bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy and macronutrient intakes in Jordan: a population study
Authors: Al Hourani Huda , Alkhatib Buthaina , Al-Shami Islam , Olaimat Amin N. , Al-Holy Murad , Al-Awwad Narmeen Jamal , Abughoush Mahmoud , Saleh Nada A. , AlHalaika Dima , Alboqai Omar , Al-Jawaldeh Ayoub
Published: August 2023

Jordan has never conducted a nutrition survey to determine nutrient and energy intakes. The current study aimed to describe the energy and macronutrient consumed by the Jordanian population. A cross-sectional food consumption study was conducted, including a sample of Jordanians using two non-consecutive 24-h dietary recalls (24-h DR) between October 2021 and March 2022. A total of 2145 males and females aged 8 to 85 years old living in households were studied. The average of two 24-h DRs for each individual was converted into energy and nutrient intakes. After measuring weight, height, and waist circumference, the body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. The percentage of under-reporters was higher in women than men (58.2% vs. 45.9%). Adults and older adult women had the highest prevalence of obesity (29.6%), while adults and older adult men had the highest prevalence of overweight (41.4%). There is a significant increase in energy intake in children, boys, and all adults, compared to the recommended calories. The mean energy percentage (E %) of total fat was 38%, exceeding the upper limit of the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR). At the same time, the mean daily dietary fiber intake fell below the recommended levels (ranging from 13.5 g in children to 19.5 g in older adults). The study population consumes more fat and less fiber than the recommended levels. Actions must be taken across all age groups to correct the deviation of energy and macronutrient intakes from the recommended dietary allowances.
Mapping brain networks in MPS I mice and their restoration following gene therapy
Authors: Zhu Wei , Ou Li , Zhang Lin , Clark Isaac H. , Zhang Ying , Zhu Xiao-Hong , Whitley Chester B. , Hackett Perry B. , Low Walter C. , Chen Wei
Published: August 2023

Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) is an inherited lysosomal disorder that causes syndromes characterized by physiological dysfunction in many organs and tissues. Despite the recognizable morphological and behavioral deficits associated with MPS I, neither the underlying alterations in functional neural connectivity nor its restoration following gene therapy have been shown. By employing high-resolution resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI), we found significant reductions in functional neural connectivity in the limbic areas of the brain that play key roles in learning and memory in MPS I mice, and that adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy can reestablish most brain connectivity. Using logistic regression in MPS I and treated animals, we identified functional networks with the most alterations. The rs-fMRI and statistical methods should be translatable into clinical evaluation of humans with neurological disorders.
Impact of prophylactic hydroxychloroquine on ultrastructural impairment and cellular SARS-CoV-2 infection in different cells of bronchoalveolar lavage fluids of COVID-19 patients
Authors: Chaudhary Shikha , Joshi Arti , Sesham Kishore , Rai Preeti , Kumar Shailendra , Mridha Asit Ranjan , Baitha Upendra , Nag Tapas Chandra , Yadav Subhash Chandra
Published: August 2023

Many drugs were recommended as antiviral agents for infection control and effective therapy to reduce the mortality rate for COVID-19 patients. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), an antimalarial drug, has been controversially recommended for prophylactic use in many countries, including India, to control SARS-CoV-2 infections. We have explored the effect of prophylactic HCQ from the cells of bronchoalveolar lavage fluids from COVID-19-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome patients to determine the level of infection and ultrastructural alterations in the ciliated epithelium, type II pneumocytes, alveolar macrophages, neutrophils, and enucleated granulocytes. Ultrastructural investigation of ciliated epithelium and type II pneumocytes showed lesser infections and cellular impairment in the prophylactic HCQ+ group than HCQ− group. However, macrophages and neutrophils displayed similar infection and ultrastructural alterations in both patient groups. The enucleated fragments of granulocytes showed phagocytosis of the matured virus in HCQ+ groups. The present report unveils the ultrastructural proof to complement the paradox regarding the role of prophylactic HCQ in COVID-19 patients.
Cross-cultural consistency of image memorability
Authors: Jeong Su Keun
Published: August 2023

Memorability refers to the intrinsic property of an image that determines how well it is remembered or forgotten. Recent studies have found that memorability is highly consistent across individuals. However, most studies on memorability were conducted with participants from Western cultures, and the images used in memorability studies were culturally biased. Previous studies implicitly assumed that memorability would be held constant across different cultural groups; however, to the best of our knowledge, this has not yet been empirically investigated. In the current study, we recruited participants from South Korea and the US and examined whether image memorability was consistent across these two cultures. We found that South Korean participants showed greater memory performance for images rated highly memorable by US participants. The current findings provide converging evidence that image memorability is not fully accounted for by individual differences, and suggest the possibility of cross-cultural consistency in image memorability.
Construction and validation of a prognostic model for colon adenocarcinoma based on bile acid metabolism-related genes
Authors: Luo Qinghua , Zhou Ping , Chang Shuangqing , Huang Zhifang , Zeng Xuebo
Published: August 2023

Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD), one of the common clinical cancers, exhibits high morbidity and mortality, and its pathogenesis and treatment are still underdeveloped. Numerous studies have demonstrated the involvement of bile acids in tumour development, while the potential role of their metabolism in the tumor microenvironment (TME) has not been explored. A collection of 481 genes related to bile acid metabolism were obtained, and The Cancer Genome Atlas-based COAD risk model was developed using the least absolute shrinkage selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis. The Gene Expression Omnibus dataset was used to validate the results. The predictive performance of the model was verified using column line plots, principal component analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves. Then, we analysed the differences between the high- and low-risk groups from training set based on clinical characteristics, immune cell infiltration, immune-related functions, chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity and immunotherapy efficacy. Additionally, we constructed a protein–protein interaction network to screen for target genes, which were further investigated in terms of differential immune cell distribution. A total of 234 bile acids-related differentially expressed genes were obtained between normal and tumour colon tissues. Among them, 111 genes were upregulated and 123 genes were down-regulated in the tumour samples. Relying on the LASSO logistic regression algorithm, we constructed a model of bile acid risk score, comprising 12 genes: CPT2, SLCO1A2, CD36, ACOX1, CDKN2A, HADH, GABRD, LEP, TIMP1, MAT1A, SLC6A15 and PPARGC1A. This model was validated in the GEO-COAD set. Age and risk score were observed to be independent prognostic factors in patients with COAD. Genes related to bile acid metabolism in COAD were closely related to bile secretion, intestinal transport, steroid and fatty acid metabolism. Furthermore, the high-risk group was more sensitive to Oxaliplatin than the low-risk group. Finally, the three target genes screened were closely associated with immune cells. We identified a set of 12 genes (CPT2, SLCO1A2, CD36, ACOX1, CDKN2A, HADH, GABRD, LEP, TIMP1, MAT1A, SLC6A15, and PPARGC1A) associated with bile acid metabolism and developed a bile acid risk score model using LASSO regression analysis. The model demonstrated good predictive performance and was validated using an independent dataset. Our findings revealed that the bile acid risk score were independent prognostic factors in COAD patients.
Increased incidence of live births in implanted day 5 versus day 6 blastocysts following single embryo transfers with PGT-A
Authors: Chen Chien-Hong , Lee Chun-I , Huang Chun-Chia , Chen Hsiu-Hui , Chang Chih-Ying , Cheng En-Hui , Lin Pin-Yao , Chen Chung-I , Lee Tsung-Hsien , Lee Maw-Sheng
Published: August 2023

Elective single-embryo transfers of euploid or low-level mosaic blastocysts were analyzed in this retrospective study to determine the correlations of live birth (LB) probability with embryonic developmental features of implanted day 5 (D5, n = 245) or day 6 (D6, n = 73) blastocysts using time-lapse (TL) monitoring. According to the logistic regression analyses (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.341, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.169–0.685, P < 0.05), the LB probability was negatively associated with the D6 group. The LB rate of the D5 group was higher than the D6 group (88.2% vs. 75.3%; P < 0.05). Compared with the D5 blastocysts, the D6 blastocysts exhibited comparable dysmorphisms except for the multinucleation at the 4-cell stage (10.9% vs. 2.9%, P < 0.05). Moreover, D6 blastocysts had considerably slower developmental kinetics and poorer blastocyst morphologies. Further analysis confirmed that the LB rate was not associated with developmental kinetics or dysmorphisms but rather with blastocyst morphology (inner cell mass [ICM] grade ≤ C vs. ICM grade A, adjusted OR = 0.155, 95% CI = 0.04–0.596, P < 0.05; trophectoderm [TE] grade ≤ C vs. TE grade A, adjusted OR = 0.157, 95% CI = 0.032–0.760, P < 0.05). In conclusion, D6 implanted blastocysts have a considerably lower LB rate than D5 implanted blastocysts. As determined by TL monitoring, the diminished blastocyst morphology can be one of the primary reasons underlying the decreased likelihood of LB.
The meaning of wild: Genetic and adaptive consequences from large-scale releases of domestic mallards
Authors: Lavretsky Philip , Mohl Jonathon E. , Söderquist Pär , Kraus Robert H. S. , Schummer Michael L. , Brown Joshua I.
Published: August 2023

The translocation of individuals around the world is leading to rising incidences of anthropogenic hybridization, particularly between domestic and wild congeners. We apply a landscape genomics approach for thousands of mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) samples across continental and island populations to determine the result of over a century of supplementation practices. We establish that a single domestic game-farm mallard breed is the source for contemporary release programs in Eurasia and North America, as well as for established feral populations in New Zealand and Hawaii. In particular, we identify central Europe and eastern North America as epicenters of ongoing anthropogenic hybridization, and conclude that the release of game-farm mallards continues to affect the genetic integrity of wild mallards. Conversely, self-sustaining feral populations in New Zealand and Hawaii not only show strong differentiation from their original stock, but also signatures of local adaptation occurring in less than a half-century since game-farm mallard releases have ceased. We conclude that ‘wild’ is not singular, and that even feral populations are capable of responding to natural processes. Although considered paradoxical to biological conservation, understanding the capacity for wildness among feral and feral admixed populations in human landscapes is critical as such interactions increase in the Anthropocene.
Superconductivity induced by gate-driven hydrogen intercalation in the charge-density-wave compound 1T-TiSe2
Authors: Piatti Erik , Prando Giacomo , Meinero Martina , Tresca Cesare , Putti Marina , Roddaro Stefano , Lamura Gianrico , Shiroka Toni , Carretta Pietro , Profeta Gianni , Daghero Dario , Gonnelli Renato S.
Published: August 2023

