bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alcoholic beverage types consumed by population subgroups in the United States: Implications for alcohol policy to address health disparities
Authors: Cook Won Kim , Kerr William C. , Zhu Yachen , Bright Sophie , Buckley Charlotte , Kilian Carolin , Lasserre Aurelie M. , Llamosas‐Falcón Laura , Mulia Nina , Rehm Jürgen , Probst Charlotte
Published: February 2024

Introduction

We aimed to identify alcoholic beverage types more likely to be consumed by demographic subgroups with greater alcohol‐related health risk than others, mainly individuals with low socio‐economic status, racial/ethnic minority status and high drinking levels.

Methods

Fractional logit modelling was performed using a nationally representative sample of US adult drinkers (analytic N = 37,657) from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions Waves 2 (2004–2005) and 3 (2012–2013). The outcomes were the proportions of pure alcohol consumed as beer, wine, liquor and coolers (defined as wine‐/malt‐/liquor‐based coolers, hard lemonade, hard cider and any prepackaged cocktails of alcohol and mixer).

Results

Adults with lower education and low or medium income were more likely to drink beer, liquor and coolers, while those with a 4‐year college/advanced degree and those with high income preferred wine. Excepting Asian adults, racial/ethnic minority adults were more likely to drink beer (Hispanics) and liquor (Blacks), compared with White adults. High‐ or very‐high‐level drinkers were more likely to consume liquor and beer and less likely to consume wine (and coolers), compared with low‐level drinkers. High‐level and very‐high‐level drinkers, who were less than 10% of all drinkers, consumed over half of the total volume of beer, liquor and coolers consumed by all adults.

Discussion and Conclusions

Individuals with low socio‐economic status, racial/ethnic minority status or high drinking level prefer liquor and beer. As alcohol taxes, sales and marketing practices all are beverage‐specific, targeted approaches to reduce consumption of these beverages, particularly among individuals with these profiles, are warranted.
Novel cold snare technique with clipping for duodenal angioectasia
Authors: Owada Jun , Kihara Atsushi , Yano Tomonori
Published: February 2024

Watch a video of this article.
A qualitative study of the perceptions and experiences of participants and healthcare professionals in the DiRECT‐Australia type 2 diabetes remission service
Authors: Chimoriya Ritesh , MacMillan Freya , Lean Michael , Simmons David , Piya Milan K.
Published: February 2024

Background

The UK Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT) study was replicated in an Australian primary care setting. This qualitative study aimed to explore and understand the perceptions and experiences of both participants and healthcare professionals (HCPs) involved in the DiRECT‐Australia Type 2 Diabetes Remission Service.

Methods

All participants and HCPs delivering the service were invited to participate in semi‐structured interviews via online videoconferencing. The interview guides explored perceptions and experiences in DiRECT‐Australia, covering aspects such as barriers and facilitators to recruitment and participation, motivations and challenges across service phases, adequacy of support provided and the overall acceptability of the service. All interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Eight DiRECT‐Australia participants and six HCPs (three general practitioners, two practice nurses and one dietitian) participated. Four overarching themes were identified: (1) Enablers and barriers to recruitment and continuous participation in DiRECT‐Australia; (2) Motivators and overcoming barriers across the total diet replacement, food reintroduction and weight maintenance phases; (3) Importance of participant‐HCP interactions and continuous support; (4) Acceptance and long‐term need for DiRECT‐Australia. Adherence to total diet replacement was less challenging than anticipated by participants. Transitioning to the food reintroduction phase was difficult but overcome through HCP support. DiRECT‐Australia was well accepted by both participants and HCPs, and participants expressed willingness to continue with the service, if provided on a long‐term basis.

Conclusions

Both participants and HCPs were highly interested in the new diabetes remission service set up in an Australian primary care setting. The acceptability of DiRECT‐Australia was underscored by participants emphasising the effectiveness of the service in achieving significant weight loss and diabetes remission. There is a need for long‐term and wider implementation of the service to ensure that anyone with recent onset type 2 diabetes is offered the best possible chance to achieve remission.
Effect of albiglutide on cardiovascular outcomes in older adults: A post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gilbert Matthew P. , Skelly Joan , Hernandez Adrian F. , Green Jennifer B. , Krychtiuk Konstantin A. , Granger Christopher B. , Leiter Lawrence A. , McMurray John J. V. , Del Prato Stefano , Pratley Richard E.
Published: February 2024

Aim

To analyse the effects of albiglutide, a glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor agonist, on cardiovascular outcomes in older adults aged ≥65 years with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease who participated in the Harmony Outcomes trial (NCT02465515).

Materials and methods

We conducted a post hoc analysis of the primary endpoint of the Harmony Outcomes trial—time to first occurrence of a major adverse cardiovascular event—in subgroups of participants aged <65 and ≥65 years and <75 and ≥75 years at baseline. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were generated using Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

The analysis population included 9462 Harmony Outcomes participants, including 4748 patients ≥65 and 1140 patients ≥75 years at baseline. Hazard ratios for the prevention of major adverse cardiovascular events were 0.66 (95% CI, 0.53‐0.82) in persons <65 and 0.86 (95% CI, 0.71‐1.04) in those ≥65 years (age interaction p = .07), and 0.78 (95% CI, 0.67‐0.91) in <75 and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.48‐1.01) in ≥75 year age groups (interaction p = .6). When analysed as a continuous variable, age did not modify the effect of albiglutide on the primary endpoint.

