bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in Recurring and Chronic Food Insecurity Among US Families With Older Adults
Authors: Leung Cindy W. , Insolera Noura E. , Wolfson Julia A.
Published: March 2024

Importance

Food insecurity is a critical social determinant of health for older adults. Understanding national food insecurity trends among families with older adults has important policy implications.

Objective

To compare food insecurity trends among US families with an older adult from 1999 to 2003 and 2015 to 2019 and further stratify the analysis by race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status markers, and enrollment in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this cohort study using biennial data from the nationally representative Panel Study of Income Dynamics, balanced panels of families with at least 1 older adult (≥60 years) who participated from 1999 to 2003 (n = 1311) and 2015 to 2019 (n = 2268) were created. Analysis was completed in 2023.

Main outcome

Food insecurity was assessed using the US Household Food Security Survey Module. Within each 5-year period, we defined recurring food insecurity as 2 or more episodes of food insecurity and chronic food insecurity as 3 episodes of food insecurity.

Results

Overall, food insecurity among US families with older adults increased from 12.5% in 1999 to 2003 to 23.1% in 2015 to 2019. Rates of recurring food insecurity more than doubled (5.6% to 12.6%), whereas rates of chronic food insecurity more than tripled (2.0% to 6.3%). Across both time periods, higher rates of food insecurity persisted among Black and Hispanic families, with lower socioeconomic status, and participating in SNAP.

Conclusions and Relevance

These results highlight how rates of recurring and chronic food insecurity among families with older adults rose substantially over the past 20 years. Monitoring national trends in food insecurity among older adults has direct programmatic and policy implications.
How CBX proteins regulate normal and leukemic blood cells
Authors: de Groot Anne P. , de Haan Gerald
Published: March 2024

Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) fate decisions are dictated by epigenetic landscapes. The Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1) represses genes that induce differentiation, thereby maintaining HSC self‐renewal. Depending on which chromobox (CBX) protein (CBX2, CBX4, CBX6, CBX7, or CBX8) is part of the PRC1 complex, HSC fate decisions differ. Here, we review how this occurs. We describe how CBX proteins dictate age‐related changes in HSCs and stimulate oncogenic HSC fate decisions, either as canonical PRC1 members or by alternative interactions, including non‐epigenetic regulation. CBX2, CBX7, and CBX8 enhance leukemia progression. To target, reprogram, and kill leukemic cells, we suggest and describe multiple therapeutic strategies to interfere with the epigenetic functions of oncogenic CBX proteins. Future studies should clarify to what extent the non‐epigenetic function of cytoplasmic CBX proteins is important for normal, aged, and leukemic blood cells.
Current traditional Chinese medicine treatments of psoriasis vulgaris
Authors: Luo Ying , Song Jiankun , Kuai Le , Zheng Qi , Wang Mingxia , Deng Guoshu , Zhang Ying , Li Xin , Wang Ruiping , Li Bin
Published: March 2024

Psoriasis is a kind of immune‐mediated chronic skin disease induced by combined genetic and environmental factors. The effective and safe treatment of psoriasis has always been a challenge in dermatology clinics. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), an important direction for the current treatment of psoriasis, is characterized by historical significance, unique characteristics, and rich experience. In recent years, the “hemo‐modulating therapy” of TCM has reached a consensus with excellent progress in the treatment of psoriasis. This paper reviews the current TCM treatments of psoriasis and discusses the possibilities for psoriasis disease management.
Identification of potential biomarkers for neuromyelitis optica by quantitative proteomics
Authors: Ding Yaowei , Chen Yuxin , Sun Jialu , Shi Yijun , Li Guoge , Luan Xin , Wang Siqi , Li Xiaotong , Jiang Wencan , Wang Lijuan , Zhang Guojun
Published: March 2024

Objective

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) was a serious autoimmune inflammatory condition affecting the central nervous system. Currently, there was a lack of diagnostic biomarkers for AQP4‐IgG‐negative NMO patients.

Methods

A comparative proteomic analysis was conducted on the CSF of 10 patients with NMO and 10 patients with non‐inflammatory neurological disorders (NND) using tandem mass tagging technology. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were analyzed using bioinformatic methods. The candidate proteins were then validated through ELISAs in a subsequent cohort of 160 samples, consisting of paired CSF and plasma samples from 50 NMO patients, CSF samples from 30 NND patients, and plasma samples from 30 healthy individuals.

Results

We identified 389 proteins via proteomics, screening 79 DEPs. NCAM1, SST and AHSG were selected as candidate molecules for further validation. Compared to NND patients, there were decreased levels of AHSG in CSF and increased levels of NCAM1 and SST in NMO patients. The ELISA results revealed significantly higher levels of AHSG, SST and NCAM1 in the CSF of the NMO group compared to the NND group. Similarly, the serum levels of these three proteins were also higher in the NMO group compared to the healthy control group. It was found that serum NCAM1 levels significantly decreased in patients with non‐relapsed NMO compared to patients with relapsed NMO and CSF NCAM1 level increased in patients with bilateral NMO compared to patients with unilateral NMO. Furthermore, CSF SST levels increased in AQP4 antibody‐positive NMO patients compared to AQP4 antibody‐negative patients.