Hydrogen (H) plays a key role in the near-to-room temperature superconductivity of hydrides at megabar pressures. This suggests that H doping could have similar effects on the electronic and phononic spectra of materials at ambient pressure as well. Here, we demonstrate the non-volatile control of the electronic ground state of titanium diselenide (1T-TiSe2) via ionic liquid gating-driven H intercalation. This protonation induces a superconducting phase, observed together with a charge-density wave through most of the phase diagram, with nearly doping-independent transition temperatures. The H-induced superconducting phase is possibly gapless-like and multi-band in nature, in contrast with those induced in TiSe2 via copper, lithium, and electrostatic doping. This unique behavior is supported by ab initio calculations showing that high concentrations of H dopants induce a full reconstruction of the bandstructure, although with little coupling between electrons and high-frequency H phonons. Our findings provide a promising approach for engineering the ground state of transition metal dichalcogenides and other layered materials via gate-controlled protonation.
Electrochemical nitrogen fixation on single metal atom catalysts
Authors: Hamsa Ashida P. , Arulprakasam Muraliraj , Unni Sreekuttan M.
Published: August 2023

This review provides an overview of recent developments in the design and development of single metal atom-based electrocatalysts dispersed on various support materials for electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reactions.
A supramolecular helicate with two independent Fe(ii) switchable centres and a [Fe(anilate)3]3− guest
Authors: Barrios Leoní A. , Teat Simon. J. , Roubeau Olivier , Aromí Guillem
Published: August 2023

Encapsulation of a ferric tris-anilate complex engenders inequivalence of the two spin crossover Fe(ii) centers of an otherwise symmetric coordination helical host.
Top-seeded solution growth, spectral analysis and laser properties of a novel Nd-doped Bi2Mo2.66W0.34O12 crystal
Authors: Tian Xiangxin , Chen Lijuan , Sun Youxuan , Gao Zeliang
Published: August 2023

Bulk single crystals of Nd:Bi2Mo2.66W0.34O12 with dimensions up to 80 mm × 57 mm × 35 mm were grown and the laser performances were determined.
Delaminated MBene sheets beyond usual 2D transition metal materials for securing Pt single atoms to boost hydrogen evolution
Authors: Park Seok Ju , Nguyen Thanh Hai , Tran Duy Thanh , Dinh Van An , Lee Joong Hee , Kim Nam Hoon
Published: August 2023

The use of a minimum amount of active metal makes single-atom catalysts (SACs) an effective route to economically catalyze electrochemical reactions.
British wind farm ESS attachments: curtailment reduction vs. price arbitrage
Authors: Atherton John , Akroyd Jethro , Farazi Feroz , Mosbach Sebastian , Lim Mei Qi , Kraft Markus
Published: August 2023

Optimal wind farm co-located battery attachments for payback time and emissions reduction via curtailment mitigation.
Betacyanins obtained from alternative novel sources as natural food colorant additives: incorporated in savory and sweet food products
Authors: Roriz Custódio Lobo , Carocho Márcio , Alves Maria José , Rodrigues Paula , Morales Patricia , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R. , Heleno Sandrina A. , Barros Lillian
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study was to assess the performance and stability of betacyanin compounds present in enriched extracts of red-fleshed pitaya peels (Hylocereus costaricensis) and the flowers of Amaranthus caudatus; as natural food colorants.
Densely populated tiny RuO2 crystallites supported by hierarchically porous carbon for full acidic water splitting
Authors: Yu Bo , Liu Jin-Hang , Guo Shuaibiao , Huang Guanlin , Zhang Shengjia , Chen Shuangqiang , Li Xiaopeng , Wang Yong , Lv Li-Ping
Published: August 2023

Densely populated tiny RuO2 crystallites supported by hierarchically porous carbon are constructed and exhibit efficient bifunctional electrocatalytic performances for acidic water splitting.
Insecticide discovery by drug repurposing: new synergistic inhibitors againstPeriplaneta americana
Authors: Chafer-Dolz Beatriz , Cecilia José M. , Imbernón Baldomero , Núñez-Delicado Estrella , Casaa-Giner Victor , Cerón-Carrasco José P.
Published: August 2023

Virtual screening has been widely used to accelerate the drug discovery process. We adapted these methods to propose an enhanced insecticide formulation. Our numeric outcomes were confirmed by usingin vivomodels.
Understanding the key role of {100} exposed crystal facets on the electrochemistry of the spinel LiMn2O4 cathode
Authors: Hou Peiyu , Tian Yuhang , Lin Zezhou , Dong Mohan , Li Feng
Published: August 2023

