bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In what way can worldwide robotics and artificial intelligence encourage development in green crypto investments? An implementation of a model-free connectedness technique
Authors: Ha Le Thanh
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate connections between the development of robotic and artificial intelligence (AI) and green crypto investments. The author also explores the influences of global uncertainty shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic and international conflicts on the role of each channel.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, the author uses a cutting-edge model-free connectedness approach to investigate the relationships between the development of Global X Robotics and AI (BOTZ) and the volatility of green crypto investments from November 9, 2017 to March 24, 2023.

Findings

In the sample duration, the findings reveal a two-way link between AI and green/nongreen cryptocurrencies. Throughout the examined period, BOTZ has been a net receiver of shocks as determined by the net total connectedness. Among the main spillover shock carriers in the system, green cryptocurrencies are the most significant. The net pairwise directional connectivity reveals that green cryptocurrencies controlled BOTZ throughout the analyzed time, particularly during the COVID-19 era as well as the Ukraine–Russia crisis. According to the findings, the proposed system is vulnerable to a high level of indication influence.

Practical implications

The results have important policy implications for investors and governments, as well as methods from the spillovers across the various indicators and their interconnections. Sharp information on the primary contagions among these indicators aids politicians in designing the most appropriate policies.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to look at the link between AI, technological advancement and green cryptocurrency investing. Second, this study developed a methodology for examining instability links between various factors that is more appropriate for investigating these linkages. This study investigates the links between AI, technical advancement and green digital currencies using a cutting-edge model-free connectivity method. This work is also the first to examine the interconnection between volatility derived from AI, technological development and green cryptocurrency investments in light of unknown events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukrainian–Russian conflict. Finally, this study includes a daily database from the BOTZ fund, which attempts to invest in firms that stand to gain from rising robotics and AI use. Cardano (ADA), IOTA, NANO (XNO), Stellar Lumens and Tron are examples of green cryptocurrencies, whereas Bitcoin is an example of a nongreen cryptocurrency. These virtual currencies are being used to investigate the relationship between investor mood and green and nongreen digital currencies. The data set spans the period from November 9, 2017 to March 24, 2023.
Let‐7 microRNA targets BmCentrin to modulate the development and functionality of the middle silk gland in the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Xu Yankun , Du Na , Xu Lili , Zhao Lu , Fan Ting , Wei Tianqi , Pu Qian , Liu Shiping
Published: May 2024

The silk gland of the silkworm Bombyx mori serves as a valuable model for investigating the morphological structure and physiological functions of organs. Previous studies have demonstrated the notable regulatory role of let‐7 microRNA in the silk gland, but its specific molecular mechanism remains to be elucidated across different segments of this organ. In this study, we further investigated the functional mechanism of let‐7 in the middle silk gland (MSG). The MSG of a let‐7 knockout strain was analyzed using a combined proteomic and metabolomic technique, revealing the enrichment of differential proteins and metabolites in the DNA synthesis and energy metabolism pathways. BmCentrin was identified as a novel target gene of let‐7 in the MSG, and its downregulation inhibited the proliferation of BmN4‐SID1 cells, which is exactly opposite to the role of let‐7 in these cells. CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and transgenic technologies were employed to manipulate BmCentrin in the MSG. Knockout of BmCentrin led to severe MSG atrophy, whereas the overexpression of BmCentrin resulted in beaded MSG. Further measurements of these knockout or overexpression strains revealed significant changes in the expression levels of sericin protein genes, the weight of the cocoon and the mechanical properties of the silk. Investigating the biological role of BmCentrin in the silk gland offers valuable insights for elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which let‐7 controls silk gland development and silk protein synthesis in the silkworm.
Patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage treated in Swedish intensive care: A registry study
Authors: Anna Arnlind , Marita Danielsson , Lars Engerström , Lovisa Tobieson , Lotti Orwelius
Published: May 2024

Background

Aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) is a life‐threatening disease with high mortality and morbidity. Patients with aSAH in Sweden are cared for at one of six neuro intensive care units (NICU) or at a general intensive care unit (ICU).This study aimed to describe the incidence, length of stay, time in ventilator and mortality for these patients.

Methods

This is a retrospective, descriptive study of patients with aSAH, registered in the Swedish Intensive care Registry between 2017 and 2019. The cohort was divided in sub‐cohorts (NICU and general ICU) and regions. Mortality was analysed with logistic regression.

Results

A total of 1520 patients with aSAH from five regions were included in the study. Mean age of the patients were 60.6 years and 58% were female. Mortality within 180 days of admission was 30% (n = 456) of which 17% (n = 258) died during intensive care.

A majority of the patients were treated at one hospital and in one ICU (70%, n = 1062). More than half of the patients (59%, n = 897) had their first intensive care admission at a hospital with a NICU.

Patients in the North region had the lowest median GCS (10) and the highest SAPS3 score (60) when admitted to NICU. Treatment with invasive mechanical ventilation differed significantly between regions; 91% (n = 80) in the region with highest proportion versus 56% (n = 94) in the region with the lowest proportion, as did mortality; 16% (n = 44) versus 8% (n = 23). No differences between regions were found regarding age, sex and length of stay.

