bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning Health Systems, Informed Consent, and Respect for Persons
Authors: Kaebnick Gregory E.
Published: August 2023

Several pieces in the Hastings Center Report's May‐June 2022 issue concern research ethics issues that arise in learning health care systems. In the lead article, Stephanie Morain and colleagues propose a new ethical framework for pragmatic clinical trials (PCTs), which are trials embedded in clinical care. Their framework consists of eight dimensions of demonstrating respect for patients enrolled in PCTs. In the second article, Robert Steel argues that patients being treated in a learning health care system can be required to participate in a clinical trial even if the risk to them is more than minimal. If they wish to refuse, they must either forgo treatment in the system or seek it elsewhere. Three commentaries explore various dimensions of Steel's argument. A third article in the issue turns in a different direction, to assumptions in bioethics about the quality of lives lived with disability. The authors, Debjani Mukherjee, Preya Tarsney, and Kristi Kirschner, find much that needs to change and offer recommendations for improvements at multiple levels.
Necessity, Rights, and Rationing in Compulsory Research
Authors: Schaefer G. Owen , Muralidharan Anantharaman
Published: August 2023

In “Compulsory Research in Learning Health Care: Against a Minimal Risk Limit,” Robert Steel offers an argument in favor of compelling individuals to participate in some research that poses more than minimal risk. In his view, the ethics of compulsory research turns on questions of fair distribution of benefits and burdens, within a paradigm analogous to health care resource rationing. We do not dispute that it may theoretically be permissible to compel participation in certain circumstances, including those that rise above minimal risk. Nevertheless, Steel's argument for this conclusion faces several challenges that ultimately render it unconvincing in its present form. First, compulsion should be subject to a “necessity” criterion, which substantially limits its applicable scope. Second, compulsion is a prima facie rights violation that requires stronger ethical justification than Steel offers. And third, substantial structural and motivational differences between rationing and compulsion render the analogy inapt.
The rise of the human capital industry and its implications for research
Authors: Cappelli Peter , Schwartz Shoshana
Published: August 2023

We document the size and scope of the industry of for‐profit vendors that now handles a considerable proportion of human resource tasks for individual US employers, a collection we describe as the human capital industry. Outsourcing these tasks changes how the human resources function is executed in ways we describe below. This change should matter to researchers if they are interested in choosing topics that have relevance, and it should also matter to teachers of human resources who want to present an accurate description of practice to students. Aside from the now remarkable size of the HR industry, arguably its most important attribute is its marketing efforts, which now drive the agenda for the field of HR. A concern about that agenda is that it often creates the perception of challenges for management when in practice no evidence of those challenges exists.
Numerical investigation of turbulent flow and heat transfer characteristics in the improved Kenics static mixer
Authors: Patil Priyanka R. , Dastane Gaurav G. , Pandit Aniruddha B.
Published: August 2023

This study focuses on using computational fluid dynamics to explore how well a modified static mixing component called the Kenics static mixer (KSM) increases heat transfer. The purpose of the study is to assess this new static mixer's pressure drop and heat transfer properties. Convective heat transport of water within the improved Kenics static mixer (IKSM) was examined using three‐dimensional turbulent, steady, and incompressible flow simulations. The Nusselt number and friction factor simulation results in the KSM are in good agreement with previous literature findings. Between the simulated outcomes of the IKSM, empty pipe, and standard KSM, a comparison analysis was done. The study considered a range of Reynolds number (Re) values from 2000 to 20,000 and investigated the effects of the Re, slit width configuration (), as well as an aspect ratio () on heat transfer and mixing. Based on the performance evaluation criteria and field synergy number characteristics, the hydrothermal efficiency of the IKSM was evaluated, allowing the geometry to be modified for better heat transmission while lowering the friction factor. Notably, in the 2000–20,000 Reynolds number range, the IKSM with four slits showed a 38%–52% greater heat transfer coefficient than the traditional KSM.
Five‐year on‐treatment variables‐based PPACS model predicts subsequent hepatocellular carcinoma in entecavir/tenofovir‐treated patients
Authors: Ha Yeonjung , Lim Jihye , Chon Young Eun , Kim Mi Na , Lee Joo Ho , Kim Kang Mo , Shim Ju Hyun , Lee Danbi , Hwang Seong Gyu , Han Seungbong , Lee Han Chu
Published: August 2023

