bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facets of impulsivity and reward in relation to binge‐eating disorder course of illness among children: findings from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study
Authors: Smith Kathryn E. , Wang Wei‐Lin , Mason Tyler B.
Published: March 2023

Background

The present study examined facets of impulsivity and reward sensitivity [as measured by the UPPS‐P Impulsive Behavior Scale and Behavioral Activation and Behavioral Inhibition Scales (BIS/BAS)] as multivariable predictors of subsequent binge‐eating disorder (BED) course of illness in middle childhood.

Methods

The current sample included children aged 9–10 years (N = 9,438) who took part in the baseline and 1‐year follow‐up assessments of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. BED course was operationalized as those who never developed BED or subthreshold BED (SBED) (‘control’), were diagnosed with BED/SBED at year 1 but not baseline (‘developers’), were diagnosed with BED/SBED at baseline but not year 1 (‘remitters’), or were diagnosed with BED/SBED at both times (‘maintainers’).

Results

Higher baseline BIS/BAS reward responsivity scores were related to the greater likelihood of belonging to the maintainer group relative to the control and remitter groups (ORs1.12–1.19). Regarding covariates, higher baseline body mass index percentile and internalizing symptoms were related to the greater likelihood of BED development, remittance, and maintenance compared to the control group (ORs = 1.04–1.14); no variables were uniquely related to BED development. Exploratory analyses showed that the likelihood of belonging to the maintainer group compared to the control group was greatest at higher levels of negative urgency in combination with high reward responsivity.

Conclusions

Heightened reward responsivity may convey risk for poorer BED course in children, while emotional disorder symptomatology may act as a more general risk and maintenance factor for BED.
The cocreation of care pathways for patients treated with oral anticancer drugs: From assessment data to an actual care pathway
Authors: Kenis Ilyse , Van Hecke Ann , Foulon Veerle
Published: March 2023

Rationale

Due to the emergence of oral anticancer therapies, existing care processes in oncology – that are mainly focused on in‐hospital treatments – must be rethought. The development of a care pathway is a well‐known methodology to reorganise and standardise care for a specific patient group. However, care pathway development might be complex and burdensome for healthcare teams, requiring a well‐thought‐out methodology that provides guidance to the teams.

Aims and Objectives

In 10 Belgian oncology departments, multidisciplinary teams developed a tailored care pathway, aimed to offer high‐quality patient‐centred care. Each department followed a cocreation methodology, consisting of a current practice assessment, a priority setting, and the actual development of the care pathway. The aim of this study was to investigate how and to which extent underperformed evidence‐based key elements (KEs), identified in the current practice assessment, guided the development of the care pathway, and how compliant the final care pathways are with the list of evidence‐based KEs.

Methods

A qualitative content analysis was conducted to describe and compare the results of each phase of the cocreation methodology.

Results

This study shows that much of the evidence and feedback on current practice that was used as a starting point, got lost throughout the cocreation process. Only a limited proportion of the (seriously) underperformed KEs were prioritised by the multidisciplinary teams. Furthermore, several prioritised KEs could not be retrieved in the care pathway documents. Also, the final care pathways were not fully compliant with existing evidence.

Conclusion

Based on the findings, a more rigorous cocreation methodology seems needed, offering very concrete support for multidisciplinary teams to integrate the prioritised KEs in the care process (e.g., by using a model care pathway). Next to the selfreported performance data from healthcare professionals and patients, more objective data (e.g., walkthrough, medical records) and more extensive patient involvement should be considered in the priority setting.
Are the Liquidity and Collateral Roles of Asset Bubbles Different?
Authors: CLAIN‐CHAMOSSET‐YVRARD LISE , RAURICH XAVIER , SEEGMULLER THOMAS
Published: March 2023

Several papers explain why asset bubbles are observed when growth is large. These papers differ in the role of the bubble, used to provide liquidities or as collateral in a borrowing constraint. We compare the liquidity and collateral roles of bubbles in an overlapping generations model. When the bubble is deterministic, the equilibrium is identical under these two roles, implying that the same mechanism explains the crowding‐in effect of the bubble on growth. With stochastic bubbles, growth is larger when bubbles play the liquidity role, because the burst of a bubble used for liquidity is less damaging to capital investors.
Videofluoroscopic swallow study abnormalities identify aerodigestive disorders in dogs with respiratory disease versus healthy controls
Authors: Howard Jennifer , Grobman Megan , Lever Teresa , Reinero Carol R.
Published: March 2023

Background

Aerodigestive diseases (AeroD) pathologically link respiratory and alimentary tracts. Dogs with respiratory signs lacking dysphagia, vomiting, or regurgitation typically do not undergo diagnostic testing that identifies comorbid alimentary disease. A videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) identifies defects in swallowing, reflux, and aspiration.

Objectives/Hypothesis

We hypothesized that dogs with respiratory and no alimentary disease (RESP) would have significantly more abnormal VFSS metrics versus controls (CON). We hypothesized RESP dogs with pulmonary parenchymal disease would have more reflux and higher penetration‐aspiration score (PAS) than those with airway disease.

