bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex differences in perceived discrimination among patients with obesity
Authors: Olaniran Marianne O. , Kapti Eda G. , Mathew M. Sunil , Schellinger Jeffrey N. , Allicock Marlyn A. , Messiah Sarah E. , Almandoz Jaime P.
Published: October 2024

The negative impacts of perceived discrimination on health have been documented, but how perceptions of discrimination vary by sex among people with obesity (PWO) is not well understood. This study assessed sex differences in perceived discrimination among PWO. This cross‐sectional study analysed self‐reported data from racially/ethnically diverse PWO attending an academic obesity program. The primary outcome was perceived discrimination, assessed by the Major Experiences of Discrimination (MED) and Everyday Discrimination Scale (EDS). Sex differences were evaluated by univariate and multivariable regression analysis adjusted for key descriptive variables. The final analytical sample included 60 PWO (62% female, 61% non‐Hispanic white (NHW), 12% Hispanic, 39% non‐Hispanic black (NHB), mean age 53 years, mean BMI 34 kg/m2). Women experienced everyday discrimination 59% less than men but this was not significant (OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.08–2.16; p = .29). Participant highest BMI was correlated with acute discrimination (total MED score) (r = 0.39; p = .0024) and chronic discrimination (total EDS score) (r = 0.28; p = .03). Most participants reported more chronic discrimination compared to acute discrimination (85% vs. 48%). Mean MED (β −0.18; 95% CI –0.93 to +0.56; p = .62) and EDS scores (β −0.25; 95% CI –3.37 to +2.87; p = .87) were not significantly different between women and men. Perceived discrimination was common and experienced equally between men and women with obesity. Incorporating discrimination experiences into obesity care models may be an important step to improving quality of care and outcomes.
A productive friction: Leveraging misalignments between local ecological knowledge and remotely sensed imagery for forest conservation planning
Authors: Clark Matt , Hamad Haji Masoud , Andrews Jeffrey , Kolarik Nicholas , Hopping Kelly , Hillis Vicken , Borgerhoff Mulder Monique
Published: October 2024

Earth's forests are continually monitored by both the satellite record and the lived experiences of nearly 2 billion forest‐proximate peoples. Generally, the satellite record summarizes production estimates, such as percent tree cover, at regular, relatively coarse scales. Conversely, local perceptions tend to capture changes at irregular and very fine scales. While the utility of both of these sources of information has been widely demonstrated in isolation, little work has explored in what contexts they are expected to correlate or deviate, or how they might be quantitatively integrated. Here, we collect gridded information on community perceived and remotely sensed mangrove cover change across 719 0.5‐km grids in Pemba Island, Tanzania. We reveal variation in the association between these two data sources across different wards (shehia) and explore the reasons for this variation using interviews and direct observation. We find that shehia with the greatest alignment between perceived and remotely sensed mangrove change tended to have little planting or natural regeneration of mangrove propagules and large areas of complete cover loss. Alternatively, in shehia with the lowest alignment, we find high levels of natural and/or human‐assisted mangrove recolonization and selective harvesting of individual trees and branches. These findings indicate that the alignment between local knowledge and satellite observations of mangrove cover change systematically increases with the scale of change in this system. Finally, we demonstrate a practical workflow for quantitatively leveraging these misalignments by optimizing across both data sources to identify restoration priority areas.
The body remembers: Legacies of chattel slavery hauntings in South Africa and the United States
Authors: Bennett Bonita , Ash Doris
Published: October 2024

As museum scholars and practitioners coming from quite different geographies and practicalities, we have chosen to focus on chattel slavery as an extreme form of incarceration in South Africa and the United States. In this essay we reflect on its legacies, referencing physical, psychological as well as cultural dimensions. We hold a mirror to power structures infected by commodification and violence as we examine the stories and tools of enslavement and refer particularly to the covert ways in which resistance was enacted. We bring a “sites of conscience” framework into the dialogue, believing that sites can be transformative tools for forging broader understandings both about what took place at these sites, and why it matters in the present. Our methods of engagement include mutual interviewing, based partially on autoethnographic reflection and, significantly, our own practices within museums and communities. Because of the organic nature of our dialogue, we present it as an essay rather than as a typical academic paper.
Attributable one‐year healthcare cost of incident type 2 diabetes: A population‐wide difference‐in‐differences study in Denmark
Authors: Fredslund Eskild Klausen , Sandbæk Annelli , Prætorius Thim
Published: October 2024

Aim

The aim of this study is to estimate the causally attributable one‐year healthcare costs for individuals getting a type 2 diabetes diagnosis compared to a matched sample and show the incurred costs of medication and in primary and secondary healthcare.

Methods

Causal estimation using a difference‐in‐differences design to estimate the one‐year health care costs attributable to type 2 diabetes. Danish registry data consisting of the entire population in years 2016–2019. Newly diagnosed individuals with type 2 diabetes in 2018 were identified using a validated method. Sociodemographic and historical health data were used to identify a matched control group. Individuals were followed for two years before and one year after the date of diagnosis using. Three cost components were analysed: medication and primary and secondary healthcare costs.