Conclusions

Patients with aSAH treated in a NICU or in an ICU in Sweden differs in characteristics. The study further showed some differences between regions which might be reduced if there were national consensus and treatment guidelines implemented.
New Sierola Cameron, 1881 (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) from Norfolk and Phillip Islands
Authors: Magnacca Karl N.
Published: May 2024

The flat wasp genus Sierola Cameron, 1881 is reviewed from Norfolk and Phillip Islands for the first time. Six new species are described: S. bounites sp. nov., S. dysmica sp. nov., S. idae sp. nov., S. incomitata sp. nov., S. longisetae sp. nov., and S. phillipensis sp. nov. The fauna is surprisingly large for such small islands, but consistent with high diversity of the genus found elsewhere in the Pacific. The low collecting effort and small number of specimens for most of the species suggests that more remain to be found.
A new species of Paralucia Waterhouse & Turner, 1905 (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) from the highlands of south‐eastern Australia
Authors: Braby Michael F.
Published: May 2024

A new species of lycaenid butterfly, Paralucia crosbyi sp. nov. (Theclinae: Luciini), is described, diagnosed and illustrated from Namadgi National Park, ACT, and adjacent areas in New South Wales in the highlands of south‐eastern Australia. It is most similar to Paralucia spinifera E.D. Edwards & Common, 1978, but comparative morphology of the adult and immature stages indicates fundamental differences between the two species. Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) of all Paralucia species recovered P. crosbyi sp. nov. and P. spinifera as reciprocally monophyletic, with a mean uncorrected ‘p’ pairwise divergence of 0.93%. Paralucia crosbyi sp. nov. appears to be a narrow‐range endemic, restricted to dry montane eucalypt open woodland or woodland between 920 and 1130 m asl, in which the mean annual rainfall varies from 700 to 800 mm and where an abundance of the larval food plant Bursaria spinosa Cav. subsp. lasiophylla (E.M.Benn.) L. Cayzer, Crisp & I. Telford (Pittosporaceae) and colonies of the attendant ant Anonychomyrma sp. (itinerans species group) (Dolichoderinae) are established. The immature stages are described, illustrated and compared with those of P. spinifera and P. aurifera (Blanchard, [1848]). Despite being limited to high altitudes, adults fly in late winter–early spring (late July to early October). The species is univoltine, with much of the year (~9 months) passed in the pupal stage. The ecology, biology and life cycle are discussed, and a likely mode of speciation is hypothesised.
Adults and immatures of Udeus cerradensis Lira, de Medeiros & Grossi, sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): a flower visitor of Cecropia Loefl. (Urticaceae) preyed upon by paper wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)
Authors: Lira Aline O. , de Medeiros Bruno A. S. , Aguiar Daniel P. P. , Grossi Paschoal C.
Published: May 2024

Udeus Champion, 1902 is a weevil genus in the tribe Eugnomini associated with the inflorescences of Cecropia Loefl. (Urticaceae), with 11 valid species distributed in the Neotropics. Species of Udeus are generally rare in collections and their biology is poorly known, despite a high abundance in nature. Here, we describe Udeus cerradensis Lira, de Medeiros & Grossi, sp. nov. from the Brazilian Cerrado, including the first descriptions of larvae and pupae for a Neotropical eugnomine. We assess their role as potential pollinators of their host plant Cecropia saxatilis Snethl. and find that adults do not visit pistillate flowers and therefore are unlikely to be pollinators. This contrasts with previous reports in a different pair of species in Cecropia‐Udeus, suggesting that pollinator agents vary between species in this plant genus. Finally, we provide notes about the predation of larvae of U. cerradensis by social wasps Synoeca surinama (L.) and Protopolybia aff. sedula (Saussure), revealing that, in this instance, an endophytic larva does not prevent predation by a behaviourally flexible predator. This study is the first of a series on the natural history of Udeus and their specialised interactions with host plants.
Carbon dioxide and a warming climate are not problems
Authors: May Andy , Crok Marcel
Published: May 2024

Prior to the mid‐19th century, Earth was in the grip of the Little Ice Age. Since then, temperatures have on average trended upward. At the same time, human emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) have increased, and the interest of scientists has turned to consider the extent of the relative contributions of anthropogenic CO2 and natural forces to warming.

The IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) Working Group II (WGII) claims that human‐caused climate change or global warming is dangerous. According to the report, “Human‐induced climate change … has caused widespread adverse impacts and related losses and damages to nature and people, beyond natural climate variability. … The rise in weather and climate extremes has led to some irreversible impacts as natural and human systems are pushed beyond their ability to adapt (high confidence)” (IPCC, 2022a, p. 9).

The AR6 WGI and WGII reports measure climate change as the global warming since 1750 or 1850. The period before these dates is commonly referred to as the “pre‐industrial period.” The Little Ice Age, a phrase rarely used in AR6, extends from about 1300 to 1850. It was a very cold and miserable time for humanity, with a lot of well documented extreme weather in the historical record from all over the Northern Hemisphere. It was also a time of frequent famines and pandemics. Arguably today's climate is better than then, not worse.

None‐the‐less, the IPCC claims that extreme weather events are worse now than in the past, however observations do not support this. Some extreme weather events, such as the land area under extreme drought (Lomborg, 2020), is decreasing, not increasing. Globally the incidence of hurricanes shows no significant trend (IPCC, 2013, p. 216; Lomborg, 2020).

