bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Septal myocardial abscess in a Thoroughbred mare
Authors: Suzuki Tsukasa , Kato Fumiki , Yamaga Takashi , Tagami Masayuki , Tagami Masaaki
Published: January 2023

An 11‐year‐old multiparous Thoroughbred mare with a history of colic was referred for further evaluation. Clinical findings at the time of initial examination included arrhythmia, tachycardia, tachypnoea and hypothermia without marked signs of abdominal pain. Electrocardiography revealed ventricular tachycardia at a rate of 211 beats/min. Lidocaine was administered as a constant rate infusion to treat the arrhythmia, and the heart rate and rhythm were normalised. There were no abnormal findings on ultrasonography of the abdomen and thorax. An echocardiographic examination revealed a hypoechoic spherical area within the muscular part of the intraventricular septum. Unfortunately, the mare died suddenly 3 days after treatment. Post‐mortem examination confirmed the presence of an encapsulated abscess in the intraventricular septum. Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus chromogenes were isolated from the lesion. It was thought to be responsible for the arrhythmia seen in this case. This is the first case of a septal myocardial abscess in a horse.
Two pathways to Mexico: Forced deportation or voluntary return of parents and US citizen children
Authors: Zayas Luis H. , Natera Guillermina , Callejas Fransilvania , Esponda Georgina Miguel , Pinedo Miguel , Fuentes‐Balderrama Jaime
Published: January 2023

Hundreds of thousands of undocumented Mexican immigrants were deported from the United States or returned to Mexico voluntarily in the past two decades, taking with them their US‐born citizen children (USCC). A family's relocation—forced deportation or voluntary return—and the subsequent settlement and adjustment to Mexico affect everyone's well‐being. We interviewed 18 USCC whose parents were forcibly deported and 18 whose parents returned voluntarily about their circumstances, experiences, and perceptions. Four categories of relocation and adjustment issues emerged. USCC with deported parents felt the sudden and harsh arrest, detention, deportation, and separation from parents, and family reunification after deportation. Those in the voluntary‐return group told of concerns about the planned separation and relocation to Mexico. Both groups experienced issues of family reintegration and adjustment to a new environment. While relocation prompted similarities and differences in families' settlement, issues unique to families played a part in children's adjustment. Clinicians in both the United States and Mexico must take into consideration the nature of the relocation, families' distinctive reactions, and the individual child's experience as some USCC will remain in Mexico and others will return to the US Mexican clinicians will encounter USCC still settling and adjusting to Mexico, and USCC who decide to remain permanently in Mexico. US clinicians may encounter USCC facing the challenges of re‐entering American society, joining educational institutions, and becoming part of the labor force. USCC forming families may feel the impact of their pasts in parenting dynamics.
The Weaving Healthy Families program: Promoting parenting practices, family resilience, and communal mastery
Authors: McKinley Catherine E. , Saltzman Leia Y. , Theall Katherine P.
Published: January 2023

Parenting quality, family resilience, and community resilience and support have been found to be primary protective factors for the disproportionate burden of anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorder (SUD), depression, and suicide that US Indigenous youth and adults tend to experience. The purpose of this research study was to examine pilot results for outcomes related to relational factors for Indigenous family members who participated in the Weaving Healthy Families (WHF) program (translated to Chukka Auchaffi’ Natana, in the Choctaw tribal language), a culturally grounded and empirically informed program geared toward promoting wellness, family resilience, parenting practices, and community resilience while also preventing SUD and violence. This nonrandomized pre‐experimental pilot intervention followed a longitudinal design, which included pre‐test, a post‐test, and a 6‐, 9‐, and 12‐month post‐intervention follow‐up surveys. Repeated‐measures regressions were utilized with generalized estimating equations (GEE) to examine changes in parenting, family resilience, and communal mastery before and after the intervention for 24 adults and adolescents (12–17) across eight tribal families. Results indicate that the overall quality of parenting improved, as measured by improved parental monitoring and reductions in inconsistent discipline and corporal punishment. We identified sex differences in positive parenting, poor monitoring, and corporal punishment, with greater decreases in these measures among males over time. Family resilience and communal mastery improved for adolescent and adult participants after the WHF program. Our results indicate promising improvements across relational, familial, and community ecological, which provide clear clinical implications.
Factors that influence the outcomes of surgical endodontic treatment
Authors: Ng Yuan‐Ling , Gulabivala Kishor
Published: January 2023

Surgical endodontic treatment encompasses a broad spectrum of procedures, amongst which root‐end cavity preparation and filling, retrograde root canal treatment and through‐and‐through endodontic surgery, may be classified under the umbrella term ‘Root‐end surgery’. This narrative review considers the available data on periapical healing, soft tissue healing, tooth survival and oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL), following root‐end surgery and the factors that affect its outcomes. The pooled periapical healed rate for the studies published up to 2021 was 69% (95% CI: 65%, 73%) but increased to 76% (95% CI: 66%, 86%) when only data from the 2020's studies were analysed. The prognostic factors consistently reported for periapical healing have included: pre‐operative periapical lesion with complete loss of buccal plate, quality of root‐end preparation, remaining thickness of apical root dentine and restorative status. Soft tissue healing of the reflected flap was found to have a positive association with periapical healing. The survival rates following root‐end surgery range from 48% to 93%, with failure of periapical healing associated with root and crown fracture, being the predominant reasons for tooth extraction. The factors influencing impact of root‐end surgery on patients' quality of life could not be adequately evaluated due to design flaws in the available studies. In conclusion, if root canal treatment failure due to leakage through cracks, fractures or restoration margin are excluded, the remaining cases may represent localized residual infection and inflammation at the periapex that should be amenable to predictable management with the aid of modern root‐end surgery.
Between paradise and prison: External secrecy and visibility in terrorist organisations
Authors: Marone Francesco
Published: January 2023

