bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acoustic characterisation of boards manufactured with fruit stones mixed with coconut fibre
Authors: Montava Belda I. , Juliá Sanchis E. , Segura Alcaraz J. , Gadea Borrell JM
Published: August 2024

Sustainable and recycled materials are being used in a wide range of fields to solve a waste management problem and, at the same time, to confer them a second life. These materials include fruit stones of different crops: apricot, peach, cherry and olive. Employing fruit stones as acoustic materials contributes to minimise the environmental impact and to create a new product with interesting sound-absorption properties, apart from offering aesthetic added value. Some previous works have demonstrated the application of fruit stones panels as sound absorbers. This study aims to determine the acoustic properties of boards manufactured with a mixture of the four above fruit stone types. A coconut fibre layer is added to compare the results with and without coconut fibre. The experimental results show that acoustic properties improve by increasing board thickness and the sound-absorption coefficient is higher when a coconut fibre layer is added. Sound transmission loss is not significantly affected by adding the coconut fibre layer.
Pulmonary hypertension-related deaths in patients with acute pulmonary embolism in the United States, 2003 to 2020
Authors: Zuin Marco , Badagliacca Roberto , Harder Eileen , McGonagle Bridget , Greason Christie , Piazza Gregory
Published: August 2024

Background:

Data regarding the mortality trends in pulmonary embolism (PE)-related mortality in patients with concomitant pulmonary hypertension (PH) are lacking. We assessed the trends in PE-related mortality in patients with concomitant PH in the United States (US) over the past 2 decades and during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Wide-ranging ONline Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER) dataset.

Methods:

Mortality data were retrieved from the publicly available CDC WONDER mortality dataset from 2003 to 2020. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs), per 100,000 population, were assessed using Joinpoint regression modelling and expressed as estimated average annual percentage change (AAPC) with relative 95% CIs and stratified by urbanicity, sex, age, and race/ethnicity.

Results:

Over the study period, the AAMR for PE/PH-related mortality linearly increased (AAPC: +4.3% [95% CI: 3.7 to 4.9], p < 0.001) without sex differences. The AAMR increase was more pronounced in White individuals (AAPC: +4.8% [95% CI: 4.1 to 5.5], p < 0.001) and in subjects living in rural areas (AAPC: +5.1% [95% CI: 3.8 to 6.4], p < 0.001) compared to those living in urban areas. During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic there was a significant excess in PE/PH-related mortality among women, older than 65 years and living in rural areas.

Conclusions:

The rate of PE/PH-related mortality in the US is increasing. Although the early diagnosis of PH in patients with acute PE has become easier with improved diagnostic modalities, the mortality rate of these patients remains high.
North-South research collaboration during complex global emergencies: Qualitative knowledge production and sharing during COVID-19
Authors: Rudling Adriana , Sesay Mohamed , Wiebelhaus-Brahm Eric , Rettberg Angelika
Published: August 2024

Large multinational teams of academics and activist-practitioners that span the Global North-South divide have become common in qualitative research because of the reliance of field of peace and conflict studies on “local” knowledge and expertise. Complex global emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, present the opportunity to (re)shape and (re)consider these endeavors in key some ways. This article focuses on the involvement of South-based activist-practitioners in three large North-South collaborations, one pre-pandemic (Beyond Words: Implementing Latin American Truth Commission Recommendations), one ongoing when the pandemic began (Gender, Justice, and Security Hub), and one launched during the pandemic (Truth Commissions and Sexual Violence: African and Latin American Experiences). Drawing on center-periphery framework, we adopt an autoethnographic approach, to reflect on how the pandemic has not only reinforced existing structural and institutional asymmetries through reduced funding, professional uncertainty, and personal loss and insecurity but also added some new ethical concerns. This reality has tested both our capacity and commitment to work toward the decolonization of knowledge in the field. In making this argument, we seek to contribute to the discussion on research ethics and the politics of knowledge production and sharing in qualitative peace and conflict research.
Rhythmic musical intervention improves response time of memory tests: A pilot study on the application of a digital cognitive assessment
Authors: Hao Ziyu , Tran Joshua YS , Bat Baker KK , Yiu Karen KL , Chan Joyce YC , Tsoi Kelvin KF
Published: August 2024

Background

Memory complaints are the early symptoms of cognitive impairment, and they usually bring anxiety about cognitive deterioration among the elderly population. Musical interventions were demonstrated to relieve dementia symptoms. This pilot study investigated the potential benefits of rhythmic musical intervention, African drumming, on cognitive function and mood status with traditional and digital assessments for elderly participants.

Method

Participants were recruited through social media. The musical intervention was arranged by drumming instructors certified by the Hong Kong Association of African Drumming. Participants joined regular training classes with eight lessons, which covered rhythmic clapping and drumming, power control, and overall performance with songs. The inclusion criteria included the following: (1) age over 50; (2) self-reported complaints of memory loss; (3) the ability to use digital devices, such as a smartphone; and (4) can understand the content of questionnaires and follow the intervention schedules. Those with hearing impairment, failure to use Chinese, and active psychosis or dementia were excluded. Cognitive function was measured by the Hong Kong version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (HK-MoCA) and a digital platform, ScreenMat. Anxiety and depression levels were assessed by the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). All assessments were performed before and after the drumming classes. The outcomes were compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test with 0.05 as the significance level.