Results

A total of 18,133 individuals were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2018 and matched successfully 1:1 to a control group. The total attributable one‐year cost of type 2 diabetes was EUR 1316. The main cost component was hospital care (EUR 1004) and primary care (EUR 167). The total attributable cost of incident diabetes in Denmark in 2018 was approx. EUR 24 million.

Conclusions

The majority of the first year health care cost of incident diabetes is incurred at the hospital level followed by primary care and medication. Our yearly cost estimate per newly diagnosed is considerably lower than estimates from the US and Australia.
Trust and accountability in times of crisis
Authors: Martinez‐Bravo Monica , Sanz Carlos
Published: October 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic took place against the backdrop of growing political polarization and distrust in institutions. Did deficiencies in government performance further erode trust? Did citizens' ideology interfere with how they processed information on government performance? To investigate, we conducted a pre‐registered online experiment in Spain in November 2020. The treatment group was provided with information on the number of contact tracers in their region, a policy under the control of regional governments. We find that individuals greatly overestimate the number of contact tracers. When we provide the actual number, we find declines in trust in governments, willingness to fund public institutions, and COVID‐19 vaccine acceptance. We also find that individuals endogenously change their attribution of responsibilities when receiving the treatment. In regions where the regional and central governments are ruled by different parties, sympathizers of the regional incumbent react to the negative news on performance by attributing greater responsibility to the central government. We call this the ‘blame‐shifting effect’. In these regions, the negative information does not reduce voting intention for the regional incumbent government. These results suggest that political accountability may be particularly difficult in settings with high polarization and where areas of responsibility are not clearly delineated.
ICTs Influence on Knowledge Sharing in Higher Education: A Pre‐AI Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Kumar Nirved , Cook Elizabeth J. , Fayda‐Kinik F. Sehkar , Maisuradze Lela
Published: October 2024

Digital transformation, through innovation in information and communication technologies (ICTs), impacts higher education (HE) and fosters knowledge sharing (KS). While research explores the implications of digital transformation in HE, its specific influence on KS remains understudied. This systematic literature review investigates the nexus between ICTs and KS in HE by examining peer‐reviewed literature prior to the AI boom. Three databases were searched, yielding 473 journal articles, which were screened, eligibility checked and assessed for quality and relevance to predetermined research questions. Eighteen eligible empirical studies were analysed, revealing ICTs influence on KS across university functions: teaching‐learning, governance/operations and research. Retrospectively, this study also demonstrates that the rapid pivot to fully online functions during the pandemic was possible because of prior ICT advancements despite known barriers (e.g., digital literacy, Internet connectivity). Essentially, ICTs enable vital KS for universities to ensure they remain resilient and sustainable now and into the future.
‘I Still Have Tears in My Eyes’: A Situational Psychological Approach of Teachers' Emotional Labour in Special Needs Education
Authors: Petiot Oriane , Kermarrec Gilles , Dugény Sylvain , Visioli Jérôme
Published: October 2024

Special needs education represents an emotion‐laden context for teachers. The aim of this study was to analyse the forms and inducers of teachers' emotional labour in this specific context. Using a situational psychological approach, we analysed 167 critical incidents experienced by 50 special education teachers. Qualitative analysis revealed three passive forms of emotional labour (52.3%), particularly ‘To feel and express the positive emotions generated by a pleasant situation’, and three active forms (47.7%), especially ‘To master the negative emotions generated by an unpleasant situation’. These forms of emotional labour emerged from four categories of positive inducers (55.9%), particularly ‘Teachers' successful interventions with students’, and from four categories of negative inducers (44.1%), especially ‘Students' displays of aggressiveness’. Statistical analysis highlighted a strong association between passive forms and positive inducers, and between active forms and negative inducers. These results are discussed in relation to the specificities of teaching in special needs education.
Density‐driven facilitations increase ecological resilience under eutrophic stress
Authors: Cheng Chaoyue , Si Wenqing , Su Haojie , Chen Jianfeng , Rao Qingyang , Lin Yu , Xu Shiling , Hua Zhaohui , Peng Yongchao , Xu Ninghui , Xie Ping , Chen Jun
Published: October 2024

Eutrophication has been observed to decrease the ecological resilience of macrophyte‐dominated freshwater ecosystems, thereby resulting in more vulnerability to external perturbations and easily tipping into an algae‐dominated state. The stress‐gradient hypothesis (SGH) posits that plants exhibit positive plant–plant interaction (facilitation) in response to stress, potentially buffering the detrimental impacts of eutrophication. However, few studies attempted to link plant density with species‐species interactions and ecological resilience in the context of eutrophic stress.

Here, we investigated how the density of neighbour plant species (Potamogeton lucens) affects the change rate of nutrients or Chl a (chlorophyll‐a) and target plant species (Potamogeton maackianus) along a gradient of nutrient levels (oligotrophic, mesotrophic, eutrophic) via a 42 days mesocosm experiment. Our objective was to corroborate: (1) species interactions may shift from competition to facilitation with the increased eutrophic stress. (2) High plant density is indispensable to generate facilitation and thereby augment ecological resilience under high eutrophic stress.

