empirical investigation of exploring the link between the adoption of corporate citizenship (CC) practices and different aspects of customer behavior in a developing country. Also, it develops a research framework and assesses the mediating role of brand image, brand love, brand reputation and brand trust between customer perceptions of CC and customer loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

Working with a sample of 290 private bank customers in Iran, partial least square-based structural equation modeling is used to test the conceptual model.

Findings

The findings reveal significant and positive relationships between CC, brand image, love and reputation. Indirectly and in the relationship between CC and customer loyalty, there are significant relationships through the serial roles of image-reputation, image-love and image-trust. Most importantly, the findings add value to the current knowledge by exploring the mediating effect of brand image, love, reputation and trust between CC and customer loyalty. Finally, this study has resulted in an updated prediction model of private banking customer loyalty.

Originality/value

This study makes a unique theoretical contribution to the literature by evaluating and comparing the mediating role of image, love, reputation and brand trust between CC and customer loyalty using the hierarchy of effects model.
Treating traumatized children with intellectual disabilities: Tailoring Trauma‐Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for a vulnerable population
Authors: Hoover Daniel W. , Fleming Tabitha C. , Khan Maria
Published: May 2024

Background

Children with intellectual disabilities are at heightened risk for traumatization, though underserved due to silos of care, diagnostic overshadowing, and lack of adapted treatment. Trauma‐Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF‐CBT), an evidence‐based childhood trauma therapy, is described with recommended adaptations for use with children who have intellectual disabilities.

Method

We present a suggested theoretical and clinical guide for treating children with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. We explicate key functional domains of intellectual disabilities—comprehension, executive functions, and generalization—as the basis for tailoring the treatment model.

Results

Therapy recommendations are organized into a heuristic ‘matrix’ of resources and adaptations to TF‐CBT components, based on clinical experience and research literature, illustrated with composite case vignettes.

Conclusion

Children with intellectual disabilities are a uniquely vulnerable population historically excluded from clinical trauma interventions and research but can respond to adapted care. Considerations for future research and dissemination are discussed.
Microsporidia: Pervasive natural pathogens of Caenorhabditis elegans and related nematodes
Authors: Gang Spencer S. , Lažetić Vladimir
Published: May 2024

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is an invaluable host model for studying infections caused by various pathogens, including microsporidia. Microsporidia represent the first natural pathogens identified in C. elegans, revealing the previously unknown Nematocida genus of microsporidia. Following this discovery, the utilization of nematodes as a model host has rapidly expanded our understanding of microsporidia biology and has provided key insights into the cell and molecular mechanisms of antimicrosporidia defenses. Here, we first review the isolation history, morphological characteristics, life cycles, tissue tropism, genetics, and host immune responses for the four most well‐characterized Nematocida species that infect C. elegans. We then highlight additional examples of microsporidia that infect related terrestrial and aquatic nematodes, including parasitic nematodes. To conclude, we assess exciting potential applications of the nematode‐microsporidia system while addressing the technical advances necessary to facilitate future growth in this field.
Exploring the landscape of AI adoption in cosmetic medicine and surgery: Insights from the 25th IMCAS Congress (International Master Course in Aging Science)
Authors: Haykal Diala , Ascher Benjamin , Cartier Hugues , Gold Michael
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into cosmetic medicine promises to revolutionize the field by enhancing diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient care.

Objective

This manuscript explores the current adoption and perceptions of AI among professionals in the realm of cosmetic dermatology and plastic surgery, utilizing insights from the IMCAS Congress 2024 attendees.

Methods

A survey employing a digital questionnaire with 14 questions was distributed among attendees of the IMCAS Congress 2024 to evaluate their familiarity with AI, usage in clinical practice, perceived advantages, and concerns regarding data privacy and security.

Results

The survey revealed that a majority of respondents are familiar with AI's potential in cosmetic medicine, yet there is a notable discrepancy between awareness and actual application in practice. Concerns over data privacy and a pronounced need for further training were also highlighted.

