bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Male lake char release taurocholic acid as part of a mating pheromone
Authors: Buchinger Tyler J. , Li Ke , Bussy Ugo , Huerta Belinda , Tamrakar Sonam , Johnson Nicholas S. , Li Weiming 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT
The evolutionary origins of sexual preferences for chemical signals remain poorly understood, due, in part, to scant information on the molecules involved. In the current study, we identified a male pheromone in lake char (Salvelinus namaycush) to evaluate the hypothesis that it exploits a non-sexual preference for juvenile odour. In anadromous char species, the odour of stream-resident juveniles guides migratory adults into spawning streams. Lake char are also attracted to juvenile odour but have lost the anadromous phenotype and spawn on nearshore reefs, where juvenile odour does not persist long enough to act as a cue for spawning site selection by adults. Previous behavioural data raised the possibility that males release a pheromone that includes components of juvenile odour. Using metabolomics, we found that the most abundant molecule released by males was also released by juveniles but not females. Tandem mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance were used to identify the molecule as taurocholic acid (TCA), which was previously implicated as a component of juvenile odour. Additional chemical analyses revealed that males release TCA at high rates via their urine during the spawning season. Finally, picomolar concentrations of TCA attracted pre-spawning and spawning females but not males. Taken together, our results indicate that male lake char release TCA as a mating pheromone and support the hypothesis that the pheromone is a partial match of juvenile odour.
Patient-reported experiences of cardiac rehabilitation services and the Country Heart Attack Prevention model of care
Authors: Gebremichael Lemlem G , Beleigoli Alline , Foote Jonathon W , Bulamu Norma B , Ramos Joyce S , Clark Robyn A 
Published: January 2024

Background/Aims Patient-centred care is the delivery of a high-quality healthcare service that appropriately responds to the needs and preferences of patients. Addressing participants' needs and preferences in healthcare services is essential to improving patients' experiences and clinical outcomes. This article aimed to evaluate patient-reported experiences of standard cardiac rehabilitation programmes and the Country Heart Attack Prevention model of care, as well as design and standardise patient-reported experience measures. Methods This was a cross-sectional study with a multi-method analysis. Participants (n=818) ≥18 years old with cardiovascular disease who attended cardiac rehabilitation programmes across all modes of delivery before (1 January 2017 to 30 June 2021), during (1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022) and after implementation of the Country Heart Attack Prevention model (1 July 2022 to 30 December 2022) responded to the patient satisfaction surveys. Participant data from before and after implementation of the model were categorised as ‘not exposed’, while those who received cardiac rehabilitation during this period were categorised as ‘exposed’. A total of 170 participants provided qualitative feedback. Summary t-test was used to compare the means of the quantitative responses, and thematic analysis was used to generate themes from the qualitative feedback. Results The overall patient-reported satisfaction scores for those not exposed (n=685) and exposed (n=133) to the Country Heart Attack Prevention model of care were 77.1% and 85.9%, respectively (mean difference=−8.8; 95% confidence interval=−10.2, −7.4; P≤0.05). Themes for positive feedback included education and information, communication and friendly advice. Themes for improvement included follow-up duration, more face-to-face contact and waiting time. Conclusions Overall patient-reported satisfaction scores were significantly higher for participants who were exposed to the Country Heart Attack Prevention model of care compared with those who were not exposed. Addressing feedback on areas for improvement in cardiac rehabilitation services can promote attendance, completion and improved health outcomes of patients.
Phasing segmented telescopes via deep learning methods: application to a deployable CubeSat
Authors: Dumont Maxime , Correia Carlos M. , Sauvage Jean-François , Schwartz Noah , Gray Morgan , Cardoso Jaime 
Published: January 2024

