bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Missed opportunities in heart failure diagnosis and management: study of an urban UK population
Authors: Migas Sylwia , Ellis Michelle Louise , Wrona Bozydar , Rivero Sanz Elena , Brownrigg Jack , Strauss Otto , Ahmed Fozia Zahir
Published: April 2024

Aims

This study aimed to examine the diagnostic pathways and outcomes of patients with heart failure (HF), stratified by left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), and to highlight deficiencies in real‐world HF diagnosis and management.

Methods and results

We conducted a retrospective cohort study in Salford, United Kingdom, utilizing linked primary and secondary care data for HF patients diagnosed between January 2010 and November 2019. We evaluated characteristics, diagnostic patterns, healthcare resource utilization, and outcomes. Patients were categorized according to baseline (the latest measure prior to or within 90 days post‐diagnosis) as having HF with reduced EF (HFrEF), mildly reduced EF (HFmrEF), or preserved EF (HFpEF). The data encompassed a 2 year period before diagnosis and up to 5 years post‐diagnosis. A total of 3227 patients were diagnosed with HF between January 2010 and November 2019. The mean follow‐up time was 2.6 [±1.9 standard deviation (SD)] years. The mean age at diagnosis was 74.8 (±12.7 SD) years, and 1469 (45.5%) were female. HFpEF was the largest cohort (46.6%, npEF = 1505), HFmrEF constituted 16.1% (nmrEF = 520), and HFrEF 18.5% (nrEF = 596) of the population, while 18.8% (nu = 606) of patients remained unassigned due to insufficient evidence to support categorization. At baseline, measurement of natriuretic peptide (NP; brain NP and N‐terminal pro‐B‐type NP) and echocardiographic report data were available for 592 (18.3%) and 2621 (81.2%) patients, respectively. A total of 2099 (65.0%) of the HF cohort had access to a cardiology‐led outpatient clinic prior to the HF diagnosis, and 602 (18.7%) attended cardiac rehabilitation post‐diagnosis. The 5 year crude survival rate was 37.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) (35.2–40.7%)], 42.3% [95% CI (38.0–47.2%)], and 45.5% [95% CI (41.0–50.4%)] for HFpEF, HFrEF, and HFmrEF, respectively.

Conclusions

Low survival rates were observed across all HF groups, along with suboptimal rates of NP testing and specialist assessments. These findings suggest missed opportunities for timely and accurate HF diagnosis, a pivotal first step in improving outcomes for HF patients. Addressing these gaps in diagnosis and management is urgently needed.
Age‐stratified profiles and outcomes of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Yamanaka Shinsuke , Nochioka Kotaro , Hayashi Hideka , Shiroto Takashi , Takahashi Jun , Miyata Satoshi , Yasuda Satoshi , Shimokawa Hiroaki ,   the CHART‐2 Investigators
Published: April 2024

Aims

This study aimed to elucidate age‐stratified clinical profiles and outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF) with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (HFpEF).

Methods and results

The Chronic Heart Failure Registry and Analysis in the Tohoku District‐2 (CHART‐2) Study included 2824 consecutive HFpEF patients with LVEF ≥ 50% (mean age 69.0 ± 12.3 years; 67.7% male) with a median follow‐up of 9.8 years. We stratified them into five age groups: ≤54 (N = 349, 12.4%), 55–64 (N = 529, 18.7%), 65–74 (N = 891, 31.6%), 75–84 (N = 853, 30.2%), and ≥85 years (N = 202, 7.2%), and we categorized these age groups into younger (≤64 years) and older (≥65 years) groups. We compared the clinical profiles and outcomes of HFpEF patients across age groups. Younger HFpEF groups exhibited a male predominance, elevated body mass index (BMI), and poorly controlled diabetes (haemoglobin A1c > 7.0%). Older HFpEF groups were more likely to be female with multiple comorbidities, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, renal impairment, and atrial fibrillation. The positive association between elevated BMI and HFpEF was more pronounced with lower classes of age from ≥85 to ≤54 years, especially in males. With higher classes of age from ≤54 to ≥85 years, mortality rates increased, and HF death became proportionally more prevalent (Ptrend < 0.001), whereas sudden cardiac death (SCD) exhibited the opposite trend (Ptrend = 0.002). Poorly controlled diabetes emerged as the only predictor of SCD in the younger groups (adjusted hazard ratio 4.26; 95% confidence interval 1.45–12.5; P = 0.008). Multiple comorbidities were significantly associated with an increased risk of HF‐related mortality in the older groups.