Conclusion

Despite recognizing AI's benefits in cosmetic medicine, significant barriers such as data privacy concerns and the need for more comprehensive training resources must be addressed. Enhancing education on AI‐applications and developing strategies to mitigate privacy risks are imperative for leveraging AI's full potential in improving patient care and outcome in cosmetic medicine.
The raced and gendered persistence of human‐exemptionalism
Authors: Dotson Miranda P.
Published: May 2024

This paper makes the case for a reconsideration of the human exemptionalist paradigm in sociological research. Reviewing recent research on the racialized and gendered dimensions of environmental use and abuse in North America, this paper argues that the persistent belief that humans dominate over all other biota is a direct result of the white supremacist, patriarchal gender system. Traditional Anglo‐European performances of and expectations for masculinity not only mandate the subjugation of women, but of all biota. Consequently, the burdens for repair and regeneration are disproportionately placed upon feminized subjects. This racialized gender system is strengthened as long as human exemptionalism persists. Ultimately, sociologists should contend with ‘human supremacy’ as a system of inequality that strengthens all other systems of inequality that plague human society. Moving forward, theories of liberation must go beyond the species boundary to account for an end to unjust domination of all life on Earth.
Emotions and Course Learning Outcomes in Geology Fieldwork among Petroleum Engineering Undergraduates
Authors: Sidek Akhmal , Chong Aik Shye , Zamzuri Nurul Huda , Nasir Ahmad Nabil , Tarmidi Zakri
Published: May 2024

Quantitative approaches have been conducted on petroleum engineering students’ emotions before and after fieldwork experiences affected course learning outcomes. The study found positive-feelings experiences increased from pre-field to post-field such as confidence about what is expected and gladness that they are going to the field which is learning outside of the classroom. However, there is a small number of students worried before the fieldwork is conducted that they need to adapt to a new environment. Positive feeling experiences emotions shows a significant relationship with learning outcomes as compared to negative feelings; it has no significant value. Overall, the importance of these findings depends on improving awareness of the components that influence students' learning experiences and highlighting the importance of considering the complete spectrum of emotional and learning-related aspects into consideration when creating a fieldwork learning program.
Prenatal opioid exposure by likelihood of exposure and risk to prenatal development: Medicaid-covered births in Wisconsin, 2010–2019
Authors: Berger Lawrence M. , Durrance Christine , Ehrenthal Deborah , Kim HeeJin , Kuo Hsiang-Hui , Pac Jessica
Published: May 2024

Prenatal opioid exposure is an established public health problem, in particular among Medicaid-covered births. Yet, existing prevalence rates are plausibly underestimated. We leverage extensive linked longitudinal administrative data for all Medicaid-covered live births in Wisconsin from 2010 to 2019 to estimate a range of prevalence rates using an innovative strategy that jointly accounts for both likelihood of exposure and potential risk to prenatal development. We find that 20.8% of infants may have been prenatally exposed to opioids, with 1.7% diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome and an additional 1.2% having a high combined likelihood of exposure and potential risk to prenatal development, 2.6% a moderate combined likelihood and risk, and 15.3% a low or uncertain combined likelihood and risk. We assess improvements in prevalence estimates based on our nuanced classification relative to those of prior studies. Our strategy could be broadly used to quantify the scope of the opioid crisis for pregnant populations, target interventions, and promote child health and development.
Label-free metabolic optical biomarkers track stem cell fate transition in real time
Authors: Zhou Hao , Li Irene , Bramlett Charles S. , Wang Bowen , Hao Jia , Yen Daniel P. , Ando Yuta , Fraser Scott E. , Lu Rong , Shen Keyue
Published: May 2024

Tracking stem cell fate transition is crucial for understanding their development and optimizing biomanufacturing. Destructive single-cell methods provide a pseudotemporal landscape of stem cell differentiation but cannot monitor stem cell fate in real time. We established a metabolic optical metric using label-free fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), feature extraction and machine learning–assisted analysis, for real-time cell fate tracking. From a library of 205 metabolic optical biomarker (MOB) features, we identified 56 associated with hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) differentiation. These features collectively describe HSC fate transition and detect its bifurcate lineage choice. We further derived a MOB score measuring the “metabolic stemness” of single cells and distinguishing their division patterns. This score reveals a distinct role of asymmetric division in rescuing stem cells with compromised metabolic stemness and a unique mechanism of PI3K inhibition in promoting ex vivo HSC maintenance. MOB profiling is a powerful tool for tracking stem cell fate transition and improving their biomanufacturing from a single-cell perspective.
Phenotypic targeting using magnetic nanoparticles for rapid characterization of cellular proliferation regulators
Authors: Wang Zongjie , Wang Hansen , Lin Sichun , Angers Stephane , Sargent Edward H. , Kelley Shana O.
Published: May 2024

