bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of repeated embryo flushing without PGF2α administration on luteal function, percentage of unwanted pregnancy and subsequent fertility in mares
Authors: Martínez‐Boví Rebeca , Sala‐Ayala Laura , Querol‐Paajanen Aurora , Plaza‐Dávila María , Cuervo‐Arango Juan
Published: February 2024

Background

PGF2α is commonly given at the end of embryo flushing (EF) to shorten the interval to the next oestrus and ovulation.

Objectives

To determine the effect of repeated EF on plasma progesterone concentration, percentage of mares with endometritis, unwanted pregnancy and subsequent fertility in mares flushed without the use of PGF2α.

Study design

Controlled experiments.

Methods

Nine mares were inseminated in seven consecutive cycles (n = 63), to either perform an EF (n = 54) 7–9 days after ovulation or left pregnant (n = 9). PGF2α was not used to induce oestrus. Ultrasound examination and blood sampling were performed just before the EF and 72 h later to determine changes in progesterone concentration and signs of endometritis.

Results

The overall percentage of positive EF/pregnancy was 55.5% (30/54) and 66.7% (6/9), respectively. The likelihood of pregnancy/positive EF in the first three cycles was 55.5% (15/29). This was not different (p > 0.1) from the fertility of the last four cycles (69.4%, 25/36). In five EF cycles (9.3%), mares had signs of endometritis and early luteolysis (progesterone <2 ng/mL) 72 h after EF. The reduction in progesterone concentration by 72 h after EF was greater (p < 0.05) for Day 9 (−2.3 ± 0.7 ng/mL) than Day 7 (−1.0 ± 0.8 ng/mL) or Day 8 (−1.3 ± 1.1 ng/mL) cycles. The progesterone concentration in non‐flushed mares did not vary significantly during the sampled period (Day 7–12). There were 5 cycles in which the donor mare remained pregnant after the EF, although four were from a single mare.

Main limitations

The mare population was limited to barren and maiden mares. The cycle order and operator allocation to each EF were not randomised.

Conclusions

EF induces a subtle, but significant reduction in progesterone concentrations compared with non‐EF cycles. However, the percentage of mares with EF‐induced full luteolysis is low (9.3%). The fertility of mares after repeated EF without administration of PGF2α was unaffected; however, there is a considerable risk of unwanted pregnancy (5/27 = 18.5%) in donors from which an embryo was not recovered.
Fish predation risk alters the microbiota of Daphnia in the process of inducing its life‐history defence traits
Authors: Liu Qi , Chen Hui , Akbar Siddiq , Gu Lei , Sun Yunfei , Yang Zhou
Published: February 2024

Host‐associated microbiota is an essential mediator of host adaptation to changeable environmental conditions. However, whether fish predation risk alters the gut microbiota composition of Daphnia while also of inducing Daphnia's life‐history defence traits remains unclear. Examination of the effect of predation risk on prey‐associated microbiota may help in improving our understanding of induced anti‐predation defence from a microbial perspective.

In this study, Daphnia magna was used as the model organism to investigate the changes in the microbiota in the gut of Daphnia as well as in the whole Daphnia and the culture medium during D. magna life‐history anti‐predation defence. The relationship of these changes with the development stage was also assessed.

The results showed that predation risk can simultaneously induce anti‐predation defences and reshape the associated microbiota composition of Daphnia. The gut microbiota of D. magna responded to both developmental stages and predation risk. The Shannon diversity of gut microbiota under predation risk decreased significantly with developmental stage. The abundance of dominant bacteria such as Burkholderiaceae and Flavobacteriaceae decreased under predation risk and was further reduced with developmental stage. Functional prediction results showed that the presence of predation risk mainly weakened overall microbial function, especially metabolic function, in the gut of D. magna. The weakening of microbial function was most obvious during sexual maturity. In addition, the number of unique operational taxonomic units in the whole Daphnia and dissected guts under predation risk was significantly higher than those in control. Based on the screening results, the Pantoea genus (Erwiniaceae family) can clearly distinguish dissected gut samples with or without predation risk.

The present study provided more insights into the structural features and functional roles of the Daphnia microbiota and improved our understanding of induced anti‐predation defence from a microbial perspective. Furthermore, this study highlights the possible complex correlations that exist between induced defensive traits and altered microbiota, which warrants further investigation.
Nanoparticulate bioceramic putty suppresses osteoclastogenesis and inflammatory bone loss in mice via inhibition of TRAF6‐mediated signalling pathways: A laboratory investigation
Authors: Wang Zijun , Zhang Jie , Sun Xiaoyue , Yu Jingjing , Liu Bingqian , Peng Bin , Wang Li , Yang Jingwen , Zhu Lingxin
Published: February 2024

Aim

This study aimed to determine the effects of iRoot BP Plus on receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL)‐induced osteoclastogenesis in vitro and inflammation‐mediated bone resorption in vivo and investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methodology

CCK‐8 was performed to test cell viability in RANKL‐induced RAW 264.7 cells and BMDMs in response to iRoot BP Plus. The effect of iRoot BP Plus on osteoclastogenesis was determined using TRAP staining and phalloidin staining, respectively. Pit formation assay was conducted to measure osteoclast resorptive capacity. Western blot and qPCR were performed to examine osteoclast‐related proteins and gene expression, respectively. Western blot was also used to investigate the signalling pathways involved. For in vivo experiments, an LPS‐induced mouse calvarial bone resorption model was established to analyse the effect of iRoot BP Plus on bone resorption (n = 6 per group). At 7 days, mouse calvaria were collected and prepared for histological analysis.