Conclusions

Younger HFpEF patients (≤64 years) exhibit a male predominance, elevated BMI, and poorly controlled diabetes, highlighting the importance of glycaemic control in reducing SCD risk. Older HFpEF patients (≥65 years) are more likely to be female, with multiple comorbidities linked to an increased risk of HF‐related mortality. These findings underscore the need for physicians to recognize age‐related, distinct HFpEF phenotypes for personalized patient management.
Long‐term efficacy and safety of tailored immunosuppressive therapy in immune‐mediated biopsy‐proven myocarditis: A propensity‐weighted study
Authors: Caforio Alida Linda Patrizia , Giordani Andrea Silvio , Baritussio Anna , Marcolongo Davide , Vicenzetto Cristina , Tarantini Giuseppe , Napodano Massimo , Toscano Giuseppe , Gregori Dario , Brigiari Gloria , Bartolotta Patrizia , Carturan Elisa , De Gaspari Monica , Rizzo Stefania , Basso Cristina , Iliceto Sabino , Marcolongo Renzo
Published: April 2024

Aims

Standardized immunosuppressive therapy (IS) had been previously investigated in biopsy‐proven (BP) lymphocytic myocarditis with heart failure (HF). This study evaluated efficacy and safety of tailored IS in BP immune‐mediated myocarditis, irrespective of histology and clinical presentation.

Methods and results

Consecutive BP myocarditis patients treated with long‐term tailored IS on top of optimal medical therapy (OMT), were compared with OMT non‐IS controls using propensity‐score weighting. The primary outcome was a composite of death or heart transplant, the secondary outcome was a composite of biventricular function, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class variation, and relapse. IS was managed by a multidisciplinary Cardioimmunology Team, involved a safety checklist and active patients' education. Ninety‐one IS patients were compared with 267 non‐IS patients. IS patients more frequently had systemic immune‐mediated diseases (35% vs. 9.7%), lower baseline echocardiographic left ventricular ejection fraction (35% vs. 43%), lower right ventricular fractional area change (34% vs. 41%) and higher frequency of active lymphocytic, eosinophilic and giant cell myocarditis (71% vs. 58%, 12% vs. 1.1%, and 6.6% vs. 1.5%, respectively). At 5‐year follow up, no difference was observed in the primary outcome (survival rate 93% in IS vs. 87% in non‐IS), but IS patients had a higher relapse rate. Thus, IS patients, with a lower biventricular function and a higher risk profile at baseline, presented similar biventricular function and NYHA class to non‐IS patients at follow‐up. Minor adverse drug reactions occurred in 13% of patients, all resolved with therapy switch.

Conclusions

Prolonged tailored IS is effective and safe in BP immune‐mediated myocarditis irrespective of histology and clinical presentation.
Ouratea sp. and Virola surinamensis seed fats as new sources of lipids: Composition, physicochemical characterization, bioactive potential, and cytotoxicity
Authors: Holanda Tatiana M. V. , de Oliveira Judson C. A. , Moreira Susana M. G. , Rodrigues Victor M. , Dantas Marina R. do Nascimento , Xavier Júnior Francisco H. , Gomes Ana P. B. , Ferreira Leandro de S. , de Assis Cristiane F. , de Sousa Júnior Francisco C.
Published: April 2024

The fats extracted from bati (Ouratea sp.) and ucuuba (Virola surinamensis) fruit seeds are consumed by the local population. However, important characteristics for its use as food or cosmetic/pharmaceutical raw material are poorly studied. This study describes the fatty acid profile, physicochemical characteristics, bioactive properties, and cytotoxicity of these materials. The results demonstrated that bati fat presents a high amount of polyunsaturated fatty acid (66.06%), with 45.36% of linoleic acid. In contrast, ucuuba fat presented a higher saturated fatty acid percentage (85.75%), especially lauric acid (37.80%). The methanolic fractions of fats show a total phenolic content of 76 mg GAE g−1. The bati and ucuuba fats presented antioxidant activity in vitro by 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) radical scavenging and inhibition of α‐amylase activity. In addition, the samples showed no toxicity against cell lines of Chinese hamster ovary and human hepatocellular carcinoma. These findings provide relevant and appropriate conditions for applying bati and ucuuba seed fats in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.

Practical Application: The knowledge gained in the present study will open a new approach for exploiting Ouratea sp. and Virola surinamensis seed fat lipid sources with promising applications in formulating functional foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products, thereby benefiting a sustainable industry.
Estimating structural response to bidirectional seismic excitation using spectrum compatible motions: Performance of a pair of companion spectra
Authors: Acharjya Arijit , Santra Atanu , Roy Rana
Published: April 2024

Bidirectional analyses covering a range of incidence angles for several records are essential yet challenging for routine design. Recent studies have shown that the response to bidirectional shaking may be estimated per straightforward unidirectional analysis in the most preferred orientation in conjunction with the orthogonal combination rules, and this can also remove the need for various incidence angles. Further, it is well known that the mean response can be estimated with reduced dispersion using fewer spectrum‐compatible records. Combining the advantages of both, a pair of companion spectra independent of period and orientation has recently been developed. While the basis of the companion spectra is established therein from a sound mathematical perspective, the applicability of the proposed spectra to real structures may be revisited, especially to structures sensitive to bidirectional interaction, before recommending the companion spectra for practical design. To achieve this end, following a brief scrutiny of the companion spectra, the performance of the same is critically examined for idealized SDoF analogues and real structures such as bridge piers representative of SDoF systems and buildings with asymmetry using single storey and multistorey models (MDoF systems). The results show that the response of the real structures to bidirectional seismic loading can be reasonably estimated with reduced dispersion using fewer records compatible with the pair of the companion spectra. As such, the critical response parameters may be computed by actual bidirectional analyses or by combining responses to unidirectional analyses under fewer spectrum compatible records. Hence, the pair of companion spectra that can be used as “target” to independently match two components of a chosen record is useful for practical design.
Assessing the Combined Effects of Host and Parasite Exposure to Forever Chemicals in an Amphibian–Echinostome System
Authors: Lech Melissa E. , Choi Youn J. , Lee Linda S. , Sepúlveda Maria S. , Hoverman Jason T.
Published: April 2024