Genome-wide CRISPR screens have provided a systematic way to identify essential genetic regulators of a phenotype of interest with single-cell resolution. However, most screens use live/dead readout of viability to identify factors of interest. Here, we describe an approach that converts cell proliferation into the degree of magnetization, enabling downstream microfluidic magnetic sorting to be performed. We performed a head-to-head comparison and verified that the magnetic workflow can identify the same hits from a traditional screen while reducing the screening period from 4 weeks to 1 week. Taking advantage of parallelization and performance, we screened multiple mesenchymal cancer cell lines for their dependency on cell proliferation. We found and validated pan- and cell-specific potential therapeutic targets. The method presented provides a nanoparticle-enabled approach means to increase the breadth of data collected in CRISPR screens, enabling the rapid discovery of drug targets for treatment.
Early increase in HbA1c trajectory predicts development of severe microangiopathy in patients with type 1 diabetes: the VISS study
Authors: Arnqvist Hans J , Ludvigsson Johnny , Nordwall Maria
Published: May 2024

Introduction

To study the HbA1c trajectory from the time of diagnosis to examine if patients at the greatest risk for severe microangiopathy can be identified early allowing clinicians to intervene as soon as possible to avoid complications.

Research design and methods

In a population-based observational study, 447 patients diagnosed with type 1 diabetes before 35 years of age, 1983–1987, were followed from diagnosis until 2019. Mean HbA1c was calculated each year for each patient. Severe diabetic microangiopathy was defined as proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) or macroalbuminuria (nephropathy).

Results

After 32 years, 27% had developed PDR and 8% macroalbuminuria. Patients with weighted HbA1c (wHbA1c); <57 mmol/mol; <7.4% did not develop PDR or macroalbuminuria. The HbA1c trajectories for patients developing PDR and macroalbuminuria follow separate courses early on and stay separated for 32 years during the follow-up. Patients without severe complications show an initial dip, after which HbA1c slowly increases. HbA1c in patients with severe complications directly rises to a high level within a few years. Mean HbA1c calculated for the period 5–8 years after diabetes onset strongly predicts the development of severe complications. Females with childhood-onset diabetes exhibit a high peak in HbA1c during adolescence associated with higher wHbA1c and higher prevalence of PDR.

Conclusions

The HbA1c trajectory from diabetes onset shows that mean HbA1c for the period 5–8 years after diagnosis strongly predicts severe microangiopathy. Females with childhood-onset diabetes exhibit a high peak in HbA1c during adolescence associated with higher wHbA1c and a higher prevalence of PDR.
Cohort profile: the Environmental Reproductive and Glucose Outcomes (ERGO) Study (Boston, Massachusetts, USA) — a prospective pregnancy cohort study of the impacts of environmental exposures on parental cardiometabolic health
Authors: Preston Emma V , Quinn Marlee R , Williams Paige L , McElrath Thomas F , Cantonwine David E , Seely Ellen W , Wylie Blair J , Hacker Michele R , O'Brien Karen , Brown Florence M , Powe Camille E , Bellavia Andrea , Wang Zifan , Tomsho Kathryn S , Hauser Russ , James-Todd Tamarra
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Pregnancy and the postpartum period are increasingly recognised as sensitive windows for cardiometabolic disease risk. Growing evidence suggests environmental exposures, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), are associated with an increased risk of pregnancy complications that are associated with long-term cardiometabolic risk. However, the impact of perinatal EDC exposure on subsequent cardiometabolic risk post-pregnancy is less understood. The Environmental Reproductive and Glucose Outcomes (ERGO) Study was established to investigate the associations of environmental exposures during the perinatal period with post-pregnancy parental cardiometabolic health.

Participants

Pregnant individuals aged ≥18 years without pre-existing diabetes were recruited at <15 weeks of gestation from Boston, Massachusetts area hospitals. Participants completed ≤4 prenatal study visits (median: 12, 19, 26, 36 weeks of gestation) and 1 postpartum visit (median: 9 weeks), during which we collected biospecimens, health histories, demographic and behavioural data, and vitals and anthropometric measurements. Participants completed a postpartum fasting 2-hour 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. Clinical data were abstracted from electronic medical records. Ongoing (as of 2024) extended post-pregnancy follow-up visits occur annually following similar data collection protocols.

Findings to date

We enrolled 653 unique pregnancies and retained 633 through delivery. Participants had a mean age of 33 years, 10% (n=61) developed gestational diabetes and 8% (n=50) developed pre-eclampsia. Participant pregnancy and postpartum urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations and postpartum glycaemic biomarkers were quantified. To date, studies within ERGO found higher exposure to phthalates and phthalate mixtures, and separately, higher exposure to radioactive ambient particulate matter, were associated with adverse gestational glycaemic outcomes. Additionally, certain personal care products used in pregnancy, notably hair oils, were associated with higher urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations, earlier gestational age at delivery and lower birth weight.