Considering the lower risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients receiving long‐term potent antiviral therapy, models predicting HCC after 5 years of therapy are needed. We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study to construct and validate a model predicting HCC after 5 years of entecavir (ETV) or tenofovir (TFV) therapy for CHB. The endpoint was HCC after 5 years of ETV/TFV therapy. Information on age, sex, liver cirrhosis (assessed by diagnosis code and confirmed by clinical findings) and type of antiviral agent was obtained at baseline (initiation of ETV/TFV). Laboratory values were collected at baseline and 5 years. Risk factors for HCC were identified in the training set and the final prediction model was validated using the test set. Among 7542 patients, 345 (4.6%) developed HCC after 5 years of ETV/TFV therapy. HCC risk after 5 years of ETV/TFV therapy was increased by 4‐fold in patients with liver cirrhosis than in those without cirrhosis at baseline. Furthermore, Platelet counts and Prothrombin time at 5 years, Age at baseline and Sex were associated with risk of HCC and were incorporated into a prediction model, PPACS. PPACS showed a good performance with a time‐dependent area under the curve of 0.80 (95% confidence interval, 0.75‐0.85) at 8‐year of ETV/TFV therapy, a Brier score of 0.031 and an integrated Brier score of 0.006 in the test set. In conclusion, the PPACS model provides a reliable assessment of HCC risk after 5 years of ETV/TFV therapy (https://ppacs.shinyapps.io/shiny_app_up/).
Application of the evolutionary theory of behavior dynamics to severe challenging behavior
Authors: Hagopian Louis P. , Falligant John Michael
Published: August 2023

The evolutionary theory of behavior dynamics (ETBD) is a genetic algorithm that applies the Darwinian principles of evolutionary biology to model how behavior changes dynamically via selection by contingencies of reinforcement. The ETBD is a complexity theory where low‐level rules of selection, reproduction, and mutation operate iteratively to animate “artificial organisms” that generate emergent outcomes. Numerous studies have demonstrated the ETBD can accurately model behavior of live animals in the laboratory, and it has been applied recently to model automatically maintained self‐injury. The purpose of the current series of studies was to further extend the application of the ETBD to model additional functional classes of challenging behavior and clinical procedures. Outcomes obtained with artificial organisms generally corresponded well with outcomes observed with clinical cases sourced from consecutive controlled case series studies. Conceptual and methodological considerations on the application of the ETBD to model challenging behavior are discussed.
Assessment of various standard fish diets on gut microbiome of platyfish Xiphophorus maculatus
Authors: Soria Erika , Russo Crystal , Carlos‐Shanley Camila , Drewery Merritt , Boswell Will , Savage Markita , Sanchez Lindsey , Chang Carolyn , Varga Zoltan M. , Kent Michael L. , Sharpton Thomas J. , Lu Yuan
Published: August 2023

Diet is an external factor that affects the physiological baseline of research animals. It can shape gut microbiome, which can impact the host. As a result, dietary variation can challenge experimental reproducibility and data integration across studies when not appropriately considered. To control for diet‐induced variation, reference diets have been developed for common biomedical models. However, such reference diets have not yet been developed for nontraditional model organisms, such as Xiphophorus species. In this study, we compared two diets designed for zebrafish, a commercial zebrafish diet (Gemma and GEM), and a proposed zebrafish reference diet developed by the Watts laboratory at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (WAT) to the Xiphophorus Genetic Stock Center custom diet (CON) to evaluate the influence of diet on the Xiphophorus gut microbiome. Xiphophorus maculatus were fed the three diets from 2 to 6 months of age. Feces were collected and the gut microbiome was assessed using 16S rRNA sequencing every month. We observed substantial diet‐driven variation in the gut microbiome. Our results indicate that diets developed specifically for zebrafish can affect the gut microbiome composition and may not be optimal for Xiphophorus.
Nanoparticles doped with methyl jasmonate: foliar application to Monastrell vines under two watering regimes. An alternative to improve grape volatile composition?
Authors: Pérez‐Álvarez Eva P. , Rubio‐Bretón Pilar , Intrigliolo Diego S. , Parra‐Torrejón Belén , Ramírez‐Rodríguez Gloria B. , Delgado‐López José M. , Garde‐Cerdán Teresa
Published: August 2023

Background

Elicitors induce defense mechanisms, triggering the synthesis of secondary metabolites. Irrigation has implications for a more sustainable viticulture and for grape composition. The aim was to investigate the influence on grape aroma composition during 2019 and 2020 of the foliar application of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) nanoparticles and ACP doped with methyl jasmonate (ACP‐MeJ), as an elicitor, with rainfed or regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) grapevines.

Results

In both growing seasons, nearly all terpenoids, C13 norisoprenoids, benzenoid compounds and alcohols increased with ACP‐MeJ under the RDI regimen. In 2019, under the rainfed regime, ACP treatment increased limonene, p‐cymene, α‐terpineol, 1,1,6‐trimethyl‐1,2‐dihydronaphthalene (TDN), 2‐ethyl‐1‐hexanol, (E,E)‐2,4‐heptadienal, and MeJ concentration in comparison with control grapes. In 2020, the rainfed regime treated with ACP‐MeJ only increased the nonanoic acid content. Grape volatile compounds were most influenced by season and watering status whereas the foliar application mainly affected the terpenoids.

Conclusion

A RDI regime combined with the elicitor ACP‐MeJ application could improve the synthesis of certain important volatile compounds, such as p‐cymene, linalool, α‐terpineol, geranyl acetone, β‐ionone, 2‐phenylethanol, benzyl alcohol, and nonanoic acid in Monastrell grapes. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Simulation‐based workshop for emergency preparedness in otolaryngology
Authors: La Monte Olivia A. , Lee Jason Han , Soliman Shady I. , Saddawi‐Konefka Robert , Harris Jeffrey P. , Coffey Charles S. , Orosco Ryan K. , Watson Deborah , Holliday Michael A. , Faraji Farhoud , Hom David B.
Published: August 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of a hands‐on simulation‐based course with emphasis on procedural techniques, clinical reasoning, and communication skills developed to improve junior Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) residents' preparedness in managing otolaryngologic emergencies.