Conclusions

This post hoc analysis adds to the body of literature showing that glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor agonists added to standard type 2 diabetes therapy safely reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events in older adults with established cardiovascular disease. In this analysis, the risk‐benefit profile was similar between younger and older age groups treated with albiglutide.
Uric acid‐lowering effects of sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors for preventing cardiovascular events and mortality: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Diallo A. , Diallo M. F. , Carlos‐Bolumbu M. , Galtier F.
Published: February 2024

Background

To evaluate the effect of a 1 mg/dl reduction in uric acid (UA) on cardiovascular events and mortality in patients treated with sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors.

Research Design and Methods

We performed a systematic review of the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases searched up to 30 June 2023 (PROSPERO, CRD42022355479) to identify large‐scale SGLT2 inhibitor trials. Random‐effects meta‐analyses were used to pool the estimates.

Results

In total, five SGLT2 inhibitor trials (31 535 patients, 54% with heart failure) were analysed. Over a median follow‐up of 2.2 years, the mean reduction in UA was −0.79 mg/dl (95% confidence interval (CI), −1.03 to −0.54). Every 1 mg/dl reduction in UA was associated with a significantly lower risk of a composite of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure [hazard ratio, 0.64 (95% CI, 0.46–0.88)] and hospitalization for heart failure (0.68; 95% CI, 0.62–0.74), with a similar risk of mortality.

Conclusions

SGLT2 inhibitors reduced UA levels and cardiovascular events independently of heart failure status.
Impact of pulmonary stenosis on right ventricular global longitudinal strain in repaired tetralogy of Fallot patients post transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement
Authors: Williams Jason L. , Dodeja Anudeep K. , Boe Brian , Samples Stefani , Alexander Robin , Hor Kan , Lee Simon
Published: February 2024

Background

Mixed pulmonary disease with pulmonary regurgitation (PR) and stenosis (PS) in repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) can negatively impact ventricular health. Myocardial strain has been shown to be more sensitive at detecting occult ventricular dysfunction compared to right ventricular ejection fraction (RV EF). We hypothesize that rTOF patients with predominant PS will have lower RV global longitudinal strain (RV GLS) prior to and post‐transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR).

Methods

A retrospective cohort of rTOF patients who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and cardiac catheterization for right ventricular pressure (RVSP) measurement were analyzed at three time points: before valve implantation, at discharge and within 18 months post‐TPVR. Patients were dichotomized into three groups based on RVSP: 0%–49%, 50%–74%, and >75%. RV GLS and left ventricular (LV) GLS by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) were obtained from the apical 4‐chamber using TomTec software (TOMTEC IS, Germany).

Results

Forty‐eight patients were included. Every 14.3% increase in preimplantation RVSP above 28% was associated with an absolute magnitude 1% lower RV GLS (p = .001). Preimplantation RVSP when 75% or higher had 3.36% worse RV GLS than the lowest bin (p = .014). Overall, average RV strain magnitude was higher when preimplantation RVSP was less than 50% and had greater improvement over the three time points. Higher post implantation RVSP correlated with lower strain magnitude.

Conclusion

Patients with significant PS (>50%) may benefit from earlier PVR and not depend solely on RV size and EF. Myocardial strain may be a more sensitive marker of function; however, larger, prospective studies are needed.
Combining samples in small area estimation: An application to poverty mapping in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Cuong Viet
Published: February 2024

Small area estimation (SAE), which combines a population census and a sample survey, is widely used to estimate poverty and welfare indicators in small areas. A common situation in practice is that a population census is conducted using both short‐ and long‐form questionnaires. The short form is used to collect basic demographic information for the whole population, while the long form is used to collect additional information, such as employment, from a random sample. This study shows that combining both short‐ and long‐form data can improve estimation efficiency. This method is applied to poverty maps for the 2014–2019 period in Vietnam.
Insecticide resistance triggers a reduction of virulence to host‐plant defenses in the brown planthopper
Authors: Fujii Tomohisa , Matsukura Keiichiro , Van Chien Ho , Cuong Le Quoc , Loc Phung Minh , Estoy Gerardo F. , Matsumura Masaya , Sanada‐Morimura Sachiyo
Published: February 2024

