bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BMI trajectory of rapid and excessive weight gain during adulthood is associated with bone loss: a cross-sectional study from NHANES 2005–2018
Authors: Wang Jiacheng , Zheng Yi , Wang Yawen , Zhang Chengjun , Jiang Yanfeng , Suo Chen , Cui Mei , Zhang Tiejun , Chen Xingdong , Xu Kelin
Published: August 2023

Background

Studies have examined the effect of weight change on osteoporosis, but the results were controversial. Among them, few had looked at weight change over the life span. This study aimed to fill this gap and investigate the association between lifetime body mass index (BMI) trajectories and bone loss.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, participants at age 50 and above were selected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2018. Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry was used to measure the bone mineral density at the femoral neck and lumbar spine. Standard BMI criteria were used, with < 25 kg/m2 for normal, 25–29.9 kg/m2 for overweight, and ≥ 30 kg/m2 for obesity. The latent class trajectory model (LCTM) was used to identify BMI trajectories. Multinomial logistic regression models were fitted to evaluate the association between different BMI trajectories and osteoporosis or osteopenia.

Results

For the 9,706 eligible participants, we identified four BMI trajectories, including stable (n = 7,681, 70.14%), slight increase (n = 1253, 12.91%), increase to decrease (n = 195, 2.01%), and rapid increase (n = 577, 5.94%). Compared with individuals in the stable trajectory, individuals in the rapid increase trajectory had higher odds of osteoporosis (OR = 2.25, 95% CI 1.19–4.23) and osteopenia (OR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.02–2.17). This association was only found in the lumbar spine (OR = 2.11, 95% CI 1.06–4.2) but not in the femoral neck. In early-stage (age 25–10 years ago) weight change, staying an obesity and stable weight seemed to have protective effects on osteoporosis (OR = 0.26, 95% CI 0.08–0.77) and osteopenia (OR = 0.46, 95% CI 0.25–0.84). Meanwhile, keeping an early-stage stable and overweight was related to lower odds of osteopenia (OR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.34–0.83). No statistically significant association between recent (10 years ago to baseline) weight change and osteoporosis was found.

Conclusions

Rapid and excess weight gain during adulthood is associated with a higher risk of osteoporosis. But this association varies by skeletal sites. Maintaining stable overweight and obesity at an early stage may have potentially beneficial effects on bone health.
Weighted gene coexpression network analysis and machine learning reveal oncogenome associated microbiome plays an important role in tumor immunity and prognosis in pan-cancer
Authors: Guan Shi-Wei , Lin Quan , Wu Xi-Dong , Yu Hai-Bo
Published: August 2023

Background

For many years, the role of the microbiome in tumor progression, particularly the tumor microbiome, was largely overlooked. The connection between the tumor microbiome and the tumor genome still requires further investigation.

Methods

The TCGA microbiome and genome data were obtained from Haziza et al.’s article and UCSC Xena database, respectively. Separate WGCNA networks were constructed for the tumor microbiome and genomic data after filtering the datasets. Correlation analysis between the microbial and mRNA modules was conducted to identify oncogenome associated microbiome module (OAM) modules, with three microbial modules selected for each tumor type. Reactome analysis was used to enrich biological processes. Machine learning techniques were implemented to explore the tumor type-specific enrichment and prognostic value of OAM, as well as the ability of the tumor microbiome to differentiate TP53 mutations.

Results

We constructed a total of 182 tumor microbiome and 570 mRNA WGCNA modules. Our results show that there is a correlation between tumor microbiome and tumor genome. Gene enrichment analysis results suggest that the genes in the mRNA module with the highest correlation with the tumor microbiome group are mainly enriched in infection, transcriptional regulation by TP53 and antigen presentation. The correlation analysis of OAM with CD8+ T cells or TAM1 cells suggests the existence of many microbiota that may be involved in tumor immune suppression or promotion, such as Williamsia in breast cancer, Biostraticola in stomach cancer, Megasphaera in cervical cancer and Lottiidibacillus in ovarian cancer. In addition, the results show that the microbiome-genome prognostic model has good predictive value for short-term prognosis. The analysis of tumor TP53 mutations shows that tumor microbiota has a certain ability to distinguish TP53 mutations, with an AUROC value of 0.755. The tumor microbiota with high importance scores are Corallococcus, Bacillus and Saezia. Finally, we identified a potential anti-cancer microbiota, Tissierella, which has been shown to be associated with improved prognosis in tumors including breast cancer, lung adenocarcinoma and gastric cancer.

Conclusion

There is an association between the tumor microbiome and the tumor genome, and the existence of this association is not accidental and could change the landscape of tumor research.
Relationship between brain iron dynamics and blood-brain barrier function during childhood: a quantitative magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Uchida Yuto , Kan Hirohito , Furukawa Gen , Onda Kengo , Sakurai Keita , Takada Koji , Matsukawa Noriyuki , Oishi Kenichi
Published: August 2023

Background

Mounting evidence suggests that the blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays an important role in the regulation of brain iron homeostasis in normal brain development, but these imaging profiles remain to be elucidated. We aimed to establish a relationship between brain iron dynamics and BBB function during childhood using a combined quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to depict both physiological systems along developmental trajectories.