The secret is essential for terrorists. Aware of their position of political and military inferiority towards their adversary, terrorists typically have no choice but to operate clandestinely, emerging from the shadows to carry out acts of violence in order to attract attention. However, the social organisation of the secret has not been the subject of a thorough reflection in the literature on political terrorism. Following Simmel's classic investigation into secrecy and secret societies, this article intends to shed light on “external secrecy”, understood as the social practice of intentionally hiding information and knowledge from external actors that do not belong to the terrorist organisation. The paper explores how external secrecy takes the form of a sort of barrier system that can be crossed by individuals and can be built and removed by organisations. It also examines how external security in terrorist organisations can produce both opportunities for deliberate deception and risks of undesired manipulation by external actors. Finally, the article focuses on the inherent trade‐off between the need for external secrecy and the quest for visibility in terrorist organisations. Overall, this discussion suggests the opportunity to develop a research programme on the management of secrecy in terrorism.
Clinical trial knowledge among U.S. adults aged 65 years and up: Findings from a 2020 national survey
Authors: Nguyen Oliver T. , Turner Kea , Lee Juhan , Hong Young‐Rock , Al‐Jumayli Mohammed , Alishahi Tabriz Amir
Published: January 2023

Background

Older adults are underrepresented in most clinical trials. As the United States observes growth in the number of older adults over time, it will be critical to include them in clinical trials to improve the generalizability of results across age groups. Although clinical trial participation requires clinical trial knowledge, no study has assessed clinical trial knowledge among older adults. Using a national survey, this study aims to identify the prevalence and determinants of clinical trial knowledge among older adults.

Methods

We used the 2020 Health Information National Trends Survey for secondary data analysis. We restricted the sample to older adults (aged 65 years and up). Our outcome variable was whether respondents reported having any clinical trial knowledge. We controlled for demographics, social determinants of health, healthcare utilization, and comorbidities through multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

Using a weighted sample of 27,574,958 adults, we estimated that 61.1% of older adults reported having at least some knowledge of clinical trials. After controlling for other factors, those with one to two (OR = 1.80, 95% CI:1.14–2.84) or three to five (OR = 2.93, 95% CI:1.74–4.95) portal visits compared with no portal visits, those with cancer (OR = 1.92, 95% CI:1.22–3.02), and those with depression (OR = 2.27, 95% CI:1.23–4.20) had greater odds of having clinical trial knowledge. Inversely, those with hypertension (OR = 0.62, 95% CI:0.42–0.92) had lower odds of clinical trial knowledge.

Conclusions

Patient portal recruitment may be a supplemental intervention to improve clinical trial knowledge among older adults. Further research on additional interventions for identifying eligible participants is needed to minimize the burden among clinicians amidst other competing demands during clinic visits.
Accuracy of implant placement using CAD–CAM tooth‐supported surgical guides for an auricular prosthesis in vitro
Authors: Fan Yiping , Wei Hongbo , Zhao Ruifeng , Lin Xiuwen , Bai Shizhu
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the accuracy of tooth‐supported surgical guides used to place implants in auricular prostheses. The accuracy (trueness and precision) of the implant positions was evaluated, and the difference between the surgical guide with and without retention of the external auditory canal (EAC) was compared.

Materials and methods

This study simulated implant placement in vitro for the treatment of right auricle malformation. Surgical guides and other casts were fabricated using additive manufacturing technology. The casts were divided into 2 groups according to the surgical guide, with 10 bone blocks in each group (with or without the EAC plug (Guides 1 and 2)). Three implant positions (Implants 1–3) were prepared for each bone block using surgical guides. Implant positions were registered using light‐body silicone impressions combined with optical surface scans to measure the coronal, apical, depth, and angular deviations. Four deviations of trueness and precision were reported as the mean ± standard deviation, which was analyzed by Student's t‐test.

Results

Each group of 10 bone blocks with 30 implant positions was successfully prepared and digitally reproduced as implants. The accuracies of implant position with surgical guides were acceptable when compared with the preoperatively planned implant positions. Compared with the Guide 2 group, there was a significant difference in the apical, depth, and angular deviations of Guide 1 group in terms of precision (p = 0.001). There was a significant difference in the depth deviation of Implant 1 (p = 0.028) and apical deviation of Implant 2 (p < 0.001) compared two groups in terms of trueness. In terms of precision, there was a significant difference in the coronal (p = 0.002), apical (p = 0.001), and depth (p < 0.001) deviation of Implant 1; apical (p = 0.036) and angular (p < 0.001) deviation of Implant 2 also existed significant difference; the coronal deviation of Implant 3 (p = 0.018) also existed significant difference. Moreover, the group with the EAC plug showed lower deviation in precision and a smaller volume in the 95% confidence ellipsoid.

