bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing waterborne eDNA capture from waterholes in savanna systems under remote field conditions
Authors: Schenekar Tamara , Baxter Janine , Phukuntsi Metlholo Andries , Sedlmayr Irmgard , Weckworth Byron , Mwale Monica
Published: February 2024

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is used for biodiversity assessments in a variety of ecosystems across the globe, whereby different eDNA concentration, preservation and extraction methods can outperform others depending on the sampling conditions and environment. Tropical and subtropical ecosystems in Africa are among the less studied systems concerning eDNA‐based monitoring. Waterholes in arid parts of southern Africa represent important agglomeration points for terrestrial mammals, and the eDNA shed into such waterbodies provides a powerful source of information for monitoring mammalian biodiversity in the surrounding area. However, the applied methods for eDNA sampling, preservation and filtering in different freshwater systems vary greatly, and rigorous protocol testing in African freshwater systems is still lacking. This study represents the first attempt to examine variations in eDNA concentration, preservation and extraction methods under remote field conditions using waterborne eDNA in a savanna system. Collected samples were heavily affected by microalgal and bacterial growth, impeding eDNA capture and PCR success. We demonstrate clear effects of the methodological choices, which also depend on the state of eDNA. A preliminary metabarcoding run showed little taxonomic overlap in mammal species detection between two metabarcoding primers tested. We recommend water filtering (using filters with pore sizes >1 μm) over centrifugation for eDNA concentration, Longmire's solution for ambient temperature sample preservation and Qiagen's DNeasy PowerSoil Pro Kit for DNA extraction of these inhibitor‐prone samples. Furthermore, at least two independent metabarcoding markers should be utilized in order to maximize species detections in metabarcoding studies.
Right S3 segmentectomy for lung cancer with partial anomalous pulmonary venous return in the right upper pulmonary vein: A case report
Authors: Isaka Tetsuya , Nagashima Takuya , Murakami Kotaro , Shigefuku Shunsuke , Kikunishi Noritake , Shigeta Naoko , Ito Hiroyuki
Published: February 2024

Partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (PAPVR) is a rare congenital malformation where the pulmonary vein partially refluxes into the venous system. Here, we present the first robotic‐assisted right S3 segmentectomy in a 70‐year‐old male with early‐stage lung cancer and PAPVR in the right upper pulmonary vein. The patient, with suspected primary lung cancer (11 mm diameter, pure solid appearance in right S3 segment), exhibited clinical stage T1bN0M0 stage IA2. Preoperative computed tomography revealed severe lung emphysema, and right V1–3 returned directly to the superior vena cava. However, no signs of right‐sided heart failure were observed, and echocardiogram was normal with a pulmonary‐to‐systemic blood flow ratio of 1.4. Successful robot‐assisted right S3 segmentectomy with hilar nodal dissection was performed, and the patient was discharged on the sixth postoperative day without complications. One year postoperatively, there has been no recurrence of lung cancer or respiratory/right‐sided heart failure symptoms.
Minimal important difference in postoperative morphine consumption after hip and knee arthroplasty using nausea, vomiting, sedation and dizziness as anchors
Authors: Karlsen Anders Peder Højer , Laigaard Jens , Pedersen Casper , Thybo Kasper Højgaard , Gasbjerg Kasper Smidt , Geisler Anja , Lunn Troels Haxholdt , Hägi‐Pedersen Daniel , Jakobsen Janus Christian , Mathiesen Ole
Published: February 2024

Background

Morphine‐sparing effects are often used to evaluate non‐opioid analgesic interventions. The exact effect that would warrant the implementation of these interventions in clinical practice (a minimally important difference) remains unclear. We aimed to determine this with anchor‐based methods.

Methods

This was a post hoc analysis of three studies investigating pain management after hip or knee arthroplasty (PANSAID [NCT02571361], DEX‐2‐TKA [NCT03506789] and Pain Map [NCT02340052]). The overall population was median aged 70, median ASA 2, 54% female. We examined the correlation between 0 and 24 h postoperative iv morphine equivalent consumption and the severity of nausea, vomiting, sedation and dizziness. The anchor was different severity degrees of these opioid‐related adverse events. The primary outcome was the difference in morphine consumption between patients experiencing no versus only mild events. Secondary outcomes included the difference in morphine consumption between patients with mild versus moderate and moderate versus severe events. We used Hodges–Lehmann median differences, exact Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney tests and quantile regression.

Results

The difference in iv morphine consumption was 6 mg (95% confidence interval: 4–8) between patients with no versus only mild events, 5 mg (2–8) between patients with mild versus moderate events and 0 mg (−4 to 4) between patients with moderate versus severe events.