Results

We identified that iRoot BP Plus extracts significantly attenuated RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis, reduced sealing zone formation, restrained osteolytic capacity and decreased osteoclast‐specific gene expression (p < .01). Mechanistically, iRoot BP Plus extracts reduced TRAF6 via proteasomal degradation, then suppressed the phosphorylation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs), blocked the nuclear translocation of c‐Fos and diminished nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) p65 and NFATc1 accumulation. Consistent with the in vitro results, iRoot BP Plus extracts attenuated osteoclast activity thus protecting against inflammatory bone resorption in vivo (p < .05), which was accompanied by a suppression of TRAF6, c‐Fos, NFATc1 and cathepsin K expression.

Conclusion

These findings provide valuable insights into the signalling mechanisms underlying nanoparticulate bioceramic putty‐mediated bone homeostasis.
Evaluating dietary considerations in hidradenitis suppurativa: a critical examination of existing knowledge
Authors: Vural Seçil , Baskurt Defne , Yıldırıcı Şebnem , Rasulova Gunel , Danacı Senem , Botsalı Aysenur
Published: February 2024

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic condition that can overwhelm patients, and the effectiveness of supplementary dietary treatments remains uncertain. The primary aim of this review is to explore the connection between diet and HS progression. However, it is imperative to note that the evidence supporting a substantial role of the diet in HS remains weak. Dietary alterations alone should not be considered independent solutions for managing HS. Medical therapy continues to be indispensable for adequate treatment. Research indicates that the Mediterranean lifestyle and diet may provide cost‐effective and beneficial adjustments when combined with traditional therapies. Conversely, foods with a high glycemic index and dairy could worsen HS symptoms, conceivably through mechanisms linked to insulin resistance and inflammation. Zinc, known for its antioxidant properties, shows promise as an adjunct therapy. Moreover, evidence suggests a connection between vitamin D deficiency and HS severity, although the findings are inconclusive. Brewer's yeast‐free diet, B12 supplementation, intermittent fasting, and reducing the intake of refined sugar and dairy merit further investigation. In conclusion, this review highlights the need for additional research because of the lack of standardized reporting of clinical effects in the studies under scrutiny. A deeper exploration of the pathophysiology focusing on dietary modifications and their potential associations with HS severity is essential. Furthermore, it is crucial to recognize that patients' willingness to experiment with new diets makes them vulnerable to fraudulent interventions, highlighting the importance of evidence‐based dietary guidance.
Redundancy and absurd names in immunology
Authors: Kuśnierczyk Piotr
Published: February 2024

In this short review, examples of unnecessary multiple names of cell membrane molecules, for example, immune checkpoints and cytokines, are presented. Moreover, ridiculous or inaccurate names, such as ‘Regulated on activation, normal T‐cell expressed and secreted’ and ‘tissue factor’, are discussed.
Changes in nurses' work: A comparative study during the waves of COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Usberg Gerli , Clari Marco , Conti Alessio , Põld Mariliis , Kalda Ruth , Kangasniemi Mari
Published: February 2024

Aim

The aim of this study is to describe and evaluate how nurses caring for COVID and non‐COVID patients assess changes in their work and in nursing activities during the two waves of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

Two cross‐sectional surveys were conducted for Estonian nurses working during the first and second waves of the COVID‐19 pandemic, using The impact of COVID‐19 emergency on nursing care questionnaire. Based on convenience sampling, the data were collected among the members of professional organizations, unions and associations. Responses from the first (n = 162) and second wave (n = 284) were analysed using descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact test and McNemar's test.

Results

The COVID‐19 pandemic changed the working context during both waves for nurses caring for COVID and non‐COVID patients. Changes were considered to a greater extent during the second wave, when Estonia was severely affected, and by nurses caring for COVID patients. During the second wave, the number and complexity of patients increased, and nurses caring for COVID patients performed fundamental care, nursing techniques and symptom control significantly more frequently compared to nurses caring for non‐COVID patients.