Methods

In this single-center prospective study, consecutive outpatients, 2–180 months of age, who underwent brain MRI (3.0-T scanner; Ingenia; Philips) between January 2020 and January 2021, were included. Children with histories of preterm birth or birth defects, abnormalities on MRI, and diagnoses that included neurological diseases during follow-up examinations through December 2022 were excluded. In addition to clinical MRI, quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM; iron deposition measure) and diffusion-prepared pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (DP-pCASL; BBB function measure) were acquired. Atlas-based analyses for QSM and DP-pCASL were performed to investigate developmental trajectories of regional brain iron deposition and BBB function and their relationships.

Results

A total of 78 children (mean age, 73.8 months ± 61.5 [SD]; 43 boys) were evaluated. Rapid magnetic susceptibility progression in the brain (Δsusceptibility value) was observed during the first two years (globus pallidus, 1.26 ± 0.18 [× 10− 3 ppm/month]; substantia nigra, 0.68 ± 0.16; thalamus, 0.15 ± 0.04). The scattergram between the Δsusceptibility value and the water exchange rate across the BBB (kw) divided by the cerebral blood flow was well fitted to the sigmoidal curve model, whose inflection point differed among each deep gray-matter nucleus (globus pallidus, 2.96–3.03 [mL/100 g]−1; substantia nigra, 3.12–3.15; thalamus, 3.64–3.67) in accordance with the regional heterogeneity of brain iron accumulation.

Conclusions

The combined quantitative MRI study of QSM and DP-pCASL for pediatric brains demonstrated the relationship between brain iron dynamics and BBB function during childhood.

Trial registration

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry identifier: UMIN000039047, registered January 6, 2020.
Autism and intention attribution test: a non-verbal evaluation with comic strips
Authors: Le Donne Ilenia , Attanasio Margherita , Bologna Antony , Vagnetti Roberto , Masedu Francesco , Valenti Marco , Mazza Monica
Published: August 2023

Background

Despite autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and mentalization being two words often associated in the literature, the assessment of this ability in individuals with ASD in the clinical setting is still limited. Indeed, there are no standardized Theory of Mind (ToM) tests that are adaptable to different cognitive profiles, such as individuals with language poverty, and intellectual or memory impairments. This study proposes a non-verbal test (Intentions Attribution-Comic Strip Test; IA-CST) to evaluate the ability to infer the intentions of others, a basic component of ToM, in the clinical setting.

Method

In Study 1, the test was administered to 261 healthy individuals and we performed structural validation using Exploratory Graph Analysis. In Study 2, the final version of the test was administered to 32 individuals with ASD to assess the known group validity of the measure by comparing their scores with a sample of IQ-matched controls. Moreover, we performed logistic regression and ROC curve to preliminarily assess the diagnostic performance of the IA-CST.

Results

The IA-CST resulted in a 3-dimension measure with good structural stability. Group comparison indicated that the ASD group shows significantly lower performance in intention attribution but not in inferring causal consequences. The test demonstrated known group validity and that, preliminarily, it is suitable for implementation within the clinical practice.

Conclusions

The results support the IA-CST as a valid non-verbal task for evaluating intentions attribution in the clinical setting. Difficulties in ToM are early and relevant in ASD, so assessing these aspects is valuable for structuring individualized and evidence-based interventions.
Sex-specific and sex-independent steroid-related biomarkers in early second trimester maternal serum associated with autism
Authors: Bilder Deborah A. , Worsham Whitney , Sullivan Scott , Esplin M. Sean , Burghardt Paul , Fraser Alison , Bakian Amanda V.
Published: August 2023

Background

Prenatal exposure to maternal metabolic conditions associated with inflammation and steroid dysregulation has previously been linked to increased autism risk. Steroid-related maternal serum biomarkers have also provided insight into the in utero steroid environment for offspring who develop autism.

Objective

This study examines the link between autism among offspring and early second trimester maternal steroid-related serum biomarkers from pregnancies enriched for prenatal metabolic syndrome (PNMS) exposure.

Study design

Early second trimester maternal steroid-related serum biomarkers (i.e., estradiol, free testosterone, total testosterone, and sex hormone binding globulin) were compared between pregnancies corresponding to offspring with (N = 68) and without (N = 68) autism. Multiple logistic regression analyses were stratified by sex and gestational duration. One-way ANCOVA with post hoc tests was performed for groups defined by autism status and PNMS exposure.

Results

Increased estradiol was significantly associated with autism only in males (AOR = 1.13 per 100 pg/ml, 95% CI 1.01–1.27, p = 0.036) and only term pregnancies (AOR = 1.17 per 100 pg/ml, 95% CI 1.04–1.32, p = 0.010). Autism status was significantly associated with decreased sex hormone binding globulin (AOR = 0.65 per 50 nmol/L, 95% CI 0.55–0.78, p < 0.001) overall and when stratified by sex and term pregnancy status. The inverse association between sex hormone binding globulin and autism was independent of PNMS exposure.

Limitations

The relative racial and ethnic homogeneity of Utah’s population limits the generalizability of study results. Although significant differences by autism status were identified in concentrations of sex hormone binding globulin overall and of estradiol in participant subgroups, differences by PNMS exposure failed to reach statistical significance, which may reflect insufficient statistical power.