Capturing high-resolution imagery of the Earth’s surface often calls for a telescope of considerable size, even from low Earth orbits (LEOs). A large aperture often requires large and expensive platforms. For instance, achieving a resolution of 1 m at visible wavelengths from LEO typically requires an aperture diameter of at least 30 cm. Additionally, ensuring high revisit times often prompts the use of multiple satellites. In light of these challenges, a small, segmented, deployable CubeSat telescope was recently proposed creating the additional need of phasing the telescope’s mirrors. Phasing methods on compact platforms are constrained by the limited volume and power available, excluding solutions that rely on dedicated hardware or demand substantial computational resources. Neural networks (NNs) are known for their computationally efficient inference and reduced onboard requirements. Therefore, we developed a NN-based method to measure co-phasing errors inherent to a deployable telescope. The proposed technique demonstrates its ability to detect phasing errors at the targeted performance level [typically a wavefront error (WFE) below 15 nm RMS for a visible imager operating at the diffraction limit] using a point source. The robustness of the NN method is verified in presence of high-order aberrations or noise and the results are compared against existing state-of-the-art techniques. The developed NN model ensures its feasibility and provides a realistic pathway towards achieving diffraction-limited images.
Rapid room temperature synthesis of Mn-doped perovskite quantum dots for white-light-emitting diodes
Authors: Yang Longwen , Du Aochen , Zheng Xingke , Ye Yun , Chen Enguo , Xu Sheng , Guo Tailiang 
Published: January 2024

All-inorganic perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) have excellent photoelectric performance, such as high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), narrow full width at half-maximum (FWHM), and emission spectra covering the visible light wavelength. The emission color can be tuned over the full visible spectral region making them promising for white-light-emitting diodes (WLEDs). Further control over the optical and magnetic properties of PQDs can be achieved through doping of transition metal ions such as Mn2+ ions. In this paper, a rapid doping method is employed at room temperature by using strong-acid cation-exchange resin during the metal ions doping process, which shortens the doping time, and Mn:CsPb(Cl/Br)3 QDs were obtained. By controlling the reaction time between strong-acid cation-exchange resin and PQDs, we achieve different levels of manganese doping, resulting in a new, to the best of our knowledge, fluorescence peak at 600 nm. The introduction of strong-acid cation-exchange resin preserves the integrity of the PQD structure, while completing the doping within 30 min. Due to the low cost and mild reaction conditions of resin, it is expected that the Mn:CsPb(Cl/Br)3 QDs can be mass-produced in large quantities. In addition, in order to provide high-quality white light emission, and prevent anion exchange reactions when mixed with CsPbBr3 QDs, the CsPbBr3 QDs are coated with silicon. Finally, by combining ultraviolet-light-emitting diodes (UVLEDs) with the aforementioned PQD mixture, this paper successfully fabricates WLEDs and demonstrates its excellent photoelectric performance. The constructed WLEDs produce warm white light with a high color rendering index (CRI) of 91 and a high correlated color temperature (CCT) of 5966 K, and the luminous efficacy (LE) of WLEDs is 41lmW−1.
A phase 2 open-label study of the safety and efficacy of weekly dosing of ATL1102 in patients with non-ambulatory Duchenne muscular dystrophy and pharmacology in mdx mice
Authors: Woodcock Ian R. , Tachas George , Desem Nuket , Houweling Peter J. , Kean Michael , Emmanuel Jaiman , Kennedy Rachel , Carroll Kate , de Valle Katy , Adams Justine , Lamandé Shireen R. , Coles Chantal , Tiong Chrystal , Burton Matthew , Villano Daniella , Button Peter , Hogrel Jean-Yves , Catling-Seyffer Sarah , Ryan Monique M. , Delatycki Martin B. , Yiu Eppie M. 
Published: January 2024

Background
ATL1102 is a 2’MOE gapmer antisense oligonucleotide to the CD49d alpha subunit of VLA-4, inhibiting expression of CD49d on lymphocytes, reducing survival, activation and migration to sites of inflammation. Children with DMD have dystrophin deficient muscles susceptible to contraction induced injury, which triggers the immune system, exacerbating muscle damage. CD49d is a biomarker of disease severity in DMD, with increased numbers of high CD49d expressing T cells correlating with more severe and progressive weakess, despite corticosteroid treatment.

Methods
This Phase 2 open label study assessed the safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetic profile of ATL1102 administered as 25 mg weekly by subcutaneous injection for 24 weeks in 9 non-ambulatory boys with DMD aged 10–18 years. The main objective was to assess safety and tolerability of ATL1102. Secondary objectives included the effect of ATL1102 on lymphocyte numbers in the blood, functional changes in upper limb function as assessed by Performance of Upper Limb test (PUL 2.0) and upper limb strength using MyoGrip and MyoPinch compared to baseline.

