bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ben Jonson's Patron, Esmé Stuart
Authors: Bergeron David M.
Published: April 2024

The entry for Esmé Stuart, brother of Ludovic, Duke of Lennox, in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography occupies a mere two paragraphs. But who was this person who served James I from 1603 until his death in 1624? This article argues for Esmé's importance and produces evidence to support the claim, beginning with his becoming a Gentleman of the Bedchamber and member of the Privy Council in 1603. Later that year the king granted Esmé a license to export 6,000 tons of “double beer.” This marks just the beginning of the king's exceptional largesse. More grants and privileges flowed Esmé's way, including the title of Earl of March in 1619.

Esmé's involvement with the arts, especially drama, has largely been ignored; but he served as patron, performer, and protector of dramatists. He formed his own acting company, he danced in court masques, and he helped dramatists get out of prison. Esmé had a special relationship with Ben Jonson. For five years Jonson even lived in Esmé's household in Blackfriars. He gratefully acknowledged such generosity, claiming in Epigram 127 that Esmé had given him “new life.” In poetry and in the dedication to Sejanus (1616), Jonson cited Esmé's influence and hospitality.

This article creates the first full portrait of Esmé: his personal and court life and his interest and participation in the theater.
Epicene and the Bearded Woman Saint
Authors: Greatley-Hirsch Brett
Published: April 2024

This article identifies a hitherto unnoticed reference to Saint Uncumber, a bearded woman martyr, in Ben Jonson's Epicene. Saint Uncumber was venerated and polemicised in England through to the seventeenth century, with her memory – and several images – persisting long after the Protestant Reformations. This article suggests that Jonson invokes Saint Uncumber as an archetype for the play's miraculous disruption of gender and frustrated marriage.
Uppföljningens olika roller
Authors: Pålsson David
Published: April 2024

The different roles of supervision – foster parents’ experiences of social service supervision
Foster care supervision is regarded as central to securing foster care quality. Studies show that foster care supervision is a heterogenic activity, but foster parents’ experiences of supervision have scarcely been examined. The article is part of a case study of six local authorities and their foster care supervision. The aim is to analyse how foster parents perceive the role of supervision. The empirical material is based on interviews with foster parents (n=18). Theoretically, foster care is analysed as a hybrid intervention in the borderline between family and welfare service, which opens up for different notions regarding how supervision should be performed. The analysis identifies several supervisory roles: the verifying role; the sympathising role; the assisting role; and the instructive role. The roles differ in terms of how supervision is executed and whether the emphasis is on support to foster parents or control of their performances. The discussion focuses on the prerequisites needed for supervision to impact the foster care service.
Effect of novel polyethylene insert configurations on bone-implant micromotion and contact stresses in total ankle replacement prostheses: a finite element analysis
Authors: Xu Zhi , Gong Xiaonan , Hu Zhengyuan , Bian Ruixiang , Jin Ying , Li Yuwan
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the impact of elastic improvements to the artificial ankle joint insert on prosthesis biomechanics to reduce the risk of prosthesis loosening in TAR patients.

Methods

CT data of the right ankle was collected from one elderly female volunteer. An original TAR model (Model A) was developed from CT images and the INBONE II implant system. The development of the new inserts adopts an elastic improvement design approach, where different geometric configurations of flexible layers are inserted into the traditional insert. The structure can be divided into continuous flexible layers and intermittent flexible layers. The flexible layers aim to improve the elasticity of the component by absorbing and dispersing more kinetic energy. The newly designed inserts are used to replace the original insert in Model A, resulting in the development of Models B-D. A finite element model of gait analysis was based by gait parameters. Discrepancies in micromotion and contact behaviour were analysed during the gait cycle, along with interface fretting and articular surface stress at 50% of the gait cycle.

Results

In terms of micromotion, the improved elastic models showed reduced micromotion at the tibial-implant interfaces compared to the original model. The peak average micromotion decreased by 12.1%, 13.1%, and 14.5% in Models B, C, and D, respectively. The micromotion distribution also improved in the improved models, especially in Model D. Regarding contact areas, all models showed increased contact areas of articular surfaces with axial load, with Models B, C, and D increasing by 26.8%, 23.9%, and 24.4%, respectively. Contact stress on articular surfaces increased with axial load, reaching peak stress during the late stance phase. Models with continuous flexible layer designs exhibited lower stress levels. The insert and the talar prosthetic articular surfaces showed more uniform stress distribution in the improved models.

Conclusion

Improving the elasticity of the insert can enhance component flexibility, absorb impact forces, reduce micromotion, and improve contact behavior. The design scheme of continuous flexible layers is more advantageous in transmitting and dispersing stress, providing reference value for insert improvement.
Knee osteoarthritis patients assessed during walking for ankle inversion movement discrimination sensitivity
Authors: Huang Yanfeng , Li Wanjuan , Shi Xiaojian , Wang Wenchao , Xu Chengshuo , Adams Roger David , Lyu Jie , Han Jia , He Yaohua
Published: April 2024

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common musculoskeletal condition that affects dynamic balance control and increases the risk of falling during walking. However, the mechanisms underlying this are still unclear. Diminished ankle proprioception during walking has been found to be related to fear of falling in older adults, with a gender difference in incidence of falling. This study aimed to determine 1) whether ankle inversion proprioceptive acuity during walking is impaired in patients with KOA; and 2) whether there is any difference between genders.