Results showed that eutrophic scenarios significantly augmented chlorophyll‐a concentration and inhibited plant height, number of branches and leaves, showing that submerged macrophytes in eutrophic states are exposed to stressful conditions. However, the increasing density of neighbouring vegetation reduced nutrient and Chl a concentrations and enhanced the performance of Potamogeton maackianus in eutrophic conditions, but not in mesotrophic and oligotrophic conditions. Our results indicated that density‐dependent facilitation is more prevalent in eutrophic circumstances, and species interactions are likely transformed from competition to facilitation with increasing nutrient concentrations.

Our research demonstrated that plant density could alter the relationship between facilitation and competition; high plant density is indispensable for the operation of the stress‐gradient hypothesis. Density‐dependent facilitation under severe conditions could mitigate the adverse influence of eutrophication. With freshwater ecosystems progressively subjected to eutrophication, harnessing the density‐dependent facilitation of submerged macrophytes in resilience‐driven management is crucial to inhibiting the transition to an algae‐dominated turbid state, which further broadens our understanding of the theory of alternative stable states in shallow lakes.
Ecological impact of freshwater invaders: A case study of gastropod assemblages in karstic spring ecosystems
Authors: Savić Ana , Dmitrović Dejan , Martínez Alejandro , Pešić Vladimir
Published: October 2024

Throughout the world, the exceptional biodiversity and endemism of spring ecosystems are threatened by the expansion of invasive species. However, mechanisms affecting the distribution and impact of invasive species on spring macroinvertebrate communities remain poorly understood.

We investigated the impact of the invasive New Zealand mud snail Potamopyrgus antipodarum on the native gastropod assemblages of 43 karstic springs in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Firstly, we showed that P. antipodarum invaded only human‐modified low‐altitude springs with lower dissolved oxygen concentrations (7.61 mg/L), where it co‐occurred only with four other gastropod species (out of the 17 recorded in our dataset), two of which are endemic Dinaric karst spring specialists. Then, by comparing the n‐dimensional ecological space of the springs invaded and uninvaded by the mud snail, we showed that low‐altitude springs have a higher risk of invasion.

Finally, we characterized the shift in the niche optimum exhibited by native endemic gastropods in invaded springs using Huisman–Olff–Fresco models.

Overall, we showed that human alterations of low‐altitude springs might facilitate the invasion of P. antipodarum, which possibly out‐competes endemic crenic species by displacing them to suboptimal niches. The use of Huisman–Olff–Fresco models and n‐dimensional hypervolumes together provided a useful framework for quantifying the response of endemic and endangered species to the spread of invaders in globally endangered spring habitats.
Processing strategy to trigger grain growth in silicon nitride
Authors: Nakashima Yuki , Zhou You , Hirao Kiyoshi , Ohji Tatsuki , Fukushima Manabu
Published: October 2024

Large silicon nitride (Si3N4) grain can enhance thermal conductivity and fracture toughness in the Si3N4 ceramics. In this study, in order to use pores as a grain growth trigger and to achieve final densification, a limited amount of pores were introduced into the green compact. The pores were introduced by using four types of pore formers with diameters of 2, 20, 30, and 100 µm, and the pore volume was in the range of 3–18 vol%. The presence of pores promoted grain growth regardless of their diameter and volume, because no collisions occurred among the grains in the pores, and larger pores formed larger elongated grains. However, their large volume and diameter inhibited densification. Based on this tradeoff, the pore formers with a diameter of 30 µm exhibited superior properties, and fracture toughness and thermal conductivity increased to 10.2 MPa·m1/2 and 118.2 W/(m·K), respectively, as the pore volume increased to 5 vol%. These results revealed that the pores in the compacts before sintering could improve the thermal conductivity and fracture toughness if they promoted grain growth during the sintering procedure and finally disappeared.
Endoscopic Re‐Instrumentation of Intrabony Defect–Associated Deep Residual Periodontal Pockets Is Non‐Inferior to Papilla Preservation Flap Surgery: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Ho King‐Lun Dominic , Ho Ka‐Leong Ryan , Pelekos George , Leung Wai‐Keung , Tonetti Maurizio S.
Published: October 2024

Background and Aim

Clinical practice guidelines suggest access flap surgery for managing deep residual pockets after steps 1 and 2 of periodontal therapy. Papilla‐preservation flap surgery (PPFS) is the least invasive approach to access and instrument biofilm‐contaminated root surfaces. Endoscopic‐assisted subgingival debridement (EASD) may enhance the outcomes of repeated instrumentation and provide a minimally invasive non‐surgical alternative.

Methods

This was a single‐blind, controlled, randomized, parallel‐group, non‐inferiority 12‐month trial comparing EASD with PPFS. Male and female adults with generalized stage III periodontitis and persistent periodontal pockets associated with an intrabony defect after steps 1 and 2 of periodontal therapy were recruited at Prince Philip Dental Hospital. Inter‐group differences in clinical attachment level (CAL) changes at 12 months were the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included pocket resolution (no pocket > 5 mm and no pocket > 4 with bleeding on probing), radiographic bone changes, treatment time, early wound healing and quality‐of‐life measurements.