Conclusions

In populations comparable to this post‐hoc analysis (orthopaedic surgery, median age 70 and ASA 2), we suggest a minimally important difference of 5 mg for 0–24 h postoperative iv morphine consumption.
Age‐related changes in human skeletal muscle transcriptome and proteome are more affected by chronic inflammation and physical inactivity than primary aging
Authors: Kurochkina Nadia S. , Orlova Mira A. , Vigovskiy Maksim A. , Zgoda Viktor G. , Vepkhvadze Tatiana F. , Vavilov Nikita E. , Makhnovskii Pavel A. , Grigorieva Olga A. , Boroday Yakov R. , Philippov Vladislav V. , Lednev Egor M. , Efimenko Anastasia Yu. , Popov Daniil V.
Published: February 2024

Evaluation of the influence of primary and secondary aging on the manifestation of molecular and cellular hallmarks of aging is a challenging and currently unresolved issue. Our study represents the first demonstration of the distinct role of primary aging and chronic inflammation/physical inactivity – the most important drivers of secondary aging, in the regulation of transcriptomic and proteomic profiles in human skeletal muscle. To achieve this purpose, young healthy people (n = 15), young (n = 8) and older (n = 37) patients with knee/hip osteoarthritis, a model to study the effect of long‐term inactivity and chronic inflammation on the vastus lateralis muscle, were included in the study. It was revealed that widespread and substantial age‐related changes in gene expression in older patients relative to young healthy people (~4000 genes regulating mitochondrial function, proteostasis, cell membrane, secretory and immune response) were related to the long‐term physical inactivity and chronic inflammation rather than primary aging. Primary aging contributed mainly to the regulation of genes (~200) encoding nuclear proteins (regulators of DNA repair, RNA processing, and transcription), mitochondrial proteins (genes encoding respiratory enzymes, mitochondrial complex assembly factors, regulators of cristae formation and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production), as well as regulators of proteostasis. It was found that proteins associated with aging were regulated mainly at the post‐transcriptional level. The set of putative primary aging genes and their potential transcriptional regulators can be used as a resource for further targeted studies investigating the role of individual genes and related transcription factors in the emergence of a senescent cell phenotype.
Advanced age and female sex protect cerebral arteries from mitochondrial depolarization and apoptosis during acute oxidative stress
Authors: Norton Charles E. , Shaw Rebecca L. , Safa  , Dockery Beyoncé , Domeier Timothy L. , Segal Steven S.
Published: February 2024

Aging increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) which can impair vascular function and contribute to brain injury. However, aging can also promote resilience to acute oxidative stress. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that advanced age protects smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) of posterior cerebral arteries (PCAs; diameter, ∼80 μm) during exposure to H2O2. PCAs from young (4–6 months) and old (20–26 months) male and female C57BL/6 mice were isolated and pressurized (~70 mm Hg) to evaluate cell death, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), ROS production, and [Ca2+]i in response to H2O2 (200 μM, 50 min). SMC death and ΔΨm depolarization were greater in PCAs from males vs. females. Aging increased ROS in PCAs from both sexes but increased SMC resilience to death only in males. Inhibiting TRPV4 channels with HC‐067047 (1 μM) or Src kinases with SU6656 (10 μM) reduced Ca2+ entry and SMC death to H2O2 most effectively in PCAs from young males. Activating TRPV4 channels with GSK1016790A (50 nM) evoked greater Ca2+ influx in SMCs and ECs of PCAs from young vs. old mice but did not induce cell death. However, when combined with H2O2, TRPV4 activation exacerbated EC death. Activating Src kinases with spermidine (100 μM) increased Ca2+ influx in PCAs from males vs. females with minimal cell death. We conclude that in males, chronic oxidative stress during aging increases the resilience of cerebral arteries, which contrasts with inherent protection in females. Findings implicate TRP channels and Src kinases as targets to limit vascular damage to acute oxidative injury.
Comparative responses to 17 different antidepressants in major depressive disorder: Results from a 2‐year long‐term nation‐wide population‐based study emulating a randomized trial
Authors: Kessing Lars Vedel , Ziersen Simon Christoffer , Andersen Frederik Mølkjær , Gerds Thomas , Budtz‐Jørgensen Esben
Published: February 2024

Background

Long‐term studies comparing nonresponse to antidepressants for major depressive disorder (MDD) are lacking.

Aims

To present systematic population‐based nation‐wide register data on comparative 2‐year non‐response within six antidepressant drug classes and 17 different antidepressants in patients with MDD.

Method

The study included all 106,920 patients in Denmark with a first main index diagnosis of MDD at a psychiatric hospital inpatient or outpatient contact and who subsequently had a purchase of an antidepressant in the period from 1995 to 2018. Non‐response to first antidepressant within a 2‐year study period was defined as switch to or add‐on of another antidepressant, antipsychotic medication, lithium, or hospitalization. Analyses emulated a targeted trial in populations standardized according to age, sex, socioeconomic status, and comorbidity with psychiatric and physical disorders.

Results

Compared with sertraline, there was no difference for citalopram (RR: 1.00 [95% CI: 0.98–1.02]) but fluoxetine (1.13 [95% CI: 1.10–1.17]), paroxetine (1.06 [95% CI: 1.01–1.10]) and escitalopram (1.22 [95% CI: 1.18–1.25]) were associated with higher risk ratio of non‐responses. Within selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, sertraline outperformed reboxetine; within serotonin‐norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, venlafaxine outperformed duloxetine; within noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressants, mirtazapine outperformed mianserin and within the class of other antidepressants, sertraline outperformed agomelatine and vortioxetine. Within tricyclic antidepressants, compared to amitriptyline, nortriptyline, dosulepin, and clomipramine had higher non‐response, whereas there was no difference for imipramine.

