bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathways from developmental vulnerabilities in early childhood to schizotypy in middle childhood
Authors: O'Hare Kirstie , Watkeys Oliver , Badcock Johanna C. , Laurens Kristin R. , Tzoumakis Stacy , Dean Kimberlie , Harris Felicity , Carr Vaughan J. , Green Melissa J.
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Childhood disturbances in social, emotional, language, motor and cognitive functioning, and schizotypy have each been implicated as precursors of schizophrenia‐spectrum disorders. We investigated whether relationships between early childhood developmental vulnerabilities and childhood schizotypy are mediated by educational underachievement in middle childhood.

Methods

Participants were members of a large Australian (n = 19,216) population cohort followed longitudinally. Path analyses were used to model relationships between developmental vulnerabilities at age ~5 years, educational underachievement from ages ~8 to 10 years and three distinct profiles of schizotypy at age ~11 years (true, introverted and affective schizotypy).

Results

Early childhood developmental vulnerabilities on five broad domains (related to physical, emotional, social, cognitive and communication development) were associated with schizotypy profiles in middle childhood. Educational underachievement in middle childhood was associated with all schizotypy profiles, but most strongly with the true schizotypy profile (OR = 3.92, 95% CI = 3.12, 4.91). The relationships between schizotypy profiles and early childhood developmental vulnerabilities in ‘language and cognitive skills (school‐based)’ and ‘communication skills and general knowledge’ domains were fully mediated by educational underachievement in middle childhood, and the relationships with early childhood ‘physical health and well‐being’ and ‘emotional maturity’ domains were partially mediated.

Conclusion

Developmental continuity from early childhood developmental vulnerabilities to schizotypy in middle childhood is mediated by educational underachievement in middle childhood. While some domains of early developmental functioning showed differential relationships with distinct schizotypy profiles, these findings support a developmental pathway to schizotypy in which cognitive vulnerability operates from early childhood through to middle childhood.
Dependent Personality and Interpersonal Dependency: At the Intersection of Developmental, Identity and Interpersonal Aspects
Authors: Zivkovic Ales
Published: December 2022

The author examines dependency as a pathological personality feature—one that originates in failures of developmental need fulfilment—and shows how the subsequent identity impairment may influence adult relationships. The author argues that, developmentally, the caregiver's unresolved pathological dependency causes a disruption in the child's need gratification as the child's focus is turned towards the caregiver's pathological needs. Internal object relations become characterized by a dependent internal object and need‐fulfilling self‐representation, which are supported developmentally by the disavowal of authentic dependency needs. In adult life, the individual's identity and self‐esteem, through projections, become dependent on interpersonal relationships, which are used to control internal cohesion at the expense of authentic attachment and intimacy. Pathological dependency is thus intrapsychic rather than merely interpersonal. The author also explores the concept of excessive independence, that is, through identification with independence as an ego ideal, considered a defensive attempt to disidentify from an underlying pathological dependency.
How photos can affect children's perception of animal welfare: A study involving pupils from Portugal and Spain
Authors: Almeida António , Sumozas Rafael
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to identify perceptions of animal welfare in pupils from Portugal and Spain. Two versions of a questionnaire were designed. Each included one of a pair of photos for the same context, three out of six, intended to generate a positive perception of animal welfare. The results were similar in both countries and by sex, supporting the idea that the framing of photos can manipulate the children's perception of animal welfare. The importance of the development of visual literacy in children, as a way to better interpret the implicit and explicit messages proposed by photos, is recommended.
Underground ibogaine use for the treatment of substance use disorders: A qualitative analysis of subjective experiences
Authors: Rodríguez‐Cano Borja J. , Kohek Maja , Ona Genís , Alcázar‐Córcoles Miguel Ángel , dos Santos Rafael G. , Hallak Jaime E. C. , Bouso José Carlos
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Ibogaine is one of the alkaloids naturally found in plants such as Tabernanthe iboga, which has been traditionally used by members of the Bwiti culture. Since the discovery of its anti‐addictive properties by Howard S. Lotsof in 1962, ibogaine has been used experimentally to treat substance use disorders (SUD), especially those involving opioids. We aim to provide a detailed understanding of the underlying psychological aspects of underground ibogaine use for the treatment of SUD.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were carried out with 13 participants with SUD, which motivated their self‐treatment with ibogaine. The data were analysed using the grounded theory approach and considered the context of the treatment, and the nature of the occurring hallucinogenic and cognitive phenomena during the treatment experience.

Results

We identified several psychological effects that the study respondents experienced, which seem to play a substantial role in the therapeutic process concerning SUD. The evoking of interpersonal and transpersonal experiences, autobiographical memories, and preparation, integration and motivation for a lifestyle change are important components that participants reported during and after ibogaine intake.