Interpretation

CSF NCAM1, serum NCAM1 and serum SST may serve as potential biomarkers for NMO patients and aid in the diagnosis of AQP4 antibody‐negative NMO patients.
Federal grant opportunities in prevention, recovery
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: March 2024

Below are two recent grant announcements from the federal government.
High‐Performance Nd: AIZO/Al2O3 Dual Active Layer Design Without Thermal Annealing: High‐Speed Electron Transport and Defect Modification in Thin Film Transistors
Authors: Fu Yubin , Liang Zhihao , Fu Xiao , Li Muyun , Yao Rihui , Hou Mingyue , Liu Dingrong , Deng Zeneng , Ning Honglong , Peng Junbiao
Published: March 2024

Flexible wearable electronics have been developing rapidly in recent years, and one of its core devices, thin‐film transistor (TFT), is also attracting attention. Current TFT preparation processes usually require high annealing temperatures (>350 °C), which is not conducive to their application on most flexible substrates (PET, PEN, nanopaper, etc.). In this article, a strategy for the room temperature preparation of Nd:AIZO/Al2O3 dual‐layer TFT devices is proposed, which has appreciable electrical properties without additional annealing treatment. Taguchi orthogonal experimental methods are used to investigate the effects of three essential process parameters on the performance of the films and devices. As Nd:AIZO deposition time decreases and Al2O3 oxygen percentage and time during deposition increase, the μsat and SS of TFT devices are improved. With the preferred combination of parameters applied to the device preparation, the device exhibits a saturation mobility μsat of 24.3 cm2 V−1 s−1, a threshold voltage Vth of −1.4 V, a subthreshold swing SS of 0.21 V decade−1 and an Ion/Ioff ratio of 4.26 × 108. The ultra‐thin Al2O3 layer act as defect modification and form high‐speed electron transport in channel layer. The room temperature preparation of the dual‐layer TFT process proposed in this article is compatible with large‐size low‐cost flexible substrates. It has great potential for application in green flexible wearable electronics.
Unveiling the Growth Mechanism of Ordered‐Phase within Multimetallic Nanoplates
Authors: Mahmood Azhar , He Dequan , Liu Chuhao , Talib Shamraiz Hussain , Zhao Bolin , Liu Tianren , He Ying , Chen Lijuan , Han Dongxue , Niu Li
Published: March 2024

Tuning the crystal phase of alloy nanocrystals (NCs) offers an alternative way to improve their electrocatalytic performance, but, how heterometals diffuse and form ordered‐phase remains unclear. Herein, for the first time, the mechanism for forming tetrametallic ordered‐phase nanoplates (NPLs) is unraveled. The observations reveal that the intermetallic ordered‐phase nucleates through crystallinity alteration of the seeds and then propagates by reentrant grooves. Notably, the reentrant grooves act as intermediate NCs for ordered‐phase, eventually forming intermetallic PdCuIrCo NPLs. These NPLs substantially outperform for oxygen evolution reaction (221 mV at 10 mA cm−2) and hydrogen evolution reaction (19 mV at 10 mA cm−2) compared to commercial Ir/C and Pd/C catalysts in acidic media. For OER at 1.53 V versus RHE, the PdCuIrCo/C exhibits an enhanced mass activity of 9.8 A mg−1Pd+Ir (about ten times higher) than Ir/C. For HER at ‐0. 2 V versus RHE, PdCuIrCo/C shows a remarkable mass activity of 1.06 A mg−1Pd+Ir, which is three‐fold relative to Pd/C. These improvements can be ascribed to the intermetallic ordered‐structure with high‐valence Ir sites and tensile‐strain. This approach enabled the realization of a previously unobserved mechanism for ordered‐phase NCs. Therefore, this strategy of making ordered‐phase NPLs can be used in diverse heterogeneous catalysis.
Risk of weed seed and seedling emergence from poultry litter
Authors: Kulesza Stephanie B. , Leon Ramon G. , Sosinski Stephanie C. , Kilroy Grace M. , Meis Brittani , Castillo Miguel S. , Wilson Melissa L.
Published: March 2024

In areas surrounding large poultry industries, poultry litter is often an alternative nitrogen fertilizer for crop production. However, farmers who have not used poultry litter in the past have concerns regarding potential weed seed contamination. A survey was conducted to determine the occurrence of germinable weed seed in poultry litters (n = 61) submitted by growers and industry representatives across North Carolina. In a 9:1 potting media:poultry litter mix, a single grass seed germinated from the 61 surveyed poultry litters, equating to 0.3 viable seeds 100 g−1 poultry litter. Viable seed content averaged 1.1 seeds 100 g−1 litter using the extractable seedbank method on 25% of the litters from the survey, much higher than the grow out method, and the majority of seeds found were Amaranthaceae. A growth chamber experiment was then conducted and demonstrated that there was a negative relation between poultry litter application and weed seedling emergence. There was a 65%, 75%, and 85% reduction in Senna obtusifolia (L.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby, Setaria pumila (Poir.) Roem. & Schult., and Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson germination, respectively, from the control to highest application rate of poultry litter (26.9 Mg ha−1). A laboratory study showed that poultry litter leachates can decrease seed radicle length and integrity and is likely due to osmotic or salinity stress. The weed seed content in litter as well as the negative impact of poultry litter and its leachates on weed seedling emergence make it unlikely that poultry litter applications will significantly increase seedbanks above levels commonly observed in agricultural fields.
Tracking interactions between TAMs and CAFs mediated by arginase‐induced proline production during immune evasion of HCC
Authors: Wu Chuanchen , Mao Yuantao , Qi Xinru , Wang Xin , Li Ping , Zhang Wen , Tang Bo
Published: March 2024

