bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Sesamin in Animal Models of Obesity-Associated Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zuo Jinshi , Ren Jingyi , Yin Bowen , Wang Ziyi , Cui Qiqi , Liu Jiarui , Huang Dan , Pei Huanting , Wen Rui , Zhang Yadong , Ma Yuxia
Published: July 2024

Context

As living standards have improved and lifestyles have undergone changes, metabolic diseases associated with obesity have become increasingly prevalent. It is well established that sesamin (Ses) (PubChem CID: 72307), the primary lignans in sesame seeds and sesame oil, possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Objective

In this study, a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of Ses on animal models of obesity-related diseases was performed to assess their impact on relevant disease parameters. Importantly, this study sought to provide insights for the design of future human clinical studies utilizing Ses as a nutritional supplement or drug.

Data Sources

This study conducted a comprehensive search in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library, identifying English language articles published from inception to April 2023.

Data Extraction

The search incorporated keywords such as “sesamin,” “obesity,” “non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,” “type 2 diabetes mellitus,” and “metabolic syndrome.” The meta-analysis included 17 articles on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

Data Analysis

Overall, the pooled results demonstrated that Ses significantly reduced levels of total serum cholesterol (P = .010), total serum triglycerides (P = .003), alanine transaminase (P = .003), and blood glucose (P < .001), and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (P = .012) in animal models of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In the type 2 diabetes model, Ses mitigated drug-induced weight loss (P < .001), high-fat-diet–induced weight gain (P < .001), and blood glucose levels (P = .001). In the metabolic syndrome model, Ses was associated with a significant reduction in body weight (P < .001), total serum cholesterol (P < .001), total serum triglycerides (P < .001), blood glucose (P < .001), and alanine transaminase levels (P = .039).

Conclusion

The meta-analysis results of this study suggest that Ses supplementation yields favorable effects in animal models of obesity-related diseases, including hypolipidemic, insulin-lowering, and hypoglycemic abilities, as well as organ protection from oxidative stress and reduced inflammation.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO registration No. CRD42023438502.
The cytoskeleton controls the dynamics of plasma membrane proteins and facilitates their endocytosis in plants
Authors: Luo Pengyun , Zuo Xinxiu , Bu Yufen , Qian Hongping , Xu Changwen , Niu Shihui , Lin Jinxing , Cui Yaning
Published: July 2024

Plasma membranes (PMs) are highly dynamic structures where lipids and proteins can theoretically diffuse freely. However, reports indicate that PM proteins do not freely diffuse within their planes but are constrained by cytoskeleton networks, though the mechanisms for how the cytoskeleton restricts lateral diffusion of plant PM proteins are unclear. Through single-molecule tracking, we investigated the dynamics of 6 Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) PM proteins with diverse structures and found distinctions in sizes and dynamics among these proteins. Moreover, we showed that the cytoskeleton, particularly microtubules, limits the diffusion of PM proteins, including transmembrane and membrane-anchoring proteins. Interestingly, the microfilament skeleton regulates intracellular transport of endocytic cargo. Therefore, these findings indicate that the cytoskeleton controls signal transduction by limiting diffusion of PM proteins in specific membrane compartments and participating in transport of internalized cargo vesicles, thus actively regulating plant signal transduction.
Resonance sonomanometry for noninvasive, continuous monitoring of blood pressure
Authors: Jimenez Raymond , Yurk Dominic , Dell Steven , Rutledge Austin C , Fu Matt K , Dempsey William P , Abu-Mostafa Yaser , Rajagopal Aditya , Brinley Rajagopal Alaina
Published: July 2024

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Existing methods for continuous, noninvasive blood pressure (BP) monitoring suffer from poor accuracy, uncomfortable form factors, or a need for frequent calibration, limiting their adoption. We introduce a new framework for continuous BP measurement that is noninvasive and calibration-free called resonance sonomanometry. The method uses ultrasound imaging to measure both the arterial dimensions and artery wall resonances that are induced by acoustic stimulation, which offers a direct measure of BP by a fully determined physical model. The approach and model are validated in vitro using arterial mock-ups and then in multiple arteries in human subjects. This approach offers the promise of robust continuous BP measurements, providing significant benefits for early diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
The gender gap in political efficacy: the accelerating effect of classroom discussions
Authors: García-Albacete Gema , Hoskins Bryony
Published: July 2024

The gender gap in political self-efficacy originates early in life and is among the most persistent inequalities in political attitudes across Western democracies. The difficulties in accessing data for early adolescents have resulted in limited research available to provide an understanding on how gender differences in political self-efficacy are developed. In this article we provide unique evidence on the development of the efficacy gap during secondary school. The Citizenship Educational Longitudinal study data from England on young people between the ages 11–16 shows that boys increase their levels of political self-efficacy significantly during this period while girls do not. Secondly, we show that teaching methods that are expected to enable the development of internal political efficacy, such as classroom discussions, are accelerating the gender gap in perceived abilities to get engaged in politics. Our findings show that, despite having the same access to classroom discussions in schools, this experience has a positive effect in the development of political efficacy for boys but, if anything, a negative effect for girls. Furthermore, even a small number of boys in the classroom discussions appears detrimental to girls’ political efficacy.
Delayed school start time is associated with better sleep, mental health, and life satisfaction among residential high-school students: a prospective study
Authors: Chan Christian S , Tang Ming Chun , Leung Jacklyn C Y , Poon Cyanea Y S , Lau Esther Y Y
Published: July 2024