Methods

Junior OHNS residents and faculty from residency programs in California, Nevada, and Arizona participated in this workshop in 2020 and 2021. The stations featured airway management techniques, ultrasound‐guided needle aspiration, nasoseptal hematoma evacuation, and facial fracture repair using various models and cadavers. Participants completed a pre‐workshop survey, post‐workshop survey, and 2‐month follow‐up survey that assessed resident anxiety and confidence in three OHNS emergency situations across knowledge, manual skills, and teamwork using a 5‐point Likert scale.

Results

Pre‐workshop surveys reported the least anxiety and most confidence in teamwork, but the most anxiety and least confidence in technical skills and knowledge related to foreign body retrieval and airway management. Immediately post‐workshop participants reported significant reductions in anxiety and increases in confidence, largest in the manual skills domain, in foreign body retrieval (anxiety: −0.99, confidence: +0.95, p < .01) and airway management stations (anxiety: −0.68, confidence: +1.07, p < .01). Data collected for the epistaxis station showed decreasing confidence and increasing anxiety following the workshop.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate the effectiveness of a workshop in preparing junior residents in potentially lifesaving otolaryngologic techniques that residents will encounter. Optimizing use of simulation centered training can inform the future of residency education, improving confidence and decreasing anxiety in residents responsible for the safety of patients.

Level of Evidence

III.
Effectiveness of Sucralfate comparing to normal saline as an oral rinse in pain reduction and wound healing promotion in oral surgery
Authors: Suparakchinda Chomsorn , Rawangban Worawat
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To study the effectiveness of Sucralfate suspension oral rinse compared to normal saline alone for pain reduction and wound healing promotion in open oral surgical wounds. The primary outcome of this study was postoperative pain VAS score reduction. The secondary outcome was wound healing promotion based on wound grade and maximal wound length reduction.

Materials and methods

A total of 30 patients with secondary healing intraoral surgical wounds were enrolled in this study. Sucralfate suspension (1 g/5 mL) was prescribed to a randomized experimental group as an oral rinse every 6 h for 14 days in addition to standard postoperative care. Postoperative pain VAS score, wound grade, and wound length were collected and compared with baseline from initial to final visit during 2 weeks.

Results

The mean change of VAS score was significantly lower from baseline in the Sucralfate group on day 3 (−0.77 in control and −2.15 in Sucralfate, p < .05) and day 7 (−2.15 in control and −3.62 in Sucralfate, p < .05). Wound grade distribution over time was the same in both Sucralfate and control groups. The mean change in wound length was not significantly different between the two groups. No adverse reaction to Sucralfate was reported during the study participation.

Conclusions

Sucralfate suspension oral rinse can be recommended as an effective topical analgesic solution in postoperative secondary healing of intraoral wounds with no significant interference. The benefits of wound healing promotion have yet to be proven.

Level of evidence

1b.
Exploring the formability of GLARE laminates enhanced with hybrid nanofillers through formability index, anisotropy, and surface crack length analysis
Authors: Logesh K. , Hariharasakthisudhan P. , Bright Renjin J. , Arul Marcel Moshi A. , Kannan Sathish
Published: August 2023

The present study highlights the formability of hybrid nanofiller modified Glass Reinforced Laminate (GLARE) laminate, by considering the formability index, anisotropic characteristics, and surface crack length, which represent the considerations of forming capability, inherent material property, and damage tolerance, respectively. The GLARE laminates were manufactured by using hybrid fillers, multi‐walled carbon nanotube/nanoclay (MWCNT/NC), and multi‐walled carbon nanotube/Mg‐Al layered double hydroxide (MWCNT/Mg‐Al LDH). The formability analysis was carried out through the results of tensile test and Erichsen cupping test. The anisotropy of the laminate was accounted by considering the parameters, normal anisotropy, and planar anisotropy. The microscopic analysis was performed after the formability test to measure the surface crack length to interpret the forming response of the laminate with hybrid fillers. Desirability function approach (DFA) was applied to prioritize the laminates against the formability index, the anisotropy characteristics, and surface crack length. The results showed that the GLARE laminates with single filler are more suitable for forming operations than the laminates with hybrid fillers. The nanofillers with mixed morphology induced brittleness in the binder. Among the laminates with hybrid fillers, the combination of MWCNT/Mg‐Al LDH exhibited improved compliance with the forming operation. Nanofillers modified adhesives used in the fabrication of GLARE laminates proved to enhance the mechanical properties of laminates. The results of the present study showed an insight into the formability of the laminate. The understanding about the formability of GLARE laminate enables the designer to design automotive and aircraft lightweight structures.
Effect of airflow on the discharge uniformity at different cycles in the repetitive unipolar nanosecond‐pulsed dielectric barrier discharge
Authors: Wang Yu‐Ying , Yan Hui‐Jie , Bai Xiao‐Dong , Li Ting , Schulze Julian , Wang Xiao , Song Jian , Zhang Quan‐Zhi
Published: August 2023

