bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of significant risk factors for sand accumulation on desert expressways
Authors: Wang Fang , Liu Shixiao , Sun Liyi , Huang Siping , Zhu Hao , Zou Honghao , Li Guorui
Published: May 2024

Expressways in desert areas are prone to sand lifting and accumulation. This study aims to explore the impact of various risk factors on sand accumulation on road surfaces. Initially, the study identifies the causes of these risks through on-site investigation. Subsequently, using Fluent numerical simulation, it examines how different wind speeds, wind directions, route angles, embankment heights, embankment widths, embankment slope ratios, and central median layouts affect sand accumulation. Finally, based on simulation results and sand accumulation data from the Uma Expressway’s desert section, the study evaluates the importance of these factors using ordered logistic regression analysis and proposes strategic recommendations. The findings indicate that the degree of sand accumulation increases with higher wind speeds, more significant embankment heights, and variations in wind direction, route angle, and embankment width, as well as the configuration of the central median. Wind speed and embankment height are identified as the main factors influencing sand accumulation. Based on the risk assessment, the study suggests a four-point preventive strategy: (i) implementing wind speed management measures; (ii) optimizing embankment design; (iii) developing sand prevention strategies for the central median; and (iv) adjusting the alignment of the road relative to the wind direction.
Deterministic Ansätze for the measurement-based variational quantum eigensolver
Authors: Schroeder Anna , Heller Matthias , Gachechiladze Mariami
Published: May 2024

Measurement-based quantum computing (MBQC) is a promising approach to reducing circuit depth in noisy intermediate-scale quantum algorithms such as the variational quantum eigensolver (VQE). Unlike gate-based computing, MBQC employs local measurements on a preprepared resource state, offering a trade-off between circuit depth and qubit count. Ensuring determinism is crucial to MBQC, particularly in the VQE context, as a lack of flow in measurement patterns leads to evaluating the cost function at irrelevant locations. This study introduces MBVQE-ansätze that respect determinism and resemble the widely used problem-agnostic hardware-efficient VQE ansatz. We evaluate our approach using ideal simulations on the Schwinger Hamiltonian and XY-model and perform experiments on IBM hardware with an adaptive measurement capability. In our use case, we find that ensuring determinism works better via postselection than by adaptive measurements at the expense of increased sampling cost. Additionally, we propose an efficient MBQC-inspired method to prepare the resource state, specifically the cluster state, on hardware with heavy-hex connectivity, requiring a single measurement round, and implement this scheme on quantum computers with 27 and 127 qubits. We observe notable improvements for larger cluster states, although direct gate-based implementation achieves higher fidelity for smaller instances.
Observation of a stationary double transport barrier in KSTAR
Authors: Lee M.W. , Hahn S.-H. , Kim D. , Kang J. , Ko W.H. , Jang J. , Lee W. , Sung C.
Published: May 2024

We have observed a stationary high confinement regime with a double transport barrier (DTB), including both internal and edge transport barriers (ITB and ETB) but without edge-localized modes (ELMs), in KSTAR. The ELM-free DTB phase has high thermal confinement comparable to typical H-mode operation in KSTAR. We investigated the characteristics of the DTB phase through various analyses. Transport analysis shows a reduction of ion heat diffusivity to near neoclassical level after the transition from the ELMy H-mode phase to the DTB phase. This result supports the formation of an ion ITB during the DTB phase. Furthermore, we observed that the DTB phase had an edge thermal transport barrier in the ion temperature profile, comparable to that of the H-mode, without a particle transport barrier at the edge. Peeling-ballooning stability analysis indicates that a lower pressure gradient due to density decrease in the DTB phase is mainly responsible for the ELM-free operation. Linear gyrokinetic analysis shows that the real frequency of the most unstable mode in the core region (

ρ

tor

= 0.32–0.47) is in the ion diamagnetic direction at both H-mode and DTB phases. At the DTB phase, the linear growth rate inside the ITB is reduced by 50% compared to the ITB foot, while the reduction is not shown at the H-mode phase. Further investigation including nonlinear effects will be needed to better understand the unique operation mode, which can contribute to applying the physical mechanism to fusion reactors in the future.
Introduction
Authors: Koenig-Archibugi Mathias
Published: May 2024

Disagreements about whether a democratic world state is an ideal worth pursuing are partly rooted in disagreement over the interpretation and relative importance of values such as equality, autonomy, community, and tradition. But the disagreements are also driven by different understandings of the empirical realities of world politics. Perceptions of empirical circumstances and constraints determine which global institutions are deemed achievable and viable. But they also play a part in judgements on which ones are (more) desirable. Despite the importance of empirical evidence for assessing the idea of a world state, it has played only a marginal role in the debate. The introduction to the book defines what the universal republic is, introduces the questions covered in the book, and explains the approach chosen to answer those questions, positioning it in the context of major traditions of thinking about global politics.
Arguments on possibility
Authors: Koenig-Archibugi Mathias
Published: May 2024

This chapter presents the analytical framework that guides the empirical analysis of feasibility presented in the first part of the book. The first section discusses the meaning of feasibility in the light of recent philosophical literature and formulates tests for determining whether a democratic world state is achievable and whether it would be viable. The next three sections discuss a variety of arguments that have been advanced in support of the conclusion that a democratic world state is infeasible, organizing them based on the distinction between motivational, structural, and institutional constraints. The final section discusses the challenge of assessing these arguments using empirical data, and presents the general strategy utilized in the book.
Mark Birkinshaw
Authors: Wilkes Belinda , Phillipps Steven , Bremer Malcolm , Davies Roger
Published: May 2024

