bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peripheral chemoreflex restrains skeletal muscle blood flow during exercise in participants with treated hypertension
Authors: Sayegh Ana Luiza C. , Plunkett Michael J. , Babbage Thalia , Dawes Mathew , Paton Julian F.R. , Fisher James P. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractWe tested the hypothesis that in human hypertension, an increased tonicity/sensitivity of the peripheral chemoreflex causes a sympathetically mediated restraint of nutritive blood flow to the exercising muscles. Fourteen patients with treated hypertension (age 69 ± 11 years, 136 ± 12/80 ± 11 mmHg; mean ± SD) were studied under conditions of intravenous 0.9% saline (control) and low‐dose dopamine (2 µg kg−1 min−1) to inhibit the peripheral chemoreflex, at baseline, during isocapnic hypoxic rebreathing and during rhythmic handgrip exercise (3 min, 50% maximum voluntary contraction). At baseline, dopamine did not change mean blood pressure (95 ± 10 vs. 98 ± 10 mmHg, P = 0.155) but increased brachial artery blood flow (59 ± 20 vs. 48 ± 16 ml min−1, P = 0.030) and vascular conductance (0.565 ± 0.246 vs. 0.483 ± 0.160 ml min−1 mmHg−1; P = 0.039). Dopamine attenuated the increase in mean blood pressure (∆3 ± 4 vs. ∆8 ± 6 mmHg, P = 0.007) to isocapnic hypoxic rebreathing and reduced peripheral chemoreflex sensitivity by 28 ± 37% (P = 0.044). Rhythmic handgrip exercise induced increases in brachial artery blood flow and vascular conductance (both P < 0.05 vs. rest after 45 s) that were greater with dopamine than saline (e.g. Δ76 ± 54 vs. Δ60 ± 43 ml min−1 and Δ0.730 ± 0.440 vs. Δ0.570 ± 0.424 ml min−1 mmHg−1, respectively, at 60 s; main effect of condition both P < 0.0001). Our results indicate that the peripheral chemoreflex is tonically active at rest and restrains the blood flow and vascular conductance increases to exercise in treated human hypertension.
imageKey points
It was hypothesised that in human hypertension, an increased tonicity/sensitivity of the peripheral chemoreflex causes a sympathetically mediated restraint of nutritive blood flow to the exercising muscles.
Treated patients with hypertension (n = 14) were studied under conditions of intravenous 0.9% saline (control) and low‐dose dopamine (2 µg kg−1 min−1) to inhibit the peripheral chemoreflex.
Low‐dose dopamine reduced resting ventilation and peripheral chemoreflex sensitivity, and while mean blood pressure was unchanged, brachial artery blood flow and vascular conductance were increased.
Low‐dose dopamine augmented the brachial artery blood flow and vascular conductance responses to rhythmic handgrip.
These findings indicate that the peripheral chemoreflex is tonically active at rest and restrains the blood flow, and vascular conductance increases to exercise in treated human hypertension.
Numerical Study of Low Engine Order Excitations Due to Manufacturing Variability Part I: Characterization of the Geometric Scatter and Its Effect on Forced Response
Authors: Escobar Óscar Pérez , Timón Vicente , Gallardo Juan Manuel 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The geometric scatter in the surfaces of blades and vanes due to manufacturing variability has an impact on the dynamics (structural mistuning) that has been widely studied, but also on the aerodynamics. This geometric variability changes the fluid field, generating disturbances not directly related to the airfoil count. This work focuses on the aerodynamic forcing generated by this manufacturing variability on the adjacent rows. In this paper, deviations from the nominal geometry are obtained from a set of scanned parts. The average manufactured geometry is computed through the point-by-point deviations between the scanned parts and the nominal geometry. Then, principal component analysis (PCA) is applied to the deviations from the average geometry to find a way to describe them in a compact and simple manner. The cold geometries are reconstructed using the mean geometry and the geometric modes; afterwards, a cold-to-hot process is applied to obtain the hot geometry, and finally the resulting aerodynamics are obtained using an in-house computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver. The loss of the spatial periodicity of the flow due to the geometric variations generates an aerodynamic forcing with a wave number different from the airfoil count. The described method is applied to a representative row constituted by packets of vanes, and two forced response cases are generated. In the first one, the average packet geometry is used to analyze the aerodynamic forcing associated with the geometric variation of the airfoils inside the vane packet. The second one is a conceptual study carried out under some simplified assumptions in order to relate the geometric variability to random low engine order (LEO) disturbances, using the geometric modes obtained from the PCA analysis. In both cases, the induced vibrations on the adjacent rotor row are comparable to the excitation due to the nominal blade-passing.