Synergistic changes between tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) and cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) aggravated immune evasion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Their continuous and dynamic interactions are subject to bioactive molecule changes. A real‐time and in situ monitoring method suitable for in vivo research of these processes would be indispensable but is scarce. In this study, a dual imaging strategy that tracing the TAMs and CAFs simultaneously was developed using a new arginase‐specific probe and established CAFs‐specific probe. The emerging roles of arginase in mediating CAFs activation in mice were explored. Results showed arginase up‐regulation in TAMs, followed by proline increase. Subsequently, proline produced by TAMs initiated the activation of CAFs. Through the JAK‐STAT signaling, CAFs up‐regulated the PD‐L1 and CTLA‐4, ultimately promoting immune evasion of HCC. This study revealed a new mechanism by which TAMs and CAFs collaborate in immune evasion, providing new targets for HCC immunotherapy.
Global variations in eruption chronology of permanent teeth: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Vandana S. , Muthu M. S. , Akila G. , Anusha M. , Kandaswamy D. , Aswath Narayanan M. B.
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Population‐based variations have been reported in permanent teeth eruption but only sparse literature exists on the same. A systematic review and meta‐analysis were performed to assess the global variations in eruption chronology of permanent teeth in children and adolescents and the role of sexes, jaws and classes of socio‐economic status (SES) on timing of eruption was explored.

Methods

The protocol for the systematic review was registered in PROSPERO. An extensive search of PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, EBSCO, Cochrane library, and anthropology databases was carried out until April 2023. Additionally, grey literature search and hand‐searching of relevant key journals was done.

Results

Overall, 3797 cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies were retrieved from multiple databases. A total of 939, 191 participants were included from 80 studies of which, 41 were carried out in Asia, 26 in Europe, 5 in Africa, 4 in North America, and 4 in Oceania. The mandibular first molar eruption was found to be as early as 4.09 years while the maxillary second molar erupted as late as 13.45 years. Using a random effects model, 28 forest plots were generated. Meta‐regression interpreted tooth eruption to be earlier in females and in the mandible.

Conclusions

The findings of this study show that the ages of permanent teeth eruption was advanced in the European population followed by Africa and Asia.
Genetic diversity promotes resilience in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Soni Neelakshi , Hohsfield Lindsay A. , Tran Kristine M. , Kawauchi Shimako , Walker Amber , Javonillo Dominic , Phan Jimmy , Matheos Dina , Da Cunha Celia , Uyar Asli , Milinkeviciute Giedre , Gomez‐Arboledas Angela , Tran Katelynn , Kaczorowski Catherine C. , Wood Marcelo A. , Tenner Andrea J. , LaFerla Frank M. , Carter Gregory W. , Mortazavi Ali , Swarup Vivek , MacGregor Grant R. , Green Kim N.
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with multifactorial etiology, including genetic factors that play a significant role in disease risk and resilience. However, the role of genetic diversity in preclinical AD studies has received limited attention.

METHODS

We crossed five Collaborative Cross strains with 5xFAD C57BL/6J female mice to generate F1 mice with and without the 5xFAD transgene. Amyloid plaque pathology, microglial and astrocytic responses, neurofilament light chain levels, and gene expression were assessed at various ages.

RESULTS

Genetic diversity significantly impacts AD‐related pathology. Hybrid strains showed resistance to amyloid plaque formation and neuronal damage. Transcriptome diversity was maintained across ages and sexes, with observable strain‐specific variations in AD‐related phenotypes. Comparative gene expression analysis indicated correlations between mouse strains and human AD.

DISCUSSION

Increasing genetic diversity promotes resilience to AD‐related pathogenesis, relative to an inbred C57BL/6J background, reinforcing the importance of genetic diversity in uncovering resilience in the development of AD.

Highlights

Genetic diversity's impact on AD in mice was explored.

Diverse F1 mouse strains were used for AD study, via the Collaborative Cross.

Strain‐specific variations in AD pathology, glia, and transcription were found.

Strains resilient to plaque formation and plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) increases were identified.