Animals

Client‐owned dogs: RESP (n = 45) and CON (n = 15) groups.

Methods

Prospectively, all dogs underwent VFSS. The RESP dogs had advanced respiratory diagnostic testing. Eight subjective and 3 objective VFSS metrics (pharyngeal constriction ratio [PCR], PAS, and esophageal transit time [ETT]) were assessed. Fisher's exact test compared differences between groups (presence or absence of VFSS abnormalities). The Mann‐Whitney rank sum test was used to compare PCR and PAS.

Results

Subjective VFSS abnormalities were present in 34/45 (75%) RESP and 2/15 (13%) CON dogs, with RESP dogs significantly more likely to have VFSS abnormalities (P = .01). No difference in PCR was found between groups. Pathologic PAS was more common in RESP than CON dogs (P = .03). The RESP dogs with airway disease had higher PAS than CON dogs (P = .01) but not RESP dogs with parenchymal disease (P = .25).

Conclusions

Most (75%) RESP dogs had VFSS abnormalities, emphasizing that AeroD are common. The VFSS has value in diagnostic evaluation of respiratory disease.
Lianas increase lightning‐caused disturbance severity in a tropical forest
Authors: Gora Evan M. , Schnitzer Stefan A. , Bitzer Phillip M. , Burchfield Jeffrey C. , Gutierrez Cesar , Yanoviak Stephen P.
Published: March 2023

Lightning is an important agent of plant mortality and disturbance in forests. Lightning‐caused disturbance is highly variable in terms of its area of effect and disturbance severity (i.e. tree damage and death), but we do not know how this variation is influenced by forest structure and plant composition.

We used a novel lightning detection system to quantify how lianas influenced the severity and spatial extent (i.e. area) of lightning disturbance using 78 lightning strikes in central Panama.

The local density of lianas (measured as liana basal area) was positively associated with the number of trees killed and damaged by lightning, and patterns of plant damage indicated that this occurred because lianas facilitated more electrical connections from large to small trees. Liana presence, however, did not increase the area of the disturbance. Thus, lianas increased the severity of lightning disturbance by facilitating damage to additional trees without influencing the footprint of the disturbance.

These findings indicate that lianas spread electricity to damage and kill understory trees that otherwise would survive a strike. As liana abundance increases in tropical forests, their negative effects on tree survival with respect to the severity of lightning‐related tree damage and death are likely to increase.
Staff views about involving service users in team formulation
Authors: Miners Alissa , Pratt Daniel , Shirley Louisa
Published: March 2023

Objectives

The aim of the study was to explore staff views about whether and how service users should be involved in the process of team formulation.

Design

This study used Q methodology to explore health care professionals' views about service user involvement in team formulation meetings.

Methods

Forty staff members with experience of attending team formulation meetings completed a Q Sort in which they ranked how much they agreed or disagreed with 58 statements about service user inclusion in team formulation. Factor analysis was used to identify viewpoints within the data set.

Results

A three‐factor solution accounting for 60% of the variance was considered the best fit for the data. The factors were: ‘A safe space for staff’, ‘Concerns about inclusion and collaboration’ and ‘Service users might find attendance harmful’. Consensus statements identified areas where all participants agreed.

Conclusions

This is an important area for exploration, given the growing practice of team formulation and the professional and ethical issues raised by service user involvement. There are a range of ways to promote inclusion within the practice, and staff should always consider the individual needs of service users.
Opportunistic legislation under a natural emergency: Grabbing government power in a democracy during COVID‐19
Authors: Sommer Udi , Parent Jonathan , Li Quan
Published: March 2023

With increasingly frequent emergencies related to pandemics, climate change, or any other as yet unforeseen disaster, it is imperative to develop our understanding of how opportunistic legislation and policy grabs may appear even in democracies. Circumventing a lengthy process of public debate and government regulation, declaration of emergency may be conducive to such opportunism. Underlying mechanisms may involve national interest groups, whereby early in the pandemic a group quickly develops a messaging strategy focused on broad public health concerns. This strategy is then implemented by state affiliates lobbying local officials and mobilizing their supporters to push executive branch officials to effectuate restrictions. We examine state‐level abortion restrictions during the outbreak of COVID‐19. Our Qualitative Comparative Analyses indicate that at least in the political context of reproductive rights and under the emergency of COVID‐19, it was level of emergency, levels of religiosity in the state and Republican dominance in government that strongly predicted the likelihood of opportunistic legislation.
‘We are at the mercy of the floods!’ : Extreme weather events, disrupted mobilities, and everyday navigation in urban Ghana
Authors: Amankwaa Ebenezer F. , Gough Katherine V.
Published: March 2023