Observations show no increase in damage or any danger to humanity today due to extreme weather or global warming (Crok & May, 2023, pp. 140–161; Scafetta, 2024). Climate change mitigation, according to AR6, means curtailing the use of fossil fuels, even though fossil fuels are still abundant and inexpensive. Since the current climate is arguably better than the pre‐industrial climate and we have observed no increase in extreme weather or climate mortality, we conclude that we can plan to adapt to any future changes. Until a danger is identified, there is no need to eliminate fossil fuel use.
Pyruvate kinase deficiency in 29 Turkish patients with two novel intronic variants
Authors: Gök Veysel , Leblebisatan Göksel , Gürlek Gökçebay Dilek , Güler Salih , Doğan Muhammet Ensar , Tuğ Bozdoğan Sevcan , Koca Yozgat Ayça , Özcan Alper , Pekpak Şahinoğlu Esra , Tokgöz Hüseyin , Çil Metin , Özemri Sağ Şebnem , Yilmaz Ebru , Şaşmaz Hatice İlgen , Evim Melike Sezgin , Akbayram Sinan , Karadoğan Meriban , Mutlu Fatma Türkan , Boğa İbrahim , Yeter Doğan Burcu , Yarali Neşe , Çalişkan Ümran , Bişgin Atil , Temel Şehime Gülsün , Proven Melanie , Gibson Kate , Demir Büşra Şeniz , Saraçoğlu Hatice , Eken Ahmet , Karakükçü Çiğdem , Karakükçü Musa , Güneş Adalet Meral , Özbek Namık Yaşar , Kilinç Yurdanur , Patiroğlu Türkan , Özdemir Mehmet Akif , Roy Noemi B. A. , Ünal Ekrem
Published: May 2024

Pyruvate kinase (PK) is a key enzyme of anaerobic glycolysis. The genetic heterogeneity of PK deficiency (PKD) is high, and over 400 unique variants have been identified. Twenty‐nine patients who had been diagnosed as PKD genetically in seven distinct paediatric haematology departments were evaluated. Fifteen of 23 patients (65.2%) had low PK levels. The PK:hexokinase ratio had 100% sensitivity for PKD diagnosis, superior to PK enzyme assay. Two novel intronic variants (c.695‐1G>A and c.694+43C>T) have been described. PKD should be suspected in patients with chronic non‐spherocytic haemolytic anaemia, even if enzyme levels are falsely normal. Total PKLR gene sequencing is necessary for the characterization of patients with PKD and for genetic counselling.
The likes that bind: Even novel opinion sharing can induce opinion‐based identification
Authors: O'Reilly Caoimhe , Maher Paul J. , Quayle Michael
Published: May 2024

Research has found that psychological groups based on opinion congruence are an important group type. Previous research constructed such groups around opinions potentially connected to pre‐existing identities. We strip away the socio‐structural context by using novel opinions to determine whether opinion congruence alone can be a category cue which can foster identification and whether such group identification mediates the relationship between opinion exposure and opinion polarization. We assess this across two pre‐registered online interactive experiments. Study 1 (N = 1168) demonstrate that opinion congruence fostered stronger identity than minimal groups. Study 2 (N = 505) demonstrate that opinion congruence fostered stronger identification than non‐opinion congruence. The relationship between opinion exposure and opinion polarization occurs through group identification in both. Results demonstrate that (novel) opinions can be self‐categorization cues informing identification and influencing opinion polarization.
I am better because of your expectation: Examining how left‐behind status moderates the mediation effect of perceived parental educational expectation on cognitive ability among Chinese rural students
Authors: Zhuang Jia , Ng Jacky C. K. , Wu Qiaobing
Published: May 2024

Background

Chinese rural students have been documented to have relatively delayed cognitive development. From an ecological system perspective, empirical studies have identified the significant effect of the proximal environment on Chinese rural students' cognitive development. Yet, little do we know the mechanism behind that. More importantly, how the mechanism differs among rural students with different left‐behind characteristics remains obscure.

Methods

Drawing longitudinal data from a nationally representative survey, this study examines the interrelations between rural students' parental educational expectation perception, their own educational expectation, and cognitive ability. Two models were examined using path analysis. The first mediation model tests the mediating effect of educational expectation between the association of parental educational expectation perception and cognitive ability, while the second moderated mediation identifies the moderating effect of rural students' left‐behind status on the association between their parental educational expectation perception and educational expectation.

Results

The first mediation analysis reveals that rural students' perception of parental educational expectation is positively correlated with their educational expectation, which further positively correlated with their cognitive ability. The following moderated mediation analysis suggests that students' left‐behind status significantly moderated the effect of their perceived parental educational expectations on their own educational expectation.

Conclusions

Chinese rural students' perception of parental educational expectation affects their cognitive ability through their own educational expectations. The number of migrant parents within a family further moderates the indirect effect of education expectation.
Dimensionless index and outcome in patients with aortic valve disease
Authors: Leibowitz David , Zwas Donna , Elbaz‐Greener Gabby , Planer David , Alcalai Ronny , Gotsman Israel
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Assessment of aortic stenosis (AS) is based on aortic valve (AV) gradients and calculation of aortic valve area (AVA). These parameters are influenced by flow and dependent on geometric assumptions. The dimensionless index (DI), the ratio of the LVOT time‐velocity integral to that of the AV jet, is simple to perform, and is less susceptible to error but has only been examined in small selected groups of AS patients. The objective of this study was to assess the DI and prognosis in a large cohort.