Conclusions

These analyses emulating a randomized trial of “real world” observational register‐based data show that 2‐year long‐term non‐responses to some antidepressants within six different drug classes are increased over others.
Wild Hogs in the Water: Contested Infrastructural Ecologies of Reservoir Storage in Texas
Authors: Randle Sayd
Published: February 2024

Reservoirs are developed to store water in reserve for future use. But once built, reservoir sites inevitably hold more than just water, often serving as a key habitat for a range of species. This paper examines how one such animal has transformed water storage facilities and nearby landscapes into contested ground in urbanising areas of Texas, USA. Living around the reservoirs, feral hogs complicate the process of urbanisation by degrading the stockpiled water and infrastructure at the storage sites themselves and by damaging private property throughout the surrounding landscape. Tracking local efforts to manage the hogs, the case study illustrates the spatially extensive stakes of such porous infrastructural ecologies of storage, particularly their role in mediating the ongoing process of the urbanisation of nature.
Informed development of a multi‐species biofilm in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Short Bryn , Delaney Christopher , Johnston William , Litherland Gary J. , Lockhart John C. , Williams Craig , Mackay William G. , Ramage Gordon
Published: February 2024

Recent evidence indicates that microbial biofilm aggregates inhabit the lungs of COPD patients and actively contribute towards chronic colonization and repeat infections. However, there are no contextually relevant complex biofilm models for COPD research. In this study, a meta‐analysis of the lung microbiome in COPD was used to inform development of an optimized biofilm model composed of genera highly associated with COPD. Bioinformatic analysis showed that although diversity matrices of COPD microbiomes were similar to healthy controls, and internal compositions made it possible to accurately differentiate between these cohorts (AUC = 0.939). Genera that best defined these patients included Haemophilus, Moraxella and Streptococcus. Many studies fail to account for fungi; therefore, Candida albicans was included in the creation of an interkingdom biofilm model. These organisms formed a biofilm capable of tolerating high concentrations of antimicrobial therapies with no significant reductions in viability. However, combined therapies of antibiotics and an antifungal resulted in significant reductions in viable cells throughout the biofilm (p < 0.05). This biofilm model is representative of the COPD lung microbiome and results from in vitro antimicrobial challenge experiments indicate that targeting both bacteria and fungi in these interkingdom communities will be required for more positive clinical outcomes.
High‐dose proton pump inhibitor treatment is associated with a higher mortality in cirrhotic patients: A multicentre study
Authors: Yoon Jun Sik , Hong Ji Hoon , Park Soo Young , Kim Seung Up , Kim Hwi Young , Kim Ju Yeon , Hur Moon Haeng , Park Min Kyung , Lee Yun Bin , Lee Han Ah , Kim Gi‐Ae , Sinn Dong Hyun , Park Sung Jae , Lee Youn Jae , Kim Yoon Jun , Yoon Jung‐Hwan , Lee Jeong‐Hoon
Published: February 2024

Background

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are frequently used in patients with cirrhosis.

Aims

This study aimed to determine whether PPI use is associated with the prognosis of cirrhotic patients.

Methods

We conducted a multicentre retrospective cohort study involving 1485 patients who had experienced hepatic encephalopathy (HE) from 7 referral centres in Korea. The primary outcome was overall survival and secondary outcomes included the development of cirrhotic complications, including recurrent HE, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), hepatorenal syndrome (HRS), and gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients treated with PPI with a mean defined daily dose (mDDD) ≥0.5 (high‐dose PPI group) were compared to those treated with PPI of an mDDD < 0.5 (No or low‐dose PPI group) for each outcome.

Results

Among 1485 patients (median age, 61 years; male, 61%), 232 were assigned to the high‐dose PPI group. High‐dose PPI use was independently associated with a higher risk of death (adjusted HR [aHR] = 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.38–2.11, p < 0.001). This result was reproducible after propensity score‐matching (PSM) (aHR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.49–2.44, p < 0.001). High‐dose PPI use was an independent risk factor of recurrent HE (before PSM: aHR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.66–2.51, p < 0.001; after PSM: aHR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.70–2.74, p < 0.001), SBP (before PSM: aHR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.43–2.43, p < 0.001; after PSM: aHR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.31–2.36, p = 0.002), HRS (before PSM: aHR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.02–2.15, p = 0.04; after PSM: aHR = 1.47, 95% CI = 0.95–2.28, p = 0.09), and gastrointestinal bleeding (before PSM: aHR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.12–1.90, p = 0.006; after PSM: aHR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.28–2.37, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The use of high‐dose PPI was independently associated with increased risks of mortality and cirrhotic complications.
Estimation of adherence to urate‐lowering therapy in people living with gout using Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and patient‐reported dosing
Authors: Schulz Marcel , Coleshill Matthew J. , Day Richard O. , Wright Daniel F. B. , Brett Jonathan , Briggs Nancy E. , Aung Eindra
Published: February 2024

Aims

The aim of this study was to estimate adherence to urate‐lowering therapy (ULT), predominately allopurinol, from Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) claims database in association with (1) patient‐reported doses and (2) World Health Organization's (WHO) defined daily doses (DDD), namely, allopurinol (400 mg/day) or febuxostat (80 mg/day).

Methods

Proportion of days covered (PDC) was calculated in 108 Gout App (Gout APP) trial participants with at least two recorded ULT dispensings in an approximately 12‐month period before provision of intervention or control apps. Adherence was defined as PDC ≥80%. We measured the correlation between the two methods of calculating PDC using a Wilcoxon signed rank test. Agreement between ULT‐taking status (self‐reports) and ULT‐dispensed status (PBS records) was tested with Cohen's kappa (κ), and positive and negative percent agreement.