Result

Twenty-two participants joined this study with an attendance rate of 90%. The overall cognitive function of the participants was good with an average score of 27 for HK-MoCA. After eight sessions of African drum intervention, the cognitive function did not show a significant improvement, but the response time of answering the digital cognitive questions was significantly faster than before the intervention (−39.9 s, p = 0.03). The response time for the short-term memory function was most significantly reduced (−13.5 s, p = 0.017). The anxiety and depression scores (i.e. STAI and GDS) also significantly improved ( p < 0.001) after the intervention.

Conclusion

Rhythmic musical intervention is not only effective in improving emotional status, but also potentially good for improving cognitive symptoms, including the response time of the memory test. Digital behavioral analysis may bring new insights for future research on cognitive assessment.
Attitudes toward Women’s Layoffs during Recessions: Evidence from Chinese Firms
Authors: Au Anson
Published: August 2024

Sociological research has identified persistent disadvantages that face women in hiring and promotion opportunities in firms. This article extends this research on gender inequality to examining firm preferences for women’s layoffs when faced with the prospect of an economic recession. Drawing on nationally representative microdata on workers in China, this article reveals that these preferences differ by firm type. Men in state firms report significantly higher odds of preferring to lay off women first, but this effect is even stronger in private firms. As symbols of economic stability, state firms are prohibited from conducting layoffs, creating insulated organizational cultures with traditional gender role beliefs that are resistant to change. Meanwhile, private firms are governed by a firm logic of profit maximization that creates more precarity among workers and compels them, men and even women, to embrace layoffs of fellow women workers to protect themselves.
Vulnerability of suspension bridges to spatially variable vertical ground motions
Authors: Taslimi Arsam , Petrone Floriana
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the vulnerability of long-span suspension bridges to spatially variable vertical ground motions (SV-VGMs). While of recognized importance, a comprehensive understanding of this topic has been traditionally limited by the unavailability of an adequate number of arrays of motions. In this work, 10 simulations of a large-magnitude Hayward Fault earthquake are utilized to perform site-specific structural response assessments of a suspension bridge under different load scenarios. A detailed nonlinear model representative of the West San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge is employed as the case study structure. Four sets of nonlinear time-history analyses are performed with and without VGMs and with and without the incorporation of spatial variability to offer the basis for a complete comparison of the demand distributions across different load cases. Results indicate that VGMs largely influence the response of the bridge decks in the vertical direction, with an increase in drifts up to 2× for the case of synchronous input and up to 2.5× for the case of asynchronous inputs. The analysis of the bridge response in the time and frequency domain across all load cases reveals a high sensitivity of the decks’ response to minor time lags in input motions of comparable amplitude, which are seen to activate the contribution of higher modes to the structural response. Evidence from this study points to the potential of severely underestimating structural demands if the (even limited) spatial variability of the input motions is not incorporated correctly. For the case study structure, the probability of exceeding the onset of nonlinearity in the short decks at the design earthquake level is seen to increase by a factor of about two when considering SV-VGMs as opposed to synchronous horizontal motions only.
Data linkage studies of primary care utilisation after release from prison: a scoping review
Authors: Cooper Janine A. , Murphy Siobhán , Kirk Richard , O’Reilly Dermot , Donnelly Michael
Published: August 2024

Background

Primary care plays a central role in most, if not all, health care systems including the care of vulnerable populations such as people who have been incarcerated. Studies linking incarceration records to health care data can improve understanding about health care access following release from prison. This review maps evidence from data-linkage studies about primary care use after prison release.

Methods

The framework by Arksey and O’Malley and guidance by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) were used in this review. This scoping review followed methods published in a study protocol. Searches were performed (January 2012-March 2023) in MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science Core Collection using key-terms relating to two areas: (i) people who have been incarcerated and (ii) primary care. Using eligibility criteria, two authors independently screened publication titles and abstracts (step 1), and subsequently, screened full text publications (step 2). Discrepancies were resolved with a third author. Two authors independently charted data from included publications. Findings were mapped by methodology, key findings and gaps in research.

Results

The database searches generated 1,050 publications which were screened by title and abstract. Following this, publications were fully screened (n = 63 reviewer 1 and n = 87 reviewer 2), leading to the inclusion of 17 publications. Among the included studies, primary care use after prison release was variable. Early contact with primary care services after prison release (e.g. first month) was positively associated with an increased health service use, but an investigation found that a large proportion of individuals did not access primary care during the first month. The quality of care was found to be largely inadequate (measured continuity of care) for moderate multimorbidity. There were lower levels of colorectal and breast cancer screening among people released from custody. The review identified studies of enhanced primary care programmes for individuals following release from prison, with studies reporting a reduction in reincarceration and criminal justice system costs.