Belinda Wilkes and colleagues remember a clear and incisive thinker, a light-touch leader and, above all, an inspirational collaborator
Comets and culture in the 19th century and beyond
Authors: Stevenson Randall
Published: May 2024

In the first of the Society's John Brown Memorial Lectures, Randall Stevenson explores the effects of comets on literature, art, and popular culture, and on the development of cometary science itself
Spatial transcriptomic analysis of amelanotic acral melanoma versus pigmented acral melanoma reveals distinct molecular determinants
Authors: Choi Myoung Eun , Choi Eun Ji , Lee Jeong Hyeon , Won Chong Hyun , Chang Sung Eun , Lee Mi Woo , Lee Woo Jin
Published: May 2024

Background

Amelanotic acral melanoma (AAM) is a rare type of acral melanoma that has a poor prognosis.

Objectives

To investigate the transcriptomic differences between AAM and pigmented acral melanoma (PAM).

Methods

Differences in the spatially resolved transcriptomic profiles of 9 patients with AAM with 29 regions of interest (ROIs) and 11 patients with PAM with 46 ROIs were investigated using S100b and CD3 morphology markers.

Results

In S100b+ tumour cell areas, we detected 11 upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs; including chaperone/ubiquitin-­associated DEGs) and 82 downregulated DEGs (including human leucocyte antigen) in AAMs vs. PAMs. Protein–protein interaction network and pathway analyses revealed significant enrichment of dysregulated translational and nonsense-mediated decay pathways but significant decreases in antigen processing and presentation, interferon signalling and melanin biosynthesis pathways in S100b+ ROIs of AAMs compared with PAMs. In tumour-associated immune cell areas, the numbers of CD8 T cells (P = 0.04) and M1 macrophages (P = 0.01) were significantly decreased, whereas those of monocytes (P = 0.04) and endothelial cells (P = 0.04) were increased in AAMs compared with PAMs.

Conclusions

These findings could widen our understanding of the biological differences between AAMs and PAMs, which might result in a different clinical course.
First Detection of Food-Derived Agricultural Chemicals Residues in Waste Wool Fibers by Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction-QuEChERS Cleanup-UPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Li Yingao , Liu Jun , Li Shuai , Deng Huidan , Zhao Hui , Meng Lili , Jia Lixia
Published: May 2024

Food-derived agricultural chemical residues (FACRs) accumulate gradually in organisms and can damage their nervous system, endocrine system and reproductive system, posing significant harm. Currently, there is little literature on the detection of FACRs in waste wool fibers. In this paper, an ultrasound-assisted extraction-QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, Safe) cleanup-UPLC-Ms/Ms method was applied for the qualitative analysis and quantitative determination of trace FACRs in waste wool fibers with 0.2% formic acid–methanol as extraction solvent and multi-selective ion scanning. Using the external standard method, it was shown that the 13 target FACRs showed good linearity in the mass concentration range of 0.1–50 μg/kg. The limits of detection were 1.0– 10.0 μg/kg and the limits of quantification were 4.0–40.0 μg/kg. The recoveries of the 13 target FACRs ranged from 78 to 112.6% at the 5-, 10- and 20-fold detection limit spiked levels, and the intra- or inter-day relative standard deviations were 2.05–6.98% or 1.98–6.99%, respectively. This method satisfied the detection requirements and can be used in applications.
Evolution and prognosis of tricuspid and mitral regurgitation following cardiac implantable electronic devices: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yuyun Matthew F , Joseph Jacob , Erqou Sebhat A , Kinlay Scott , Echouffo-Tcheugui Justin B , Peralta Adelqui O , Hoffmeister Peter S , Boden William E , Yarmohammadi Hirad , Martin David T , Singh Jagmeet P
Published: May 2024

Aims

Significant changes in tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and mitral regurgitation (MR) post-cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are increasingly recognized. However, uncertainty remains as to whether the risk of CIED-associated TR and MR differs with right ventricular pacing (RVP) via CIED with trans-tricuspid RV leads, compared with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), conduction system pacing (CSP), and leadless pacing (LP). The study aims to synthesize extant data on risk and prognosis of significant post-CIED TR and MR across pacing strategies.

