bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The measurement reliability and equivalence of print versus online versions of the Youth Activity Profile
Authors: Bai Yang , Dixon Philip M. , Saint-Maurice Pedro F. , Hibbing Paul R. , McLoughlin Gabriella M. , da Silva Michael Pereira , Welk Gregory J.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The Youth Activity Profile (YAP) is a 7-day self-report designed to quantify physical activity and sedentary behaviors among youth. This study evaluated the reliability of the online version of the YAP and equivalence with the paper-based version.

Method

A total of 2,490 participants from 17 schools in Iowa and Texas completed the YAP. Each classroom was randomly assigned to complete either the print or online version twice. A variance components model was used to assess the test-retest reliability and equivalence testing was also applied.

Results

Both paper and online versions had similar reliability for the PA estimates in school (ICCprint = 0.69–0.91; ICConline = 0.54–0.84), at home (ICCprint = 0.72–0.83; ICConline = 0.64–0.94), PA at weekend (ICCprint = 0.33–0.72; ICConline = 0.39–0.70), and SB (ICCprint = 0.69–0.90; ICConline = 0.66–0.80). The two versions were statistically equivalent for most YAP items except for recess.

Conclusion

The online YAP appears to be a reliable assessment of physical activity and sedentary behavior in youth populations.
Patient adherence, satisfaction and changes in anthropometric parameters with e-health versus in-person monitoring in metabolic bariatric surgery patients: A study protocol for a systematic review and non-inferiority meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Goulart Maíra Ribas , Schmidt Karine Elisa Schwarzer , Waclawovsky Gustavo , Vian Izabele
Published: January 2025

Background

Obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and associated with reduced life expectancy metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) is the treatment indicated when patients are unable to lose weight through lifestyle changes and medication alone. However, more evidence is necessary to show non-inferiority of e-health compared to in-person monitoring with regard to important parameters for the success of surgical treatment of obesity such as anthropometric changes.

Methods and analyses

This review study will include cohort studies involving individuals with obesity and e-health or in-person patient monitoring before and after MBS. This study protocol was registered in the PROSPERO (CRD42023491051). We will conduct searches in the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE (Elsevier), Cochrane (CENTRAL), Web of Science, SCOPUS and CINAHL (EBSCO) and LILACS-VHL. We will also search databases in the gray literature. The primary outcomes will be changes in body mass index (BMI), body weight (kg) and body fat percentage (BF%) and patient adherence and satisfaction. The risk of bias of individual eligible studies will be assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the overall quality will be assessed using the GRADE tool. Our analyses will involve comparisons of mean differences or standardized mean differences across the groups using random-effects models and 95% confidence intervals. Statistical analyses will be performed with RStudio for Windows (v1.3.959) using R package meta (v3.6.1).

Discussion and conclusion

Our study can offer evidence that shows the benefits of e-health patient monitoring of individuals undergoing MBS and supports scaling up this care modality to reduce waiting times and health care costs.
Deterministic and stochastic effects drive the gut microbial diversity in cucurbit-feeding fruit flies (Diptera, Tephritidae)
Authors: Hendrycks Wouter , Mullens Nele , Bakengesa Jackline , Kabota Sija , Tairo Jenipher , Backeljau Thierry , Majubwa Ramadhani , Mwatawala Maulid , De Meyer Marc , Virgilio Massimiliano
Published: January 2025

Insect diversity is closely linked to the evolution of phytophagy, with most phytophagous insects showing a strong degree of specialisation for specific host plants. Recent studies suggest that the insect gut microbiome might be crucial in facilitating the dietary (host plant) range. This requires the formation of stable insect-microbiome associations, but it remains largely unclear which processes govern the assembly of insect microbiomes. In this study, we investigated the role of deterministic and stochastic processes in shaping the assembly of the larval microbiome of three tephritid fruit fly species (Dacus bivittatus, D. ciliatus, Zeugodacus cucurbitae). We found that deterministic and stochastic processes play a considerable role in shaping the larval gut microbiome. We also identified 65 microbial ASVs (Amplicon sequence variants) that were associated with these flies, most belonging to the families Enterobacterales, Sphingobacterales, Pseudomonadales and Betaproteobacterales, and speculate about their relationship with cucurbit specialisation. Our data suggest that the larval gut microbiome assembly fits the “microbiome on a leash” model.
Systematic review on the compliance of WHO guidelines in the management of patients with advanced HIV disease in Africa: The case of cryptococcal antigen screening
Authors: Ally Zuhura Mbwana , Mbishi Jackline Vicent , Mbwana Mariam Salim , Bakari Hafidha Mhando , Salim Swalehe Mustafa , Rodoshi Zarin Nudar , Hundisa Muhidin Ibrahim , Sileshi Rebecca Mesfin , Ayalew Biruk Demisse , Musoke Rahma , Moshi Lynn , Fakhoury Yousef Elias , Ally Haji Mbwana , Ramadhani Habib Omari
Published: January 2025

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) screening for people presenting with advanced HIV disease (AHD) and for those with positive CrAg without evidence of meningitis to initiate preemptive antifungal medication. Data on the implementation of WHO recommendations regarding CrAg screening is limited. We estimated pooled prevalence of CrAg screening uptake, cryptococcal antigenemia, lumbar puncture, cryptococcal meningitis and initiation of preemptive antifungal medication from available eligible published studies conducted in Africa.