Conclusion

Both elevated maternal serum estradiol in males only and low maternal serum sex hormone binding globulin in both sexes are associated with increased autism risk. Further investigation is merited to identify how steroid, metabolic, and inflammatory processes can interact to influence neurodevelopment in early second trimester.
Efferocytosis of viable versus heat-inactivated MSC induces human monocytes to distinct immunosuppressive phenotypes
Authors: Schrodt Michael V. , Behan-Bush Riley M. , Liszewski Jesse N. , Humpal-Pash Madeleine E. , Boland Lauren K. , Scroggins Sabrina M. , Santillan Donna A. , Ankrum James A.
Published: August 2023

Background

Immunomodulation by mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) can occur through trophic factor mechanisms, however, intravenously infused MSCs are rapidly cleared from the body yet a potent immunotherapeutic response is still observed. Recent work suggests that monocytes contribute to the clearance of MSCs via efferocytosis, the body’s natural mechanism for clearing dead and dying cells in a non-inflammatory manner. This begs the questions of how variations in MSC quality affect monocyte phenotype and if viable MSCs are even needed to elicit an immunosuppressive response.

Methods

Herein, we sought to dissect MSC’s trophic mechanism from their efferocytic mechanisms and determine if the viability of MSCs prior to efferocytosis influences the resultant phenotype of monocytes. We cultured viable or heat-inactivated human umbilical cord MSCs with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells for 24 h and observed changes in monocyte surface marker expression and secretion profile. To isolate the effect of efferocytosis from MSC trophic factors, we used cell separation techniques to remove non-efferocytosed MSCs before challenging monocytes to suppress T-cells or respond to inflammatory stimuli. For all experiments, viable and heat-inactivated efferocytic-licensing of monocytes were compared to non-efferocytic-licensing control.

Results

We found that monocytes efferocytose viable and heat-inactivated MSCs equally, but only viable MSC-licensed monocytes suppress activated T-cells and suppression occurred even after depletion of residual MSCs. This provides direct evidence that monocytes that efferocytose viable MSCs are immunosuppressive. Further characterization of monocytes after efferocytosis showed that uptake of viable-but not heat inactivated-MSC resulted in monocytes secreting IL-10 and producing kynurenine. When monocytes were challenged with LPS, IL-2, and IFN-γ to simulate sepsis, monocytes that had efferocytosed viable MSC had higher levels of IDO while monocytes that efferocytosed heat inactivated-MSCs produced the lowest levels of TNF-α.

Conclusion

Collectively, these studies show that the quality of MSCs efferocytosed by monocytes polarize monocytes toward distinctive immunosuppressive phenotypes and highlights the need to tailor MSC therapies for specific indications.
Diagnostic accuracy of cerebral [18F]FDG PET in atypical parkinsonism
Authors: Houssein Naba Jawad , Henriksen Alexander Cuculiza , Hejl Anne-Mette , Marner Lisbeth
Published: August 2023

Background

Atypical parkinsonism (AP) often presents with Parkinson’s symptoms but has a much worse long-term prognosis. The diagnosis is presently based on clinical criteria, but a cerebral positron emission tomography (PET) scan with [18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-2-d-glucose ([18F]FDG) may assist in the diagnosis of AP such as multiple system atrophy (MSA), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD), and Lewy body dementia (DLB). Only few studies have evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of [18F]FDG PET for separating the diseases in a mixed patient population, which we aim to assess in a retrospective material.

Results

We identified 156 patients referred for a cerebral [18F]FDG PET for suspicion of AP during 2017–2019. The [18F]FDG PET was analysed by a nuclear medicine specialist blinded to clinical information but with access to dopamine transporter imaging. The reference standard was the follow-up clinical diagnosis (follow-up: 6–72 months). The overall accuracy for correct classification was 74%. Classification sensitivity (95% confidence interval, CI) and specificity (95% CI) for MSA (n = 20) were 1.00 (0.83–1.00) and 0.91 (0.85–0.95), for DLB/Parkinson with dementia (PDD) (n = 26) were 0.81 (0.61–0.93) and 0.97 (0.92–0.99) and for CBD/PSP (n = 68) were 0.62 (0.49–0.73) and 0.97 (0.90–0.99).

Conclusions

Our results support the additional use of [18F]FDG PET for the clinical diagnosis of AP with moderate to high sensitivity and specificity. Use of [18F]FDG PET may be beneficial for prognosis and supportive treatment of the patients and useful for future clinical treatment trials.
Inspiratory effort impacts the accuracy of pulse pressure variations for fluid responsiveness prediction in mechanically ventilated patients with spontaneous breathing activity: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Hui , Liang Meihao , He Yuanchao , Teboul Jean-Louis , Sun Qin , Xie Jianfen , Yang Yi , Qiu Haibo , Liu Ling
Published: August 2023

Background

Pulse pressure variation (PPV) is unreliable in predicting fluid responsiveness (FR) in patients receiving mechanical ventilation with spontaneous breathing activity. Whether PPV can be valuable for predicting FR in patients with low inspiratory effort is unknown. We aimed to investigate whether PPV can be valuable in patients with low inspiratory effort.