This study explores the discharge uniformity at different cycles under different airflow velocities in nanosecond‐pulsed dielectric barrier discharge. Based on a proper choice of the airflow velocity and discharge parameters, diffuse discharges can be maintained at an air gap of 5–7 mm. At higher airflow velocities, the discharge may transition to a complex mode, in which the diffuse and filamentary regions are maintained simultaneously. When the discharge is operated at a higher frequency, higher voltage, or smaller gas gap, the area of diffuse discharge can be expanded to a certain extent. The discharge characteristics indicate that airflow lowers the gas temperature and modulates the preionization degree, which induces the generation of a diffuse discharge for a properly adjusted airflow velocity.
Satellite signature of the instantaneous wind response to mesoscale oceanic thermal structures
Authors: Meroni Agostino N. , Desbiolles Fabien , Pasquero Claudia
Published: August 2023

The thermal air–sea interaction mechanism that modulates the atmospheric mixing due to sea‐surface temperature (SST) variability is studied with long‐term consistent satellite records. Statistical analyses of daily and instantaneous wind and SST data are performed over the major western boundary currents (WBCs). This wind–SST coupling, which is mediated by atmospheric mixing, is found to be very relevant on daily, and even shorter, time scales. Co‐located and simultaneous SST and surface wind fields (from Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer and Advanced Scatterometer data) reveal that the atmosphere responds instantaneously to the presence of SST structures with a larger coupling coefficient with respect to daily and monthly time‐averaged fields. The coupling strength varies seasonally over WBCs in the Northern Hemisphere, with wintertime coupling being the lowest. Reanalysis data show that this behaviour is related to the seasonality of the air–sea temperature difference over the region of interest. Over the Northern Hemisphere WBCs, dry and cold continental air masses drive very unstable conditions, associated with very weak thermal air–sea coupling.
Entanglement Parallelization via Quantum Fourier Transform
Authors: Mastriani Mario
Published: August 2023

In this study, a technique based on the quantum Fourier transform (QFT) that allows the generation of disjoint sets of entangled particles is presented, in such a way that particles of the same set are entangled with each other, while particles of different sets are completely independent. Several applications of this technique are implemented on three physical platforms, of 5 (Belem), 7 (Oslo), and 14 (Melbourne) qubits, of the international business machine (IBM Q) quantum experience program, where all these applications are specially selected due to their particular commitment to the future Quantum Internet.
An evaluation model of sustainable efficiency for container terminals
Authors: Hsu Wen‐Kai K. , Huang Show‐Hui S. , Huynh Nguyen Tan , Huang Kuan‐Han
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the sustainable efficiency of container terminals (CTs). By the definition of United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), business sustainable development includes three domains: Economics, Environment, and Society. Accordingly, based on the definition and the practical features of CT operations, this paper assesses sustainable efficiency for CTs from three perspectives: container throughput, CO2 emissions, and occupational safety. In this paper, a modality movement and a fuzzy grey relational analysis (GRA) approach are first proposed to estimate CO2 emissions and occupational safety index for CT operators, respectively. A hybrid slacks‐based measure (SBM)‐DEA model is then developed to assess the sustainable efficiency of CT operators. Finally, the CT operators in the Port of Kaohsiung are empirically investigated to validate the research model. Based on the results, theoretical and practical implications for the management of CT operators and port authorities are discussed.
Tensions in the Middle East
Authors: Al-Shahristani Hussain
Published: August 2023

I would like to thank the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei and the National Academy of Sciences for inviting us to this Conference in beautiful Rome and for their generous hospitability.
The Roadmap to Fusion: Science and International Cooperation for Sustainable Energy
Authors: Martin Piero
Published: August 2023

The transition to non-fossil energy sources is gaining a rapidly increasing attention in the international agenda. The global disruptions caused by the pandemic and more recently by the Ukrainian crisis add to the growing concern about the consequences of climate changes. All situations that have highlighted how crucial energy is for sustainable development and for international relations, and the extreme vulnerability of a world still largely depending on fossil sources. In this framework research on nuclear fusion energy is attracting a growing interest. It is an extremely attractive potential source of electricity for a future CO2-free energy basket. It uses widely available fuel, does not produce high-level radioactive waste and its plants are inherently safe. For its practical applicability, high-level research is still required. As the science progresses and the realization of fusion comes closer, it also necessitates a debate about non-technical issues, including diverse social and ethical implications. This requires a multi-disciplinary approach, which includes conversation outside the traditional technical borders of fusion research. Questions like the following need to be addressed: what are the ethical implications of sourcing electricity from fusion? What kinds of evaluations (financial, environmental, ethical) are at play here? How would the costs and benefits associated with fusion technology be distributed? What factors may affect availability of fusion energy? How to deal with public acceptance of an energy source that, despite being very different from fission, has a nuclear nature? And, ultimately, considered in a broader environmental, social, and geopolitical context—would this form of energy deliver a better energy future for all?
25 Years of CTBTO
Authors: Floyd Robert
Published: August 2023