Conclusion

Taking care of COVID patients is demanding, requiring nurses to perform more direct patient care. However, the pandemic also increased the frequency of activities not related with direct patient care.
Parametric Quantile Beta Regression Model
Authors: Bourguignon Marcelo , Gallardo Diego I. , Saulo Helton
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we develop a fully parametric quantile regression model based on the generalised three‐parameter beta (GB3) distribution. Beta regression models are primarily used to model rates and proportions. However, these models are usually specified in terms of a conditional mean. Therefore, they may be inadequate if the observed response variable follows an asymmetrical distribution. In addition, beta regression models do not consider the effect of the covariates across the spectrum of the dependent variable, which is possible through the conditional quantile approach. In order to introduce the proposed GB3 regression model, we first reparameterise the GB3 distribution by inserting a quantile parameter, and then we develop the new proposed quantile model. We also propose a simple interpretation of the predictor–response relationship in terms of percentage increases/decreases of the quantile. A Monte Carlo study is carried out for evaluating the performance of the maximum likelihood estimates and the choice of the link functions. Finally, a real COVID‐19 dataset from Chile is analysed and discussed to illustrate the proposed approach.
Vaccine effectiveness against influenza hospitalisation in adults during the 2022/2023 mixed season of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2) and B circulation, Europe: VEBIS SARI VE hospital network
Authors: Rose Angela M. C. , Pozo Francisco , Martínez‐Baz Iván , Mazagatos Clara , Bossuyt Nathalie , Cauchi John Paul , Petrović Goranka , Loghin Isabela I. , Vaikutyte Roberta , Buda Silke , Machado Ausenda , Duffy Róisín , Oroszi Beatrix , Howard Jennifer , Echeverria Aitziber , Andreu Cristina , Barbezange Cyril , Džiugytė Aušra , Nonković Diana , Popescu Corneliu‐Petru , Majauskaite Fausta , Tolksdorf Kristin , Gomez Verónica , Domegan Lisa , Horváth Judit Krisztina , Castilla Jesús , García Miriam , Demuyser Thomas , Borg Maria‐Louise , Tabain Irena , Lazar Mihaela , Kubiliute Ieva , Dürrwald Ralf , Guiomar Raquel , O'Donnell Joan , Kristóf Katalin , Nicolay Nathalie , Bacci Sabrina , Kissling Esther ,   VEBIS SARI VE network team
Published: February 2024

We conducted a multicentre hospital‐based test‐negative case–control study to measure vaccine effectiveness (VE) against PCR‐confirmed influenza in adult patients with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) during the 2022/2023 influenza season in Europe. Among 5547 SARI patients ≥18 years, 2963 (53%) were vaccinated against influenza. Overall VE against influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 was 11% (95% CI: −23–36); 20% (95% CI: −4–39) against A(H3N2) and 56% (95% CI: 22–75) against B. During the 2022/2023 season, while VE against hospitalisation with influenza B was >55%, it was ≤20% for influenza A subtypes. While influenza vaccination should be a priority for future seasons, improved vaccines against influenza are needed.
‘Not seeing people as capable’: Disability professionals' mis/understandings of ableism
Authors: Friedman Carli , VanPuymbrouck Laura , Gordon Zach
Published: February 2024

Background

Knowledge about how disability professionals understand ableism may provide insight into the production of inequalities. The aim of this study was to examine how disability professionals understand ableism.

Methods

We asked 347 disability professionals, all of whom worked with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, among other populations, to define ableism and then analysed those definitions using content analysis.

Results

The themes about how participants understood ableism were: discrimination; differential treatment; individualization; norms and othering; ableist language; microaggressions; and systems and environments. It was also not uncommon for participants to say ableist things, and express misconceptions in their definitions. This included these themes: avoiding disability; using ableist language; framing disability as in/ability; centring people without disabilities; ignoring invisible disabilities; believing only people without disabilities have bias; and believing ableism does not exist.

Conclusions

Knowing disability professionals' understandings of ableism is necessary to intervene biased attitudes and reduce ableism.
Association between serum uric acid‐to‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and insulin resistance in an American population: A population‐based analysis
Authors: Zhou Xiaohai , Xu Jing
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Previous studies have demonstrated a correlation between the serum uric acid‐to‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (UHR) and insulin resistance (IR) in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, no existing studies have investigated the relationship between IR and UHR in the general population. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between UHR and IR in the general American population.

Methods

A sample of 8,817 participants was selected from the 2013 to 2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) was used to assess insulin resistance. Multiple logistic regression, generalized smooth curve fitting, and subgroup analysis were used to assess the association between IR and UHR.

Results

Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated a significant correlation between insulin resistance and UHR, with odds ratios (OR) of 1.07 (95% CI = 1.03–1.11) in males and 1.18 (95% CI = 1.13–1.25) in females. A non‐linear relationship and saturation effect between IR risk and UHR were observed, characterized by an inverted L‐shaped curve and a critical inflection point at 8.82. It was found that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of UHR was significantly larger (AUC = 0.703 for males and 0.747 for females, all P < 0.01) compared with the use of UA or HDL‐C alone. Subgroup analysis showed that this independent association remain consistent regardless of race, age, BMI, diabetes, moderate activities, education level, alcohol drinking, and gender.

Conclusion

Elevated UHR demonstrates a significant correlation with insulin resistance, so it can be used as a potential indicator of insulin resistance within the American population.
Fish fauna and environmental factors in river estuaries of small and medium‐sized rivers on islands significantly influenced by warm currents
Authors: Itsukushima Rei , Kano Yuichi
Published: February 2024