This paper examines how extreme weather events affect the mobility of low‐income urban residents in Ghana. Bringing together scholarship on extreme weather and mobilities, it explores the differential impact of flooding on their everyday lives as they navigate the cities of Accra and Tamale. A range of qualitative methods were drawn on, including semi‐structured interviews, focus group discussions, and follow‐along‐participant observations in selected communities of both cities. Three key themes emerged: disrupted road and transport infrastructure, everyday mobility challenges, and coping/adaptive strategies. In flooding conditions, residents experienced difficulties leaving/returning home, engaging in income‐generating activities, and accessing transport services and other key urban infrastructure. Conceptually, the paper reveals how disruption to urban residents’ daily movements and activities (re)produces new forms of mobilities and immobilities, which have three relational elements: postponed, improvised and assisted. Throughout the analysis, we show how these mobilities/immobilities vary by age and gender: all urban residents, (though women in particular), experience postponed mobility; young people especially engage in improvised mobility; and children and the elderly are in greatest need of assisted mobility. The paper thus contributes to scholarship on extreme weather events and mobility by providing a more spatially nuanced understanding of the multi‐faceted domains in which flooding, socio‐economic conditions and adaptive strategies intersect to influence urban mobility in resource poor settings.
Athletes with different habitual fluid intakes differ in hydration status but not in body water compartments
Authors: Francisco Rúben , Jesus Filipe , Nunes Catarina L. , Cioffi Iolanda , Alvim Marta , Mendonca Goncalo V. , Lukaski Henry , Sardinha Luís B. , Silva Analiza M.
Published: March 2023

Physiological differences have been reported between individuals who have habitual low (LOW) and high (HIGH) water intake (WI). The aims of this study were to explore body water compartments, hydration status, and fat‐free mass (FFM) hydration of elite athletes exposed to different habitual WI. A total of 68 athletes (20.6 ± 5.3 years, 23 females) participated in this observational cross‐sectional study. Total WI was assessed by seven‐day food diaries and through WI, athletes were categorized as HIGH (n = 28, WI≥40.0 mL/kg/d) and LOW (n = 40, WI≤35.0 mL/kg/d). Total body water (TBW) and extracellular water (ECW) were determined by dilution techniques and intracellular water (ICW) as TBW‐ECW. Hydration status was assessed by urine‐specific gravity (USG) using a refractometer. Fat (FM) and FFM were assessed by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). The FFM hydration was calculated by TBW/FFM. The USG was statistically different between groups for females (LOW: 1.024 ± 0.003; HIGH: 1.015 ± 0.006; p = 0.005) and males (LOW: 1.024 ± 0.002; HIGH: 1.018 ± 0.005; p < 0.001). No differences between groups were detected in body water compartments and FFM hydration in both sexes (p > 0.05). Multiple regression showed that WI remains a predictor of USG regardless of FFM, age, and sex (β = −0.0004, p < 0.01). We concluded that LOW athletes were classified as dehydrated through USG although their water compartments were not different from HIGH athletes. These results suggest that LOW athletes may expectedly maintain the body water compartments' homeostasis through endocrine mechanisms. Interventions should be taken to encourage athletes to have sufficient WI to maintain optimal hydration.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐DRB1 allele, HLA‐DRB1*04:328 in a Chinese individual
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Chen Nanying , Chen Chen , Zhang Wei , Zhu Faming
Published: March 2023

HLA‐DRB1*04:328 shows a single nucleotide substitution at position 143 A>T when compared with HLA‐DRB1*04:05:01:01.
Brassinosteroid transcription factor BES1 modulates nitrate deficiency by promoting NRT2.1 and NRT2.2 transcription in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Tian , Li Mengjiao , Yang Jize , Li Min , Zhang Zhenqian , Gao Huiling , Wang Cun , Tian Hui
Published: March 2023

Nitrogen (N) is one of the most essential mineral elements for plants. Brassinosteroids (BRs) play key roles in plant growth and development. Emerging evidence indicates that BRs participate in the responses to nitrate deficiency. However, the precise molecular mechanism underlying the BR signaling pathway in regulating nitrate deficiency remains largely unknown. The transcription factor BES1 regulates the expression of many genes in response to BRs. Root length, nitrate uptake and N concentration of bes1‐D mutants were higher than those of wild‐type under nitrate deficiency. BES1 levels strongly increased under low nitrate conditions, especially in the non‐phosphorylated (active) form. Furthermore, BES1 directly bound to the promoters of NRT2.1 and NRT2.2 to promote their expression under nitrate deficiency. Taken together, BES1 is a key mediator that links BR signaling under nitrate deficiency by modulating high affinity nitrate transporters in plants.
Sex differences, chronobiology and general anaesthesia in activities of the autonomic nervous system in rats
Authors: Svorc Pavol , Svorc Pavol , Gresova Sona
Published: March 2023

Heart rate variability (HRV) is commonly used in experimental studies to assess sympathetic and parasympathetic activities. The belief that HRV in rodents reflects similar cardiovascular regulations in humans is supported by evidence, and HRV in rats appears to be at least analogous to that in humans, although the degree of influence of the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) may be greater in rats than in humans. Experimental studies are based on control or baseline values, on the basis of which the change in ANS activity after a given experimental intervention is assessed, but it is known that the ANS in rats is very sensitive to various stress interventions, such as the manipulation itself, and ANS activity can also differ depending on sex, the time of measurement, and whether the animals are under general anaesthesia. Thus, for correct assessment, changes in ANS activity and their relationship to the observed parameter should be based on whether ANS activity does or does not change but also to what extent the activity is already changed at the start of the experiment. Since rats are considered to be the most suitable model animal for basic cardiovascular research, in this review we point out existing differences in individual HRV frequency parameters at the start of experiments (control, baseline values), taking into account sex in relation to time of measurement and anaesthesia.
Rigid rod particle like viscoelastic responses of poly(vinylidene fluoride) in N-methylpyrrolidone solution
Authors: Hozumi Hyota , Nohara Yuki , Horikawa Yoshiki , Shikata Toshiyuki
Published: March 2023