Conclusions

This review has suggested mixed evidence regarding primary care use after prison release and has highlighted challenges and areas of suboptimal care. Further research has been discussed in relation to the scoping review findings.
Automated system utilizing non-invasive technique mammograms for breast cancer detection
Authors: Ammar Hazem M. , Tammam Ashraf F. , Selim Ibrahim M. , Eassa Mohamed
Published: August 2024

In order to increase the likelihood of obtaining treatment and achieving a complete recovery, early illness identification and diagnosis are crucial. Artificial intelligence is helpful with this process by allowing us to rapidly start the necessary protocol for treatment in the early stages of disease development. Artificial intelligence is a major contributor to the improvement of medical treatment for patients. In order to prevent and foresee this problem on the individual, family, and generational levels, Monitoring the patient's therapy and recovery is crucial. This study's objective is to outline a non-invasive method for using mammograms to detect breast abnormalities, classify breast disorders, and identify cancerous or benign tumor tissue in the breast. We used classification models on a dataset that has been pre-processed so that the number of samples is balanced, unlike previous work on the same dataset. Identifying cancerous or benign breast tissue requires the use of supervised learning techniques and algorithms, such as random forest (RF) and decision tree (DT) classifiers, to examine up to thirty features, such as breast size, mass, diameter, circumference, and the nature of the tumor (solid or cystic). To ascertain if the tissue is malignant or benign, the examination's findings are employed. These features are mostly what determines how effectively anything may be categorized. The DT classifier was able to get a score of 95.32%, while the RF satisfied a far higher 98.83 percent.
Tailoring biopsy strategy in the MRI-fusion prostate biopsy era: systematic, targeted or neither?
Authors: Jäderling Fredrik , Bergman Martin , Engel Jan Chandra , Mortezavi Ashkan , Picker Wolfgang , Haug Erik Skaaheim , Eklund Martin , Nordström Tobias
Published: August 2024

Background

Magnetic  resonance imaging (MRI) followed by targeted biopsy (TBx) is utilized for prostate cancer (PCa) detection. However, the value of adding systematic biopsies (SBx) to targeted biopsy procedures (combined biopsy; CBx) in men with suspicious MRI findings has not been determined.

Methods

We analysed biopsy outcomes in 429 men with MRI lesions in the prospective multicenter STHLM3MRI pilot study, planned for prostate biopsy. Participants underwent 1.5T biparametric MRI without contrast enhancement, reported according to the PI-RADS v2, and with TBx plus SBx if the MRI lesion score was ≥ 3. The endpoints were clinically nonsignificant (nsPCa) and clinically significant PCa (csPCa), defined as ISUP grade groups 1 and ≥ 2, respectively.

Results

The median age was 65 years (59–70), and the median PSA 6.0 ng/ml (4.1–9.0). The detection rates of csPCa when using TBx or SBx combined were 18%, 46%, and 85% in men with PIRADS scores of 3 (n = 195), 4 (n = 121), and 5 (n = 113), respectively. This combined strategy detected csPCa in more men than TBx alone (43.6% vs 39.2%, p < 0.02), with similar detection of nsPCa (19.3% vs 17.7%, p = 0.2).

In men with equivocal lesions (PI-RADS 3), the detection rates for csPCa were similar for the combined strategy and for TBx alone (17.9% and 15.4%, p = 0.06). However, there was an increase in the detection of nsPCa when using the combined strategy (21.0% vs 15.4%, p < 0.02).

Men with equivocal lesions and a PSA density < 0.1 ng/ml2 or a Stockholm 3 test < 0.11 had a low risk of harboring csPCa.

Conclusions

Supplementing targeted with systematic biopsies enhances clinically significant cancer detection. However, in men with equivocal lesions, this combination has potential for detecting nonsignificant disease. A subgroup of men with equivocal MRI findings may be identified as having a low risk for significant cancer and spared unnecessary biopsies.
Implementation of a digital distress detection system in palliative care: qualitative data on perspectives of a multiprofessional palliative care team
Authors: Seibel Katharina , Rios Claudia Lorena Orellana , Sparna Titus , Becker Carola , Gaertner Jan , Becker Gerhild , Boehlke Christopher
Published: August 2024

Background

Digital health technologies such as sensor systems are intended to support healthcare staff in providing adequate patient care. In the Department of Palliative Medicine (University Medical Center Freiburg), we developed and implemented a noninvasive, bed-based sensor system in a pilot study. The aim was to detect distress in patients who were no longer able to express themselves by monitoring heart and respiratory rates, vocalizations, and movement measurements. The sensor system was intended to supplement standard care, which generally cannot guarantee constant monitoring. As there is a lack of data on how healthcare professionals experience such a techno-digital innovation, the aim of this study was to explore how the multiprofessional palliative care team who piloted the sensor system perceived its potential benefits and limitations, and how they experienced the broader context of healthcare technology and research in palliative care.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative interview study with 20 members of the palliative care team and analyzed the recorded, verbatim transcribed interviews using qualitative content analysis.