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are environmental contaminants of growing concern due to their potential negative effects on wildlife and human health. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances have been shown to alter immune function in various taxa, which could influence the outcomes of host–parasite interactions. To date, studies have focused on the effects of PFAS on host susceptibility to parasites, but no studies have addressed the effects of PFAS on parasites. To address this knowledge gap, we independently manipulated exposure of larval northern leopard frogs (Rana pipiens) and parasites (flatworms) via their snail intermediate host to environmentally relevant PFAS concentrations and then conducted trials to assess host susceptibility to infection, parasite infectivity, and parasite longevity after emergence from the host. We found that PFAS exposure to only the host led to no significant change in parasite load, whereas exposure of parasites to a 10-µg/L mixture of PFAS led to a significant reduction in parasite load in hosts that were not exposed to PFAS. We found that when both host and parasite were exposed to PFAS there was no difference in parasite load. In addition, we found significant differences in parasite longevity post emergence following exposure to PFAS. Although some PFAS-exposed parasites had greater longevity, this did not necessarily translate into increased infection success, possibly because of impaired movement of the parasite. Our results indicate that exposure to PFAS can potentially impact host–parasite interactions. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1537–1546. © 2024 SETAC
Biomimicking trilayer scaffolds with controlled estradiol release for uterine tissue regeneration
Authors: Chen Shangsi , Li Junzhi , Zheng Liwu , Huang Jie , Wang Min
Published: April 2024

Scaffold‐based tissue engineering provides an efficient approach for repairing uterine tissue defects and restoring fertility. In the current study, a novel trilayer tissue engineering scaffold with high similarity to the uterine tissue in structure was designed and fabricated via 4D printing, electrospinning and 3D bioprinting for uterine regeneration. Highly stretchable poly(l‐lactide‐co‐trimethylene carbonate) (PLLA‐co‐TMC, “PTMC” in short)/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) polymer blend scaffolds were firstly made via 4D printing. To improve the biocompatibility, porous poly(lactic acid‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA)/gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) fibers incorporated with polydopamine (PDA) particles were produced on PTMC/TPU scaffolds via electrospinning. Importantly, estradiol (E2) was encapsulated in PDA particles. The bilayer scaffolds thus produced could provide controlled and sustained release of E2. Subsequently, bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were mixed with gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)‐based inks and the formulated bioinks were used to fabricate a cell‐laden hydrogel layer on the bilayer scaffolds via 3D bioprinting, forming ultimately biomimicking trilayer scaffolds for uterine tissue regeneration. The trilayer tissue engineering scaffolds thus formed exhibited a shape morphing ability by transforming from the planar shape to tubular structures when immersed in the culture medium at 37°C. The trilayer tissue engineering scaffolds under development would provide new insights for uterine tissue regeneration.
Margin buying activity and stock market trading in China: Is there a connection?
Authors: Hong Hui , Wu Shitong , Zhang Cheng
Published: April 2024

This paper examines the dynamic linkage between margin buying activity and stock market trading in China. Built upon a multivariate DCC‐GJRGARCH model and the spillover index method, the results highlight a high dynamic conditional correlation between margin buying activity and stock market trading which shows apparent time‐varying features. Furthermore, there is a two‐way risk‐spillover relationship, with stock market trading playing a dominant role in risk transmission. More importantly, the level of risk contagion actually varies over time due to certain large external shocks. Margin buying activity tends to be a mean risk‐spillover receiver most time, whereas it acts as both a volatility risk‐spillover transmitter and a receiver over the entire sample period. The analysis thus implies that margin buying activity does have a close interrelationship with stock market trading in China, which has important implications for both regulators and investors.
It doesn't matter if I feel obliged as long as I enjoy it: The associations between organized leisure‐time activities and adolescents' mental health and wellbeing
Authors: Badura Petr , Svacina Karel , Hallingberg Britt
Published: April 2024

Introduction

There is a consensus that adolescents' participation in organized leisure‐time activities (OLTAs) is pro‐developmental and beneficial for youth mental health. While enjoyment in OLTA is commonly regarded as positive, the role of obligation in the context of adolescents' OLTA has been scarcely researched. The present study investigated how these theoretically contradictory experiences (enjoyment and/or obligation) in OLTA participation relate to adolescents' wellbeing and incidence of psychological complaints accounting for their possible co‐occurrence.

Methods

A nationally representative sample of 14,128 eleven–fifteen‐year‐old adolescents (49.7% girls) drawn from the Czech 2021/2022 Health Behaviour in School‐aged Children cross‐sectional study was used. A series of multivariate regression analyses assessed how perceptions of obligation and enjoyment in OLTA related to wellbeing and occurrence of psychological complaints. A person‐centered approach derived groups of respondents on the basis of their perceptions of obligation and enjoyment.