Methods and results

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases published until 31 October 2023. Significant post-CIED TR and MR were defined as ≥ moderate. Fifty-seven TR studies (n = 13 723 patients) and 90 MR studies (n = 14 387 patients) were included. For all CIED, the risk of post-CIED TR increased [pooled odds ratio (OR) = 2.46 and 95% CI = 1.88–3.22], while the risk of post-CIED MR reduced (OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.58–0.94) after 12 and 6 months of median follow-up, respectively. Right ventricular pacing via CIED with trans-tricuspid RV leads was associated with increased risk of post-CIED TR (OR = 4.54, 95% CI = 3.14–6.57) and post-CIED MR (OR = 2.24, 95% CI = 1.18–4.26). Binarily, CSP did not alter TR risk (OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.13–1.02), but significantly reduced MR (OR = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.03–0.62). Cardiac resynchronization therapy did not significantly change TR risk (OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 0.55–2.17), but significantly reduced MR with prevalence pre-CRT of 43%, decreasing post-CRT to 22% (OR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.40–0.61). There was no significant association of LP with post-CIED TR (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.83–1.59) or MR (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 0.72–2.39). Cardiac implantable electronic device–associated TR was independently predictive of all-cause mortality [pooled hazard ratio (HR) = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.40–1.90] after median of 53 months. Mitral regurgitation persisting post-CRT independently predicted all-cause mortality (HR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.57–2.55) after 38 months.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that, when possible, adoption of pacing strategies that avoid isolated trans-tricuspid RV leads may be beneficial in preventing incident or deteriorating atrioventricular valvular regurgitation and might reduce mortality.
Clinical indicators to monitor health care in low back pain: a scoping review
Authors: Dos Santos Vanessa L , Sato Karen S , Maher Chris G , Vidal Rubens V.C , Grande Guilherme H.D , Costa Leonardo O. P , Machado Gustavo C , Ferreira Giovanni E , Buchbinder Rachelle , Oliveira Crystian B
Published: May 2024

Clinical care indicators for low back pain can be used to monitor healthcare practices and consequently be used to evaluate success of strategies to improve care quality. The aim of this study was to identify the clinical care indicators that have been used to measure appropriateness of health care for patients with low back pain. We conducted a systematic search of five electronic databases and Google to identify clinical care indicators that have been used to measure any aspect of care for people with low back pain. Care indicators were narratively described according to their type (i.e. structure, process, or outcomes) and categorized by their purpose (e.g. to measure aspects related to assessment, imaging requests, treatment/prevention, and outcomes). A total of 3562 and 2180 records were retrieved from electronic databases and Google searches, respectively. We identified 280 indicators related to low back pain care from 40 documents and publications. Most quality indicators were process indicators (n = 213, 76%), followed by structure (n = 41, 15%) and outcome indicators (n = 26, 9%). The most common indicators were related to imaging requests (n = 41, 15%), referral to healthcare providers (n = 30, 11%), and shared decision-making (n = 21, 7%). Our review identified a range of clinical care indicators that have been used to measure the quality of health care for people with low back pain. Our findings will support a Delphi study to reach international consensus on what would be the most important and feasible indicators for a minimum dataset to be collected globally.
Transforming and facilitating health care delivery through social networking platforms: evidences and implications from WeChat
Authors: Ye Jiancheng
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Telehealth or remote care has been widely leveraged to provide health care support and has achieved tremendous developments and positive results, including in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Social networking platform, as an easy-to-use tool, has provided users with simplified means to collect data outside of the traditional clinical environment. WeChat, one of the most popular social networking platforms in many countries, has been leveraged to conduct telehealth and hosted a vast amount of patient-generated health data (PGHD), including text, voices, images, and videos. Its characteristics of convenience, promptness, and cross-platform support enrich and simplify health care delivery and communication, addressing some weaknesses of traditional clinical care during the pandemic. This study aims to systematically summarize how WeChat platform has been leveraged to facilitate health care delivery and how it improves the access to health care.

Materials and Methods

Utilizing Levesque’s health care accessibility model, the study explores WeChat’s impact across 5 domains: Approachability, Acceptability, Availability and accommodation, Affordability, and Appropriateness.

Results

The findings highlight WeChat’s diverse functionalities, ranging from telehealth consultations and remote patient monitoring to seamless PGHD exchange. WeChat’s integration with health tracking apps, support for telehealth consultations, and survey capabilities contribute significantly to disease management during the pandemic.

Discussion and Conclusion

The practices and implications from WeChat may provide experiences to utilize social networking platforms to facilitate health care delivery. The utilization of WeChat PGHD opens avenues for shared decision-making, prompting the need for further research to establish reporting guidelines and policies addressing privacy and ethical concerns associated with social networking platforms in health research.
Effects of supplemental citrulline on thermal and intestinal morphology parameters during heat stress and feed restriction in growing pigs
Authors: Kvidera Sara K , Mayorga Edith J , McCarthy Carrie S , Horst Erin A , Abeyta Megan A , Baumgard Lance H
Published: May 2024