Discussion and Conclusion

Ibogaine is increasingly being used for the treatment of SUD, due in part to the limited treatment options currently available. Its beneficial effects seem to be related not only to its complex pharmacology but also to the subjective experience that ibogaine induces. The main aspects of this experience are related to autobiographical memories and valuable personal insights, which together appear to help individuals cope with their SUD.
“Her bun in my oven”: Motivations and experiences of two‐mother families who have used reciprocal IVF
Authors: Shaw Kate , Bower‐Brown Susie , McConnachie Anja , Jadva Vasanti , Ahuja Kamal , Macklon Nick , Golombok Susan
Published: December 2022

Objectives

What motivates same‐gender female couples to choose reciprocal in vitro fertilization (IVF)? Do their experiences of becoming and being a mother via reciprocal IVF match their pre‐parenthood expectations?

Background

Reciprocal IVF is a treatment route available to cis, same‐gender female couples, and other couples in which both partners have a uterus and egg stores. One partner's egg is retrieved, fertilized in vitro with donor sperm, then carried by the other partner. Existing debate has considered the ethical implications of this treatment route. To date, no empirical research has explored the experiences of families who have used reciprocal IVF.

Method

Semistructured interviews were conducted with genetic and gestational mothers in 14 families headed by cis, same gender female couples who had conceived by reciprocal IVF in the United Kingdom (N = 28 mothers). Data were analyzed according to the principles of reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes were constructed: (a) becoming mums together; (b) legitimacy: “who's the real mum”; (c) choices and constraints; and (d) biological connections strengthen family connections.

Conclusion

Families had multiple and nuanced motivations for choosing reciprocal IVF, such as the desire to share the journey of motherhood with their partner, to be perceived as legitimate parents, to overcome practical barriers, and to build strong family relationships. Mothers' pre‐parenthood expectations often mismatched the reality of becoming and being a mother via reciprocal IVF. Most parents found that the significance of reciprocal IVF diminished as their children grew up.

Implications

Findings demonstrate that reciprocal IVF offers a fulfilling route to parenthood. Parents should have access to routes to parenthood that meet their reproductive needs and feel right for them as a couple.
Role of stress on creep behaviors for MarM247LC DS superalloy
Authors: Gao Zhenhuan , Sun Yuhui , Liu Nan , Wang Xitao , He Jinshan
Published: December 2022

Role of stress on creep behaviors of MarM247LC directional‐solidified superalloy was investigated at 900°C under different stresses. With reduced stress from 400 MPa to 230 MPa, the creep life has increased by a factor of 24, from 54 h to 1351 h. Apart from that, the deformation mechanism, creep curves, and fracture behavior of the alloy also presented strong dependence on stress. It found that the main deformation mechanism was the precipitate shearing by a/2<110> dislocations under 400 MPa. In contrast, dislocations bypassing γ′ by a glide‐climb process dominated the steady‐state creep under 230 MPa. Moreover, the degradation of γ/γ′ microstructure and formation of creep pores have accelerated the onset of tertiary creep and resulted in more ductile fracture modes at low stress regime.
Accounting for employee flows
Authors: Christoffersen Jeppe , Plenborg Thomas , Seitz Morten Nicklas Bigler
Published: December 2022

This paper examines employee flows and the association with firm earnings and interest rates. We use administrative employer–employee matched panel data from Denmark spanning 17 years and hence exploit actual data on employee arrivals (labor inflows) and departures (labor outflows). Three main findings emerge. First, we condition by firms’ economic conditions. Departures predict earnings increases for prior‐year loss firms, while they predict earnings decreases for prior‐year profit firms, suggesting that this conditioning can help explain the mixed results in the literature. Arrivals predict earnings increases, though only for prior‐year profit firms. These effects are stronger for high‐paid employees than for low‐paid ones. Second, the effects of departures are generally larger than the effects of arrivals, consistent with departures disrupting operations. Third, we find that lenders price employee flow information but only for departures of high‐paid employees, despite the predictive ability of the flow of other employees for future earnings. Overall our results suggest that employee flows predict firm financial performance but are only partially priced by lenders.
Street and drug use experiences among sheltered children and adolescents in the Federal District of Brazil
Authors: Gomes Nadja Maryelly de Oliveira , Caldas Eloisa Dutra
Published: December 2022

Problem

The use of drugs by street children and adolescents is a problem found in most large cities around the world.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study of street children and adolescents living in shelters in the Federal District, Brazil. An objective questionnaire was applied to 84 individuals from September 2016 to October 2017; 14 of them participated in the qualitative study.

Findings

Most participants were adolescents (84.5%) and males (64.3%), with a history of abandonment, domestic violence, and family drug abuse. All spent some time on the street; boys had a higher chance of being behind the school level and using drugs than girls. Over 60% had used drugs in the previous year, mainly alcohol and marijuana. Over 70% understand the health consequences of this behavior, but most have never tried or failed to stop. About 40% consider themselves dependent on drugs.