Results

Regression analyses, controlled for sociodemographic and family environment factors, and dimensions of OLTA participation, indicated that adolescents enjoying their OLTA displayed more favourable mental wellbeing reports. In contrast, perceptions of obligation were only weakly associated with more frequent psychological complaints and not at all with wellbeing, unless adolescents also reported the lack of enjoyment.

Conclusions

Enjoyment in OLTA plays a pivotal role in the association between OLTA participation and mental health, whereas the role of obligation is far less pronounced. In fact, if adolescents do not enjoy their participation, but feel obliged to participate, their self‐assessed mental wellbeing is comparable to their peers not participating in OLTA at all.
The application of interdisciplinary and cross‐grade learning teaching method in stomatology course
Authors: Chao Jin , Qingyuan Song , Pei Zheng , Yuehua Shi , Shuhua Wang
Published: April 2024

Objectives

The first purpose of this project was to determine whether an interdisciplinary and cross‐grade teaching model impacts students' learning enthusiasm and their views on this teaching method. The second purpose was to determine whether the model positively impacted students' theoretical course exam scores.

Methods

We recruited 203 pre‐clinical undergraduate dental students, including 104 third‐ and 99 fourth‐grade students. The study was conducted in experimental classes for the “Dental Materials” course in the third‐grade program (focusing on cement material mixing techniques) and the “Endodontics Practice” course in the fourth‐grade program (focusing on the preparation and filling of Class II cavities). The interventions were implemented before, during, and after the class. We assessed students’ attitudes toward this teaching method and changes in their course scores.

Results

The survey questionnaire assessed the students' levels of learning enthusiasm, professional competence, and classroom effectiveness, all of which demonstrated significant improvement. The average scores for lab operations, quizzes, and usual performance exhibited a substantial increase (p < 0.001). The average score of the final examination increased from 75.61 to 78.17 (p = 0.008).

Conclusions

Significant enhancement in students' learning attitudes, course scores, collaborative abilities, and innovation capacities were observed following the interdisciplinary and cross‐grade teaching method. Furthermore, the overall classroom efficiency improved. This teaching method can expand the scope of future research.
Classification of industrial tapioca starch hydrolysis products based on their Brix and dextrose equivalent values using near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Sringarm Chayanid , Numthuam Sonthaya , Jiamyangyuen Sudarat , Kittiwachana Sila , Saeys Wouter , Rungchang Saowaluk
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Industrial starch hydrolysis allows the production of syrups with varying functionality depending on their Brix value and dextrose equivalent (DE). As the current methods for evaluating these products are labor‐intensive and time‐consuming, the objective of this study was to investigate the potential of near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for classifying the different tapioca starch hydrolysis products.

RESULTS

NIR spectra of samples of seven products (n = 410) were recorded in transflectance mode in the 12 000–4000 cm−1 range. Next, orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS) regression models were built to predict the Brix and DE values of the different samples. To classify the different starch hydrolysis products, support vector machines (SVM) were trained using either the raw spectra or latent variables (LVs) obtained from the OPLS models. The best classification accuracy was obtained by the SVM classifier based on the LVs from the OPLS model for DE prediction, resulting in 95% correct classification over all classes.

CONCLUSION

These results show the potential of NIR spectroscopy for classifying tapioca starch hydrolysis products with respect to their functional properties related to the Brix and DE values. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Evolving wildlife management cultures of governance through Indigenous Knowledges and perspectives
Authors: Fisk Jonathan James , Leong Kirsten Mya , Berl Richard E. W. , Long Jonathan W. , Landon Adam C. , Adams Melinda M. , Hankins Don L. , Williams Christopher K. , Lake Frank K. , Salerno Jonathan
Published: April 2024

Within governance agencies, academia, and communities alike, there are increasing calls to recognize the value and importance of culture within social‐ecological systems and to better implement Indigenous sciences in research, policy, and management. Efforts thus far have raised questions about the best ethical practices to do so. Engaging with plural worldviews and perspectives on their own terms reflects cultural evolutionary processes driving paradigm shifts in 3 fundamental areas of natural resource management: conceptualizations of natural resources and ecosystems, processes of public participation and governance, and relationships with Indigenous Peoples and communities with differing worldviews. We broadly describe evolution toward these paradigm shifts in fish and wildlife management. We then use 3 case studies to illustrate the ongoing cultural evolution of relationships between wildlife management and Indigenous practices within specific historical and social‐ecological contexts and reflect on common barriers to appropriately engaging with Indigenous paradigms and lifeways. Our case studies highlight 3 priorities that can assist the field of wildlife management in achieving the changes necessary to bridge incommensurable worldviews: acknowledging and reconciling historical legacies and their continued power dynamics as part of social‐ecological systems, establishing governance arrangements that move beyond attempts to extract cultural information from communities to integrate Indigenous Knowledges into dominant management paradigms, and engaging in critical reflexivity and reciprocal, accountable relationship building. Implementing these changes will take time and a commitment to processes that may initially feel uncomfortable and unfamiliar but have potential to be transformative. Ethical and culturally appropriate methods to include plural and multivocal perspectives and worldviews on their own terms are needed to transform wildlife management to achieve more effective and just management outcomes for all.
Burn After Read: A Rewritable Multiplexing Optical Information Storage and Encryption Method
Authors: Hu Zhihao , Guan Junyu , Zheng Shengteng , Chai Zihua , Wu Shengzhi , Liu Dong , Su Jia , Shi Fazhan , Duan Changkui , Wang Ya , Xia Kangwei
Published: April 2024