Methods

This prospective study was conducted in an intensive care unit at a university hospital and included acute circulatory failure patients receiving volume-controlled ventilation with spontaneous breathing activity. Hemodynamic measurements were collected before and after a fluid challenge. The degree of inspiratory effort was assessed using airway occlusion pressure (P0.1) and airway pressure swing during a whole breath occlusion (ΔPocc) before fluid challenge. Patients were classified as fluid responders if their cardiac output increased by ≥ 10%. Areas under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curves and gray zone approach were used to assess the predictive performance of PPV.

Results

Among the 189 included patients, 53 (28.0%) were defined as responders. A PPV > 9.5% enabled to predict FR with an AUROC of 0.79 (0.67–0.83) in the whole population. The predictive performance of PPV differed significantly in groups stratified by the median value of P0.1 (P0.1 < 1.5 cmH2O and P0.1 ≥ 1.5 cmH2O), but not in groups stratified by the median value of ΔPocc (ΔPocc < − 9.8 cmH2O and ΔPocc ≥ − 9.8 cmH2O). Specifically, in patients with P0.1 < 1.5 cmH2O, PPV was associated with an AUROC of 0.90 (0.82–0.99) compared with 0.68 (0.57–0.79) otherwise (p = 0.0016). The cut-off values of PPV were 10.5% and 9.5%, respectively. Besides, patients with P0.1 < 1.5 cmH2O had a narrow gray zone (10.5–11.5%) compared to patients with P0.1 ≥ 1.5 cmH2O (8.5–16.5%).

Conclusions

PPV is reliable in predicting FR in patients who received controlled ventilation with low spontaneous effort, defined as P0.1 < 1.5 cmH2O.

Trial registration NCT04802668. Registered 6 February 2021, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT04802668
A systematic review of the safety and efficacy on cognitive function of herbal and nutritional medicines in older adults with and without subjective cognitive impairment
Authors: Cave Adele E. , Chang Dennis H. , Münch Gerald W. , Steiner-Lim Genevieve Z.
Published: August 2023

Background

Subjective cognitive impairment (SCI) substantially increases dementia risk and is often conceptualised as the preclinical asymptomatic phase of the cognitive decline continuum. Due to the lack of pharmacological interventions available to treat SCI and reduce dementia risk, and the popularity of herbal and nutritional medicines, the primary aim of this review was to investigate the efficacy on cognitive function and safety of herbal and nutritional medicines (relative to a control) for older adults with and without SCI. The secondary aims were to describe the study characteristics and assess the methodological quality of included studies.

Method

Five databases (Cochrane, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and EMBASE) were searched from database inception with weekly alerts established until review finalisation on 18 September 2022. Articles were eligible if they included the following: study population of older adults with and without SCI, herbal and nutritional medicines as an intervention, evaluated cognitive outcomes and were randomised control trials.

Results

Data were extracted from 21/7666 eligible full-text articles, and the risk of methodological bias was assessed (with SCI = 9/21; without SCI = 12/21). Most studies (20/21) employed parallel, randomised, placebo-controlled designs and were 12 weeks in length. Herbal supplements were widely used (17/21), namely a form of Ginkgo biloba (8/21) or Bacopa monnieri (6/21). Measures of cognition varied across studies, with 14/21 reporting improvements in at least one domain of cognitive functioning over time, in the intervention group (compared to control). A total of 14/21 studies were deemed as having an overall high methodological risk of bias, 6/21 had some concerns, and only one study (using an SCI population) was assessed as having a low risk of methodological bias.

Conclusions

Overall, this review found that there is a low quality of evidence regarding the efficacy of cognitive function and safety of herbal and nutritional medicines for older adults with and without SCI, due to a high risk of bias across studies. Additionally, further work needs to be done in classifying and understanding SCI and selecting appropriate trial primary outcomes before future studies can more accurately determine the efficacy of interventions for this population.
Exploring tailored virtual emotion regulation approaches for individuals with emotional eating
Authors: Dol Aranka , van Gemert-Pijnen Lisette , Schwartz Lysanne M. , Velthuijsen Hugo , Bode Christina
Published: August 2023

Background

Emotional eating is a complex problem fostering obesity and resulting from maladaptive emotion regulation. Traditional behavioural weight loss interventions have shown insignificant effect. They can be improved by targeting the specific needs of individuals with emotional eating.

Objective

The current study explored a tailored online approach with the aim to positively influence affect (positive and negative) and emotion regulation by applying one of three exercises: body scan, opposite action, and positive reappraisal.

Design

An embedded mixed-method design (questionnaire data (t0, t1, t2) and perceived usefulness of exercises in t2) was used to evaluate the effects of a two-week online quasi-experimental pilot study.

Subjects/setting

In total, 80 participants with self-reported emotional eating difficulties (DEBQ-E; Memo = 3.48, SD = .64, range 1.62–4.92) finished baseline measurements; 15 completed the intervention. The study sample was predominantly female (95%), from 18 till 66 (Mage = 38,0 ± SD = 14.25).