I would like to thank the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei for inviting me to speak at this XXII Edoardo Amaldi Conference on Nuclear Risks and Arms Control, Problems and Progress in the Time of Pandemics and War. The theme of this year’s conference is timely.
Lessons Learnt from the Fukushima Nuclear Accident
Authors: Suzuki Tatsujiro
Published: August 2023

Even after 11 years, the Fukushima accident is not completely over yet. Technological challenges for decommissioning of Fukushima are unprecedented. Economic, social, and humanitarian impacts are huge and will remain for a long time. The Fukushima nuclear accident completely changed the energy picture in Japan. Nuclear energy is no longer most reliable, least expensive, “main” power source in Japan. Japan’s long-term energy policy is self-inconsistent, stating “Japan will reduce its dependence on nuclear power as much as possible,” but maintains it as an important option for carbon neutral policy. But mainly due to poor economics, role of nuclear power in carbon neutral policy could be limited. Given the Ukrainian crisis, international community must strengthen international law and norms to protect all nuclear facilities, in particular, sensitive facilities, against military attack. Finally, lessons learned from the Fukushima accidents are: (1) Think unthinkable (2) Engineering risk assessment is not enough (3) Need for independent scientific advice/policy review organization (4) Public trust is essential.
International Cooperation to Tackle Future Pandemics
Authors: Parisini Emilio
Published: August 2023

As of March 2022, the official figures of the COVID-19 crisis have hit the stunning level of nearly 500 million cases and over 6 million deaths worldwide. However, aside from the death toll that has been directly caused by the SARS-CoV-2 infection, the pandemic has also created huge collateral damage to many essential services in most health systems across the world, thus indirectly causing further casualties. To the credit of the scientific community, extensive international cooperation has allowed to develop effective COVID-19 vaccines in record-breaking times. However, this is not enough and we must now ensure that we will continue to work toward the development of technologies and logistics infrastructures that will allow us to react much more swiftly, effectively and equitably when the next pandemic hits.
The Various of Demographic Transitions
Authors: Doignon Yoann , Blöss-Widmer Isabelle , Ambrosetti Elena , Oliveau Sébastien
Published: August 2023

Since the eighteenth century, and at different periods, the world’s populations have been undergoing, or have
undergone, a process of demographic transition. The Mediterranean countries present a great diversity of
demographic transitions in terms of timing, pace, intensity, etc. The aim of this chapter is to take stock of
demographic transitions in the Mediterranean by identifying the different types of demographic transition that have
occurred since 1950. This typology makes it possible to place the national demographic transitions within a general
model, while also highlighting the contrasting situations that exist in the Mediterranean.
Retrocochleäre Diagnostik im Rahmen der Hörsturzuntersuchung und erfolgreiche Therapie
Authors: Hey Matthias , Dambon Jan , Synowitz Michael , Ambrosch Petra
Published: August 2023

Eine 41-jährige Patientin stellte sich wegen einer vor drei Monaten akut aufgetretenen und seitdem persistierenden einseitigen Hörminderung vor. Bei dem Verdacht auf einen Hörsturz auf dem rechten Ohr wurde vorab eine systemische Therapie mit oralen Glukokortikoiden in absteigender Dosierung durchgeführt, die zu keiner Verbesserung führte. Im Rahmen der audiologischen Diagnostik wurde der Verdacht einer retrocochleären Hörstörung gestellt. Durch bildgebende Diagnostik wurde ein Meningeom diagnostiziert. Die nachfolgende operative Entfernung erzielte eine deutliche Hörverbesserung.
Wider translations and rotations in posterior‐stabilised mobile‐bearing total knee arthroplasty compared to fixed‐bearing both implanted with mechanical alignment: a dynamic RSA study
Authors: Zinno Raffaele , Alesi Domenico , Di Paolo Stefano , Pizza Nicola , Zaffagnini Stefano , Marcheggiani Muccioli Giulio Maria , Bragonzoni Laura
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vivo kinematics of the same femoral design mechanically aligned posterior‐stabilised (PS) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with either fixed‐bearing (FB) or mobile‐bearing (MB) inlay, implanted by the same surgeon, using model‐based dynamic radiostereometric analysis (RSA). The hypothesis of the present study was that the MB design would show wider axial rotation than the FB design, without affecting the clinical outcomes.

Materials and methods

A cohort of 21 non‐randomised patients (21 DePuy Attune PS‐FB) was evaluated by dynamic RSA analysis at a minimum 9‐month follow‐up, while performing differently demanding daily living activities such as sit to stand (STS) and deep knee lunge (DKL). Kinematic data were compared with those of a cohort of 22 patients implanted with the same prosthetic design but with MB inlay. Anterior–posterior (AP) translations, varus–valgus (VV) and internal–external (IE) rotations of the femoral component with respect to the tibial baseplate were investigated. Translation of medial and lateral compartment was analysed using the low point method according to Freeman et al. Questionnaires to calculate objective and subjective clinical scores were administered preoperatively and during follow‐up visit by the same investigator.