Results
Eight out of nine participants were on a stable dose of corticosteroids. ATL1102 was generally safe and well tolerated. No serious adverse events were reported. There were no participant withdrawals from the study. The most commonly reported adverse events were injection site erythema and skin discoloration. There was no statistically significant change in lymphocyte count from baseline to week 8, 12 or 24 of dosing however, the CD3+CD49d+ T lymphocytes were statistically significantly higher at week 28 compared to week 24, four weeks past the last dose (mean change 0.40x109/L 95%CI 0.05, 0.74; p = 0.030). Functional muscle strength, as measured by the PUL2.0, EK2 and Myoset grip and pinch measures, and MRI fat fraction of the forearm muscles were stable throughout the trial period.

Conclusion
ATL1102, a novel antisense drug being developed for the treatment of inflammation that exacerbates muscle fibre damage in DMD, appears to be safe and well tolerated in non-ambulant boys with DMD. The apparent stabilisation observed on multiple muscle disease progression parameters assessed over the study duration support the continued development of ATL1102 for the treatment of DMD.

Trial registration
Clinical Trial Registration. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Number: ACTRN12618000970246.
Comparing glycemic traits in defining diabetes among rural Chinese older adults
Authors: Wang Pin , Li Yuanjing , Wang Mingqi , Song Lin , Dong Yi , Han Xiaolei , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Wang Yongxiang , Du Yifeng , Qiu Chengxuan 
Published: January 2024

Background
We sought to identify the optimal cut-off of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) for defining diabetes and to assess the agreements of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting serum glucose (FSG), and HbA1c in defining diabetes among rural older adults in China.

Methods
This population-based cross-sectional study included 3547 participants (age ≥61 years, 57.8% women) from the Multidomain Interventions to Delay Dementia and Disability in Rural China from 2018–2019; of these, 3122 had no previously diagnosed diabetes. We identified the optimal cut-off of HbA1c against FPG ≥7.0 mmol/L for defining diabetes by using receiver operating characteristic curve and Youden index. The agreements of FPG, FSG, and HbA1c in defining diabetes were assessed using kappa statistics.

Results
Among participants without previously diagnosed diabetes (n = 3122), the optimal HbA1c cut-off for defining diabetes was 6.5% (48 mmol/mol), with the sensitivity of 88.9%, specificity of 93.7%, and Youden index of 0.825. The correlation coefficients were 0.845 between FPG and FSG, 0.574 between FPG and HbA1c, and 0.529 between FSG and HbA1c in the total sample (n = 3547). The kappa statistic for defining diabetes was 0.962 between FSG and FPG, and 0.812 between HbA1c and FPG.

Conclusions
The optimal cut-off of HbA1c for diagnosing diabetes against FPG >7.0 mmol/L is ≥6.5% in Chinese rural-dwelling older adults. The agreement in defining diabetes using FPG, FSG, and HbA1c is nearly perfect. These results have relevant implications for diabetes research and clinical practice among older adults in China.

Clinical trial registration
The protocol of MIND-China was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR, www.chictr.org.cn; registration no.: ChiCTR1800017758).
Enhanced glucose utilization of skeletal muscle after 4 weeks of intermittent hypoxia in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Zhao Yuqi , Li Chaoqun , Zhou Shi , He Youyu , Wang Yun , Zhang Yuan , Wen Li 
Published: January 2024

Background
Intermittent hypoxia intervention (IHI) has been shown to reduces blood glucose and improves insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and has been suggested as a complementary or alternative intervention to exercise for individuals with limited mobility. Previous research on IHI has assessed cellular glucose uptake rather than utilization. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a 4-week IHI, with or without an aerobic exercise, on skeletal muscle glucose utilization as indicated by the changes in pyruvate, lactate, NAD+, and NADH, using a mouse model of diet-induced T2D. In addition, the effects of one exposure to hypoxia (acute) and of a 4-week IHI (chronic) were compared to explore their relationship.

Methods
C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to normal control and high-fat-diet groups, and the mice that developed diet-induced diabetes were assigned to diabetes control, and intervention groups with 1 hour (acute) or 4 weeks (1 hour/day, 6 days/week) exposure to a hypoxic envrionment (0.15 FiO2), exercise (treadmill run) in normoxia, and exercise in hypoxia, respectively, with N = 7 in each group. The effects of the interventions on concentrations of fasting blood glucose, muscle glucose, GLUT4, lactate, pyruvate, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), and NADH were measured, and statistically compared between the groups.