Results

Participants reported that the exercises helped them to pay attention to their physical sensations, and to see positive aspects in negative matters. The exercises were considered difficult by the participants, with too little explanation, and dull, due to minor variation. The observed changes revealed small, and moreover, not significant improvements of the three exercises on positive and negative affect and overall emotion dysregulation. Although the quantitative results did not reach significance, the qualitative data highlighted which aspects of the tailored exercises may have contributed to mood and emotion regulation outcomes. A notable observation in the present study is the substantial dropout rate, with the number of participants decreasing from 80 at baseline (T0) to 15 at the post-intervention stage (T2).

Conclusions

Future studies should identify tailored online exercises in emotion regulation skills in more detail and explore the contexts in which they are most effective in a personalized virtual coach virtual coach to be developed for individuals with emotional eating. Given the high dropout rate, more emphasis should be given to a proper presentation of the exercises, as well as more explanation of their usefulness and how to perform them.
Where a psychopathic personality matters at work: a cross-industry study of the relation of dark triad and psychological capital
Authors: Stephan Birgit , Lechner Dominik , Stockkamp Mariella , Hudecek Matthias F. C. , Frey Dieter , Lermer Eva
Published: August 2023

Background

The concepts of Dark Triad and Psychological Capital (PsyCap) have been extensively researched separately, but until one recent study, their interrelation has not been investigated. Purpose of this study was to uncover differences of the relationship of both concepts across work related industries.

Methods

In total, 2,109 German employees across 11 industries completed a questionnaire on Dark Triad (narcissism, psychopathy and Machiavellianism) and PsyCap. Multiple regression analyses were used to test the association of both concepts across industries.

Results

Values of narcissism, psychopathy and PsyCap generally differed between industries. No significant differences were found for Machiavellianism. While narcissism relates positively to PsyCap in all industry sectors, psychopathy only showed a negative relation to PsyCap in some sectors. For industries architecture, automotive and consulting, psychopathy did not significantly predict PsyCap.

Conclusions

We argue that different expectations of employees per industry make it easier or harder for different personalities to assimilate (homogeneity hypothesis) to the work context (measured by PsyCap). Future studies should investigate this further with other variables such as person-organization-fit. This study was, however, the first to simultaneously investigate Dark Triad and PsyCap among employees and their respective industry. It extends previous findings by revealing differences of both concepts across and within industry sectors. The study can help to reconsider in which industries Dark Triad personality affects PsyCap as antecedent of workplace outcomes such as work satisfaction or job performance.
Exploring the state of the art in legal QA systems
Authors: Abdallah Abdelrahman , Piryani Bhawna , Jatowt Adam
Published: August 2023

Answering questions related to the legal domain is a complex task, primarily due to the intricate nature and diverse range of legal document systems. Providing an accurate answer to a legal query typically necessitates specialized knowledge in the relevant domain, which makes this task more challenging, even for human experts. Question answering (QA) systems are designed to generate answers to questions asked in natural languages. QA uses natural language processing to understand questions and search through information to find relevant answers. At this time, there is a lack of surveys that discuss legal question answering. To address this problem, we provide a comprehensive survey that reviews 14 benchmark datasets for question-answering in the legal field as well as presents a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art Legal Question Answering deep learning models. We cover the different architectures and techniques used in these studies and discuss the performance and limitations of these models. Moreover, we have established a public GitHub repository that contains a collection of resources, including the most recent articles related to Legal Question Answering, open datasets used in the surveyed studies, and the source code for implementing the reviewed deep learning models (The repository is available at: https://github.com/abdoelsayed2016/Legal-Question-Answering-Review). The key findings of our survey highlight the effectiveness of deep learning models in addressing the challenges of legal question answering and provide insights into their performance and limitations in the legal domain.
Spread of Makoyoh’sokoi (Wolf Trail): a community led, physical activity-based, holistic wellness program for Indigenous women in Canada
Authors: Frehlich Levi , Amson Ashley , Doyle-Baker Patricia , Black Tia , Boustead Dawn , Cameron Erin , Crowshoe Lynden , McBrien Kerry , Ji Yunqi , McGuire Ashlee , Oliver Alicia , Tuttauk Loretta , Zhang Jessica , Checholik Carly , Wicklum Sonja
Published: August 2023

Globally, Indigenous populations have been impacted by colonization. Populations who have endured colonization are at higher risk of developing chronic diseases. Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission emphasizes reducing barriers to participation in physical activity and recommends the creation of culturally relevant and supportive policies and programing. Physical activity is a cornerstone in health promotion and public health to combat chronic diseases; however, in Canada, Indigenous developed physical activity programing is sparse, and those targeting women are non-existent in some regions. Makoyoh'sokoi (The Wolf Trail Program) is an 18-week long, holistic wellness program that was created by and for Indigenous women. Makoyoh'sokoi was developed by communities following extensive consultation and cultural oversight. Makoyoh'sokoi’s core program consists of 12 weeks of weekly physical activity programing and health education, followed by another 6 weeks of weekly health education. Notably, communities have control over the program to modify based on individual needs and challenges. Programs commence and conclude with a ceremony with Elders giving a blessing and opening each other to connection. The goals of Makoyoh'sokoi are to empower women, improve health outcomes, and to implement a sustainable program by training a network of community members in their respective communities to facilitate delivery.
OGTT Metrics Surpass Continuous Glucose Monitoring Data for T1D Prediction in Multiple-Autoantibody–Positive Individuals
Authors: Ylescupidez Alyssa , Speake Cate , Pietropaolo Susan L , Wilson Darrell M , Steck Andrea K , Sherr Jennifer L , Gaglia Jason L , Bender Christine , Lord Sandra , Greenbaum Carla J
Published: August 2023

Context

The value of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for monitoring autoantibody (AAB)-positive individuals in clinical trials for progression of type 1 diabetes (T1D) is unknown.