Results

The sensor system was described as easy to use and as helpful support for patients, care staff, and relatives, especially against the backdrop of demographic change. However, it could not replace human interpretation of stress and subsequent treatment decisions: this remained the expertise of the nursing staff. A potential reduction in personnel was expected to be a risk of a digital monitoring system. The special conditions of research and digital health technologies in an end-of-life context also became clear. Specifically, healthcare staff were open to health technologies if they benefited the patient and were compatible with professional nursing and/or palliative care attitudes. Additionally, a patient-protective attitude and possible interprofessional differences in priorities and the resulting challenges for the team became apparent.

Conclusions

A potential digital solution for distress monitoring was considered useful by palliative care practitioners. However, interprofessional differences and compatibility with existing palliative care practices need to be considered before implementing such a system. To increase user acceptability, the perspectives of healthcare professionals should be included in the implementation of technological innovations in palliative care.
Relationship between patient safety culture and patient experience in hospital settings: a scoping review
Authors: Alabdaly Adel , Hinchcliff Reece , Debono Deborah , Hor Su-Yin
Published: August 2024

Background

Measures of patient safety culture and patient experience are both commonly utilised to evaluate the quality of healthcare services, including hospitals, but the relationship between these two domains remains uncertain. In this study, we aimed to explore and synthesise published literature regarding the relationships between these topics in hospital settings.

Methods

This study was performed using the five stages of Arksey and O’Malley’s Framework, refined by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Searches were conducted in the CINAHL, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SciELO and Scopus databases. Further online search on the websites of pertinent organisations in Australia and globally was conducted. Data were extracted against predetermined criteria.

Results

4512 studies were initially identified; 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. Several positive statistical relationships between patient safety culture and patient experience domains were identified. Communication and teamwork were the most influential factors in the relationship between patient safety culture and patient experience. Managers and clinicians had a positive view of safety and a positive relationship with patient experience, but this was not the case when managers alone held such views. Qualitative methods offered further insights into patient safety culture from patients’ and families’ perspectives.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that the patient can recognise safety-related issues that the hospital team may miss. However, studies mostly measured staff perspectives on patient safety culture and did not always include patient experiences of patient safety culture. Further, the relationship between patient safety culture and patient experience is generally identified as a statistical relationship, using quantitative methods. Further research assessing patient safety culture alongside patient experience is essential for providing a more comprehensive picture of safety. This will help to uncover issues and other factors that may have an indirect effect on patient safety culture and patient experience.
Video and phone visit use differed by language preference among U.S. Latino and Chinese adults during the first 9 months of the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional electronic health record study
Authors: Gordon Nancy P. , Lin Teresa Y. , Torreblanca Antonia , Reed Mary E.
Published: August 2024

Background

During the first nine months of the COVID-19 emergency, patients were encouraged to use virtual versus clinic visits if in-person care was not deemed necessary by clinical staff. This study examined the association of spoken language preference and ethnicity with use of video versus phone virtual visits by US Latino and Chinese adult patients who got care in the same healthcare system.

Methods

We analyzed electronic health record data for four groups of adults aged 26-85y who had ≥ 1 primary or specialty care outpatient clinician visits during April-December 2020: 80,869 Latino adults preferring Spanish (LEP Latino); 214,765 Latino adults preferring English (non-LEP Latino); 23,430 Chinese adults preferring a Chinese dialect (LEP Chinese); and 49,710 Chinese adults preferring English (non-LEP Chinese). Prevalence of the following utilization outcomes were compared by language preference (LEP/non-LEP) within ethnicity and by ethnicity within language preference for four age subgroups (26-39y, 40-64y, 65-75y, and 76-85y): ≥ 1 virtual (video or phone) visit, ≥ 1 video visit, ≥ 1 phone visit, ≥ 1 clinic visit, video visits only, and phone visits only. We also compared ethnicity x language group differences within age subgroups using absolute difference and adjusted prevalence ratios derived from modified log-Poisson regression models that controlled for age and sex.

Results

Among virtual users, LEP Latino and Chinese adults were significantly less likely to use video visits and more likely to use phone visits than non-LEP Latino and Chinese adults in the same age strata. The LEP/non-LEP difference in video visit use was significantly larger among Latino than Chinese patients, with no similar ethnic group difference observed for phone visits. Within the LEP and non-LEP language groups, Chinese adults were significantly more likely than Latino adults to use video visits and less likely to use phone visits.

Conclusions

During the first nine months of the COVID-19 pandemic, uptake of video and phone virtual visits by Latino and Chinese adults significantly differed by LEP/non-LEP status within ethnicity and by ethnicity within LEP/non-LEP language group. These findings underscore the importance of disaggregating data by ethnicity and language preference when attempting to understand and study patient use of different virtual visit modalities.
Unraveling the causality between gastroesophageal reflux disease and increased cancer risk: evidence from the UK Biobank and GWAS consortia
Authors: Wu Gujie , Liu Yaqiong , Ning Dong , Zhao Mengnan , Li Xiaoqing , Chang Lu , Hu Qili , Li Yao , Cheng Lin , Huang Yiwei
Published: August 2024

Background

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition characterized by the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. Despite its widespread prevalence worldwide, the causal link between GERD and various cancer risks has not been fully established, and past medical research has often underestimated or overlooked this relationship.