Methods

All subjects who underwent echocardiography with an assessment of the AV that included DI were included. Association between AV parameters including mean gradient, AVA, DI and AV resistance and mortality and cardiovascular hospitalizations was examined.

Results

A total of 9393 patients (mean age 71 ± 16 years; 53% male) were included. 731 (7.7%) patients had DI less than .25. Increasing age and a diagnosis of heart failure were significantly associated with lower DI. Subjects with low DI had significantly lower ventricular function, a higher incidence of mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, worse diastolic function and more elevated pulmonary pressures. Decreasing DI was associated with significantly decreased survival and event‐free survival which remained highly significant on multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

In a large population of patients with AV disease, decreased DI, was associated with increased mortality and decreased event‐free survival. The easily obtained DI identifies a broad range of AS subjects with worse prognosis and should be integrated into the assessment of these complex patients.
The gendered paradox of individualization in telework: Simultaneously helpful and harmful in the context of parenting
Authors: Clar‐Novak Maria
Published: May 2024

The present study explores the relationship between individualization and gender‐related disparities in teleworking. The research is part of a larger project evaluating a pilot program among administrative personnel at an Austrian university before implementing telework across the organization. It presents three key points about the intersection of teleworking and parental roles. First, telework interlinks with individualization in general, and organizations should play a proactive role in preventing the stress that can arise from such individualization. Challenges through individualization have eased due to the collective experiences in the pandemic‐driven lockdowns. This overarching insight lays the groundwork for understanding the nuanced gender differences explored in the subsequent points. Second, this individualization process is gendered when it comes to parenting. The flexible nature of telework can ease the burden of juggling paid work with other responsibilities. At the same time, organizational telework initiatives can unintentionally reinforce traditional gender roles, placing women as primary caregivers. The findings indicate that when telework is solely a family‐friendly benefit, it leads to a double invisibility of mothers' workload. However, the normalization of hybrid telework as an inner‐organizational right might mitigate gendered hierarchies in the long term. Third, while all interviewed mothers felt responsible for parenting, fathers adopted different subject positions that did not disrupt the organizational normalization of mothers as primary caregivers. It sharpened during the pandemic. The study concludes that adopting hybrid telework models could challenge the prevailing “ideal worker” image and support mothers in advancing their careers. Collective experiences and ideas of flexibility as every employee's right can counteract individualization and gender inequalities.
Limited value of testing for factor XIII and α2‐antiplasmin deficiency in patients with a bleeding disorder of unknown cause
Authors: Ariëns Sander , Huisman Albert , Hovinga Idske C. L. Kremer , Urbanus Rolf T. , van Galen Karin P. M. , van Vulpen Lize F. D. , Fischer Kathelijn , Schutgens Roger E. G.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

In patients with an increased bleeding tendency, extensive diagnostic blood testing is often performed. When results of tier 1 assays of primary haemostasis are normal, protocols recommend additional testing to rule out rare disorders including coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) and α2‐antiplasmin (α2AP) deficiency.

Aim

To evaluate the added diagnostic value of FXIII and α2AP levels in patients with a bleeding disorder of unknown cause (BDUC).

Methods

A retrospective monocentre cohort study between August 2011 and August 2023 was conducted. In all patients with bleeding tendencies and normal diagnostic tests for von Willebrand disease and platelet function, FXIII and α2AP were measured.

Results

We included 158 consecutive patients; mean ISTH‐BAT scores were 8.2 (SD ± 3.7) in children, 6.2 (SD ± 2.1) in men and 10.6 (SD ± 3.3) in women. Median age was 37 (range 5–79) years, 88.6% of patients were female. Patients displayed median FXIII activity of 111% (IQR = 97–131) and median α2AP activity of 112% (IQR = 103–119).

Three (1.9%) patients had FXIII levels < 50%, respectively 43%, 45% and 46%. Corresponding ISTH‐BAT scores were 7, 12 and 14. No α2AP levels < 60% was observed. No significant association was found between FXIII levels and ISTH‐BAT scores.

Conclusion

In our cohort of BDUC patients, no clinical relevant FXIII deficiencies were detected; absolute values were well above the 30% cutoff considered adequate for normal haemostasis. No α2AP deficiencies were detected. These data suggest that in BDUC patients, measuring FXIII or AP activity is of limited value.
Exploring the bioaccessibility of minerals in adult supplements by microwave‐induced plasma optical emission spectrometry
Authors: Rodrigues Andreia R. , Ferreira Andréa C. da Silva , Ávila Dayara Virgínia L. , Souza Sidnei O. , Pessoa Amália Geiza G. , de Lima Ricardo Alexandre C.
Published: May 2024