Plants produce various phytochemicals against herbivory, but phytophagous insects have encountered phytochemicals in the co‐evolutionary history between plants and insects. Selection pressure exerted by phytochemicals triggers a preadaptation to insecticide resistance in insect pests that is due to detoxification systems that are common to phytochemicals and insecticides in the insect's body. We investigated the interaction between the host plant resistance of rice cultivars and the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae). Forty brown planthopper resistance gene loci (BPHs) that are related to phytochemicals in various cultivars of rice inhibit feeding by N. lugens, but this planthopper has developed virulence to resistant rice cultivars possessing some genes. Nilaparvata lugens has also developed resistance to some insecticides as a rapid adaptation to human‐driven selection. We tested the hypothesis that the evolution of insects' resistance to an insecticide is promoted by their encounters with phytochemicals. We compared the virulence of imidacloprid‐resistant and control N. lugens strains toward seven rice cultivars that possess different genes, and we observed that the imidacloprid‐resistant N. lugens had reduced virulence to three rice cultivars, Rathu Heenati (BPH3, BPH17), Babawee (BPH4), and Balamawee (BPH27, three quantitative trait loci), meaning that the development of imidacloprid resistance has a negative impact on the virulence of N. lugens to three cultivars. Our results indicate trade‐offs rather than a co‐relationship between the evolution of insecticide resistance and encounters with host plant defense.
Direct and indirect host‐related volatile compounds attract a fruit fly parasitoid, Diachasmimorpha longicaudata
Authors: Devescovi Francisco , Fernández Patricia C. , Bachmann Guillermo E. , Nussenbaum Ana L. , Segura Diego F.
Published: February 2024

Fruit fly pests (Diptera: Tephritidae) are a serious problem for fruit production and for local and international trade. Biological control is increasingly included as a pest control tool within integrated pest management (IPM) programmes, seeking to reduce pesticides and improve fruit quality. Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann, the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), is probably the most damaging fruit fly pest, with a global distribution and more than 200 host species. The solitary larval endoparasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a biocontrol agent widely used against Tephritidae fruit fly pests. Previous studies showed that female wasps locate host larvae using visual, mechanical, and chemical cues. Here, we investigated the chemical basis of female parasitoid attraction to cues that guide D. longicaudata to the host, and thus unveil volatile organic compounds that might be used in IPM programmes. Female orientation to chemical cues was tested in a Y‐tube olfactometer, where attraction to C. capitata‐infested oranges, oranges with residues of larval activity, oranges infected with a green mould, and overripe oranges was confirmed. Volatiles from all these types of fruit were collected and used in gas chromatography‐electroantennographic detection (GC‐EAD) and GC‐mass spectrometry (MS) analyses. These studies allowed us to identify six candidate compounds that were present in all treated oranges but not in the control fruit (ripe and uninfested oranges): D‐limonene, acetophenone, linalool, nonanal, decanal, and eugenol. Electroantennography (EAG) showed that acetophenone, nonanal, and decanal triggered dose‐dependent responses, suggesting a relevant role in the process of host finding. Although responses to D‐limonene, linalool, and eugenol were independent of the dose, they could be involved in host location in areas with high probability of host presence. The fact that these six compounds are shared by the four behaviourally attractive sources opens new possibilities for the development of novel tools to improve biocontrol programmes.
Stigma experienced as worse than symptoms of schizophrenia: A qualitative study about The OpusPanel
Authors: Davy Josefine Winther , Arnfred Benjamin Thorup , Larsen Lene Qvist , Christensen Freja Pagels , Iversen Tina , Eplov Lene Falgaard , Nordentoft Merete , Melau Marianne
Published: February 2024

Aim

Former patients and relatives of people who have received treatment in OPUS, a Danish specialized early intervention for first episode psychosis, have since 2009 worked to reduce stigma and increase hope related to schizophrenia and psychosis. They established The OpusPanel to share their own stories of living with an invisible disorder with new patients, health care professionals, politicians, and members of the public. The impact of The OpusPanel on stigma has not previously been explored or evaluated. The article aims to evaluate and gain an in‐depth understanding of The OpusPanel's anti‐stigma impact.

Methods

In a qualitative design, 27 people with different affiliations to The OpusPanel were interviewed using semi‐structured interview guides to capture their individual experiences of listening to, interacting with, or being part of The OpusPanel. Interview guides were constructed following a focus group interview with members of The OpusPanel. Analysis of the multi‐perspectival dataset was facilitated through an interpretative phenomenological approach with investigator triangulation. Preliminary results were returned to the focus group members to ensure relevance and accuracy.

Results

The study found that almost all interviewees described a sense of hopefulness and decreased stigma after having experienced a member from The OpusPanel present their story or participating as panel members themselves.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that attending presentations or participating in The OpusPanel reduces stigmatizing views about others or oneself. The study may inform The OpusPanel and similar initiatives for challenging stigma related to schizophrenia or psychosis.
Assessing psychotic‐like experiences using categorical and metacognitive approaches: A validation of polish self‐report measures
Authors: Kowalski Joachim , Szczypiński Jan , Aleksandrowicz Adrianna , Bagrowska Paulina , Dąbkowska Małgorzata , Pionke‐Ubych Renata , Gawęda Łukasz
Published: February 2024

Aim

Psychotic‐like experiences (PLEs) are experiences in the general population that, in their extreme form, are attributed to clinical psychosis. They are correlated with general psychopathology and increased risk of developing psychosis. Previous research show a multitude of measuring tools which most often lack psychometric validation. This study aimed to examine both categorical and metacognitive measures of PLEs.