This study examined the longer-term individual- and school-level changes in students 7 months after a 1-hour delay in school start time (SST). Two cohorts of grade 11 students (N = 227; 60.8% female, age = 17.0 [0.85]) at a residential high school in Hong Kong completed a questionnaire assessing sleep duration, insomnia symptoms, depression, anxiety, stress, and subjective well-being in 2017 and 2018, respectively. One of the cohorts was reassessed 7 months after the implementation of a delay in SST, from 07:30 am to 08:30 am (n = 83, 65.1% female). School-level data on breakfast consumption, attendance, tardiness, and health clinic visits were collected. Between-group and within-group prospective comparisons suggest that the delay in SST was associated with improved sleep duration, mental health, and life satisfaction. School-level data revealed increased breakfast consumption and decreased unexcused absences, tardiness, and clinic visits.
“I don’t believe that I have been wanted”: Processes of Overinclusion and Exclusion in Racialized and Gendered Organizations
Authors: Misra Joya , Kane-Lee Ember Skye , Mickey Ethel , Smith-Doerr Laurel
Published: July 2024

Many studies document that faculty of color, and particularly women of color, find the academy unwelcoming. Yet research that centers intersectional understanding of the mechanisms leading to these inequalities is underdeveloped. We identify three context-dependent mechanisms of racial and gender disadvantage among faculty: active exclusion, overinclusion, and passive exclusion. Taking an explicitly intersectional approach that builds on relational inequality theory, our study focuses on 32 faculty of color, including 18 women and 14 men, comparing their experiences to 30 same-rank white departmental colleagues. Comparing the experiences of faculty who share the same rank and department but differ by race and gender provides a deeper understanding of how race and gender inequalities intersect and are shaped by organizational processes. Active exclusion involves the devaluation of BIPOC faculty’s research, as well the barring of access to resources and positions. Overinclusion is characterized by the overreliance of the university on the labor of faculty of color, particularly women of color, without appropriate compensation. Finally, we conceptualize a more passive kind of exclusion, where BIPOC faculty are left out of collaborations, mentoring, and decision-making relative to white colleagues. Moving beyond rhetoric to disrupting racism in the academy requires addressing overinclusion, and both active and passive forms of exclusion.
Trust in institutions affects vaccination campaign outcomes
Authors: Leblang David , Smith Michael D , Wesselbaum Dennis
Published: July 2024

Background

Trust is an important driver of various outcomes, but little is known about whether trust in institutions affects actual vaccination campaign outcomes rather than only beliefs and intentions.

Methods

We used nationally representative, individual-level data for 114 countries and combined them with data on vaccination policies and rates. We measured the speed of the vaccination campaign for each country using the estimated growth rate of a Gompertz curve. We then performed country-level regressions in the global sample and explored heterogeneity across World Bank development groups.

Results

Globally, higher trust in institutions significantly increased vaccination rates (p<0.01) and vaccination speed (p<0.01). The effect was strong in low- and middle-income countries but statistically not significant in high-income countries.

Conclusions

Our findings have implications for the design of vaccination campaigns for national governments and international organizations. The findings highlight the importance of trust in institutions when designing communication strategies around vaccination campaigns in low- and middle-income countries.
Impacts of Increasing Soil Salinity on Genetic Resistance (I-3 Gene)-Based Management of Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopercisi Race 3) in California Processing Tomatoes
Authors: Hellman Elizabeth M. , Turini Thomas , Swett Cassandra L.
Published: July 2024

California is the primary processing tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum) producer in the United States. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopercisi race 3 (Fol3), the cause of Fusarium wilt, is a major driver of yield losses. Fol3 has recently been observed causing disease in resistant cultivars ( I-3 R-gene), often reported in association with high soil salinity. This study was undertaken to better understand the role of salinity in compromising resistance-based management of Fol3. Surveys established opportunity for salinity–Fol3–tomato interactions in 44% of commercial fields examined, with harmful soil salt levels up to 3.6 dS/m ( P < 0.001), high sodium ( P < 0.001), and high sodicity (sodium adsorption ratio > 13; P < 0.001). In controlled field studies of Fol3 in NaCl/CaCl2-treated soil, Fol3-resistant cultivars either only developed wilt under salt or only developed wilt above the industry non-hybrid threshold (2%) under salt across two trial years. The absence of yield differences indicates low to no economic impact of disease enhancement ( P > 0.05). NaCl, CaCl2, and Na2SO4 had no effect on Fol3 propagule production in liquid agar versus water agar controls ( P > 0.05), although CaCl2 increased propagule loads sevenfold versus ionic controls (polyethylene glycol) ( P = 0.036). NaCl/CaCl2 (2:1) reduced propagule loads up to 65% versus no salt ( P = 0.029) in soil with pathogen-infested tomato tissue. These results together establish the opportunity for salinity–Fol3–tomato interactions and potential for salt to influence the efficacy of resistant cultivar-based management—this does not appear to be primarily due to salt enhancement of pathogen populations, pointing to a yet-unexplored direct influence of salt on host resistance.
Food-triggered anaphylaxis in adults
Authors: Chong Tricia , Olivieri Bianca , Skypala Isabel J.
Published: July 2024

Purpose of review

Adult food allergy, either unresolved from childhood, or new-onset in adult-life, is known to be increasingly prevalent. Although much of the reported anaphylaxis in adults is due to drug reactions, foods are becoming an increasingly important trigger, affecting adults of all ages, with a wide variation in food triggers which are often quite different to those reported in children.