Methods

This study performed Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the causal relationship between GERD and 19 different cancers. We leveraged data from 129,080 GERD patients and 473,524 controls, along with cancer-related data, obtained from the UK Biobank and various Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) consortia. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with GERD were used as instrumental variables, utilizing methods such as inverse variance weighting, weighted median, and MR-Egger to address potential pleiotropy and confounding factors.

Results

GERD was significantly associated with higher risks of nine types of cancer. Even after adjusting for all known risk factors—including smoking, alcohol consumption, major depression, and body mass index (BMI)—these associations remained significant, with higher risks for most cancers. For example, the adjusted risk for overall lung cancer was (OR, 1.23; 95% CI: 1.14–1.33), for lung adenocarcinoma was (OR, 1.18; 95% CI: 1.03–1.36), for lung squamous cell carcinoma was (OR, 1.35; 95% CI: 1.19–1.53), and for oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer was (OR, 1.73; 95% CI: 1.22–2.44). Especially noteworthy, the risk for esophageal cancer increased to (OR, 2.57; 95% CI: 1.23–5.37). Mediation analyses further highlighted GERD as a significant mediator in the relationships between BMI, smoking, major depression, and cancer risks.

Conclusions

This study identifies a significant causal relationship between GERD and increased cancer risk, highlighting its role in cancer development and underscoring the necessity of incorporating GERD management into cancer prevention strategies.
Vitamin A carotenoids, but not retinoids, mediate the impact of a healthy diet on gut microbial diversity
Authors: Valdes Ana M. , Louca Panayiotis , Visconti Alessia , Asnicar Francesco , Bermingham Kate , Nogal Ana , Wong Kari , Michelotti Gregory A. , Wolf Jonathan , Segata Nicola , Spector Tim D. , Berry Sarah E. , Falchi Mario , Menni Cristina
Published: August 2024

Background

Vitamin A is essential for physiological processes like vision and immunity. Vitamin A’s effect on gut microbiome composition, which affects absorption and metabolism of other vitamins, is still unknown. Here we examined the relationship between gut metagenome composition and six vitamin A-related metabolites (two retinoid: -retinol, 4 oxoretinoic acid (oxoRA) and four carotenoid metabolites, including beta-cryptoxanthin and three carotene diols).

Methods

We included 1053 individuals from the TwinsUK cohort with vitamin A-related metabolites measured in serum and faeces, diet history, and gut microbiome composition assessed by shotgun metagenome sequencing. Results were replicated in 327 women from the ZOE PREDICT-1 study.

Results

Five vitamin A-related serum metabolites were positively correlated with microbiome alpha diversity (r = 0.15 to r = 0.20, p < 4 × 10−6). Carotenoid compounds were positively correlated with the short-chain fatty-acid-producing bacteria Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Coprococcus eutactus. Retinol was not associated with any microbial species. We found that gut microbiome composition could predict circulating levels of carotenoids and oxoretinoic acid with AUCs ranging from 0.66 to 0.74 using random forest models, but not retinol (AUC = 0.52).

The healthy eating index (HEI) was strongly associated with gut microbiome diversity and with all carotenoid compounds, but not retinoids. We investigated the mediating role of carotenoid compounds on the effect of a healthy diet (HEI) on gut microbiome diversity, finding that carotenoids significantly mediated between 18 and 25% of the effect of HEI on gut microbiome alpha diversity.

Conclusions

Our results show strong links between circulating carotene compounds and gut microbiome composition and potential links to a healthy diet pattern.
Effect of different LED light colors on welfare, performance, some behavioral patterns, and blood parameters of Muscovy ducks
Authors: Hefnawy Eman , Elgazzar Eman , Sabek Ahmed , El-laithy Saeed , Ahmed Souad
Published: August 2024

Background

The current study was conducted to assess the impact of different LED light colors on welfare indicators in Muscovy ducks. These welfare parameters encompassed growth performance, specific behaviors, tonic immobility (TI), feather score, haematological, and serum biochemical parameters. Eighty-four healthy unsexed Muscovy ducklings aged two weeks were randomly assigned to four groups (3replicates/group; each replicate contains 7 birds) based on different LED light colors. The first group was raised under white light, the second under red light, the third under blue light, and the fourth under yellow light. To assess the impact of various LED light colors on welfare, growth performance indicators (body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio) were measured. Behavioral patterns including feeding, drinking, standing, walking, sitting, feather pecking, and other activities were recorded. Tonic immobility test (TI) and feather condition scoring were conducted at 3, 6, and 10 weeks of age. At the end of the study blood samples were collected for hematological and serum biochemical analyses.