Information storage and security are the building blocks of the information age. Optical information storage is a low‐cost, robust, and high‐capacity storage technique. Discovering new optical information storage media and techniques with beyond binary capacity and enhanced security is in demand. Here a beyond‐binary, “burn after read” and rewritable multiplexing optical information storage and encryption method is demonstrated via Ce:YAG trapping states. It is found that the thermo‐luminescence (TL) intensity of Ce:YAG trapping states is writing light power dependent, enabling multi‐gray‐level information storage and encoding.A new strategy to encode multiplexing information in a single pixel, increasing the storage capability is presented. Meanwhile, the burn after read feature protects the data from secondary leakage. This method has wide applications in data storage, anti‐counterfeiting, and encryption.
Modelling the dynamics of hand, foot, and mouth disease transmission through fomites and immigration
Authors: Xue Ling , Ren Yuqing , Sun Wei , Wang Ting
Published: April 2024

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is widely spread in China Mainland, seriously threatening the health of infants and young children. We develop a meta‐population model that includes both local and ecdemic populations to study the impacts of fomites and immigration on the transmission of HFMD in Shanghai. The model includes both direct transmission between susceptible and infected individuals (asymptomatic or symptomatic) and indirect transmission via fomites. The forward bifurcation shows that if the basic reproduction number is less than unity, the epidemic will die out; otherwise, the epidemic will spread. The fitting results show that the basic reproduction numbers of the local population and the ecdemic population are 1.4696 and 1.7288, respectively. Sensitivity analysis of the basic reproduction number showed that there was a high correlation between the basic reproduction number and the transmission rate of asymptomatic infected individuals, as well as the parameters related to the fomites (such as indirect transmission rate and virus shedding rate). Hence, asymptomatic infected individuals and fomites have a significant impact on the new HFMD infection. The numerical simulations on the prevention and control strategy show that reducing the transmission rate between susceptible and asymptomatic infected individuals or reducing the fomites can delay the outbreak of the epidemic and weaken the severity of HFMD. Our findings can provide guidance for the eradication of HFMD epidemic in the presence of indirect transmission and other factors.
General energy decay estimates for a variable coefficient viscoelastic semilinear wave equation with logarithmic source term and acoustic boundary conditions
Authors: Hao Jianghao , Zhang Tong
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we consider a variable coefficient viscoelastic semilinear wave equation with logarithmic source term and acoustic boundary conditions in domains with non‐locally reacting boundary. By potential well method, we get the global existence of solution and through several important lemmas, we prove the general energy decay estimate of the system.
Global weak solutions to a fully parabolic two‐species chemotaxis system with fast p‐Laplacian diffusion
Authors: Rani Poonam , Tyagi Jagmohan
Published: April 2024

We consider fully parabolic two‐species chemotaxis system with
‐Laplacian diffusion in a smooth bounded domain
with
We show the existence of globally bounded weak solutions under the assumption that
‐norm of
is bounded by a universal constant. We first get time‐independent bounds for solution components of the approximate system. Then, pass the limit using Aubin–Lions lemma to get the solution candidate.
Twist periodic solutions of the electron beam focusing system with unshielded cathode
Authors: Liang Zaitao , Zhou Ziqing , Li Shengjun
Published: April 2024

In this article, we consider the electron beam focusing system guided by an axially symmetric periodic magnetic field with unshielded cathode. Based on the third‐order approximation method and some quantitative methods, we establish two different sufficient conditions for the existence of twist periodic solutions of the system. Such twist periodic solutions are stable in the sense of Lyapunov. Some results in the literature are generalized and improved.
Fully automated explainable abdominal CT contrast media phase classification using organ segmentation and machine learning
Authors: Salimi Yazdan , Mansouri Zahra , Hajianfar Ghasem , Sanaat Amirhossein , Shiri Isaac , Zaidi Habib
Published: April 2024

Background

Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CECT) provides much more information compared to non‐enhanced CT images, especially for the differentiation of malignancies, such as liver carcinomas. Contrast media injection phase information is usually missing on public datasets and not standardized in the clinic even in the same region and language. This is a barrier to effective use of available CECT images in clinical research.

Purpose

The aim of this study is to detect contrast media injection phase from CT images by means of organ segmentation and machine learning algorithms.