Evaluation of the STANDARD M10 MDR-TB and MTB/NTM assays for the detection of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, rifampicin and isoniazid resistance, and nontuberculous mycobacteria in a low-incidence setting
Authors: Luukinen Bruno , Aittoniemi Janne , Miikkulainen-Lahti Terhi , Mentula Silja , Pätäri-Sampo Anu 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Rapid detection is crucial for tuberculosis (TB) control. GeneXpert (Cepheid) is a widely used PCR system, known for its simplicity, random access, and point-of-care compatibility. SD BIOSENSOR recently introduced a similar system, STANDARD M10, including a
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(MTB) and rifampicin (RIF) and isoniazid resistance (herein, MDR-TB) assay and an MTB/nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) assay. We evaluated these assays for the potential to replace the established Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay in a low-TB incidence setting. We analyzed 160 clinical respiratory samples (45 MTB-positive and 35 NTM-positive) and further 24 drug-resistant MTB, 30 mycobacterial species (2 MTB, 28 NTM), and 37 non-mycobacterial isolates. Compared with culture, clinical sensitivities and specificities for MTB detection were 88.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 76.1–95.6%) and 97.4% (CI = 92.3–99.4%) with Xpert Ultra, 88.9% (95% CI = 76.1–95.6%) and 98.3% (CI = 93.5–99.9%) with M10 MDR-TB, and 84.4% (CI = 70.9–94.4%) and 98.3% (CI = 93.5–99.9%) with M10 MTB/NTM, respectively. For NTM detection, M10 MTB/NTM showed sensitivity and specificity of 65.7% (CI = 49.1–79.2%) and 96.8% (CI = 91.8–99.0%). Compared with phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (DST), sensitivity and specificity for detecting RIF resistance were 100% (CI = 77.3–100%) and 95.6% (CI = 84.4–99.6%) with Xpert Ultra, and 100% (CI = 74.9–100%) and 95.5% (CI = 84.0–99.6%) with M10 MDR-TB. M10 MDR-TB showed 92.3% sensitivity (CI = 74.7–99.0%) and 100% specificity (CI = 87.3–100%) for detecting isoniazid resistance. All discrepancies in DST by PCR were concordant with whole-genome sequencing. While M10 MDR-TB demonstrated great potential as an alternative to Xpert Ultra, M10 MTB/NTM had limitations in NTM screening. Additionally, the M10 sputum pretreatment did not inactivate MTB efficiently, which should be considered in process risk assessment.

IMPORTANCE

The molecular diagnostic STANDARD M10 system is highly analogous to the widely established GeneXpert system, which significantly increases the relevance of this evaluation study in the field of rapid detection of
M. tuberculosis
. To our knowledge, this is the first clinical evaluation describing the performance of the STANDARD M10 MDR-TB and MTB/NTM assays, including an extensive analytical specificity panel (inclusivity and exclusivity) for the detection of
M. tuberculosis
, drug resistance, and nontuberculous mycobacteria.