The study of the total content of essential minerals in food is important; however, only these values do not provide truly accurate information regarding their nutritional value. Bioaccessibility and bioavailability are key concepts that provide us with more precise information about these values. This study focuses on quantifying calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc in adult supplementation samples, specifically fortified dairy products (FDP) and modified enteral and oral nutrition formulas (EONF) for adults. The samples used in this work were digested using nitric acid and oxygen peroxide to quantify the total contents of Ca, Fe, Mg and Zn. The effectiveness of the acid decomposition procedure was evaluated through an accuracy test using the NIST 1547 certified sample, which exhibited recovery percentages of 97% for Ca, 95% for Fe, 101% for Mg and 90% for Zn. To assess bioaccessibility, extraction procedures were conducted using the in vitro Simple Bioaccessibility Extraction Test (SBET). The bioaccessibility ranges, expressed as percentages, were 14%–62% for Ca, 23%–65% for Fe, 21%–46% for Mg and 33%–64% for Zn. Based on the results, it can be concluded that evaluating bioaccessibility is important for assessing the nutritional content of adult supplementation, as the labelled contents are not always accessible to the body.
Quality improvement of microwave freeze‐dried prepared taro balls: synergistic addition of guar gum and sodium bicarbonate
Authors: Yin Yize , Liu Wenchao , Li Linlin , Cao Weiwei , Chen Junliang , Zhao Linlin , Sun Xiaofei , Duan Xu , Ren Guangyue
Published: May 2024

The current work was carried out to enhance the quality (including product colour, rehydration performance, textural properties, product cracking rate and sensory evaluation) of microwave freeze‐dried prepared taro balls, a popular starch‐based food product, by synergistic addition of guar gum and sodium bicarbonate. The results showed that taro balls with added sodium bicarbonate had the shortest freeze‐drying time (153 min), but the high‐cracking rate (66.67%) was not acceptable to consumers. The addition of guar gum could effectively reduce the cracking rate (17.5%) during freeze‐drying of taro balls, but did not significantly improve sensory evaluation and textural properties. The combination of sodium bicarbonate and guar gum demonstrated satisfactory positive effects in increasing the rehydration rate of freeze‐dried taro balls (53.67%), maintaining the whiteness (WI = 84.52) and reducing the cracking rate (21.67%). Although sodium bicarbonate alone produced the best results in terms of sensory ratings and textural properties, there was no significant difference between the effects of sodium bicarbonate alone and the combination of the two food additives on rehydrated taro balls. Therefore, the combination of sodium bicarbonate and guar gum is an appropriate hybrid strategy for producing high quality freeze‐dried taro balls.
“It's really important work…and celebrating that, I think, is really important” – co‐produced qualitative research into future of mental health nurse education
Authors: Pearson Mark , Long Louisa , Baker Charley , Doran Dan , Pringle Alan
Published: May 2024

The education of mental health nurses has long remained a contentious topic in the UK and internationally. This research seeks to gather the perspectives of those directly affected by mental health nurse education. To investigate what knowledge, skills and values current mental health nursing students, graduate mental health nurses and people with lived experience of accessing mental health services believe should be paramount within pre‐registration education. Data was gathered through focus groups involving a mix of pre‐ and post‐qualified mental health nurses and people with lived experience of accessing mental health services. Data was collected through audio recordings, which were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis. The analysis generated four themes of: (i) Values and ethics‐based education, (ii) Self‐awareness, (iii) Understanding and therapeutically being with others and (iv) Specialism versus Genericism. The findings speak to the special nature of mental health nursing and the need for students to develop specialist mental health knowledge and skills, alongside self‐knowledge. The findings provide a unique insight into the aspects of pre‐registration nursing felt to be most valuable by the three participant groups in this study. The findings reiterate the importance nurse education celebrating the specialism of mental health nursing and adds to the growing weight of literature for increased specialism with future education standard reviews.
Left bundle branch area pacing in heart failure: A systematic review and meta‐analysis with meta‐regression
Authors: El Iskandarani Mahmoud , Golamari Reshma , Shatla Islam , Ujueta Francisco , Mihos Christos G. , Escolar Esteban , Elajami Tarec K. , Weiss Raul
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Left bundle branch area pacing is an alternative to biventricular pacing. In this study, we aim to summarize the available evidence on the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of left bundle branch block area pacing (LBBAP).

Objectives

The study summarizes the available evidence on the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of left bundle branch block area pacing (LBBAP).

Background

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) reduced mortality and hospitalizations in heart failure (HF) patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 35% and concomitant LBBB. Recently LBBAP has been studied as a more physiological alternative to achieve CRT.

Method

A search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were performed to identify studies examining the role of LBBAP for CRT in heart failure. Comprehensive meta‐analysis version 4 was used for meta‐regression to examine variables that contribute to data heterogeneity.

Result

Eighteen studies, 17 observational and one randomized controlled trial (RCT) were examined. A total of 3906 HF patients who underwent CRT (2036 LBBAP vs. 1870 biventricular pacing [BVP]) were included. LBBAP was performed successfully in 90.4% of patients. Compared to baseline, LBBAP was associated with a reduction in QRS duration (MD: −47.23  ms 95% confidence interval [CI]: −53.45, −41.01), an increase in LVEF (MD: 15.22%, 95% CI: 13.5, 16.94), and a reduction in NYHA class (MD: −1.23, 95% CI: −1.41, −1.05). Compared to BVP, LBBAP was associated with a significant reduction in QRS duration (MD: −20.69 ms, 95% CI: −25.49, −15.88) and improvement in LVEF (MD: 4.78%, 95% CI: 3.30, 6.10). Furthermore, LBBAP was associated with a significant reduction in HF hospitalization (odds ratio [OR]: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.34, 0.56) and all‐cause mortality (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.86) compared to BVP.