Methods

Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used in seven online studies with n's ranging from 259 to 6772 to explore factor structures of Prodromal Questionnaire 16 item (PQ‐16), Revised Green et al. Paranoid Thoughts Scale (R‐GPTS), Multi‐Modality Unusual Sensory Experiences Questionnaire (MUSEQ), Beliefs about Paranoia Scale (BAPS) and Interpretation of Voices Inventory (IVI). Additionally, we explored measurement invariance between diagnosed with psychiatric disorders and undiagnosed individuals in PQ‐16, R‐GPTS and BAPS.

Results

We confirmed the factor structures of all questionnaires except IVI. We confirmed configural, threshold and metric measurement invariance in R‐GPTS and BAPS and partially PQ‐16.

Conclusions

The current results demonstrate structural validity and measurement invariance of several categorical and metacognitive measures of PLEs.
Relapse in schizophrenia: The role of factors other than non‐adherence to treatment
Authors: Smit R. , Luckhoff H. K. , Phahladira L. , Du Plessis S. , Emsley R. , Asmal L.
Published: February 2024

Aim

Relapse rates are very high in schizophrenia. However, little is known about the predictors of the time to relapse other than treatment non‐adherence. We investigated possible risk factors for the time to relapse in patients with first‐episode schizophrenia (n = 107) who received assured treatment by way of long‐acting injectable antipsychotic over 24 months and who underwent regular clinical, cognitive, and metabolic assessments.

Methods

Using Cox regression analyses we assessed selected premorbid and baseline potential predictors of time to relapse. Relapse was defined using operationally defined relapse criteria.

Results

In the primary analysis only neurological soft signs total score retained significance, with higher scores predicting shorter time to relapse (HR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.01–1.10, p = .029). In a more detailed secondary analysis poorer social relationships predicted shorter time to relapse (HR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.76–0.95, p = .003).

Conclusion

Our predominantly negative findings suggest that many of the previously implicated risk factors for the time to relapse are mediated by non‐adherence rather than having a direct effect on relapse‐proneness. Neurological soft signs, and perhaps quality of life in social relationships appear to play a role and merit further investigation.
recolorize: An R package for flexible colour segmentation of biological images
Authors: Weller Hannah I. , Hiller Anna E. , Lord Nathan P. , Van Belleghem Steven M.
Published: February 2024

Colour pattern variation provides biological information in fields ranging from disease ecology to speciation dynamics. Comparing colour pattern geometries across images requires colour segmentation, where pixels in an image are assigned to one of a set of colour classes shared by all images. Manual methods for colour segmentation are slow and subjective, while automated methods can struggle with high technical variation in aggregate image sets. We present recolorize, an R package toolbox for human‐subjective colour segmentation with functions for batch‐processing low‐variation image sets and additional tools for handling images from diverse (high‐variation) sources. The package also includes export options for a variety of formats and colour analysis packages. This paper illustrates recolorize for three example datasets, including high variation, batch processing and combining with reflectance spectra, and demonstrates the downstream use of methods that rely on this output.
Possible mechanisms mitigating reproductive interference supposed between Xylena fumosa (Butler) and X. formosa (Butler) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Xyleninae), both by‐captured in a commercial pheromone trap for Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Heliothinae)
Authors: Kohno Katsuyuki , Iida Hiroyuki
Published: February 2024

As differences in sex pheromones usually act as a barrier against interspecific mating, the fact that the closely related moths Xylena fumosa (Butler) and X. formosa (Butler) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Xyleninae) are commonly attracted to the sex pheromone lure for Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Heliothinae) seems unlikely, suggesting that some mechanisms exist between them to mitigate a potential reproductive interference in pheromone communications. Thus, we examined the overlaps in ecological niches of the two species, and their attractiveness to commercial pheromone lures for other moths, through pheromone trap surveys and published reports. Long‐term field surveys using traps baited with five to six types of artificial sex pheromone lures including those designed for H. armigera, and information in published works revealed that there was a nonnegligible overlap between the two species in terms of seasonal timing of captures, geographic habitats and host plants. These factors, therefore, did not appear to provide conclusive evidence mitigating reproductive interference. However, there was a slight but significant difference between them in the trends of attraction to different artificial pheromone lures; X. formosa was attracted albeit in a small number to the lures for Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), whereas X. fumosa was only attracted to those for H. armigera. This suggests that differences in pheromone composition, rather than differences in temporal and spatial distributions, between the two species could play a more significant role in premating reproductive isolations.
Interictal EEG source connectivity to localize the epileptogenic zone in patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy: A machine learning approach
Authors: Ntolkeras Georgios , Makaram Navaneethakrishna , Bernabei Matteo , De La Vega Aime Cristina , Bolton Jeffrey , Madsen Joseph R. , Stone Scellig S. D. , Pearl Phillip L. , Papadelis Christos , Grant Ellen P. , Tamilia Eleonora
Published: February 2024

Objective

To deconstruct the epileptogenic networks of patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) using source functional connectivity (FC) analysis; unveil the FC biomarkers of the epileptogenic zone (EZ); and develop machine learning (ML) models to estimate the EZ using brief interictal electroencephalography (EEG) data.