Study objectives were to characterize the effects of citrulline (CIT) on physiological and intestinal morphology metrics during heat stress (HS) and feed restriction. Forty crossbred gilts (30 ± 2 kg body weight [BW]) were assigned to one of five treatments: (1) thermoneutral (TN) fed ad libitum (AL) with control (CON) supplement (TNAL; n = 8), (2) TN pair-fed (PF) with CON (PF-CON; n = 8), (3) TN PF with CIT (PF-CIT; n = 8), (4) HS AL with CON (HS-CON; n = 8), and (5) HS AL with CIT (HS-CIT; n = 8). During the period (P) 1 (7 d), pigs were in TN conditions (23.6 °C) and fed AL their respective supplemental treatments. During P2 (2.5 d), HS-CON and HS-CIT pigs were fed AL and exposed to cyclical HS (33.6 to 38.3 °C), while TNAL, PF-CON, and PF-CIT remained in TN and were fed either AL or PF to their HS counterparts. Citrulline (0.13 g/kg BW) was orally administered twice daily during P1 and P2. HS increased rectal temperature (Tr), skin temperature (Ts), and respiration rate (RR) relative to TN pigs (0.8 °C, 4.7 °C, and 47 breaths/min, respectively; P < 0.01). However, HS-CIT had decreased RR (7 breaths/min, P = 0.04) and a tendency for decreased Tr (0.1 °C, P = 0.07) relative to HS-CON pigs. During P2, HS pigs had decreased feed intake (22%; P < 0.01) and a tendency for decreased average daily gain (P = 0.08) relative to TNAL pigs, and by experimental design, PF pigs followed this same pattern. Circulating lipopolysaccharide-binding protein tended to be decreased (29%; P = 0.08) in PF relative to TNAL pigs and was increased (41%; P = 0.03) in HS compared to PF pigs. Jejunum villus height was decreased in PF relative to TNAL pigs (15%; P = 0.03); however, CIT supplementation improved this metric during feed restriction (16%; P = 0.10). Jejunum mucosal surface area decreased in PF (16%; P = 0.02) and tended to decrease in HS (11%; P = 0.10) compared to TNAL pigs. Ileum villus height and mucosal surface area decreased in HS compared to TNAL pigs (10 and 14%, respectively; P ≤ 0.04), but both parameters were rescued by CIT supplementation (P ≤ 0.08). Intestinal myeloperoxidase and goblet cell area remained similar among treatments and intestinal segments (P > 0.24). In summary, CIT supplementation slightly improved RR and Tr during HS. Feed restriction and HS differentially affected jejunum and ileum morphology and while CIT ameliorated some of these effects, the benefit appeared dependent on intestinal section and stressor type.
A unique case of appendiceal diverticulum presenting with positive faecal immunochemical test
Authors: Saqib Imad-ud-din , Noor Nigel , Joshi Heman
Published: May 2024

Appendiceal diverticulum is a rare condition that usually presents with symptoms similar to acute appendicitis. Although imaging can be used to aid the diagnosis of this condition, it is usually confirmed postoperatively on the basis of histology. Because of an increased risk of appendiceal neoplasms, the usual management is prophylactic appendicectomy. We report the case of a 70-year-old lady with no symptoms referred from her GP surgery for a positive faecal immunochemical test as part of the bowel screening programme. Colonoscopy showed a mass at the appendiceal orifice with normal histology. She underwent an appendicectomy with a small cuff of caecal resection. The lesion was ~8 cm at its maximum dimension and showed appendiceal diverticulum. Appendiceal diverticulum is an important differential diagnosis to consider in patients with atypical history of acute appendicitis or positive faecal immunochemical test with no other symptoms.
Giant coronary artery aneurysm occluded completely by a thrombus
Authors: Ishida Shinichi , Maeno Genki , Kato Aoi , Wada Yuson , Okawa Hideyuki , Sakurai Takahisa , Nonaka Toshimichi
Published: May 2024

A coronary artery aneurysm is an uncommon vascular disorder, and it can be a life-threatening disease when associated with rupture or an embolism. A 52-year-old man was found to have a 50-mm coronary artery aneurysm at the right coronary artery, and the aneurysm was completely occluded by a thrombus. He had no symptoms after arriving at our hospital, and his hemodynamics was stable. Therefore, initially, we administered anticoagulation therapy involving heparin. After therapy, the distal coronary artery was detected when the thrombus dissolved, and elective surgery was planned. Coronary artery bypass grafting, ligation of the inflow and outflow vessels, and resection of the aneurysm were performed. Early anticoagulation therapy and surgical aneurysm resection were effective for treating the completely occluded coronary artery aneurysm. We herein report this rare case of a giant coronary artery aneurysm occluded completely by a thrombus and treated successfully by anticoagulation therapy and surgical aneurysm resection.
Chylous ascites after associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for stage hepatectomy (ALPPS): overview and case report
Authors: Gallegos Luz Estefanía González , Velázquez Carlos Alberto Córdova , Azuela Oscar Chapa , Preciado Irving Hugo Aguilar , Vásquez Carmen Judith Roca , García Jorge Alberto Roldan
Published: May 2024

Chylous ascites is an uncommon pathology with low incidence following hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery, there are no cases reported in the international literature following the associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for stage hepatectomy (ALPPS) procedure. It is caused by abnormal intraperitoneal accumulation of lymph fluid in the abdominal cavity secondary to obstruction or injury to the chyle cistern or its tributaries. We describe the case of a 49-year-old woman diagnosed with colon cancer and liver metastasis. ALPPS was performed, on a first and second stage, presenting a high drainage output as well as change in the characteristics of the drainage fluid. The diagnosis of chylous ascites was confirmed by finding triglyceride levels in the drainage fluid at 300 mg/dL. Medical treatment was started based on a hyper-protein diet and fat restriction, supplemented with medium-chain triglycerides and somatostatin analog, with fistula resolution. It can be managed with medical treatment.
Appendicitis after colonoscopy—a case report, literature review, and synopsis of the pitfalls in diagnosis
Authors: Milton Austin , Cox Bradley , Charles Michael , Khorgami Zhamak
Published: May 2024