Conclusions

The results showed that street‐life experience, peer pressure, and exposure to drugs within the family had an important impact on respondent's drug use behavior, reinforcing the importance of education programs that focus on the family.
Forced Identity Performances, Self‐Identification, the Material, and Ballotee Bevin Boys in WWII UK 1943‐1948: ‘An Experience I Would Not Have Had, or Chosen’
Authors: Thompson Scott
Published: December 2022

This manuscript examines the relationship between forced, or required, identity performances, self‐identification, and the material. It tests core premises of identity formation within the performativity literature against the lived experiences of ‘Ballotee Bevin Boys’ ‐ coal mining conscripts managed under the UK's WWII National Registration and Ministry of Labour and National Service program. Data were drawn from fifty‐eight personal accounts of Ballotee Bevin Boys and analyzed to identify core themes around identity and performance by means of a narrative analysis. Multiple regression analyses then found that the quantity of i) narrative statements of self‐identification as a Bevin Boy, and ii) narrative statements of the material, could be predicted based on the prevalence of narratives of institutionally forced performances, and individual performances of resistance. These results support the claim that performances required of Ballotee Bevin Boys did sediment into their understandings of self, regardless of their individual intention or desire to be a Bevin Boy – even in cases of active resistance against this externally applied category. These findings support a theorization of identity formation and the material which decenters the role of the intention of the performing individual, instead, placing greater emphasis on institutional categories and their enforcement.
Parent–adult child estrangement in the United States by gender, race/ethnicity, and sexuality
Authors: Reczek Rin , Stacey Lawrence , Thomeer Mieke Beth
Published: December 2022

Objective

To provide nationally representative estimates of parent–adult child estrangement.

Background

Population‐level research on parent–adult child estrangement is needed to understand the full range of family dynamics in the U.S.

Methods

We estimate logistic regression models using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 and accompanying Child and Young Adult supplement to determine estimates of estrangement (and subsequent unestrangement) from mothers (N = 8495) and fathers (N = 8119) by children's gender, race/ethnicity, and sexuality. We then estimate hazards of first estrangement from mothers (N = 7919) and fathers (N = 6410), adjusting for adult child's and parents' social and economic characteristics.

Results

Six percent of respondents report a period of estrangement from mothers, with an average age of first maternal estrangement of 26 years old; 26% of respondents report estrangement from fathers, with an average age of first paternal estrangement of 23 years old. Results further show heterogeneity by gender, race/ethnicity, and sexuality; for example, daughters are less likely to be estranged from their mothers than are sons, Black adult children are less likely than White adult children to be estranged from their mothers but more likely to be estranged from fathers, and gay, lesbian, and bisexual adult children are more likely than heterosexuals to be estranged from fathers. The majority of estranged adult children become unestranged from mothers (81%) and fathers (69%) in subsequent waves.

Conclusion

This study provides compelling new evidence on an overlooked aspect of intergenerational relationships, concluding with insight into the structural forces that may unequally contribute to estrangement patterns.
Effect of face masks on salivary parameters and halitosis: Randomized controlled crossover trial
Authors: Kanzow Philipp , Rammert Lea‐Sophie , Rohland Bianca , Barke Sarah , Placzek Marius , Wiegand Annette
Published: December 2022

Background

Face masking is associated with self‐perceived dry mouth and halitosis. Aim of the study was to measure the effect of different face masks on salivary parameters and halitosis.

Methods

The randomized controlled crossover clinical trial with four periods included 40 oral healthy participants using different face masks (cloth mask, surgical mask, filtering facepiece 2 [FFP2] mask) or no mask (control) for 4 h in random order. Unstimulated salivary flow rate (primary outcome) and stimulated salivary flow rate, salivary pH and buffer capacity of stimulated and unstimulated saliva (secondary outcomes, blinded), and volatile sulfur compounds (secondary outcome) were measured before and after the 4‐h periods. Statistical analysis was performed by repeated measures ANOVA (p < 0.05).

Results

Of 40 randomized participants, 39 completed the study. Unstimulated salivary flow rate prior to face masking amounted to 0.6 ± 0.3 ml/min. Face masking had no significant effect on unstimulated salivary flow (p = 0.550). Face masking had also no significant effect on the other salivary parameters (p ≥ 0.518). The concentration of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) prior to face masking amounted to 157.3 ± 59.7 ppb. After face masking, the concentration of VSC increased slightly, but not significantly (p = 0.055): 168.1 ± 76.3 ppb (control), 199.3 ± 132.7 ppb (cloth masks), 188.5 ± 101.1 ppb (surgical masks), and 189.7 ± 90.1 ppb (FFP2 masks).

Conclusion

Four hours of face masking did not change the salivary flow rate, pH, and buffer capacity, and had no significant effect on VSC's levels. Wearing face masks does not seem to result in measurable side‐effects on salivary parameters such as a reduced salivary flow rate or VSC's levels.

Clinical trial registration: The protocol was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04914208) on June 4, 2021.
Community sociodemographics and rural hospital survival
Authors: Rhoades Claudia A. , Whitacre Brian E. , Davis Alison F.
Published: December 2022

Purpose

To determine whether community sociodemographic factors are associated with the survival or closure of rural hospitals at risk of financial distress between 2010 and 2019.

Methods

We use a national sample of 985 rural hospitals at risk of financial distress to analyze the relationship between community sociodemographic characteristics and hospital survival or closure. We control for financial distress using the Financial Distress Index developed by the Sheps Center for Health Services Research. Community characteristics are retrieved from the Census and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. We first use Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests to demonstrate annual sociodemographic differences between rural communities with financially distressed hospitals that closed between 2010 and 2019, and those that remained open. Multilevel Weibull proportional hazards regressions then uncover which sociodemographic factors are significantly associated with survival.