Conclusion

LBBAP was associated with improved ventricular electrical synchrony compared to BVP, as well as better echocardiographic and clinical outcomes.
High protein requirements of juvenile Atlantic wolffish, Anarhichas lupus: Effects of dietary protein levels on growth, health, and welfare
Authors: Hinchcliffe James , Roques Jonathan A. C. , Roos Josefin , Langeland Markus , Hedén Ida , Sundh Henrik , Sundell Kristina , Björnsson Björn Thrandur , Jönsson Elisabeth
Published: May 2024

The objective of the present study was to investigate the optimal dietary protein requirement and the effect of varying protein levels on the growth and health of juvenile, wild‐caught Atlantic wolffish, Anarhichas lupus, a promising candidate for cold‐water aquaculture diversification. Six iso‐energetic (ca. 18.3 MJ kg−1), fish meal‐based experimental diets were formulated with crude protein levels ranging from 35% to 60%, with graded increments of 5% in a 12‐week feeding trial in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). Weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), and condition factor (K) were evaluated in response to dietary protein levels. Liver, muscle, and blood parameters were assessed for possible changes in protein and lipid metabolism and welfare. Overall growth was highly variable throughout the experiment on all diets, as expected for a wild population. The feed with highest in protein (60%) inclusion resulted in the highest growth rates, with an average weight gain of 37.4% ± 33.8% and an SGR of 0.31% ± 0.2% day−1. This was closely followed by feeds with 55% and 50% protein inclusion with an average weight gain of 22.9% ± 34.8% and 28.5% ± 38.3%, respectively, and an SGR of 0.18% ± 0.3% day−1 and 0.22% ± 0.3% day−1, respectively. Fish fed the high protein diets generally had increased hepatic lipid deposition (17%–18%) and reduced free fatty acid levels (3.1–6.8 μmol L−1) in the plasma relative to fish that were fed the lower protein diets (35%–45%). No effects of diet were found on plasma protein levels or muscle protein content. Furthermore, stress parameters such as plasma cortisol and glucose levels were unaffected by diet, as were plasma ghrelin levels. Overall, these results suggest that a high protein inclusion in the diet for Atlantic wolffish is required to sustain growth with a minimum protein level of 50%.
Effect of blood collection tube containing protease inhibitors on the pre‐analytical stability of Alzheimer's disease plasma biomarkers
Authors: Chen Yijun , Zeng Xuemei , Diaz Jihui L. , Sehrawat Anuradha , Lafferty Tara K. , Boslett James J. , Klunk William E. , Pascoal Tharick A. , Villemagne Victor L. , Cohen Ann D. , Lopez Oscar I. , Yates Nathan A. , Karikari Thomas K.
Published: May 2024

The reliability of plasma biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) can be compromised by protease‐induced degradation. This can limit the feasibility of conducting plasma biomarker studies in environments that lack the capacity for immediate processing and appropriate storage of blood samples. We hypothesized that blood collection tube supplementation with protease inhibitors can improve the stability of plasma biomarkers at room temperatures (RT). In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of blood biomarker stability in traditional ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) tubes versus BD™ P100 collection tubes, the latter being coated with a protease inhibitor cocktail. The stability of six plasma AD biomarkers was evaluated over time under RT conditions. We evaluated three experimental approaches. In Approach 1, pooled plasma samples underwent storage at RT for up to 96 h. In Approach 2, plasma samples isolated upfront from whole blood collected into EDTA or P100 tubes were stored at RT for 0 h or 24 h before biomarker measurements. In Approach 3, whole blood samples were collected into paired EDTA and P100 tubes, followed by storage at RT for 0 h or 24 h before isolating the plasma for analyses. Biomarkers were measured with Single Molecule Array (Simoa) and immunoprecipitation‐mass spectrometry (IP‐MS) assays. Both the IP‐MS and Simoa methods revealed that the use of P100 tubes significantly improves the stability of Aβ42 and Aβ40 across all approaches. However, the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio levels were significantly stabilized only in the IP‐MS assay in Approach 3. No significant differences were observed in the levels of plasma p‐tau181, GFAP, and NfL for samples collected using either tube type in any of the approaches. Supplementation of blood collection tubes with protease inhibitors could reduce the protease‐induced degradation of plasma Aβ42 and Aβ40, and the Aβ42/40 ratio for the IP‐MS assay. These findings have crucial implications for preanalytical procedures, particularly in resource‐limited settings.

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Social support from manager and co‐workers in relation to registered nurses' work motivation in three healthcare settings: A cross‐sectional study of a Swedish national sample
Authors: Ahlstedt Carina , Moberg Linda , Brulin Emma , Nyberg Anna
Published: May 2024

Background

Having more registered nurses (RNs) leave their workplace, with a shortage of RNs in healthcare as a consequence, might pose a risk to patient safety. According to the Job Demands Resource model, social support is a resource that can enhance work motivation, and if RNs are motivated at work, their willingness to remain in the workplace may increase.