Methods: Thirty-two patients with KOA (F:M = 17:15, Median age = 52.5, BMI = 22.3 ± 3.0) and 34 healthy controls without KOA (HC) (F:M = 17:17; median age = 49.0, BMI = 22.5 ± 2.7) were recruited. In patients with KOA, ankle inversion proprioceptive acuity was measured on the affected side using the ankle inversion discrimination apparatus for walking (AIDAW), whilst HC were assessed on a randomly selected side. Two-way (2*2) analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to determine the main effects and interaction between gender and KOA condition.

Results: Two-way ANOVA showed a significant KOA main effect (F = 26.6, p < 0.001, ƞp2 = 0.3) whereby AIDAW scores during walking for individuals with KOA were significantly lower than those without KOA (KOA vs. HC: 0.746 ± 0.057 vs. 0.807 ± 0.035). There was neither a gender main effect nor interaction (both p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Individuals with KOA demonstrated lower ankle proprioception scores during walking compared to their healthy counterparts, with a similar level of impairment in ankle proprioceptive acuity between male and female patients. A low score may contribute to an increased risk of falling in the KOA population. The current findings suggest the need for global concern about lower limb proprioception in the clinical management of KOA.
Precise healing of oral and maxillofacial wounds: tissue engineering strategies and their associated mechanisms
Authors: Zhao Qingtong , Leng Changyun , Lau Manting , Choi Kawai , Wang Ruimin , Zeng Yuyu , Chen Taiying , Zhang Canyu , Li Zejian
Published: April 2024

Precise healing of wounds in the oral and maxillofacial regions is usually achieved by targeting the entire healing process. The rich blood circulation in the oral and maxillofacial regions promotes the rapid healing of wounds through the action of various growth factors. Correspondingly, their tissue engineering can aid in preventing wound infections, accelerate angiogenesis, and enhance the proliferation and migration of tissue cells during wound healing. Recent years, have witnessed an increase in the number of researchers focusing on tissue engineering, particularly for precise wound healing. In this context, hydrogels, which possess a soft viscoelastic nature and demonstrate exceptional biocompatibility and biodegradability, have emerged as the current research hotspot. Additionally, nanofibers, films, and foam sponges have been explored as some of the most viable materials for wound healing, with noted advantages and drawbacks. Accordingly, future research is highly likely to explore the application of these materials harboring enhanced mechanical properties, reduced susceptibility to external mechanical disturbances, and commendable water absorption and non-expansion attributes, for superior wound healing.
Juror decision-making and biracial targets
Authors: Yamamoto Susan , Maeder Evelyn M.
Published: April 2024

Objectives

This study examined potential bias against Biracial defendants using a juror decision-making paradigm. We also tested whether encouraging mock jurors not to endorse racial essentialism (belief that racial groups have inborn, immutable traits that influence behavior) would mitigate bias.

Methods

Canadian jury-eligible participants (N = 326) read a fabricated first-degree murder of a police officer case (involving a Black, White, or photo-morphed Black-White Biracial defendant), then made verdict decisions, completed a heuristics questionnaire, and answered racial categorization questions.

Results

While there were no significant effects on verdicts, those higher in heuristic thinking tended to estimate a lower percentage of European ancestry for a Biracial defendant when the defense lawyer drew attention to race.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that individual differences such as the tendency to rely on heuristic thinking may alter how racially ambiguous targets are perceived.
The unmet promise of trustworthy AI in healthcare: why we fail at clinical translation
Authors: Bürger Valerie K. , Amann Julia , Bui Cathrine K. T. , Fehr Jana , Madai Vince I.
Published: April 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize healthcare, for example via decision support systems, computer vision approaches, or AI-based prevention tools. Initial results from AI applications in healthcare show promise but are rarely translated into clinical practice successfully and ethically. This occurs despite an abundance of “Trustworthy AI” guidelines. How can we explain the translational gaps of AI in healthcare? This paper offers a fresh perspective on this problem, showing that failing translation of healthcare AI markedly arises from a lack of an operational definition of “trust” and “trustworthiness”. This leads to (a) unintentional misuse concerning what trust (worthiness) is and (b) the risk of intentional abuse by industry stakeholders engaging in ethics washing. By pointing out these issues, we aim to highlight the obstacles that hinder translation of Trustworthy medical AI to practice and prevent it from fulfilling its unmet promises.
An energy storage system configuration strategy of public buildings for PV local consumption and three-phase unbalance management
Authors: Li Shibo , Chen Xingying , Hu Yangyi , Gan Lei , Zhou Zheng
Published: April 2024