Conclusion

Both types of tooth‐supported surgical guides can provide acceptable accuracy. A surgical guide with an EAC plug was considered to be more precise.
Wildlife trafficking as a societal supply chain risk: Removing the parasite without damaging the host?
Authors: Duensing Sina , Schleper Martin C. , Busse Christian
Published: January 2023

Humanity's intrusion into nature—with the objective of selling animals and plants as medicine, food, and tourist attractions—is detrimental not only to biodiversity and the health of ecosystems but also to local communities, global society, and human health. Often, traffickers exploit legal supply chains to secretly move endangered species and protected wildlife to end consumers. Serendipitous discoveries of wildlife trafficking attempts raise concerns that existing efforts to prevent wildlife trafficking and other criminal exploitation of legal supply chains brought about by international laws, regulations, and voluntary initiatives may often fail. Indeed, most supply chains are designed for economic purposes such as efficiency or responsiveness rather than security. Scholarship in supply chain management has thus far dedicated scarce attention to the overarching phenomenon of illegal exploitation of otherwise legal supply chains, referred to as “supply chain infiltration.” Because we were unable to speak with perpetrators directly, we obtained insights from expert stakeholders in order to study the delicate and covert topic of what makes supply chains vulnerable to wildlife trafficking, as well as how this vulnerability can be mitigated. Our data set comprises 37 semi‐structured interviews with knowledgeable stakeholders concerning wildlife trafficking, specifically in maritime supply chains. This research develops a model that explains supply‐chain‐related vulnerabilities to wildlife trafficking and elaborates regarding how respective actors can contribute in addressing this understudied issue. We introduce the concept of “societal supply chain risk” to refer to hazards that emanate from or materialize within supply chains, which primarily affect actors in the supply chain context—and possibly even humanity in its entirety. Our research calls for more supply chain research, exploring situations in which individual firms may not be affected but can contribute to the solution.
A comparison of sleep restriction and sleep compression on objective measures of sleep: A sub‐sample from a large randomised controlled trial
Authors: Rosén Ann , D'Onofrio Paolo , Kaldo Viktor , Åkerstedt Torbjörn , Jernelöv Susanna
Published: January 2023

Sleep restriction therapy is a central component of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia, but can lead to excessive sleepiness, which may impede treatment adherence. Sleep compression therapy has been suggested as a possibly gentler alternative. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of sleep restriction therapy and sleep compression therapy on objective measures of sleep, with a focus on magnitude and timing of effects. From a larger study of participants with insomnia, a sub‐sample of 36 underwent polysomnographic recordings, before being randomised to either sleep restriction (n = 19) or sleep compression (n = 17) and receiving online treatment for 10 weeks. Assessments with polysomnography were also carried out after 2, 5, and 10 weeks of treatment. Data were analysed with multilevel linear mixed effect modelling. As per treatment instructions, participants in sleep restriction initially spent shorter time in bed compared with sleep compression. Participants in sleep restriction also showed an initial decrease of total sleep time, which was not seen in the sleep compression group. Both treatments led to improvements in sleep continuity variables, with a tendency for the improvements to come earlier during treatment in sleep restriction. No substantial differences were found between the two treatments 10 weeks after the treatment start. The results indicate that homeostatic sleep pressure may not be as important as a mechanism in sleep compression therapy as in sleep restriction therapy, and an investigation of other mechanisms is needed. In conclusion, the treatments led to similar changes in objective sleep at a somewhat different pace, and possibly through different mechanisms.
The Relationship between Workplace Status and Workplace Religious Expression
Authors: Thomson Robert A , Bolger Daniel , Daniels Denise , Ecklund Elaine Howard
Published: January 2023

A growing body of literature explores religious expression in workplaces, but comparatively little research examines how religious expression might be shaped by inequality in workplace status. We hypothesize that perceived work autonomy and socioeconomic status (SES) both function as mediating links between organizational status and religious expression. Drawing on a sample of employed adults from a nationally‐representative survey in the United States (n = 8611), we examine three modes of religious expression at work: displaying faith, feeling comfortable talking about faith, and expressing views when observing unfair work practices that conflict with faith. Results revealed that workers at the bottom of their organizations express their religiosity less than those at the top. Religious expression in the workplace is thus not simply a reflection of individual religiosity or religious identity, but also workplace power. Although perceived work autonomy mediated the relationship, SES buffered the relationship. Findings have important implications for workplace policy.
Intellectual property in telephone numbers in Nigeria
Authors: Eze Nicholas Chinedu
Published: January 2023