Methods

A total number of 2509 CT images split into four subsets of non‐contrast (class #0), arterial (class #1), venous (class #2), and delayed (class #3) after contrast media injection were collected from two CT scanners. Seven organs including the liver, spleen, heart, kidneys, lungs, urinary bladder, and aorta along with body contour masks were generated by pre‐trained deep learning algorithms. Subsequently, five first‐order statistical features including average, standard deviation, 10, 50, and 90 percentiles extracted from the above‐mentioned masks were fed to machine learning models after feature selection and reduction to classify the CT images in one of four above mentioned classes. A 10‐fold data split strategy was followed. The performance of our methodology was evaluated in terms of classification accuracy metrics.

Results

The best performance was achieved by Boruta feature selection and RF model with average area under the curve of more than 0.999 and accuracy of 0.9936 averaged over four classes and 10 folds. Boruta feature selection selected all predictor features. The lowest classification was observed for class #2 (0.9888), which is already an excellent result. In the 10‐fold strategy, only 33 cases from 2509 cases (∼1.4%) were misclassified. The performance over all folds was consistent.

Conclusions

We developed a fast, accurate, reliable, and explainable methodology to classify contrast media phases which may be useful in data curation and annotation in big online datasets or local datasets with non‐standard or no series description. Our model containing two steps of deep learning and machine learning may help to exploit available datasets more effectively.
In reciprocity, we trust: Improving grantmaking through relational philanthropy
Authors: Petzinger Janis , Jung Tobias
Published: April 2024

With a growing emphasis on empowering communities amongst the practices of philanthropic foundations, practitioners recognise the need for giving strategies grounded in communities of practice's contextual and contingent knowledge. This bringing of beneficiaries' lived experiences into grantmaking represents a wider recognition that sees gift‐giving as a dialogical process that uses relationships with community beneficiaries as the point of departure for creating progressive forms of philanthropy, broadly referred to as ‘relational philanthropy’. Foundations that declare themselves as relational funders typically take a more trusting approach by offering more unrestricted, longer‐term funding, simplifying reporting requirements, and empowering grantees to use the resources provided more flexibly. In this paper, we argue that relational philanthropy expresses a form of ‘relational work’, as it possesses a trust‐based character that speaks to the reciprocal power of gift‐giving, whereby both benefactors and beneficiaries receive value from the co‐created, context‐drivengift exchange: beneficiaries receive philanthropic resources (time, treasure, talent, ties) with more control over spending, while the benefactors gain grassroots insights that can inform future funding policies and practices. In this paper, we show that such reciprocity between funders and their beneficiaries is an important step towards empowering communities for three reasons: (1) by strengthening trust in, and sharing power with, their grantees, foundations empower them to engage more thoroughly with their communities; (2) by grantees communicating their community‐level lived experiences to foundations, foundations can develop more informed and relevant grantmaking decisions, and; (3) as reciprocal exchanges are built on trust, this relational philanthropy creates social capital that strengthens relationships and solidarity across civil society.
Effect of a low‐carbohydrate diet on pain and quality of life in female patients with lipedema: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lundanes Julianne , Sandnes Frida , Gjeilo Kari Hanne , Hansson Patrik , Salater Sissel , Martins Catia , Nymo Siren
Published: April 2024

Objective

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a low‐carbohydrate diet (LCD) compared with a control diet on pain in female patients with lipedema. The secondary objectives were to compare the impact of the two diets on quality of life (QoL) and investigate potential associations of changes in pain with changes in body weight, body composition, and ketosis.

Methods

Adult female patients with lipedema and obesity were randomized to either the LCD or control diet (energy prescription: 1200 kcal/day) for 8 weeks. Body weight and body composition, pain (Brief Pain Inventory measured pain), and QoL (RAND 36‐Item Health Survey [RAND‐36], Impact of Weight on Quality of Life [IWQOL]‐Lite, and Lymphoedema Quality of Life [LYMQOL]) were measured at baseline and at postintervention.

Results

A total of 70 female patients (age, mean [SD], 47 [11] years; BMI 37 [5] kg/m2) were included. The LCD group had greater weight loss (−2.8 kg; 95% CI: −4.1 to −1.0; p < 0.001) and larger reduction in pain now (−1.1; 95% CI: −1.9 to −0.3; p = 0.009) compared with the control group. No association was found between changes in pain now and weight loss. Both groups experienced improvements in several QoL dimensions.

Conclusions

Diet‐induced weight loss in women with lipedema can improve QoL. An energy‐restricted LCD seems to be superior to a standard control diet in reducing pain.
Developing a Legionella pneumophila Monitoring Program for Utility Distribution Systems
Authors: LeChevallier Mark W.
Published: April 2024

Water utilities must help protect public health by making sure water distribution systems are effectively treated to guard against dangerous levels of Legionella pneumophila.
Recharging exhausted parents: How and when involvement in children's education increases working parents' flourishing at home and engagement at work
Authors: Wang Zhuojun , Bai Xinwen
Published: April 2024