Results

The FB TKA design showed lower AP translation during STS (6.8 ± 3.3 mm in FB vs 9.9 ± 3.7 mm in MB, p = 0.006*), lower VV rotation (1.9 ± 0.8° in FB vs 5.3 ± 3.3° in MB, p = 0.005) and lower IE rotation (2.8 ± 1.1° in FB vs 9.5 ± 4.3° in MB, p = 0.001) during DKL than the mobile‐bearing TKA design. Posterior‐stabilised FB group showed significant lower translation of the low point of the medial compartment than the MB group (p = 0.008). The percentage of patients performing medial pivot in the FB group was higher compared to MB group in the examined motor tasks. No significant differences in post‐operative range of motion (117° ± 16° for FB group and 124° ± 13° for MB group) and in clinical outcomes emerged between the two cohort.

Conclusions

The FB and MB designs differed in AP translations, VV rotations and IE rotations of the femoral component with respect to the tibial component in STS and DKL. Furthermore, FB cohort reported a significant higher percentage of medial pivot with respect to MB cohort. Despite this, no differences in clinical outcomes were detected between groups. Both designs showed stable kinematics and represent a viable option in primary TKA.

Level of evidence

Prospective cohort study, II.
Postpartum psychosis: a public involvement perspective across three continents
Authors: Yang Jessica Mei Kay , Vaiphei Kimneihat , Siliya Mercy , Mkandawire Thandiwe , Dolman Clare , Heron Jessica , Wilson Sally , Yaresheemi Shivanand , Kitney Danielle , Bailey Leah , Apsey Chloe , Liwimbi Olive , Stewart Robert , Thippeswamy Harish , Jones Ian , Chorwe-Sungani Genesis , Chandra Prabha , Di Florio Arianna
Published: August 2023

Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency that is currently not represented in diagnostic systems, to the detriment of people with lived experience. Engaging with stakeholders offers an important avenue to improve clinical practice and make research more impactful, by providing perspectives based on first-hand, expert experience. There is a paucity of reports on stakeholders’ engagement in psychiatry. Activities have thus far been limited to Western countries and there are few reports on postpartum psychosis. We report the results of public involvement activities (in the form of discussion groups) with key stakeholders in India, Malawi and the UK. These discussions centred around the clinical picture of postpartum psychosis and the terminologies used to describe these episodes. Seven major areas were highlighted: how postpartum psychosis is handled within services, common symptoms and characteristics, impact of episode, barriers to care, non-medical approaches, terminology and research areas of interest. According to the discussions, postpartum psychosis presents similarly across countries, although there are differences in access to services, approaches to mental health and terminologies used within and across countries. With this understanding comes the foundation for cross-cultural assessment, service improvement and a stakeholder-informed research agenda.
Three-dimensional assessment of facial asymmetry in class III subjects, part 2: evaluating asymmetry index and asymmetry scores
Authors: Ajmera Deepal Haresh , Zhang Congyi , Ng Janson Hoi Hei , Hsung Richard Tai‑Chiu , Lam Walter Yu Hang , Wang Wenping , Leung Yiu Yan , Khambay Balvinder S. , Gu Min
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the outcomes of corrective surgical treatment for craniofacial asymmetry using four different methods with the aim of developing the best technique for craniofacial asymmetry assessment.

Materials and methods

CBCT images of twenty-one class III subjects with surgically corrected craniofacial asymmetry and twenty-one matched controls were analyzed. Twenty-seven hard tissue landmarks were used to quantify asymmetry ﻿using the following methodologies: the asymmetry index (AI), asymmetry scores based on the clinically derived midline (CM), Procrustes analysis (PA), and modified Procrustes analysis (MPA).

Results

Modified Procrustes analysis successfully identified pre-operative asymmetry and revealed severe asymmetry at the mandibular regions compared to controls, which was comparable to the asymmetry index and clinically derived midline methods, while Procrustes analysis masked the asymmetric characteristics. Likewise, when comparing the post-surgical outcomes, modified Procrustes analysis not only efficiently determined the changes evidencing decrease in facial asymmetry but also revealed significant residual asymmetry in the mandible, which was congruent with the asymmetry index and clinically derived midline methods but contradictory to the results shown by Procrustes analysis.

Conclusions

In terms of quantifying cranio-facial asymmetry, modified Procrustes analysis has evidenced to produce promising results that were comparable to the asymmetry index and the clinically derived midline, making it a more viable option for craniofacial asymmetry assessment.