Findings

Our initial results confirm that closures of rural hospitals at risk of financial distress disproportionately affect communities with certain sociodemographic characteristics. However, most of these characteristics are not associated with higher rates of closure in the multivariate survival analysis. The final results suggest that financially distressed hospitals are more likely to experience closure if their communities have higher rates of unemployment (Hazard Ratio = 1.36, P < .05) or uninsured residents under 65 (Hazard Ratio = 1.13, P < .05).

Conclusions

Among financially distressed rural hospitals, specific community‐level sociodemographic characteristics (unemployment and uninsurance rates) are positively associated with the likelihood of closure. Social policies addressing these issues should emphasize their broader relationship with the local health sector.
Sapling root ecological stoichiometric characteristics of dominant species in three forests in Yunnan, China, and their relationship with soil physicochemical factors
Authors: Tu Jing , Li Zhongfei , Xu Yutao , Sun Jing , Zhao Xiaopeng , Huang Zhendong
Published: December 2022

Question

This study aimed to explore the nutrient‐cycling patterns, supply mechanisms and limiting characteristics of elements in saplings of tropical and subtropical forest ecosystems.

Location

Tropical seasonal rainforests, tropical montane rainforests and mid‐montane moist evergreen broad‐leaved forests in Yunnan, China.

Methods

We sampled sapling roots from 21 vascular plant species that are dominant in the upper and lower canopies of three forest types. We assessed stoichiometric contents of carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), and investigated their relationships with soil nutrients.

Results

The C content ranged from 449.67 to 483.00 mg/g in the roots of the dominant species, the N content ranged from 1.98 to 9.67 mg/g and the P content ranged from 0.32 to 0.53 mg/g. The C:N ratio was highest in the tropical seasonal rainforest, whereas the C:P and N:P ratios were highest in the tropical montane rainforest. The root average C:N and C:P ratios were higher than Chinese plant averages, which indicated that the forest ecosystems in southern Yunnan had higher absorption and utilization efficiency of C. The average N:P ratio was >12 and <14, which indicated that plant root growth was restricted by N and P availability. In the saplings of upper canopy species, the C:N ratio was higher, the C:P ratio was similar and N:P ratio was lower compared with those of lower canopy species. The N:P ratio in the upper canopy was <12, whereas that in the lower canopy was >14, which indicated that growth in the upper canopy was mainly N‐limited and growth in the lower canopy was mainly P‐limited. Nutrient absorption and utilization efficiency in the upper canopy was slightly higher than in the lower canopy.

Conclusions

The sapling roots of the dominant species in Yunnan had the characteristics of high C:N, high C:P and low N:P, and the growth and development of plants is mainly restricted by N and P availability. The C, N and P contents and their stoichiometric characteristics in roots were affected mainly by the soil P content. This study provides a scientific basis for further revealing the ecological strategies of plants in response to changes in the external environment.
Exploring the perceptions of former ICU patients and clinical staff on barriers and facilitators to the implementation of virtual reality exposure therapy: A qualitative study
Authors: Twamley Jacqueline , Hamer Oliver , Hill James , Kenyon Roger , Twamley Huw , Casey Rob , Zhang Jennifer , Williams Alexandra , Clegg Andrew
Published: December 2022

Background

Virtual reality (VR) as a digital technology has developed rapidly, becoming more realistic, portable, sensory and easier to navigate. Although studies have found VR to be effective for many clinical applications, patients and clinicians have described several barriers to the successful implementation of this technology. To remove barriers for implementation of VR in health care, a greater understanding is needed of how VR can integrate into clinical environments, particularly complex settings such as an intensive care unit.

Aim

This study aimed to explore the perceived barriers and facilitators for the implementation of VR exposure therapy for intensive care patients and clinical staff.

Study Design

A qualitative study using an Interpretative Description approach was undertaken. Semi‐structured focus groups were conducted with 13 participants: nine patients and four health care professionals. Focus groups explored barriers and facilitators of using virtual reality (VR) exposure therapy in intensive care. Thematic analysis was employed to produce codes and themes.

Results

In total, eight themes describing the perceived barriers and facilitators to implementing VR exposure therapy were identified. Four themes related to the perceived barriers of implementing VR exposure therapy in intensive care were identified: psychological, sensory, environmental and staff competency and confidence. There were a further four themes related to the perceived facilitators to the implementation of VR exposure therapy: staff training, patient capacity, orientation to technology and support during the intervention.