As the high carbon emission entities in the city, laying photovoltaic (PV) panels for public buildings is an effective way to reduce building carbon emissions. Meanwhile, public buildings play an important role as charging station access for the explosive growth of electric vehicles. However, the disorderly charging behavior of single-phase charging piles exacerbates the existing three-phase unbalance inside the buildings, which in turn affects operating costs and PV consumption. Energy storage system (ESS) configuration is considered an effective solution. Thus, An ESS configuration strategy is proposed for public buildings aiming at PV local consumption and three-phase unbalance management. To quantify the correlation between multiple loads and PV output, an improved affinity-propagation clustering algorithm based on the spatial weighted matrix distance is developed to obtain operational typical power supply-demand modes. Based on the construction of the three-phase power supply system with both single-phase and three-phase ESSs, a bi-level planning model is formulated for the configuration and operation optimization of ESSs inside the public building. The upper-level problem aims to minimize the life cycle cost of ESS allocation. The lower-level model deals with the coordinated economic scheduling of single-phase ESS and three-phase ESS under the obtained typical operational modes. Numerical results show the effectiveness and rationality of the proposed clustering algorithm and ESS configuration strategy.
The causality of gut microbiota on onset and progression of sepsis: a bi-directional Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Gao Yuzheng , Liu Lidan , Cui Yuning , Zhang Jiaxin , Wu Xiuying
Published: April 2024

Background

Several observational studies have proposed a potential link between gut microbiota and the onset and progression of sepsis. Nevertheless, the causality of gut microbiota and sepsis remains debatable and warrants more comprehensive exploration.

Methods

We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to test the causality between gut microbiota and the onset and progression of sepsis. The genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics for 196 bacterial traits were extracted from the MiBioGen consortium, whereas the GWAS summary statistics for sepsis and sepsis-related outcomes came from the UK Biobank. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) approach was the primary method used to examine the causal association. To complement the IVW method, we utilized four additional MR methods. We performed a series of sensitivity analyses to examine the robustness of the causal estimates.

Results

We assessed the causality of 196 bacterial traits on sepsis and sepsis-related outcomes. Genus Coprococcus2 [odds ratio (OR) 0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.69–0.94), p = 0.007] and genus Dialister (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.74–0.97, p = 0.016) had a protective effect on sepsis, whereas genus Ruminococcaceae UCG011 (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01–1.20, p = 0.024) increased the risk of sepsis. When it came to sepsis requiring critical care, genus Anaerostipes (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.31–0.76, p = 0.002), genus Coprococcus1 (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.43–1.00, p = 0.049), and genus Lachnospiraceae UCG004 (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.34–0.77, p = 0.001) emerged as protective factors. Concerning 28-day mortality of sepsis, genus Coprococcus1 (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.48–0.94, p = 0.020), genus Coprococcus2 (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.27–0.86, p = 0.013), genus Lachnospiraceae FCS020 (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.52–0.95, p = 0.023), and genus Victivallis (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.68–0.99, p = 0.042) presented a protective effect, whereas genus Ruminococcus torques group (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.00–2.35, p = 0.049), genus Sellimonas (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.04–1.50, p = 0.019), and genus Terrisporobacter (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.02–2.02, p = 0.040) presented a harmful effect. Furthermore, genus Coprococcus1 (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.19–0.92, p = 0.031), genus Coprococcus2 (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.14–0.83, p = 0.018), and genus Ruminiclostridium6 (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.22–0.83, p = 0.012) were associated with a lower 28-day mortality of sepsis requiring critical care.

Conclusion

This MR analysis unveiled a causality between the 21 bacterial traits and sepsis and sepsis-related outcomes. Our findings may help the development of novel microbiota-based therapeutics to decrease the morbidity and mortality of sepsis.
High-parameter phenotypic characterization reveals a subset of human Th17 cells that preferentially produce IL-17 against M. tuberculosis antigen
Authors: Ogongo Paul , Tran Anthony , Marzan Florence , Gingrich David , Krone Melissa , Aweeka Francesca , Lindestam Arlehamn Cecilia S. , Martin Jeffrey N. , Deeks Steven G. , Hunt Peter W. , Ernst Joel D.
Published: April 2024

Background

Interleukin-17–producing CD4 T cells contribute to the control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection in humans; whether infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disproportionately affects distinct Th17-cell subsets that respond to Mtb is incompletely defined.

Methods

We performed high-definition characterization of circulating Mtb-specific Th17 cells by spectral flow cytometry in people with latent TB and treated HIV (HIV-ART). We also measured kynurenine pathway activity by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) on plasma and tested the hypothesis that tryptophan catabolism influences Th17-cell frequencies in this context.

Results

We identified two subsets of Th17 cells: subset 1 defined as CD4+Vα7.2−CD161+CD26+and subset 2 defined as CD4+Vα7.2−CCR6+CXCR3−cells of which subset 1 was significantly reduced in latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) with HIV-ART, yet Mtb-responsive IL-17–producing CD4 T cells were preserved; we found that IL-17–producing CD4 T cells dominate the response to Mtb antigen but not cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigen or staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), and tryptophan catabolism negatively correlates with both subset 1 and subset 2 Th17-cell frequencies.