Results
Compared with diabetes control group, the mice treated in the hypoxic environment for 4 weeks showed a significantly higher pyruvate levels and lower lactate/pyruvate ratios in the quadriceps muscle, and the mice exposed to hypoxia without or with aerobic exercise for either for 4 weeks or just 1 hour showed higher NAD+ levels and lower NADH/NAD+ ratios.

Conclusions
Exposure to moderate hypoxia for either one bout or 4 weeks significantly increased the body’s mitochondrial NAD cyclethe in diabetic mice even in the absence of aerobic exercise. The hypoxia and exercise interventions exhibited synergistic effects on glycolysis. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the effects of IHI in respect of the management of hyperglycemia.
Herpes zoster diagnosis and treatment in relation to incident dementia: A population-based retrospective matched cohort study
Authors: Weinmann Sheila , Rawlings Andreea , Koppolu Padma , Rosales A. Gabriela , Prado Yolanda K. , Schmidt Mark A. 
Published: January 2024

Background
Evidence suggests that some infectious diseases, such as herpes zoster (HZ), are associated with elevated risk of subsequent dementia, while certain anti-viral medications are associated with lower risk. We sought to evaluate associations between HZ diagnosis and treatment with incident dementia in a large, retrospective matched cohort.

Methods
Using ICD-9 and ICD-10 diagnosis codes in electronic medical records, we identified members of Kaiser Permanente Northwest age 50 and older from 2000–2019 with a HZ diagnosis during this period. A comparison group without HZ diagnosis was individually matched 3:1 on age at HZ diagnosis date (index date), sex, and membership length prior to index date. We excluded subjects with dementia diagnosed before the index date. Antiherpetic medication was identified using pharmacy fills 1 month before to 12 months after the index date. We employed survival analysis to examine the associations between dementia and HZ diagnosis and antiherpetic medication, adjusting multivariable models for demographic and clinical factors. We stratified on age and sex and conducted a sensitivity analysis with a 5-year lag period.

Result
The study included 101,328 persons, 25,332 with HZ. Over a median follow-up of 4.8 years, 6,000 developed dementia. HZ diagnosis was not associated with higher hazard of dementia (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.99, 95% CI 0.93–1.05) in the primary analysis. Among persons with HZ diagnoses, the HR for receipt of any antiherpetic medication was 0.79 (95% CI 0.70–0.90) in univariate analysis and 0.88 (95% CI 0.77–1.00) after adjustment for demographic and clinical factors. Dementia was not associated with trends in duration of medication use or cumulative dose.

Conclusions
We found little evidence for an association between HZ diagnosis and dementia overall. Antiherpetic medication prescribed around the time of HZ diagnosis was statistically associated with lower risk of subsequent dementia in some but not all analyses and subgroups.
Exploring the relation between Interleukin-6 and high-sensitive cardiac troponin T in asymptomatic hemodialysis patient: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Ibrahim Leen , Yasin Katreen , Abbas Leen , Ismael Yahya , Mousa Ahmed , Alkarajeh Mohammad , Hamdan Zakaria , Nazzal Zaher 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundHigh-sensitive cardiac troponin T (h-cTnT), which serves as a marker for myocardial damage, has also been linked to adverse outcomes in asymptomatic hemodialysis patients. This study aims to explore the correlation between interleukin-6 (IL-6) and h-cTnT in asymptomatic hemodialysis patients to unravel the relationship between inflammation and cardiovascular risk.MethodsA cross-sectional study involving 81 patients was conducted from November 2022 to March 2023 at An-Najah National University Hospital in Palestine. We gathered clinical data, including comorbidities, and obtained blood samples for measuring IL-6 and h-cTnT levels. We performed statistical analyses, including correlation tests and linear regression, to assess the associations between these variables.ResultsThe study revealed a notable increase in both h-cTnT and IL-6 levels, and a significant correlation between the two (rho = 0.463, P<0.001) in asymptomatic hemodialysis patients. Likewise, h-cTnT levels displayed positive correlations with age (rho = 0.519, P<0.001) and negative correlations with albumin (rho = -0.297, p = 0.007) and transferrin saturation (rho = -0.227, P = 0.042). IL-6 levels exhibited correlations with age (rho = 0.422, P<0.001), albumin (rho = -0.389, P<0.001), iron (rho = -0.382, P<0.001), and transferrin saturation (rho = -0.362, P = 0.001). Notably, higher h-cTnT levels were associated with diabetes, hypertension, a history of coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular accidents, older age, and male gender.ConclusionThis study underscores the significant association between the inflammatory marker IL-6 and h-cTnT in asymptomatic hemodialysis patients, suggesting that inflammation may play an essential role in the elevation of h-cTnT levels. This association may have implications for predicting cardiovascular events and guiding interventions to reduce cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis patients.
Harms and benefits of mammographic screening for breast cancer in Brazil
Authors: Migowski Arn , Nadanovsky Paulo , Manso de Mello Vianna Cid 
Published: January 2024