Results

Sixty‐two subjects (30 EASD and 32 PPFS) were included in the intention‐to‐treat analysis. CAL gains were 2.0 ± 1.0 and 1.8 ± 1.0 mm for test and controls, respectively. The 95% CI of the inter‐group difference was −0.3 to 0.8 mm and within the stipulated 1‐mm non‐inferiority margin. No inter‐group differences were observed (i) in pocket resolution, which was achieved in more than 87% of cases for all groups/time points, and (ii) in radiographic bone healing. The treatment time was significantly shorter for EASD than for PPFS. Better early wound healing index scores were observed for EASD. No inter‐group differences in pain, quality of life or safety were detected.

Conclusions

EASD was not inferior to PPFS for managing residual pockets associated with intrabony defects. The observed outcome profile supports additional developments and studies to validate EASD as an alternative to surgery for isolated persistent pockets (ChiCTR‐INR‐16008407).
The social skills of autistic boys in preschool: the contributions of their dyadic and triadic interactions with their parents
Authors: Oppenheim David , Mottes‐Peleg Michal , Hamburger Lior , Slonim Michal , Maccabi Yael , Yirmiya Nurit
Published: October 2024

Background

The interactions of typically developing (TD) children within the family context are associated with their social skills in preschool, and the question guiding this study, which focused on boys, was whether the same would be true for autistic children. A specific focus was on the importance of the boys' engagement in triadic, mother–father–child interactions over and above their engagement in dyadic, parent–child interactions. The boys' social skills were assessed concurrently with their family interactions and one year later.

Methods

Seventy‐five autistic preschooler boys (Age in months: M = 49.45, SD = 11.03) and both of their parents were recruited through treatment centers and social media. The boys' dyadic engagement was assessed from observations of their interactions with their mothers and fathers (separately), and their triadic engagement from an observation of mother–father–child interactions. The boys' social skills in preschool were assessed using a Q‐sort completed by observers and teachers and by the Social Responsiveness Questionnaire (SRS) completed by teachers.

Results

Controlling for the severity of the boys' symptoms and IQ, their dyadic engagement was associated with the concurrent observer Q‐sort and teacher‐reported SRS measures, and their triadic engagement did not explain additional variance in these measures. Predicting over one year, dyadic engagement was associated again with the observer Q‐sort and teacher SRS measures, while the boys' triadic engagement accounted for additional variance in these measures as well as the teacher Q‐sort. Finally, boys' dyadic engagement predicted gains in social skills on the observer Q‐sort, and their triadic engagement was predictive of gains in the observer and teacher Q‐sort.

Conclusions

The engagement that autistic preschool‐age boys displayed in the context of their dyadic and triadic interactions with their parents appears to be transferred to the preschool setting, and triadic interactions are of particular significance.
Technical specification for developing a clinical practice guideline for the integration of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine
Authors: Wang Jianxin , Sun Rui , Yang Fengwen , Liu Jianping , Yu Jiajie , Sun Yuanyuan , Gao Xuemin , Zhang Boli , Zhang Junhua , Tian Jinzhou
Published: October 2024

Developing a clinical practice guideline (CPG) for integrating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine (WM) requires the accurate identification, collation, and integration of all available evidence on TCM and WM in a comprehensive, meaningful, and resource‐efficient manner. This entails framing appropriate clinical questions, retrieving and synthesizing evidence from multiple resources, and providing concise and complete recommendations for specific diseases. However, some existing CPGs for integrating TCM and WM lack deep and organic integration. As the effective preparation of a CPG for integrating TCM and WM typically involves a complex set of principles, methodology, and steps, we believe that a cohesive, step‐by‐step guide on how to prepare a CPG for integrating TCM and WM is essential. To facilitate the design and development of a robust CPG, we present a clear and concise methodology, outlining relevant principles and procedures, supported by references for guidance. This technical specification aims to simplify the methodology for preparing a CPG for integrating TCM and WM; provide healthcare professionals and researchers with methodologically sound tools; and enhance the quality of CPGs for integrating TCM and WM. This technical specification may help elucidate this complex process, facilitate evaluation of the quality of published CPGs for integrating TCM and WM, and improve the understanding and application of recommendations for the combined and integrated use of TCM and WM in a new system.
Toxic Effects of Five Insecticides on the Development and Enzymatic Activities of Trichogramma ostriniae
Authors: Zhu Wenya , Fan Rui , Liu Minglei , Wang Juan , Zhang Ye , Ma Ruiyan
Published: October 2024