Future plans

Future work will leverage the longitudinal data collected on pregnancy and cardiometabolic outcomes, environmental exposures, questionnaires, banked biospecimens and paediatric data within the ERGO Study.
Sex and gender-based analysis and diversity metric reporting in acute care trials published in high-impact journals: a systematic review
Authors: Granton David , Rodrigues Myanca , Raparelli Valeria , Honarmand Kimia , Agarwal Arnav , Friedrich Jan O , Perna Benedetta , Spaggiari Riccardo , Fortunato Valeria , Risdonne Gianluca , Kho Michelle , VanderKaay Sandra , Chaudhuri Dipayan , Gomez-Builes Carolina , D'Aragon Frédérick , Wiseman Daniel , Lau Vincent Issac , Lin Celina , Reid Julie , Trivedi Vatsal , Prakash Varuna , Belley-Cote Emilie , Al Mandhari Maha , Thabane Lehana , Pilote Louise , Burns Karen E A
Published: May 2024

Objective

To characterise sex and gender-based analysis (SGBA) and diversity metric reporting, representation of female/women participants in acute care trials and temporal changes in reporting before and after publication of the 2016 Sex and Gender Equity in Research guideline.

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

We searched MEDLINE for trials published in five leading medical journals in 2014, 2018 and 2020.

Study selection

Trials that enrolled acutely ill adults, compared two or more interventions and reported at least one clinical outcome.

Data abstraction and synthesis

4 reviewers screened citations and 22 reviewers abstracted data, in duplicate. We compared reporting differences between intensive care unit (ICU) and cardiology trials.

Results

We included 88 trials (75 (85.2%) ICU and 13 (14.8%) cardiology) (n=111 428; 38 140 (34.2%) females/women). Of 23 (26.1%) trials that reported an SGBA, most used a forest plot (22 (95.7%)), were prespecified (21 (91.3%)) and reported a sex-by-intervention interaction with a significance test (19 (82.6%)). Discordant sex and gender terminology were found between headings and subheadings within baseline characteristics tables (17/32 (53.1%)) and between baseline characteristics tables and SGBA (4/23 (17.4%)). Only 25 acute care trials (28.4%) reported race or ethnicity. Participants were predominantly white (78.8%) and male/men (65.8%). No trial reported gendered-social factors. SGBA reporting and female/women representation did not improve temporally. Compared with ICU trials, cardiology trials reported significantly more SGBA (15/75 (20%) vs 8/13 (61.5%) p=0.005).

Conclusions

Acute care trials in leading medical journals infrequently included SGBA, female/women and non-white trial participants, reported race or ethnicity and never reported gender-related factors. Substantial opportunity exists to improve SGBA and diversity metric reporting and recruitment of female/women participants in acute care trials.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022282565.
Diversity, equity and inclusion considerations in mental health apps for young people: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Figueroa Caroline A , Pérez-Flores Nancy J , Guan Kathleen W , Stiles-Shields Colleen
Published: May 2024

Introduction

After COVID-19, a global mental health crisis affects young people, with one in five youth experiencing mental health problems worldwide. Delivering mental health interventions via mobile devices is a promising strategy to address the treatment gap. Mental health apps are effective for adolescent and young adult samples, but face challenges such as low real-world reach and under-representation of minoritised youth. To increase digital health uptake, including among minoritised youth, there is a need for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) considerations in the development and evaluation of mental health apps. How well DEI is integrated into youth mental health apps has not been comprehensively assessed. This scoping review aims to examine to what extent DEI considerations are integrated into the design and evaluation of youth mental health apps and report on youth, caregiver and other stakeholder involvement.

Methods and analysis

We will identify studies published in English from 2009 to 29 September 2023 on apps for mental health in youth. We will use PubMed, Global Health, APA PsycINFO, SCOPUS, CINAHL PLUS and the Cochrane Database and will report according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-Scoping Review Extension guidelines. Papers eligible for inclusion must be peer-reviewed publications in English involving smartphone applications used by adolescents or young adults aged 10–25, with a focus on depression, anxiety or suicidal ideation. Two independent reviewers will review and extract articles using a template developed by the authors. We will analyse the data using narrative synthesis and descriptive statistics. This study will identify gaps in the literature and provide a roadmap for equitable and inclusive mental health apps for youth.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required. Findings will be disseminated through academic, industry, community networks and scientific publications.
Use of artificial intelligence in obstetric and gynaecological diagnostics: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chaurasia Anjalee , Curry Georgia , Zhao Yi , Dawoodbhoy Fatema , Green Jennifer , Vaninetti Matilde , Shah Nishel , Greer Orene
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Emerging developments in applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare offer the opportunity to improve diagnostic capabilities in obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G), ensuring early detection of pathology, optimal management and improving survival. Consensus on a robust AI healthcare framework is crucial for standardising protocols that promote data privacy and transparency, minimise bias, and ensure patient safety. Here, we describe the study protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate current applications of AI in O&G diagnostics with consideration of reporting standards used and their ethical implications. This protocol is written following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 checklist.