Objective

Compare CGM with oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)–based metrics in prediction of T1D.

Methods

At academic centers, OGTT and CGM data from multiple-AAB relatives were evaluated for associations with T1D diagnosis. Participants were multiple-AAB–positive individuals in a TrialNet Pathway to Prevention (TN01) CGM ancillary study (n = 93). The intervention was CGM for 1 week at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of CGM and OGTT metrics for prediction of T1D were analyzed.

Results

Five of 7 OGTT metrics and 29/48 CGM metrics but not HbA1c differed between those who subsequently did or did not develop T1D. ROC area under the curve (AUC) of individual CGM values ranged from 50% to 69% and increased when adjusted for age and AABs. However, the highest-ranking metrics were derived from OGTT: 4/7 with AUC ∼80%. Compared with adjusted multivariable models using CGM data, OGTT-derived variables, Index60 and DPTRS (Diabetes Prevention Trial-Type 1 Risk Score), had higher discriminative ability (higher ROC AUC and positive predictive value with similar negative predictive value).

Conclusion

Every 6-month CGM measures in multiple-AAB–positive individuals are predictive of subsequent T1D, but less so than OGTT-derived variables. CGM may have feasibility advantages and be useful in some settings. However, our data suggest there is insufficient evidence to replace OGTT measures with CGM in the context of clinical trials.
European Medicines Agency Conflicts With the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on Bisphenol A Regulation
Authors: Zoeller R Thomas , Birnbaum Linda S , Collins Terrence J , Heindel Jerrold , Hunt Patricia A , Iguchi Taisen , Kortenkamp Andreas , Myers John Peterson , vom Saal Frederick S , Sonnenschein Carlos , Soto Ana M
Published: August 2023

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has revised their estimate of the toxicity of bisphenol A (BPA) and, as a result, have recommended reducing the tolerable daily intake (TDI) by 20 000-fold. This would essentially ban the use of BPA in food packaging such as can liners, plastic food containers, and in consumer products. To come to this conclusion, EFSA used a systematic approach according to a pre-established protocol and included all guideline and nonguideline studies in their analysis. They found that Th-17 immune cells increased with very low exposure to BPA and used this endpoint to revise the TDI to be human health protective. A number of regulatory agencies including the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have written formal disagreements with several elements of EFSA's proposal. The European Commission will now decide whether to accept EFSA's recommendation over the objections of EMA. If the Commission accepts EFSA's recommendation, it will be a landmark action using knowledge acquired through independent scientific studies focused on biomarkers of chronic disease to protect human health. The goal of this Perspective is to clearly articulate the monumental nature of this debate and decision and to explain what is at stake. Our perspective is that the weight of evidence clearly supports EFSA's proposal to reduce the TDI by 20 000-fold.
Variability in soil properties influencing pigeonpea (Cajanus cajana L.) yield: a multivariate statistical analysis
Authors: N L Rajesh , K Narayana Rao , U Sathishkumar , V B Wali , K Basavaraj , H V Rudramurthy , B K Desai
Published: August 2023

Aims: The aim of the study was to reveal the variability in soil properties influencing pigeonpea (Cajanus cajana L.) seed yield under semi-arid rainfed condition.

Methods: Soils were initially classified into series level and further these series were divided into soil-phase units. For two site years viz., 2018-19 and 2019-20, surface soil samples from each soil-phase unit were collected before sowing of pigeonpea and subsequently crop growth parameters at critical stages were recorded.

Results: The principal component analysis with varimax rotation resulted in seven components for both the site years, having eigenvalues greater than one, explained more than 80% of the variability. The step wise linear regression analysis showed that the pigeonpea seed yield was linearly correlated with PC3 (p<0.01), PC4 (p<0.01) and PC7 (p<0.05) of soil properties with R2 = 0.679, during 2018-19. Whereas, during 2019-20, the seed yield was linearly correlated with PC1 (p<0.01), PC3 (p<0.01) and PC6 (p<0.05) with R2 = 0.677. In site year 1, the available P2O5, Fe, Zn, S, Cu, number of pods, surface soil moisture determined the yield. In site year 2, the available K2O, P2O5, Fe, Zn, S, clay, CEC and available water content determined the yield. All these variables together explain variability in yield.
Volkswagen Group Logistics Applies Operations Research to Optimize Supplier Development
Authors: Wieczorrek Sönke , Thies Christian , Weckenborg Christian , Grunewald Martin , Spengler Thomas S.
Published: August 2023

Volkswagen Group Logistics (VWGL) is responsible for the logistics and supply processes of the automotive brands of the Volkswagen Group. In this context, supplier development is vital for efficient and reliable material flows between the process partners. In recent years, VWGL implemented a collaborative approach for supplier development in logistics wherein it is crucial to identify disrupting suppliers and apply improvement measures to increase their logistics performance. Against this background, VWGL initiated a project to examine how supplier development measures can be implemented efficiently to improve the overall logistics performance of VWGL’s supply base. This paper presents the developed operations research approach, which integrates Monte Carlo simulation and a knapsack model on the specific problem of supplier development. The approach consists of three stages: (1) data preparation, (2) measure evaluation, and (3) measure allocation. The approach is validated based on 18 existing less-than-truckload networks of VWGL. We find that, on average, considerable cost savings of 31% can be achieved throughout the networks compared with VWGL’s previous procedure. A new workflow facilitates our approach to lift its potential in practical application sustainably.