Results

Allopurinol was prescribed in 93.5% of participants taking ULT. Their self‐reported mean daily dose (SD) was 291 (167) mg/day. Mean PDC (SD) for allopurinol was 83% (21%) calculated using self‐reported dose, and 63% (24%) using WHO's DDD. Sixty‐three percent of allopurinol users were identified as adherent (PDC ≥80%) using self‐reported dose. There was good agreement between self‐reported ULT use and PBS dispensing claims (κ = 0.708, P < .001; positive percent agreement = 90%, negative percent agreement = 82%).

Conclusions

Participant‐reported allopurinol daily doses, in addition to PBS dispensing claims, may enhance confidence in estimating PDC and adherence compared to using DDD. This approach improves adherence estimations from pharmaceutical claims datasets for medications where daily doses vary between individuals or where there is a wide therapeutic dose range.
Are insulin sensitizers the new strategy to treat Type 1 diabetes? A long‐acting dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist improves insulin‐mediated glycaemic control and controls body weight
Authors: Melander Simone Anna , Larsen Anna Thorsø , Karsdal Morten Asser , Henriksen Kim
Published: February 2024

Background and Purpose

Insulin therapies for Type 1 diabetes (T1D) have limitations, such as glucose fluctuations, hypoglycaemia, and weight gain. Only pramlintide is approved with insulin. However, its short half‐life limits efficacy, requiring multiple daily injections and increasing hypoglycaemia risk. New strategies are needed to improve glycaemic control. Dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonists are potent insulin sensitizers developed for Type 2 diabetes (T2D) as they improve glucose control, reduce body weight, and attenuate hyperglucagonemia. However, it is uncertain if they could be used to treat T1D.

Experimental Approach

Sprague Dawley rats received a single intravenous injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (50 mg·kg−1) to induce T1D. Humulin (1 U/200 g·day−1 or 2 U/200 g·day−1) was continuously infused, while half of the rats received additional KBP‐336 (4.5 nmol·kg−1 Q3D) treatment. Bodyweight, food intake, and blood glucose were monitored throughout the study. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed during the study.

Key Results

Treatment with Humulin or Humulin + KBP‐336 improved the health of STZ rats. Humulin increased body weight in STZ rats, but KBP‐336 attenuated these increases and maintained a significant weight loss. The combination exhibited greater blood glucose reductions than Humulin‐treated rats alone, reflected by improved HbA1c levels and glucose control. The combination prevented hyperglucagonemia, reduced amylin levels, and increased pancreatic insulin content, indicating improved insulin sensitivity and beta‐cell preservation.

Conclusion and Implications

The insulin sensitizer KBP‐336 lowered glucagon secretion while attenuating insulin‐induced weight gain. Additionally, KBP‐336 may prevent hypoglycaemia and improve insulin resistance, which could be a significant advantage for individuals with T1D seeking therapeutic benefits.
Design, synthesis, and evaluation of novel bistrifluoromethyl‐based hydrazones as dual inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase and carbonic anhydrase enzymes for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Dincel Efe Doğukan , Başoğlu‐Ünal Faika , Kuran Ebru Didem , Kayra Tülay , Aydın Nurcan , Kanber Esmanur , Gülçin İlhami , Ulusoy‐Güzeldemirci Nuray
Published: February 2024

In this project, non‐sulfonamide bistrifluoromethyl‐derived hydrazide‐hydrazones were synthesized as multi‐target‐directed ligands to treat Alzheimer's disease and then, the novel derivatives were characterized by diverse spectral methods. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and human carbonic anhydrase (hCA) inhibitory qualifications of these compounds were determined. The reported compounds (2a‐y) were determined to be effective inhibitors of the hCA I, hCA II and AChE enzymes with Ki values in the range of 1.130 ± 0.15–5.440 ± 0.93 μM for hCA I, 0.894 ± 0.05–6.647 ± 1.35 μM for hCA II, and 0.196 ± 0.03–4.222 ± 1.04 μM for AChE. In silico studies were also performed to illuminate the binding interactions.
The use of Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children in schools to improve the ability of children with autism to complete tasks independently: A single‐case meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhou Kun , Liu Xinchao , Li Shuting , Zhang Yuxin , An Rui , Ma Siyue
Published: February 2024

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness of a Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH) intervention in schools for improving independent task performance in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

Methods

We screened relevant studies published up to December 2022 from Web of science, ERIC, PsycINFO and other databases using predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria to identify suitable intervention studies for meta‐analysis. Tau‐U effect sizes were calculated for each A‐B comparison extracted from the included experiments. Moderated analyses were conducted to examine the type of intervention (independent variable), intervention target behaviours (dependent variable), participant characteristics, setting characteristics and intervener characteristics.

Results

A total of 14 studies (38 participants) met the criteria and were included in the meta‐analysis. The analysis results showed that TEACCH had a significant intervention effect, and the overall intervention effect size was Tau‐U = 0.85[0.77, 0.91]. There were significant differences in the intervention target behaviour variables (p < 0.01), limited variation in the intervention type variables, but no differences in participant characteristics, setting characteristics and intervenor characteristics.