River estuaries are influenced by terrestrial and marine areas, and have a unique environment that is constantly fluctuating. They are also important habitats for biodiversity conservation. Tanegashima Island is significantly influenced by the Kuroshio Current. Although nearby Yakushima Island has been recognized as a World Natural Heritage site and information on many species has been collected, there is little information on species inhabiting the river estuaries of Tanegashima Island. In this study, the river estuarine ichthyofauna of 26 small and medium‐sized rivers on Tanegashima Island was surveyed and a total of 2758 individuals of 29 species and one genus belonging to 15 families were collected. The fish fauna of the river estuaries of Tanegashima Island were classified into three groups, namely the river estuaries where coastal terraces are underdeveloped and drowned valleys are formed, the river group where the riverbed gradient at the mouth is high, and other river groups. Environmental factors selected as being important for ordination of fish fauna were the altitude of the headstreams at the watershed scale, the gradient of the river estuarine area, and the presence or absence of rapids in the estuary. The importance of the geohistorical factor of drowned valley formation, in addition to habitat and watershed scale environmental factors, as a factor on river estuarine fish fauna is an important finding for future conservation of local biota diversity.
Reversible Comparisons: Policing Criminality and Criminal Policing in South Africa
Authors: Vartavarian Mesrob
Published: February 2024

John D. Brewer’s (1994) seminal study of the South African Police claimed that structural factors would inhibit democratic reforms in law enforcement agencies, regardless of which political party controlled the public administration. Thirty years of majority rule, and a series of subsequent works (Altbeker 2005, 2007; Steinberg, 2008; Lamb 2018), demonstrate that Brewer’s thesis remains relevant. Occasional efforts at fully reconstructing state security agencies never took hold and the South African Police Service remains mired in the sordid practices of its colonial past. McMichael and Brown concur with this established narrative while Shaw’s study on vigilantism adds insightful subtleties that deromanticize subaltern social movements. All three authors tackle sharp distinctions between policing and criminality, arguing that the two processes often intertwine and are frequently interchangeable. This review article combines structural determinants of coercive law enforcement with elite political agency. Political choices made by South Africa’s ruling African National Congress reinforce criminal practices in policing and precipitate the formation of volatile vigilante organizations.
What a multi‐institutional collective case study of social annotation data reveals about graduate students' metacognitive reading practices
Authors: Wilson Nance S. , Dussling Tess , Adams Brittany , Stevens Elizabeth , Baumann Jennie , Yang Shuling , Smetana Linda , Bean‐Folkes Jane , Van Wig Ann
Published: February 2024

This article presents the results of a multi‐site study conducted by nine graduate educators in the United States investigating how reading comprehension might be supported by social annotation. This research examines collaborative learning and group construction of knowledge that took place in six classrooms across a university semester. The findings of this study provide insight into the general reading comprehension practices of graduate students. The results also demonstrate how social annotation can operate as a pathway for understanding learning in process. We hope this study can act as a catalyst for discussion in the development of students' metacognitive practices.
Disparities among ethnic groups in mortality and outcomes among adults with MASLD: A multicenter study
Authors: Aboona Majd B. , Faulkner Claire , Rangan Pooja , Ng Cheng Han , Huang Daniel Q. , Muthiah Mark , Nevah Rubin Moises I. , Han Ma Ai Thanda , Fallon Michael B. , Kim Donghee , Chen Vincent L. , Wijarnpreecha Karn
Published: February 2024

Background

Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease and 10%–20% occurs in lean individuals. There is little data in the literature regarding outcomes in an ethnically‐diverse patient populations with MASLD. Thus, we aim to investigate the natural history and ethnic disparities of MASLD patients in a diverse population, and stratified by body mass index categories.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective multicenter study on patients with MASLD at the Banner Health System from 2012 to 2022. Main outcomes included mortality and incidence of cirrhosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus (DM), liver‐related events (LREs), and cancer. We used competing risk and Cox proportional hazard regression analysis for outcome modelling.

Results

A total of 51 452 (cross‐sectional cohort) and 37 027 (longitudinal cohort) patients were identified with 9.6% lean. The cohort was 63.33% European ancestry, 27.96% Hispanic ancestry, 3.45% African ancestry, and 2.31% Native American/Alaskan ancestry. Median follow‐up was 45.8 months. After adjusting for confounders, compared to European individuals, Hispanic and Native American/Alaskan patients had higher prevalence of cirrhosis and DM, and individuals of Hispanic, African, and Native American/Alaskan ancestry had higher mortality and incidence of LREs and DM. Lean patients had higher mortality and incidence of LREs compared with non‐lean patients.

Conclusion

Native American/Alaskan, Hispanic, and African patients had higher mortality and incidence of LREs and DM compared with European patients. Further studies to explore the underlying disparities and intervention to prevent LREs in lean patients, particularly several ethnic groups, may improve clinical outcomes.
Barriers to communication with people with developmental disabilities: A reflexive thematic analysis
Authors: Cashin Andrew , Morphet Julia , Wilson Nathan J. , Pracilio Amy
Published: February 2024