There are conflicting regulations affecting subscribers' property in telephone numbers in Nigeria. This article conceptualises telephone number as property capable of ownership in the jural sense and in the prism of bundle of rights theory of property. It analyses developments in advanced jurisdictions to highlight possibilities for reform. The analogy of treatment of property in domain name is used to demonstrate that contract can beget property rights. Some property concepts and theories are espoused to support the intellectual property in telephone number for the subscriber including privacy, trademark, acquisition theory, rule of capture, bundle of rights, goodwill, and so on. These are all used to demonstrate and advocate that there is property in telephone number vested in the subscriber in Nigeria, not only from a statutory perspective but also from some legal theories and approaches to property and any reform should approach it from those perspectives.
A New Method of Nice Knot Elastic Fixation for Distal Tibiofibular Syndesmosis Injury
Authors: Zhong Qigang , Zhan Junfeng , Yang Hu , Zhu Nan , Feng Ru , Yao Yunfeng
Published: January 2023

Objective

The distal tibiofibular syndesmosis (DTS) is a fretting joint and it is still a hot issue how to satisfy strong internal fixation while allowing fretting. This study described and evaluated a new method for elastic fixation of DTS injury with Nice Knot.

Methods

The study was designed as a retrospective study. Between June 2020 and June 2021, 31 patients who were diagnosed with ankle fracture and DTS injury without additional orthopedic injuries were enrolled in this case series. The study included 22 males and nine females, with an average age of 34.71 ± 14.66 years. All patients were treated with Nice Knot binding for DTS. Surgical time, length of stay, time of DTS fixation, total weight‐bearing time, complications, imaging parameters, and functional scores at follow‐up were recorded. Paired sample t‐tests or single factor analyses of variance were used at intra‐group comparison.

Results

All patients completed surgery with normal syndesmotic parameters. The recovery of DTS injury was verified by Hook and lateral malleolus rotation tests. The average follow‐up time was 15.97 ± 3.30 months. Only one case showed superficial infection after surgery, and the wound healed after symptomatic treatment. In terms of imaging, there were no significant differences in tibiofibular clear space (TFCS), tibiofibular overlap distance (TFOS), medial clear space (MCS), and superior clear space (SCS) immediately and at different follow‐up points after surgery. All obtained excellent and good outcomes according to the AOFAS score at least follow‐up after surgery.

Conclusions

Nice Knot elastic fixation of DTS injury is firm and stable while maintaining the physiological micromotion of the ankle joint.
Internal isotopic variability of Neogene carbonate concretions: Constraining formational growth mechanisms and isotopic disequilibrium
Authors: Smith Megan E. , McNeill Donald F. , Murray Sean T. , Swart Peter K.
Published: January 2023

Carbonate concretions collected from the Dominican Republic present a valuable opportunity to evaluate the internal isotopic variations within concretions that have never been exposed to deep burial or structural deformation. Here, three concretions from the Neogene (Late Miocene–Early Pliocene) Cibao Basin are investigated, utilizing a multi‐isotope (δ13C, δ18O, δ34SCAS and ∆47 values) high‐resolution approach, to constrain the microenvironmental conditions associated with multiple stages of concretion growth. Isotopic variability and potential disequilibrium effects, which can influence geological interpretations utilizing concretions, are also considered. The petrographic characteristics and geochemical profiles indicate internal differences relating to concretion growth mechanisms and environmental changes, driven by sea‐level fluctuations. The δ34S values of carbonate‐associated sulphate indicate a closed system environment; however, the overall values are influenced by sulphide oxidation within the sediments, resulting in a complex signal. The ∆47‐derived temperatures of the concretions range between 29 to 55°C, indicating significantly warmer temperatures than are measured from the host sediments, which average 24°C. This indicates that carbonate concretion ∆47 values are in disequilibrium with their environments of formation, likely related to ion diffusion in the pore fluids or isotopic fractionation associated with microbial processes. Here geochemical variations within concretions are utilized to assess the environmental conditions and microbial interactions after sediment deposition. However, for future studies, caution should be taken when using concretions for making environmental assessments as the signals can be influenced by a multitude of processes, even prior to diagenetic alteration.
Behavioral and location‐related antecedents of train suicides
Authors: Moritz Steffen , Nguyen Celine , Jelinek Lena , Borsutzky Swantje , Scheunemann Jakob , Hegerl Ulrich , Püschel Klaus , Gallinat Jürgen
Published: January 2023

Background

In the European Union, over 2000 suicides on railway premises were reported in 2020. Identifying individuals' behavioral and location patterns just before they die or attempt to die by train suicide (ITS) is critical for effective prevention of suicides by train. We conducted a naturalistic study using a newly developed instrument for the assessment of fatalities in rail traffic that used information from on‐site video cameras.

Methods

A total of 56 case files and surveillance recordings of ITS prior to their suicide or suicide attempt were compared to 46 surveillance recordings of matched regular train passengers (RTP) before they boarded their trains. Groups were compared on individuals' behavior as well as location and contextual parameters.

Results

ITS performed unusual movement patterns more frequently, carried luggage less often, stayed on the platform longer, and let more trains pass relative to RTP.