Conclusion

The use of TEACCH is effective in improving independent task completion in children with ASD and provides evidence‐based recommendations for its extended use in schools.
Managing type 1 diabetes of a child: Parents' perspectives
Authors: Lin Fang‐Yi , Lee Tzu‐Ying
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Managing type 1 diabetes (T1D) challenges children and their parents. Parents need to learn the necessary skills and later transfer the responsibility of care to their children as they develop. The transition process involves autonomy in behaviour and decision‐making. This study explores the shared management experiences of Taiwanese parents and their children with type 1 diabetes.

Design and methods

This study employed a qualitative design using a grounded theory approach. Purposive sampling was used at a medical centre in Taiwan for participant recruitment. Twenty‐nine parents of children who had been diagnosed with T1D were interviewed in‐depth. Data were analysed using constant comparison and repeated verification.

Results

After a child was diagnosed with T1D, the parents initiated ‘Life‐long lesson: Growing together with the child on the road to normality’. Three main categories emerged: ‘confronting the disease diagnosis’, ‘establishing supportive and collaborative involvement’ and ‘assisting the child in building a sense of belonging’. Sub‐categories within each significant category were also included.

Conclusions

Taiwanese parents perhaps have a controlling or directive role for a long period in their child's lives and shared management of their health condition. This study's findings can help healthcare workers better understand the process of parents' shared management of T1D with their children and how to best communicate with children about the disease and care in accordance with the child's stage of development.
Socio‐economic inequities in emergency department visits for wholly alcohol‐attributable acute and chronic harms in Canada, 2003–2017
Authors: Benny Claire , Hobin Erin , Andreacchi Alessandra T. , Schwartz Naomi , Smith Brendan T.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Individuals with low socio‐economic position (SEP) experience disproportionate alcohol‐attributable harm. Limited research has investigated whether these inequities are driven by alcohol‐attributable conditions that are acute or chronic. The study aimed to estimate the sex‐specific associations between SEP and incident wholly alcohol‐attributable emergency department (ED) visits for acute and chronic harms, respectively.

Methods

A cohort study was conducted using the Canadian Community Health Survey (2003–2008) linked to the National Ambulatory Care Reporting System (2002–2017) in Alberta and Ontario. SEP was measured using educational attainment. Acute and chronic ED visits were captured in the National Ambulatory Care Reporting System follow‐up data. Hazard models were fit to estimate the association between SEP and acute and chronic wholly alcohol‐attributable ED visits.

Results

The analytical sample included 88,865 respondents. In men and women, individuals with lower SEP had increased hazard of acute ED visits (women hazard ratio [HR] 1.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07–2.87; men HR 3.47, 95% CI 2.29–5.25) and chronic ED visits (women HR 2.24, 95% CI 1.04–4.80; men HR 5.02, 95% CI 2.88–8.75). Acute and chronic wholly alcohol‐attributable ED visit rates were higher in men than women.

Discussion and Conclusions

The findings indicated lower SEP was associated with greater harms for both acute and chronic wholly alcohol‐attributable ED visits when compared to their higher SEP counterparts. We conclude that gradients in SEP are associated with acute and chronic harms. These results highlight a need for equitable interventions that reduce the absolute burden of inequities in both acute and chronic wholly alcohol‐attributable ED visits.
Geographic and ethnicity variation in the prevalence of middle‐aged and elderly adult obesity in China in 2020
Authors: Tu Wen‐Jun , Zhao Zhenping , Yan Feng , Zeng Xianwei , Li Jilai
Published: February 2024

Aim

The objective of this study is to evaluate the mean body mass index (BMI), general obesity and abdominal obesity in adults aged ≥40 years residing in China in 2020, and to analyse variations in these factors across different geographic areas and subpopulations.

Methods

We utilized data from the National Stroke High‐Risk Population Screening programme to calculate and compare the mean BMI and prevalence of obesity across various demographics, including sex, age, urban‐rural locality, geographical region (province) and ethnicity status.

Results

In our study, we found that the standardized mean BMI level was 24.65 kg/m2 [95% confidence interval (CI): 24.50‐22.84] in men and 24.31 kg/m2 (95% CI: 24.15‐24.45) in women. Using the criteria from China, we found that the standardized prevalence of general obesity and abdominal obesity was 13.13% (95% CI: 13.05‐13.21%) and 33.03% (95 CI: 32.92‐33.14%), respectively. Our study also identified significant effects of age, sex, urban‐rural locality, province and ethnicity status on the prevalence of obesity. Overall, our study estimated that in 2020, approximately 91.1 million adults aged ≥40 years in China were obese (46.5 million men and 44.6 million women), while 229.2 million adults (110.4 million men and 118.8 million women) were diagnosed with abdominal obesity.

Conclusion

Our research has revealed compelling new evidence about the obesity epidemic among Chinese adults aged ≥40 years, particularly at the provincial and ethnic levels. As a result, more targeted and effective prevention strategies should be developed to alleviate the burden of obesity.
Transesophageal echocardiography: A bibliometric analysis from 1979 to 2022
Authors: Pan Silei , Li Zhengkai , Wang Yan , Bing Hailong , Song Haibo , Chu Qinjun
Published: February 2024

Objective

Heart disease poses a significant global health challenge. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has gained prominence in clinical practice because of advancements in visual medicine. The present bibliometric analysis provides an overview of TEE research, identifies trends, and highlights emerging topics.