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane Library and Embase were searched for articles published between January 2011 and December 2023. CrAg uptake was defined as percentage of eligible people (CD4 ≤ 200 cells/mm3 or WHO stage III/IV) who received cryptococcal antigen testing. Stratified analysis to compare uptake and cryptococcal antigenemia between studies that involved multiple vs single sites was performed. Using random effects models, we computed the pooled estimate of CrAg screening uptake, cryptococcal antigenemia, lumbar puncture, cryptococcal meningitis, preemptive antifungals treatment and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Ten studies with 18,820 individuals with AHD were analyzed. Overall, the pooled estimate of CrAg screening uptake was 57.1% (95% CI: 41.4–72.7). CrAg screening uptake was significantly lower among studies that involved multiple sites compared to those that involved single site, (47.3% vs 73.3%; p<0.001). Overall, the pooled prevalence of cryptococcal antigenemia was 9.6% (95% CI:6.4–12.9). Cryptococcal antigenemia was significantly lower among studies that involved multiple sites compared to those that involved single site, (9.1% vs 10.4%; p<0.001). Among those who tested positive for CrAg, 84.6% (95% CI: 54.1–99.0) received preemptive antifungal treatment, though nearly 25% did not undergo lumbar puncture, highlighting gaps in diagnostic follow-up. Six studies evaluated CrAg positive patients with lumbar puncture and the overall prevalence of lumbar puncture was 74.9% (48.0–94.8). The overall prevalence of cryptococcal meningitis was 58.1% (46.6–69.6).

Conclusions

Not screening for CrAg among people with AHD and failure to initiate antifungal medications among eligible patients with cryptococcal antigenemia presents a significant missed opportunity. Emphasis on improving CrAg screening is critical given its proven cost-effective benefits.
Trends and ethnic disparity in endometrial cancer mortality in South Africa (1999–2018): A population-based Age-period-cohort and Join point regression analyses
Authors: Olorunfemi Gbenga , Libhaber Elena , Ezechi Oliver Chukwujekwu , Musenge Eustasius
Published: January 2025

Background

Endometrial cancer is the sixth leading cause of cancer among females and about 97,000 global deaths of endometrial cancer. The changes in the trends of obesity, fertility rates and other risk factors in South Africa (SA) may impact the endometrial cancer trends. The aim of this study was to utilise the age period cohort and join point regression modelling to evaluate the national and ethnic trends in endometrial cancer mortality in South Africa over a 20year period (1999–2018).

Methods

Data from Statistics South Africa was obtained to calculate the annual number of deaths, and annual crude and age standardised mortality rates (ASMR) of endometrial cancer from 1999–2018. The overall and ethnic trends of endometrial cancer mortality was assessed using the Join point regression model, while Age-period-cohort (APC) regression modelling was conducted to estimate the effect of age, calendar period and birth cohort.

Results

During the period 1999–2018, 4,877 deaths were due to endometrial cancer which constituted about 3.6% of breast and gynecological cancer deaths (3.62%, 95% CI: 3.52%–3.72%) in South Africa. The ASMR of endometrial cancer doubled from 0.76 deaths per 100,000 women in 1999 to 1.5 deaths per 100,000 women in 2018, with an average annual rise of 3.6% per annum. (Average Annual Percentage change (AAPC): 3.6%, 95%CI:2.7–4.4, P-value < 0.001). In 2018, the overall mean age at death for endometrial cancer was was 67.40 ± 11.04 years and, the ASMR of endometrial cancer among Indian/Asians (1.69 per 100,000 women), Blacks (1.63 per 100,000 women) and Coloreds (1.39 per 100,000 women) was more than doubled the rates among Whites (0.66 deaths per 100,000 women). Indian/Asians had stable rates while other ethnic groups had increased rates. The Cohort mortality risk ratio (RR) of endometrial cancer increased with successive birth cohort from 1924 to 1963 (RR increased from 0.2 to 1.00), and subsequently declined among successive cohorts from 1963 to 1998 (1.00 to 0.09). There was strong age and cohort but not period effect among the South African women. Ethnic disparity showed that there was age effect among all the ethnic groups; Cohort effect among Blacks and Coloureds only, while Period effect occurred only among Blacks.