Recent findings

Peanuts are well known to cause anaphylaxis in some adult populations, but other legumes such as soy may be more relevant in others. Reactions to natto, fermented soybeans, are currently mainly reported in Japan, but changing dietary practices and an increase in plant-based eating mean natto, other forms of soy and other legumes are increasingly linked to anaphylaxis in Western countries. Anaphylaxis to red meat, caused by sensitization to galactose-α-1,3-galactose and first reported in North America, is now a more world-wide concern. Co-factor induced anaphylaxis is increasingly associated with both wheat allergy and lipid transfer protein allergy.

More research is urgently needed to characterize adult food allergy, its triggers and symptom severity. Unusual food triggers and potential co-factors should be considered, so that anaphylaxis in adults can be correctly managed, not merely labelled as idiopathic.
Tryptase in drug-induced anaphylaxis: the need for acute and baseline values
Authors: Michel Moïse , Giusti Delphine , Klingebiel Caroline , Vitte Joana
Published: July 2024

Purpose of review

The purpose of this narrative review was to summarize data and official recommendations purporting to paired tryptase determination in patients experiencing drug-induced anaphylaxis, published between January 1, 2023 and June 1, 2024.

Recent findings

Three main lines of evidence obtained through paired acute and baseline tryptase determination were identified: diagnostic criterion for hypersensitivity reactions involving systemic mast cell activation; differential diagnostic criterion for hypersensitivity reactions involving other mechanisms of immediate reactions; and added value of acute and baseline tryptase levels for personalized management following drug-induced anaphylaxis: cause, risk of recurrence, underlying mast cell conditions including hereditary α-tryptasemia, familial clusters.

The implementation of existing guidelines which consensually recommend paired tryptase measurement is a persistent unmet need hampering optimal diagnosis of drug-induced anaphylaxis and patient management. Another major unmet need is the lack of standardized recommendations for hereditary α-tryptasemia testing and counselling. Progress in this field is seen at a rapid pace, requiring significant efforts of continued medical education for practicing clinicians and laboratory specialists worldwide.
Rituximab-induced leukocytoclastic vasculitis in a patient with low-grade orbital B-cell lymphoma: a case report
Authors: Güner Nesime İnci , Dizdar Ömer , Türker Alev , Bayraktar-Ekincioglu Aygin
Published: July 2024

Rituximab is an anti-CD20 chimeric murine/human mAb mainly used to treat certain types of lymphoproliferative malignancies and autoimmune diseases. Although it has been used in the treatment of vasculitis in recent years, it rarely triggers severe vascular skin reactions such as leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV). Physicians should be aware of this rare adverse event that requires discontinuation of rituximab, which can occur days or even weeks after rituximab treatment. Here, we report a case of LCV observed in a patient with low-grade orbital B-cell lymphoma treated with weekly rituximab and local radiotherapy. In our case, discontinuation of rituximab and initiation of oral methylprednisolone therapy were sufficient to achieve complete resolution of the LCV.
Jowl Improvement With Injectable Fillers: Jawline Injections Alone Versus Jawline and Cheek Injections
Authors: Taub Amy Forman , Callender Valerie Dawn
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Jowling is a common aesthetic complaint in aging individuals.

OBJECTIVE

Injectable filler placed at the lateral jawline will improve the appearance of jowls, as defined by the Merz Aesthetic Jawline Grading Scale (MAJGS). This improvement will be independent of concomitant injection of filler into the lateral cheek.

METHODS

Fifteen female subjects with grade 2 to 3 jowls on a scale of 0 to 4 were enrolled to receive either VYC-20L in the mandibular angle/ramus (Group 1) or the mandibular angle/ramus and lateral cheek (Group 2). The subjects were evaluated by a blinded cosmetic dermatologist and themselves at 4 weeks after the last injection.

RESULTS

A statistically significant improvement was noted in Group 1 by all blinded reviewers and subjects. Group 2 did not reach statistical significance as evaluated by the blinded dermatologist although did by the subject’s rating. The average amount of filler injected per subject was 3.36 mL for group 1 and 8.38 mL for group 2. A novel adverse event was tenderness when chewing lasting for 2 to 3 days.