Methods

A comprehensive search of TEE‐related literature from the establishment of the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) until 2022 was conducted. Utilizing the CiteSpace software, we performed an in‐depth analysis of the literature data encompassing disciplines, publication years, countries, institutions, authors, journals, cited references, and keywords.

Results

A total of 17 032 TEE‐related articles were included in this study. The most active disciplines in TEE research were Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems, Anesthesiology, and Respiratory System. The number of publications displayed a consistent upward trajectory over the years. Notably, research contributions predominantly originated from developed countries, mainly Europe and North America, with the United States, Germany, Italy, and Japan leading the way. Analysis of institutions, authors, and journals revealed the United States' significant role in TEE research. Furthermore, the analysis of cited references and keywords identified the treatment of patent foramen ovale and its association with stroke as emerging hot topics in recent years.

Conclusions

This study highlights that TEE remains a research hotspot, with the United States at the forefront. Future research should investigate the relationship between heart disease and brain function.
“I want the world back”: Pandemic loneliness, bodies, and places
Authors: Parsons Michelle Anne , Mason Katherine A. , Wurtz Heather M. , Willen Sarah S.
Published: February 2024

Psychology has tended to conceptualize loneliness as a lack of intimate and social relationships. This analysis draws on the journal entries of 100 participants in the Pandemic Journaling Project (PJP; a research study and online journaling platform that invited participants to chronicle their experiences during the COVID‐19 pandemic) to illustrate a more foundational sense of loneliness as a lack of bodily attunement, interaction, and intersection with others in a world of places. This bodies‐in‐places perspective reveals important material dimensions of loneliness that have often been overlooked. Loneliness is understood not as a static characteristic of the individual, but rather as an embodied and emplaced relational and ecological phenomenon.
Population genomics, life‐history tactics, and mixed‐stock subsistence fisheries in the northernmost American Atlantic salmon populations
Authors: Carbonneau Alexandre , April Julien , Normandeau Eric , Ferchaud Anne‐Laure , Nadeau Véronique , Bernatchez Louis
Published: February 2024

While Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) of the northernmost American populations is alimentary, economically, and culturally important for Ungava Inuit communities (Nunavik, Canada) and might play a key role in the persistence of the species in a global warming context, many mysteries remain about those remote and atypical populations. Thus, our first aim was to document the genomic structure of the Nunavik populations. The second objective was to determine whether salmon only migrating to the estuary without reaching the sea, apparently unique to those populations, represent distinct populations from the typical anadromous salmons and subsequently explore the genetic basis of migratory life‐history tactics in the species. Finally, the third goal was to quantify the contribution of each genetically distinct population and life‐history tactic in the mixed‐stock subsistence fishery of the Koksoak R. estuary. We used Genotyping‐by‐Sequencing to genotype 14,061 single nucleotide polymorphisms in the genome of 248 individuals from 8 source populations and 280 individuals from the Koksoak estuary mixed‐stock fishery. Life‐history tactics were identified by a visual assessment of scales. Results show a hierarchical structure mainly influenced by isolation‐by‐distance with 7 populations out of the 8 studied rivers. While no obvious structure was detected between marine and estuarine salmon within the population, we have identified genomic regions putatively associated with those migration tactics. Finally, all salmon captured in the Koksoak estuary originated from the Koksoak drainage and mostly from 2 tributaries, but no inter‐annual variation in the contribution of these tributaries was found. Our results indicate, however, that both marine and estuarine salmon contribute substantially to estuarine fisheries and that there is inter‐annual variation in this contribution. These findings provide crucial information for the conservation of salmon populations in a rapidly changing ecosystem, as well as for fishery management to improve the food security of Inuit communities.
Local environments, not invasive hybridization, influence cardiac performance of native trout under acute thermal stress
Authors: Strait Jeffrey T. , Grummer Jared A. , Hoffman Nicholas F. , Muhlfeld Clint C. , Narum Shawn R. , Luikart Gordon
Published: February 2024

Climate‐induced expansion of invasive hybridization (breeding between invasive and native species) poses a significant threat to the persistence of many native species worldwide. In the northern U.S. Rocky Mountains, hybridization between native cutthroat trout and non‐native rainbow trout has increased in recent decades due, in part, to climate‐driven increases in water temperature. It has been postulated that invasive hybridization may enhance physiological tolerance to climate‐induced thermal stress because laboratory studies indicate that rainbow trout have a higher thermal tolerance than cutthroat trout. Here, we assessed whether invasive hybridization improves cardiac performance response to acute water temperature stress of native wild trout populations. We collected trout from four streams with a wide range of non‐native admixture among individuals and with different temperature and streamflow regimes in the upper Flathead River drainage, USA. We measured individual cardiac performance (maximum heart rate, “MaxHR”, and temperature at arrhythmia, “ArrTemp”) during laboratory trials with increasing water temperatures (10–28°C). Across the study populations, we observed substantial variation in cardiac performance of individual trout when exposed to thermal stress. Notably, we found significant differences in the cardiac response to thermal regimes among native cutthroat trout populations, suggesting the importance of genotype‐by‐environment interactions in shaping the physiological performance of native cutthroat trout. However, rainbow trout admixture had no significant effect on cardiac performance (MaxHR and ArrTemp) within any of the three populations. Our results indicate that invasive hybridization with a warmer‐adapted species does not enhance the cardiac performance of native trout under warming conditions. Maintaining numerous populations across thermally and hydrologically diverse stream environments will be crucial for native trout to adapt and persist in a warming climate.
Evaluation of potential antiviral activities of antimicrobial peptides in fish mucus
Authors: Dik Irmak , Dik Burak , Tufan Öznur , Er Ayşe
Published: February 2024

Background

Fish skin mucus contains innate immune factors and acts as the first line of physical or chemical defense against pathogens.