Correlations with human AD transcriptomics were observed.
Biodegradable packing food films based on PBAT containing ZnO and MoO3
Authors: da Rocha Lizandra Viana Maurat , da Silva Paulo Sergio Rangel Cruz , da Silva Eduardo Miguez Bastos , de Oliveira Aguiar Vinicius , Tavares Maria Inês Bruno
Published: March 2024

Molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) and zinc oxide (ZnO) were incorporated into the poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) matrix using casting method to obtain packing films for food transportation with outstanding properties and no formation of microplastics. Consequently, these films were evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, time domain and carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance, x‐ray diffraction, contact angle measurement, and thermogravimetric analysis. The light barrier properties of the films were analyzed using transmittance mode in UV–VIS–NIR regions and the contact angle of composite films exhibited greater hydrophilicity compared to the pure polymer films. Regardless of the concentration, the fillers did not significantly modify the degradation onset temperature and the temperature of maximum degradation rate. However, ZnO caused a new thermal degradation event (around 330°C) that was not observed in the other films, possibly due to the second crystallization process. Composite films filled with 0.3% ZnO, 0.3% and 0.5% MoO3 showed greater molecular homogeneity than the pure polymer matrix, with the PBAT/MoO3 films demonstrating even greater homogeneity than PBAT/ZnO films; this response presumably comes from the satisfactory intermolecular interaction or adequate dispersion and distribution of the particles. The addition of 0.5% MoO3 in the matrix influenced the PBAT film, resulting in amorphous materials with the highest molecular mobility and opacity. Besides, in view of antimicrobial tests, all nanocomposites showed potential bacteriostatic activity. So, it can be conveniently used for food transportation and may avoid microplastic formation, after been discarded.
Acu‐URO17 is a highly sensitive and specific bladder cancer biomarker
Authors: Guo Liwu , Cid Alexandra , Cucci John , Kunkel Brian , Defeis Lisa , Matthews Michael
Published: March 2024

Objective

This study evaluates the efficacy of Acu‐URO17, a highly sensitive and specific immunocytochemistry (ICC) test targeting Keratin 17, in comparison to urine cytology and UroVysion™ fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for detecting bladder cancer cells in voided urine specimens.

Methods

Acupath conducted a large‐scale comparison study using 2378 voided urine specimens. Acu‐URO17, urine cytology and UroVysion™ FISH were performed on these specimens according to standardized protocols. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for Acu‐URO17 in comparison to urine cytology and UroVysion™ FISH.

Results

In cases diagnosed with high‐grade urothelial cancer via urine cytology, Acu‐URO17 demonstrated a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 82%. When compared to UroVysion™ FISH results, Acu‐URO17 exhibited a sensitivity of 97.1% and a specificity of 77.8%, surpassing the sensitivity of UroVysion™ FISH (57.1%). Notably, Acu‐URO17 showed a high NPV of 99.9%, indicating its reliability in confirming negative urine cytology results and risk‐stratifying atypical and suspicious cytology results.

Conclusion

The results of this large‐scale prospective study support Acu‐URO17 as a clinically relevant, non‐invasive and cost‐effective tool for detecting bladder cancer cells in voided urine specimens. Its high sensitivity, specificity and NPV make it a valuable adjunct to urine cytology and UroVysion™ FISH in the diagnosis and management of urothelial carcinoma (UC).
Lemieux‐Johnson oxidation with N,N‐bidentate bisPYA ruthenium complexes: insights into reaction conditions and catalyst design
Authors: Salzmann Kevin , Segarra Candela , Carrel Aline , Albrecht Martin
Published: March 2024

The carbonyl group is arguably the most versatile functional group for synthetic purposes. Here, a series of N,N’‐bis(pyridylideneamide) (bisPYA) complexes of ruthenium(II), [Ru(cym)(bisPYA)Cl]+ (cym=cymene), were synthesized and applied as catalysts for Lemieux‐Johnson oxidation of alkenes to access carbonyl functionalities. Complexes bearing para‐ and ortho‐bisPYA ligands induce higher activity and selectivity than their mesoionic meta‐bisPYA analogues. The non‐coordinating counterion of the cationic complexes affects the catalytic performance markedly, with PF6− enhancing the activity compared to trifluoromethanesulfonate, OTf−. Likewise, replacing the anionic ancillary chloride ligand by a neutral and more labile MeCN ligand led to increased activity. Electrochemical and solubility measurements revealed no direct correlation of ligand donor strength to catalytic performance. Variation of the solvent mixture and the ratio of its components provided access to high‐performance catalysts. In H2O/MeCN/CH2Cl2 at 3 : 1:0.5 (v/v) ratio, turnover frequencies up to 10,000 h−1 were obtained for the Lemieux‐Johnson oxidation of styrene with these Ru(bisPYA) complexes, allowing quantitative conversions within 30 min at 0.1 mol % catalyst loadings and corresponding to a 5 times faster reaction than the best catalyst known to date for this transformation.
Correlation between the serum FABP4, ANGPTL3, and ANGPTL4 levels and coronary artery disease
Authors: Zhao Zhuoyan , Fu Ying , Lian Huan , Liu Yixiang , Liu Jingyi , Sun Lixian , Zhang Ying
Published: March 2024

Background

Lipid metabolism related factors, such as angiopoietin‐like protein 3 (ANGPTL3), angiopoietin‐like 4 (ANGPTL4), fatty acid‐binding protein 4 (FABP4) are newly discovered factors that can affect coronary artery disease (CAD). In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between CAD and these lipid metabolism factors.

Hypothesis

ANGPTL3, ANGPTL4, and FABP4 may provide a new method for the control of CAD risk factors and the prevention and treatment of CAD.

Methods

We enrolled 284 consecutive inpatients with suspected CAD and divided them into CAD and non‐CAD groups based on the coronary angiography results. Serum ANGPTL3, ANGPTL4, FABP4, and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) levels were estimated using the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the risk factors for CAD. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the cutoff and diagnostic values.