A case is described in which appendicitis presented in a 73-year-old woman the day after a colonoscopy. Possible mechanisms for appendicitis aggravated by colonoscopy include barotrauma, irritation by residual glutaraldehyde type solution used for cleaning the endoscope, fecalith, and/or appendicolith being pushed into the orifice of the appendix by insufflation during the colonoscopy. This rare complication is likely most often unavoidable due to the pressure required to properly visualize the colon (which typically ranges from 9 to 57 mmHg) and the manipulation required to visualize and cannulate the ileocecal valve. Physicians should consider possibility of acute appendicitis after colonoscopy when evaluating abdominal pain after a recent colonoscopy.
An efficient sulfadiazine selection scheme for stable transformation in the model liverwort Marchantia polymorpha
Authors: Robinson Kayla , Chia Khong-Sam , Guyon Alex , Schornack Sebastian , Carella Philip
Published: May 2024

Plant macroevolutionary studies leverage the phylogenetic position of non-flowering model systems like the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha to investigate the origin and evolution of key plant processes. To date, most molecular genetic studies in Marchantia rely on hygromycin and/or chlorsulfuron herbicide resistance markers for the selection of stable transformants. Here, we used a sulfonamide-resistant dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) gene to enable sulfadiazine-based transformation selection in M. polymorpha. We demonstrate the reliability of sulfadiazine selection on its own and in combination with existing hygromycin and chlorsulfuron selection schemes through transgene stacking experiments. The utility of this system is further demonstrated through confocal microscopy of a triple transgenic line carrying fluorescent proteins labelling the plasma membrane, cortical microtubules, and the nucleus. Collectively, our findings and resources broaden the capacity to genetically manipulate the increasingly popular model liverwort M. polymorpha.
Dementing Illnesses
Authors: Selwa Linda M. , Gelb Douglas J.
Published: May 2024

This chapter offers a general clinical approach to the diagnosis of dementia, followed by detailed discussion of the clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, and approach to diagnosis and management of major degenerative dementias: Alzheimer disease (AD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), vascular cognitive impairment (VCI), and limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE), with a focus on the associated misfolded proteins (beta-amyloid, alpha-synuclein, tau, and transactivation response DNA binding protein of 43 kDa, or TDP-43). The chapter also discusses mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and primary progressive aphasia.
From cores to stars: searching for a universal rule for star formation
Authors: Houghton Rebecca J , Goodwin Simon P
Published: May 2024

Star formation is generally considered to be ‘universal’, meaning that it is statistically the same everywhere (and at all times). We investigate whether it is possible to find a simple rule for the conversion of molecular cores into bound stellar systems, along with the resulting secular decay and dynamical destruction of these systems, which can match the field initial mass functions (IMFs) and multiplicity statistics. We find that extreme cases, in which the core fragmentation is self-similar or has a strong dependence on initial core mass, cannot reproduce the observations of the field. However, a model in which core fragmentation is fairly weakly dependent on core mass has some success, if we include the effects of secular decay on the multiplicity statistics. This model both fits the IMF well and has an overabundance of low-mass binary systems over the field that matches local star-forming regions. However, it is unclear whether this overabundance could be dynamically processed to match the field.
Forecasting the BAO measurements of the CSST galaxy and AGN spectroscopic surveys
Authors: Miao Haitao , Gong Yan , Chen Xuelei , Huang Zhiqi , Li Xiao-Dong , Zhan Hu
Published: May 2024

The spectroscopic survey of the China’s Space Survey Telescope (CSST) is expected to obtain a huge number of slitless spectra, including more than one hundred million galaxy spectra and millions of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) spectra. By making use of these spectra, we can measure the Baryon Acoustic Oscillation (BAO) signals over large redshift ranges with excellent precisions. In this work, we predict the CSST measurements of the post-reconstruction galaxy power spectra at $0\lt z\lt 1.2$ and pre-reconstruction AGN power spectra at $0\lt z\lt 4$, and derive the BAO signals at different redshift bins by constraining the BAO scaling parameters using the Markov Chain Monte Carlo method. Our result shows that the CSST spectroscopic survey can provide accurate BAO measurements with precisions higher than 1 and 3 per cent for the galaxy and AGN surveys, respectively. By comparing with current measurements in the same range at low redshifts, this can improve the precisions by a factor of $2\sim 3$, and similar precisions can be obtained in the pessimistic case. We also investigate the constraints on the cosmological parameters using the measured BAO data by the CSST, and obtain stringent constraint results for the energy density of dark matter, Hubble constant, and equation of state of dark energy.
A Successfully Treated Case of Invasive Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia Involving the Subtotal Cornea in a Monocular Patient: Management in a Resource-Constrained Setting
Authors: Henok Samuel Hailemichael , Bernard Alec , Tabin Geoffrey , Shibeshi Menen Ayalew
Published: May 2024

We present a case of a 65-year-old monocular patient who was clinically diagnosed with ocular surface squamous neoplasia covering all but 2 clock hours of the limbus and almost the entire cornea. He underwent complete tumor excision followed by amniotic membrane transplantation. Postexcision, the patient had a clear cornea and stable ocular surface without inflammation or recurrence for 18 months of follow-up. The visual acuity improved to 6/18 from count fingers at face. The histopathology result uncovered squamous cell carcinoma of conjunctiva and cornea. The absence of recurrence can be attributed to complete excision and intraoperative mitomycin C.
Exercise Preconditioning Preserves Cardiac Function and Enhances Cardiac Recovery Following Dobutamine Stimulation in Doxorubicin-Treated Rat Hearts
Authors: Simon Lea Haverbeck , Garritson Jacob , Pullen Nicholas , Hayward Reid
Published: May 2024