Conclusions

If this study is replicated with a larger sample, artificial intelligence could be used to detect suspicious/unusual (movement) patterns in order to prevent train suicide. Social awareness campaigns that foster the identification of people in distress at train stations in combination with lower thresholds for the use of emergency devices on platforms may help to detect potential train suicides and reduce their incidence.
Mitigation of Wave Impact on Sea Wall by a Floating Elastic Plate and a Porous Structure
Authors: Sahoo Gagan , Singla Sofia , Martha S. C.
Published: January 2023

The purpose of the present study is to reduce the high wave load on a sea wall by utilizing an elastic plate (EP) kept at fixed distance from a porous structure (PS). Thin plate theory is used to model the flow past EP, while Sollit and Cross theory is used to model the flow past PS. A linear potential theory-based analytical solution to the current problem is developed using the eigenfunction expansion technique. To understand the effect of PS and EP in creating tranquility zone and minimum wave loads on the rigid wall, horizontal wave force on the wall, reflection coefficient, dissipation coefficient, and free surface elevation are computed and analyzed for different values of width and friction factor of PS, flexural rigidity and length of EP, angle of incidence, and distance between PS and EP, and the distance between EP and rigid wall. The study demonstrates that both structures considerably reduce the stress on the rigid wall and the wave reflection. It is found that the force on the wall shifted to the left as the width and frictional factor of PS increased. Furthermore, it is observed that PS effectively minimizes the free surface elevation in the region between EP and the wall. It is also found that an effective tranquility zone may be produced, which will put less wave force on the rigid wall, with sufficient spacing between PS and EP, and EP and the wall. The given model is expected to assist in preserving various coastal assets significantly.
E6-Encoded by Cancer-Causing Human Papillomavirus Interacts with Aurora Kinase A To Promote HPV-Mediated Carcinogenesis
Authors: Li Sile , Yim Man Kin , Yip Ka Lai , Xiao Chuanyun , Luk Ho Yin , Xiao Sijia , Chen Zigui , Chan Paul K. S. , Boon Siaw Shi
Published: January 2023

We unveiled the mechanism of how HPV employs Aurora kinase A (AurA) of host cells to exert its oncogenic capability synergistically. We systematically characterized the mode of interaction between E6-encoded by cancer-causing HPV and AurA.
Toxoplasma
IWS1 Determines Fitness in Interferon-γ-Activated Host Cells and Mice by Indirectly Regulating ROP18 mRNA Expression
Authors: Hashizaki Emi , Sasai Miwa , Okuzaki Daisuke , Nishi Tsubasa , Kobayashi Takashi , Iwanaga Shiroh , Yamamoto Masahiro
Published: January 2023

The parasite
Toxoplasma gondii
has a counterdefense system against interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-dependent host immunity which relies on the secretion of parasite effector proteins. ROP18 is one of the effector, which is released into host cells to inactivate IFN-γ-dependent anti-
Toxoplasma
host proteins. The mechanism by which
Toxoplasma
ROP18 subverts host immunity has been extensively analyzed, but how
Toxoplasma
produces this virulence factor remains unclear.
Evaluation of Immunocompetent Mouse Models for Borrelia miyamotoi Infection
Authors: Armstrong Brittany A. , Brandt Kevin S. , Goodrich Irina , Gilmore Robert D.
Published: January 2023

Borrelia miyamotoi
is a causative agent of hard tick relapsing fever, was first identified in the early 1990s, and was characterized as a human pathogen in 2011. Unlike other relapsing fever
Borrelia
species,
B. miyamotoi
spread by means of
Ixodes
ticks.
Diagnostic approach to lower airway dysfunction in athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis by a subgroup of the IOC consensus on ‘acute respiratory illness in the athlete’
Authors: Reier-Nilsen Tonje , Sewry Nicola , Chenuel Bruno , Backer Vibeke , Larsson Kjell , Price Oliver J , Pedersen Lars , Bougault Valerie , Schwellnus Martin , Hull James H
Published: January 2023

Objectives

To compare the performance of various diagnostic bronchoprovocation tests (BPT) in the assessment of lower airway dysfunction (LAD) in athletes and inform best clinical practice.

Design

Systematic review with sensitivity and specificity meta-analyses.

Data sources

PubMed, EBSCOhost and Web of Science (1 January 1990–31 December 2021).

Eligibility criteria

Original full-text studies, including athletes/physically active individuals (15–65 years) who underwent assessment for LAD by symptom-based questionnaires/history and/or direct and/or indirect BPTs.

Results

In 26 studies containing data for quantitative meta-analyses on BPT diagnostic performance (n=2624 participants; 33% female); 22% had physician diagnosed asthma and 51% reported LAD symptoms. In athletes with symptoms of LAD, eucapnic voluntary hyperpnoea (EVH) and exercise challenge tests (ECTs) confirmed the diagnosis with a 46% sensitivity and 74% specificity, and 51% sensitivity and 84% specificity, respectively, while methacholine BPTs were 55% sensitive and 56% specific. If EVH was the reference standard, the presence of LAD symptoms was 78% sensitive and 45% specific for a positive EVH, while ECTs were 42% sensitive and 82% specific. If ECTs were the reference standard, the presence of LAD symptoms was 80% sensitive and 56% specific for a positive ECT, while EVH demonstrated 65% sensitivity and 65% specificity for a positive ECT.