Objective

The aims were to explore (1) differences in RNs' experiences of social support from their immediate manager and co‐workers between different healthcare settings, (2) associations between RNs' experiences of social support and aspects of work motivation, and (3) if these associations differed in strength between healthcare settings.

Design

A cross‐sectional study design.

Methods

A stratified population of Swedish RNs, n = 2290, working in either hospitals, primary care, or home healthcare, responded to a survey in 2022. Chi‐squared tests and linear and logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the data. Interaction was measured by adding an interaction term to the fully adjusted regression models. The findings' generalizability was strengthened by including calibrating weights in all analyses.

Results

RNs in primary care reported higher social support from their immediate manager than RNs in hospitals and home healthcare. RNs in home healthcare reported lower social support from co‐workers than RNs in hospitals and primary care. There were statistically significant associations between higher levels of social support from the immediate manager and co‐workers, respectively, and higher ratings in all aspects of work motivation: work engagement (manager: beta coefficient [b] = 0.08, confidence interval [CI] 95% = 0.05; 0.10; co‐workers: b = 0.12, CI 95% = 0.08; 0.16), job satisfaction (manager: b = 0.24, CI 95% = 0.21; 0.27; co‐workers: b = 0.22, CI 95% = 0.16; 0.28), opportunities to provide high‐quality care (manager: b = 0.15, CI 95% = 0.11; 0.18; co‐workers: b = 0.19, CI 95% = 0.13; 0.24), satisfaction with the employer (manager: b = 0.46, CI 95% = 0.42; 0.50; co‐workers: not statistically significant) and intention to remain at the workplace (manager: odds ratio = 1.89, CI 95% = 1.69; 2.13; co‐workers: odds ratio = 1.42, CI 95% = 1.17; 1.72). The associations differed in strength between hospitals, primary care, and home healthcare.

Conclusions

Strengthening social support from the immediate manager and co‐workers appears to be a way to increase RNs' work motivation, including their intention to remain at the workplace. This may be important, particularly in primary care and home healthcare.

Clinical Relevance

To strengthen RNs' work motivation and willingness to stay in the workplace, it appears important for healthcare organizations to provide RN social support.
Identification of quality‐of‐life clusters by the Quebec sleep questionnaire in sleep apnea patients
Authors: Sériès Frédéric , Lacasse Yves , Lajoie Annie
Published: May 2024

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may present different symptoms. The clinical importance of symptom clustering is supported by the difference in the incidence of cardiovascular diseases between hypersomnolent and non‐hypersomnolent sleep apnea patients. The objective of this study was to determine if quality‐of‐life clusters could be identified from the Quebec Sleep Questionnaire (QSQ) in OSA patients. Latent class analysis was used to identify clusters in a multivariate analysis of dichotomic variables (presence or absence of symptoms) for each item the QSQ obtained from 147 patients who fulfilled the questionnaire during its validation and subsequent trials (75.5% males, age: 53 ± 11 years, body mass index (BMI): 30.4 ± 4.7 kg/m2, apnea/hypopnea index (AHI): 31.3 ± 14.8/h). Three clusters were identified. Quality of life was preserved in patients of cluster 1 (20.4% of patients). Patients of cluster 2 (32.6% of patients) had a moderately impaired quality of life, mainly due to daytime somnolence and poor sleep quality. Patients with impaired quality of life (cluster 3, 46.9% of patients) had an important impact in every domain of the QSQ with the highest sleepiness and daytime symptom impairments. Gender, BMI, and AHI did not differ between the three clusters. In conclusion, different quality‐of‐life clusters can be identified from the QSQ in sleep apnea patients. These clusters are similar to those reported previously. Further studies are needed to validate these clusters in larger and independent cohorts, to evaluate how they respond to OSA treatment, and their relationship with incident outcomes.
Experiences accessing nutritious foods and perceptions of nutritional support needs among pregnant and post‐partum mothers with low income in the United States
Authors: Benson Jessie , DeVries Matthew , McLaurin‐Jiang Skye , Garner Christine D.
Published: May 2024

Access to nutritious foods, a social determinant of health, contributes to disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes such as mental health, breastfeeding intensity and cardiometabolic risk. This study explored perceived nutrition access and intake among pregnant or post‐partum women eligible for Medicaid. Qualitative, semistructured interviews were conducted with 18 women who were either currently pregnant (n = 4) or up to 12 months post‐partum (n = 14) in 2021–2022. Mothers spoke English (n = 11) or Spanish (n = 7) and lived in the Texas Panhandle. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed, translated (Spanish to English) and verified. Two or more researchers coded each interview until consensus was reached using thematic analysis with ATLAS.ti software. The study revealed five drivers for nutrition access. (1) Social factors influenced nutrition; those with less support expressed limited ability to eat healthfully. (2) The Women, Infants and Children program was perceived as a helpful resource for some, while others faced challenges obtaining it. (3) Stress was bidirectionally related to unhealthy food choices, with food sometimes used as a coping mechanism. (4) Mothers prioritized their babies and others and had limited ability and time to prepare healthy meals. (5) Most participants felt they received inadequate nutrition guidance from their healthcare providers. Participants provided positive responses to a proposed nutritious home‐delivered meal intervention. Low‐income women may experience nutritional challenges specific to this life stage. Interventions that reduce stress and burden of household tasks (e.g. cooking) and improve education and access to nutritious foods may improve mothers' ability to consume nutritious foods.
Embedded supervision: China's prosecutorial public interest litigation against government
Authors: Wang Yueduan
Published: May 2024