Results

The serum TNF‐α, FABP4, ANGPTL3, and ANGPTL4 values showed a significant difference between the CAD and non‐CAD groups (p < .05). After adjusting for confounding factors, the FABP4, ANGPTL3, and ANGPTL4 levels were independently associated with CAD (p < .05). The ANGPTL3 expression level was an independent risk factor for CAD in patients with hypertension, but not in those without hypertension. The ANGPTL3 > 67.53 ng/mL, ANGPTL4 > 29.95 ng/mL, and FABP4 > 1421.25 ng/L combination had the highest diagnostic value for CAD.

Conclusion

ANGPTL3, ANGPTL4, and FABP4 were identified as independent risk factors for CAD and have valuable clinical implications for the diagnosis and treatment of CAD.
Role of immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with chemotherapy in recurrent drug‐resistant gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: Four case reports and literature review
Authors: Liu Weiqing , Zhu Yukai , Wang Ya , Li Rong , Zou Dongling , Chen Rui , Yang Lu , Huang Yu
Published: March 2024

Background

Multiple studies have confirmed that programmed cell death 1 (PD‐1) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) is widely expressed in gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) tissues. Therefore, immune checkpoint inhibitors may be an option for the treatment of recurrent and drug‐resistant GTN.

Case

Four patients with recurrent or drug‐resistant GTN who were treated with PD‐1/PD‐L1 checkpoint inhibitor agents combined with chemotherapy were reported. The mean age of recurrence was 45.8 years (35–56 years), including three cases of choriocarcinoma (CC) and one case of invasive mole (IM). International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) prognosis score: ≤6 (low risk) in one case, 7–12 (high risk) in one case, ≥13 (very high risk) in two cases. There were two cases of lung metastasis and one case of vulvar and inguinal lymph node metastasis. One of the four patients underwent total hysterectomy and one patient underwent resection of lung metastases. All the four patients received comprehensive treatment of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy after relapse, among which one patient achieved complete response (CR), two patients achieved partial response (PR), and one patient developed progressive disease (PD). Three patients who achieved PR or CR were maintained by single agent immunotherapy after combination therapy, and there was no disease recurrence during follow‐up. One patient with PD also achieved CR after using salvage chemotherapy after recurrence, and there was no disease recurrence during follow‐up. During the treatment, four patients had different degrees of immune‐related adverse reactions, all of which were grade I‐II, and no severe adverse reactions were found.

Conclusion

Immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with chemotherapy has an impressive therapeutic effect on recurrent or drug‐resistant GTN with mild adverse reactions, which can be used as a treatment option for such patients. However, due to the lack of large sample data support, the specific time and treatment course of its use, long‐term use of adverse reactions and whether it affects fertility function remain to be solved.
Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of the CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 Drug‐Drug Interaction of Avacopan in 2 Open‐Label Studies in Healthy Participants
Authors: Miao Shichang , Bekker Pirow , Armas Danielle , Lor Mary , Han Yanyan , Webster Kenneth , Trivedi Ashit
Published: March 2024

Avacopan, a complement 5a receptor (C5aR) antagonist approved for treating severe active antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)‐associated vasculitis, was evaluated in 2 clinical drug‐drug interaction studies. The studies assessed the impact of avacopan on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of CYP3A4 substrates midazolam and simvastatin and CYP2C9 substrate celecoxib, and the influence of CYP3A4 inhibitor itraconazole and inducer rifampin on the PKs of avacopan. The results indicated that twice‐daily oral administration of 30 mg of avacopan increased the area under the curve (AUC) of midazolam by 1.81‐fold and celecoxib by 1.15‐fold when administered without food, and twice‐daily oral administration of 30 or 60 mg of avacopan increased the AUC of simvastatin by approximately 2.6‐3.5‐fold and the AUC of the active metabolite β‐hydroxy‐simvastatin acid by approximately 1.4‐1.7‐fold when co‐administered with food. Furthermore, the AUC of avacopan increased by approximately 2.19‐fold when co‐administered with itraconazole and decreased by approximately 13.5‐fold when co‐administered with rifampin. These findings provide critical insights into the potential drug‐drug interactions involving avacopan, which could have significant implications for patient care and treatment planning. (NCT06207682)
CCSFLF: Cloud‐edge‐terminal collaborative self‐adaptive federated learning framework
Authors: Zhou Tong , Yu Yaning , Yuan Haonan , Liu Bing , Zhao Hongyang , Wang Ruijin
Published: March 2024