Conclusions

This study identified novel barriers and facilitators that could be expected when implementing VR exposure therapy for patients' post‐intensive care unit stay. The findings suggest that psychological barriers of fear and apprehension were expected to provoke patient avoidance of exposure therapy. Perceived barriers for staff focused on preparedness to deliver the VR exposure therapy and a lack of technological competence. Both patients and staff stated that a comprehensive induction, orientation and training could facilitate VR exposure therapy, improving engagement.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This study has identified that with appropriate staff training, resources, and integration into current patient care pathways, VR exposure therapy may be a valuable intervention to support patient recovery following critical illness. Prior to undertaking VR exposure therapy, patients often need reassurance that side‐effects can be managed, and that they can easily control their virtual exposure experience.
Comparison of Three‐Dimensional Navigation‐Guided Percutaneous Iliosacral Screw and Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Plate for the Treatment of Zone II Unstable Sacral Fractures
Authors: Pei Xuan , Zhou Wei , Wang Guo‐dong , Cai Xian‐hua , Zheng Yi fan , Liu Xi‐ming
Published: December 2022

Objective

The percutaneous IS screws and the minimally invasive percutaneous plate are the most popular internal methods for Zone II unstable sacral fractures. However, the choice of fixation remains controversial for orthopaedic surgeons. The purpose of study was to evaluate and compare the clinical results of percutaneous iliosacral (IS) screw fixation under three‐dimensional (3D) navigation and minimally invasive percutaneous plate fixation in the treatment of Zone II unstable sacral fractures.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed, including 64 patients with Zone II unstable sacral fractures who underwent percutaneous IS screw fixation under 3D navigation (navigation group) and minimally invasive percutaneous plate fixation (plate group) from January 2011 and March 2021 in our department. The age, gender, fracture type, mechanism of injury, injury severity score (ISS), time from admission to operation, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, incision length, follow‐up time, time to clinical healing, and complications were recorded and analyzed. Matta standard was used to assess fracture reduction outcomes. The Majeed function system assessed functional outcomes at the last follow‐up.

Results

The average follow‐up time was (14.42 ± 1.57) months in the navigation group and (14.79 ± 1.37) months in the plate group. No statistical difference between the two groups in age, gender, fracture type, mechanism of injury, ISS, time from admission to operation, and time to clinical healing. However, significant differences were detected in operative time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, and incision length (p < 0.001). According to Matta standard at 2 days postoperatively, the excellent and good rate was 91.42% in the navigation group, and it was 93.10% in the plate group. There was no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.961). According to Majeed function system at the follow‐up, the excellent and good rate was 97.14% in the navigation group, and 93.10% in the plate group. The difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.748). There were no neurovascular injuries associated with this procedure. The incidence of complications was 44.82% (13/29) in the plate group, while 14.28% (5/35) in the navigation group (p = 0.007).

Conclusion

This study found that compared with minimally invasive percutaneous plate fixation, percutaneous IS screw fixation under 3D navigation is a suitable option for the treatment of Zone II unstable sacral fractures. This approach is characterized by its shorter operation time, less surgical trauma, less bleeding, less hospital time, and fewer complications.
Alloimmunization following antigen‐negative red blood cell transfusion
Authors: Jacobs Jeremy W. , Binns Thomas C. , Abels Elizabeth , Iyer Krishna , Figueroa Villalba Cristina A. , Verma Anuj , Sostin Nataliya , Tormey Christopher A.
Published: December 2022

Background

Red blood cell (RBC) alloimmunization can occur secondary to transfusion or pregnancy. It is observed most frequently among patients with hemoglobinopathies and myeloid neoplasms. Although previous antigen exposure is generally required for alloimmunization, some alloantibodies may develop naturally without prior exposure. Other alloantibodies may become evanescent, only to reemerge at a detectable titer following a stimulatory event. In a minute fraction of cases, ‘non‐naturally occurring’ alloantibodies may appear without a known antigenic stimulus.

Methods and Materials

All testing (antibody detection tests and identification, antigen phenotyping, and crossmatching) was performed using the same method and reagents, but occurred at two hospitals within the Yale New Haven Hospital delivery network, and was performed by technologists utilizing different instruments and reagent lots.

Results

We present two cases of seemingly de novo alloimmunization (anti‐E and anti‐K), and one case of re‐emergence of a known, previously evanescent alloantibody (anti‐K) following transfusion of RBCs that were antigen‐negative for the corresponding antibodies.

Conclusion

While the exact mechanism underlying the development and/or re‐emergence of RBC alloantibodies in the absence of antigenic stimulation remains unclear, these cases highlight this unusual phenomenon, underscoring the general immunogenicity, as well as the potential consequences, of RBC transfusion and reiterates the importance of concluding an alloantibody specificity, even in the absence of known transfusion of RBCs with a particular antigen.
The Kakeya conjecture on local fields of positive characteristic
Authors: Salvatore Alejo
Published: December 2022

We state and prove an analogue of the Kakeya conjecture for the local field . This extends Arsovski's result on the Kakeya conjecture to local fields of positive characteristic. We also prove the Kakeya maximal conjecture in this setting.
Irregularities of distribution for bounded sets and half‐spaces
Authors: Brandolini Luca , Colzani Leonardo , Travaglini Giancarlo
Published: December 2022

We prove a general result on irregularities of distribution for Borel sets intersected with bounded measurable sets or affine half‐spaces.
Higher index Fano varieties with finitely many birational automorphisms
Authors: Chen Nathan , Stapleton David
Published: December 2022