A systematic study was performed on the dynamic viscoelastic properties of N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) solutions of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) samples with a wide range of weight average molar masses (Mw) from 140 to 3300 kg mol−1 over a temperature range of −24 to 35 °C in the dilute to semidilute concentration (c) regime in this study. In previous studies under extremely dilute conditions, it was confirmed that PVDF molecules behave as isolated highly elongated rigid rods, and the average particle length (⟨L⟩) and diameter (⟨d⟩) for different PVDF samples were precisely determined. The fundamental viscoelastic parameters used to analyze the dynamics of PVDF molecules dissolved in NMP were precisely determined, including the zero-shear shear viscosity (η0), the steady state compliance (Je), the average relaxation time (τw), and the activation energy (E*v) of τw in this study. E*v increased stepwise above c values corresponding to the reciprocal of the intrinsic viscosity ([η]−1) for different solutions, independent of Mw, showing that contact or the formation of entanglements between PVDF molecules causes the increase in E*v. Je−1 was found to be proportional to the number density of PVDF molecules (ν = cNAMw−1, where NA denotes the Avogadro constant) over the entire investigated v range, irrespective of Mw and the presence of entanglements between PVDF molecules. The reduced specific viscosities, ηspNA⟨L⟩3(Mw[η])−1, were reasonably described as a universal function in the parameter ν⟨L⟩3 over the entire investigated range, and ηspNA⟨L⟩3(Mw[η])−1 ∝ (ν⟨L⟩3)3 was found over the region 102 < ν⟨L⟩3 < 103, irrespective of Mw.
Structural Basis for Binding of Neutralizing Antibodies to
Clostridioides difficile
Binary Toxin
Authors: Goldsmith Jory A. , Dewar Vincent , Hermand Philippe , Blais Normand , McLellan Jason S.
Published: March 2023

Clostridioides difficile
strains associated with worse clinical outcomes have been found to secrete a toxin called CDT (or binary toxin). As blocking the function of this toxin could help mitigate
C. difficile
infections, we sought to determine the molecular basis for the inhibition of CDT by monoclonal antibodies.
Gallocin A, an Atypical Two-Peptide Bacteriocin with Intramolecular Disulfide Bonds Required for Activity
Authors: Proutière Alexis , du Merle Laurence , Garcia-Lopez Marta , Léger Corentin , Voegele Alexis , Chenal Alexandre , Harrington Antony , Tal-Gan Yftah , Cokelaer Thomas , Trieu-Cuot Patrick , Dramsi Shaynoor
Published: March 2023

Streptococcus gallolyticus
subsp.
gallolyticus
(
SGG
), previously named
Streptococcus bovis
biotype I, is an opportunistic pathogen responsible for invasive infections (septicemia, endocarditis) in elderly people and is often associated with colon tumors.
SGG
is one of the first bacteria to be associated with the occurrence of colorectal cancer in humans. Previously, we showed that tumor-associated conditions in the colon provide
SGG
with an ideal environment to proliferate at the expense of phylogenetically and metabolically closely related commensal bacteria such as enterococci (1).
SGG
takes advantage of CRC-associated conditions to outcompete and substitute commensal members of the gut microbiota using a specific bacteriocin named gallocin, recently renamed gallocin A following the discovery of gallocin D in a peculiar
SGG
isolate.
Data-driven approach to understanding neonatal palliative care needs in England and Wales: a population-based study 2015–2020
Authors: Harnden Fergus , Lanoue Julia , Modi Neena , Uthaya Sabita N , Battersby Cheryl
Published: March 2023

Objective

To quantify admissions to neonatal units in England and Wales with potential need for palliative care.

Design, setting and patients

Diagnoses and clinical attributes indicating a high likelihood of requiring palliative care were mapped to categories within the British Association of Perinatal Medicine’s (BAPM) framework on palliative care. We extracted data from the National Neonatal Research Database on all babies born and admitted to neonatal units in England and Wales 2015–2020.

Outcomes

The number and proportion of babies meeting BAPM categories, their discharge outcomes and the characteristics of babies who died during neonatal care but did not fulfil any BAPM category.

Results

12 123/574 954 (2.1%) babies met one or more BAPM category: 6239/12 123 (51%) conformed to BAPM category 4 (postnatal conditions with high risk of severe impairment), 3796 (31%) to category 2 (antenatal/postnatal diagnosis with high risk of significant morbidity or death), 1399 (12%) to category 3 (born at margin of viability) and 288 (2%) to category 1 (antenatal/postnatal diagnosis not compatible with long-term survival); 401 babies (3%) met criteria for multiple categories. 6814/12 123 (56%) were discharged home, 2385 (20%) were discharged to other settings and 2914 (24%) died before neonatal discharge. 3000/5914 (51%) babies who died during neonatal care did not conform to any BAPM category. Of these, 2630/3000 (88%) were born preterm.