This article addresses the issue of ensuring model accuracy and training efficiency in a constrained federated learning environment. In an actual federated learning environment, each device's software, hardware, and network conditions are heterogeneous. Some terminal devices may not be able to undertake the work assigned by the server, resulting in poor model accuracy and slower convergence speed. However, existing research cannot ensure that each terminal device participating in training can handle the workload allocated by the system without collecting too much equipment information. This article proposes the cloud‐edge‐terminal collaborative self‐adaptive federated learning framework (CCSFLF) to solve this problem. This framework combines the advantages of federated learning and edge computing, reduces the probability that devices cannot handle the workload of system allocation, solves the system heterogeneity, and improves the efficiency of federated learning. CCSFLF can adaptively adjust the number of training tasks for terminal devices and select valuable training participants using a terminal device selection strategy. Multiple edge servers can simultaneously aggregate local models. Cloud servers are responsible for the aggregation and task distribution of global models. The above strategy enables the framework to have a faster convergence rate and higher model accuracy. The experimental results confirm that this framework can reduce the dropout rate of terminal devices by more than 5% in heterogeneous federated learning systems, improve the model accuracy by about 2%, and reduce the training time by 1/3 compared with similar methods, with better performance and applicability.
Soil‐Sampling Grid Size Considerations for Site‐Specific Nutrient Management in the Southeastern U.S.
Authors: Virk Simerjeet , Tucker Matthew , Harris Glendon , Smith Amanda
Published: March 2024

One of the most important aspects of site‐specific nutrient management is precision soil sampling such as grid‐ and zone‐based strategies to determine varying soil nutrient levels within a field. And for grid soil sampling, one of the most important considerations is the size of the grids as it affects both the sampling resolution and costs. Questions and concerns from growers about the effectiveness of different grid sizes in accurately depicting soil nutrient variability have become common recently, warranting an investigation into how grid size affects application accuracy and economics of site‐specific nutrient management in the southeastern U.S. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Nutrient Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
Blockchain technology adoption and sustainable supply chain finance: The perspective of information processing theory
Authors: Guo Xiaoli , Xia Weili , Feng Taiwen , Tan Jianyu , Xian Fenggang
Published: March 2024

Although the significance of sustainable supply chain finance (SSCF) has been recognized, our knowledge of its antecedents remains limited. Drawing upon organizational information processing theory (OIPT), our research explores how blockchain technology adoption influences SSCF via supply chain visibility, and the moderating role of supply chain ethical leadership. We examine the proposed relationships employing survey data from 317 manufacturers in China. The findings indicate that blockchain technology adoption positively affects SSCF. Supply visibility and demand visibility partially mediate the influence of blockchain technology adoption on SSCF. Furthermore, supply chain ethical leadership undermines the positive influence of blockchain technology adoption on demand visibility. This research enriches our understanding of the antecedents affecting SSCF by offering insights from the perspective of OIPT.
Prognostic significance of growth differentiation factor‐15 across age in chronic heart failure
Authors: Teramoto Kanako , Nochioka Kotaro , Sakata Yasuhiko , Nishimura Kunihiro , Shimokawa Hiroaki , Yasuda Satoshi ,   the SUPPORT Trial Investigators
Published: March 2024

Aims

Growth differentiation factor‐15 (GDF15), a cytokine in the transforming growth factor family, is up‐regulated in stress and inflammatory conditions and is elevated in patients with heart failure (HF). However, the age‐specific attributes and prognostic significance of GDF15 across age remain unknown in chronic HF (CHF).

Methods and results

Serum levels of GDF15 were examined in 942 hypertensive patients (median 68 years) with CHF from the SUPPORT trial across the four age groups [under 50 (n = 73), 51–59 (n = 158), 60–69 (n = 296), and 70–79 years (n = 415)] and in the continuous spectrum. Clinical correlates of GDF15 were explored using the classic stepwise and LASSO (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) regression approaches. Interaction terms with age were tested in the LASSO regression approach. The associations with the composite outcome of HF hospitalization or all‐cause death were investigated across ages. Median GDF15 levels (pg/mL) increased along with aging, from 691 in under 50 years to 855 in 51–59 years, 1114 in 60–69 years, and 1516 in 70–79 years (trend P < 0.001). Age, sex, systolic blood pressure, history of diabetes, ischaemic heart disease, left ventricular (LV) end‐systolic dimension, LV ejection fraction, estimated glomerular filtration rate, haemoglobin, N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP), troponin, C‐reactive protein, and the use of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors, diuretics, and statins were mutually selected as clinical covariates of GDF15. The LASSO regression analysis identified significant interactions between age and the history of diabetes and NT‐proBNP, with particularly robust associations in patients aged between 60 and 70 years. During the mean follow‐up of 8.6 years, 474 composite endpoints of HF hospitalization or death occurred. GDF15 was associated with a higher risk of HF hospitalization or all‐cause death [adjusted hazard ratio 1.84 (95% confidence interval 1.45–2.33)], with a particularly heightened risk in patients aged around 70 years (Pinteraction = 0.0008). The model with GDF15 on top of other established risk factors yielded marginally higher C‐statistics compared with the model without GDF15 (0.803 and 0.796, P = 0.045). The additive value of GDF15 on top of other established risk factors appeared similar across ages. A universal cut‐off value of 1400 pg/mL performed well in discriminating between those with and without HF hospitalization or death.