CONCLUSION

Injection of VYC-20L showed statistical improvement in a validated jowl scale when injected at the angle of the mandible and the mandibular ramus, independent of concomitant lateral cheek injections.
Facial Masculinization Surgery Using Polyetheretherketone Alloplasty: Statistical Shape Modeling–based Implant Designs
Authors: van der Wel Hylke , Merema Bram J. , Kraeima Joep , Schepers Rutger H. , Jansma Johan
Published: July 2024

The face is the initial feature used to judge gender in public spaces; it is also a source of significant gender dysphoria. Surgical techniques are available for non-cisgender male patients who desire a more masculine face by augmenting certain features to change the bony framework of the skull. Augmentation using virtually designed patient-specific polyetheretherketone implants has now become a more widely applied method in maxillofacial surgery. When designing implants for augmentation, a three-dimensional (3D) reference or template is very useful. Hence, a 3D statistical shape model was developed of a male skull shape from information from a population of 40 male patients containing the mean shape and principal components of shape variation. By overlaying the template and the patient’s 3D skull model, this method identified the regions of gender dimorphism in this case to be the orbital ridge, zygomatic regions, and frontal bossing area. Based on the 3D template overlay, polyetheretherketone augmentation implants were virtually designed in close consultation with a patient to augment the aforementioned regions. The virtual statistical shape modeling template offered an objective reference, and the possibility to fully involve the patient in the treatment planning.
A Rare Case of Subconjunctival Nerve Sheath Myxoma Presenting as Orbital Fat Prolapse
Authors: van Meyel Sebastiaan W. F. , Verdijk Robert M. , Therssen Nele , Paridaens Dion
Published: July 2024

Nerve sheath myxomas are extremely rare myxoid peripheral nerve sheath tumors with a predilection for the distal extremities, particularly common in the fingers and knees. Here, the authors report a 60-year-old male patient with a subconjunctival epibulbar nerve sheath myxoma, which was clinically diagnosed as an orbital fat prolapse. The lesion was successfully debulked without clinical recurrence over more than 3 years. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case with subconjunctival presentation and fourth orbital reported case.
Treatment of Patients With Electrical Injury by Using Modified Forearm Venous Flap
Authors: Yang Chenglan , Wang Qi , Zeng Xueqin , Zhou Jian , Jiang Lingli , Hu Peng , Wei Zairong
Published: July 2024

Objective

Severe hand electrical injuries often occur in functional areas such as joints; the repair requires attention to both appearance and function due to the visibility of the hand. This study aimed to present the clinical experience of successfully repairing hand electrical injuries using improved forearm venous flaps.

Methods

From 2020 to 2022, 15 cases of severe hand electrical injuries were diagnosed, including 10 males and 5 females. Among them, 6 cases were repaired in the first web space, 4 in the thumb, 3 in the index finger, 2 in the middle finger, 2 in the ring finger, and 2 in the little finger. The size of venous flaps ranged from 2.0 cm × 1.8 cm to 12 cm × 4.0 cm. All patients underwent repair using improved forearm venous flaps. The follow-up period ranged from 5 to 8 months.

Results

All flaps survived without serious complications. All patients were satisfied with the postoperative aesthetics and function of their hands.

Conclusion

The improved forearm venous flap is a simple and reliable method for repairing hand electrical injuries.
Management of Speech and Hearing in Low-Income and Middle-Income Countries: Current Conditions, Problems, Future Directions
Authors: Sasikumar Aparna V. , Hariharan Savitha V. , Vittal Namratha , Ahuja Payal M.
Published: July 2024

Management of speech and hearing issues in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) has been challenging, considering the population size and availability of resources. There is a need to investigate the depth of these challenges and explore the efficacy of strategies to overcome them. This review aimed to delineate the speech and hearing issues in individuals with cleft lip and palate and how they have been managed in the context of LMICs. Keywords were developed based on the objectives of the study to search for literature published during the period 2010 to 2023. Articles from PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and ProQuest databases were retrieved using appropriate keyword searches. The titles and abstracts were screened to delete the unsuitable articles. Relevant gray literature and hand-searched articles published were also included. The findings are summarized under the following heads in the context of LMICs: incidence and severity of speech and hearing issues, challenges, and barriers in providing speech and hearing services, methods of developing manpower and training, methods of assessing speech and hearing outcomes, service delivery models employed, and the recent advances relating to management of speech and hearing. A wide range of topics revolving around managing speech and hearing issues in individuals with cleft lip and palate has been researched in the context of LMICs. Scattered and fragmented solutions have been provided to overcome the varied challenges in LMICs. The gaps in the literature and the future directions for research have been identified.
Spread the Word: No Amount of Alcohol is Safe!
Authors: Morrow Linda , Greenwald Beverly
Published: July 2024

Excessive use of alcohol is prevalent in the United States, and there are a variety of adverse health effects. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study determined that no amount of alcohol is safe. The American Cancer Society’s 2020 guideline for diet and physical activity for cancer prevention is their first to advise that “it is best to not drink alcohol.” There is a need for increased awareness by both laypeople and health care professionals of the health and social hazards associated with alcohol. The Healthcare Professional’s Core Resource on Alcohol provides such training. The World Health Organization recommends population-based interventions such as increased alcohol taxes, restrictions or bans on alcohol advertising, and limits on places that sell alcohol. Gastroenterology nurses have a special opportunity to intervene with patients because a variety of gastroenterology conditions are alcohol-related. Our advocacy responsibility is to assist with the initiation of workplace, local, state, and national policies that promote the recommendations that no amount of alcohol is safe.
Development and validation of early prediction models for new-onset functional impairment of patients with trauma at hospital discharge
Authors: Ohbe Hiroyuki , Yokokawa Yuta , Sato Tetsuya , Kudo Daisuke , Kushimoto Shigeki
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Early identification of individuals at risk of functional impairment after trauma is crucial for the timely clinical decision-making and intervention to improve reintegration into the society. This study aimed to develop and validate models for predicting new-onset functional impairment after trauma using predictors that are routinely collected within 2 days of hospital admission.