Conclusions

The mortality rates of endometrial cancer doubled over a twenty-year period in South Africa from 1999–2018. There was strong ethnic disparity, with age and cohort effect on endometrial cancer trends. Thus, targeted efforts geared towards prevention and prompt treatment of endometrial cancer among the high-risk groups should be pursued by stake holders.
Evaluating the performance of a new ergonomic laparoscopic needle holder for intracorporeal suturing
Authors: Minor-Martínez Arturo , Ordorica-Flores Ricardo Manuel , Mota-Carmona Juan Ramón , Franco-González Iván Tlacaélel , Tapia Jurado Jesús , Pérez-Escamirosa Fernando
Published: January 2025

In laparoscopy, the absence of ergonomics in the instruments affects the performance and efficiency of the surgeon, increasing the likelihood of developing musculoskeletal injuries. This article presents the development of a laparoscopic needle holder with an ergonomic handle and the experience in its use with surgeons in the intracorporeal suturing task. The handle of the laparoscopic needle holder consists of a semi-spherical piece that easily adapts to the palm of the surgeon’s hand and improves the posture and ergonomics of the wrist, allowing the direct transmission of rotational movements around the longitudinal axis of the instrument towards the tip. Moreover, a spring-loaded mechanism allows the tip of the tool to be opened and closed in a normally closed configuration, with enough pressure to hold different surgical needles. Twenty-two pediatric surgery surgeons and residents, without upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders, participated in this study. Each participant performed the intracorporeal suturing task using two laparoscopic needle holders (conventional and with ergonomic handle) in a laparoscopic simulator. Motion data from both instruments were captured and the performance was assessed by means of 16 motion analysis parameters (MAPs). The performance of the residents improved markedly using the laparoscopic needle holder with ergonomic handle, obtaining statistically significant differences in 10 MAPs evaluated. The comparison of the results of each instrument showed that this ergonomic laparoscopic needle holder stood out over the conventional tool, improving psychomotor skills and the ability to control the angular position and rotational movements of the instrument on its own axis, indispensable for intracorporeal suturing. The innovative design of the laparoscopic needle holder with ergonomic handle allows for better transfer of rotational movements from the surgeon’s hand directly with the longitudinal axis to the tip, reducing extreme wrist positions and excessive effort to open and close the tip of the instrument during intracorporeal suturing.
Evaluation of surgical treatment of gout—A retrospective study on 28 cases with tophi
Authors: Zhang Ting , Yang Bin , Xu Xiaohong , Zhang Zengfang , Pan Zhenglun
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The efficacy, safety, optimal timing, and urate-lowering effects of surgical interventions in gout management remain poorly understood. This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating the role of surgery in treating gout patients with tophi.

Method

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 28 gout patients presenting with tophi. Data were comprehensively retrieved from electronic medical records, including medical history, laboratory findings, surgical procedures, hospitalization duration, postoperative monitoring, and relevant variables.

Results

Postoperative improvements were observed in joint symptoms and functionality. Surgical intervention effectively reduced the frequency of gout flares, demonstrating short-term urate-lowering effects (STULE) and potential long-term urate-lowering effects (LTULE) when combined with urate-lowering treatments (ULT). Primary healing occurred in 65 out of 67 surgical sites (97.01%), with only 2 sites (2.99%) experiencing delayed healing, and minimal complications reported. Prolonged hospital stays were associated with elevated leukocyte counts, C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels, as well as a higher number of surgical sites, rather than serum uric acid (SUA) levels.

Conclusions

Surgical intervention is a promising and safe therapeutic option for managing gout, particularly in cases with joint deterioration, functional impairment, or nerve involvement. Surgery not only reduces the frequency of gout flares but also provides STULE and potential LTULE when complemented with ULT. Patients with lower inflammatory indices and fewer incisions exhibit faster postoperative recoveries. Optimal timing of surgery, ideally during periods of disease remission, is crucial for minimizing complications and reducing hospitalization durations.
Secondary metabolites of Alternaria alternate appraisal of their SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory and anti-inflammatory potentials
Authors: Moharram Fatma A. , Ibrahim Reham R. , Mahgoub Shahenda , Abdel-Aziz Mohamed S. , Said Ahmed M. , Huang Hui-Chi , Chen Lo-Yun , Lai Kuei-Hung , Hashad Nashwa , Mady Mohamed S.
Published: January 2025

This study identifies the secondary metabolites from Alternaria alternate and evaluates their ACE-2: Spike RBD (SARS-CoV-2) inhibitory activity confirmed via immunoblotting in human lung microvascular endothelial cells. In addition, their in vitro anti-inflammatory potential was assessed using a cell-based assay in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Two novel compounds, altenuline (1), phthalic acid bis (7’/7’’ pentyloxy) isohexyl ester (2), along with 1-deoxyrubralactone (3) alternariol-5-O-methyl ether (4) and alternariol (5) were identified. Molecular docking and in vitro studies showed that compounds 2 and 4 were promising to counteract SARS-CoV-2 attachment to human ACE-2. Thus, they are considered promising natural anti-viral agents. SwissADME in silico analysis was conducted to predict the drug-like potential. Immunoblotting analysis confirmed that the tested compounds (1–4) demonstrated downregulation of ACE-2 expression in the endothelial cells from the lungs with variable degrees. Furthermore, the tested compounds (1–4) showed promising anti-inflammatory activities through TNF-α: TNFR2 inhibitory activity and their inhibitory effect on the proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) in LPS-stimulated monocytes. In conclusion, our study, for the first time, provides beneficial experimental confirmation for the efficiency of the A. alternate secondary metabolites for the treatment of COVID-19 as they hinder SARS-CoV-2 infection and lower inflammatory responses initiated by SARS-CoV-2. A. alternate and its metabolites are considered in developing preventative and therapeutic tactics for COVID-19.
Thrips dynamics in Allium crops: Unraveling the role of reproductive mode and weather variables in Thrips tabaci population development
Authors: Porta Bettina , Vosman Ben , González Barrios Pablo , Visser Richard G. F. , Galván Guillermo A. , Scholten Olga E.
Published: January 2025