Conclusions

We found differential effects of ART-suppressed HIV on distinct subsets of Th17 cells, that IL-17–producing CD4 T cells dominate responses to Mtb but not CMV antigen or SEB, and that kynurenine pathway activity is associated with decreases of circulating Th17 cells that may contribute to tuberculosis immunity.
Dispersal patterns of sandfish (Holothuria scabra) larvae in Manus Province, Papua New Guinea
Authors: Waldie Peter , Feary David A. , Bode Michael , Matawai Manuai , Harrison Hugo B. , Berumen Michael L. , Molai Chris , Karo Maunoa , Hamilton Richard J.
Published: April 2024

In many tropical nations, coastal communities seek to manage their sea cucumber fisheries by establishing locally managed marine areas on their traditional fishing grounds. These managed areas can protect spawning stocks, however the extent to which they help to replenish nearby sea cucumber fisheries is debated, as nothing is known about the scales at which sea cucumber larvae disperse. In this study, we used genetic parentage analyses and statistical modelling to provide the first empirical measure of larval dispersal patterns for a sea cucumber species. We analysed tissue samples from 765 adult and 827 juvenile sandfish (Holothuria scabra) collected from five traditional fishing grounds of the Titan tribe, from Manus Province, Papua New Guinea. All adults were sampled from the Pere fishing grounds (the larval source area), with juveniles sampled from the Pere, Mbunai, Tawi, Timonai and Mbuke fishing grounds. Parentage analysis identified 15 juveniles that were the offspring of parents sampled from Pere fishing grounds, with six of these juveniles located in the same fishing grounds as their parents. The best-fit larval dispersal kernel predicted that the average H. scabra larvae travelled 15 km from its spawning location, with 50% of larvae settling within 6.7 km of their parents and 95% of larvae settling within 59 km of their parents. These results suggest that the Titan tribes’ desire to protect their H. scabra spawning stocks by establishing a network of locally managed marine areas across 65 km of continuous coastline is a culturally appropriate strategy, which has merit from both an ecological and fisheries standpoint.
Albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio as a novel prognostic indicator in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Xia Wenkai , Hua Xi , Sun Dong , Xie Xiangcheng , Hu Hong
Published: April 2024

Background

Though the albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio (AAPR) is used as a biomarker in various diseases, little is known about its effect on outcomes after peritoneal dialysis (PD).

Methods

This multicenter retrospective study comprised 357 incident PD patients stratified according to the AAPR. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to identify 85 patients for a well-matched comparison of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Using Cox regression, we performed univariate and multivariate analyses to investigate the prognostic value of the AAPR and established a Kaplan-Meier curve-predicted nomogram to estimate expected overall survival (OS). We assessed the predictive accuracy using the concordance index (c-index).

Results

We found that the optimal cut-off of the AAPR to predict mortality was 0.36. In the present cohort of patients undergoing PD, a low AAPR strongly correlated with worse OS. In the multivariate analysis, the AAPR was shown to be an independent marker predicting reduced OS both before [hazard ratio (HR) 1.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08–2.60, P = 0.020] and after PSM (HR 1.96, 95% CI 1.06–3.62, P = 0.020). We also observed significant differences in OS in several subgroups, but not the group of patients with comorbidities. A nomogram was established to predict overall survival, with a c-index for prediction accuracy was 0.71 after PSM.

Conclusion

AAPR has potential as an independent prognostic biomarker in patients undergoing PD.
Brucellosis-induced peritonitis and abdominal aortitis in a non-endemic area patient on peritoneal dialysis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Huang Yiqi , Zhu Xingyu , Shen Weigang , Wang Yueping , Han Meixiang
Published: April 2024

Background

Brucella infection is uncommon among peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients in non-endemic areas, and the occurrence of both peritonitis and abdominal aortitis is rare.

Case presentation

In December 2023, a 63-year-old male patient undergoing PD was admitted to Shaoxing Second Hospital due to fever, abdominal pain, and cloudy dialysate. Upon physical examination, diffuse mild abdominal pain and tenderness were observed. Subsequent investigation into the patient's medical history revealed consumption of freshly slaughtered lamb from local farmers 3 days prior to the onset of symptoms. Various diagnostic tests, including routine blood tests, procalcitonin levels, and PD fluid analysis, indicated the presence of infection. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) imaging revealed localized lumen widening of the abdominal aorta with surrounding exudative changes. On the sixth day in the hospital, blood and PD fluid cultures confirmed Brucella melitensis infection. The patient was diagnosed with brucella-associated peritonitis and aortitis. Treatment was adjusted to include rifampin and doxycycline for 6 weeks, and the decision was made to keep the PD catheter. Remarkably, the patient exhibited resolution of peritonitis and abdominal aortitis within the initial week of the adjusted treatment. Currently, the patient continues to receive ongoing clinical monitoring.