Conclusion

In the assessment of LAD in athletes, EVH and field-based ECTs offer similar and moderate diagnostic test performance. In contrast, methacholine BPTs have lower overall test performance.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020170915.
Design and validation of a new Healthcare Systems Usability Scale (HSUS) for clinical decision support systems: a mixed-methods approach
Authors: Ghorayeb Abir , Darbyshire Julie L , Wronikowska Marta W , Watkinson Peter J
Published: January 2023

Objective

To develop and validate a questionnaire to assess the usability of clinical decision support systems (CDSS) and to assist in the early identification of usability issues that may impact patient safety and quality of care.

Design

Mixed research methods were used to develop and validate the questionnaire. The qualitative study involved scale item development, content and face validity. Pilot testing established construct validity using factor analysis and facilitated estimates for reliability and internal consistency using the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient.

Setting

Two hospitals within a single National Health Service Trust.

Participants

We recruited a panel of 7 experts in usability and questionnaire writing for health purposes to test content validity; 10 participants to assess face validity and 78 participants for the pilot testing. To be eligible for this last phase, participants needed to be health professionals with at least 3 months experience using the local hospital electronic patient record system.

Results

Feedback from the face and content validity phases contributed to the development and improvement of scale items. The final Healthcare Systems Usability Scale (HSUS) proved quick to complete, easy to understand and was mostly worded by potential users. Exploratory analysis revealed four factors related to patient safety, task execution, alerts or recommendations accuracy, the effects of the system on workflow and ease of system use. These separate into four subscales: patient safety and decision effectiveness (seven items), workflow integration (six items), work effectiveness (five items) and user control (four items). These factors affect the quality of care and clinician’s ability to make informed and timely decisions when using CDSS. The HSUS has a very good reliability with global Cronbach’s alpha 0.914 and between 0.702 and 0.926 for the four subscales.

Conclusion

The HSUS is a valid and reliable tool for usability testing of CDSS and early identification of usability issues that may cause medical adverse events.
Sexual well-being among older adults in China (SWELL): protocol for a multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Bingyi , Peng Xin , Liang Bowen , Fu Leiwen , Tian Tian , Liu Jiewei , Li Yuwei , Li Xinyi , Wang Shihao , Zheng Weiran , Xiao Xin , Shi Tongxin , Cao Gaozhou , Ouyang Lin , Wang Ying , Tucker Joseph , Tang Weiming , Wu Dan , Meng Xiaojun , Yu Maohe , Wu Guohui , Cai Yong , Zou Huachun
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Existing studies on sexual health generally focus on younger populations, while the sexual well-being of older adults has received insufficient attention. This protocol describes the design of a study on sexual well-being and its correlates among older adults in China.

Methods and analysis

We present the protocol for a multicentre observational study to investigate sexual well-being among Chinese older adults (SWELL). Eligible participants are men and women aged 50 years and older from East, West, South and North China, including older adults living in the community and older adults living with HIV. A multistage sampling approach is used in the SWELL Study. We will collect a questionnaire about sexual health (sexual knowledge, sexual attitude, sexual behaviours, sexually transmitted infections, etc). Blood specimens will be tested for sex hormones (estradiol for women, testosterone for men), biochemical items (eg, cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, urea, creatinine and uric acid) and syphilis (determined by toluidine red unheated serum test and Treponema pallidum particle agglutination test). The primary analysis will elucidate the current status of sexual health among older adults in China and its correlates. Secondary analyses will compare sexual well-being among older adults in four regions across China. Approximately 3540 older adults will be recruited into the SWELL Study.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University (approval number SYSU-PHS[2019]006). Verbal informed consent will be obtained from all participants before any study procedure. Data will be anonymised, and participants will not be identified through any data, transcripts or publications. Findings from the SWELL Study will be disseminated widely through peer-reviewed scientific journals and at national and international conferences.
Attitudes towards participating in research involving digital pill systems to measure oral HIV pre-exposure chemoprophylaxis: a cross-sectional study among men who have sex with men with substance use in the USA
Authors: Chai Peter , De Dikha , Albrechta Hannah , Goodman Georgia R , Takabatake Koki , Ben-Arieh Amy , Lee Jasper S , Glynn Tiffany R , Mayer Kenneth , O’Cleirigh Conall , Fisher Celia
Published: January 2023

Objectives

This quantitative survey sought to understand, among men who have sex with men (MSM) with potentially problematic substance use, the attitudes towards participation in research involving digital pill systems (DPS) for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence measurement, and the barriers and facilitators to research participation.

Design

One-time, cross-sectional, online sampling-based survey.

Setting

US social networking app predominantly focused on MSM.

Participants

MSM without HIV who reported current use of oral PrEP, potentially problematic substance use and sexual activity in the past 3 months. A total of 157 participants were eligible, passed validity checks and enrolled.

Outcome measures

Perceptions of DPS usefulness, accuracy and usability (System Usability Scale (SUS)); willingness and motivations to participate in DPS research; preferences for access to and feedback on DPS adherence data; data sharing considerations; and medical mistrust (Group-Based Medical Mistrust Scale (GBMMS)).