Thrips tabaci is the main thrips species affecting onion and related species. It is a cryptic species complex comprising three phylogenetic groups characterized by different reproductive modes (thelytoky or arrhenotoky) and host plant specialization. Thrips tabaci populations vary widely in genetic diversity, raising questions about the factor(s) that drive this diversity. We investigated the genetic diversity, reproductive mode, and heteroplasmy frequency in T. tabaci populations from different Allium spp fields in six locations in the Netherlands in 2021 and at two locations from the North and South of Uruguay over three years to unravel how the diversity is structured in the populations and if changes can be associated with weather variables. The thrips populations from each location studied were characterized by sequencing 33 individuals per sampling using the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. The reproductive mode was determined using specific primers and a phylogenetic analysis. Daily data for the weather variables was obtained from agrometeorological experimental stations located in the Uruguayan sampled crop fields. The diversity, reproductive mode, and heteroplasmy of T. tabaci populations in onion crops exhibited significant year-to-year variation depending on the location. Changes in the relative frequency of each reproductive mode in populations are associated with weather variables: precipitation, temperature, number of frosts, and relative humidity. Heteroplasmy frequency was associated with the same weather variables except temperature. In Uruguay and the Netherlands, T. tabaci thelytokous haplotype H1 was the most common, showing different heteroplasmy levels within and between the populations. In the field populations, a high frequency of heteroplasmic H1 individuals was associated with low precipitation, while all H1 individuals were also associated with high temperature and high relative humidity. In Uruguay, heteroplasmy was associated with arrhenotokous T. tabaci haplotypes, which were highly common in the North, pointing at specific adaptations leading to a faster population build-up. All this information may be instrumental for designing more precise integrated pest management techniques in both conventional and organic production.
Predicting vasovagal reactions to needles from video data using 2D-CNN with GRU and LSTM
Authors: Rudokaite Judita , Ong Sharon , Onal Ertugrul Itir , Janssen Mart P. , Huis in ‘t Veld Elisabeth
Published: January 2025

When undergoing or about to undergo a needle-related procedure, most people are not aware of the adverse emotional and physical reactions (so-called vasovagal reactions; VVR), that might occur. Thus, rather than relying on self-report measurements, we investigate whether we can predict VVR levels from the video sequence containing facial information measured during the blood donation. We filmed 287 blood donors throughout the blood donation procedure where we obtained 1945 videos for data analysis. We compared 5 different sequences of videos—45, 30, 20, 10 and 5 seconds to test the shortest video duration required to predict VVR levels. We used 2D-CNN with LSTM and GRU to predict continuous VVR scores and to classify discrete (low and high) VVR values obtained during the blood donation. The results showed that during the classification task, the highest achieved F1 score on high VVR class was 0.74 with a precision of 0.93, recall of 0.61, PR-AUC of 0.86 and an MCC score of 0.61 using a pre-trained ResNet152 model with LSTM on 25 frames and during the regression task the lowest root mean square error achieved was 2.56 using GRU on 50 frames. This study demonstrates that it is possible to predict vasovagal responses during a blood donation using facial features, which supports the further development of interventions to prevent VVR.
Influences of roughness and filling degree on the shear strength and damage evolution characteristics of cement-filled joints
Authors: Shu Zhilin , Liu Yang , Ye Yicheng , Wang Weiqi , Luo Binyu , Jia Jinpeng
Published: January 2025

The shear resistance of filling joints is an important factor affecting the stability of rock joints. Pressure-shear tests of cement-filled joints were carried out. Combined with the acoustic emission (AE) technique, the effects of normal stress, roughness and filling degree on the shear strength, damage morphology and damage evolution of cement-filled joints were investigated. The results show that with the increase of roughness, the failure mode is more complicated. When the roughness is low, only the bonding surface of the interface between the filler and the joint surface is damaged, and the filling degree has a weak effect on the failure mode. When the roughness is high, with the increase of normal stress and filling degree, the failure of the filled joint is from the joint failure of the bonding surface and the filling material to the serious failure of the bonding surface, the filling material and the joint. The peak shear strength of filled joints is positively correlated with roughness and negatively correlated with filling degree. With the increase of filling degree, the influence of roughness will be weakened by filling material, and the normal stress will amplify the effect of roughness. The evolution characteristics of AE show that the damage degree of filled joints is positively correlated with normal stress and roughness, and negatively correlated with filling degree. The joint surface is damaged locally at first, then failure near the main raised body of the joint, and finally spreads to the whole joint surface.
The effects of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on self-reported interoception and mental health
Authors: Biotti Federica , Barker Melissa , Carr Lara , Pickard Hannah , Brewer Rebecca , Murphy Jennifer
Published: January 2025

Background

Atypical interoception has been observed across multiple mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders and depression. Evidence suggests that not only pathological anxiety, but also heightened levels of state anxiety and stress are associated with interoceptive functioning. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the recent Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on self-reported interoception and mental health, and their relationship.