Conclusion

Brucella is rare but can cause PD-associated peritonitis and arteritis. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can lead to a good outcome in PD patients. Dual therapy is effective, but the need for catheter removal is unclear. Consider international guidelines and patient factors when deciding on catheter removal.
Freshwater plastisphere: a review on biodiversity, risks, and biodegradation potential with implications for the aquatic ecosystem health
Authors: Bocci Valerio , Galafassi Silvia , Levantesi Caterina , Crognale Simona , Amalfitano Stefano , Congestri Roberta , Matturro Bruna , Rossetti Simona , Di Pippo Francesca
Published: April 2024

The plastisphere, a unique microbial biofilm community colonizing plastic debris and microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments, has attracted increasing attention owing to its ecological and public health implications. This review consolidates current state of knowledge on freshwater plastisphere, focussing on its biodiversity, community assembly, and interactions with environmental factors. Current biomolecular approaches revealed a variety of prokaryotic and eukaryotic taxa associated with plastic surfaces. Despite their ecological importance, the presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria and mobile genetic elements (i.e., antibiotic resistance genes) raises concerns for ecosystem and human health. However, the extent of these risks and their implications remain unclear. Advanced sequencing technologies are promising for elucidating the functions of plastisphere, particularly in plastic biodegradation processes. Overall, this review emphasizes the need for comprehensive studies to understand plastisphere dynamics in freshwater and to support effective management strategies to mitigate the impact of plastic pollution on freshwater resources.
Implication of Stm1 in the protection of eIF5A, eEF2 and tRNA through dormant ribosomes
Authors: Du Mengtan , Li Xin , Dong Wanlin , Zeng Fuxing
Published: April 2024

Background: Dormant ribosomes are typically associated with preservation factors to protect themselves from degradation under stress conditions. Stm1/SERBP1 is one such protein that anchors the 40S and 60S subunits together. Several proteins and tRNAs bind to this complex as well, yet the molecular mechanisms remain unclear.

Methods: Here, we reported the cryo-EM structures of five newly identified Stm1/SERBP1-bound ribosomes.

Results: These structures highlighted that eIF5A, eEF2, and tRNA might bind to dormant ribosomes under stress to avoid their own degradation, thus facilitating protein synthesis upon the restoration of growth conditions. In addition, Ribo-seq data analysis reflected the upregulation of nutrient, metabolism, and external-stimulus-related pathways in the ∆stm1 strain, suggesting possible regulatory roles of Stm1.

Discussion: The knowledge generated from the present work will facilitate in better understanding the molecular mechanism of dormant ribosomes.
A Multimodal Exertional Test for concussion: a pilot study in healthy athletes
Authors: Pyndiura Kyla L. , Di Battista Alex P. , Richards Doug , Reed Nick , Lawrence David W. , Hutchison Michael G.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Exertional tests have become a promising tool to assist clinicians in the management of concussions, however require expensive equipment, extensive spaces, and specialized clinician expertise. As such, we developed a test with minimal resource requirements encompassing key elements of sport and physical activity. The purpose of this study was to pilot test the Multimodal Exertional Test (MET) protocol in a sample of healthy interuniversity athletes.

Methods

The MET comprises four stages, each featuring three distinct tasks. The test begins with engaging in squats, alternating reverse lunges, and hip hinges (Stage 1). The next stage progressively evolves into executing these tasks within specified time limits (Stage 2). Following this, the test advances to a stage that incorporates cognitive tasks (Stage 3), and the final stage demands greater levels of physical exertion, cognition, and multi-directional movements (Stage 4). Heart rate (HR) was obtained during each stage of the MET and participants’ symptom severity scores were recorded following each task.

Results

Fourteen healthy interuniversity athletes (n = 8 female, n = 6 male) participated in the study. HR was obtained for 10 of the 14 athletes (females: n = 6, males: n = 4). Increases in average and maximum HR were identified between pre-MET and Stage 1, and between Stages 3 and 4. Consistent with the tasks in each stage, there were no increases in average and maximum HR observed between MET Stages 1 to 3. Female athletes exhibited higher average and maximum HRs compared to male athletes during all four stages. All 14 athletes reported minimal changes in symptom severity following each task.

Conclusion

Among healthy athletes, the MET elicits an increase in average and maximum HR throughout the protocol without symptom provocation. Female athletes exhibit higher HRs during all four stages in comparison to male athletes.
Restaurant outlet density and the healthfulness of food purchases: evidence from FoodAPS
Authors: Volpe Richard , Cai Xiaowei , Tseng Marilyn , Sinclair Wilson
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The average American household’s diet and food purchasing patterns are out of sync with federal recommendations. Researchers have connected this with the large and growing rates of obesity, diabetes, and other diet-related ailments in the U.S. Restaurant food has been discussed a potential contributor to unhealthful diets, as it is often calorically dense. We investigate the association between household access to restaurants and diet quality using USDA FoodAPS data and NPD ReCount data.

Methods

We define radii around households to measure restaurant outlet counts and apply a regression analysis incorporating household characteristics.

Results

We find that neither restaurant counts nor openings share many statistically or economically significant associations with average dietary quality. Household characteristics and demographics are far more powerful in explaining variation in diet quality.