Results

Most of the sample (N=157) was white (n=119, 75.8%), gay (n=124, 79.0%) and cisgender (n=150, 95.5%). The median age was 33 years (IQR: 14). The mean GBMMS score was 13.5 (SD=5.2), and the median SUS score was 70 (IQR: 27.5). In the past 3 months, 36.3% (n=57) reported frequent use of substances before or during sex, and 62.4% (n=98) engaged in condomless sex. While most were adherent to PrEP, approximately 34.4% (n=54) expressed significant worry about daily adherence. Participants wished to monitor their PrEP adherence daily (n=66, 42.0%) and 52% (n=82) were very willing to participate in DPS-based research. The majority were minimally concerned about sharing DPS-detected adherence data with research teams (n=126, 80.3%), and were extremely willing to share these data with healthcare providers (n=109, 69.4%).

Conclusions

In this sample, MSM without HIV who use substances reported willingness to use DPS to measure PrEP adherence in a research context, and identified benefits to accessing real-time, DPS-detected adherence data.
Expanding health justice to consider the environment: how can bioethics avoid reinforcing epistemic injustice?
Authors: Pratt Bridget
Published: January 2023

We are in the midst of a global crisis of climate change and environmental degradation to which the healthcare sector directly contributes. Yet conceptions of health justice have little to say about the environment. They purport societies should ensure adequate health for their populations but fail to require doing so in ways that avoid environmental harm or injustice. We need to expand our understanding of health justice to consider the environment and do so without reinforcing the epistemic injustice inherent in the field of bioethics. This paper considers what work in philosophy related to the environment should be applied to help build that understanding and develops ideas about the healthcare sector’s responsibilities of justice to the environment. It first introduces the dominant multivalent environmental and ecological justice (EJ) concept in philosophy and each of its dimensions: distribution, participation, recognition and well-being. It then shows why applying that conception alone to broaden our understanding of health justice will reinforce epistemic injustice within bioethics. Drawing on EJ literature from the global South, the paper demonstrates that different ontological and experiential starting points identify additional EJ dimensions—power and harmony—and give rise to a nuanced understanding of the recognition dimension relative to the dominant EJ conception. The paper concludes by applying them to articulate healthcare sector responsibilities of justice to the environment, demonstrating they ground responsibilities beyond reducing its carbon emissions.
The ethics of consent during labour and birth: episiotomies
Authors: van der Pijl Marit , Verhoeven Corine , Hollander Martine , de Jonge Ank , Kingma Elselijn
Published: January 2023

Unconsented episiotomies and other procedures during labour are commonly reported by women in several countries, and often highlighted in birth activism. Yet, forced caesarean sections aside, the ethics of consent during labour has received little attention. Focusing on episiotomies, this paper addresses whether and how consent in labour should be obtained. We briefly review the rationale for informed consent, distinguishing its intrinsic and instrumental relevance for respecting autonomy. We also emphasise two non-explicit ways of giving consent: implied and opt-out consent. We then discuss challenges and opportunities for obtaining consent in labour and birth, given its unique position in medicine.

We argue that consent for procedures in labour is always necessary, but this consent does not always have to be fully informed or explicit. We recommend an individualised approach where the antenatal period is used to exchange information and explore values and preferences with respect to the relevant procedures. Explicit consent should always be sought at the point of intervening, unless women antenatally insist otherwise. We caution against implied consent. However, if a woman does not give a conclusive response during labour and the stakes are high, care providers can move to clearly communicated opt-out consent. Our discussion is focused on episiotomies, but also provides a useful starting point for addressing the ethics of consent for other procedures during labour, as well as general time-critical medical procedures.
From the slow to the rapid neutron capture process
Authors: Thielemann Friedrich-Karl
Published: January 2023

This contribution starts with memories about Franz Käppeler, as a human being and a scientist, his impact on neutron capture nucleosynthesis via experiments and astrophysical studies, before extending from his focus (the s-process) to the r-process, discussing its mechanism, related astrophysical sites and examining in a concluding section its role during galactic evolution.
Multi-TeV photons from GRB 221009A: uncertainty of optical depth considered
Authors: Zhao Zhi-Chao , Zhou Yong , Wang Sai
Published: January 2023

It is reported that the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO) observed thousands of very-high-energy photons up to $$\sim $$
∼
18 TeV from GRB 221009A. We study the survival rate of these photons via considering the fact that they are absorbed by the extragalactic background light. By performing a set of $$10^6$$

10
6

Monte-Carlo simulations, we explore the parameter space allowed by current observations and estimate the probability of predicting that LHAASO detects at least one photon of 18 TeV from GRB 221009A. We find that the standard physics is compatible with the observations of 18 TeV photons within $$3.5\sigma $$

3.5
σ

confidence interval. Our research method can be straightforwardly generalized to study more data sets of LHAASO and other experiments in the future.
Differences between the multiferroic properties of hexagonal and orthorhombic ion-doped YFeO3nanoparticles
Authors: Apostolov A. T. , Apostolova I. N. , Wesselinowa J. M.
Published: January 2023