Methods and analysis

The study objective is to explore the current application of AI in O&G diagnostics and assess the reporting standards used in these studies. Electronic bibliographic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane will be searched. Study selection, data extraction and subsequent narrative synthesis and meta-analyses will be carried out following the PRISMA-P guidelines. Included papers will be English-language full-text articles from May 2015 to March 2024, which provide original data, as AI has been redefined in recent literature. Papers must use AI as the predictive method, focusing on improving O&G diagnostic outcomes.

We will evaluate the reporting standards including the risk of bias, lack of transparency and consider the ethical implications and potential harm to patients. Outcome measures will involve assessing the included studies against gold-standard criteria for robustness of model development (Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis Or Diagnosis, model predictive performance, model risk of bias and applicability (Prediction model Risk Of Bias Assessment Tool and study reporting (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials-AI) guidance.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required for this systematic review. Findings will be shared through peer-reviewed publications. There will be no patient or public involvement in this study.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022357024 .
Predictors of somatic symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic: a national longitudinal survey in Japan
Authors: Sugawara Norio , Tabuchi Takahiro , Tokumitsu Keita , Yasui-Furukori Norio
Published: May 2024

Objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection, termed long COVID. However, in the absence of comparative groups, the differentiation of disease progression remains difficult, as COVID-19 symptoms become indistinguishable from symptoms originating from alternative etiologies. This study aimed to longitudinally investigate the association between COVID-19 exposure and the somatic symptoms in the Japanese general population.

Design

This was a longitudinal cohort study with 1-year follow-up.

Setting and participants

Longitudinal data from 19 545 individuals who participated in the Japan Society and New Tobacco Internet Survey (JASTIS) 2022 and 2023 were included. In this study, we used data from the 2022 JASTIS as baseline data and the 2023 JASTIS as follow-up data. Based on questionnaire responses, respondents were classified into three categories of exposure to COVID-19.

Outcome measures

The somatic symptoms were assessed by the Somatic Symptom Scale-8 (SSS-8). Using generalised linear models adjusted for baseline covariates, we calculated the ORs of having very high somatic symptoms assessed by SSS-8, attributable to COVID-19 exposure (no COVID-19 cases as the reference group).

Results

Follow-up completers were divided into three groups according to COVID-19 exposure (no COVID-19, n=16 012; COVID-19 without O2 therapy, n=3201; COVID-19 with O2therapy, n=332). After adjusting for all covariates, COVID-19 cases with O2therapy had a significant positive association (OR 7.60, 95% CI 5.47 to 10.58) with a very high somatic symptoms burden while other COVID-19 exposure groups did not. Pre-existing physical and psychological conditions were also associated with increased risk of somatic symptoms.

Conclusion

The findings of our study suggest that the severity of COVID-19 symptoms requiring O2therapy in the acute phase led to high somatic symptoms. Pre-existing conditions were also associated with a subsequent risk of somatic symptoms.
Facilitators, barriers and impacts to implementing dementia care training for staff in long-term care settings by using fully immersive virtual reality: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Hung Lillian , Zhao Yong , Lam Michelle , Ren Haopu , Wong Karen Lok Yi
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The rapid growth of the ageing population underscores the critical need for dementia care training among care providers. Innovative virtual reality (VR) technology has created opportunities to improve dementia care training. This scoping review will specifically focus on the barriers, facilitators and impacts of implementing fully immersive VR training for dementia care among staff in long-term care (LTC) settings.

Methods and analysis

We will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute’s scoping review methodology to ensure scientific rigour. We will collect literature of all languages with abstracts in English from CINAHL, Medline, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science and ProQuest database until 31 December 2023. Grey literature from Google Scholar and AgeWell websites will be included. Inclusion criteria encompass papers involving paid staff (Population), fully immersive VR training on dementia care (Concept) and LTC settings (Context). Literature referring only to non-paid caregivers, non-fully immersive VR or other chronic diseases will be excluded. Literature screening, data extraction and analysis will be conducted by two reviewers separately. We will present a narrative summary with a charting table on the main findings.