Results

The results revealed that using blue, yellow, and red colors had no adverse effect on the final body weight of the ducks (P > 0.05). Unlike to red light, blue light significantly reduced feather pecking, TI time and cortisol concentrations and improved the feather condition score (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions

The current findings suggest that the application of blue light effectively improves welfare indices and has no detrimental impact on the growth performance of Muscovy ducks thereby positively contributing to their welfare.
Myanmar immigrant women’s perceptions, beliefs, and information-seeking behaviors with nutrition and food practices during pregnancy in Thailand: a qualitative study
Authors: Nuampa Sasitara , Tangsuksan Pornnapa , Sasiwongsaroj Kwanchit , Pungbangkadee Rudee , Rungamornrat Somsiri , Doungphummes Nuntiya , Netniyom Sittiporn , Patil Crystal L.
Published: August 2024

Background

Although nutrition is an essential contributor to the quality of pregnancy outcomes, little is known about the experiences and influences affecting dietary behaviors during pregnancy among migrant women, particularly those from Myanmar, the largest immigrant population in Thailand. To fill this gap, we conducted a descriptive qualitative study to explore Myanmar immigrant women’s perceptions, beliefs, and information-seeking behaviors concerning nutrition and food practices during pregnancy.

Methods

We conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) with fifty Myanmar immigrant pregnant women aged 18–45 years across all trimesters, who were recruited using purposive sampling from a public tertiary hospital. The FGDs were conducted in Thai or Myanmar using semi-structured guides that probed women’s pregnancy perceptions and experiences about nutrition and food patterns during pregnancy. The FGDs were audio-recorded, translated, and transcribed. Direct content analysis was used to guide the analysis through an ecological perspective framework.

Results

The seven FGDs with fifty women revealed four major themes involving perceptions, beliefs, and information-seeking behaviors. The qualitative results consisted of (1) a positive attitude toward better changes under difficult conditions (setting goals for infant health; uncertainty about changes); (2) beliefs about eating patterns and dietary practices during pregnancy (taboos aimed at protecting women’s health and ensuring safe childbirth; taboos aimed at guaranteeing infant safety); (3) limited access to appropriate information about nutrition (unclear dietary information from healthcare providers; ease of learning from experiences in informal social networks); and (4) difficult living conditions in a non-native setting (work-related influences on dietary behaviors; lack of comprehensible language to gain food literacy). In addition, the results were highlighted across four levels of ecological perspectives.

Conclusions

Immigrant pregnant women are a vulnerable population that should be treated with equity to ensure quality of life through optimal nutrition throughout pregnancy. Respectful care requires that healthcare providers develop culturally sensitive nutrition interventions to increase nutrition literacy, accessibility, and pregnancy outcomes.
Natural small molecules synergize mesenchymal stem cells for injury repair in vital organs: a comprehensive review
Authors: Qu Yanling , Wang Zhe , Dong Lingjuan , Zhang Dan , Shang Fengqing , Li Afeng , Gao Yanni , Bai Qinhua , Liu Dan , Xie Xiaodong , Ming Leiguo
Published: August 2024

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) therapy is a highly researched treatment that has the potential to promote immunomodulation and anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antimicrobial activities. It is thought that it can enhance internal organ function, reverse tissue remodeling, and achieve significant organ repair and regeneration. However, the limited infusion, survival, and engraftment of transplanted MSCs diminish the effectiveness of MSCs-based therapy. Consequently, various preconditioning methods have emerged as strategies for enhancing the therapeutic effects of MSCs and achieving better clinical outcomes. In particular, the use of natural small molecule compounds (NSMs) as a pretreatment strategy is discussed in this narrative review, with a focus on their roles in regulating MSCs for injury repair in vital internal organs. Additionally, the discussion focuses on the future directions and challenges of transforming mesenchymal stem cell research into clinical applications.
Association between diabetes mellitus and giant cell arteritis: a bidirectional 2-sample mendelian randomization study
Authors: Chen Si , Zeng Xiaoli , Ma Xu , Luan Haixia , Nie Rui , Wang Yan , Liao Hua , Pan Lili , Yuan Hui
Published: August 2024

Objective

Recent studies have indicated a potential association between giant cell arteritis (GCA) and diabetes mellitus, encompassing both type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the exact nature of this relationship requires further investigation to be fully elucidated.

Methods

Genetic links between T1D/T2D and GCA were explored using data from genome-wide association studies available to the public, focusing on populations of European ancestry. We applied a bidirectional mendelian randomization (MR) approach to assess the potential association between these diseases. Confirmatory analyses, including additional datasets and a comprehensive meta-analysis, were utilized. The inverse-variance-weighted (IVW) method was applied to pinpoint heterogeneity and pleiotropy, while subsequent sensitivity analyses aimed to trace the origins of any heterogeneity.