People with Intellectual Disability and/or autism internationally experience some of the worst health outcomes of any population group. Registered nurses have been identified as having educational deficits in this domain, which include knowledge of adjustments to communication. This study aimed to explore perceived barriers to communication with people with Intellectual Disability and/or autism. A thematic analysis of data from an open‐ended free‐text survey question exploring barriers to communicating in a cross‐sectional survey of 279 Australian registered nurses conducted in 2020 was undertaken. Six interrelated themes were identified. Increased educational content in undergraduate and postgraduate level nursing courses is indicated. The findings identify the benefit of educational design based on the foundation of understanding the diversity in thinking and information processing represented by the forms of neurodiversity in Intellectual Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with left bundle branch block
Authors: Tang Ri‐Bo , Lv Wen‐He , Long De‐Yong , Dong Jian‐Zeng , Du Xin , Sang Cai‐Hua , Yu Rong‐Hui , He Liu , Jiang Chen‐Xi , Wen Song‐Nan , Liu Nian , Li Song‐Nan , Wang Wei , Guo Xue‐Yuan , Zhao Xin , Liu Xiao‐Ying , Wu Ze‐Yang , Li Yu‐Kun , Wang Xue‐Si , Du Zhuo‐Hang , Ma Chang‐Sheng
Published: February 2024

Background

Left bundle branch block (LBBB) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are commonly coexisting conditions. The impact of LBBB on catheter ablation of AF has not been well determined. This study aims to explore the long‐term outcomes of patients with AF and LBBB after catheter ablation.

Methods

Forty‐two patients with LBBB of 11,752 patients who underwent catheter ablation of AF from 2011 to 2020 were enrolled as LBBB group. After propensity score matching in a 1:4 ratio, 168 AF patients without LBBB were enrolled as non‐LBBB group. Late recurrence and a composite endpoint of stroke, all‐cause mortality, and cardiovascular hospitalization were compared between the two groups.

Results

Late recurrence rate was significantly higher in the LBBB group than that in the non‐LBBB group (54.8% vs. 31.5%, p = .034). Multivariate analysis showed that LBBB was an independent risk factor for late recurrence after catheter ablation of AF (hazard ratio [HR] 2.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09–4.40, p = .031). LBBB group was also associated with a significantly higher incidence of the composite endpoint (21.4% vs. 6.5%, HR 3.98, 95% CI 1.64–9.64, p = .002).

Conclusions

LBBB was associated with a higher risk for late recurrence and a higher incidence of composite endpoint in the patients underwent catheter ablation.
Powering the future: Exploring self‐charging cardiac implantable electronic devices and the Qi revolution
Authors: Bilal Maham , Syed Noem Najam , Jamil Yumna , Tariq Areesha , Khan Habib Rehman
Published: February 2024

The incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have risen over the last few decades worldwide, resulting in a cost burden to healthcare systems and increasingly complex procedures. Among many strategies for treating heart diseases, treating arrhythmias using cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) has been shown to improve quality of life and reduce the incidence of sudden cardiac death. The battery‐powered CIEDs have the inherent challenge of regular battery replacements depending upon energy usage for their programmed tasks. Nanogenerator‐based  energy harvesters have been extensively studied, developed, and optimized continuously in recent years to overcome this challenge owing to their merits of self‐powering abilities and good biocompatibility. Although these nanogenerators and others currently used in energy harvesters, such as biofuel cells (BFCs) exhibit an infinite spectrum of uses for this novel technology, their demerits should not be dismissed. Despite the emergence of Qi wireless power transfer (WPT) has revolutionized the technological world, its application in CIEDs has yet to be studied well. This review outlines the working principles and applications of currently employed energy harvesters to provide a preliminary exploration of CIEDs based on Qi WPT, which may be a promising technology for the next generation of functionalized CIEDs.
Atrioventricular block secondary to transient causes and long‐term recurrence after an index event
Authors: Santos João Grade , Martinho Mariana , Ferreira Bárbara , Cunha Diogo , Briosa Alexandra , Miranda Rita , Almeida Sofia , Pereira Hélder , Brandão Luís
Published: February 2024

Background

Atrioventricular block (AVB) secondary to transient causes can recover with its correction. However, studies assessing predictors of recovery and long‐term recurrence are lacking.

Methods

Patients with advanced or complete AVB who had a reversible cause admitted in a single expert center were retrospectively studied. Patients with AVB secondary to acute coronary syndromes were excluded from analysis.

Results

In a population of 162 patients, the main factors associated with recovery of rhythm without a permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation were the presence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis (OR 7.6; CI 95% 1.2–47.5 (p = .03)); greater serum potassium levels (OR 2.3; CI 95% 1.28–4.0 (p < .01)), higher dosage of bradycardic drugs (OR 2.2; CI 95% 1.13–4.4 (p = .02)), the association between different bradycardic drugs (OR 9.0; CI 95% 2.02–40.3 (p < .01)) and between drug therapy and hyperkaliemia (OR 5.2; CI 95% 1.8–15.1 (p < .01)). There was an overall high burden of conductions abnormalities which did not correlate with recovery of rhythm (OR 0.5; CI 95% 0.19–1.5 (p = .23)). In 29 patients (17.9%) there was a correction of the AVB. During a maximum follow‐up of 130 months, 24 patients (82.8%) had a recurrence which warranted a PPM. In the overall cohort only five patients (3%) had sustained recovery of rhythm.

Conclusions

Recovery of AVB was mainly observed with higher doses of drug therapy, higher serum potassium levels or a combination of factors and regardless of baseline conduction abnormalities. The high rate of recurrence during follow‐up warrants a close follow‐up or PPM implantation at index admission.
Smoking, respiratory symptoms, lung function and life expectancy: A longitudinal study of ageing
Authors: Petrie Kate , Abramson Michael J. , George Johnson
Published: February 2024

Background and Objective

Prognostic indices have been developed to predict various outcomes, including mortality. These indices and hazard ratios may be difficult for patients to understand. We investigated the association between smoking, respiratory symptoms and lung function with remaining life expectancy (LE) in older adults.