Discussion

Our findings align with the large and growing body of empirical research that suggests that personal preferences and other household characteristics are more important than the food environment in explaining food choices and diet quality. Given the extant research on the importance of access to large supermarkets, our results suggest that access to food retailers is more important in explaining diet quality than access to restaurants.
Gut microbes differ in postmenopausal women responding to prunes to maintain hip bone mineral density
Authors: Simpson Abigayle M. R. , De Souza Mary Jane , Damani Janhavi , Rogers Connie J. , Williams Nancy I. , Weaver Connie M. , Ferruzzi Mario G. , Nakatsu Cindy H.
Published: April 2024

Foods high in phenolics such as prunes have been shown to exert protective effects on bone mineral density (BMD), but only certain individuals experience these benefits. This post-hoc analysis of a 12-month randomized controlled trial aimed to identify the relationship among the gut microbiome, immune responses, and bone protective effects of prunes on postmenopausal women. Subjects who consumed 50–100 g prunes daily were divided into responders (n = 20) and non-responders (n = 32) based on percent change in total hip bone mineral density (BMD, ≥1% or ≤−1% change, respectively). DXA scans were used to determine body composition and BMD. Immune markers were measured using immunoassays and flow cytometry. Targeted phenolic metabolites were analyzed using ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The fecal microbiota was characterized through 16S rRNA gene PCR amplicon sequencing. After 12 months of prune consumption, anti-inflammatory markers showed responders had significantly lower levels of IL-1β and TNF-α. QIIME2 sequence analysis showed that microbiomes of responders and non-responders differed in alpha (Shannon and Faith PD, Kruskal-Wallis p < 0.05) and beta diversity (unweighted Unifrac, PERMANOVA p < 0.04) metrics both before and after prune treatment. Furthermore, responders had a higher abundance of bacterial families Oscillospiraceae and Lachnospiraceae (ANCOM-BC p < 0.05). These findings provide evidence that postmenopausal women with initial low BMD can benefit from prunes if they host certain gut microbes. These insights can guide precision nutrition strategies to improve BMD tailored to diet and microbiome composition.
Clean energy consumption, sleep duration, and the association of cancer: findings from the China health and retirement longitudinal study
Authors: Li Jushuang , Han Yutong , Bai Wendi
Published: April 2024

Objective

Studies of the association between clean energy consumption, sleep duration, and cancer are still extremely limited. We aim to investigate the individual or joint role of clean energy consumption, and sleep duration in cancer onset.

Methods

We used data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Multivariable locally weighted regression (LOESS) models were first used to assess the individual association of daily sleep time with the risk to develop cancer. Multivariate logistic regression models were conducted on the individual and interaction effects of daily sleep time and cooking fuel.

Results

We found that short sleep duration (≤6 hours) and non-clean energy consumption were respectively associated with an increased risk of cancer among older Chinese(p<0.05). We assessed daily sleep time in four quartiles, the adjusted odds ratios (AOR), and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for participants in the second (5.0 to <6.5 hours), third (6.5 to <8.0 hours), and fourth quartiles (≥8.0 hours) were 0.88 (95% CI: 0.65-1.20), 0.61 (95% CI: 0.40-0.91), and 0.53 (95% CI: 0.37-0.77), respectively. When we set the cutoff point(6.5 hours), participants who slept more than 6 hours had a 39% lower risk of cancer (AOR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.46-0.79) compared with others. On the other hand, we conducted that exposure to clean fuel from cooking was negatively associated with cancer incidence (AOR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.54, 0.97). Furthermore, the combination of longer sleep and cleaner fuels showed the lowest OR for cancer (AOR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.24, 0.65).

Conclusion

Our study showed that sleep duration and clean energy consumption were significantly associated with cancer in elderly Chinese people. In addition, the prevalence of cancer was higher among people who slept less than six hours and used non-clean energy sources. Paying greater attention to the effects of sleep duration and clean energy on the risk of cancer may yield practical implications for cancer prevention.
Potential therapeutic targets of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Long Lin , Fei Xiangyu , Chen Liucui , Yao Liang , Lei Xiaoyong
Published: April 2024

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) poses a significant clinical challenge due to its propensity for metastasis and poor prognosis. TNBC evades the body’s immune system recognition and attack through various mechanisms, including the Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway. This pathway, characterized by heightened activity in numerous solid tumors, exhibits pronounced activation in specific TNBC subtypes. Consequently, targeting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway emerges as a promising and precise therapeutic strategy for TNBC. The signal transduction cascade of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway predominantly involves receptor tyrosine kinases, the tyrosine kinase JAK2, and the transcription factor STAT3. Ongoing preclinical studies and clinical research are actively investigating this pathway as a potential therapeutic target for TNBC treatment. This article comprehensively reviews preclinical and clinical investigations into TNBC treatment by targeting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway using small molecule compounds. The review explores the role of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway in TNBC therapeutics, evaluating the benefits and limitations of active inhibitors and proteolysis-targeting chimeras in TNBC treatment. The aim is to facilitate the development of novel small-molecule compounds that target TNBC effectively. Ultimately, this work seeks to contribute to enhancing therapeutic efficacy for patients with TNBC.
GLP-1 receptor agonist as an effective treatment for breast cancer-related lymphedema: a case report
Authors: Crowley Fionnuala , Brown Stav , Gallagher Emily J. , Dayan Joseph H.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Lymphedema is a major public health issue for many women undergoing breast cancer treatment. Although weight loss has been reported to be beneficial in the treatment of lymphedema, no studies to date have examined the use of GLP-1RAs for the treatment of secondary lymphedema. This case report describes a patient who experienced significant resolution of her breast cancer-related lymphedema after initiation of a GLP-1RA for weight loss.