Objective

The primary aim of this study was to determine the antiviral activity of sea bream (SBr), rainbow trout (RT), and sea bass (SBa) fish skin mucus against herpes simplex virus (HSV)‐1. In addition, it was aimed to associate possible antiviral activity with antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) such as cathelicidin, hepcidin, galectin 2, and C10ORF99, whose levels were determined in the mucus.

Methods

The antiviral activity and oxidative/antioxidant status of mucus against HSV‐1 virus was evaluated. In addition, AMPs, SOD, and CAT activities, and immunoglobulin M levels were also analyzed in mucus of fish.

Results

Antiviral activity mucus of SBr, RT, and SBa against HSV‐1 were determined as 2−4, 2−5, and 2−2, respectively. The higher antiviral activity of SBr and RT mucus compared to the mucus of SBa can be associated with higher AMP levels in them.

Conclusion

The skin mucus of SBr and RT may be nutritional supplement, adjuvant, and a new agent that can potentiate the effects of antimicrobial/antiviral agents.
Dominance of net autotrophy in arid landscape low relief polar lakes, Nunavut, Canada
Authors: Ayala‐Borda Paola , Bogard Matthew J. , Grosbois Guillaume , Prėskienis Vilmantas , Culp Joseph M. , Power Michael , Rautio Milla
Published: February 2024

The Arctic is the fastest warming biome on the planet, and environmental changes are having striking effects on freshwater ecosystems that may impact the regional carbon cycle. The metabolic state of Arctic lakes is often considered net heterotrophic, due to an assumed supply of allochthonous organic matter that supports ecosystem respiration and carbon mineralization in excess of rates of primary production. However, lake metabolic patterns vary according to regional climatic characteristics, hydrological connectivity, organic matter sources and intrinsic lake properties, and the metabolism of most Arctic lakes is unknown. We sampled 35 waterbodies along a connectivity gradient from headwater to downstream lakes, on southern Victoria Island, Nunavut, in an area characterized by low precipitation, organic‐poor soils, and high evaporation rates. We evaluated whether lakes were net autotrophic or heterotrophic during the open water period using an oxygen isotopic mass balance approach. Most of the waterbodies were autotrophic and sites of net organic matter production or close to metabolic equilibrium. Autotrophy was associated with higher benthic primary production, as compared to its pelagic counterpart, due to the high irradiance reaching the bottom and efficient internal carbon and nutrient cycling. Highly connected midstream and downstream lakes showed efficient organic matter cycling, as evidenced by the strong coupling between gross primary production (GPP) and ecosystem respiration, while decoupling was observed in some headwater lakes with significantly higher GPP. The shallow nature of lakes in the flat, arid region of southern Victoria Island supports net autotrophy in most lakes during the open water season. Ongoing climate changes that lengthen the ice‐free irradiance period and increase rates of nutrient evapoconcentration may further promote net autotrophy, with uncertain long‐term effects for lake functioning.
Guidelines for the use of spatially varying coefficients in species distribution models
Authors: Doser Jeffrey W. , Kéry Marc , Saunders Sarah P. , Finley Andrew O. , Bateman Brooke L. , Grand Joanna , Reault Shannon , Weed Aaron S. , Zipkin Elise F.
Published: February 2024

Aim

Species distribution models (SDMs) are increasingly applied across macroscales using detection‐nondetection data. These models typically assume that a single set of regression coefficients can adequately describe species–environment relationships and/or population trends. However, such relationships often show nonlinear and/or spatially varying patterns that arise from complex interactions with abiotic and biotic processes that operate at different scales. Spatially varying coefficient (SVC) models can readily account for variability in the effects of environmental covariates. Yet, their use in ecology is relatively scarce due to gaps in understanding the inferential benefits that SVC models can provide compared to simpler frameworks.

Innovation

Here we demonstrate the inferential benefits of SVC SDMs, with a particular focus on how this approach can be used to generate and test ecological hypotheses regarding the drivers of spatial variability in population trends and species–environment relationships. We illustrate the inferential benefits of SVC SDMs with simulations and two case studies: one that assesses spatially varying trends of 51 forest bird species in the eastern United States over two decades and a second that evaluates spatial variability in the effects of five decades of land cover change on grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) occurrence across the continental United States.