The exposed {111} facets truncated by a portion of {100} facets reduce the Mn2+ dissolved into the electrolyte and improve the cycling stability of the spinel LiMn2O4 cathode.
The dilatable membrane of oleosomes (lipid droplets) allows their in vitro resizing and triggered release of lipids
Authors: Ntone Eleni , Rosenbaum Benjamin , Sridharan Simha , Willems Stan B. J. , Moultos Othonas A. , Vlugt Thijs J. H. , Meinders Marcel B. J. , Sagis Leonard M. C. , Bitter Johannes H. , Nikiforidis Constantinos V.
Published: August 2023

It has been reported that lipid droplets (LDs), called oleosomes, have an inherent ability to inflate or shrink when absorbing or fueling lipids in the cells, showing that their phospholipid/protein membrane is dilatable.
Transient dark ribbons at the outer boundaries of sunspot superpenumbrae in the chromosphere
Authors: Xu Chengzhi , Zhang Jun , Ding Tao
Published: August 2023

Context. Although the flow of material in sunspot superpenumbrae has been studied intensively, detailed observations about the evolution of material flow at the outer boundaries of sunspot superpenumbrae are rare.

Aims. We study the evolution of the flow of material at the outer boundaries of superpenumbrae.

Methods. Based on Hα observations from the New Vacuum Solar Telescope, we tracked the evolution of the flow of material at the outer boundaries of superpenumbrae in the chromosphere. Data from the Solar Dynamics Observatory Helioseismic Magnetic Imager were employed to examine the photospheric magnetic field environment relevant to the material flow.

Results. We observed transient dark ribbons (TDRs) at the outer boundary of a sunspot superpenumbra in the chromosphere on 2018 May 12. The TDRs are located in the middle of the sunspot and a flocculus, and both of them have negative magnetic fields. While the ratio of the length and width of a TDR is greater than 8, we tracked the TDR from its formation to disappearance, so that six TDRs were studied in detail. Five TDRs were formed by the connection of several small dark sticks from end to end, and the sixth TDR was formed by the merging of two thin sticks. In the later stage of the TDR evolution, five TDRs were broken down into several small dark sticks, and the sixth TDR dissipated with oscillation. During the evolution process, no obvious flow of material along the TDRs is detected.

Conclusions. We suggest that these TDRs are an observational representation of the regular aggregation of superpenumbral fibril footpoints and adjacent solar flocculus fibril footpoints at the outer boundaries of the sunspot superpenumbrae.
Cosmic voids and the kinetic analysis
Authors: Gurzadyan V. G. , Fimin N. N. , Chechetkin V. M.
Published: August 2023

We study structure formation in the late Universe within the Vlasov kinetic self-consistent field approach. Our work is principally focused on the use of the modified gravitational potential with a repulsive term of the cosmological constant, which is directly linked to observations that enable characterizations of the Hubble tension as the result of local and global flows. We formulate the criteria for the formation of the semi-periodic gravitating structures, along with the predictions of their quantitative scales associated with observable parameters. Our principal conclusion is that filament formation in the Local (late) Universe can proceed as a deterministic process that is distinct from the structures at larger scales that result from the essentially stochastic dynamics of density perturbations.
Evaluation of factors affecting entrepreneurship: a case of Indian women in the handicraft industry
Authors: Yadav Uma Shankar , Tripathi Ravindra , Tripathi Mano Ashish , Kumar Ashish , Mandal Mitu
Published: August 2023

In the current scenario, the level of interest is increasing in female entrepreneurship in the handicraft sector worldwide. So the primary purpose of this study is to discover the different constructs that influence women entrepreneurs in India as learner students or after completion of their degree, either skill degree or professional degree. Female entrepreneurship is an important feature of economic progress, particularly in developing nations, since it provides opportunities for innovation, cultural and traditional connectivity, job creation, poverty reduction, socio-economic growth, etc. However, despite its significance, this study has garnered little attention in the entrepreneurship literature. For this research, we used Survey research and convenience sampling. For data analysis, AMOS 25 software was used; where needed, we used an Excel sheet for table formation. At the same time, traditional cultural constraints have tended to study Indian women’s participation in handicraft entrepreneurship. It has been seen that most Indian female entrepreneurs are successful in their businesses. These females are engaged in banking, manufacturing, food and beverage, electronic, textile, and small industries. However, the Indian government is trying to motivate female entrepreneurs in the handicraft industry, but there is less number of women entrepreneurship in these sectors due to many factors. Just a handful has benefited through initiative, especially in the handicraft industry. Furthermore, only a few research articles have focused on the effect of essential elements. The research provides an Entrepreneurship Event Model, a Theory of Planned Behaviour, and an integrated model of the theory, which is evaluated using data from some Indian Institutions focused on entrepreneurship.
A geographical perspective on the formation of urban nightlife landscape
Authors: Liu Yi , Zhang Yifan , Zhang Xiaolin , Han Fangfei , Zhao Ying
Published: August 2023