A famous problem in birational geometry is to determine when the birational automorphism group of a Fano variety is finite. The Noether–Fano method has been the main approach to this problem. The purpose of this paper is to give a new approach to the problem by showing that in every positive characteristic, there are Fano varieties of arbitrarily large index with finite (or even trivial) birational automorphism group. To do this, we prove that these varieties admit ample and birationally equivariant line bundles. Our result applies the differential forms that Kollár produces on $p$-cyclic covers in characteristic $p > 0$.
Cuidados de enfermería ante la necesidad de oxigenación en adultos con enfermedad por COVID-19:
Authors: González Nicolás Santiago , García-Hernández María de Lourdes , Cruz Bello Patricia , Chaparro-Díaz Olivia Lorena
Published: December 2022

Introducción: la enfermedad por COVID-19 genera el síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo, afecta la necesidad de oxigenación y demanda cuidados de enfermería para mantener la estabilidad hemodinámica y prevenir complicaciones respiratorias. Objetivo: analizar la evidencia científica sobre los cuidados de enfermería ante la necesidad de oxigenación en adultos hospitalizados con enfermedad por COVID-19. Métodos: revisión integrativa con un universo de 518 artículos científicos de 2020 y 2021 de las bases de datos: PubMed, Ebsco, Cuiden y ScienceDirect. Se analizaron seis (n= 6) estudios que abordan: ¿cuáles son los cuidados de enfermería ante la necesidad de oxigenación en adultos con enfermedad por COVID-19? Resultados: los cuidados de enfermería incluyen estrategias de oxigenoterapia, recomendaciones sobre el cuidado en la primera línea de atención, uso de oxígeno de alto flujo, posicionamiento prono despierto temprano, y control de saturación y de signos vitales mediante un proceso de atención en enfermería. Conclusión: los cuidados de enfermería satisfacen la necesidad de oxigenación mediante intervenciones de oxigenoterapia, control de comorbilidades y prevención de riesgos hospitalarios.
Shuttle Running Within a Small-Sided Game: Effects on Internal and External Workloads, in Young Elite Soccer Players
Authors: Panascì Marco , Ferrando Vittoria , Bisio Ambra , Filipas Luca , Ruggeri Piero , Faelli Emanuela
Published: December 2022

Purpose: To compare the effects of 2 small-sided games (SSGs), shuttle running within the bout (SSG-S) versus possession play only (SSG-P) on acute physiological and metabolic responses, perception of effort, and performance. Methods: Ten young elite male soccer players (age 18.6 [1.9] y) performed two 5vs5 SSG formats (SSG-S and SSG-P) consisting of 4 × 4 minutes with 1 minute of passive recovery between bouts, 2 times each, once a week, and in a randomized order. Heart rate, blood lactate concentration, and rating of perceived exertion were assessed as indices of internal workload. Total and relative distances, distance at moderate and high speed, distances traveled in accelerations (≥2 m·s−2) and decelerations (≤−2 m·s−2; DDEC), and average metabolic power were chosen as indices of external workload and collected with a 10-Hz portable global positioning system device. Results: Total distance, distances traveled in acceleration, distances traveled in deceleration, average metabolic power (always P < .01 and g > 1.62—large effect), and distance at moderate speed (P = .03 and g = 0.84—large effect) were significantly higher in SSG-S than in SSG-P. Moreover, the SSG-S showed higher blood lactate concentration (P = .0001, g = 12.58—large effect) and rating of perceived exertion (P = .03, g = 1.14—large effect) values than SSG-P. No significant differences in peak heart rate, relative distance, and distance at high speed were found. Conclusions: Our study showed, in young competitive male soccer players, the effectiveness of an SSG format that includes shuttle running within each bout in the development of more relevant internal and external workloads. These experimental data should encourage coaches to use this new SSG regimen within the traditional weekly training program.
Angiogenic adipokine C1q-TNF–related protein 9 ameliorates myocardial infarction via histone deacetylase 7–mediated MEF2 activation
Authors: Lee Seung Min , Lee Jin Woo , Kim Inki , Woo Dong-Cheol , Pack Chan-Gi , Sung Young Hoon , Baek In-Jeoung , Jung Chang Hee , Kim Young-Hak , Ha Chang Hoon
Published: December 2022

C1q/tumor necrosis factor–related protein 9 (CTRP9) is an adipokine and has high potential as a therapeutic target. However, the role of CTRP9 in cardiovascular disease pathogenesis remains unclear. We found CTRP9 to induce HDAC7 and p38 MAPK phosphorylation via tight regulation of AMPK in vascular endothelial cells, leading to angiogenesis through increased
MEF2
activity. The expression of
CTRP9
and atheroprotective
MEF2
was decreased in plaque tissue of atherosclerotic patients and the ventricle of post-infarction mice. CTRP9 treatment inhibited the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in ApoE KO and CTRP9 KO mice. In addition, CTRP9 induced significant ischemic injury prevention in the post-MI mice. Clinically, serum CTRP9 levels were reduced in patients with MI compared with healthy controls. In summary, CTRP9 induces a vasoprotective response via the AMPK/HDAC7/p38 MAPK pathway in vascular endothelial cells, whereas its absence can contribute to atherosclerosis and MI. Hence, CTRP9 may represent a valuable therapeutic target and biomarker in cardiovascular diseases.
Transcranial photobiomodulation enhances visual working memory capacity in humans
Authors: Zhao Chenguang , Li Dongwei , Kong Yuanjun , Liu Hongyu , Hu Yiqing , Niu Haijing , Jensen Ole , Li Xiaoli , Liu Hanli , Song Yan
Published: December 2022

Transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) is a safe and noninvasive intervention that has shown promise for improving cognitive performance. Whether tPBM can modulate brain activity and thereby enhance working memory (WM) capacity in humans remains unclear. In this study, we found that 1064-nm tPBM applied to the right prefrontal cortex (PFC) improves visual working memory capacity and increases occipitoparietal contralateral delay activity (CDA). The CDA set-size effect during retention mediated the effect between the 1064-nm tPBM and subsequent WM capacity. The behavioral benefits and the corresponding changes in the CDA set-size effect were absent with tPBM at a wavelength of 852 nm or with stimulation of the left PFC. Our findings provide converging evidence that 1064-nm tPBM applied to the right PFC can improve WM capacity.
Surgical management of a congenital genital tract abnormality in a patient with Lynch syndrome
Authors: Olayato-Aribo Eniola , Wood Nicholas , Nagaiah Divya , Underwood Thomas
Published: December 2022

Lynch syndrome (LS), also known as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, is an inherited cancer syndrome which increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer and endometrial cancer. Individuals with LS have an increased risk of cancers of the ovary, urinary tract, stomach, small intestine, pancreas, biliary tract, brain and skin. Cancer risk reduction is recommended through chemoprevention (aspirin), surveillance (colonoscopy, assessment of the endometrium and ovaries via USS, aspiration biopsy and tumour marker monitoring; CA125) or risk reduction surgery, that is, total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.

This is a case of a nulliparous woman in her early 30s with LS and a congenital genital tract malformation. She had a unicornuate (left) uterus and a vestigial (right) uterine horn. There was an inability to obtain a conclusive set of endometrial biopsies in this patient due to the nature of the patient’s congenital uterine abnormality. In this case, surgery was recommended to excise the vestigial horn and fallopian tube in order to optimise surveillance and fertility.
Outcome of COVID-19 in patients with rheumatic and inflammatory diseases
treated with mycophenolic acid: data from the French RMD COVID-19
cohort
Authors: Truchetet Marie-Elise , Drumez Elodie , Barnetche Thomas , Martin Claire , Devaux Mathilde , Goulenok Tiphaine , Maria Alexandre , Schmidt Jean , Abdallah Nassim Ait , Melki Isabelle , Hachulla Eric , Richez Christophe
Published: December 2022

Background

Patients with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases
(iRMD) receiving mycophenolic acid (MPA) may have a less favourable
outcome from COVID-19 infection. Our aim was to investigate whether MPA
treatment is associated with severe infection and/or death.

Methods

IRMD patients with and without MPA treatment with highly
suspected/confirmed COVID-19 were included in this observational
multicentre study. The primary outcome was death rate from COVID-19 with
secondary objectives to determine the severity of infection and length
of hospital stay. Outcome comparisons were made using regression models
with and without adjustment on prespecified confounding factors. ORs,
sub-HR (sHR) and 95% CIs were calculated using patients not treated with
MPA as a reference group.

Results

Of the 1977 patients, 1928 were not treated with MPA (393 were MPA
eligible), and 49 patients were treated with MPA. MPA-treated patients
had more severe disease, longer hospital stays and higher death rate
from COVID-19 than non-MPA patients (OR 8.02 (95% CI 3.35 to 19.20),
p<0.001; sHR 0.57 (95% CI 0.33 to 0.98), p=0.040; OR 11.58 (95% CI
4.10 to 32.69), p<0.001). In adjusted analyses, however, no outcome
was independently associated with MPA treatment. Death rate, severity
and length of hospital stay of MPA-treated patients were not
significantly different from those of not treated but MPA-eligible
patients.

Conclusion

MPA therapy is not associated with a more severe COVID-19 infection.
However, due to increased vulnerability of developing a severe form of
COVID-19, careful consideration should be taken with iRMD patients
likely to be treated with MPA.

Trial registration number

NCT04353609.
Symmetry and Network Topology in Neuronal Circuits: Complicity of Form and Function
Authors: Stewart Ian
Published: December 2022

Symmetries in the external world constrain the evolution of neuronal circuits that allow organisms to sense the environment and act within it. Many small “modular” circuits can be viewed as approximate discretizations of the relevant symmetries, relating their forms to the functions they perform. The recent development of a formal theory of dynamics and bifurcations of networks of coupled differential equations permits the analysis of some aspects of network behavior without invoking specific model equations or numerical simulations. We review basic features of this theory, compare it to equivariant dynamics, and examine the subtle effects of symmetry when combined with network structure. We illustrate the relation between form and function through examples drawn from neurobiology, including locomotion, peristalsis, visual perception, balance, hearing, location detection, decision-making, and the connectome of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.
RECOGNITION AND CLASSIFICATION OF DEPRESSION UNDER DEEP NEURAL NETWORK AND REHABILITATION EFFECT OF MUSIC THERAPY
Authors: LI XUETING , CHEN CANRUI , GAO YANHONG
Published: December 2022