Ethics and dissemination

This work does not require ethics approval, given the public data availability for this scoping review. Through a comprehensive overview of the current evidence regarding impacts, barriers and facilitators on this topic, potential insights and practical recommendations will be generated to support the implementation of VR training to enhance staff competence in LTC settings. The findings will be presented in a journal article and shared with practitioners on the frontline.
Determining the psychometric properties of a written test to assess safe dental practice
Authors: Zaidi Syed Akbar Abbas , Ilyas Farnaz , Hakeem Saman , Feroze Asher , Sarfaraz Shaur , Ali Syeda Kausar
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Safe practice in medicine and dentistry has been a global priority area in which large knowledge gaps are present.

Patient safety strategies aim at preventing unintended damage to patients that can be caused by healthcare practitioners. One of the components of patient safety is safe clinical practice. Patient safety efforts will help in ensuring safe dental practice for early detection and limiting non-preventable errors.A valid and reliable instrument is required to assess the knowledge of dental students regarding patient safety.

Objective

To determine the psychometric properties of a written test to assess safe dental practice in undergraduate dental students.

Material and methods

A test comprising 42 multiple-choice questions of one-best type was administered to final year students (52) of a private dental college. Items were developed according to National Board of Medical Examiners item writing guidelines. The content of the test was determined in consultation with dental experts (either professor or associate professor). These experts had to assess each item on the test for language clarity as A: clear, B: ambiguous and relevance as 1: essential, 2: useful, not necessary, 3: not essential. Ethical approval was taken from the concerned dental college. Statistical analysis was done in SPSS V.25 in which descriptive analysis, item analysis and Cronbach’s alpha were measured.

Result

The test scores had a reliability (calculated by Cronbach’s alpha) of 0.722 before and 0.855 after removing 15 items.

Conclusion

A reliable and valid test was developed which will help to assess the knowledge of dental students regarding safe dental practice. This can guide medical educationist to develop or improve patient safety curriculum to ensure safe dental practice.
Shared genetic architecture highlights the bidirectional association between major depressive disorder and fracture risk
Authors: Zhao Pianpian , Ying Zhimin , Yuan Chengda , Zhang Haisheng , Dong Ao , Tao Jianguo , Yi Xiangjiao , Yang Mengyuan , Jin Wen , Tian Weiliang , Karasik David , Tian Geng , Zheng Houfeng
Published: May 2024

Background

There is limited evidence suggesting that osteoporosis might exacerbate depressive symptoms, while more studies demonstrate that depression negatively affects bone density and increases fracture risk.

Aims

To explore the relationship between major depressive disorder (MDD) and fracture risk.

Methods

We conducted a nested case-control analysis (32 670 patients with fracture and 397 017 individuals without fracture) and a matched cohort analysis (16 496 patients with MDD and 435 492 individuals without MDD) in the same prospective UK Biobank data set. Further, we investigated the shared genetic architecture between MDD and fracture with linkage disequilibrium score regression and the MiXeR statistical tools. We used the conditional/conjunctional false discovery rate approach to identify the specific shared loci. We calculated the weighted genetic risk score for individuals in the UK Biobank and logistic regression was used to confirm the association observed in the prospective study.

Results

We found that MDD was associated with a 14% increase in fracture risk (hazard ratio (HR) 1.14, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.15, p<0.001) in the nested case-control analysis, while fracture was associated with a 72% increase in MDD risk (HR 1.72, 95% CI 1.64 to 1.79, p<0.001) in the matched cohort analysis, suggesting a longitudinal and bidirectional relationship. Further, genetic summary data suggested a genetic overlap between MDD and fracture. Specifically, we identified four shared genomic loci, with the top signal (rs7554101) nearSGIP1. The protein encoded bySGIP1is involved in cannabinoid receptor type 1 signalling. We found that genetically predicted MDD was associated with a higher risk of fracture andvice versa. In addition, we found that the higher expression level ofSGIP1in the spinal cord and muscle was associated with an increased risk of fracture and MDD.

Conclusions

The genetic pleiotropy between MDD and fracture highlights the bidirectional association observed in the epidemiological analysis. The shared genetic components (such asSGIP1) between the diseases suggest that modulating the endocannabinoid system could be a potential therapeutic strategy for both MDD and bone loss.