Conclusions

Some clinical correlates of GDF15 have an interaction with age. GDF15 is an important determinant of cardiovascular endpoints, particularly in patients aged around 70 years. The additive value of GDF15 appeared consistent across ages, suggesting the use of a universal cut‐off value.
GMM‐LIME explainable machine learning model for interpreting sensor‐based human gait
Authors: Mulwa Mercy Mawia , Mwangi Ronald Waweru , Mindila Agnes
Published: March 2024

Machine learning (ML) has been used in human gait data for appropriate assistive device prediction. However, their uptake in the medical setup still remains low due to their black box nature which restricts clinicians from understanding how they operate. This has led to the exploration of explainable ML. Studies have recommended local interpretable model‐agnostic explanation (LIME) because it builds sparse linear models around an individual prediction in its local vicinity hence fast and also because it could be used on any ML model. LIME is however, is not always stable. The research aimed to enhance LIME to attain stability by avoid the sampling step through combining Gaussian mixture model (GMM) sampling. To test performance of the GMM‐LIME, supervised ML were recommended because study revealed that their accuracy was above 90% when used on human gait. Neural networks were adopted for GaitRec dataset and Random Forest (RF) was adopted and applied on HugaDB datasets. Maximum accuracies attained were multilayer perceptron (95%) and RF (99%). Graphical results on stability and Jaccard similarity scores were presented for both original LIME and GMM‐LIME. Unlike original LIME, GMM‐LIME produced not only more accurate and reliable but also consistently stable explanations.
Surgical tooth extraction in cats and dogs. Part 2: dental extraction techniques
Authors: van Velzen Hannah , Haseler James , Perry Andrew
Published: March 2024

Background: Considering over 80 per cent of canine and feline patients over the age of three years have dental disease (Kortegaard and others 2008), dental extractions are undoubtedly some of the most commonly performed surgeries in first‐opinion practice. Yet, general knowledge and confidence with regards to these procedures is often lacking, resulting in veterinary dentistry having an undeserved reputation for being difficult and unrewarding. However, with the correct knowledge, a basic set of instruments and proper techniques it can quickly become a much more straightforward and immensely rewarding task.

Aim of the article: This two‐part series provides readers with the tools needed to perform extractions successfully. Part one, published in the previous issue of In Practice, reviewed clinical anatomy, dental instrumentation and the basic principles of exodontics, while this article will focus on extraction techniques.
Practical approach to testing the imported dog for parasites
Authors: Wright Ian
Published: March 2024

Background: Despite the Covid‐19 pandemic and Brexit, the number of dogs being imported into the UK remains high. At the same time there are a variety of factors driving global parasite distributions, increasing the likelihood that imported pets will be infected with exotic parasites. Therefore, early diagnosis of exotic infections is important, both in dogs with clinical signs but also those that are subclinical carriers. Detecting infections allows us to minimise the potential zoonotic exposure, plan for treatment of any pathogens present and maintain UK biosecurity.

Aim of the article: This article summarises the clinical signs and testing options for the key parasites that imported dogs may be infected with.
Analysis of the social and physical factors affecting irrigation scheme performance: The case of the Omo Gibe river basin in the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Belayneh Moltot Zewdie
Published: March 2024

One hundred years ago, irrigation development began in Ethiopia, but the efficiency and sustainability of the developed scheme have remained very low. As a result, this study aimed to assess the factors that most frequently affect a scheme's performance. The study analysed general physical and social performance indicators. Structural and social factors were used to identify the most common causes of underperformance of the schemes in the Omo Gibe river basin. Frequency analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The relative operational scheme performance and relative irrigated area were 32 and 31%, respectively. The beneficiary to target performance was 63%. Structural and social factors such as flooding and subsequent damage to the under sluice and lack of participatory approaches during scheme development were the most common determinants of irrigation scheme performance. Hence, catchment development and community participation in scheme development are crucial for mitigating irrigation scheme underperformance.
高トリグリセリド血症に伴う重症急性膵炎に対してヘパリン・インスリン療法が一助となった1例(Insulin and heparin therapy for hypertriglyceridemia–induced acute pancreatitis: a case report)
Authors: 翔 新田 , 邦博 白井 , 佳奈 長谷川 , 直美 満保 , 博基 村上 , 智行 小林 , 淳一 平田
Published: March 2024

高トリグリセリド（triglyceride: TG）血症は，急性膵炎を引き起こすことがあり，標準治療とともに血清TG値を低下させることが重要である。今回，高TG血症に伴う急性膵炎を経験したので報告する。38歳の男性が前医を受診し，急性膵炎の診断で当施設へ転院となった。血液生化学検査では，白血球とCRP，アミラーゼの上昇，血清TG値4,432mg/dLと高値であり，CTでは膵頭部を中心とした膵腫大と膵周囲脂肪織濃度の上昇を認めた。予後因子0点，CT grade 1で軽症急性膵炎と診断し，標準治療に加えて，インスリン・ヘパリン療法と脂質異常症治療薬の投与を開始した。第2病日に血清TG値1,179mg/dLまで低下したが，予後因子6点となり重症化した。そのため，high flow nasal cannulaと経腸栄養，持続的血液濾過透析を開始した。その後，血清TG値は低下し，腹痛などの臨床症状や臓器障害は改善，第22病日に退院となった。インスリン・ヘパリン療法は，膵炎を悪化させる要因であるTG値を低下させる治療の一助になると考えられた。
Historical change and variability of spectral wind wave climate in the New York Bight
Authors: Venolia Maria , Marsooli Reza , Portilla‐Yandún Jesus
Published: March 2024