This study was aimed at the application of a deep graph convolutional neural network (GCNN) in cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis of patients with depression and the effect of Western medicine combined with music therapy in the treatment of depression. A total of 120 patients with different degrees of depression were divided into the test group with 60 cases (western medicine+music therapy) and the control group with the other 60 cases (western medicine only). All these patients underwent MRI scanning. On the basis of the deep GCNN, an optimized algorithm (O-GCNN) for depression recognition was proposed. It was found that the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for classification of the O-GCNN algorithm were significantly higher than those of the convolutional neural network (CNN) model, the back propagation (BP) algorithm, and the forward propagation (FP) algorithm ([Formula: see text]). The scores of somatization, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, psychoticism, and anxiety of the test group were significantly lower than those of the control group during and after treatment ([Formula: see text]). The scores of the Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) of patients in the test group were also significantly lower than those in the control group during and after treatment; the differences were statistically significant ([Formula: see text]). The values of left hippocampal regional homogeneity (ReHo) and fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) of patients in the test group were significantly lower than those in the control group during and after treatment ([Formula: see text]). The 24-h urinary free cortisol (UFC) content in the test group was remarkably lower during and after treatment, and the difference was statistically significant ([Formula: see text]). The results showed that the improved depression recognition algorithm O-GCNN proposed in this work had a high application value in the auxiliary diagnosis of depression. Music therapy combined with Western medicine treatment can more effectively improve the anxiety and negative mental state of patients with depression and promote the improvement of patients’ conditions.
APPLYING DEEP LEARNING FOR HEALTHCARE IN SMART CITY VIA INTERNET OF THINGS
Authors: HUANG LINGFENG , CHANG YU-TENG
Published: December 2022

In the traditional city for healthcare in IoT, it has been proposed to replace traditional yield models with mathematical models that do not require the assumption of defect density functions. The selection of input parameters in these models is very important, and all the variation factors on the wafer must be included as far as possible. The factors of clustering are usually described by clustering indicators, but some specific clustering patterns will cause the clustering indicators to misjudge the clustering degree, resulting in the yield estimation error becoming larger. In view of this, the proposed study has classified the defect patterns on the wafer into four types: random distribution, regional concentrated distribution, linear distribution and circular distribution, by means of three pattern characteristics analysis. A comparison is made only using cluster indicators to describe cluster phenomena and a model that uses cluster indicators and cluster graphs to describe cluster phenomena. The research results show that when constructing the yield model, the clustering pattern and the clustering index are used to describe the clustering phenomenon in smart city via Internet of things, which is preferred to solely considering the clustering index, as the consequent degree of accuracy far exceeds the improvement of changing the “number of effective grains” in relation to the clustering index. Therefore, the yield rate can be estimated more accurately by using clustering graphs with clustering indicators; the estimated yield in the yield model, with the clustering pattern parameter, is indeed closer to the actual yield than the yield model without the clustering pattern parameter.
The Timing of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Relative to Oocyte Retrieval: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gupta Isha , Thorrowgood Mathilda , Ashton Kevin J. , Rathbone Evelyne , Chapple Vincent , Liu Yanhe
Published: December 2022

Background: It is currently inconclusive whether different intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) timings post oocyte retrieval (POR) lead to altered chance of clinical pregnancy and live birth following in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. This study, therefore, aimed to synthesize literature-based evidence for better clinical guidance regarding ICSI practice.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies were searched for in PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. Outcome endpoints included clinical pregnancy and live birth rates (LBRs).

Results: A total of 605 records were retrieved in the initial search. After exclusion, 30 articles were included for further screening for eligibility. For meta-analysis, 1 prospective and 5 retrospective cohort studies were included for pooled analysis, from which clinical pregnancy rates (CPRs) were evaluated in 6 studies while LBRs were evaluated in 3 studies. CPRs were comparable when ICSI was performed at (a) [Formula: see text] hours POR (risk ratio or RR = 1.00, [Formula: see text] confidence interval [CI] 0.94–1.08) vs [Formula: see text] hours, (b) [Formula: see text] hours (RR = 1.01, [Formula: see text] CI 0.88–1.16) vs [Formula: see text] hours, (c) [Formula: see text] hours (RR = 0.99, [Formula: see text] CI 0.93–1.05) vs [Formula: see text] hours, (d) [Formula: see text] hours (RR = 0.98, [Formula: see text] CI 0.93–1.02) vs [Formula: see text] hours, and (e) [Formula: see text] hours (RR = 1.05, [Formula: see text] CI 0.90–1.23) vs [Formula: see text] hours. However, LBR was reduced when ICSI was performed [Formula: see text] hours POR vs [Formula: see text] hours (RR = 0.94, [Formula: see text] CI 0.89–0.99), but such reduction disappeared when comparing [Formula: see text] hours POR (RR = 1.09, [Formula: see text] CI 0.85–1.38) vs [Formula: see text] hours.

Conclusions: CPRs remain comparable when ICSI is performed at a range of timings up to 6-hour POR. However, LBR may benefit slightly by scheduling ICSI between 5- and 6-hour POR.