A commonly held view maintains that diminished autonomy substantially weakens the capacity of legal institutions to challenge state entities, particularly in authoritarian contexts. This study offers an alternative perspective through an empirical analysis of China's recent implementation of prosecutor‐led public interest litigation against state agencies. It suggests that integration within an authoritarian framework might, at least temporarily, enhance the leverage of justice institutions over state entities that violate laws, thereby aiding in navigating the challenges of law enforcement in a restrictive political environment. The research indicates that prosecutors have elicited compliance from the scrutinized agencies by deploying a strategic mix of legal deterrence, informal collaboration, and political threat. This approach is tailored to align with the objectives of local party‐state authorities, thereby securing their support and facilitating governmental compliance. Nonetheless, this political integration concurrently constrains the capacity for such legal initiatives to challenge the discretionary power of upper‐tier or more powerful agencies. These insights reveal the complex interplay between institutional independence and legal enforcement within authoritarian regimes.
A nationally representative survey of ICD‐11 PTSD among Danish adolescents and young adults aged 15–29
Authors: Karsberg Sidsel , Elklit Ask , Pedersen Michael Mulbjerg , Pedersen Mads U. , Vang Maria L.
Published: May 2024

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is recognized as a debilitating psychiatric disorder affecting populations worldwide. This has inspired many countries to estimate the national prevalence rates of PTSD in Europe and beyond. At present, there are no published representative studies that have assessed the occurrence of trauma exposure and PTSD in Denmark using a valid measurement based on ICD‐11 criteria. A national sample of the general population of young Danish residents, ranging in age between 15 to 29 years (n = 2,434), was surveyed cross‐sectionally from April to October 2022. Data weights were applied to ensure representativity of the sample. Multiple regression was used to study the relationship between trauma exposure, sex, age, and PTSD. Accidents and violence were the most common types of trauma exposure with females being more likely to experience sexual violence. A total of 7.7% endorsed probable PTSD with women reporting higher rates of clinical and subclinical PTSD (12.3% and 12.7%, respectively) than men (3.5% and 7.3%, respectively). Findings from the multiple regression showed that female gender was associated with higher PTSD‐severity, although the strongest predictor was trauma‐type with other types of traumas, and sexual violence displaying the strongest relationship to PTSD‐severity overall. A dose–response relationship between the number of trauma types and PTSD symptomatology was found. This is the first study of PTSD in a nationally representative Danish sample using a valid measure of ICD‐11 PTSD. The identified PTSD rates were higher than Danish official estimates in a representative sample of the Danish adolescent and young adult population (7.7% weighted compared to 1%). The study replicated international findings of sex differences in probable PTSD endorsement.
The novel HLA‐C*03:652 allele, identified by Sanger dideoxy nucleotide sequencing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Zhang Jian‐min , An Lin , Ma Li , Hu Xiao‐zhuang , Xu Shuang‐nian
Published: May 2024

HLA‐C*03:652 differs from the HLA‐C*03:04:01:01 by one nucleotide in exon 3.
Genomic sequence of five new variants of HLA‐DQA1 in non‐coding regions
Authors: Marín Rubio Luis Alberto , Ontañón Jesús
Published: May 2024

Characterisation of HLA‐DQA1*01:02:01:30, HLA‐DQA1*01:03:01:14, HLA‐DQA1*03:03:01:20, HLA‐DQA1*04:01:01:13, HLA‐DQA1*05:05:01:40 alleles in Spanish individuals.
Corticomotor pathway function and recovery after stroke: a look back and a way forward
Authors: Shanks Maxine J. , Byblow Winston D.
Published: May 2024

Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability that results in motor deficits and reduced independence. Regaining independence relies on motor recovery, particularly regaining function of the hand and arm. This review presents evidence from human studies that have used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to identify neurophysiological mechanisms underlying upper limb motor recovery early after stroke. TMS studies undertaken at the subacute stage after stroke have identified several neurophysiological factors that can drive motor impairment, including membrane excitability, the recruitment of corticomotor neurons, and glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission. However, the inherent variability and subsequent poor reliability of measures derived from motor evoked potentials (MEPs) limit the use of TMS for prognosis at the individual patient level. Currently, prediction tools that provide the most accurate information about upper limb motor outcomes for individual patients early after stroke combine clinical measures with a simple neurophysiological biomarker based on MEP presence or absence, i.e. MEP status. Here, we propose a new compositional framework to examine MEPs across several upper limb muscles within a threshold matrix. The matrix can provide a more comprehensive view of corticomotor function and recovery after stroke by quantifying the evolution of subthreshold and suprathreshold MEPs through compositional analyses. Our contention is that subthreshold responses might be the most sensitive to reduced output of corticomotor neurons, desynchronized firing of the remaining neurons, and myelination processes that occur early after stroke. Quantifying subthreshold responses might provide new insights into post‐stroke neurophysiology and improve the accuracy of prediction of upper limb motor outcomes.

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