History: This paper was refereed.
Introducing two new committee members
Authors: Derbyshire Julie
Published: August 2023

The British Association of Neuroscience Nurses (BANN) introduces two new members to the BANN committee. Julie Derbyshire introduces herself and her fellow board member, Sam Weaver, detailing their clinical experience and neuroscience background. Both exceptional individuals and advocates for neuroscience nursing, it is fantastic to see the BANN committee consistently evolving and developing with time.
Octenidine with hyaluronan dressing versus a silver dressing in hard-to-heal wounds: a post-marketing study
Authors: Stryja Jan , Teplá Kateřina , Routek Miroslav , Pavlík Vojtech , Perutková Darja
Published: August 2023

Objective:

This study was conducted to provide comparative data on the clinical efficacy and safety of a novel hard-to-heal wound dressing (Sorelex; Contipro a.s., Czech Republic) that combines octenidine and hyaluronan, compared with a silver-based dressing.

Method:

This multicentre, open-label, randomised, post-market, clinical follow-up study provides a comparison of a octenidine and hyaluronan combination with a standard-of-care (SoC) silver-containing dressing. The investigators evaluated the management of infection in the hard-to-heal wounds based on recorded changes in the appearance of the wound bed tissue and the presence of clinical signs of infection after three weeks of treatment. Other relevant assessed parameters of wound healing were: wound size; exudation level; wound pain level; and surrounding skin appearance.

Results:

The study cohort included 48 patients in the Sorelex arm and 39 patients in the SoC arm. Both products evinced numerous parameters of wound infection management: reductions in the wound bed slough; marked decreases in wound size; the formation of re-epithelialisation and granulation tissue; and improved pain management. Sorelex significantly improved the condition of surrounding skin after three weeks of treatment, unlike SoC. Sorelex reduced wound area significantly more than SoC (p=0.04). No statistically significant differences were detected in other assessed parameters between the two study arms. All the participating investigators expressed their satisfaction with both products. No adverse reactions to Sorelex were recorded over the mean treatment period of 53 days.

Conclusion:

The octenidine and hyaluronan combination provides a new alternative choice of dressing for the treatment of infected hard-to-heal wounds when compared with a silver-based product.
Research on the Electromagnetic Emission Along the Contact Line of Electrified Trains Passing Through Neutral Sections
Authors: Guang-hui Liu , Yapeng Wang , Zhenghui Li
Published: August 2023

To study the electromagnetic emission along a contact line when an electrified high-speed train passes through a neutral section, this paper models the transmission line of the traction network, provides a calculation method and boundary conditions for the parameters of the model, solves for the current distribution along the contact line, and calculates the electromagnetic emission of the contact line considering the antenna effect. Thus, the electromagnetic emission characteristics along the electrified railway are determined. Moreover, the actual electromagnetic emissions of a train passing through a neutral section are measured with a field test method and compared with the calculation results to verify the effectiveness of the model.
Scanning of the Near-field Focused Beam by Changing Frequency
Authors: Sohail Muhammad , Uyguroğlu Rasime , Öztoprak Abdullah Y.
Published: August 2023

A new antenna array system is introduced which enables the movement of a near-field focused beam by change of frequency. The shift in the beam is achieved by using multi-wavelength transmission lines between successive elements of the array. At the designed frequency the beam is focused at the focal point. Due to the differences in the transmission line lengths feeding the antenna elements, a progressive phase change occurs between these elements. These phase differences between the elements cause a shift in the beam position. An 8×8 patch antenna array system was designed at 2.4 GHz on a microstrip to implement the proposed system. Two substrates were used: one for the patch antenna array and the other one for the feed network and transmission lines. A full-wave simulation model was used to analyze this design and demonstrate the movement of the beam. For this design, the focused beam is moved 310 mm by changing the frequency from 2.2025 GHz to 2.5750 GHz.
Design and Simulation of a Slice-rail and Cylindrical for Multi-Projectile Electromagnetic Launchers
Authors: Mozafari Shahab , Bayati Mohammad Sajjad
Published: August 2023