Main symptoms and/or important clinical findings

Nine months postoperatively the patient developed arm swelling and disability. While on adjuvant chemo and hormonal therapy, her weight increased dramatically and peaked 4 years later. Corresponding to her weight gain was significant worsening of her symptoms.

The main diagnoses, therapeutic interventions, and outcomes

Due to adjuvant cancer-related weight gain and inability to lose weight with diet and exercise, she was referred for evaluation and diagnosed with lymphedema. The patient started treatment with a Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist and lost 24% of her body weight over the next 13 months. The improvement in her lymphedema mirrored her weight loss. Her limb volume difference dropped from 10.3% down to 3.4% and she no longer required a compression garment. Her imaging demonstrated return of lymphatic pumping and she experienced a significant improvement in quality of life, assessed by a validated lymphedema-specific patient reported outcome (PROM). She remains on hormonal therapy, no longer needs compression and is back to regular exercise without impairment.

Conclusions

GLP-1 RAs provide a potential medical option for many patients struggling with weight gain and lymphedema. We have observed by all objective measures a significant reduction in lymphedema and the elimination of compression in the case presented as a direct result of GLP-1 RA. This may also reduce a patient’s BMI to the point where they become a good candidate for lymphovenous bypass or vascularized lymph node transplant when indicated.
Pathological mechanisms and future therapeutic directions of thrombin in intracerebral hemorrhage: a systematic review
Authors: Tao Chenxi , Li Yuanyuan , An Na , Liu Haoqi , Liu Zhenhong , Sun Yikun , Qian Ying , Li Na , Xing Yanwei , Gao Yonghong
Published: April 2024

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), a common subtype of hemorrhagic stroke, often causes severe disability or death. ICH induces adverse events that might lead to secondary brain injury (SBI), and there is currently a lack of specific effective treatment strategies. To provide a new direction for SBI treatment post-ICH, the systematic review discussed how thrombin impacts secondary injury after ICH through several potentially deleterious or protective mechanisms. We included 39 studies and evaluated them using SYRCLE’s ROB tool. Subsequently, we explored the potential molecular mechanisms of thrombin-mediated effects on SBI post-ICH in terms of inflammation, iron deposition, autophagy, and angiogenesis. Furthermore, we described the effects of thrombin in endothelial cells, astrocytes, pericytes, microglia, and neurons, as well as the harmful and beneficial effects of high and low thrombin concentrations on ICH. Finally, we concluded the current research status of thrombin therapy for ICH, which will provide a basis for the future clinical application of thrombin in the treatment of ICH.
Fentanyl activates opposing opioid and non-opioid receptor systems that control breathing
Authors: Baby Santhosh M. , May Walter J. , Getsy Paulina M. , Coffee Gregory A. , Nakashe Tej , Bates James N. , Levine Alan , Lewis Stephen J.
Published: April 2024

Fentanyl elicits profound disturbances in ventilatory control processes in humans and experimental animals. The traditional viewpoint with respect to fentanyl-induced respiratory depression is that once the effects on the frequency of breathing (Freq), tidal volume (TV), and minute ventilation (MV = Freq × TV) are resolved, then depression of breathing is no longer a concern. The results of the present study challenge this concept with findings, as they reveal that while the apparent inhibitory effects of fentanyl (75 μg/kg, IV) on Freq, TV, and MV in adult male rats were fully resolved within 15 min, many other fentanyl-induced responses were in full effect, including opposing effects on respiratory timing parameters. For example, although the effects on Freq were resolved at 15 min, inspiratory duration (Ti) and end inspiratory pause (EIP) were elevated, whereas expiratory duration (Te) and end expiratory pause (EEP) were diminished. Since the effects of fentanyl on TV had subsided fully at 15 min, it would be expected that the administration of an opioid receptor (OR) antagonist would have minimal effects if the effects of fentanyl on this and other parameters had resolved. We now report that the intravenous injection of a 1.0 mg/kg dose of the peripherally restricted OR antagonist, methyl-naloxone (naloxone methiodide, NLXmi), did not elicit arousal but elicited some relatively minor changes in Freq, TV, MV, Te, and EEP but pronounced changes in Ti and EIP. In contrast, the injection of a 2.5 mg/kg dose of NLXmi elicited pronounced arousal and dramatic changes in many variables, including Freq, TV, and MV, which were not associated with increases in non-apneic breathing events such as apneas. The two compelling conclusions from this study are as follows: 1) the blockade of central ORs produced by the 2.5 mg/kg dose of NLXmi elicits pronounced increases in Freq, TV, and MV in rats in which the effects of fentanyl had apparently resolved, and 2) it is apparent that fentanyl had induced the activation of two systems with counter-balancing effects on Freq and TV: one being an opioid receptor inhibitory system and the other being a non-OR excitatory system.
Active metabolites combination therapies: towards the next paradigm for more efficient and more scientific Chinese medicine
Authors: Gao Quan , Wu Hao , Chen Min , Gu Xidong , Wu Qibiao , Xie Tian , Sui Xinbing
Published: April 2024