Clinical relevance

Modified Procrustes analysis is proficient in evaluating cranio-facial asymmetry with more valid clinical representation and has potential applications in assessing asymmetry in a wide spectrum of patients, including syndromic patients.
“Candidatus Intestinibacterium parameciiphilum”—member of the “Candidatus Paracaedibacteraceae” family (Alphaproteobacteria, Holosporales) inhabiting the ciliated protist Paramecium
Authors: Lanzoni Olivia , Szokoli Franziska , Schrallhammer Martina , Sabaneyeva Elena , Krenek Sascha , Doak Thomas G. , Verni Franco , Berendonk Thomas U. , Castelli Michele , Petroni Giulio
Published: August 2023

Protists frequently host diverse bacterial symbionts, in particular those affiliated with the order Holosporales (Alphaproteobacteria). All characterised members of this bacterial lineage have been retrieved in obligate association with a wide range of eukaryotes, especially multiple protist lineages (e.g. amoebozoans, ciliates, cercozoans, euglenids, and nucleariids), as well as some metazoans (especially arthropods and related ecdysozoans). While the genus Paramecium and other ciliates have been deeply investigated for the presence of symbionts, known members of the family “Candidatus Paracaedibacteraceae” (Holosporales) are currently underrepresented in such hosts. Herein, we report the description of “Candidatus Intestinibacterium parameciiphilum” within the family “Candidatus Paracaedibacteraceae”, inhabiting the cytoplasm of Paramecium biaurelia. This novel bacterium is almost twice as big as its relative “Candidatus Intestinibacterium nucleariae” from the opisthokont Nuclearia and does not present a surrounding halo. Based on phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences, we identified six further potential species-level lineages within the genus. Based on the provenance of the respective samples, we investigated the environmental distribution of the representatives of “Candidatus Intestinibacterium” species. Obtained results are consistent with an obligate endosymbiotic lifestyle, with protists, in particular freshwater ones, as hosts. Thus, available data suggest that association with freshwater protists could be the ancestral condition for the members of the “Candidatus Intestinibacterium” genus.
A case of intercommunity lethal aggression by chimpanzees in an open and dry landscape, Issa Valley, western Tanzania
Authors: Drummond-Clarke Rhianna C. , Fryns Caroline , Stewart Fiona A. , Piel Alex K.
Published: August 2023

Intercommunity (lethal) aggression is a familiar component of the behavioural repertoire of many forest-dwelling chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) communities. However, until now, the absence of intercommunity attacks – including killings – in communities that live in open, mosaic environments has supported hypotheses of reduced resource competition in drier habitats, and informed referential models of early hominin social dynamics in a similar habitat. In June 2020, we observed the first instance of intercommunity lethal aggression, a male-committed infanticide, by the Issa chimpanzee community, which live in a savannah-mosaic habitat in the Issa Valley, western Tanzania. The carcass was recovered by researchers after it was abandoned by the attackers. Here, we give a detailed account of the events leading up to and including the infanticide, and contextualise our observations with what has been described for other chimpanzee communities. Notably, in contrast to the majority of reported intercommunity infanticides, the infant male victim was castrated (and not cannibalised), making this the youngest reported castration. This observation of intercommunity aggression disproves its hypothesised absence in savannah-dwelling chimpanzees, which by extension, has implications for early hominin evolution. We suggest that the near absence of observations of intercommunity aggression in savannah chimpanzee communities is most likely due to the lack of long-term study communities, and in some cases geographic isolation. We hypothesise that food-rich areas within a habitat with otherwise widely distributed food sources may select for intense intercommunity aggression despite the low population density characteristic of savannah communities. Anecdotes such as this add to the comparative database available on intercommunity killings in chimpanzee society, improving our ability to draw inferences about their evolutionary significance.
Die Ursprünge der COVID-19 Pandemie, der internationale Wildtierhandel und die Rolle der Washingtoner Artenschutzkonvention
Authors: Sellheim Nikolas P.
Published: August 2023

Seit dem ersten Auftauchen des neuartigen SARS-CoV-2 Virus im November 2019 haben sich Spekulationen
zu seinem Ursprung und seiner rasanten Verbreitung im internationalen Diskurs verfestigt. Während
die wissenschaftliche Grundlage zum Ursprung des Virus nicht eindeutig ist, ist schnell der internationale
Wildtierhandel in Verruf geraten. In diesem Artikel wird auf eben jene wissenschaftlichen Grundlagen eingegangen,
die unterschiedliche Theorien zum Ursprung des Virus untermauern bzw. widerlegen. Außerdem geht der
Artikel auf die Rolle der Washingtoner Artenschutzkonvention (CITES) in der Eindämmung der Pandemie
und der Verhinderung zukünftiger Pandemien ein.
The value of computed tomography for head trauma in patients presenting with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest before emergency percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Bosch Lena , Rittersma Saskia Z. H. , van der Worp Bart H. , Kraaijeveld Adriaan O. , Vlachojannis George , van der Harst Pim , Voskuil Michiel
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) caused by an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is often accompanied by a sudden loss of consciousness that may cause the patient to collapse with resulting head trauma, leading to a suspicion of possible intracranial haemorrhage. To rule out intracranial haemorrhage before emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), emergency computed tomography (CT) of the head might be useful but also causes a delay in percutaneous STEMI treatment.

Methods

The medical records of all adult patients that presented with OHCA to the emergency department (ED) of the University Medical Centre Utrecht (UMCU), the Netherlands between 16 February 2020 and 16 February 2022 were reviewed.