Parental involvement in children's education is highly valued and encouraged in many societies. While existing research has mainly focused on the positive effects parental involvement has for children, we argue that engaging in such quality parent–child interactions can also be a resource‐gaining process for parents. Drawing on the conservation of resources theory and the work–home resources model, the current study aims to investigate how and when working parents' involvement in children's education enhances their well‐being at home and engagement at work. Using a two‐wave survey of 206 full‐time employees with at least one school‐aged child, our results indicate that for parents experiencing higher levels of parental burnout, involvement in their children's education enhances their flourishing experience at home and subsequently improves work engagement and creative process engagement at work. Overall, our study contributes to the well‐being and work–family interface literature by highlighting the positive effect of parental involvement, an underexplored construct, on working parents' well‐being both at home and in the workplace. This study also provides practical implications for burned‐out working parents that they can benefit from involving themselves in their children's education to cope with and thrive from family demands.
DREAMweb: An online tool for graph‐based modeling of NMR protein structure
Authors: Das Niladri Ranajan , Chaudhury Kunal Narayan , Pal Debnath
Published: April 2024

The value of accurate protein structural models closely conforming to the experimental data is indisputable. DREAMweb deploys an improved DREAM algorithm, DREAMv2, that incorporates a tighter bound in the constraint set of the underlying optimization approach. This reduces the artifacts while modeling the protein structure by solving the distance‐geometry problem. DREAMv2 follows a bottom‐up strategy of building smaller substructures for regions with a larger concentration of experimental bounds and consolidating them before modeling the rest of the protein structure. This improves secondary structure conformance in the final models consistent with experimental data. The proposed method efficiently models regions with sparse coverage of experimental data by reducing the possibility of artifacts compared to DREAM. To balance performance and accuracy, smaller substructures ( atoms) are solved in this regime, allowing faster builds for the other parts under relaxed conditions. DREAMweb is accessible as an internet resource. The improvements in results are showcased through benchmarks on 10 structures. DREAMv2 can be used in tandem with any NMR‐based protein structure determination workflow, including an iterative framework where the NMR assignment for the NOESY spectra is incomplete or ambiguous. DREAMweb is freely available for public use at http://pallab.cds.iisc.ac.in/DREAM/ and downloadable at https://github.com/niladriranjandas/DREAMv2.git.
Preliminary testing of “roadmap to parenthood” decision aid and planning tool for family building after cancer: Results of a single‐arm pilot study
Authors: Benedict Catherine , Ford Jennifer S. , Schapira Lidia , Davis Alexandra , Simon Pamela , Spiegel David , Diefenbach Michael
Published: April 2024

Objective

Many young adult female cancer survivors need to use reproductive medicine, surrogacy, or adoption to have a child. This study pilot tested Roadmap to Parenthood, a web‐based, self‐guided decision aid and planning tool for family building after cancer (disease agnostic).

Methods

A single‐arm pilot study tested feasibility, acceptability, and obtained effect size estimates of the Roadmap tool. Participants, recruited via hospital‐based and social media strategies, completed a baseline survey (T1), accessed the Roadmap tool (website), then completed surveys at one‐ and 3‐months (T2 and T3, respectively). Feasibility and acceptability were evaluated with rates of eligibility, enrollment, and survey completion, and feedback. Pairwise t‐tests and repeated measures ANOVA evaluated usage effects. Effect size estimates were calculated.

Results

Participants (N = 98) averaged 31 years old (SD = 5.61); 71% were nulliparous. Enrollment rate was 73%, T1‐T2 completion rate was 80%, and 93% accessed the website. From T1‐T2, participants reported improvements in decisional conflict (p < 0.001; Cohen's d = 0.85), unmet information needs (p < 0.001; Cohen's d = 0.70), self‐efficacy (p = 0.003; Cohen's d = 0.40), and self‐efficacy for managing negative emotions (p = 0.03; Cohen's d = 0.29); effects were sustained at T3. There was no change in reproductive distress (p = 0.22). By T3, 94% reported increased consideration of preparatory actions and 20%–61% completed such actions.

Conclusions

The Roadmap intervention was feasible to conduct, acceptable to users, and led to improvements in key psychosocial outcomes. Future directions will test intervention efficacy in a randomized controlled trial with a larger sample and over a longer period. A web‐based tool may help women make decisions about family building after cancer and prepare for potential challenges.
SimHOEPI: A resampling simulator for generating single nucleotide polymorphism data with a high‐order epistasis model
Authors: Li Yahan , Cai Xinrui , Shang Junliang , Zhang Yuanyuan , Liu Jin‐Xing
Published: April 2024

Epistasis is a ubiquitous phenomenon in genetics, and is considered to be one of main factors in current efforts to unveil missing heritability of complex diseases. Simulation data is crucial for evaluating epistasis detection tools in genome‐wide association studies (GWAS). Existing simulators normally suffer from two limitations: absence of support for high‐order epistasis models containing multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and inability to generate simulation SNP data independently. In this study, we proposed a simulator SimHOEPI, which is capable of calculating penetrance tables of high‐order epistasis models depending on either prevalence or heritability, and uses a resampling strategy to generate simulation data independently. Highlights of SimHOEPI are the preservation of realistic minor allele frequencies in sampling data, the accurate calculation and embedding of high‐order epistasis models, and acceptable simulation time. A series of experiments were carried out to verify these properties from different aspects. Experimental results show that SimHOEPI can generate simulation SNP data independently with high‐order epistasis models, implying that it might be an alternative simulator for GWAS.
Acute myocardial infarction with e‐cigarette or vaping‐use associated lung injury in a young Filipino vape user
Authors: Fernandez Margarita Isabel C. , Co Margaret Francine , Rafael Janine Bianca Marie , Mag‐usara Regiel Christian , Ediza Vanessa , Gavino Rafael Luis , Feliciano Jan Christian , Santos Nigel Jeronimo , Yano Mark Andrian , Huibonhoa Julian Alexander , Tiongco Richard Henry , Fernandez Lenora
Published: April 2024