Conclusions

At least 2% of babies admitted to neonatal units had palliative care needs according to existing BAPM categories; most survived to discharge. Of deaths, 51% were not captured by the BAPM categories; most were extremely preterm.
Caudal regression syndrome without maternal diabetes mellitus
Authors: Mwamanenge Naomi , Mariki Haika , Mkony Martha , Manji Karim Premji
Published: March 2023

Caudal regression is a rare complex disorder impacting the formation of the caudal segment of the spine and spinal cord. We report a preterm newborn baby who was referred to us due to respiratory distress syndrome and bilateral knee contracture. A clinical examination and a radiographic skeletal survey revealed a short spinal cord with complete agenesis of the lumbar, sacrum and coccygeal spine, and hypoplastic iliac bones with bilateral knee contractures. The mother did not have diabetes. The long-term outcome is not well-known in our set-up.
Differences in birth weight between immigrants’ and natives’ children in Europe and Australia: a LifeCycle comparative observational cohort study
Authors: Florian Sandra , Ichou Mathieu , Panico Lidia , Pinel-Jacquemin Stéphanie , Vrijkotte Tanja G M , Harskamp-van Ginkel Margreet W , Huang Rae-Chi , Carson Jennie , Rodriguez Loreto Santa Marina , Subiza-Pérez Mikel , Vrijheid Martine , Fernández-Barrés Sílvia , Yang Tiffany C , Wright John , Corpeleijn Eva , Cardol Marloes , Isaevska Elena , Moccia Chiara , Kooijman Marjolein N , Voerman Ellis , Jaddoe Vincent , Welten Marieke , Spada Elena , Rebagliato Marisa , Beneito Andrea , Ronfani Luca , Charles Marie-Aline
Published: March 2023

Objective

Research on adults has identified an immigrant health advantage, known as the ‘immigrant health paradox’, by which migrants exhibit better health outcomes than natives. Is this health advantage transferred from parents to children in the form of higher birth weight relative to children of natives?

Setting

Western Europe and Australia.

Participants

We use data from nine birth cohorts participating in the LifeCycle Project, including five studies with large samples of immigrants’ children: Etude Longitudinale Française depuis l’Enfance—France (N=12 494), the Raine Study—Australia (N=2283), Born in Bradford—UK (N=4132), Amsterdam Born Children and their Development study—Netherlands (N=4030) and the Generation R study—Netherlands (N=4877). We include male and female babies born to immigrant and native parents.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome is birth weight measured in grams. Different specifications were tested: birth weight as a continuous variable including all births (DV1), the same variable but excluding babies born with over 4500 g (DV2), low birth weight as a 0–1 binary variable (1=birth weight below 2500 g) (DV3). Results using these three measures were similar, only results using DV1 are presented. Parental migration status is measured in four categories: both parents natives, both born abroad, only mother born abroad and only father born abroad.

Results

Two patterns in children’s birth weight by parental migration status emerged: higher birth weight among children of immigrants in France (+12 g, p<0.10) and Australia (+40 g, p<0.10) and lower birth weight among children of immigrants in the UK (−82 g, p<0.05) and the Netherlands (−80 g and −73 g, p<0.001) compared with natives’ children. Smoking during pregnancy emerged as a mechanism explaining some of the birth weight gaps between children of immigrants and natives.

Conclusion

The immigrant health advantage is not universally transferred to children in the form of higher birth weight in all host countries. Further research should investigate whether this cross-national variation is due to differences in immigrant communities, social and healthcare contexts across host countries.
Prevalence and associated factors for prehypertension and hypertension among Indonesian adolescents: a cross-sectional community survey
Authors: Sudikno Sudikno , Mubasyiroh Rofingatul , Rachmalina Rika , Arfines Prisca Petty , Puspita Tities
Published: March 2023

Objective

To estimate the prevalence and determine the associated factors for developing prehypertension and hypertension among Indonesian adolescents.

Design

National cross-sectional study.

Setting

This study was conducted in all the provinces in Indonesia.

Participants

The population in this study were all household members in Basic Health Research 2013 aged 15–19 years. The sample was all members of the 2013 Riskesdas household aged 15–19 years with the criteria of not having physical and mental disabilities, and having complete data. The number of samples analysed was 2735, comprising men (n=1319) and women (n=1416).

Main outcome

Dependent variables were prehypertension and hypertension in adolescents based on blood pressure measurements.

Results

The results of the analysis showed that the prevalence of prehypertension in adolescents was 16.8% and hypertension was 2.6%. In all adolescents, the risk factors for prehypertension were boys (adjusted OR, aOR 1.48; 95% CI 1.10 to 1.97), 18 years old (aOR 14.64; 95% CI 9.39 to 22.80), and 19 years old (aOR 19.89; 95% CI 12.41 to 31.88), and obese (aOR 2.16; 95% CI 1.02 to 4.58). Risk factors for hypertension in all adolescents included the age of 18 years old (aOR 3.06; 95% CI 1.28 to 7.34) and 19 years (aOR 3.25; 95% CI 1.25 to 8.41) and obesity (aOR 5.69; 95% CI 2.20 to 14.8). In adolescent girls, the chance of developing prehypertension increased with increasing age and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. Several risk factors for hypertension in adolescent boys were age, central obesity and LDL cholesterol levels.