Introduction
In the absence of evidence on the effect of mammographic screening on overall mortality, comparing the number of deaths avoided with the number of deaths caused by screening would be ideal, but the only existing models of this type adopt a very narrow definition of harms. The objective of the present study was to estimate the number of deaths prevented and induced by various mammography screening protocols in Brazil.

Methods
A simulation study of cohorts of Brazilian women screened, considering various age groups and screening interval protocols, was performed based on life tables. The number of deaths avoided and caused by screening was estimated, as was the absolute risk reduction, the number needed to invite for screening—NNS, the net benefit of screening, and the ratio of “lives saved” to “lives lost”. Nine possible combinations of balances between benefits and harms were performed for each protocol, in addition to other sensitivity analyses.

Results and conclusions
The most efficient protocol was biennial screening from 60 to 69 years of age, with almost three times more deaths avoided than biennial screening from 50 to 59 years of age, with a similar number of deaths avoided by biennial screening from 50 to 69 years of age and with the greatest net benefit. Compared with the best scenario of annual screening from 40 to 49 years of age, the NNS of the protocol with biennial screening from 60 to 69 years of age was three-fold lower. Even in its best scenario, the addition of annual screening from 40 to 49 years of age to biennial screening from 50 to 69 years of age results in a decreased net benefit. However, even in the 50–69 year age group, the estimated reduction in breast cancer mortality for Brazil was half that estimated for the United Kingdom.
Antimicrobial stewardship capacity and antibiotic utilisation practices in the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Ghana: A point prevalence survey study
Authors: Agyare Elizabeth , Acolatse Joseph Elikem Efui , Dakorah Mavis Puopelle , Akafity George , Chalker Victoria J. , Spiller Owen B. , Schneider Kristan Alexander , Yevutsey Saviour , Aidoo Nana Benyin , Blankson Sophia , Mensah-Acheampong Frederick , Incoom Robert , Kurdi Amanj , Godman Brian , Ngyedu Eric Kofi 
Published: January 2024

Introduction
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat that necessitates coordinated strategies to improve antibiotic prescribing and reduce AMR. A key activity is ascertaining current prescribing patterns in hospitals to identify targets for quality improvement programmes.

Methods
The World Health Organisation point prevalence survey methodology was used to assess antibiotic prescribing in the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital. All core variables identified by the methodology were recorded.

Results
A total of 78.8% (82/104) patients were prescribed at least one antibiotic, with the majority from adult surgical wards (52.14%). Significantly longer hospital stays were associated with patients who underwent surgery (p = 0.0423). “Access” antibiotics dominated total prescriptions (63.8%, 132/207) with ceftriaxone, cefuroxime, and ciprofloxacin being the most prescribed “Watch” antibiotics. The most common indications were for medical prophylaxis (59.8%, 49/82) and surgical prophylaxis (46.3%, 38/82). Over one-third of surgical prophylaxis (34.2%, 13/38) indications extended beyond one day. There was moderate documentation of reasons for antibiotic treatment in patient notes (65.9%, 54/82), and targeted therapy after samples were taken for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (41.7%, 10/24). Guideline compliance was low (25%) where available.

Conclusions
There was high use of antibiotics within the hospital which needs addressing. Identified quality targets include developing surgical prophylaxis guidelines, reviewing “Watch” antibiotic prescribing, and assessing antibiotic durations for patients on two or more antibiotics. Organizational-level deficiencies were also identified that need addressing to help instigate ASPs. These can be addressed by developing local prescribing protocols and antibiotic stewardship policies in this hospital and wider in Ghana and across Africa.