Methods

Data were from the 2004/05 English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) (n = 8930), participants aged ≥50‐years, with mortality data until 2012. Respiratory symptoms included were chronic phlegm and shortness of breath (SOB). The association between smoking, respiratory symptoms and FEV1/FVC, and remaining LE was estimated using a parametric survival function and adjusted for covariates including age at baseline and sex.

Results

The extent to which symptoms and FEV1/FVC predicted differences in remaining LE varied by smoking. Compared to asymptomatic never smokers with normal lung function (the reference group), in never smokers, only those with SOB had a significant reduction in remaining LE. In former and current smokers, those with respiratory symptoms had significantly lower remaining LE compared to the reference group if they had FEV1/FVC <0.70 compared to those with FEV1/FVC ≥0.70. Males aged 50‐years, current smokers with SOB and FEV1/FVC <0.70, had a remaining LE of 19.2 (95%CI: 16.5–22.2) years, a decrease of 8.1 (5.3–10.8) years, compared to the reference group.

Conclusion

Smoking, respiratory symptoms and FEV1/FVC are strongly associated with remaining LE in older people. The use of remaining LE to communicate mortality risk to patients needs further investigation.
The causal relationship between psoriasis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A bidirectional mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liu Meng , Zhou Xiaolin , Zhang Guanfei , Liu Luyu , Fang Chengyu , Li Ziyan , Zheng Yan
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Although many studies have investigated the association between psoriasis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the causal relationship between psoriasis and COPD is still unknown.

Methods

We employed bidirectional Mendelian randomization to investigate the causal relationship between psoriasis and COPD. Genetic instruments for exposure were selected from two distinct genome‐wide association study databases. Single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with exposures at the genome‐wide significance level (p < 5 × 10^−8) and exhibiting low linkage disequilibrium (r^2 < 0.001) were chosen as instrumental variables. Causality was assessed using multiple MR methods, including Inverse‐Variance Weighted (IVW), MR‐Egger, Weighted Median, Simple Mode, and Weighted Mode. A significance level of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Heterogeneity was examined using Cochran's Q test, and MR‐Egger regression was employed to detect pleiotropy. The robustness and reliability of the results were further evaluated through leave‐one‐out analysis.

Results

We found a positive causal association between psoriasis and COPD [IVW: odds ratio (OR): 1.0006; p = 0.0056]. Heterogeneity and pleiotropy have not been discovered, so the results of the study are reliable. In the reverse analysis, no causal association between CPOD and psoriasis was found.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed that psoriasis was associated with an elevated risk of COPD. However, no causal association between COPD and psoriasis was identified in our study.
The novel HLA‐C*12:02:52 allele, identified by Sanger dideoxy nucleotide sequencing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Pu Ye‐di , Xie Zhi‐cong , Ma Li , Li Ye‐mo , Zhao Ming‐feng
Published: February 2024

HLA‐C*12:02:52 differs from HLA‐C*12:02:02:01 by one nucleotide in exon 1.
Discovery of three HLA‐DQB1*03:01:01 variants: HLA‐DQB1*03:01:01:54, ‐DQB1*03:01:01:56 and ‐DQB1*03:01:01:58
Authors: Arroyo‐Sánchez Daniel , Gil‐Etayo Francisco Javier , Niño Ramírez Jairo Eduardo , Terradillos‐Sánchez Pilar , Tejeda Velarde Amalia
Published: February 2024

Three nucleotide substitutions in intronic regions give rise to the novel alleles: HLA‐DQB1*03:01:01:54, ‐DQB1*03:01:01:56, ‐DQB1*03:01:01:58.
Risk factors for incident cardiovascular events and their population attributable fractions in rural India: The Rishi Valley Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Birhanu Mulugeta Molla , Zengin Ayse , Joshi Rohina , Evans Roger G. , Kalyanram Kartik , Kartik Kamakshi , Riddell Michaela A. , Suresh Oduru , Srikanth Velandai K. , Arabshahi Simin , Thomas Nihal , Thrift Amanda G.
Published: February 2024

Objective

We prospectively determined incident cardiovascular events and their association with risk factors in rural India.

Methods

We followed up with 7935 adults from the Rishi Valley Prospective Cohort Study to identify incident cardiovascular events. Using Cox proportional hazards regression, we estimated hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for associations between potential risk factors and cardiovascular events. Population attributable fractions (PAFs) for risk factors were estimated using R (‘averisk’ package).

Results

Of the 4809 participants without prior cardiovascular disease, 57.7% were women and baseline mean age was 45.3 years. At follow‐up (median of 4.9 years, 23,180 person‐years [PYs]), 202 participants developed cardiovascular events, equating to an incidence of 8.7 cardiovascular events/1000 PYs. Incidence was greater in those with hypertension (hazard ratio [HR] [95% CI] 1.73 [1.21–2.49], adjusted PAF 18%), diabetes (1.96 [1.15–3.36], 4%) or central obesity (1.77 [1.23, 2.54], 9%) which together accounted for 31% of the PAF. Non‐traditional risk factors such as night sleeping hours and number of children accounted for 16% of the PAF.