Methods

We analyzed scalp EEG from 50 patients with DRE who had surgery. We reconstructed the activity (electrical source imaging [ESI]) of virtual sensors (VSs) across the whole cortex and computed FC separately for epileptiform and non‐epileptiform EEG epochs (with or without spikes). In patients with good outcome (Engel 1a), four cortical regions were defined: EZ (resection) and three non‐epileptogenic zones (NEZs) in the same and opposite hemispheres. Region‐specific FC features in six frequency bands and three spatial ranges (long, short, inner) were compared between regions (Wilcoxon sign‐rank). We developed ML classifiers to identify the VSs in the EZ using VS‐specific FC features. Cross‐validation was performed using good outcome data. Performance was compared with poor outcomes and interictal spike localization.

Results

FC differed between EZ and NEZs (p < .05) during non‐epileptiform and epileptiform epochs, showing higher FC in the EZ than its homotopic contralateral NEZ. During epileptiform epochs, the NEZ in the epileptogenic hemisphere showed higher FC than its contralateral NEZ. In good outcome patients, the ML classifiers reached 75% accuracy to the resection (91% sensitivity; 74% specificity; distance from EZ: 38 mm) using epileptiform epochs (gamma and beta frequency bands) and 62% accuracy using broadband non‐epileptiform epochs, both outperforming spike localization (accuracy = 47%; p < .05; distance from EZ: 57 mm). Lower performance was seen in poor outcomes.

Significance

We present an FC approach to extract EZ biomarkers from brief EEG data. Increased FC in various frequencies characterized the EZ during epileptiform and non‐epileptiform epochs. FC‐based ML models identified the resection better in good than poor outcome patients, demonstrating their potential for presurgical use in pediatric DRE.
Reimagining Disabled Futurities: Of Personhood, Communication, and Intersubjectivity Sensory Futures: Deafness and Cochlear Implant Infrastructures in IndiaMichele IlanaFriedner, Minnesota, MN: University of Minnesota Press. 2022. ix+288 pp.Unraveling: Remaking Personhood in a Neurodiverse AgeMatthew J.Wolf‐Meyer, Minnesota, MN: University of Minnesota Press. 2020. xiii+316 pp.
Authors: Choudhary Priyasha , Ranganathan Shubha
Published: February 2024

This book review essay tries to bring together two extremely pivotal books to understand how we can reimagine dominant modes of communication and how debunking the normative ideas surrounding it helps us to cognize personhood and intersubjectivity better. Michele Friedner's ‘Sensory Futures’ and Wolf‐Meyer's ‘Unraveling’ are both critical attempts that try to understand how the sensory and neurological experiences of our body are essentially social, thereby reimagining how we understand personhood and subjectivity. Through a comprehensive analysis of both these texts individually, and in tandem with one another, this book review aims to highlight how we can find pathways to reimagine the body‐mind as inherently social and how we can try to build a more inclusive and inhabitable world that is multisensorial and multimodal.
Size‐dependence of food intake and mortality interact with temperature and seasonality to drive diversity in fish life histories
Authors: Kindsvater Holly K. , Juan‐Jordá Maria‐José , Dulvy Nicholas K. , Horswill Cat , Matthiopoulos Jason , Mangel Marc
Published: February 2024

Understanding how growth and reproduction will adapt to changing environmental conditions is a fundamental question in evolutionary ecology, but predicting the responses of specific taxa is challenging. Analyses of the physiological effects of climate change upon life history evolution rarely consider alternative hypothesized mechanisms, such as size‐dependent foraging and the risk of predation, simultaneously shaping optimal growth patterns. To test for interactions between these mechanisms, we embedded a state‐dependent energetic model in an ecosystem size‐spectrum to ask whether prey availability (foraging) and risk of predation experienced by individual fish can explain observed diversity in life histories of fishes. We found that asymptotic growth emerged from size‐based foraging and reproductive and mortality patterns in the context of ecosystem food web interactions. While more productive ecosystems led to larger body sizes, the effects of temperature on metabolic costs had only small effects on size. To validate our model, we ran it for abiotic scenarios corresponding to the ecological lifestyles of three tuna species, considering environments that included seasonal variation in temperature. We successfully predicted realistic patterns of growth, reproduction, and mortality of all three tuna species. We found that individuals grew larger when environmental conditions varied seasonally, and spawning was restricted to part of the year (corresponding to their migration from temperate to tropical waters). Growing larger was advantageous because foraging and spawning opportunities were seasonally constrained. This mechanism could explain the evolution of gigantism in temperate tunas. Our approach addresses variation in food availability and individual risk as well as metabolic processes and offers a promising approach to understand fish life‐history responses to changing ocean conditions.
Investigation of healthy horse eyes microbiota and evaluation of its antimicrobial susceptibility
Authors: Fasaei Bahar Nayeri , Akbarein Hesameddin , Asadi Sepideh , Shahbazi Maryam
Published: February 2024

Background

The conjunctiva of the eye is a mucosal surface that is colonised by various bacteria. Following surgery, trauma or other underlying conditions the normal flora may cause eye infection such as conjunctival and corneal infections, or endophthalmitis.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the bacterial population and antibiotic resistance of the conjunctiva in healthy horses.