Conclusion

This study shows that the trend of prehypertension in adolescents has appeared, besides hypertension. There are distinct patterns of factors that influence it in adolescent girls and boys, which can be useful to sharpen of planning and implementing health programmes.
Influencing factors of health resource allocation and utilisation before and after COVID-19 based on RIF-I-OLS decomposition method: a longitudinal retrospective study in Guangdong Province, China
Authors: Wu Qiaohui , Wu Linjian , Liang Xueqing , Xu Jun , Wu Weixuan , Xue Yunlian
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To explore factors that influenced the health resource allocation and utilisation before and after COVID-19, and subsequently offer sensible recommendations for advancing the scientific distribution of health resources.

Design

A longitudinal survey using 2017–2020 data, which were collected for analysis.

Setting

The study was conducted based on data collected from the Health Commission of Guangdong Province’s website.

Outcome measures

Eight health resource indicators and four health resource utilisation indicators were included in the factor analysis. Four indices were calculated to measure the inequality in health resource allocation and utilisation. We analysed factors for the inequality indices using the recentred influence function index ordinary least squares decomposition method.

Results

The health resource inequality indices peaked in 2020 (Gini coefficient (Gini): 0.578, Absolute Gini coefficient (AGini): 1.136, Concentration Index (CI): 0.417, Absolute CI (ACI): 0.821), whereas the health resource utilisation inequality indices declined year by year, thus reaching their lowest point in that same year. The majority of inequality indices in the annual change of health resource allocation were at their lowest in 2020 (Gini: −1.672, AGini: 0.046, CI: −0.189, ACI: 0.005), while the use of health resources declined dramatically, showing a negative growth trend. The inequality indices of health resource allocation and utilisation in 2020 were affected by a number of variables, including the COVID-19 level, (p<0.05), while the proportion of expenditure on public health was the most significant one.

Conclusions

Guangdong Province’s health resource allocation and utilisation were still concentrated in economically developed regions from 2017 to 2020. The health resource allocation inequality indices increased, especially under COVID-19, but the health resource utilisation inequality indices decreased. Measures should be taken to adjust the health resource allocation scientifically, which will fulfil the changing needs and the use of resources more efficiently. One effective measure is reasonably increasing the proportion of expenditure on public health.
Validation of quality indicators for evaluating geriatric pharmacotherapy services in primary care: a mixed methods study
Authors: Sato Noriko , Fujita Kenji , Okada Hiroshi , Kushida Kazuki , Chen Timothy F
Published: March 2023

Objective

To assess measurement properties of 121 face and content validated quality indicators (QIs) for medication safety in geriatric pharmacotherapy in primary care.

Design

A mixed methods study: a 6-month observational study in primary care (July–December 2020) and in-depth semistructured online interviews with participants (February–March 2021).

Setting

Sixty community pharmacies in Japan.

Participants

Patients aged 75 years and older who were regularly taking six or more prescription medicines for ˃4 weeks were eligible. The observational study included 457 patients. The interviews were undertaken with 26 community pharmacists, including pharmacy managers and owners.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Five measurement properties of QIs (applicability, improvement potential, acceptability, implementation issues and sensitivity to change) were evaluated. A web application was developed for data reporting and data visualisation.

Results

This study showed that 53 QIs met the measurement properties of applicability, improvement potential, acceptability and implementation issues. Of 53 QIs, 17 also had a high sensitivity to change. Interviews identified eight themes (indicator characteristics, web application, policy, patient, time, competence, pharmacy administration and collaboration) in relation to the consequence of implementation of QIs.

Conclusions

A set of 121 QIs for geriatric pharmacotherapy was field tested for their five measurement properties. This QI set can be used to identify patients who may benefit from clinician reviews of their medicines. These QIs may be applied at different levels within the healthcare system: patient, pharmacy, regional and national levels. Further mechanisms to automatically collect and report data should be established to facilitate sustainable quality improvement initiatives.
Can we streamline the concepts of knowledge translation, dissemination and implementation for lay stakeholders? A perspective
Authors: Daraz Lubna , Morshed Khondoker Golam
Published: March 2023

Objective

To initiate a critical dialogue within the evidence-based practice (EBP) communities regarding the necessity of clear and accessible concepts that bridge the gap between research and practical use for non-expert stakeholders.