Conclusions

Both traditional and non‐traditional cardiovascular risk factors are important contributors to incident cardiovascular events in rural India. Interventions targeted to these factors could assist in reducing the incidence of cardiovascular events.
Major crossmatch compatibility of rabbit blood with rabbit, canine, and feline blood
Authors: Dannemiller Nicholas G. , Ozawa Sarah M. , Petritz Olivia A. , Musulin Sarah E.
Published: February 2024

Objective

To evaluate the major crossmatch compatibility between rabbit recipients, rabbit donors, and the major canine and feline blood types.

Design

Prospective in vitro study in December 2021.

Setting

Academic veterinary teaching hospital.

Animals

Whole blood samples were collected from 11 healthy New Zealand White rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) with no previous transfusion history. Three pigtail segments were acquired from dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA)‐1‐positive, DEA‐1‐negative, and feline type A blood units. Whole blood was collected from a healthy type B blood donor cat.

Interventions

Blood from each rabbit recipient underwent a major crossmatch using standard tube crossmatch methodology with itself and the following donor blood types: rabbit, DEA‐1‐positive, DEA‐1‐negative, feline type A, and feline type B.

Measurements and Main Results

Self‐crossmatches and crossmatches between rabbit recipients and conspecific donors were negative for hemolysis and agglutination. Crossmatches between rabbit recipients and canine and feline donors yielded no hemolysis but produced varying degrees of macroscopic and microscopic agglutination. Rabbit recipients had 1.4 (95% confidence interval: 1.1–1.8) times the risk of macroscopic agglutination when major crossmatched with canine blood compared to feline blood. No significant difference in agglutination was found between DEA‐1‐positive and DEA‐1‐negative or feline type A and type B donors.

Conclusions

These findings support allogeneic blood transfusions between rabbits being highly compatible and suggest rabbits have naturally occurring alloantibodies against both canine and feline red blood cells. However, feline red blood cells had a lower rate of in vitro incompatibility on major crossmatch, suggesting potentially higher in vivo compatibility if an emergency xenotransfusion is needed. Further prospective research is needed to determine if xenotransfusion is associated with a higher incidence of acute and delayed transfusion reactions in rabbits than allogeneic transfusions.
Seizures in 3 juvenile dogs after intravenous anesthetic drug withdrawal during weaning from mechanical ventilation suspected to be a sign of iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome
Authors: Dreese Kaitlyn , Murphy Kellyann , Burke Jasper , Silverstein Deborah C.
Published: February 2024

Objective

To describe seizure activity in juvenile dogs successfully weaned from long‐term mechanical ventilation.

Case Series Summary

Three juvenile dogs (all approximately 3 months old) underwent long‐term mechanical ventilation with IV anesthesia for suspected noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. Within 24 hours of extubation and within 10 hours of discontinuing midazolam continuous infusions, all dogs experienced seizures, which is 1 sign of iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome. Each dog was treated with an anticonvulsant protocol, and none experienced seizures after being discharged.

New or Unique Information Provided

Each dog received IV anesthesia, including fentanyl, dexmedetomidine, midazolam, and propofol, during mechanical ventilation and subsequently experienced seizures after successful weaning from mechanical ventilation. Juvenile dogs may be at risk for seizures after weaning from mechanical ventilation and IV anesthesia. Neurological monitoring and further research into an appropriate weaning protocol may prove beneficial in juvenile dogs requiring prolonged anesthesia.
Multimodal Social Network Analysis: Exploring Language, Visual, and Audio Data in Online Communities
Authors: Nser Khaled Khamis , Alhrahsheh Rakan , Alshalabi Nahla , Jarrah Hani Yousef , Khasawneh Mohamad Ahmad Saleem
Published: February 2024

This research investigates the complex dynamics of online communities in Saudi Arabia by analyzing textual and visual data. This study reveals a mutually beneficial association between technological discourse and visual representation, highlighting the dynamic narrative of a society that is profoundly involved in technological progress. Furthermore, the analysis uncovers the existence of a participatory culture wherein active discussions regarding cultural elements actively contribute to the formation and collaborative development of visual depictions of cultural events within the online community. Moreover, this study presents a challenge to prevailing perspectives on entertainment by emphasizing the wide range of cultural manifestations, surpassing the notion that humor is the exclusive portrayal within this intricate sphere. The study places its primary emphasis on textual and visual modalities, but it also recognizes the potential importance of audio dynamics. It encourages further investigation into the auditory aspect of online interactions. This study makes a valuable contribution to the scholarly understanding of the dynamic cultural identity, integration of technology, and various modes of expression found within the digital realm of online communities in Saudi Arabia.
Debating AI in Archaeology: applications, implications, and ethical considerations
Authors:   University of York, Tenzer Martina , Pistilli Giada ,   Sorbonne University, Bransden Alex ,   Leiden University, Shenfield Alex ,   Sheffield Hallam University
Published: February 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not a recent development. However, with increasing computational capabilities, AI has developed into Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning, technologies particularly good at detecting correlations and patterns, and categorising, predicting, or extracting information. Within archaeology, AI can process big data accumulated over decades of research and deposited in archives. By combining these capabilities, AI offers new insights and exciting opportunities to create knowledge from archaeological archives for contemporary and future research. However, the ethical implications and human costs are not yet fully understood. Therefore, we question whether AI in archaeology is a blessing or a curse.
Comparative Analysis of Bursting Pressure Prediction Methods for Steam Generator Tube With Volume Defect
Authors: Han Yile , Huang Song , Hui Hu
Published: February 2024