The significance of nightlife and the nighttime economy has witnessed a growing prominence in the realm of urban development. The urban nightlife landscape, serving as the backdrop for urban nighttime pursuits, plays a significant role in determining nighttime consumption patterns and overall nocturnal experiences. However, there is a significant lacuna in the existing scholarship on the fundamental reasoning behind the formation of nightlife landscapes, with the primary analytical focus in earlier studies on daytime landscapes. Drawing upon a spatiotemporal geography perspective, this paper aims to uncover the underlying logic behind the various forms of urban nightlife landscapes. It seeks to identify the key factors that shape these landscapes, thus unveiling their formation mechanisms, overall typology and aesthetic characteristics. Based on the cases of four bar streets in Guangzhou, China, this study argues that the historical heritage and location advantages give rise to two developmental forces in shaping the nightlife landscape: romanticisation and commercialisation. The intertwining of these two forces results in four fundamental categories of urban nightlife landscape: ordinary leisure, gentrification, creative and nostalgic districts, each exhibiting distinct aesthetic characteristics. This paper provides insights into the formation and aesthetic mechanisms of urban nightlife landscapes, and emphasises the importance for urban planners and policymakers to take the spatial-historical context into account when formulating strategies for urban beatification initiatives.
Skin-core morphology in spider flagelliform silk
Authors: Riekel Christian , Burghammer Manfred , Rosenthal Martin
Published: August 2023

Skin-core morphologies enhancing strength and toughness are known for many polymer fibers. The only known example for orb-weaving spiders are major ampullate silk (MaS) gland fibers composed of an amorphous skin-layer and a core of polypeptide chains reinforced by crystalline nanodomains with poly-Ala motifs. The capture section of orb-webs consists of radial, load-bearing MaS fibers and an elastic flagelliform silk spiral. Although originally considered to be amorphous, the presence of reinforcing polyglycine II nanodomains has now been established for several flagelliform fibers. We searched for nanoscale heterogeneities in flagelliform fibers by scanning X-ray nanodiffraction with submicrometer lateral resolution. Argiope bruennichi's flagelliform silk was found to be fully amorphous while a skin-core morphologie with a semicrystalline skin containing polyglycine II nanodomains and an amorphous core was observed for Araneus marmoreus.
A review of the entomofauna associated with decaying cacti in New World deserts
Authors: Martínez-Falcón Ana Paola , Yáñez-Espinosa Laura , Flores Joel , Morales-Jiménez Jesús Israel , Ramírez-Hernández Alfredo
Published: August 2023

Cactus species are well represented in arid and semiarid environments, where they sometimes even dominate the landscape, forming true cactus forests. In this review, we summarize for the first time the importance of cactus species as a wood resource for a neglected saproxylic (dead wood-dependent) entomofauna associated with decomposing and decomposed tissues in arid and semiarid environments. The complex decomposition process of cactus species is discussed in depth. We provide a checklist of the entomofauna living in decaying and decayed cacti, in which insects represented 93% of the species recorded. In particular, Coleoptera (41.5%) and Diptera (43.8%) orders together represented 85% of the insect species recorded. The family Drosophilidae made up 50% of studied Diptera species because the drosophilid–cactus–yeast complex has been widely studied during recent decades. However, we found that during the last 2 decades, there has been increasing interest in investigating the diversity of arthropods in this saproxylic habitat in Mexico, with a special focus on Syrphidae (Diptera) and Coleoptera, the former for their role in the decomposition process. Disentangling the role of the insects associated with decaying cactus is a challenge when it comes to understanding the function of xeric saprophagous insects in this environment. One frontier in this research area is to find whether decomposed stems in xeric soils would act as “islands” of fertility due to the amount of nitrogen which could be recuperated from these microecosystems. Further research is needed to understand the ecological succession of the entomofauna playing a role in the decomposition process of cactus species in semiarid environments.
Sex-Specific Associations Between Glycated Hemoglobin and Hypertension in Non-diabetic Chinese Adults
Authors: Huang Shuna , Jiang Renquan , Lin Xinru , Lin Fuxin , Wu Siying , Kang Dezhi , Chen Henggui
Published: August 2023

Background

To evaluate the sex-specific associations between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and hypertension in Chinese non-diabetic adults.

Methods

Based on the data of the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) from 2009 to 2015, a total of 7,391 non-diabetic adults who had complete basic data and collected blood samples in 2009 were selected, and the data in 2011 and 2015 were used as follow-up data. High HbA1c was defined as HbA1c ≥5.7%. The association between HbA1c and hypertension was assessed by logistic regression and restricted cubic spline analyses. Stratified analysis was performed by sex and age.

Results

At baseline in 2009, 2,032 of 7,391 residents suffered from hypertension (prevalence 27.5%). In univariable logistic analysis, it was shown that there was a positive association between high HbA1c and risk of hypertension with an OR (95% CI) of 1.871 (1.682–2.08), which was weakened and not statistically significant after adjusting for confounders (such as age, sex, and body mass index) with an OR (95% CI) of 1.114 (0.988–1.257). The linear positive relationship between HbA1c and the risk of hypertension was further confirmed in the restricted cubic spline plot. In the stratified analysis, the association was found only in the women after adjusting for confounders (OR = 1.191, 95% CI 1.003–1.414; P < 0.05). A total of 539 (incidence 12.8%) and 831 (incidence 24.1%) participants developed hypertension after 2 and 6 years among those who were without hypertension at baseline in 2009, respectively. Positive associations between high HbA1c and the incidence of hypertension were also found only in the women after adjusting for confounders (OR = 1.365, 95% CI 1.031–1.807 after 2 years; OR = 1.319, 95% CI 1.037–1.678 after 6 years; all P < 0.05). The association between high HbA1c and hypertension was statistically significant in the women ≥50 years of age [OR 1.238 (95% CI 1.017–1.506), P = 0.033], whereas it was not statistically significant in the women <50 years of age and in men across multiple age groups (all P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The association between HbA1c and hypertension in non-diabetic Chinese adults is susceptible to other confounding factors such as sex, age, and body mass index. High HbA1c is associated with an increased risk of hypertension among women.
NanopoReaTA: a user-friendly tool for nanopore-seq real-time transcriptional analysis
Authors: Wierczeiko Anna , Pastore Stefan , Mündnich Stefan , Busch Anne M , Dietrich Vincent , Helm Mark , Butto Tamer , Gerber Susanne
Published: August 2023