Exercise preconditioning has been shown to protect against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiac dysfunction when hearts are maintained under resting conditions. However, it is unclear whether this exercise-induced protective effect is maintained when the heart is challenged with the β1-adrenergic receptor agonist dobutamine (DOB), which mimics acute exercise stress. Fischer 344 rats were randomly assigned to sedentary (SED) or voluntary wheel running (WR) groups for 10 weeks. At week 11, rats were treated with either 15 mg/kg DOX or saline. Five days later, ex vivo cardiac function was assessed using an isolated working heart model at baseline, during the infusion of 7.5 μg·kg−1·min−1 DOB, and during recovery. DOB infusion significantly increased left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), maximal (dP/dtmax) and minimal (dP/dtmin) rate of left ventricular pressure development, and heart rate in all groups (P < 0.05). SED + DOX also showed a lower baseline and recovery LVDP than WR + DOX (83 ± 12 vs. 109 ± 6 mm Hg baseline, 76 ± 11 vs. 100 ± 10 mm Hg recovery, P < 0.05). WR + DOX showed higher dP/dtmax and lower dP/dtmin when compared with SED + DOX during DOB infusion (7311 ± 1481 vs. 5167 ± 1436 mm Hg/s and −4059 ± 1114 vs.−3158 ± 1176 mm Hg/s, respectively). SED + DOX dP/dtmax was significantly lower during baseline and during recovery when compared with all other groups (P < 0.05). These data suggest that exercise preconditioning preserved cardiac function after DOX exposure even when the heart is challenged with DOB, and it appeared to preserve the heart's ability to recover from this functional challenge.
Abortion Education for Medical Students in an Era of Increased Abortion Restrictions
Authors: French Valerie A. , Hou Melody Y.
Published: May 2024

Following the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health in June 2022, many states restricted or banned abortion. Medical educators have focused on how this change impacts abortion training for residents, but schools must also adapt undergraduate medical education. Medical schools provide the foundation for future physicians’ knowledge and attitudes on abortion. Comprehensive, high-quality abortion education for all medical students is essential for the future of abortion care. Here, we present how education champions can lead curricular improvements in abortion education in the preclinical, clerkship, and postclerkship phases of undergraduate medical education.
Evaluation of Novel General Education Courses on Radiation Protection for Undergraduates
Authors: Liang Ting , Zhang Chao , Gao Feng , Hou Guihua
Published: May 2024

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a general education course titled “The Basis of Radiation Protection” in building and strengthening undergraduate awareness of radiation safety and cultivating innovative individuals with reasonable knowledge structures and strong practical abilities. Methods: All students from 2021 to 2022 enrolled in the core general education course “The Basis of Radiation Protection” at Shandong University of China were invited to participate. A questionnaire survey was conducted to determine changes in the students’ basic cognition of radiation safety and scientific protection before and after the course. Results: The survey indicated that the cognitive level of radiation science protection had significantly improved through course completion. The Liszt quantification score range increased from 3.45 to 4.77 to 4.81 to 4.98 (p < 0.001). Further analysis revealed that different professional backgrounds significantly affected students’ understanding of radiation safety protection; medical students were superior to electrical engineering students in their knowledge of ionizing radiation before the course (p < 0.001). However, after course completion, the understanding of students from both majors regarding radiation safety had relatively improved, and no significant difference was detected (p > 0.05). Feedback on the course showed that the awareness of “daily radiation protection” had significantly improved (96.8%), pseudoscience and pseudo-information could be correctively identified (93.6%), “nuclear power”-related fears had been dispelled (95.7%), and the concept of “cherishing life” had been effectively established (91.5%). Conclusion: The course effectively improved the awareness of radiation safety, strengthened the knowledge system, and provided a new way to cultivate innovative talent with reasonable knowledge structures.
Ocular toxicities associated with antibody drug conjugates
Authors: Marshall Rayna F. , Xu Hannah , Berkenstock Meghan
Published: May 2024

Purpose of review

To review the structure, mechanism of action, and pathophysiology of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) used to treat gynecological malignancies associated with ocular adverse effects.

Recent findings

Recent research shows tisotumab vedotin causes ocular toxicity localized to the conjunctiva, with common adverse effects being conjunctivitis, dry eye, blepharitis, and keratitis. Toxicity is likely due to targeting tissue factor (TF) in the conjunctiva, leading to direct delivery of the cytotoxic payload resulting in apoptosis and bystander killing. Mirvetuximab soravtansine causes blurred vision, keratitis, or dry eye with toxicity often localized in the cornea. Off-target inflammation appears to cause ocular adverse effects, with nonreceptor mediated macropinocytosis by corneal stem cells.