Results

Initial analysis demonstrated a correlation between T1D and an elevated likelihood of developing GCA (IVW odds ratio = 1.33, with a 95% confidence interval of 1.22–1.46, and a P-value of 9.42E−10). The causal association was verified through four validation datasets and meta-analysis (all P-value < 0.001). However, the reverse MR analysis was unable to detect any genetic basis for the increased risk of T1D due to GCA. Furthermore, we could not establish any causal links between T2D and GCA.

Conclusion

T1D patients may have a higher risk of developing GCA, whereas an inverse causal relationship was not evident. Furthermore, no causal relationship was detected between T2D and GCA. These insights shed light on the possible pathological mechanisms underlying GCA and may influence the future clinical handling of both T1D and GCA.
Happy times, careers and happenstance in UK psychiatry: time, timeliness, timelessness, eternity and contemporality
Authors: Ikkos George , Bouras Nick
Published: August 2024

To address some challenges facing psychiatrists today we discuss issues of happenstance and fulfilment in psychiatric careers through some of the record and reflections of four psychiatrists since the 1950s. We trace the changes in psychiatry attendant to the transition from the welfare to the neoliberal state and=its contemporary postmodern culture. We highlight the crucial importance of political-cultural as well as technological developments in determining psychiatric service management and provision, and clinical practice and career outcomes. In the light of this impact, in a global era that some highly respected authorities consider in apocalyptic terms, we advocate for the incorporation of training in political awareness and activism in the psychiatric curriculum and practice. We suggest that this is necessary for social justice and patient welfare and that it will help safeguard psychiatric professionalism, conscience and self-esteem.
Association between a selective 5-HT4 receptor agonist and incidence of major depressive disorder: emulated target trial
Authors: de Cates Angharad N. , Harmer Catherine J. , Harrison Paul J. , Cowen Philip J. , Emmanuel Anton , Travis Simon , Murphy Susannah E. , Taquet Maxime
Published: August 2024

Background

The serotonin 4 receptor (5-HT4R) is a promising target for the treatment of depression. Highly selective 5-HT4R agonists, such as prucalopride, have antidepressant-like and procognitive effects in preclinical models, but their clinical effects are not yet established.

Aims

To determine whether prucalopride (a 5-HT4R agonist and licensed treatment for constipation) is associated with reduced incidence of depression in individuals with no past history of mental illness, compared with anti-constipation agents with no effect on the central nervous system.

Method

Using anonymised routinely collected data from a large-scale USA electronic health records network, we conducted an emulated target trial comparing depression incidence over 1 year in individuals without prior diagnoses of major mental illness, who initiated treatment with prucalopride versus two alternative anti-constipation agents that act by different mechanisms (linaclotide and lubiprostone). Cohorts were matched for 121 covariates capturing sociodemographic factors, and historical and/or concurrent comorbidities and medications. The primary outcome was a first diagnosis of major depressive disorder (ICD-10 code F32) within 1 year of the index date. Robustness of the results to changes in model and population specification was tested. Secondary outcomes included a first diagnosis of six other neuropsychiatric disorders.

Results

Treatment with prucalopride was associated with significantly lower incidence of depression in the following year compared with linaclotide (hazard ratio 0.87, 95% CI 0.76–0.99; P = 0.038; n = 8572 in each matched cohort) and lubiprostone (hazard ratio 0.79, 95% CI 0.69–0.91; P < 0.001; n = 8281). Significantly lower risks of all mood disorders and psychosis were also observed. Results were similar across robustness analyses.

Conclusions

These findings support preclinical data and suggest a role for 5-HT4R agonists as novel agents in the prevention of major depression. These findings should stimulate randomised controlled trials to confirm if these agents can serve as a novel class of antidepressant within a clinical setting.
Comments and Controversies in Oncology: The Tribulations of Trials Developing ONC201
Authors: Hansford Jordan R. , Bouche Gauthier , Ramaswamy Vijay , Jabado Nada , Fonseca Adriana , Moloney Sam , Gottardo Nicholas G. , Robinson Giles W. , Gajjar Amar , Tinkle Christopher L. , Fisher Paul G. , Foreman Nicholas , Ashley David M. , Ziegler David S. , Eisenstat David D. , Massimino Maura , Witt Olaf , Bartels Ute , Rutkowski Stefan , Hargrave Darren , Fouladi Maryam , Pfister Stefan M. , Bouffet Eric
Published: August 2024

Our international team highlights issues with efficacy reports in several studies on DMG with the new drug ONC201.
Pre-Prediabetes: Insulin Resistance Is Associated With Cardiometabolic Risk in Nonobese Patients (STOP DIABETES)
Authors: Armato John , DeFronzo Ralph A , Abdul-Ghani Muhammad , Ruby Ron
Published: August 2024

Context

Prior studies have demonstrated glycemic and cardiometabolic risk in the prediabetic state.

Objective

This work aims to examine if insulin resistance (IR) is associated with markers of glycemic, cardiometabolic, and atherosclerotic risk in nonobese, nonprediabetic individuals compared to insulin-sensitive (IS) individuals matched for body mass index (BMI), sex, and age.