Acclimation Strategies for the Black Sea Diatom Algae Ditylum brightwellii to High Intensity of Light
Authors: Stelmakh L. V. , Alatartseva O. S. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
In cells of a culture of the large diatom Ditylum brightwellii (T. West) Grunow acclimated to faint light (17 μmol photons/(m2 s)), numerous chloroplasts are evenly distributed throughout the cell cytoplasm. After 10 min of exposure of algae to extremely high illumination (1100 μmol photons/(m2 s)), their aggregates gradually form in the center of the cell, and their formation continues until the end of the 2-h exposure period. At light intensities of 510–935 µmol photons/(m2 s) during short-term photoacclimation, the aggregation of chloroplasts is recorded for 20–60 min, after which their reverse movement and uniform distribution in the cytoplasm are revealed by the end of the second hour. Under conditions of a longer culture stay at a light intensity of 1100 μmol photons/(m2 s), the algae retains viability for only 6 h. Long-term photoacclimation of this species, which stops by the end of the second day, is detected when the light becomes half as weak. This is manifested in an increase in cell volume and in the C/Chl a ratio, in the increased aggregation of chloroplasts in the center of the cell, and in a decrease in a number of fluorescent parameters of the efficiency of photosystem II and of culture viability.
Association between social engagement frequency and depression among the older people in China: evidence from the 2011–2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study
Authors: Li Jining , Zhang Xingna , Barr Benjamin 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundDepression in older people is a major concern in China. Despite being known as a protective factor, it is unclear the extent to which social engagement mitigates depression or mediates socioeconomic mental health inequalities among Chinese older people.MethodsWe conducted a survival analysis on 2891 respondents aged 55–77 without depression in 2011 from the Chinese Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study to estimate the relative risk of developing depression between 2011 and 2018 with different social engagement frequencies, having adjusted for age, sex, education, marriage, employment, household income, self-reported physical health and urban/rural residency. We then assessed the potential mediation effect of social engagement on the association between social class (measured by education) and depression.ResultsRespondents who engaged in social activities almost daily were 15% less likely to develop depression (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.98) than those who never. Respondents with secondary education and above were 20% less likely to develop depression (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.69 to 0.94) and 60% more likely to engage in social activities (HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.48 to 1.74) than those with elementary education and below. After controlling social engagement frequencies, the effect of education on depression changed very little (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.96).ConclusionAs an important modifiable protective factor, we however found no clear evidence of social engagement mediating between social class and depression. Future social policies should aim to improve well-being by promoting social engagement to prevent depression among Chinese older people.
Prevalence and sociodemographic factors associated with double burden of malnutrition among children under 5: a cross-sectional analysis of NFHS-4 data in India
Authors: Jasrotia Aakriti , Saxena Vartika , Bahurupi Yogesh , Walia Parteek , Chaudhary Vikash 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundThe double burden of malnutrition (DBM), characterised by the coexistence of undernutrition and overnutrition, poses a significant public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. India, being one of these countries, faces a rising burden of malnutrition, with persistently high levels of stunting and a significant increase in overweight and obesity among children under 5 years old.AimTo estimate the prevalence of DBM and associated sociodemographic factors among children aged 0–5 years in India, using data from the National Family Health Survey-4 (NFHS-4).Materials and methodsA secondary data analysis of the NFHS-4 (2015–2016) a nationally representative cross-sectional data was conducted. The study population consisted of 57 951 children aged 0–5 years, and anthropometric data were extracted from the NFHS-4 India database. Child growth indicators, including stunting, overweight, obesity and DBM were analysed using internationally recognised WHO Child Growth Standards. Descriptive statistics, graphical representations and the χ2test of significance were employed to explore the relationships between DBM and various factors.ResultsThe analysis of data from the NFHS-4 for India revealed that the prevalence of the DBM among children aged 0–5 years was 2.3% (95% CI 2.2% to 2.5%).ConclusionWhile the prevalence of DBM among children under 5 years of age in India is relatively low at 2.3%, the implications of this issue are far-reaching and enduring. Despite appearing modest, addressing DBM requires sustained attention and comprehensive strategies. Extensive research with larger samples is essential for understanding complex challenges.