Study design

Random sampling of ocular samples from 20 horses during the winter (2019).

Methods

Swab samples were collected from the eyes of 20 healthy horses of different breeds, ages and sexes in Tehran province, Iran. The swabs were cultured on blood agar and MacConkey agar and incubated at 37°C for 24–48 h. The isolated bacteria were characterised using cellular morphology, gram‐staining and biochemical tests. Sensitivity and resistance to 10 different antibiotics were measured using an antibiogram test.

Results

Results showed that the bacterial population consisted of various species, with Bacillus cereus being the most frequent. There were no significant differences in the frequency of isolated bacteria between sexes and age groups. There were no significant differences in the sensitivity of the bacterial flora of the eyes to colistin, ceftiofur, florfenicol, amoxicillin and ampicillin between either different age groups or different sexes of the horses (p > 0.05). However, sensitivity to enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin was significantly correlated with the age groups of the horses (p > 0.05). A significant difference in sensitivity to trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole between various sexes of horses was observed.

Main limitations

The nonuniformity of the follow‐up examination, reliance on owners or caregivers of the horse for follow‐up information and lack of adequate financial resources to study more horses.

Conclusions

The study suggests that the frequency of individual bacteria comprising the bacterial flora in horses' eyes is influenced by housing and management conditions rather than age and sex.
Transposition of the levator labii superioris muscle in two standing horses
Authors: Fusco Alessandra , Stas Emanuël K. L. , Spoormakers Tijn J. P. , Veraa Stefanie , Huppes Tsjester
Published: February 2024

Oromaxillary fistulae are a complication of maxillary cheek teeth extraction in horses, particularly in cases where tooth repulsion is performed. Conservative treatment with debridement of the fistula, placement of a temporary alveolar plug and flushing of the sinus cavity can be unsuccessful. Transposition of the levator labii superioris muscle has been reported as an effective surgical option to treat chronic oromaxillary fistulae in anaesthetised horses. In this report, the surgical procedure was carried out on two standing horses, using sedation and local nerve blocks. Transposition of the levator labii superioris muscle can be safely and successfully performed in the standing sedated horse and may be considered for the management of cases with chronic refractory oromaxillary fistulae not responding to conservative treatment.
Ferrostatin 1 ameliorates UVB‐induced damage of HaCaT cells by regulating ferroptosis
Authors: Teng Yan , Tang Hui , Tao Xiaohua , Huang Youming , Fan Yibin
Published: February 2024

Ferroptosis, a type of programmed cell death, occurs when there is oxidative stress and lipid peroxides. This condition is marked by lipid peroxidation that relies on iron and the reduction of cellular defences against oxidation. To investigate the effect of UVB irradiation on ferroptosis of human keratinocytes HaCaT cells, the cells were pretreated with Ferrostatin 1 (Fer‐1, 10 μM), an ferroptosis inhibitor and then irradiated with UVB (20 mJ/cm2) for 30 min to detect related indexes of ferroptosis through MTT assay, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, flow cytometry, reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, western blotting. Results showed that UVB significantly reduced cell activity, promoted apoptosis and ROS level, whereas Fer‐1 significantly increased cell activity, and reduced apoptosis and ROS level. In addition, UVB significantly reduced levels of ferroptosis‐related proteins and skin barrier‐related proteins, and increased levels of γ‐H2AX and iron, whereas Fer‐1 significantly increased their protein levels, and reduced levels of γ‐H2AX and iron. Conjoint analysis of transcriptomic and proteomic revealed that UVB significantly reduced the levels of TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 3 (TIMP3), and coagulation factor II thrombin receptor (F2R), whereas Fer‐1 significantly promoted the levels of TIMP3, and F2R. Therefore, our results indicated that Fer‐1 significantly ameliorates UVB‐induced damage of HaCaT cells by regulating the levels of TIMP3 and F2R.
Impact of 1‐year treatment with dupilumab on work productivity in Japanese patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Sakurai Emi , Kamata Masahiro , Uchida Hideaki , Okada Yoshiki , Suzuki Shoya , Takeshima Ryosuke , Ito Makoto , Watanabe Ayu , Mizukawa Itsumi , Egawa Shota , Chijiwa Chika , Hiura Azusa , Fukaya Saki , Hayashi Kotaro , Fukuyasu Atsuko , Tanaka Takamitsu , Ishikawa Takeko , Tada Yayoi
Published: February 2024