Oxford Nanopore Technologies’ (ONT) sequencing platform offers an excellent opportunity to perform real-time analysis during sequencing. This feature allows for early insights into experimental data and accelerates a potential decision-making process for further analysis, which can be particularly relevant in the clinical context. Although some tools for the real-time analysis of DNA-sequencing data already exist, there is currently no application available for differential transcriptome data analysis designed for scientists or physicians with limited bioinformatics knowledge. Here, we introduce NanopoReaTA, a user-friendly real-time analysis toolbox for RNA-sequencing data from ONT. Sequencing results from a running or finished experiment are processed through an R Shiny-based graphical user interface with an integrated Nextflow pipeline for whole transcriptome or gene-specific analyses. NanopoReaTA provides visual snapshots of a sequencing run in progress, thus enabling interactive sequencing and rapid decision making that could also be applied to clinical cases.

Availability and implementation

Github https://github.com/AnWiercze/NanopoReaTA; Zenodo https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8099825.
Breaking the cliché: sex reversal in size dimorphism and mobility in South American Allocosinae (Lycosidae) spiders
Authors: Aisenberg Anita , Bollatti Fedra , Oviedo-Diego Mariela , Albín Andrea , Alves Días Marcelo , Arnedo Miquel A , Brescovit Antonio D , Casacuberta Marcelo , Cavassa Diego , Gonnet Verónica , Izquierdo Matías , Laborda Álvaro , Piacentini Luis N , Pliscoff Patricio , Postiglioni Rodrigo , Simó Miguel , Texeira Renato A , Bidegaray-Batista Leticia
Published: August 2023

Typically, females and males are expected to have characteristic sexual strategies and patterns of size dimorphism, but these generalizations are subject to exceptions. The occurrence of atypical cases has been related to species or populations from environments under strong physical, ecological and/or social constraints. Allocosa marindia and Allocosa senex are two coastal spiders (Lycosidae: Allocosinae) with reversal in sex roles and sexual size dimorphism. Males are larger than females, and females are the mobile sex that initiates courtship. It is unclear whether the occurrence of non-typical sexual traits in Allocosinae spiders is correlated with coastal habitats. Our aim was to study sexual size dimorphism and surface mobility in Allocosinae spiders from different habitats throughout South America. We revised specimens from scientific collections and performed 3-day samplings to collect individuals and determine nocturnal surface mobility. We analysed a total of 1071 Allocosinae adult individuals from 18 species and/or morphotypes. Our results revealed new species inhabiting coastal habitats with reversal in sexual size dimorphism and higher nocturnal surface activity in females; however, not all coastal species shared those characteristics. Future studies will focus on studying other ecological, physiological and/or phylogenetic factors that could be shaping the origin and maintenance of sex role reversal in Allocosinae.
Are we there yet? Inter- and intraspecific approaches to evaluating phenotypic optima in a range expanding East African fish, Enteromius apleurogramma (Cyprinidae)
Authors: Hunt David A G A , Hendry Andrew P , Chapman Lauren J
Published: August 2023

We explored how range expansion of freshwater fishes coincident with climate warming is affected by, and then in turn affects, responses to a second environmental gradient; dissolved oxygen. Traits related to hypoxia tolerance, specifically various metrics of gill size and geometric morphometric proxies of gill size were quantified for a range-expanding cyprinid fish (Enteromius apleurogramma) in both its historical and novel ranges in the Mpanga River drainage of Uganda, East Africa. We found that E. apleurogramma followed patterns previously established in the congener E. neumayeri. Gill filament length and some other metrics were strongly divergent in long-established populations of both E. apleurogramma and E. neumayeri, with larger gills in hypoxic populations compared to normoxic ones. Range-expanding populations were intermediate to the two long-established populations, but divergent between themselves. Other gill traits such as filament number were weakly or not divergent. Furthermore, we show that grosser morphological traits such as opercular area can be successfully used as a proxy for gill size, both by direct measurement as well as using geometric morphometric techniques. Finally, we show that both parapatric conspecific populations and sympatric heterospecific populations can be used as reference points to approximate the ‘target’ of adaptation to hypoxic conditions.
Identifying predictors of resilience to stressors in single-arm studies of pre–post change
Authors: Varadhan Ravi , Zhu Jiafeng , Bandeen-Roche Karen
Published: August 2023