This paper compares the difference and accuracy of bursting pressure prediction based on the flow stress σf prediction method, plastic collapse prediction method, and ductile damage model prediction method in Inconel 690 steam generator tube (SGT) with volume defect. The tensile and smooth tube bursting tests determine the parameters required for the three prediction methods. The three methods predict the bursting pressures for four deep volume defects in SGT. The results are compared and analyzed with the experimental data. The results show that the ductile damage model prediction method is the best to predict the SGT bursting pressure error with volume defects simulating the structure's deformation and damage failure process.
Fertility treatment for people with epilepsy
Authors: Moores Ginette , Liu Kimberly , Pikula Aleksandra , Bui Esther
Published: February 2024

Fertility treatment, including assisted reproductive technology (ART), is increasingly used. Sex hormones influence seizure control as well as interacting with antiseizure medications, and so the hormonal manipulation involved in fertility treatments has direct implications for people with epilepsy. Here, we summarise the various fertility treatments and consider their important influences on epilepsy care. While early observations raised concerns about seizure exacerbation associated with ART, there are limited data to guide best practice in people with epilepsy, and further research is needed.
Search for the f(R, T) gravity functional form via gaussian processes
Authors: Fortunato J. A. S. , Moraes P. H. R. S. , de Lima Júnior J. G. , Brito E.
Published: February 2024

The f(R, T) gravity models, for which R is the Ricci scalar and T is the trace of the energy–momentum tensor, elevate the degrees of freedom of the renowned f(R) theories, by making the Einstein field equations of the theory to also depend on T. While such a dependence can be motivated by quantum effects, the existence of imperfect or extra fluids, or even a cosmological “constant” which effectively depends on T, the formalism can truly surpass some deficiencies of f(R) gravity. As the f(R, T) function is arbitrary, several parametric models have been proposed ad hoc in the literature and posteriorly confronted with observational data. In the present article, we use gaussian process to construct an $$f(R,T)=R+f(T)$$

f
(
R
,
T
)
=
R
+
f
(
T
)

model. To apply the gaussian process we use a series of measurements of the Hubble parameter. We then analytically obtain the functional form of the function. By construction, this form, which is novel in the literature, is well-adjusted to cosmological data. In addition, by extrapolating our reconstruction to redshift $$z=0$$

z
=
0

, we were able to constrain the Hubble constant value to $$H_0=69.97\pm 4.13\ \hbox {km}\ \hbox {s}^{-1} \ \hbox {Mpc}^{-1}$$

H
0

=
69.97
±
4.13

km

s

-
1

Mpc

-
1

with $$5\%$$

5
%

precision. Lastly, we encourage the application of the functional form herewith obtained to other current problems of observational cosmology and astrophysics, such as the rotation curves of galaxies.
Equalization through the People’s Republic of China’s Intergovernmental Fiscal System: The Effectiveness of Central and Provincial Transfers
Authors: TAN XIAO , TAN YING
Published: February 2024

The People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) fiscal system is characterized by very high expenditure decentralization and heavy reliance on transfers to finance public services. The government’s embrace of inclusiveness and equalization as national goals has raised questions about whether transfers can deliver equalization. This paper seeks to answer this question by analyzing newly available fiscal data compiled from government websites. We find the allocation of central transfers remains strongly region based, resulting in high intra-regional inequality among provinces. Poorer provinces also tend to retain more central transfers at their own (provincial) level. Those provinces with greater pretransfer inequality tend to exert greater equalization efforts, but these are not necessarily proportional to their pretransfer inequality. As a result, some localities are left out of the PRC’s countrywide equalization program. These equalization patterns remained highly persistent during the coronavirus disease shock in 2020. Collectively, the findings highlight that the PRC’s complex intergovernmental fiscal system still poses challenges for equalization.
Assessing Regional Inequalities in Kazakhstan through Well-Being
Authors: RODRÍGUEZ-POSE ANDRÉS , BARTALUCCI FEDERICO , KURMANOV BAKHYTZHAN , RAU GENADIY , NIGMETOV KAISAR
Published: February 2024

Growing disparities in wealth, well-being, and access to services in Kazakhstan have raised serious concerns among policymakers, especially since the January 2022 protests. This paper evaluates these regional inequalities and presents the findings from Kazakhstan’s inaugural well-being survey. The survey, based on global best practices, involves 4,032 face-to-face interviews with a diverse sample across all 20 regions, ensuring representation. The resulting indices—the Subjective Well-Being Index and the Regional Well-Being Index—highlight both within-region and between-region disparities. Notably, the indices reveal significant variations in well-being, with certain regions reporting notably lower satisfaction levels across dimensions like trust in institutions, satisfaction with financial and housing conditions, health care and education quality, and personal security perceptions.