METHODS

In this multicenter retrospective cohort study of acute care hospitals in Japan, we identified adult patients with trauma with independence in carrying out activities of daily living before hospitalization, treated in the intensive or high-dependency care unit, and survived for at least 2 days between April 2008 and September 2023. The primary outcome was functional impairment defined as Barthel Index ≤60 at hospital discharge. In the internal validation data set (between April 2008 and August 2022), using the routinely collected 129 candidate predictors within 2 days of admission, we trained and tuned the four conventional and machine learning models with repeated random subsampling cross-validation. We measured the performance of these models in the temporal validation data set (between September 2022 and September 2023). We also computed the importance of each predictor variable in our model.

RESULTS

We identified 8,529 eligible patients. Functional impairment at discharge was observed in 41% of the patients (n = 3,506/8,529). In the temporal validation data set, all four models showed moderate discrimination ability, with areas under the curve above 0.79, and extreme gradient boosting showing the best performance (0.83). In the variable importance analyses, age was the most important predictor, followed by consciousness, severity score, cervical spinal cord injury, mild dementia, and serum albumin level at admission.

CONCLUSION

We successfully developed early prediction models for patients with trauma with new-onset functional impairment at discharge that achieved high predictive performance using routinely collected data within 2 days of hospital admission.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level III
Factors Predicting Overnight Admission after Same-Day Mastectomy Protocol and Associated Financial Implications
Authors: Caminiti Nicholas , Maung Aye Aye , Gaskins Jeremy , Jacobs Emma , Spry Catherine , Nath Suhail , Scoggins Charles R , Wilhelmi Bradon J , McMasters Kelly M , Ajkay Nicolas
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:

Same-day mastectomy (SDM) protocols have been shown to be safe, and their use increased up to 4-fold compared with prepandemic rates. We sought to identify factors that predict overnight patient admission and evaluate the associated cost of care.

STUDY DESIGN:

Patients undergoing mastectomy from March 2020 to April 2022 were analyzed. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, operative details, perioperative factors, 30-day complication, fixed and variable cost, and contribution margin were compared between those who underwent SDM vs those who required overnight admission after mastectomy (OAM).

RESULTS:

Of a total of 183 patients with planned SDM, 104 (57%) had SDM and 79 (43%) had OAM. Both groups had similar demographic, tumor, and operative characteristics. Patients who required OAM were more likely to be preoperative opioid users (p = 0.002), have higher American Society of Anesthesiology class (p = 0.028), and more likely to have procedure start time (PST) after 12:00 pm (49% vs 33%, p = 0.033). The rates of 30-day unplanned postoperative events were similar between SDM and OAM. Preoperative opioid user (odds ratio [OR] 3.62, 95% CI 1.56 to 8.40), postanesthesia care unit length of stay greater than 1 hour (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.37), and PST after 12:00 pm (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.19 to 5.51) were independent predictors of OAM on multivariate analysis. Both fixed ($5,545 vs $4,909, p = 0.03) and variable costs ($6,426 vs $4,909, p = 0.03) were higher for OAM compared with SDM. Contribution margin was not significantly different between the 2 groups (−$431 SDM vs −$734 OAM, p = 0.46).

CONCLUSIONS:

Preoperative opioid use, American Society of Anesthesiology class, longer postanesthesia care unit length of stay, and PST after noon predict a higher likelihood of admission after planned SDM. OAM translated to higher cost but not to decreased profit for the hospital.
Odour source distance is predictable from a time history of odour statistics for large scale outdoor plumes
Authors: Nag Arunava , van Breugel Floris
Published: July 2024

Odour plumes in turbulent environments are intermittent and sparse. Laboratory-scaled experiments suggest that information about the source distance may be encoded in odour signal statistics, yet it is unclear whether useful and continuous distance estimates can be made under real-world flow conditions. Here, we analyse odour signals from outdoor experiments with a sensor moving across large spatial scales in desert and forest environments to show that odour signal statistics can yield useful estimates of distance. We show that achieving accurate estimates of distance requires integrating statistics from 5 to 10 s, with a high temporal encoding of the olfactory signal of at least 20 Hz. By combining distance estimates from a linear model with wind-relative motion dynamics, we achieved source distance estimates in a 60 × 60 m
2
search area with median errors of 3–8 m, a distance at which point odour sources are often within visual range for animals such as mosquitoes.
Rapid species discrimination of similar insects using hyperspectral imaging and lightweight edge artificial intelligence
Authors: Wang Xuquan , Ma Zhiyuan , Xing Yujie , Peng Tianfan , Dun Xiong , He Zhuqing , Zhang Jian , Cheng Xinbin
Published: July 2024