Atopic dermatitis (AD) places a burden on work productivity. Recently, dupilumab was approved for AD, but its impact on work productivity in Japanese patients has not been reported. Furthermore, data on the effect of long‐term treatment with dupilumab on work productivity are limited. We investigated the work productivity and activity in Japanese patients with moderate‐to‐severe AD, utilizing the Japanese version of the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI‐AD‐Japan) questionnaire. Furthermore, we examined the impact of dupilumab on work productivity. Adult moderate‐to‐severe AD patients treated with dupilumab for more than 12 months from March 2020 to June 2022 who filled out the WPAI‐AD‐Japan questionnaire were included. Twenty‐eight adult AD patients were analysed. Absenteeism was low (mean: 5.3%), but presenteeism, work productivity loss and activity impairment were high (36.8%, 39.7%, 48.9%, respectively). Significant positive correlations were observed between work productivity loss and visual analogue scale (VAS) score of pruritus and between activity impairment and dermatology life quality index (DLQI). Dupilumab treatment significantly reduced presenteeism, work productivity loss and activity impairment at both 6 and 12 months. The extent of their amelioration was numerically higher at 12 months than at 6 months. The reduction rates in presenteeism, work productivity loss and activity impairment were positively correlated with the reduction rates in DLQI and VAS score of pruritus at 12 months. Dupilumab improved work productivity in Japanese AD patients. Long‐term remission of pruritus and improved quality of life are important for comprehensive improvement of work productivity.
Improved minority attack detection in Intrusion Detection System using efficient feature selection algorithms
Authors: Rejimol Robinson R. R. , Anagha Madhav K. P. , Thomas Ciza
Published: February 2024

Machine Learning and Data Mining algorithms are used extensively to enhance the performance of Intrusion Detection Systems. The number of training instances and the dimensionality of data are crucial factors affecting the performance of the model built during the training of any supervised learning algorithms. A sufficient proportion of instances having relevant features from all classes of attacks and normal traffic are considered most desirable while building the classification model that classifies the network traffic into attack and normal. This paper proposes a methodology to improve the accuracy of the model by giving importance to the relevant features that can contribute to model building. The feature selection using correlation‐based and information gain‐based techniques during training and testing contributes much to the detection of stealthier attacks and minority attacks. Then the features of the less detected attacks are identified as the second phase of the filter that is used to improve the performance. The relevant features of stealthy attacks are identified based on the correlation of corresponding features of the attack and normal data as the attacks are made stealthy mostly by making it resemble the normal traffic. Finally, the attacks that are rarely found in the training data are oversampled to improve their detection. CICIDS 2017 data set is employed as it comprises stealthier attacks generated using modern tools. NSL KDD data set is also used for evaluation to compare the proposed work with existing literature as it is used in most of the available literature. The results show superior performance with an accuracy of 99.8%, false positive rate of 0.2%, and a detection rate and 99.8%.
A new frontier in dashboard design: Evaluating an innovative meta‐modelling approach through expert insights
Authors: Vázquez‐Ingelmo Andrea , García‐Holgado Alicia , García‐Peñalvo Francisco José , Therón Roberto , Colomo‐Palacios Ricardo
Published: February 2024

Context

Data visualizations and dashboards are essential in disseminating information to broad audiences. However, designing these instruments is complex due to the multitude of involved factors. Theoretical frameworks are therefore critical to guide the design and implementation of data visualizations.

Objective

This article presents the approach used to pinpoint key features that impact the creation of information visualizations, organize these features using meta‐modelling, and validate the final artefact through expert judgement.

Method

Meta‐modelling facilitates the distillation of characteristics and functionalities critical for the development of information systems. Utilizing this method, a dashboard meta‐model was constructed in preceding research, yielding a framework of abstract components and connections to delineate specific products. This meta‐model serves as a robust tool for the automated generation of information visualizations and dashboards. Nonetheless, to confirm its quality and efficacy, it underwent a thorough quality assessment and expert evaluation to identify and address potential shortcomings.

Results

The validation process resulted in positive ratings and constructive feedback to enhance the meta‐model's present iteration. Experts mainly highlighted the meta‐model's complexity and the clarity of certain entities, noting potential confusion for non‐experts.

Conclusions

While the meta‐model is confirmed to be a coherent and pertinent tool, it requires additional clarifications to simplify its complexity. Addressing this, graphical interfaces have been developed to enable users to interact with the dashboard meta‐model—and to create dashboard instances—through straightforward interactions.
Anticancer effect of propranolol on diethylnitrosamine‐induced hepatocellular carcinoma rat model
Authors: Tamim Yomna M. , Nagy Ahmed A. , Abdellah Ahmed M. , Osman Ahmed H. , Ismail Amel F. M.
Published: February 2024

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most widespread type of primary liver cancer. Diethylnitrosamine (DEN), a hepatotoxic hepatocarcinogenic compound, is used to induce HCC in animal models. The non‐selective β‐blocker propranolol demonstrated antiproliferative activity in many cancer types.

Objective

This investigation aimed to evaluate the anticancer effect of propranolol against DEN‐induced HCC in rats.