Methods

Self-report measures of interoceptive attention and accuracy, anxiety, stress and depression taken during the pandemic (at three time points) were compared to the same measures taken from comparable samples prior to the pandemic. In the sample collected during the pandemic, the relationship between interoceptive and mental health measures and focus on COVID-19-related news and information, propensity to take objective measures of COVID-19 symptoms, and subjective beliefs concerning COVID-19 symptoms was assessed. Finally, a cross-lagged panel model (CLPM) was used to test directional relationships between self-reported interoceptive and mental health measures across three time points.

Results

Higher self-reported anxiety was associated with a) increased self-reported attention to bodily signals, b) increased focus on COVID-19-related news and information, c) propensity to take objective measures of COVID-19 symptoms, and d) reduced self-reported interoceptive accuracy for bodily signals participants believed were associated with COVID-19. The CLPM revealed a mutual and comparable directional effect from T1 to T2 between interoceptive attention and measures of mental health.

Conclusions

Implications of these findings are discussed in the light of existing models and newly proposed accounts of the relationship between interoception and mental health.
Spatial-temporal evolution of the allometric relationship between urban economic and health resources in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration
Authors: Jing Deng , Song Qianwen , Liu Huan , Jiang Zicheng , He Xingxing , Ge Chengzhi , Li Dexun
Published: January 2025

The evolution of the spatiotemporal relationship between urban economic growth and health resources within the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration provides an important context for understanding the regional development dynamics in China. Previous studies focused on equity in health-resource allocation and service efficiency, often overlooking the allometric growth relationships between health resources and economic variables. This study employs an allometric growth model to elucidate the changing interactions between the number of medical beds, doctors, and urban economic indicators in the Yangtze River Delta region from 2009 to 2022. Employing Zipf’s law and allometric growth modeling, this study analyzed growth trends and revealed significant differences in resource allocation and size changes over time. The main findings suggest that, although resource centralization is a general trend, differences persist, especially in less economically developed regions. This study innovatively introduces an allometric growth model that offers a new perspective on understanding the mechanisms of regional health-resource growth and underscores the significant influence of economic factors on health-resource allocation. This study significantly contributes to the sustainability of urban health systems and provides theoretical support for policy formulations aimed at optimizing the allocation of health resources and strengthening regional economic strategies in the Yangtze River Delta region.
Genotype x environment interaction effect on grain yield of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) in Deciduous forest and Sudan savanna ecologies of Ghana
Authors: Kusi Francis , Adu Amoah Richard , Attamah Patrick , Alhassan Shaibu , Yahaya Damba , Awuku Justice Frederick , Nbonyine Jerry A. , Amegbor Isaac , Mensah Gloria , Sugri Issah , Zakaria Mukhtaru , Lamini Salim , Asungre Peter , Aziiba Emmanuel Asibi , Yirzagla Julius , Duku Emmanuel Boamah , Kotey Daniel Ashie , Asante Isaac
Published: January 2025

Cowpea is deemed as a food security crop due to its ability to produce significant yields under conditions where other staples fail. Its resilience in harsh environments; such as drought, heat and marginal soils; along with its nitrogen-fixing capabilities and suitability as livestock feed make cowpea a preferred choice in many farming systems across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Despite its importance, Cowpea yields in farmers’ fields remain suboptimal, primarily due to biotic and abiotic factors and the use of either unimproved varieties or improved varieties that are not well-suited to local conditions. Multi environment testing of genotypes is essential for recommending varieties suited for either specific or for wide cultivation. This study aimed, to identify and recommend cowpea breeding lines for wide or specific cultivation in the Sudan Savanna and Deciduous Forest zones of Ghana. The research utilized twenty early-maturing advance cowpea breeding lines and three check varieties (released varieties). The experiment was conducted in two locations: Bunso in the Deciduous Forest zone and Manga in the Sudan Savanna zone over 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 cropping seasons. Combined analysis of variance revealed a significant genotype-environment interaction (GEI) which accounted for 35.12% of the variation in yield. The environments were classified into three mega environments, with Bunso_2021 identified as the near-ideal environment where the genotypes exhibited their maximum genetic potentials. In terms of adaption, genotype UG_04 demonstrated broad adaption, showing high yield and stability across all test environments. Genotypes UG_01 and UG_02 performed particularly well in Bunso_2021 and Bunso_2022, while UG_04 and UG_14 excelled in Manga_2021. These findings provide valuable insights for selecting cowpea varieties that can enhance productivity and stability in diverse agro-ecological zones.
Islet NO-Synthases, extracellular NO and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion: Possible impact of neuronal NO-Synthase on the pentose phosphate pathway
Authors: Lundquist Ingmar , Mohammed Al-Amily Israa , Henningsson Ragnar , Salehi Albert
Published: January 2025