The multiferroic properties of ion-doped hexagonal and orthorhombic YFeO3(YFO) nanoparticles (NPs) are studied theoretically. The magnetization [Formula: see text] in h-YFO NPs increases, whereas for o-YFO NPs it decreases with decreasing NP size. In the dielectric constant (DC) both h- and o-YFO have a peak around [Formula: see text] and 460 K, respectively, but only in h-YFO an anomaly appears at [Formula: see text] K in the DC and the polarization which could be connected with a possible [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] phase transition. The polarization in pure and Bi-doped o-YFO NPs increases with increasing magnetic field. [Formula: see text] is studied by doping of a o-YFO NP with Ti[Formula: see text] ions at the octahedral Fe[Formula: see text] sites. [Formula: see text] in undoped YFO shows a small kink at [Formula: see text] K, whereas in the doped YFO it shows at [Formula: see text]480 K. By different ion doping on the Y or Fe sites in YFO there is a transformation from the h- to the o-phase or vice versa. In Mn-doped o-YFO a spin-reorientation transition appears. The bandgap of h-YFO is smaller compared to that of o-YFO.
GLOBAL WELL-POSEDNESS OF A CAUCHY PROBLEM FOR A NONLINEAR PARABOLIC EQUATION WITH MEMORY
Authors: NGUYEN ANH TUAN , NGHIA BUI DAI , NGUYEN VAN THINH
Published: January 2023

In this study, we examine a modified heat equation with memory and nonlinear source. The source function is considered under two different conditions, the global Lipschitz and the exponential growth functions. For the first condition, a special weighted Banach space is applied to deduce a desired result without any assumption on sufficiently small time and initial data. For the second condition of exponential growth, we apply the Moser–Trudinger inequality to cope with the source function, and a special time-space norm to deduce the unique existence of a global solution in regard to sufficiently small data. The main objective of this work is to prove the global existence and uniqueness of mild solutions. Besides the solution techniques, our main arguments are also based on the Banach fixed point theorem and linear estimates for the mild solution. The highlight of this study is that it is the first work on the global well-posedness for the mild solution of the fractional heat conduction with memory and nonlinear sources.
Ring-opening of 5,15-dioxaporphyrin into 1,9-diaryldipyrrin by a reaction with Grignard reagents
Authors: Hao Jiping , Nishiyama Akihide , Mori Shigeki , Furuta Hiroyuki , Shimizu Soji
Published: January 2023

A ring-opening of nickel 10,20-dimesityl-5,15-dioxaporphyrin (NiDOP) proceeded in a reaction with aryl Grignard reagents to afford 1,9-diaryldipyrrins instead of demetallation reaction to form a free base form. A reagent scope for the ring-opening reaction revealed that reactions with less-sterically hindered aryl Grignard reagents, such as phenyl and para-substituted phenylmagnesium bromides, provided the dipyrrin products. In contrast, no reaction occurred, and unreacted NiDOP was recovered when alkyl, ethynyl, and 2-thienylmagnesium bromides and sterically hindered mesitylmagnesium bromide were used for the reactions. Herein, the unique ring-opening reactivity of NiDOP and characterization of the 1,9-diaryldipyrrin products are reported.
Peripherally mixed halogenated boron subphthalocyanines
Authors: Bukuroshi Esmeralda , Zigelstein Rachel , Farac Nina F. , Bender Timothy P.
Published: January 2023

The goal of this study was to develop mixtures of peripherally halogenated boron subphthalocyanines (BsubPcs) to explore these macrocycles as mixed alloys for applications within the organic electronic space. These halogenated BsubPc mixtures were synthesized by reacting mixtures of commercially available phthalonitriles, namely 4,5-dichlorophthalonitrile (Cl2-pn), 4,5-difluorophthalonitrile (F2-pn), tetrachlorophthalonitrile (Cl4-pn), and tetrafluorophthalonitrile (F4-pn), with boron trichloride (BCl[Formula: see text] to achieve mixed halogenation upon formation of the BsubPcs. More specifically, as named, Cl2-pn + F2-pn and Cl4-pn + F4-pn mixtures were used to form Cl-Cl[Formula: see text]F[Formula: see text]BsubPc and Cl-Cl[Formula: see text]F[Formula: see text]BsubPc, respectively. To establish a firm synthetic methodology, the reaction kinetics of forming the BsubPc mixtures from their respective phthalonitrile mixtures were compared to the kinetics of the standard procedures forming the individual BsubPcs, for example, Cl-Cl[Formula: see text]BsubPc from Cl4-pn. As we use BCl3 to form the BsubPcs, the axial bond is in general chloride, but we observed again random fluoride axial exchange, and therefore moved to the second step to have complete axial fluorination. Crude mixed halogenated BsubPcs were sublimed at high purities to enable physical characterization, including a study of UV-Vis absorption spectra differentiation, and cyclic (CV) and differential pulse voltammograms (DPV) electrochemical differentiation. We also did density functional theory (DFT) calculations for points of physical properties comparison. The comparison points are together with fully peripherally chlorinated Cl[Formula: see text]BsubPcs and fluorinated F[Formula: see text]BsubPcs. Given the outcomes, we foresee in future studies the ability to tune different ratios of peripherally halogenated BsubPc mixtures via synthetic tools, to enable tuning of the HOMO LUMO energy levels, which could consequently tune their application and performance in organic electronics.