Electronic cigarettes (or e‐cigarettes) and vape products have multisystemic adverse effects despite being advertised as a safer smoking alternative and cessation device. We present a 22‐year‐old Filipino male with sudden chest pain. He had no known comorbidities but had a two‐year history of daily vape use. Work‐up revealed elevated cardiac markers, anteroseptal ST‐elevation myocardial infarction, hypokinesia of the anterior wall and interventricular septum, and an ejection fraction of 30%. Chest radiography showed consolidation pneumonia but culture studies and Biofire Pneumonia Panel were negative for microbial detection. Coronary angiography revealed chronic total obstruction of the mid‐left anterior descending (LAD) and right coronary arteries (RCA). Percutaneous coronary angioplasty of the LAD was done. The patient eventually required mechanical ventilation for progressive respiratory distress but expired after three hospital days despite medical management. This case highlights a possible association between vape use and the development of both acute lung injury and myocardial infarction.
Coffee, climate, community: A holistic examination of specialty coffee supply chains in Rwanda
Authors: van Kollenburg Geert , van Weert Paul
Published: April 2024

Rwanda has been a notable player in sustainable development in the last decades, particularly in light of its agricultural practices. This paper offers a multifaceted viewpoint on the challenges faced by Rwanda's specialty coffee sector. Our holistic approach to studying the situation and possibilities included fieldwork, site visits, informal interviews with various stakeholders, from farmers to governmental officials, and an extensive literature study to support our findings. We highlight the challenges of optimizing the domestic supply chain and the effects of such developments on rural livelihoods. Poverty and lacking resources require a nuanced view toward sustainability, as ecological and economic sustainability do not align. The paper presents how certification programs can function as indicators of sustainability and stresses the need for policy evaluations. We also discuss the unique challenges faced by smallholder farmers in Rwanda and how corporate interests may interfere with long‐term sustainable development. As Rwanda continues to develop, this paper argues that the resilience and ingenuity of its people are crucial in the ongoing development of sustainable agricultural systems.
Visible‐Light Photochromism of Polyoxometallate H4PMo11VO40 Composite Film Based on Polyvinylpyrrolidone with a Fast Response
Authors: Wang Zijing , Ai Limei , Liu Minghui , Wang Zeqing
Published: April 2024

The visible‐light photochromic composite films with a fast response were prepared by entrapping H4PMo11VO40 into polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) networks. PMo11V/PVP composite films’ structure and morphology were characterized by IR spectroscopy, XRD and TEM. The skeleton structure of PMo11V and PVP were still remained through IR spectroscopy analysis. The photochromism performance of PMo11V/PVP composite films were analyzed by UV‐vis absorption. The photochromic process showed a first‐order kinetics. Meanwhile, the mechanism of photochromism composite films was investigated by XPS. PMo11V/PVP composite films with excellent circulation ability of rising‐fading color which has good application potential.
Reusable Underwater Superoleophobic Polyacrylamide Membranes for Effective Oil‐Water Separation and Dye Removal
Authors: Padhan Arpita , Singh Vickramjeet
Published: April 2024

Water contamination by oily wastes continues to rise with industrialization and pose a threat to marine ecosystem and public health. Water repellent special wettability membranes have been fabricated for oil removal. These superhydrophobic membranes have been fabricated utilizing hazardous chemicals such as fluorinated compounds, which again have shown toxicity. In contrast, environmentally friendly separation membranes are required for oily wastewater treatment. In this regard, we fabricated underwater superoleophobic membrane based on β‐cyclodextrin and acrylamide for efficient and effective water‐oil separation. Acrylamide polymeric membrane was prepared by free radical co‐polymerisation by incorporating acrylic acid and β‐cyclodextrin as monomer via crosslinking with N,N‐methylene bis‐acrylamide. FT‐IR and PXRD used for characterizing the prepared hydrogel and studied for morphological analysis by FE‐SEM. The oil and water wetting characterization of gels were evaluated, in ambient and submerged conditions. The dried gel showed gradual decrease of contact angle for both oil and water indicating liquid absorption with time. However, in completely water wetted state hydrogel was superoleophobic with a very high oil contact angle of ≥170°. The pre‐wetted hydrogel efficiently and effectively separated oil/water mixtures with ~99 % separation efficiency. Additionally, its effectiveness was monitored over several days of continuous separation operation. Interestingly, the hydrogel was also able to remove dye from water. The underwater superoleophobic acrylamide‐β‐cyclodextrin hydrogel demonstrated high oil recovery efficiency and indicated the potential for repeated oil‐water separation process.