Methods

Thirty adult male rats were divided into the following groups: Group I (C, control), Group II (HCC); received DEN, 70 mg/kg body weight (b.wt.) once a week for 10 weeks, to induce HCC, and Group III (HCC/Prop); received DEN for 10 weeks for HCC induction, then received 20 mg/kg b.wt. propranolol, intraperitoneally for four successive weeks.

Results

HCC was developed in rats' livers and confirmed via significant liver architecture changes, significantly elevated activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), α‐fetoprotein (AFP), total‐ and direct‐bilirubin (Bil), and a decline in albumin (ALB) level in serum. HCC group demonstrated elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), HIF‐1α, IL‐8, NF‐κB, PGE2, TGF‐β1, VEGF, and CD8, but significant decline of GSH, and IL‐10 level, with suppression of the antioxidant enzymes' activities. In addition, the gene expression of the hepatic inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and LAG‐3 were up‐regulated. Moreover, the protein expression of p‐PKC was up‐regulated, while that of PD‐1 and PD‐L1 were down‐regulated in the liver tissues of the HCC group. However, propranolol ameliorated the investigated parameters in the HCC/Prop group.

Conclusion

Propranolol exhibited an anticancer effect and thus can be considered as a promising treatment for HCC. Blocking of PD‐1/PD‐L1 and LAG‐3 signals participated in the anti‐tumor effect of propranolol on HCC.
Records of urban occurrences expand estimates of the climate niches in tree species
Authors: Das S. , Ossola A. , Beaumont L. J.
Published: February 2024

Aim

Quantifying a species' climate niche is often the first step to determining potential sensitivity to climate change. This process typically relies on native occurrence records, assuming that these reflect the breadth of a species' climatic requirements. Yet, many species survive in non‐native regions with climates beyond their native range. Identifying their characteristics could help to better elucidate responses to climate change. Here, we use an extensive data set of urban street tree and native range records for 566 tree species to assess differences between species native and urban climate niches and whether niche differences are predictable given characteristics of species native ranges.

Location

Global.

Time Period

1970–2020.

Major Taxa Studied

Tree species.

Methods

Multivariate niche estimations were undertaken using eight climate variables. Calculations included the size of species' urban and native niches, overlap and direction of shift. Relationships between niches and native range attributes (temperature and precipitation breadth, range size, Köppen Geiger subclasses occupied) were calculated using multiple linear regression.

Results

83% of tree species studied had significantly larger urban niches compared to native niches. Species with narrow geographic ranges demonstrated greater mismatch between their two niches, and the direction of niche shift was associated with their native range Köppen Geiger zone. For example, species native to the wet tropics tend to be planted in cooler, drier urban spaces; those native to cold regions are planted in warmer urban spaces.

Main Conclusion

Native range occurrences may poorly reflect the breadth of climatic conditions a species can tolerate—particularly for species with narrow geographic ranges. For some species, Köppen Geiger zones may be a useful proxy to help understand sensitivity to climate change. Accounting for possible plasticity in tree species to climate can improve our understanding of their sensitivity and adaptive capacity to climate change.
SquamBase—A database of squamate (Reptilia: Squamata) traits
Authors: Meiri Shai
Published: February 2024

Motivation

I present a database that contains information on multiple key traits for all 11,744 recognised species of squamates worldwide. The database encompasses key traits and a reasonably comprehensive picture of available public knowledge. I present comprehensive description of the sources and rationale leading to the assignment of each particular trait state for each species. I hope the dataset can serve the scientific community, promote research and understanding of the group, comparisons with other taxa, and assessment of conservation needs. Furthermore, gaps in our knowledge of squamate traits become readily apparent and will hopefully lead to further study and even better knowledge.

Main types of variables contained

Morphological, ecological, life history, geographical and conservation‐related traits.

Spatial location

Global.

Time period

Late Holocene to recent.

Major taxa and level of measurement

Squamata, species.

Software format

xlsx.
Types of bereavement and depressive symptoms among older adults: Does race/ethnicity matter?
Authors: You Suha , Kim Giyeon
Published: February 2024

Aim

To explore racial/ethnic differences in relation between types of bereavement and depressive symptoms among older adults in the USA.

Methods

The sample limited to racially/ethnically diverse adults aged ≥55 (n = 879) was drawn from the third wave of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP). The NSHAP provides self‐identified racial/ethnic categories (non‐Hispanic Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics) of respondents who were categorized into three groups by experience of bereavement: non‐loss, spousal loss, and parental loss. Using the weights, a two‐way analysis of covariance with Bonferroni post‐test was conducted to explore the main effect of types of loss and race/ethnicity and their interaction effects on depressive symptoms.

Results

Spousal loss reported higher levels of depressive symptoms than non‐loss or parental loss. Based on the interaction between types of loss and race/ethnicity; however, distinctive patterns were observed. Blacks and Hispanics who lose a parent reported significantly higher levels of depressive symptoms than non‐Hispanic Whites did.

Conclusions

An increase in depressive symptoms after bereavement manifested distinctively based on racial/ethnic background and the relationship with the deceased. This implies that it is necessary to develop coping strategies concerning race/ethnicity and whom they lose. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 266–272.