Species discrimination of insects is an important aspect of ecology and biodiversity research. The traditional methods based on human visual experience and biochemical analysis cannot strike a balance between accuracy and timeliness. Morphological identification using computer vision and machine learning is expected to solve this problem, but image features have poor accuracy for very similar species and usually require complicated networks that are unfriendly to portable edge devices. In this work, we propose a fast and accurate species discrimination method of similar insects using hyperspectral features and lightweight machine learning algorithm. Feature regions selection, feature spectra selection and model quantification are used for the optimization of discriminating network. The experimental results of six similar butterfly species in the genus of
Graphium
show that, compared with morphological recognition with machine vision, our work achieves a higher accuracy of 92.36 ± 3.04% and a shorter inference time of 0.6 ms, with the tiny-size convolutional neural network deployed on a neural network chip. This study provides a rapid and high-accuracy species discrimination method for insects with high appearance similarity and paves the way for field discriminations using intelligent micro-spectrometer based on on-chip microstructure and artificial intelligence chip.
Recovery from social isolation requires dopamine in males, but not the autism-related gene
nlg3
in either sex
Authors: Yost Ryley T. , Scott Andrew M. , Kurbaj Judy M. , Walshe-Roussel Brendan , Dukas Reuven , Simon Anne F.
Published: July 2024

Social isolation causes profound changes in social behaviour in a variety of species. However, the genetic and molecular mechanisms modulating behavioural responses to social isolation and social recovery remain to be elucidated. Here, we quantified the behavioural response of vinegar flies to social isolation using two distinct protocols (social space preference and sociability, the spontaneous tendencies to form groups). We found that social isolation increased social space and reduced sociability. These effects of social isolation were reversible and could be reduced after 3 days of group housing. Flies with a loss of function of
neuroligin3
(orthologue of autism-related
neuroligin
genes) with known increased social space in a socially enriched environment were still able to recover from social isolation. We also show that dopamine (DA) is needed for a response to social isolation and recovery in males but not in females. Furthermore, only in males, DA levels are reduced after isolation and are not recovered after group housing. Finally, in socially enriched flies mutant for
neuroligin3
, DA levels are reduced in males, but not in females. We propose a model to explain how DA and
neuroligin3
are involved in the behavioural response to social isolation and its recovery in a dynamic and sex-specific manner.
Systematic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 reveals dynamics of variant mutagenesis and transmission in a large urban population
Authors: Aynaud Marie-Ming , Caldwell Lauren , Al-Zahrani Khalid , Barutcu Seda , Chan Kin , Obersterescu Andreea , Ogunjimi Abiodun , jin min , Zakoor Kathleen-Rose , Patel Shyam , padilla Ron , Jen Mark , Mae Princess , Dewsi Nusrin , Yonathan Filiam , Zhang Lucy , Ayson-Fortunato Amelia , Aquino Analiza , Krzyzanowski Paul , Simpson Jared T , Bartlett John , Lungu Ilinca , Poutanen Susan , Wouters Bradly , Gekas Micheal , Rini James , Pelletier Laurence , Mazzulli Tony , Wrana Jeffrey L
Published: July 2024

Highly mutable pathogens generate viral diversity that impacts virulence, transmissibility, treatment, and thwarts acquired immunity. We previously described C19-SPAR-Seq, a high-throughput, next-generation sequencing platform to detect SARS-CoV-2 that we deployed to systematically profile variant dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 for over 3 years in a large, North American urban environment (Toronto, Canada). Sequencing of the ACE2 receptor binding motif and polybasic furin cleavage site of Spike in over 70,000 patients revealed that population sweeps of canonical variants of concern (VOCs) occurred in repeating wavelets. Furthermore, we found that subvariants and putative quasi-species with alterations characteristic of future VOCs and/or predicted to be functionally important arose frequently, but always extinguished. Systematic screening of functionally relevant domains in pathogens could thus provide a powerful tool for monitoring spread and mutational trajectories, particularly those with zoonotic potential.
Large Language Models for Individualized Psychoeducational Tools for Psychosis: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Yilanli Musa , McKay Ian , Jackson Daniel I. , Sezgin Emre
Published: July 2024

Importance

In mental healthcare, the potential of Large Language Models (LLMs) to enhance psychoeducation is a burgeoning field. This study explored the potential of ChatGPT as an individualized psychoeducational support tool specifically for psychosis education.

Objective

The study aims to evaluate psychosis-related questions to provide accurate, clear, and clinically relevant individualized information for patients and caregivers.

Design

This cross-sectional study uses a qualitative analysis design. The researchers specifically employed a question-answering system (GPT-4 via ChatGPT) to generate responses to common questions about psychosis. Experts in the field then evaluated these responses to assess their quality for use in a clinical setting.