Collaboration between oncologists and ophthalmologists with adherence to mitigation protocols can decrease the risk of ocular adverse events.
Clinimetric Properties of the Chinese Short Form of the Sarcopenia Quality of Life Questionnaire in Patients With Cancer
Authors: LIU Hong , WANG Hongai , DONG Mengyuan , WANG Juan , WANG Zhe , Su Na , SHAO Di , CUI Naixue , CAO Fenglin
Published: May 2024

Background

Sarcopenia, prevalent in patients with cancer, negatively affects quality of life. However, generic tools are unable to capture the minor effects of sarcopenia on quality of life. The short-form version of the Sarcopenia Quality of Life (SF-SarQoL) questionnaire was developed as an efficient tool to assess the impact of sarcopenia on quality of life in older adults. However, its clinimetric properties in patients with cancer remain unknown.

Purpose

This study was designed to examine the clinimetric properties of the Chinese SF-SarQoL in patients with colorectal cancer, particularly with regard to its ability to detect changes in quality of life.

Methods

A longitudinal survey was conducted using the SF-SarQoL and other questionnaires on 408 patients with colorectal cancer planning to undergo surgery. Follow-up was subsequently conducted on 341 of these patients 1 month after surgery. The clinimetric properties of the SF-SarQoL were examined, including reliability (internal consistency), validity (construct validity, concurrent validity), sensitivity (ability to detect changes, discriminative ability), and floor and ceiling effects.

Results

The internal consistency of the SF-SarQoL was found to be acceptable (Cronbach's alpha = .94 and McDonald's omega = .94). Strong scalability of the total score and each item was confirmed using Mokken analysis. Concurrent validity analyses indicate the SF-SarQoL is significantly correlated with muscle-related and health-related questionnaire scores. The SF-SarQoL showed adequate sensitivity due to its good ability to detect changes in quality of life with a moderate effect size (Cohen's d = 0.56) and discriminate between sarcopenic and nonsarcopenic patients (area under the curve = 0.73, 95% CI [0.66, 0.79]) using receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. No floor or ceiling effects were observed.

Conclusions

The Chinese SF-SarQoL exhibits good clinimetric properties in preoperative patients with colorectal cancer and is sufficiently sensitive to capture changes in quality of life after surgery.
Effectiveness of Acupressure for Fatigue Alleviation in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: CHANG Kai-Mei , ROMADLON Debby Syahru , CHEN Pin-Yuan , HASAN Faizul , GUO Shu-Liu , CHIU Hsiao-Yean
Published: May 2024

Background

Fatigue, a major health concern among patients receiving hemodialysis, is associated with poor quality of life, negative emotions, and cognitive dysfunction. Acupressure is a low-cost and noninvasive traditional Chinese therapy that has been widely used in community and clinic settings. However, the beneficial effects of acupressure on various aspects of fatigue among these patients have not been systematically investigated.

Purpose

This study was designed to determine the effects of acupressure on fatigue in patients receiving hemodialysis. The moderating influences of bio-sociodemographic characteristics and methodology on the association between acupressure and posthemodialysis fatigue were also examined.

Methods

Four electronic databases were searched for qualified articles published between database inception and November 2, 2022. Only randomized controlled trials designed to investigate the effects of acupressure on fatigue in patients receiving hemodialysis were qualified for consideration. A random-effects model was used for data analysis.

Results

Eight randomized controlled trials with 11 effect sizes and 725 participants were included in this study. In these studies, acupressure was found to have a significantly higher alleviation effect on general fatigue (g = −0.78; 95% confidence interval [−1.09, −0.48]) and the behavioral, emotional, sensory, and cognitive domains of fatigue (g = −0.51, −0.51, −0.72, and −0.41, respectively) among patients receiving hemodialysis than those in the control groups. Furthermore, the stimulation of the Shenmen acupoint was found to increase the effects (p < .01) of acupressure on fatigue reduction significantly. Notably, the use of special equipment to perform the acupressure was not found to significantly improve outcomes (p = .99).

Conclusions/Implications for Practice

Acupressure is effective in alleviating fatigue in patients receiving hemodialysis, particularly when the Shenmen acupoint is used together with other acupoints, and is effective without the application of special equipment. Acupressure may be adopted as a complementary therapy for fatigue alleviation in patients receiving hemodialysis. Based on the findings, healthcare providers should coach patients receiving hemodialysis with fatigue on how to use acupressure therapy appropriately to alleviate this health concern.
Effects of Length of Employment and Head Nurse Leadership Style on the Clinical Competency of Staff Nurses in Taiwan
Authors: LIN Yu-Wen , NI Chung-Fan , HSU Shu-Fen , TSAY Shiow-Luan , TUNG Heng-Hsin
Published: May 2024

Background

High-quality patient care requires nurses with strong clinical competency. Thus, it is essential to examine the factors associated with clinical competency.

Purpose

This study was designed to (a) investigate head nurse leadership, staff nurse demographics, and clinical competency; (b) examine the impact of demographics on the clinical competency of staff nurses; (c) analyze the correlation between head nurse leadership and staff nurse clinical competency; and (d) examine the effects of demographics on clinical competency after controlling for the head nurse leadership.

Methods

A cluster sampling method was used to collect data from 200 staff nurses at a national medical center in Taiwan. Questionnaires were used to gather information on head nurse leadership style and staff nurse clinical competency. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted, including Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, and multivariate analysis of covariance.