Results

A total of 263 patients presented to the ED with an OHCA; 50 presented with a STEMI requiring emergency PCI. Thirty-nine (78%) patients with a STEMI were immediately referred to the catheterisation laboratory and 11 (22%) STEMI patients underwent a CT scan prior to emergency angiography; in no case was PCI deferred on the basis of the CT findings. The dominant indication for CT of the head was collapse, reported by 10 patients and resulting in a visible traumatic head injury in 7 patients. In none of the patients was intracranial haemorrhage detected. However, there was a delay between presentation to the ED and arrival at the catheterisation laboratory in patients who underwent CT of the head (mean 63 ± 25 min) before emergency PCI compared to patients without a CT scan (mean 37 ± 21 min).

Conclusion

CT of the head did not result in a diagnosis of intracranial haemorrhage or deferral of PCI but did delay PCI treatment for STEMI in patients presenting with OHCA.
Astrometric calibration and source characterisation of the latest generation neuromorphic event-based cameras for space imaging
Authors: Ralph Nicholas Owen , Marcireau Alexandre , Afshar Saeed , Tothill Nicholas , van Schaik André , Cohen Gregory
Published: August 2023

As an emerging approach to space situational awareness and space imaging, the practical use of an event-based camera (EBC) in space imaging for precise source analysis is still in its infancy. The nature of event-based space imaging and data collection needs to be further explored to develop more effective event-based space imaging systems and advance the capabilities of event-based tracking systems with improved target measurement models. Moreover, for event measurements to be meaningful, a framework must be investigated for EBC calibration to project events from pixel array coordinates in the image plane to coordinates in a target resident space object’s reference frame. In this paper, the traditional techniques of conventional astronomy are reconsidered to properly utilise the EBC for space imaging and space situational awareness. This paper presents the techniques and systems used for calibrating an EBC for reliable and accurate measurement acquisition. These techniques are vital in building event-based space imaging systems capable of real-world space situational awareness tasks. By calibrating sources detected using the EBC, the spatiotemporal characteristics of detected sources or “event sources” can be related to the photometric characteristics of the underlying astrophysical objects. Finally, these characteristics are analysed to establish a foundation for principled processing and observing techniques which appropriately exploit the capabilities of the EBC.
Why Writing Still Matters
Authors: Merchant Guy
Published: August 2023

Writing surrounds us, it informs us, it guides us, and it controls us. The power and complexity of this exceptional human invention is a story of change. However, in today's digital world, technology has drastically altered how and where we write, what we write about, and what writing looks like. This fascinating book presents a compelling argument for the vital importance of writing, and considers where its future may lie. Richly illustrated with examples of writing practices old and new, it explores the significant changes in writing that have occurred in our lifetime, and highlights how technology has challenged some of our most deeply held views about human communication. Through a careful examination of how writing works, it explores how it can be considered as a technology, inviting us to think again about this visual language that we so often take for granted. Writing matters – now, more than ever before.
Performing Power in Nigeria
Authors: Adelakun Abimbola A.
Published: August 2023

For decades, Pentecostalism has been one of the most powerful socio-cultural and socio-political movements in Africa. Performing Power in Nigeria explores how Nigerian Pentecostals mark their self-distinction as a people of power within a social milieu that affirmed and contested their desires for being. Their faith, and the various performances that inform it, imbue the social matrix with saliences that also facilitate their identity of power. Using extensive archival material, interviews and fieldwork, Abimbola A. Adelakun questions the histories, desires, knowledge, tools, and innate divergences of this form of identity, and its interactions with the other ideological elements that make up the society. Analysing the important developments in contemporary Nigerian Pentecostalism, she demonstrates how the social environment is being transformed by the Pentecostal performance of their identity as the people of power. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
Transformative Novel Technologies and Global Environmental Governance
Authors: Rabitz Florian
Published: August 2023

Transformative Novel Technologies are potential gamechangers for confronting climate change, biodiversity loss, and many other elements of the global environmental crisis, allowing us to achieve a more sustainable future. The contemporary and future international governance of these technologies has crucial implications for managing the global transition towards sustainability. This book is the first to present a comprehensive assessment of the impact of these technologies on international politics. The author examines the responses of international institutions to the emergence of these technologies, focusing on three broad domains: biotechnology, climate engineering, and mineral extraction in areas beyond national jurisdiction (the ocean floor or near-Earth asteroids). This book is aimed at a non-specialist, academic audience with interest in the international and environmental politics of sustainability and technology. This title is part of the Flip it Open Programme and may also be available Open Access. Check our website - Cambridge Core - for details.
Liability for Environmental Harm to the Global Commons
Authors: Craik Neil , Davenport Tara , Mackenzie Ruth
Published: August 2023

This book examines liability for environmental harm in Antarctic, deep seabed, and high seas commons areas, highlighting a unique set of legal questions: Who has standing to claim environmental harms in global commons ecosystems? How should questions of causation and liability be addressed where harm arises from a variety of activities by state and non-state actors? What kinds of harm should be compensable in global commons ecosystems, which are remote and characterized by high levels of scientific uncertainty? How can practical concerns such as ensuring adequate funds for compensation be resolved? This book provides the first in-depth examination and evaluation of current rules and possible avenues for future legal developments in this area of increasing importance for states, international organizations, commercial actors, and legal and governance scholars. This title is part of the Flip it Open Programme and may also be available Open Access. Check our website Cambridge Core for details.