Primary Outcome

Researchers presented ChatGPT with 20 common questions frequently asked by patients’ caregivers and relatives. Two experts in psychosis then assessed the quality of the responses using six criteria: accuracy (1-3), clarity (1-3), inclusivity (1-3), completeness (0-1), clinical utility (1-5) and an overall score (1-4).

Results

The evaluation yielded positive results overall. Responses were rated as accurate (M±SD= 2.89±0.22) and clear (mean score of 2.93±0.18). There was potential for improvement in terms of inclusivity (mean score of 2.30±0.41), suggesting a need to incorporate more diverse perspectives. Completeness received high ratings (mean score of 0.93±0.18), indicating responses addressed all aspects of the questions. Most importantly, the responses were deemed clinically useful (mean score of 4.35±0.52).

Conclusions

In summary, this study underscores the significant promise of ChatGPT as a psychoeducational tool for patients with psychosis, their relatives, and their caregivers. The experts’ findings affirm that the information delivered by ChatGPT is not only accurate and clinically relevant but also conveyed conversationally, enhancing its accessibility and usability. The initial performance of ChatGPT as a psychoeducational tool in the context of psychosis education is undeniably positive.
Using Healthcare Claims Data to Identify Health Disparities for Individuals with Diagnosed and Undiagnosed Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: McGowan Mary P. , Xing Chao , Khera Amit , Huang Chun-Yuan , Shao Yanqiu , Xing Michelle , Brandt Eric J. , MacDougall Diane E. , Ahmed Catherine D. , Wilemon Katherine A. , Ahmad Zahid
Published: July 2024

Background

Individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) require intensive lipid-lowering therapy, starting with high-intensity statins and adding ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) as needed to reach target LDL-C levels. There are limited data on disparities in the use of these therapies among individuals with FH in the US.

Methods

We queried a large US healthcare claims repository consisting of 324 million individuals, focusing on prescriptions for high-intensity statins, ezetimibe, and PCSK9i in two patient groups: those diagnosed with FH (ICD-10 E.78.01) and those not diagnosed with FH but identified as having probable FH (PFH) via the FIND-FH® machine learning algorithm. We used multivariable regression models to examine correlations with demographic/socioeconomic variables.

Results

In the FH cohort (n = 85,457), 45.9% were female, 79.4% identified as White, 12.2% Black, and 8.4% as Hispanic. In the PFH cohort (n = 287,580), 42.2% were female, 78.2% White, 13.7% as Black, and 8.1% as Hispanic. Males were more likely to be prescribed high-intensity statins than females: odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 2.05 [1.97, 2.13] and 1.60 [1.56,1.63] in the FH and the PFH cohorts, respectively. In both cohorts, White individuals were more likely to get ezetimibe, PCSK9i, or combination therapy compared to Black individuals (ORs: 1.12-1.40). Higher income was associated with increased odds of receiving these treatments (OR: 1.17-1.59 for incomes >$50,000). Higher education was linked to a higher likelihood of combination therapy (ORs [95% CI] = 1.49 [1.33, 1.68] and 1.18 [1.10, 1.27] in the FH and PFH cohorts, respectively).

Conclusions

Real-world data indicate that more aggressive lipid-lowering therapy (ezetimibe and PCSK9i) is more often prescribed to White individuals, individuals with higher income, or those with advanced education, highlighting the need to improve equity in cardiovascular risk reduction for all individuals with FH.

Clinical Perspective

What is new?

Health disparities exist for individuals with FH, regardless of whether they’ve been diagnosed.

The use of ezetimibe and PCSK9i is more likely to occur in individuals who are White, higher income, and advanced education.

What are the clinical Implications

Addressing health disparities in FH requires a multifaceted approach, including systemic changes to reduce bias in healthcare systems.

Ensuring equitable access to expensive lipid medications, such as PCSK9 inhibitors, is crucial for individuals from lower socioeconomic groups.

Providing access to case managers and geneticists can enhance health education and support, ultimately improving treatment outcomes for individuals with FH.
Anticoagulation Usage and Thrombolytic Therapy in Subjects with Atrial Fibrillation Associated Ischaemic Stroke
Authors: Harbison J , McCormack J , Brych O , Collins R , O’Connell N , Kelly P , Cassidy T
Published: July 2024

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) has been Identified as the single largest cause of ischaemic stroke in the Irish population. Previous research showed that widespread adoption of Direct Oral Anticoagulant (DOAC) prophylaxis had not been associated with a reduction in AF associated stroke prevalence. The Irish National Audit of Stroke (INAS) undertook a more detailed study to determine the characteristics of anticoagulation practice in AF associated stroke particularly adherence to prescribing guidelines and effect on thrombolysis rate.

Methods

Data from INAS were analysed for the period 2017-2022 inclusive as part of a cross-sectional, cohort study. An enhanced dataset with additional questions about adherence with prescription and International Normalized Ratio (INR) control was collected for 2022 was also considered separately.