Results

The average score for transformational leadership style among the head nurses was 2.89, whereas transactional leadership style scored an average of 2.49. The average scores for the components of clinical competency, listed from highest to lowest, were as follows: patient care (3.35), professionalism (3.28), communication skills (3.18), management (2.84), and knowledge (2.73). In addition, statistically significant differences were found in clinical competency based on demographic factors, including age, marital status, educational level, job title, and length of employment. Also, a statistically significant, positive correlation between the head nurse transformational leadership style and nurse clinical competency was found. The main effect of length of employment on the five competency components was statistically significant after controlling for transformational leadership. Furthermore, post hoc analysis of covariance revealed a significant effect of length of employment on patient care, knowledge, communication skills, and management.

Conclusions

The findings of this study indicate transformational leadership and employment length impact the clinical competency of staff nurses, particularly in terms of patient care, communication skills, management, and knowledge. Providing education and training in leadership and management to current and prospective head nurses may be expected to enhance clinical competency in staff nurses and create a more nurturing work environment. Moreover, targeted training may help current head nurses gain insight into their leadership styles and acquire skills to promote transformational leadership. In addition, leadership development may help equip prospective head nurses with critical competencies before assuming leadership responsibilities.
INDUCED PLURIPOTENT STEM CELL-DERIVED MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS-DERIVED EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES ATTENUATE LPS-INDUCED LUNG INJURY AND ENDOTOXEMIA IN MICE
Authors: Meng Qinghe , Winston Tackla , Ma Julia , Song Yuanhui , Wang Chunyan , Yang Junhui , Ma Zhen , Cooney Robert N.
Published: May 2024

Introduction: We hypothesized extracellular vesicles (EVs) from preconditioned human-induced pluripotent stem cell–derived mesenchymal stem cells (iMSCs) attenuate LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI) and endotoxemia. Methods: iMSCs were incubated with cell stimulation cocktail (CSC) and EVs were isolated. iMSC-EVs were characterized by size and EV markers. Biodistribution of intratracheal (IT), intravenous, and intraperitoneal injection of iMSC-EVs in mice was examined using IVIS. Uptake of iMSC-EVs in lung tissue, alveolar macrophages, and RAW264.7 cells was also assessed. C57BL/6 mice were treated with IT/IP iMSC-EVs or vehicle ± IT/IP LPS to induce ALI/acute respiratory distress syndrome and endotoxemia. Lung tissues, plasma, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were harvested at 24 h. Lung histology, BALF neutrophil/macrophage, cytokine levels, and total protein concentration were measured to assess ALI and inflammation. Survival studies were performed using IP LPS in mice for 3 days. Results: iMSC-EV route of administration resulted in differential tissue distribution. iMSC-EVs were taken up by alveolar macrophages in mouse lung and cultured RAW264.7 cells. IT LPS-treated mice demonstrated marked histologic ALI, increased BALF neutrophils/macrophages and protein, and increased BALF and plasma TNF-α/IL-6 levels. These parameters were attenuated by 2 h before or 2 h after treatment with IT iMSC-EVs in ALI mice. Interestingly, the IT LPS-induced increase in IL-10 was augmented by iMSC-EVs. Mice treated with IP LPS showed increases in TNF-α and IL-6 that were downregulated by iMSC-EVs and LPS-induced mortality was ameliorated by iMSC-EVs. Administration of IT iMSC-EVs 2 h after LPS downregulated the increase in proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α/IL-6) by LPS and further increased IL-10 levels. Conclusions: iMSC-EVs attenuate the inflammatory effects of LPS on cytokine levels in ALI and IP LPS in mice. LPS-induced mortality was improved with administration of iMSC-EVs.
GENETIC PREDICTION OF CAUSAL RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN OSTEOPOROSIS AND SEPSIS: EVIDENCE FROM MENDELIAN RANDOMIZATION WITH TWO-SAMPLE DESIGNS
Authors: Liao Jing , Jiang Liangyan , Qin Yiliu , Hu Juntao , Tang Zhanhong
Published: May 2024

Background: Recent observational studies have suggested that osteoporosis may be a risk factor for sepsis. To mitigate confounding factors and establish the causal relationship between sepsis and osteoporosis, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis using publicly available summary statistics. Methods: Utilizing summary data from FinnGen Biobank, we employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to predict the causal relationship between osteoporosis and sepsis. The MR analysis primarily utilized the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method, supplemented by MR-Egger, weighted median, weighted mode, and simple mode analyses, with Bayesian weighted MR (BWMR) analysis employed for result validation. Sensitivity analyses included MR-PRESSO, “leave-one-out” analysis, MR-Egger regression, and Cochran Q test. Results: In the European population, an increase of one standard deviation in osteoporosis was associated with an 11% increased risk of sepsis, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.11 (95% CI, 1.06–1.16; P = 3.75E−06). BWMR yielded an OR of 1.11 (95% CI, 1.06–1.67; P = 1.21E−05), suggesting osteoporosis as a risk factor for sepsis. Conversely, an increase of one standard deviation in sepsis was associated with a 26% increased risk of osteoporosis, with an OR of 1.26 (95% CI, 1.11–1.16; P = 0.45E−03). BWMR yielded an OR of 1.26 (95% CI, 1.09–1.45; P = 1.45E−03), supporting sepsis as a risk factor for osteoporosis. Conclusion: There is an association between osteoporosis and sepsis, with osteoporosis serving as a risk factor for the development of sepsis, while sepsis may also promote the progression of osteoporosis.