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulae have been studied extensively in various human diseases and have proven to be effective due to their multi-component, multi-target advantage. However, its active metabolites are not clear and the specific mechanisms are not well established, which limits its scientific application. Recently, combination therapies are attracting increasing attention from the scientific community in the past few years and are considered as the next paradigm in drug discovery. Here, we tried to define a new concept of “active metabolites combination therapies (AMCT)” rules to elucidate how the bioactive metabolites from TCMs to produce their synergistic effects in this review. The AMCT rules integrate multidisciplinary technologies like molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, analytical chemistry and pharmacodynamics, etc. Meanwhile, emerging technologies such as multi-omics combined analysis, network analysis, artificial intelligence conduce to better elucidate the mechanisms of these combination therapies in disease treatment, which provides new insights for the development of novel active metabolites combination drugs. AMCT rules will hopefully further guide the development of novel combination drugs that will promote the modernization and international needs of TCM.
Uses of degree-based topological indices in QSPR analysis of alkaloids with poisonous and healthful nature
Authors: Rasheed Muhammad Waheed , Mahboob Abid , Hanif Iqra
Published: April 2024

In this article, a quantitative structure-property relationship is performed for the prediction of six physico-chemical properties of 16 alkaloid structures using three different types of degree-based topological indices. Chemical structures are considered as graphs, where elements are taken as vertices and bounds between them are taken as edges. We defined two new degree-based topological indices, namely, the “modified harmonic index” and the “advanced harmonic index,” to analyze and examine the properties of alkaloids. The topological indices and experimental values act as the inputs of linear and quadratic regression models. The correlation values and p-values for all the indices are significant which describe the validity and usefulness of the results. The outcomes determined in this article assist pharmacists and chemists in studying the structures of alkaloids for use in daily life, agriculture, pharmacy, and industries. The study of chemical structures with the help of molecular descriptors and regression models is a theoretical method that saves time and money.
Parental strategies to promote theory of mind development in autistic children of color
Authors: Modirrousta Annahita , Harris Yvette R.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterized by an impaired ability to take other people’s perspectives, which is known as theory of mind. However, little is known about how theory of mind exhibits itself in autistic children of color and how parents foster their child’s developmental skills in communities of color.

Methods

Two interviews were created to assess how parents appraise their child’s developmental skills and help their child grow: a perspective-teaching interview and a general developmental skills interview. Four families participated in the study; three children were African American or mixed, while one had an Asian mother. Parents were asked how their child exhibited various developmental skills and how they helped their child with those milestones.

Results

Parents pointed at similar delays in theory of mind and other developmental skills, such as turn-taking and reading faces. They also provided similar strategies to teach those abilities, such as modeling and reinforcements. Several insights and common themes were found regarding autistic behaviors their children expressed and how those affected their parenting experiences.

Discussion

These findings allow for a better understanding of parents’ experiences raising autistic children of color; future research could expand on their stories and create interventions tailored to these underrepresented communities.
Rhetoric of psychological measurement theory and practice
Authors: Slaney Kathleen L. , Graham Megan E. , Dhillon Ruby S. , Hohn Richard E.
Published: April 2024

Metascience scholars have long been concerned with tracking the use of rhetorical language in scientific discourse, oftentimes to analyze the legitimacy and validity of scientific claim-making. Psychology, however, has only recently become the explicit target of such metascientific scholarship, much of which has been in response to the recent crises surrounding replicability of quantitative research findings and questionable research practices. The focus of this paper is on the rhetoric of psychological measurement and validity scholarship, in both the theoretical and methodological and empirical literatures. We examine various discourse practices in published psychological measurement and validity literature, including: (a) clear instances of rhetoric (i.e., persuasion or performance); (b) common or rote expressions and tropes (e.g., perfunctory claims or declarations); (c) metaphors and other “literary” styles; and (d) ambiguous, confusing, or unjustifiable claims. The methodological approach we use is informed by a combination of conceptual analysis and exploratory grounded theory, the latter of which we used to identify relevant themes within the published psychological discourse. Examples of both constructive and useful or misleading and potentially harmful discourse practices will be given. Our objectives are both to contribute to the critical methodological literature on psychological measurement and connect metascience in psychology to broader interdisciplinary examinations of science discourse.