As an egg parasitoid, Trichogramma ostriniae (T. ostriniae) exhibits a broad host range and plays a crucial role in controlling various lepidopteran agricultural pests. However, the application of chemical pesticides negatively impacts its development and survival. Therefore, it is essential to assess the toxicity of commonly used insecticides against T. ostriniae and evaluate their compatibility. This study aims to determine the toxic effects of five common insecticides (dinotefuran, abamectin, imidacloprid, beta‐cypermethrin, and chlorantraniliprole) on the development, reproduction, and enzymatic activity of T. ostriniae. The contact, lethal, and developmental toxicities were evaluated. Activities of detoxification enzymes, including cytochrome P450 (CYP450), carboxylesterase (CarE), and glutathione S‐transferase (GST), and protective enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I (MRCC I), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) of T. ostriniae were examined after being treated with the five insecticides. The results showed that the order of lethal toxicity in adult T. ostriniae was beta‐cypermethrin > dinotefuran > imidacloprid > abamectin > chlorantraniliprole. The emergence rates of adult T. ostriniae exposed to insecticides during the egg and larval stages were higher than those exposed to insecticides during the prepupal and pupal stages. The activities of CYP450, GST, and SOD were increased, but CarE activity and ROS content were decreased in T. ostriniae treated with the five insecticides compared with the control. Beta‐cypermethrin increased the POD and CAT activities. Chlorantraniliprole decreased CAT activity and increased MDA content. The MRCCI of T. ostriniae was not significantly affected by any of the five insecticides tested. The ATP content of T. ostriniae was not significantly affected by chlorantraniliprole but was significantly decreased by the other four insecticides. In conclusion, the toxicities of the five insecticides to T. ostriniae were different, among which imidacloprid, dinotefuran, abamectin, and beta‐cypermethrin had a high risk of toxicity to T. ostriniae, and chlorantraniliprole had a low risk to T. ostriniae.
UV‐A Light Dehydration: Kinetics of Microbial Inactivation Against Gram‐Positive and Gram‐Negative Bacteria
Authors: Roberts McKade S. , Karami Sajad , Bastarrachea Luis J.
Published: October 2024

UV‐A light exposure (365 nm, 4.6 ± 0.2 mW/cm2) was combined with low relative humidity (RH) air flow at room temperature to dehydrate sweet potatoes and reduce the population of inoculated bacteria. Control samples underwent dehydration with low RH air at room temperature and in the absence of UV‐A light to assess the importance of UV‐A light in the dehydration and microbial reduction processes. The UV‐A light‐dehydrated sweet potatoes resulted in the removal of approximately 97.2% ± 2% of the original mass of water, which was significantly higher than the control samples. Infrared spectroscopy analyses confirmed the preservation of the physical and chemical integrity of the UV‐A light‐dehydrated samples. Despite the absence of pretreatments for enzyme inactivation, the UV‐A light‐dehydrated sweet potato did not exhibit a decrease in luminosity or darkening of color often associated with dehydration. Additionally, the utilization of UV‐A light for the dehydration of sweet potatoes inoculated with ~6 log(CFU/gDry solids) of Escherichia coli K12 resulted in a 99.9% ± 0.1% or 3.1 ± 0.5 log(CFU/gDry solids) reduction with only a 92.2% ± 0.1% or 1.3 ± 0.5 log(CFU/gDry solids) reduction resulting from the control samples dehydrated without UV‐A exposure. In the case of samples inoculated with ~6 log(CFU/gDry solids) of Listeria innocua L2 there was a 99.2% ± 0.5% or 2.2 ± 0.3 log(CFU/gDry solids) reduction when UV‐A light was utilized and only a 60.9% ± 10.3% or 0.4 ± 0.1 log(CFU/gDry solids) reduction when samples were dehydrated in its absence.
A public health/hospital partnership to improve Emergency Department transitions of care for vulnerable older adults
Authors: Southerland Lauren T. , Dixon Carolyn , Turner Shameka , West Kalih M. , Hairston Tameka , Rosen Tony , Rankin Caroline
Published: October 2024

Background

Community‐dwelling older adults are at high risk for unmet social service needs. We describe a novel partnership embedding county services case managers in the Emergency Department (ED) to connect older adults to community services alongside their medical care.

Methods

Setting: A medium‐sized urban ED with 55,000 patient visits a year. Intervention: Case managers from the Franklin County, Ohio Office on Aging (OA) were embedded within the ED. The OA team worked with the ED social work team to identify community‐dwelling older patients, perform an in‐person intake assessment, and initiate needed community services (including home‐delivered meals, emergency response systems, house repairs, and transportation). Program logic model and development are reported in detail.

Results

From June to December 2023, there were 7284 ED visits for adults ≥60 years old. Referrals to the OA case manager ranged from 1 to 13 per day. The OA case managers performed 252 full intake assessments on unique patients. The population was 51% men. Only 11% (n = 28) were currently connected to OA services, and of those already connected 29% (n = 8) needed increased services. Of the remaining unconnected patients (n = 224), 8% (n = 20) were not county residents and the OA team connected them with other county OAs. Half 53% (n = 120) were accepting of services and had services from the OA or other community health programs initiated during the ED visit. The OA team made three new Adult Protective Services referrals and one referral to the long‐term care ombudsman. The program did not increase ED length of stay or hospital admission rates.

Conclusions

Embedding county service enrollment within a community ED is a cost neutral intervention that reached a population without previous services. Future plans include expansion of the program and evaluation of the program's ability to detect elder mistreatment and self‐neglect.
Pay Attention to Hypertension (PAtH): Findings from a cardiovascular health promotion intervention for adults with intellectual disabilities participating in Special Olympics programming
Authors: Ponce‐Alcala R. E. , Cuerrier A. , Sanzone L. , Delmas T. , Roberge K. , Van Hulst A.
Published: October 2024

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) affects adults globally. People with intellectual disabilities (PWID) may be at higher risk of CVD and associated risk factors (e.g. obesity, hypertension, and diabetes). We developed Pay Attention to Hypertension (PAtH), a cardiovascular health promotion intervention, and tested its impact on changes in blood pressure (BP), lifestyle behaviours and health‐related empowerment among PWID.