Methods

Of 1860 patients from the STOP DIABETES study, 624 had normal fasting plasma glucose, BMI less than 30, and glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) less than 5.7%. All received an oral glucose tolerance test. Insulin sensitivity was quantitated using the Matsuda index: less than the 25th percentile equals IR (n = 151) and 25th percentile or greater equals IS (n = 473). Measures of dysglycemia and cardiometabolic risk were compared between IR individuals (n = 151) and a subset of IS individuals who were matched for BMI, sex, and age (n = 151). Carotid intima media thickness and carotid plaque were measured in 65 IR and 76 IS individuals.

Results

Compared to matched IS patients, IR nonobese individuals demonstrated increased indicators of glycemic and cardiometabolic risk, including increased 60-minute plasma glucose and percentage of patients with 60-minute plasma glucose greater than 155 mg/dL; increased 120-minute plasma glucose; unrecognized impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes, decreased disposition index; increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure; elevated plasma triglycerides (TGs); reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol; increased TGs/HDL ratio, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. The presence, size, and number of carotid plaques was greater in the IR group.

Conclusion

Approximately 1 in 4 nonobese patients in this population with normal fasting glucose and HbA1c were IR. In these nonobese participants, IR was associated with multiple indicators of dysglycemia and cardiometabolic risk.
Associations of Glycemic Measures in the Normal Range With All-Cause Mortality in the Absence of Traditional Risk Factors
Authors: Wu Deshan , Shi Shuxiao , Li Kexin , Zhong Victor W
Published: August 2024

Context

The investigation of the association between blood glucose within normal range and all-cause mortality among individuals without traditional risk factors is limited.

Objective

To determine the associations of 3 glycemic measures (fasting plasma glucose [FPG], hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c], and 2-hour glucose) in the normal range with all-cause mortality among individuals without traditional risk factors.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 1988-1994 and 1999-2018. Nonpregnant adults who had a measurement of 2-hour glucose, FPG, and HbA1c, and absence of traditional risk factors were included. Cox proportional hazard models were performed to examine the associations of normal FPG (n = 5793), normal HbA1c (n = 8179), and normal 2-hour glucose (n = 3404) with all-cause mortality.

Results

A significant association was found between 2-hour glucose within the normal range and all-cause mortality among those without traditional risk factors. Compared with participants with 2-hour glucose <80 mg/dL, participants with a higher normal 2-hour glucose level had a higher risk of all-cause mortality (110-139 mg/dL; HR 1.80, 95% CI 1.03-3.15). In the subgroup analysis, significant associations were also found among people aged ≥60 years and men. No significant associations were found between normal FPG and HbA1c levels and all-cause mortality.

Conclusion

Among US adults without traditional risk factors, high normal 2-hour glucose level was positively associated with all-cause mortality. This result highlights the potential importance of maintaining a lower normal level of 2-hour glucose for preventing mortality in individuals who are conventionally considered to be cardiovascular healthy.
Association of Adiposity Phenotypes With 27-Hydroxycholesterol and Sex Hormones: The Multiethnic Cohort Study
Authors: Li Yuqing , Streicher Samantha A , Franke Adrian A , Tome Anne N , White Kami K , Shvetsov Yurii , Lim Unhee , Setiawan Veronica W , DeRouen Mindy C , Hernandez Brenda Y , Wu Anna H , Wilkens Lynne R , Le Marchand Loïc , Loo Lenora W M , Cheng Iona
Published: August 2024

Context

The distribution of body fat has been linked to circulating levels of lipids and sex steroid hormones. The cholesterol metabolite and endogenous selective estrogen receptor modulator, 27-hydroxychlolesterol (27HC), may be influenced by adiposity phenotypes, particularly among females. No study has examined the relationships of 27HC with adiposity phenotypes.

Objective

To investigate the associations of 27HC and steroid hormones with detailed adiposity phenotypes among a multiethnic population of postmenopausal women.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 912 postmenopausal women from the Multiethnic Cohort Adiposity Phenotype study. Multivariable linear regression examined the associations of circulating levels of 27HC, steroid hormones, and sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) with detailed adiposity phenotypes, adjusting for demographics, lifestyle factors, diabetes status, and use of lipid-lowering drugs. Subgroup analyses were conducted across race and ethnicity.

Results

Total fat mass (P trend = .003), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) (P trend = .006), and superficial subcutaneous adipose tissue (P trend = 4.41 × 10−4) were inversely associated with circulating 27HC levels. In contrast, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) (P trend = .003) and liver fat (P trend = .005) were positively associated with 27HC levels. All adiposity phenotypes were associated with higher levels of free estradiol and testosterone and lower levels of SHBG. Generally, similar patterns of associations were observed across race and ethnicity.

Conclusion

Adiposity phenotypes, such as SAT, VAT, and liver fat, were differentially associated with circulating 27HC, while consistent directions of associations were seen for circulating hormones among postmenopausal women. Future studies are warranted to further understand the biology and relationships of 27HC and adiposity-related diseases.