bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting the time of arrival of the Tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) to new countries based on trade patterns of tyres and plants
Authors: Oliveira Sandra , Capinha César , Rocha Jorge
Published: September 2023

The mosquitoAedes albopictusis a highly invasive species, which continues to widen its range worldwide. International trade is a major driver of its dispersal, in particular the imports of tyres and live plants. As a competent vector of numerous diseases, among which Zika and dengue, the spread of this species raises public health concerns.

Based on indicators of trade volumes and trends along 15 years, combined with climatic similarity and geographic distance between countries, we tested a model aimed at estimating the time of arrival of the species in new countries. We used partial least squares regression to model the year of first recording of the species in previously invaded countries. The fitted model was subsequently applied to predict the expected time of arrival in countries where the species is still absent.

The model was able to estimate the year of first recording of the species with up to 2 years difference for 90% of the countries. Temperature differences among countries and the number of exporting countries where the species is present were the most important predictors. Estimates indicate thatAedes albopictusmight enter all countries assessed by 2035, earlier in Africa and South America than in Eastern and Northern Europe. However, passive transportation by ground vehicles may accelerate the dispersal of the species, whereas environmental suitability may have seasonal limits, factors that were not integrated in the model.

Policy implications: Surveillance and control strategies require timely adjustments to curb the spread of this species, and public health policies must adapt to tackle the potential exposure to vector‐borne diseases. Our study highlights that, in the absence of transnational strategies to contain the dispersal of the species, a large number of new countries will be colonized in the coming years, in different regions of the world, where the implementation of timely preventive measures is paramount.
Intrapartum azithromycin to prevent maternal and neonatal sepsis and deaths: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Kuitunen Ilari , Kekki Maiju , Renko Marjo
Published: September 2023

Objectives

A systematic review with met‐analysis was performed to summarise the evidence on the effect of intrapartum azithromycin on maternal and neonatal infections and deaths.

Search strategy

PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched in March 2023.

Selection criteria

Randomised controlled trials comparing intrapartum single‐dose of azithromycin with placebo.

Data collection and analysis

Maternal infections, maternal mortality, neonatal sepsis, neonatal mortality. We used the random‐effects Mantel–Haenszel method to calculate risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). We assessed risk of bias of the included studies and estimated the evidence certainty using the GRADE approach.

Main results

After screening 410 abstracts, five studies with 44 190 women and 44 565 neonates were included. The risk of bias was low in four and had some concerns in one of the studies. The risk of endometritis was 1.5% in the azithromycin group and 2.3% in the placebo group (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.55–0.75), and the evidence certainty was high. The respective risk for chorioamnionitis was 0.05% and 0.1% (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.22–1.18; evidence certainty moderate). The wound infection rate was lower in the azithromycin group (1.6%) than in the placebo group (2.5%), RR 0.52 (95% CI 0.30–0.89; moderate certainty evidence). The maternal sepsis rate was 1.1% in the azithromycin group and 1.7% in the placebo group (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.56–0.77; evidence certainty high). Mortality rates did not show evidence of a difference (0.09% versus 0.08%; RR 1.26, 95% CI 0.65–2.42; moderate certainty evidence). The neonatal mortality rate was 0.7% in the azithromycin group and 0.8% in the placebo group (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.76–1.16; moderate certainty evidence). The neonatal sepsis rate was 7.6% in the azithromycin group and 7.4% in the placebo group (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.96–1.09; moderate certainty evidence).

Conclusions

Intrapartum administration of azithromycin to the mother reduces maternal postpartum infections, including sepsis. Impact on maternal mortality remains undecided. Azithromycin does not reduce neonatal sepsis or mortality rates.
Training and seed production spillovers and technology adoption: The case of seed producer groups in Nepal
Authors: Vaiknoras Kate , Larochelle Catherine
Published: September 2023

Rice farmers in developing countries are often vulnerable to drought which can drastically reduce yields. Stress‐tolerant rice varieties (STRVs) can mitigate this vulnerability, as can having a high seed replacement rate (SRR) and using best management practices (BMPs) in rice cultivation. However, access to high‐quality STRV seed is often limited. This article uses propensity‐score weighted regressions to estimate the spillover effects of seed producer groups (SPGs) in Nepal. It compares adoption rates of STRVs and BMPs, and the SRR of non‐member households in villages with SPGs and in villages adjacent to these compared to other control villages in the region. According to a range of results from weighted models, non‐members in SPG villages and adjacent villages are 24–32 percentage points more likely to have adopted an STRV compared to non‐members in control villages. Non‐members in SPG and adjacent villages have a higher SRR, and households in SPG villages are more likely to use some BMPs compared to non‐members in control villages. Results suggest that SPGs have the potential to improve the resilience of communities in the face of climate change.
The use of cohesive devices as proficiency level discriminators in Chinese DLI learners' writing
Authors: Huang Dori , Watzinger‐Tharp Johanna
Published: September 2023