Methods

PAtH was developed with a Special Olympics community organisation that supports PWID in developing self‐confidence and social skills through participation in sports. The 6‐month intervention consisted of 1‐h individualised virtual sessions delivered monthly by nursing students/novice nurses. Sessions covered specific themes, including monitoring BP, adopting healthy lifestyles and managing stress, and were individually tailored to the capacities and needs of participants. A single group pre–post‐intervention design was used to assess the intervention's effects among participants who completed the intervention and data collection. Data included baseline and follow‐up BP measurements from 7‐day logbooks and questionnaires assessing lifestyle behaviours [physical activity (PA), screen time and diet], and health‐related empowerment.

Results

Seventy‐four participants were included in the analyses. Between baseline and follow‐up, there were no changes in systolic and diastolic BP, PA or leisure screen time. The proportion of participants who reported adding salt when cooking decreased from baseline to follow‐up (19.7% vs. 12.7%, P = 0.034), and we found improvements for several items measuring health‐related empowerment (P ≤ 0.003).

Conclusion

Improvements in health‐related empowerment were found following PAtH. More intensive interventions may be needed to result in changes in lifestyle behaviours and BP. The integration of adapted cardiovascular health promotion initiatives within well‐established community organisations such as Special Olympics is a promising avenue to contribute to cardiovascular health promotion among PWID.
Microneedling With RF‐Assisted Skin Penetration Improves the Hard‐to‐Treat Periorbital Wrinkles: Nonrandomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Cheles Dorina , Vinshtok Yuri , Gershonowitz Amikam
Published: October 2024

Introduction

This prospective study evaluates the efficacy and safety of minimally invasive radiofrequency microneedling (RFMN) for the correction of periorbital wrinkles. This study aimed to address the challenges posed by the periorbital region's unique anatomy and the limitations of existing non‐surgical treatments.

Methods

Twenty‐four subjects, ranging from 34 to 54 years old with Fitzpatrick skin types II–V, underwent a series of treatments using the Voluderm RF microneedling device. Participants were divided into two groups based on the severity of their wrinkles and treated with customized protocols over four sessions, with a 3‐month follow‐up to assess outcomes. Efficacy was determined through comparisons of pre‐treatment and post‐treatment wrinkle severity, using the Lemperle Classification of Facial Wrinkles (LFW) and the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, evaluated by both the investigators and the patients. Safety and tolerability were assessed through adverse event reporting and a Visual Analog Scale for treatment discomfort.

Results

The results demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in periorbital wrinkle severity, with an average 49% decrease of LFW score and improvements noted across all skin types in both groups. The aggregated facial LFW score decreased from baseline mean 13.00 ± 4.75 to 6.09 ± 3.90 (p < 0.05). The treatment was well tolerated without anesthetics, with minimal downtime and few adverse events, which were transient and resolved without intervention.

Conclusion

The efficacy of Voluderm RF microneedling in improving periorbital wrinkles of variable severity was demonstrated in patients with diverse skin types. The unique RF‐assisted mechanism of the skin penetration granted a high tolerability of the treatments, negligible downtime, and minimum number of adverse events with self‐resolution.
Communities in Coworking Spaces: Boundary Work and Social Identity Work by Community Managers
Authors: Kim Nam Kyoon (Nathan) , Lim Dominic S.K. , Monzani Lucas
Published: October 2024

The use of coworking spaces – flexible, shared workplaces for mobile knowledge workers – has gained popularity among entrepreneurs, small‐business owners, and freelancers over the last decade. Coworking spaces shape a social setting for a community, within which mobile knowledge workers can network, collaborate, and share ideas. This study adopts a social‐symbolic work perspective to explore how founders and community managers create and curate the communities in their coworking spaces. Based on qualitative data gathered from 16 coworking spaces, we elaborate on how founders and community managers can integrate boundary work and social identity work in their social‐symbolic work practices to create a sense of community.
Evaluating vitamin D status in Chinese pre‐school children using dried blood spots coupled with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhan Zhenxuan , Quan Fan , Zhao Ning , Mai Lijun , Li Zhen , Li Yudong , Sun Ting , Zeng Xuan
Published: October 2024

Aim

Vitamin D is an essential micronutrient for multiple physiological processes, and its deficiency remains a world‐wide public health problem that cannot be ignored. Dried blood spot (DBS) is a convenient tool in large‐scale epidemiological studies, but its application in evaluating vitamin D status in Chinese population is still scarce. Herein, we aimed to determine the vitamin D status in Chinese pre‐school children using DBS coupled with LC‐MS/MS method.

Methods

We first developed a sensitive and reliable method for the determination of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in DBS samples using an ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatograph coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (UHPLC‐QQQ‐MS/MS). Next, we conducted a pilot study to compare the 25(OH)D concentration in DBS and serum samples. Finally, the assay method was used to evaluate vitamin D status in Chinese pre‐school children.