Main conclusions

We found strong support for SVC SDMs compared to simpler alternatives in both empirical case studies. Factors operating at fine spatial scales, accounted for by the SVCs, were the primary divers of spatial variability in forest bird occurrence trends. Additionally, SVCs revealed complex species–habitat relationships with grassland and cropland area for grasshopper sparrow, providing nuanced insights into how future land use change may shape its distribution. These applications display the utility of SVC SDMs to help reveal the environmental factors that drive species distributions across both local and broad scales. We conclude by discussing the potential applications of SVC SDMs in ecology and conservation.
Arthroscopic ankle surgery in people with haemophilia
Authors: Rodriguez‐Merchan E. Carlos , De la Corte‐Rodriguez Hortensia , Gomez‐Cardero Primitivo , Alvarez‐Roman Maria Teresa , Jimenez‐Yuste Victor
Published: February 2024

Introduction

People with haemophilia (PWH) not administered primary haematological prophylaxis since childhood, that is, those treated haematologically on demand or not treated at all, often experience the degeneration of the ankles, leading to pain and functional impairment.

Aim

To analyse the outcomes and complications of arthroscopic ankle surgery performed on PWH.

Methods

For this narrative review of the literature, a search was conducted in PubMed on 2, December 2023, using the keywords “haemophilia”, “ankle” and “arthroscopy”. Of the 29 articles identified, 15 specifically related to ankle arthroscopy in PWH were selected (inclusion criterion). The remaining articles did not meet this requirement (exclusion criterion) and were therefore eliminated.

Results

Arthroscopic procedures (arthroscopic synovectomy, debridement and arthrodesis of the ankle) are increasingly used in the surgical treatment of haemophilic ankle arthropathy. Although arthroscopic ankle surgery offers good outcomes in patients with haemophilia, the procedure is not free of complications, which range from 7.9% for arthroscopic ankle debridement to 13.1% in arthroscopic ankle synovectomy and 17.8% in arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis, respectively. The non‐union rate of arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis is 7.1% (2/28).

Conclusion

Although arthroscopic interventions in the haemophilic ankle (synovectomy, debridement, arthrodesis) offer good functional outcomes, they are associated with a non‐negligible rate of complications. Arthroscopic ankle surgery in PWH is major surgery and should be treated as such.
Le sophisme de la quantité fixe de travail: le cas de l'Amérique latine
Authors: APELLA Ignacio
Published: February 2024

L'auteur s'appuie sur des données de panel relatives à 11 pays d'Amérique latine au cours de la période 2002‐2019 pour étudier la théorie de la «quantité fixe de travail» à l'heure du vieillissement démographique. Ses estimations, issues d'un modèle à effets fixes, révèlent l'existence d'une corrélation positive entre le taux d'emploi des seniors et celui des jeunes, de même qu'entre la rémunération des seniors et celle des jeunes. Ces résultats laissent penser qu'une hausse de l'emploi des seniors est favorable à la croissance économique, d'où une augmentation des besoins de main‐d’œuvre, lesquels peuvent être pourvus par la jeune génération.
Evolutionary analysis of seasonal influenza A viruses in Pakistan 2020–2023
Authors: Badar Nazish , Ikram Aamer , Salman Muhammad , Saeed Sidra , Mirza Hamza Ahmed , Ahad Abdul , Umair Massab , Farooq Umer
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Influenza A viruses cause global health concerns due to their high amino acid substitution rates. They are linked to yearly seasonal epidemics and occasional pandemics. This study focused on sequencing influenza A virus strains in Pakistan.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed the genetic characteristics of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) viruses circulating in Pakistan from January 2020 to January 2023. Whole genome sequences from influenza A (n = 126) virus isolates were amplified and sequenced by the Oxford Nanopore (MinION) platform.

Results

The HA genes of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 underwent amino acid substitutions at positions K54Q, A186T, Q189E, E224A, R259K, and K308R in sequenced samples. The HA genes of influenza A(H3N2) had amino acid substitutions at G53D, E83K, D104G, I140M, S205F, A212T, and K276R in the sequenced samples. Furthermore, the HA gene sequences of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 in this study belonged to subclade 6B.1A.5a.2a. Similarly, the HA gene sequences of influenza A(H3N2) were classified under six subclades (3C.3a.1 and 3C.2a1b.2a [2, 2a.1, 2b, 2c, and 2a.3b]). Notably, amino acid substitutions in other gene segments of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) were also found.

Conclusion

These findings indicate influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) viruses co‐circulated during the 2020–2023 influenza season in Pakistan. Continued surveillance is crucial for real‐time monitoring of possible high‐virulence variation and their relevance to existing vaccine strains.
Impact of neuromuscular training including balance, strength and plyometric exercises on static and dynamic balance in high‐level male runners with mild intellectual disability
Authors: Jouira Ghada , Borji Rihab , Waer Fatma Ben , Srihi Selim , Rebai Haithem , Sahli Sonia
Published: February 2024

Background

This study aims to investigate the impact of neuromuscular training (NMT) on static and dynamic postural balance (PB) among high‐level male runners with intellectual disability.

Method

Twenty‐seven runners were randomly assigned to a NMT group and a control group who maintained their conventional training. Static and dynamic PB were assessed using the centre of pressure (CoP) excursions (in bipedal and unipedal stances under open eyes (OE) and closed eyes (CE) conditions) and the star excursion balance test (SEBT), respectively, at pre‐training and post‐training.

Results

The NMT group showed significantly (p < 0.05) decreased CoP values and increased SEBT scores at post‐training compared to pre‐training. The switch from OE to CE did not affect static PB in the bipedal stance, only in the NMT group.

Conclusions

The NMT was effective in improving static and dynamic PB in runners with intellectual disability. The NMT could reduce visual dependency.