Many older adults experience a major stressor at some point in their lives. The ability to recover well after a major stressor is known as resilience. An important goal of geriatric research is to identify factors that influence resilience to stressors. Studies of resilience in older adults are typically conducted with a single-arm where everyone experiences the stressor. The simplistic approach of regressing change versus baseline yields biased estimates due to mathematical coupling and regression to the mean (RTM). We develop a method to correct the bias. We extend the method to include covariates. Our approach considers a counterfactual control group and involves sensitivity analyses to evaluate different settings of control group parameters. Only minimal distributional assumptions are required. Simulation studies demonstrate the validity of the method. We illustrate the method using a large, registry of older adults (N  =7239) who underwent total knee replacement (TKR). We demonstrate how external data can be utilized to constrain the sensitivity analysis. Naive analyses implicated several treatment effect modifiers including baseline function, age, body-mass index (BMI), gender, number of comorbidities, income, and race. Corrected analysis revealed that baseline (pre-stressor) function was not strongly linked to recovery after TKR and among the covariates, only age and number of comorbidities were consistently and negatively associated with post-stressor recovery in all functional domains. Correction of mathematical coupling and RTM is necessary for drawing valid inferences regarding the effect of covariates and baseline status on pre–post change. Our method provides a simple estimator to this end.
Bariatric surgery, novel glucose-lowering agents, and insulin for type 2 diabetes and obesity: Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wu Tingting , Wong Carlos K H , Lui David T W , Wong Simon K H , Lam Cindy L K , Chung Matthew S H , McAllister David A , Welbourn Richard , Dixon John B
Published: August 2023

Background

This network meta-analysis aimed to compare the effects of bariatric surgery, novel glucose-lowering agents (SGLT2i, GLP1RA, DPP4i), and insulin for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity.

Methods

Four databases were searched from inception to April 2023 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing bariatric surgery, SGLT2i, GLP1RA, DPP4i, insulin, and/or placebo/usual care among patients with T2DM and obesity in the achievement of HbA1c < 7.0 per cent within one year, and 12-month changes in HbA1c and body weight.

Results

A total of 376 eligible RCTs (149 824 patients) were analysed. Bariatric surgery had significantly higher rates of achieving HbA1c < 7.0 per cent than SGLT2i (RR = 2.46, 95 per cent c.i. = 1.28, 4.92), DPP4i (RR = 2.59, 95 per cent c.i. = 1.36, 5.13), insulin (RR = 2.27, 95 per cent c.i. = 1.18, 4.58) and placebo/usual care (RR = 4.02, 95 per cent c.i. = 2.13, 7.93), but had no statistically significant difference from GLP1RA (RR = 1.73, 95 per cent c.i. = 0.91, 3.44), regardless of oral (RR = 1.33, 95 per cent c.i. = 0.66, 2.79) or injectable (RR = 1.75, 95 per cent c.i. = 0.92, 3.45) administration. Significantly more GLP1RA patients achieved HbA1c < 7.0 per cent than other non-surgical treatments. Bariatric surgery had the greatest reductions in HbA1c (∼1 per cent more) and body weight (∼15 kg more) at 12 months. Among novel glucose-lowering medications, GLP1RA was associated with greater reductions in HbA1c than SGLT2i (−0.39 per cent, 95 per cent c.i. = −0.55, −0.22) and DPP4i (−0.51 per cent, 95 per cent c.i. = −0.64, −0.39) at 12 months, while GLP1RA (−1.74 kg, 95 per cent c.i. = −2.48, −1.01) and SGLT2i (−2.23 kg, 95 per cent c.i. = −3.07, −1.39) showed greater reductions in body weight than DPP4i at 12 months.

Conclusion

Bariatric surgery showed superiority in glycaemic control and weight management compared to non-surgical approaches. GLP1RA administered by oral or injectable form demonstrated reduced HbA1c and body weight at 12 months, and was preferable over other non-surgical treatments among patients with T2DM and obesity.

PROSPERO registration no

CRD42020201507
‘If I Count Everything That Is against Me. It Is My Colour. It Is That I Am a Woman’: Exploring the Lived Experiences of Racialised Older Migrant Women in Finland
Authors: KC Smarika , Clarke Kris , Seppänen Marjaana
Published: August 2023

Critical race scholars in social work have underlined the importance of race. However, research in social work with older people have often bypassed analysis of the significance of race and racialisation as barriers that marginalised groups encounter due to their complex identities. The lived experiences of older racialised women in Finland are not sufficiently explored to understand how racialisation has an impact in their ageing. This article aims to address the gap in scholarship on how accumulated experiences of racism from the personal to structural levels throughout the life-course contribute to inequalities in ageing of migrant women. It investigates how older women from non-European migrant background narrate their experiences of racialisation in their everyday lives in Finland. It utilises the theoretical concepts of race, racism and racialisation to interpret the research findings. The article presents empirical findings from semi-structured interviews with twenty older women, which were analysed using a thematic analysis. The article concludes that it is key to recognise racism and its ramifications for ageing migrants in structures beyond the personal level. This study sheds light on the need to better understand the structural inequalities, intersecting identities and the lived experiences of older racialised women to promote social justice.
Applying Logotherapy in Teaching Meaning in Life in Professional Training and Social Work Education
Authors: Chan Wallace Chi Ho
Published: August 2023