Results

The present method was validated to be reliable and robust for the determination of 25(OH)D in DBS samples. Comparable consistency was observed between the 25(OH)D concentration in DBS and serum samples. A total of 3826 DBS samples collected from children aged 1–7 years were determined. The median concentration of 25(OH)D was 19.57 ng/mL (interquartile range 14.73–24.36 ng/mL), and decreased from 1 to 7 years of age. In addition, 13.51% of male children and 15.12% female children are found to be deficient in 25(OH)D.

Conclusions

DBS coupled with LC‐MS/MS is a feasible strategy to evaluate vitamin D status in epidemiological studies. And vitamin D deficiency remains a common health problem in Chinese pre‐school children.
Is happiness independent of income? Set point theory à la Kahneman
Authors: Khalil Elias L.
Published: October 2024

The income–happiness nexus is paradoxical. One dataset shows that happiness tracks income, while another shows that, in rich countries, happiness does not. This paper focuses on the limits of set point theory (known also ‘hedonic treadmill’ or ‘hedonic adaptation’) to solve the income–happiness paradox. To keep it manageable, it focuses on Daniel Kahneman's attempt to solve the paradox. He first employs his distinction between ‘the experiencing self’ and ‘the remembering self’ to solve the paradox. While the distinction is useful for the study of heuristics, it is irrelevant for the question at hand, the solution of the income–happiness paradox. Sensing such irrelevance, Kahneman turns his attention to the ‘life evaluation’ measure. This measure ironically shows that happiness tracks income. However, Kahneman disputes such tracking, arguing instead that happiness tracks income only if people, when they were teenagers, designate income as a life goal. The appeal to ‘goals’ or ‘life plans’, however, is an endorsement of a sophisticated version of set point theory. Kahneman argues that happiness varies with the variation of the designated goal or life plan, not with income per se. However, if happiness varies with the designated goals or life plans, it ultimately means that happiness cannot be conceived as a set point. Thus, Kahneman's argument effectively sends us back to square one, failing to solve the income–happiness paradox.
Exposure to respirable silica contributes to lower airway inflammation in asthmatic horses
Authors: Romolo Alessandra , Costa Giulia , Sica Beatrice , Memoli Giulia , Ardit Matteo , Di Benedetto Francesco , Bellis Donata , Capella Silvana , Belluso Elena , Bullone Michela
Published: October 2024

Background

Respirable mineral particles can induce lower airway inflammation, but the role they play in asthma of horses is unknown.

Objectives

Respirable mineral particles, particularly respirable silica, are an overlooked determinant of chronic lung inflammation (asthma) in horses.

Animals

Twenty‐three horses from an equine hospital population: 11 moderately affected (MEA), 7 severely asthmatic (SEA), and 5 control horses free from respiratory clinical signs.

Methods

Prospective observational study. The quantity and quality of mineral particles found in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were characterized, with particular attention to silica content. Polarized light microscopy performed on cytospin slides identified intracellular birefringent particles as silica. Spectrometry‐based analysis performed on whole BALF determined total mineral and silica percentage and concentration. Group‐related differences in BALF mineral and silica load were investigated as well as associations with BALF cytology.

Results

Intracellular birefringent particles were increased in SEA vs MEA (median [interquartile range, IQR]), 12 [7] vs 4 [5] particles/30 high power fields [hpf], respectively; P = .01) and vs controls (4 [2] particles/30 hpf; P = .02). Total mineral concentration in BALF was similar between the groups studied, whereas silica concentration and percentage were increased in SEA vs MEA (1758 [887] particles/mL and 20 [10]% vs 867 [662] particles/mL and 8 [6]%; P = .009 and P = .001) and control group (355 [330] particles/mL and 6 [3]%; P = .0003 and P = .002). Silica load in BALF was associated with BALF neutrophilia in MEA and SEA.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Respirable silica is associated with neutrophilic lower airway inflammation in horses and might contribute to asthma development.
Comparison of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of apixaban and rivaroxaban in dogs
Authors: Lynch Alex M. , Ruterbories Laura K. , Zhu Yao , Fialkiewicz Frank , Papich Mark G. , Brooks Marjory B. , Goggs Robert
Published: October 2024

Background

Comparative pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) of apixaban and rivaroxaban have not been studied in dogs and the propensity of these drugs to cause hypercoagulability after discontinuation is unknown.

Hypothesis

Compare the PK/PD of clinical dosing regimens of PO apixaban and rivaroxaban administered repeatedly to healthy dogs and assess the effect of abrupt drug discontinuation on coagulation.

Animals

Six University‐owned, purpose‐bred, middle‐aged, mixed‐breed dogs (4 male, 2 female).

Methods

Dogs were given apixaban or rivaroxaban PO at 0.5 mg/kg q12h for 7 days with a 14‐day washout period between drugs. Plasma drug concentrations were quantitated, and anticoagulant effects were measured using clotting times, calibrated anti‐Xa bioactivity assays, and measurements of thrombin generation. The potential for rebound hypercoagulability was assessed by measuring D‐dimers, thrombin‐antithrombin (TAT) complexes, and antithrombin activity after drug discontinuation.