Surgery for intestinal injuries in very preterm infants: a Norwegian population-based study with a new approach to disease classification
Authors: Hapnes Nina Clare , Stensvold Hans Jørgen , Bjørnland Kristin , Sæter Thorstein , Guthe Hans Jørgen Timm , Støen Ragnhild , Moltu Sissel Jennifer , Rønnestad Arild , Klingenberg Claus 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveTo evaluate population-based data on very preterm infants (<32 weeks gestation) operated for intestinal injuries, focusing on necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) and focal intestinal perforation (FIP).DesignNationwide, population-based registry cohort study.SettingAll 21 neonatal units in Norway.ParticipantsAll very preterm infants born from 2014 through 2021 and admitted to a neonatal unit.Main outcome measuresIncidence of surgery for subgroups of intestinal injuries, medical record data on laboratory-radiology results, anatomical location of affected bowel, length of resections, number of re-operations, morbidities of prematurity and/or death before discharge.ResultsAbdominal surgery was performed in 124/4009 (3.1%) very preterm infants and in 97/1300 (7.5%) extremely preterm infants <28 weeks. The main intestinal injuries operated were NEC (85/124; 69%), FIP (26/124; 21%) and ‘other abdominal pathologies’ (13/124; 10%). NEC cases were divided in (i) acute NEC, extensive disease (n=18), (ii) non-extensive disease (n=53) and (iii) NEC with surgery >3 days after disease onset (n=14). High lactate values immediately prior to surgery was predominantly seen in acute NEC-extensive disease and associated with high mortality. Other laboratory values could not discriminate between acute NEC and FIP. Timing of surgery for acute NEC and FIP overlapped. Radiological absence of portal venous gas was typical in FIP. Most infants (62.5%) underwent a stoma formation at initial surgery. The overall survival rate was 67% for NEC and 77% for FIP.ConclusionNEC cases have different presentation and prognosis depending on the extent of bowel affected. Revised classifications for intestinal injuries in preterm infants may improve prognostication and better guide therapy.
Paternal exposure to antiseizure medications and offspring outcomes: a systematic review
Authors: Honybun Eliza , Rayner Genevieve , Malpas Charles B , O'Brien Terence J , Vajda Frank J , Perucca Piero , Perucca Emilio 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundConcerns have recently been raised about risks to the fetus resulting from paternal exposure to antiseizure medications (ASMs). To address these concerns, we conducted a systematic review of the literature to assess neurodevelopmental and anatomical outcomes in offspring born to fathers taking ASMs at the time of conception.MethodsElectronic searches of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Embase were conducted to identify human studies published in English that reported on outcomes, comprising neurodevelopmental disorders, major congenital malformations, small-for-gestational age or low birth weight, in offspring of fathers taking ASMs at conception. Quality analysis of included studies was undertaken using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A narrative synthesis was used to report study findings.ResultsOf 923 studies identified by the search and screened by title and abstract, 26 underwent full-text review and 10 met eligibility criteria. There was limited evidence available, but there appeared to be no clear evidence for an adverse impact of paternal ASM use on offspring outcomes. Few isolated adverse findings were not replicated by other investigations. Several methodological limitations prevented meta-analysis, including failure by most studies to report outcomes separately for each individual ASM, heterogeneity in measurement and outcome reporting, and small numbers of monotherapy exposures.ConclusionsAlthough there were limited data available, this systematic review provides reassuring evidence that paternal exposure to ASMs at conception is unlikely to pose any major risk of adverse outcomes for the offspring. Further research is needed to examine the relationship between preconception ASM use in males and offspring outcomes at birth and postnatally.