The impact of islet neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) is less understood. We investigated this issue by performing simultaneous measurements of the activity of nNOS versus inducible NOS (iNOS) in GSIS using isolated murine islets. Additionally, the significance of extracellular NO on GSIS was studied. Islets incubated at basal glucose showed modest nNOS but no iNOS activity. Glucose-induced concentration-response studies revealed an increase in both NOS activities in relation to secreted insulin. Culturing at high glucose increased both nNOS and iNOS activities inducing a marked decrease in GSIS in a following short-term incubation at high glucose. Culturing at half-maximal glucose showed strong iNOS expression revealed by fluorescence microscopy also in human islets. Experiments with nNOS-inhibitors revealed that GSIS was inversely related to nNOS activity, the effect of iNOS activity being negligible. The increased GSIS after blockade of nNOS was reversed by the intracellular NO-donor hydroxylamine. The enhancing effect on GSIS by nNOS inhibition was independent of membrane depolarization and most likely exerted in the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). GSIS was markedly reduced, 50%, by glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) inhibition both in the absence and presence of nNOS inhibition. NO gas stimulated GSIS at low and inhibited at high NO concentrations. The stimulatory action was dependent on membrane thiol groups. In comparison, carbon monoxide (CO) exclusively potentiated GSIS. CO rather than NO stimulated islet cyclic GMP during GSIS. It is suggested that increased nNOS activity restrains GSIS, and that the alternative pathway along the PPP initially might involve as much as 50% of total GSIS. In the PPP, the acute insulin response is downregulated by a negative feedback effect executed by a marked upregulation of nNOS activity elicited from secreted insulin exciting insulin receptors at exocytotic sites of an nNOS-associated population of secretory granules.
The type of diet consumed during prepuberty modulates plasma cholesterol, hepatic LXRα expression, and DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation during adulthood in male rats
Authors: Aguilar-Lozano Ana , Palacios-González Berenice , Guevara-Cruz Martha , Tovar Armando R. , Palma-Guzman Alam , Noriega Lilia G.
Published: January 2025

Childhood obesity increases the risk of developing metabolic diseases in adulthood, since environmental stimuli during critical windows of development can impact on adult metabolic health. Studies demonstrating the effect of prepubertal diet on adult metabolic disease risk are still limited. We hypothesized that a prepubertal control diet (CD) protects the adult metabolic phenotype from diet-induced obesity (DIO), while a high-fat diet (HFD) would predispose to adult metabolic alterations. Sprague-Dawley male rats were fed either a CD or a HFD during the prepubertal period (day 30–40 of age) and subsequently a chronic HFD or CD, respectively, until adulthood (day 220 of age). As controls, rats aged 30 days were exclusively fed a CD or a HFD until adulthood. Body weight and composition, metabolic rate, biochemical and hormonal plasma measurements, hepatic gene expression and methylation and hydroxymethylation levels were analyzed at ages 30, 40 and 220 days. The prepubertal CD prevented fat mass accumulation, lean mass loss and metabolic inflexibility, showed lower insulin, leptin and cholesterol concentrations in adulthood despite the chronic HFD. Notably, the prepubertal CD led to higher hepatic Lxrα expression, lower hepatic global DNA methylation and higher hydroxymethylation in adulthood despite a chronic HFD. Conversely, a prepubertal HFD decreased adult metabolic flexibility, increased serum cholesterol, and decreased Lxrα expression and global DNA hydroxymethylation, while also increasing DNA methylation levels despite a chronic CD. In summary, a prepubertal CD protected the adult metabolic phenotype from high cholesterol concentrations associated with increased hepatic Lxrα expression and lower hepatic global DNA methylation in adulthood, despite exposure to a chronic HFD. Conversely, a prepubertal HFD altered the adult metabolic phenotype.
Abuse and its associated factors among elderly population of Kamalamai Municipality of Sindhuli District, Nepal
Authors: Subedi Jwala , Yadav Deepak Kumar , Pokharel Paras Kumar , Uprety Samyog , Yadav Birendra Kumar , K. C. Anisha , Bhandari Sheetal , Baral Samiksha
Published: January 2025

Background

The global rise in the elderly population brings attention to the pressing issue of elder abuse, categorized into physical, psychological, neglect, financial and sexual abuse. According to the World Health Organization (2022), one in six individuals aged 60 and older has experienced some form of abuse in community setting necessitating increase in awareness and support for older people. This study aimed to assess abuse and its associated factors among elderly population of Kamalamai Municipality of Sindhuli District, Nepal.

Methodology

We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods. We collected data from June 15 to September 15, 2023. The study involved 398 elderly participants (≥60 years). Stratified sampling techniques was used to select participants. For the qualitative study we utilized purposive sampling technique which included two key informant interviews, one in-depth interview and two focus group discussions. We analyzed quantitative data using IBM SPSS version 20 applying bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis at a 95% confidence interval. For qualitative data, thematic analysis was done.

Results

The mean ± SD age of the elderly participants was (70.8± 8.08) years. Among the total of 398 study participants, (64.1%) participants reported experiencing different forms of abuse. The study found that neglect (46.0%), psychological abuse (42.5%), and financial abuse (24.4%) were the most common while physical abuse (4.8%) and sexual abuse (2.8%) were less common. Living in a nuclear family (AOR: 2.74, 95% CI: 1.67–4.51) and lower socio-economic status (AOR: 5.42, 95% CI: 2.28–12.92) were significantly associated with increase risk of elder abuse. Qualitative findings revealed mistreatment, vulnerability, negligence, economic factors, family dynamics, loneliness, financial exploitation, food withholding, physical abuse, and emotional attachment as key aspects of elder abuse.