Results

Plasma drug concentrations and anti‐Xa bioactivities were closely correlated for both drugs, but drug concentrations varied considerably among dogs, despite consistent dose regimens. Thrombin generation variables were significantly correlated with the anti‐Xa bioactivity of both drugs and no significant differences in the effects of apixaban and rivaroxaban on thrombin generation were observed. Drug discontinuation had no effect on D‐dimer concentrations. The concentration of TAT complexes decreased after apixaban discontinuation and did not change after rivaroxaban discontinuation.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Repeated PO administration of apixaban or rivaroxaban to healthy dogs produced comparable anticoagulant effects measured by inhibition of thrombin formation. Rebound hypercoagulability after drug discontinuation was not observed and weaning of these drugs in clinical patients might not be necessary.
VmSpm1: a secretory protein from Valsa mali that targets apple's abscisic acid receptor MdPYL4 to suppress jasmonic acid signaling and enhance infection
Authors: Meng Yangguang , Xiao Yingzhu , Zhu Shan , Xu Liangsheng , Huang Lili
Published: October 2024

Pathogenic fungi such as Valsa mali secrete effector proteins to manipulate host defenses and facilitate infection. Subtilases are identified as potential virulence factors, yet their specific roles in fruit tree pathogens, such as those affecting apple trees, are poorly understood.

Our research shows VmSpm1 as a virulence factor in V. mali. Knocking it out decreased virulence, whereas its heterologous expression in apple led to reduced disease resistance.

Using Y2H, BiFC, SLC, and Co‐IP techniques, we demonstrated an interaction between VmSpm1 and MdPYL4. MdPYL4 levels increased during V. mali infection. The stable transgenic apple lines inoculation experiment showed that MdPYL4 correlates with enhanced resistance to Apple Valsa canker when overexpressed in apples. Furthermore, through in vitro and in vivo assays, we showed the degradative role of VmSpm1 on MdPYL4. MdPYL4 promotes the synthesis of jasmonic acid (JA) in apples in an abscisic acid‐dependent manner. The degradation of MdPYL4 leads to a reduction in JA content in apples during V. mali infection, thereby impairing JA signal transduction and decreasing disease resistance in apple plants.

In summary, this study reveals how V. mali utilizes VmSpm1 to subvert JA signaling, shedding light on fungal manipulation of plant hormones to disrupt immunity.
The prognostic role of food addiction for weight loss treatment outcomes in individuals with overweight and obesity: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Halbeisen Georg , Pahlenkemper Marie , Sabel Luisa , Richardson Candice , Agüera Zaida , Fernandez‐Aranda Fernando , Paslakis Georgios
Published: October 2024

Food addiction (FA) could be a potential prognostic factor of weight loss intervention outcomes. This systematic review with meta‐analysis aimed to (1) estimate this prognostic effect of FA diagnosis and symptom count in individuals with overweight or obesity and (2) explore potential sources of heterogeneity based on properties of the weight loss intervention, study, and sample (e.g., age, gender, ethnicity). We searched PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science for studies reporting on associations between pre‐intervention FA (assessed with the Yale Food Addiction Scale) and weight outcomes after weight loss intervention in individuals with overweight or obesity without a medically diagnosed eating disorder. Twenty‐five studies met inclusion criteria, including 4904 individuals (71% women, Mage = 41 years, BMI = 40.82 kg/m2), k = 18 correlations of weight loss with FA symptom count, and k = 21 mean differences between FA diagnosis groups. Pooled estimates of random‐effects meta‐analyses found limited support for a detrimental effect of FA symptom count and diagnosis on weight loss intervention outcomes. Negative associations with FA increased for behavioral weight loss interventions and among more ethnically diverse samples. More research on the interaction of FA with pre‐existing mental health problems and environmental factors is needed.
Genome‐Wide Association Study Revealed the Genetics of Seed Vigour Traits in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Mohanty Soumya Priyadarsinee , Azharudheen TP Muhammed , Anilkumar Chandrappa , Behera Sasmita , Pradhan Asit Kumar , Beena Radha , Chidambaranathan Parameswaran , Devanna Basavantraya N. , Marndi Bishnu Charan , Dash Sushanta Kumar , Meher Jitendriya , Sah Rameswar Prasad
Published: October 2024

A crucial phenotypic attribute for breeding rice for direct seeded condition is rapid uniform germination and build‐up of biomass during the initial period of seedling establishment. Seed vigour constitutes such traits that have gained potential to meet the requirements of breeding for direct seeded rice. In the present study, a set of 295 markers, including 215 candidate gene‐derived markers covering all chromosome, was used to discover the casual alleles for eight rice seed vigour‐related traits. Using a mixed linear model, the study identified 99 significant associations for seed vigour traits. Many associated markers originated from diverse candidate genes in rice. Notably, alleles from genes like RSR1, OsSRS3 and OsSWEET15 exhibited pleiotropic effects, influencing multiple seed vigour traits. This discovery underscores the potential of certain genes to impact various facets of seed vigour simultaneously. The new candidate gene markers associated with seed vigour traits may be utilized to incorporate variable alleles for seed vigour traits through marker‐assisted breeding programmes. Markers identified to be closely associated with more than one trait have significant application in the simultaneous improvement of multiple traits.