Key arguments

There has been consistent evidence of failure to translate high-quality biomedical and health research findings into clinical practice and policy implementation. Research findings are not making their way into practice in a timely fashion and are believed to take two decades before an intervention can make its way to patients’ bedsides. Numerous concepts, models and theories have been developed to address this research application gap to guide experts in effectively applying research outcomes to practice. Unfortunately, there are no simplified descriptions of these concepts for use by lay stakeholders, such as patient representatives who may contribute meaningfully to clinical and other health research. To address this gap, as a first step towards developing and validating user-friendly concepts, we propose definitions for three commonly used concepts: knowledge translation, dissemination and implementation in a lay language. We also offer a simplified framework that connects these concepts. The suggested definitions and framework need refinement and confirmation from a broad range of non-expert stakeholders.

Conclusion

Insufficient simplified definitions to explain research in practical terms have led to confusion among stakeholders with limited expertise in EBP. In this context, scientific knowledge that is easy to comprehend and use is vital for non-experts to engage meaningfully and speed up the application of clinical research outcomes in patient care.
Faecal metabolome and its determinants in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Vich Vila Arnau , Hu Shixian , Andreu-Sánchez Sergio , Collij Valerie , Jansen Bernadien H , Augustijn Hannah E , Bolte Laura A , Ruigrok Renate A A A , Abu-Ali Galeb , Giallourakis Cosmas , Schneider Jessica , Parkinson John , Al-Garawi Amal , Zhernakova Alexandra , Gacesa Ranko , Fu Jingyuan , Weersma Rinse K
Published: March 2023

Objective

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a multifactorial immune-mediated inflammatory disease of the intestine, comprising Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. By characterising metabolites in faeces, combined with faecal metagenomics, host genetics and clinical characteristics, we aimed to unravel metabolic alterations in IBD.

Design

We measured 1684 different faecal metabolites and 8 short-chain and branched-chain fatty acids in stool samples of 424 patients with IBD and 255 non-IBD controls. Regression analyses were used to compare concentrations of metabolites between cases and controls and determine the relationship between metabolites and each participant’s lifestyle, clinical characteristics and gut microbiota composition. Moreover, genome-wide association analysis was conducted on faecal metabolite levels.

Results

We identified over 300 molecules that were differentially abundant in the faeces of patients with IBD. The ratio between a sphingolipid and L-urobilin could discriminate between IBD and non-IBD samples (AUC=0.85). We found changes in the bile acid pool in patients with dysbiotic microbial communities and a strong association between faecal metabolome and gut microbiota. For example, the abundance ofRuminococcus gnavuswas positively associated with tryptamine levels. In addition, we found 158 associations between metabolites and dietary patterns, and polymorphisms nearNAT2strongly associated with coffee metabolism.

Conclusion

In this large-scale analysis, we identified alterations in the metabolome of patients with IBD that are independent of commonly overlooked confounders such as diet and surgical history. Considering the influence of the microbiome on faecal metabolites, our results pave the way for future interventions targeting intestinal inflammation.
9 Studying cognitive load in defence
Authors: Richins Matt T , Taylor Helen J , Smith Sarah J
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Cognitive load has a long association with human factors research into safety-critical performance. For example, surgeons need to balance task demands against their available cognitive resources but evidence shows that cognitive overload can impair a surgeon’s performance in complex or non-routine tasks. In Defence, the increasing availability and complexity of data can increase rates of cognitive ‘overload’ in personnel. Conversely, the expanding use of automation can lead to ‘underload’, linked to declines in vigilance. There is a requirement to improve understanding of the impact of technology on cognitive load, how to measure it and effectively manage it for our personnel.

Method

Two studies contribute to supporting this requirement. The first comprised literature reviews to identify candidate measures of cognitive load and subsequent experiments to collect preliminary data from a subset of self-report, physiological, and neurophysiological measures. The second study was an experimental trial of a neuroadaptive system, which used AI to adapt an alerting procedure based on biomarkers of cognitive load.

Results

The results showed that a number of measures were sensitive to changes in workload and a combined approach provided greater accuracy, compared to a single measure. The trial demonstrated that the neuroadaptive system improved performance in attentionally demanding tasks using early indicators of cognitive overload.

Conclusion

Cognitive load can be measured in a number of ways and this research provides initial evidence of the utility of combining measures to increase validity. Collecting reliable physiological and neurophysiological data is challenging even in controlled lab conditions.

Neuroadaptive solutions offer promising ways to mitigate the onset of undesirable neurocognitive states. However, these need to be modelled on individuals’ own psychological state. For example, experienced surgeons or senior residents can process larger amounts of information than novices and an impersonalised system has the potential to increase cognitive load.
Cost-effectiveness of testing forMycoplasma genitaliumamong men who have sex with men in Australia
Authors: Ong Jason J , Lim Aaron , Bradshaw Catriona , Taylor-Robinson David , Unemo Magnus , Horner Paddy J , Vickerman Peter , Zhang Lei
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Mycoplasma genitalium(MG) disproportionately affects men who have sex with men (MSM). We determined the cost-effectiveness of different testing strategies for MG in MSM, taking a healthcare provider perspective.

Methods

We used inputs from a dynamic transmission model of MG among MSM living in Australia in a decision tree model to evaluate the impact of four testing scenarios on MG incidence: (1) no one tested; (2) symptomatic MSM; (3) symptomatic and high-risk asymptomatic MSM; (4) all MSM. We calculated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) using a willingness-to-pay threshold of $A30 000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. We explored the impact of adding an antimicrobial resistance (AMR) tax (ie, additional cost per antibiotic consumed) to identify the threshold, whereby any testing for MG is no longer cost-effective.