Meaning in life is an important topic for professional training and social work education. This article aims to illustrate how Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy could be applied as the framework in teaching meaning in life to social work students and helping professionals. It critically examines the experience of teaching meaning in life and integrating it with various training and education components, such as human behaviours, end-of-life and bereavement care, and self-care of helping professionals. Reflections on these teaching experiences suggest that the significance of teaching meaning in life is recognised by helping professionals and students, especially its dual influence on both personal and professional aspects. Lack of systematic and continuous training and education of meaning in life may be a hindrance for more in-depth understanding and learning. More case examples and discussion may help advance helping professionals’ practice to facilitate service users’ meaning searching. Reflecting on meaning in life may also facilitate helping professionals’ coping with existential challenges in work, but such self-care training should be offered regularly to provide continuous support. This article suggests that teaching meaning in life may have great implications for the psychological health of helping professionals and the service users who receive their professional services.
Public Health Impact and Cost-Effectiveness of Screening for Active Tuberculosis Disease or Infection Among Children in South Africa
Authors: Brough Joseph , Martinez Leonardo , Hatherill Mark , Zar Heather J , Lo Nathan C , Andrews Jason R
Published: August 2023

Background

Although tuberculosis disease is a leading cause of global childhood mortality, there remain major gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in children because tuberculosis control programs rely predominantly on presentation of symptomatic children or contact tracing. We assessed the public health impact and cost-effectiveness of age-based routine screening and contact tracing in children in South Africa.

Methods

We used a deterministic mathematical model to evaluate age-based routine screening in 1-year increments from ages 0 to 5 years, with and without contact tracing and preventive treatment. Screening incorporated symptom history and tuberculin skin testing, with chest x-ray and GeneXpert Ultra for confirmatory testing. We projected tuberculosis cases, deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and costs (in 2021 U.S. dollars) and evaluated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios comparing each intervention.

Results

Routine screening at age 2 years with contact tracing and preventive treatment averted 11 900 tuberculosis cases (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6160–15 730), 1360 deaths (95% CI: 260–3800), and 40 000 DALYs (95% CI: 13 000–100 000) in the South Africa pediatric population over 1 year compared with the status quo. This combined strategy was cost-effective (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio $9050 per DALY; 95% CI: 2890–22 920) and remained cost-effective above an annual risk of infection of 1.6%. For annual risk of infection between 0.8% and 1.6%, routine screening at age 2 years was the dominant strategy.

Conclusions

Routine screening for tuberculosis among young children combined with contact tracing and preventive treatment would have a large public health impact and be cost-effective in preventing pediatric tuberculosis deaths in high-incidence settings such as South Africa.
Integrating evolutionary, developmental and physiological mismatch
Authors: Griffiths Paul E , Bourrat Pierrick
Published: August 2023

Contemporary evolutionary medicine has unified the idea of ‘evolutionary mismatch’, derived from the older idea of ‘adaptive lag’ in evolution, with ideas about the mismatch in development and physiology derived from the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) paradigm. A number of publications in evolutionary medicine have tried to make this theoretical framework explicit. The integrative theory of mismatch captures how organisms track environments across space and time on multiple scales in order to maintain an adaptive match to the environment, and how failures of adaptive tracking lead to disease. In this review, we try to present this complex body of theory as clearly and simply as possible with the aim of facilitating its application in new domains. We introduce terminology, which is as far as possible consistent with earlier usage, to distinguish the different forms of mismatch. Mismatch in its modern form is a productive organizing concept that can help researchers articulate how physiology, development and evolution interact with one another and with environmental change to explain health outcomes.
Alcohol, drug and tobacco prevention in Swedish municipalities — impact from the COVID-19 pandemic considering socio-demographic context
Authors: Owen Ulrika , Månsdotter Anna , Guldbrandsson Karin , Lindström Emma
Published: August 2023

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and measures to prevent the spread of the virus challenged public health practice at the local level in Sweden. The objective of this study was to explore the impact of the pandemic on the prevention of alcohol, drugs and tobacco (ADT) in Sweden during 2020–21 considering socio-demographic context.

Methods

Data were collected through the Public Health Agency’s survey on ADT prevention in Swedish municipalities (N = 290). This study used data from 2020 and 2021, with a response rate of 90% and 88%, respectively. Survey data were analyzed in logistic regression models (odds ratios, P < 0.05, 95% confidence intervals) against variables of education level, income level and population size from national registers.

Results

A majority (n = 198, 76%) of the municipalities reported a decrease in ADT prevention during the pandemic. No correlation between the decrease in ADT prevention and socio-demographic conditions was detected. A majority (2020: n = 165, 63%; 2021: n = 174, 68%) of the municipalities also reported that ADT prevention was adapted, however less common in smaller municipalities and municipalities where residents had lower levels of education and lower incomes.

Conclusion

ADT prevention carried out by municipalities in Sweden was initially (2020) deeply affected by the preventive strategies against COVID-19. Adaptation of activities was less common in municipalities with more vulnerable socio-demographic situation. In policy, practice and research, the findings are important not only for continued progress on the national goal of equity in health but also for preparedness for future crises.