Results

Complete AF Data were available on 22485 of 26829 incidents admitted over this period. Of these, 19260 (85.6%) were ischaemic strokes, mean age was 71.8 and 57.1% were male. In 5321 of these cases, the AF was identified and in 2835 (53.3%) recognized before the stroke and 2281 (80.4%) had been prescribed anticoagulation. The population with previously unknown AF were significantly younger on average than those on anticoagulation (76.8 years vs. 79.1 years (p<0.0001, t-test)), Group C; 78.8 years (p<0.0001), they were also much more likely to have received thrombolysis (17.3 % vs. 4.0% (Chi Sq, p<0.0001)).

There were 4999 stroke in 2022, 4272 (85.4%) were ischemic and 1270 (29.7%) of these were AF associated. Of the 660 total strokes, 597 (90.5%) anticoagulated at presentation were receiving DOACs, of which 557 were ischaemic. Forty-eight (9.5%) had their anticoagulation paused and 40 admitted to poor compliance (7.9%).

Conclusion

Nearly half of people with AF detected after stroke was previously unknown. Those with known AF were mainly appropriately treated with DOACs and constitute breakthrough strokes. Subjects receiving DOACs were much less likely to receive thrombolytic therapy even than those taking Warfarin.
Metformin Use and Thirty-Day Readmission Among Patients with Bipolar Disorders: A Propensity Score-matching Analysis
Authors: Zhai Ting
Published: July 2024

Metformin may affect patients with multi-comorbid bipolar disorder through the integrated stress response. However, the relationship between them remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the relationship between metformin use and early (30-day) readmission in bipolar disorder patients. Data were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database. Adult patients with a documented diagnosis of bipolar disorder were screened. Multivariable logistic regression and propensity score matching were used to investigate potential associations. Data on 1688 patients were included. The crude early (30-day) readmission was significantly higher in patients with metformin use (17/114 vs. 132/1574,p= 0.033). In the extended multivariable logistic models, the hazard ratio (HR) of metformin use was consistently significant in all models (HR range 1.87–2.99,p< 0.05 for all). After propensity score matching, the early (30-day) readmission remained significantly higher in the metformin use group (Mahalanobis matching, |t|>1.96). Although residual confounding cannot be excluded, metformin use is associated with higher readmission.
Sivelestat Sodium in the Treatment of Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Combined with Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
Authors: He Hongli , Huang Xiaobo
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Neutrophil elastase (NE) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Sivelestat sodium, an NE inhibitor, has been approved in Japan for the treatment of patients with ARDS combined with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). This trial was designed to evaluate the role of sivelestat sodium in mild-to-moderate ARDS combined with SIRS.

Methods

We conducted a multicentre, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial enrolling patients diagnosed with mild-to-moderate ARDS combined with SIRS admitted within 72 hours of ARDS onset (clinicaltrials.gov,NCT04909697). Patients were randomized in a 1:1 fashion to sivelestat or placebo. Trial drugs were administrated as a 24-hour continuous intravenous infusion at a rate of 0.2 mg/kg/h for 5 days. The primary outcome was PaO2/FiO2ratio change on day 3 after randomization, which was defined as (PaO2/FiO2ratio on day 3 – baseline PaO2/FiO2ratio)/baseline PaO2/FiO2ratio.

Results

The study was stopped early at the recommendation of an independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board, which noted a between-group difference in mortality. A total of 162 patients were randomized, of whom 81 were assigned to receive sivelestat sodium and 81 placebo. On day 3, the PaO2/FiO2ratio improved by 36% in the sivelestat group compared to 3% in the placebo group (difference, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.13 to 0.41,p< 0.001). In addition, The invasive mechanical ventilation-free days within 28 days was significantly longer in the sivelestat sodium group compared to the placebo group (median 26.9 days vs. 21.0 days,p= 0.004). The Kaplan-Meier curves showed a significant reduction in 90-day mortality in patients receiving sivelestat compared to those not receiving sivelestat (hazard ratio, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.26 to 0.99; log-rankp= 0.044).

Conclusion

In patients with mild-to-moderate ARDS combined with SIRS, sivelestat sodium may improve oxygenation on day3, increase invasive mechanical ventilation-free days, and was associated with improved survival.
Molecular architecture of the altered cortical complexity in autism
Authors: Mamat Makliya , Chen Yiyong , Shen Wenwen , Li Lin
Published: July 2024

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication challenges, and repetitive behaviors. Despite extensive research, the molecular mechanisms underlying these neurodevelopmental abnormalities remain elusive. We integrated microscale brain gene expression data with macroscale MRI data from 1829 participants, including individuals with ASD and healthy controls, from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE) I and II. Using fractal dimension (FD) as an index for quantifying cortical complexity, we identified significant regional alterations in ASD, within the left temporoparietal, left peripheral visual, right central visual, left somatomotor (including the insula), and left ventral attention networks. Partial least squares (PLS) regression analysis revealed gene sets associated with these cortical complexity changes, enriched for biological functions related to synaptic transmission, synaptic plasticity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and chromatin organization. Cell-specific analyses, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and gene temporal expression profiling further elucidated the dynamic molecular landscape associated with these alterations. These findings indicate that ASD-related alterations in cortical complexity are closely linked to specific genetic pathways. The combined analysis of neuroimaging and transcriptomic data enhances our understanding of how genetic factors contribute to brain structural changes in ASD.