In Electromagnetic launcher (EML) research, beside reasonable L' and high muzzle velocities, there are several key features including multi-turn launching, low field intensity in payload position, high frequency shooting, less unwanted radiation, and so on. Attaining a solution might be feasible by a different structure. In this paper we have studied unequal curved electromagnetic rail launchers (EMRLs) as slice and cylindrical multi-projectile electromagnetic launchers, and the inductance gradient (L') of these structures has been calculated. Making multi-projectile EMRLs using a slice-rail structure is much easier than other plane methods. With a cylindrical multi-projectile EMRL, higher shooting frequency is more feasibly attained and there is no limit on the number of launchers at the same time. High temperature spots which are the result of high velocity and high current density distributions end in intense destructive erosion. Decreasing intense erosion in electromagnetic launcher structures will be more economical and provide greater reliability, therefore resulting in more applications for EMLs especially commercial ones. In parallel electromagnetic launchers, these points and areas are not omissible. In cylindrical EMRLs the problem of high current density distributions and its consequent erosion is significantly decreased because of the uniform distribution of current in its symmetric structure.
Una «experiencia religiosa» surgida del manga y el anime
Authors: Mor Cristian
Published: August 2023

En la sociedad japonesa actual, la cual está institucionalizada como laica, podemos encontrar sistemas de creencias y espiritualidades que se desvinculan de la propia noción de religiosidad. Como consecuencia de este factor colonial del significado conceptual, las manifestaciones que surgen de las clases populares se han delimitado en aspectos concretos de la cultura que generan una escasa implicación dentro del campo de estudio religioso. Con el fin de visibilizar dichos fenómenos emergentes, el presente artículo tiene como objetivo introducir elSeichi Junreiy sus diferentes prácticas como ejemplo de experiencia religiosa entendida desde la perspectiva del decolonialismo.
Cruising foreign territories
Authors: Quero Hugo Córdova , Dias Nilta
Published: August 2023

Este artículo analiza cuestiones relativas a la sexualidad, la fe, la cultura y la etnicidad entre in/migrantes queer japoneses brasileños a partir de dos trabajos de campo independientes realizados en Japón. La primera parte explora el papel que desempeña la cultura a la hora de determinar cómo los inmigrantes queer japoneses brasileñxs (re)construyen sus identidades como «Otrx/s» en la intersección entre etnicidad y nacionalidad. La segunda parte aborda la relación entre los cuerpos y las fronteras, especialmente en lo que respecta a las diferentes categorizaciones de la sexualidad y el género entre estxs in/migrantes. La última parte cuestiona los aspectos de la fe y la necesidad de que lxs in/migrantes negocien su situación particular dentro del corpus de sus creencias. El artículo pretende visibilizar la agencia y las estrategias de adaptación desplegadas por las in/migrantes queer japonesas brasileñas en tierras extranjeras.
Vygotskian Perspectives in Deaf Education: An Introduction in Two Movements
Authors: Skyer Michael E.
Published: August 2023

Abstract: Vygotsky's (1993) Fundamentals of Defectology is a radical's handbook of deaf and disability studies. Vygotsky's overall research program views disabilities, including deafness, from an integrated biosocial and critical theory standpoint. In two movements, I introduce an American Annals of the Deaf Special Issue on Vygotskian perspectives in deaf education focused mainly on his Defectology volume. Movement One describes Vygotsky's life, research, death, and posthumous impact by situating his deaf pedagogy research as one node in a network of defectological pedology , translated as applied special educational psychology. Movement Two describes how Vygotsky's project has been extended, synthesized, and developed in modern and postmodern contexts of deaf education and disability studies. Throughout, I synthesize Vygotsky's claims and update his terms by juxtaposing them with contemporary terms and theories to provide sociohistorical context for the new scholarship comprising this Special Issue's unique contribution to Vygotskian deaf research.
Evaluating Informal Science Education Centers in the Southern Appalachians
Authors: Weatherton Maryrose , Von Der Mehden Bailey , Ferguson Hope , Horn Sally P.
Published: August 2023

abstract: The southern Appalachian region is a hotspot of ecological biodiversity that is under increasing threat from climate change and rapid population growth. We posit that informal science education is uniquely adapted to foster environmental stewardship in the region, but the current state of informal science education within the southern Appalachians is poorly understood. We reviewed current informal science education centers (ISECs), which we define as centers for science learning outside of structured curriculum ( n = 166). For each of these centers, we compiled information on geographical location, programs offered, and funding sources. We found large geographic gaps in ISEC coverage that often aligned with low-population, low-income counties. The most common program type in our dataset was field trips, followed by public programming, while research and virtual programming were the least often offered. ISECs that had funding from multiple organizations generally had the most diverse and robust programming.
Imaging and component analysis of pumpkin stem tissue with simultaneous SF-CARS and TPEF microscopy
Authors: Hou Guozhong , Dong Zhiwei , Qin Yifan , Zhang Ze , Liu Meng , Xia Yuanqin
Published: August 2023

A multimodal nonlinear optical imaging platform based on a single femtosecond oscillator is built for simultaneous TPEF and SF-CARS imaging. TPEF microscopy and SF-CARS microscopy is utilized for mapping the distribution of the lignin component and the polysaccharide component, respectively. Visualization of vessel structure is realized. And the relative distribution of lignin and polysaccharide of vessel structure is mapped. Two pumpkin stem tissue areas with different degrees of lignification are observed with simultaneous TPEF and SF-CARS imaging, and two types of cell walls are identified. The different distribution patterns of lignin and polysaccharide in these two types of cell walls, induced by different degrees of lignification, are analyzed in detail.