Conclusion

This study highlights neglect and psychological abuse were the most common forms of elder abuse. These findings emphasize the urgency of implementing programs at the municipal level such as financial support system for elderly individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and education programs for both elderly individuals and their families and caregivers. These initiatives aim to control and reduce the incidence of elder abuse and ensure comprehensive well-being of elderly population.
Moderating role of age in the relationship between ingroup range and intention to help during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lee Inyeong , Park Hyekyung
Published: January 2025

This study explored the relationship between the ingroup range of individuals and their willingness to assist various social groups during the COVID-19 pandemic and whether or not age moderates this relationship. A total of 291 South Koreans (Mage = 31.91 years, SD = 11.99) participated in an online survey and provided data on ingroup range, intention to provide help, and age. The results demonstrated that individuals with a broader ingroup range displayed a stronger willingness to distribute quarantine supplies for COVID-19 across diverse social groups (β = .12, p < .05). This finding aligned with the ingroup bias phenomenon, in which individuals tend to favor one’s group. Importantly, age moderated the association between ingroup range and willingness to help (B = −.19, p < .05). Specifically, the intention of younger individuals (θX → Y|(M = −11.985) = 4.40, CI = 1.79–7.01) and middle-aged individuals (θX → Y|(M = .000) = 2.14, CI = .31–3.98) to assist diverse social groups significantly varied according to their ingroup range, whereas no such relationship existed among older individuals (θX → Y|(M = 11.985) = −.11, CI = −2.64–2.42). We provided an in-depth discussion into the potential reasons that underlie the stronger willingness of older individuals to extend aid beyond their ingroup range during the pandemic compared with those of younger individuals. We then suggested strategies for encouraging acts of prosociality during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which particularly emphasize the pattern observed in younger participants with a narrow ingroup range.
Measurement properties of instruments to assess insight in psychosis: A systematic review protocol
Authors: Hazan Hadar , Funaro Melissa C. , Srihari Vinod H.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Insight in psychosis, defined as a patient’s awareness and judgment of their mental illness, is a complex and evolving concept. Historically, the absence of insight was considered a defining characteristic of psychosis, but recent decades have seen the development of structured tools for its assessment. This systematic review aims to critically appraise the measurement properties of instruments used to assess insight in individuals with schizophrenia spectrum, bridging the gap between theoretical conceptualization and clinical practice.

Methods

This protocol is reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. Eligible studies will evaluate instruments measuring insight in psychosis, including self-report, observer ratings, behavioral measurements, and semi-structured interviews. The psychometric properties assessed will encompass reliability, validity, responsiveness, interpretability, and clinical utility. We will include primary quantitative studies published in peer-reviewed journals and available in English.

Results

Two reviewers will conduct data extraction and quality assessment independently, with discrepancies resolved through consensus or a third reviewer. The COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist and the GRADE approach will be used to evaluate each measure’s methodological quality and overall strength of evidence.

Discussion

This systematic review will synthesize current evidence on insight measurement in psychosis, providing a comprehensive overview of the strengths and limitations of existing instruments. The findings will inform future research and clinical practice, facilitating the selection of the most appropriate tools for assessing insight and ultimately contributing to improved care for individuals with psychosis. The findings will provide clinicians and researchers with robust tools for assessing insight, ultimately enhancing treatment outcomes for individuals with psychosis.
Prediction of stunting and its socioeconomic determinants among adolescent girls in Ethiopia using machine learning algorithms
Authors: Zemariam Alemu Birara , Abate Biruk Beletew , Alamaw Addis Wondmagegn , Lake Eyob shitie , Yilak Gizachew , Ayele Mulat , Tilahun Befkad Derese , Ngusie Habtamu Setegn
Published: January 2025

Background

Stunting is a vital indicator of chronic undernutrition that reveals a failure to reach linear growth. Investigating growth and nutrition status during adolescence, in addition to infancy and childhood is very crucial. However, the available studies in Ethiopia have been usually focused in early childhood and they used the traditional stastical methods. Therefore, this study aimed to employ multiple machine learning algorithms to identify the most effective model for the prediction of stunting among adolescent girls in Ethiopia.

Methods

A total of 3156 weighted samples of adolescent girls aged 15–19 years were used from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey dataset. The data was pre-processed, and 80% and 20% of the observations were used for training, and testing the model, respectively. Eight machine learning algorithms were included for consideration of model building and comparison. The performance of the predictive model was evaluated using evaluation metrics value through Python software. The synthetic minority oversampling technique was used for data balancing and Boruta algorithm was used to identify best features. Association rule mining using an Apriori algorithm was employed to generate the best rule for the association between the independent feature and the targeted feature using R software.

Results

The random forest classifier (sensitivity = 81%, accuracy = 77%, precision = 75%, f1-score = 78%, AUC = 85%) outperformed in predicting stunting compared to other ML algorithms considered in this study. Region, poor wealth index, no formal education, unimproved toilet facility, rural residence, not used contraceptive method, religion, age, no media exposure, occupation, and having one or more children were the top attributes to predict stunting. Association rule mining was identified the top seven best rules that most frequently associated with stunting among adolescent girls in Ethiopia.