Evaluation of a nature-based virtual reality intervention to support hospice caregivers: a pilot feasibility study
Authors: Lehto Rebecca H , Patano Arienne , Alanazi Mohammed , Bente Gary , Mason Andrew , Caldwell Grace , Goldstein Dawn , Wyatt Gwen 
Published: September 2024

ObjectivesHospice family caregivers (CGs) may experience poor emotional health and diminished quality of life (QOL) secondary to stressors that accompany home-based end-of-life caregiving. Innovative flexible strategies are needed to support hospice CGs in their homes. Being outdoors in nature enhances well-being but is often not accessible to home-based CGs. The purpose was to evaluate the feasibility/acceptability, and preliminary emotional health and QOL outcomes of a 5-day nature-based virtual reality (VR) intervention.MethodsA pre–post design was used. Hospice CGs engaged in self-selected 10 min nature experiences via VR headset over 5 days. Preintervention surveys included demographics and the PROMIS-29 QOL measure (physical/social function, anxiety/depressive symptoms, fatigue, sleep and pain). Postintervention surveys included acceptability/feasibility surveys, PROMIS-29 and a VR-related symptom checklist. Data analysis included descriptives and paired t-tests.Results15 CGs (mean 61.13±12.47 years; 12 females) completed the study. Findings demonstrated high acceptability (14.46±1.77; range 0–16); feasibility (13.93±2.43;range 0–16). Adverse VR symptoms were minimal. PROMIS-29 overall scores were significantly improved following the 5-day intervention (pre: 66.33±8.47; post: 61.07±7.83,p=0.01). Paired t-tests showed significant pre–post changes in anxiety (t=2.206, p<0.05) and favourable trends on other QOL dimensions.ConclusionsFeasibility/acceptability and QOL data support further testing of VR nature immersive experiences in the home environment with larger more diverse representative samples.
Causal representation learning through higher-level information extraction
Authors: Silva Francisco , P. Oliveira Hélder , Pereira Tania 
Published: September 2024

The large gap between the generalization level of state-of-the-art machine learning and human learning systems calls for the development of artificial intelligence (AI) models that are truly inspired by human cognition. In tasks related to image analysis, searching for pixel-level regularities has reached a power of information extraction still far from what humans capture with image-based observations. This leads to poor generalization when even small shifts occur at the level of the observations. We explore a perspective on this problem that is directed to learning the generative process with causality-related foundations, using models capable of combining symbolic manipulation, probabilistic reasoning, and pattern recognition abilities. We briefly review and explore connections of research from machine learning, cognitive science, and related fields of human behavior to support our perspective for the direction to more robust and human-like artificial learning systems.
Efficacy of Gasserian Ganglion High‐Voltage, Long‐Duration Pulsed Radiofrequency Combined With Block on Acute/Subacute Zoster‐Related Trigeminal Neuralgia
Authors: Song Yinghao , Yu Ziheng , Guan Jingjing , Wu Haisheng , Liu Qiaoling , Yuan Min , Cheng Xinzhi , Ling Bingyu 
Published: September 2024

Background:Trigeminal postherpetic neuralgia (TPHN) is a severe chronic pain that can lead to various socioeconomic consequences. Therefore, it is necessary to explore optimal treatment options for acute/subacute herpes zoster (HZ)–related trigeminal neuralgia and prevent the further development of TPHN. High‐voltage, long‐duration pulsed radiofrequency (HL‐PRF) of the Gasserian ganglion is a new surgical intervention used to treat PHN. A ganglion block has been reported to possess anti‐inflammatory effects and potential analgesic benefits.Methods:We included 83 patients with HZ‐related acute/subacute trigeminal neuralgia admitted from January 1, 2021, to June 1, 2023, and received Gasserian ganglion HL‐PRF combined with block. A 6‐month follow‐up was conducted, including Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the incidence of TPHN, the dosage of anticonvulsants and analgesics, efficacy, and adverse events.Results:All patients showed a significant decrease in postoperative NRS scores (p< 0.05). The NRS scores of the acute HZ group were consistently lower than those of the subacute HZ group at different time points (p< 0.01). The overall incidence of TPHN from the onset of HZ to 12 weeks is 21.68%. The incidence of TPHN in the acute phase group was 12.77%, significantly lower than the 33.33% in the subacute phase group (p= 0.024). The effective rate was 74.7% in all patients, at 3 months after the treatment. The effective rate was 82.98% in the acute phase group and 63.89% in the subacute phase group, showing a statistically significant difference (p= 0.047). The PSQI score of the acute group was consistently lower than that of the subacute group (p< 0.01). The dosage of analgesics and anticonvulsants used in the acute HZ group was lower than that in the subacute group (p< 0.01). All patients did not experience serious adverse reactions.Conclusions:Gasserian ganglion HL‐PRF combined with block can be an effective and safe technique to relieve the pain of acute/subacute zoster‐related trigeminal neuralgia and prevent the incidence of TPHN.