Results

Testing only symptomatic MSM is the most cost-effective (ICER $3677 per QALY gained) approach. Offering testing to all MSM is dominated (ie, higher costs and lower QALYs gained compared with other strategies). When the AMR tax per antibiotic given was above $150, any testing for MG was no longer cost-effective.

Conclusion

Testing only symptomatic MSM is the most cost-effective option, even when the potential costs associated with AMR are accounted for (up to $150 additional cost per antibiotic given). For pathogens like MG, where there are anticipated future costs related to AMR, we recommend models that test the impact of incorporating an AMR tax as they can change the results and conclusions of cost-effectiveness studies.
A review of large-scale renewable energy partnerships with Indigenous communities and organizations in Canada
Authors: Yalamala Reddi Sekhara , Zurba Melanie , Bullock Ryan , Diduck Alan P.
Published: March 2023

In this paper, a review of Indigenous engagement in renewable energy projects is conducted and the main elements of energy partnerships between stakeholders and Indigenous partners are discussed. In recent years, Canada has witnessed more significant Indigenous involvement in economic and energy development projects than ever before. For large-scale energy partnerships, the focus is on engagement, financial capital, community buy-in (readiness, and entrepreneurial and business skills), and benefits-sharing with community partners. Equity-ownership, reconciliation, and self-determination intersect with and impact the benefits and sustainability of energy projects, as they are interrelated in the framework of most energy partnerships. This paper illustrates policy disconnects in connection with partnership-making, social outcomes, and decision-making among Indigenous communities. Furthermore, findings from relevant literature explore the nuanced discourse on social implications and capacity challenges that interlink with climate adaptation and reconciliation when promoting large-scale renewable energy partnerships with Indigenous communities. Through a systematic review and a meta-analysis of the literature, we found 80 relevant studies during the screening process, of which 33 were selected for the synthesis. Findings demonstrate that the Crown, energy companies, and community partners need to coordinate and collaborate closely to achieve energy security and sustainable renewable energy. The review suggests that Indigenous engagement in energy partnerships supports positive outcomes for social development and environmental protection among Indigenous communities. The literature suggests that when government and industry mentor in the project implementation process, important positive impacts on energy transitions, and self-sufficiency can be realized.
Theoretically Scrutinizing Kinks on Efficient Frontiers and Computationally Reporting Nonexistence of the Tangent Portfolio for the Capital Asset Pricing Model by Parametric-Quadratic Programming
Authors: Qi Yue , Zhang Yu , Zhang Su
Published: March 2023

Researchers traditionally compute isolated points for an efficient frontier and assume a line which passes through a risk-free asset [Formula: see text] and is tangent to the frontier. The tangency plays pivotal roles for the capital asset pricing model (CAPM). However, the assumption may not hold in the presence of kinks (as non-differentiable points) on efficient frontiers. Kinks are detected by parametric-quadratic programming only and not by ordinary portfolio optimization. Up until now, there has been no research to theoretically scrutinize kink properties (especially implications to CAPM) and systematically quantify the nonexistence of the tangency. In such an area, this paper contributes to the literature. In theorems and corollaries, we prove the nonexistence of the tangency and substantiate that expected-return axis is composed of piecewisely connected intervals for which the tangency does not exist and intervals for which the tangency exists. Computationally, we reveal universal existence of kinks (e.g., 0.2 to 8.0 kinks for 5-stock to 1800-stock portfolio selections) and the tangency-nonexistence ratios as about 0.066.
Effect of mass and heat transfer on EHD stability of two dusty liquid layers between two inclined rigid plates
Authors: He Ji-Huan , Moatimid Galal M. , Sayed Aya
Published: March 2023

The electrohydrodynamics (EHD) instability of two separate overlapping viscous particle fluids moving in a porous medium is the subject of this paper. The incompressible packaging contains microscopic, uniformly sized fine dust particles. The system is influenced by a tangential electric field that remains constant. The abbreviated formulation of Hsieh is employed to account for the impact of mass and heat transfer (MHT). The problem solution follows the viscous potential theory (VPT) because of the problem complexity in mathematics. The significance of fluid-particle mixing in several applications of practical physics and engineering operates as the guiding force behind this investigation. The standard normal modes methodology is used to examine the standard fundamental equations of motion. The essential mechanisms of the nonlinear technique are the formulations of the linear controlling fundamental formulae and the application of the appropriate nonlinear boundary criteria. A number of nondimensional characteristic parameters are produced by the technique. The nonlinear stability results in a nonlinear Landau–Ginzburg equation. By giving the physical parameter numerical values, the stability designs have been graphically represented. Therefore, both linear and nonlinear approaches are depicted to illustrate the impacts of different physical quantities. Using the homotopy perturbation approach and the idea of extended frequency, a uniform approximate solution for a nonlinear interface displacement is provided. He’s frequency approach yields another nonperturbative solution of the surface displacement solution, which is validated using the Runge–Kutta method.