Conclusion

The random forest classifier outperformed in predicting and identifying the relevant predictors of stunting. Results have shown that machine learning algorithms can accurately predict stunting, making them potentially valuable as decision-support tools for the relevant stakeholders and giving emphasis for the identified predictors could be an important intervention to halt stunting among adolescent girls.
Characterization and quantification of iron species in the banded iron formations (BIFs) in China Craton to explore the potential for H2 production using XRD and Mössbauer spectroscopy
Authors: Kim Hyo-Im , Moon Inkyeong , Kim Minkyeong , Lee Hyuk Jun , Choi Hyunkyung , Uhm Young Rang , Liu Lei , Kim Jonguk , Kim Wonnyon
Published: January 2025

Banded iron formations (BIFs), significant iron ore deposits formed approximately 2.3 billion years ago under low-oxygen conditions, have recently gained attention as potential geological sources for evaluating hydrogen (H₂) production. BIFs are characterized by high concentrations of iron oxide (20 to 40 wt.%) and low Fe3⁺/Fetot ratios, representing a major source of ferrous iron on Earth. This study investigates the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of iron ore samples from the Wugang and Hengyang BIFs in China using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Mössbauer spectroscopy to examine H2 generation potential. XRD analysis and microscopic observations showed that the magnetite and hematite are the primary ore minerals in BIFs in China Craton. Mössbauer spectroscopic results provided the quantified information on the fractions of each iron species in varying minerals. Particularly, the Fe3+ tetrahedral sites and octahedral sites occupied by both Fe2+ and Fe3+ in magnetite and Fe3+ octahedral sites in hematite were determined. We estimated H₂ production potential by calculating the relative fraction of Fe2+ in magnetite relative to total number of iron atoms in the bulk samples from the Mössbauer results. The pyroxene-bearing BIF in Wugang (P-BIF) contains magnetite predominantly (~30.4 wt%), and the fraction of Fe2+ in magnetite is ~26%. Based on the quantified values, the maximum potential for H2 generation from P-BIF in Wugang could be ~630 mmol H₂/kg rock. Due to the variation of mineralogical composition depending on the types and locations of occurrence of BIF, the H2 generation potential also varies. For example, contrast to P-BIF in Wugang, the hematite-rich BIF from Hengyang, containing ~6.0 wt% of magnetite, showed significantly lower Fe2+ fraction in magnetite (~5%), resulting in low H2 potential (~120 mmol H₂/kg rock). This study presents that a prevalence of magnetite in BIFs has considerable potential for H₂ production due to low Fe3+/Fetot, suggesting that the magnetite-rich iron ore can be effectively utilized as the source of stimulated hydrogen production. The current results also highlight that the Mössbauer spectroscopy is essential to provide the database of relative fractions for each iron species in BIFs, which allows us to estimate the quantity of H2 released from BIFs.
Assessing cardiovascular disease risk and social determinants of health: A comparative analysis of five risk estimation instruments using data from the Eastern Caribbean Health Outcomes Research Network
Authors: Schwartz Jeremy I. , Howitt Christina , Raman Sumitha , Nair Sanya , Hassan Saria , Oladele Carol , Hambleton Ian R. , Sarpong Daniel F. , Adams Oswald P. , Maharaj Rohan G. , Nazario Cruz M. , Nunez Maxine , Nunez-Smith Marcella
Published: January 2025

Background

Accurate assessment of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is crucial for effective prevention and resource allocation. However, few CVD risk estimation tools consider social determinants of health (SDoH), despite their known impact on CVD risk. We aimed to estimate 10-year CVD risk in the Eastern Caribbean Health Outcomes Research Network Cohort Study (ECS) across multiple risk estimation instruments and assess the association between SDoH and CVD risk.

Methods

Five widely used CVD risk estimation tools (Framingham and WHO laboratory, both laboratory and non-laboratory-based, and ASCVD) were applied using data from ECS participants aged 40–74 without a history of CVD. SDoH variables included educational attainment, occupational status, household food security, and perceived social status. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to compare differences in the association between selected SDoH and high CVD risk according to the five instruments.

Findings

Among 1,777 adult participants, estimated 10-year CVD risk varied substantially across tools. Framingham non-lab and ASCVD demonstrated strong agreement in categorizing participants as high risk. Framingham non-lab categorized the greatest percentage as high risk, followed by Framingham lab, ASCVD, WHO lab, and WHO non-lab. Fifteen times more people were classified as high risk by Framingham non-lab compared with WHO non-lab (31% vs 2%). Mean estimated 10-year risk in the sample was over 2.5 times higher using Framingham non-lab vs WHO non-lab (17.3% vs 6.6%). We found associations between food insecurity, those with the lowest level compared to the highest level of education, and non-professional occupation and increased estimated CVD risk.

Interpretation

Our findings highlight significant discrepancies in CVD risk estimation across tools and underscore the potential impact of incorporating SDoH into risk assessment. Further research is needed to validate and refine existing risk tools, particularly in ethnically diverse populations and resource-constrained settings, and to develop race- and ethnicity-free risk estimation models that consider SDoH.