The sea surface is a complex superposition of various wave systems, thus, analysing their characteristics provides more meaningful and accurate information compared to conventional integrated wave parameter approaches. The concept of wave family—a population of wave systems within a specific region in spectral space—provides the foundation for investigating the long‐term climatology of wave systems. This study adopts a wave family approach to investigate the climatology of wave systems and their long‐term climate controllers at the location of a coastal buoy in the western North Atlantic Ocean. The frequency‐direction wave spectrum is constructed for a historical 20‐year period by applying the Maximum Entropy Method on directional buoy measurements acquired from the National Data Buoy Center station 44025, located in the New York Bight. The two‐dimensional wave spectrum is partitioned, using the watershed partitioning algorithm, and the occurrence distribution of spectral partitions is calculated to identify predominant wave families. Each of the four identified wave families carries unique characteristics based on spatial formation and duration of propagation prior to arrival at the study site. The study quantifies long‐term trends and variability in wave height of each wave family on a monthly, seasonal and annual level, and their relative importance to the bulk sea‐state climatology. The nexus between the bulk or wave family seasonal wave heights and the climate indices is quantified to identify the wave climate controllers in the study area.
Survival of northern pintail ducklings in grasslands and croplands: implications for fall‐seeded cereals
Authors: Johns David W. , Devries James H. , Clark Robert G.
Published: March 2024

Species‐specific management strategies have been implemented to address persistently low continental populations of several duck species, including the northern pintail (Anas acuta). In the Canadian Prairie Pothole Region (PPR), addressing threats from spring‐seeded cereals on pintail productivity may provide sufficient gains to recover populations. Research on pintail duckling ecology has revealed that duckling survival may be greater in grassland‐dominated landscapes than in annual cropland‐dominated landscapes, possibly limiting the benefits of fall‐seeded cropping practices. Winter wheat crops increase nest success and may assist nesting pintail populations through provision of nesting refuges from spring tillage operations, earlier hatch, and greater nest densities compared to traditional spring‐seeded cereal crops. Yet inadequate duckling survival may reduce these benefits. Our principal objective was to examine if pintail reproductive success in winter wheat in cropland‐dominated landscapes was comparable to grassland‐dominated landscapes or, alternatively, if duckling survival rates in cropland‐dominated landscapes offset the gains of greater nesting success in winter wheat. We captured and radio‐marked 104 nesting female pintails in grasslands and croplands of southern Saskatchewan, during 2011–2012. We modeled cumulative survival to 30 days post hatch in relation to landscape composition and land cover type, specifically, the influence of nesting in fall‐seeded crops. Predicted 30‐day survival for ducklings hatched in perennial cover (40.8% [85% CI = 40.0–44.6%]) in grassland‐dominated landscapes and winter wheat (38.2% [32.0–44.4%]) in cropland‐dominated landscapes was more than double survival of ducklings hatched in spring‐seeded cropland (16.9% [12.6–21.6%]) in cropland‐dominated landscapes. Ducklings moving through local environments with more perennial cover and seasonal wetlands, but less wetland edge, had increased survival. The benefit of greater nest survival in winter wheat was not completely superseded by reduced duckling survival for broods raised in intensive agricultural landscapes. The retention of grassland landscapes and expansion and promotion of fall‐seeded crops in cropland‐dominated landscapes can benefit northern pintails across broad regions of the PPR.
APA policy supports gender‐affirming evidence‐based care
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2024

The American Psychological Association (APA) last week announced the adoption of a landmark policy‐affirming, evidence‐based statement on health care and clinical care for transgender, gender diverse and nonbinary children, adolescents and adults, noting that recent legislative attempts to obstruct access to psychological and medical interventions for such individuals puts them at risk of depression, anxiety and other negative mental health outcomes.
Transforming Big Data into AI‐ready data for nutrition and obesity research
Authors: Thomas Diana M. , Knight Rob , Gilbert Jack A. , Cornelis Marilyn C. , Gantz Marie G. , Burdekin Kate , Cummiskey Kevin , Sumner Susan C. J. , Pathmasiri Wimal , Sazonov Edward , Gabriel Kelley Pettee , Dooley Erin E. , Green Mark A. , Pfluger Andrew , Kleinberg Samantha
Published: March 2024

Objective

Big Data are increasingly used in obesity and nutrition research to gain new insights and derive personalized guidance; however, this data in raw form are often not usable. Substantial preprocessing, which requires machine learning (ML), human judgment, and specialized software, is required to transform Big Data into artificial intelligence (AI)‐ and ML‐ready data. These preprocessing steps are the most complex part of the entire modeling pipeline. Understanding the complexity of these steps by the end user is critical for reducing misunderstanding, faulty interpretation, and erroneous downstream conclusions.

Methods

We reviewed three popular obesity/nutrition Big Data sources: microbiome, metabolomics, and accelerometry. The preprocessing pipelines, specialized software, challenges, and how decisions impact final AI‐ and ML‐ready products were detailed.

Results

Opportunities for advances to improve quality control, speed of preprocessing, and intelligent end user consumption were presented.

Conclusions

Big Data have the exciting potential for identifying new modifiable factors that impact obesity research. However, to ensure accurate interpretation of conclusions arising from Big Data, the choices involved in preparing AI‐ and ML‐ready data need to be transparent to investigators and clinicians relying on the conclusions.