Building on the construct of discourse competence, this study investigated the frequency and accuracy of Chinese Dual Language Immersion students' use of two types of cohesive devices—conjunctions and frame setters. Drawing on AAPPL assessment data, the study examined 116 writing samples that were rated as either Intermediate High (IH) or A1 (the lower end of Advanced). Results show that, overall, the group with rating consistent with A1 used both types of cohesive devices more frequently than the group that received a rating consistent with IH; differences were statistically significant for frame setters. The study also found that both groups demonstrated greater syntactic than semantic accuracy; however, students whose ratings consistent with A1 used frame setters more accurately than those with ratings consistent with IH. The article concludes with a discussion of pedagogical implications and suggestions for future research.
Impact of oral piercings on periodontal health – A systematic review
Authors: Difloe‐Geisert Julia C. , Müller Jessica S. , Weiger Roland , Walter Clemens
Published: September 2023

Aim

Evidence on the impact of oral piercings on periodontal conditions is scarce. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the influence of oral piercings on periodontal health.

Materials and Methods

A systematic literature search was performed for studies published by 6 June 2023, using three electronic databases and a hand search. Clinical trials including ≥10 patients wearing ≥1 oral piercing and presenting data on probing pocket depths (PPDs) were considered. Primary outcomes were PPD, and secondary outcomes included clinical attachment loss (CAL), gingival recession, bleeding on probing (BOP), and plaque score (PI). A synthesis of results, using a vote‐counting method, was applied.

Results

From 131 titles identified, eight studies, published between 2007 and 2022, were included. Out of these were six cross‐sectional studies and two case series. A total of 236 lip piercings and 236 tongue piercings in overall 408 patients were analyzed. In patients with tongue piercings, teeth adjacent to the piercing showed increased PPD (3 of 5 studies), more CAL (3 of 4 studies), more gingival recessions (4 of 4 studies) and a higher BOP (2 of 3 studies) compared with control teeth. In patients with lip piercings, teeth adjacent to the piercing demonstrated more gingival recessions (3 of 4 studies) compared with control teeth. Time since piercing placement was associated with localized periodontal destruction in patients with tongue and/or lip piercings (4 of 7 studies).

Conclusions

The available evidence from eight studies suggests negative effects of tongue piercings on several periodontal health parameters of adjacent teeth, while gingival recessions were frequently detected in patients with lip piercings.
Trends in dental hygiene academic leadership development: Influencers, barriers, and enabling mechanisms
Authors: Brame Jennifer L.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This quantitative exploratory study was designed to learn about trends and forces impacting leadership development (LD) opportunities for dental hygiene (DH) program directors.

Methods

A 10‐item electronic survey was created and disseminated using Qualtrics system to directors of all accredited DH programs in the United States (N = 325). Surveys included closed and open‐ended response items to capture quantitative and qualitative data. The analysis included descriptive statistics and thematic categorization of free responses.

Results

Eight‐two surveys were returned (25% response rate). Leadership development training experiences varied among participants; 79% (n = 65) reported completing some form of LD training. Institutional support was variable among the DH program directors, yet most (76%, N = 62) indicated some level of school support for LD training opportunities for DH program directors. Feedback indicated that most options included campus‐sponsored courses or events (28%, N = 47), professional association courses or events (24%, N = 40), and programs within the school, department, or division (24%, N = 40).

Conclusion

Study findings support positive perceptions of the need, demand, and value of LD. Respondents shared beliefs in the benefits of LD and the value of placing resources to support these opportunities, yet also acknowledged substantial challenges including time, funding, and workforce needs. By addressing barriers and capitalizing on driving forces, programs can create systemic approaches to fostering LD for current and future DH program directors.
Periapical healing following endodontic microsurgery with collagen‐based bone‐filling material: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Albagle Amenah , Kohli Meetu R. , Kratchman Samuel I. , Lee Su‐Min , Karabucak Bekir
Published: September 2023

Aim

To evaluate two‐ and three‐dimensionally the effect of resorbable collagen‐based bone‐filling material on periapical healing of endodontic lesions with four‐wall defects following endodontic microsurgery (EMS).

Methodology

This parallel, randomized controlled superiority clinical trial involved 86 lesions with the strictly endodontic origin and four‐wall defect morphology. EMS procedures were performed by calibrated postgraduate residents. Before flap closure, osteotomies were randomized to the control or treatment group. In the control group, the flap was repositioned with no material added. In the treatment group, a collagen‐based bone‐filling augmentation material was placed into the osteotomy. Clinical and radiographic examinations were completed after 12 months. Periapical healing was evaluated by blinded evaluators using periapical (PA) radiographs according to Molven's criteria and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans according to PENN's 3D criteria. Cortical plate healing was scored according to the RAC/B index. The data were analysed using Fisher's exact test, Logistic regression models and Chi‐squared test. The significance level was predetermined at p < .05.

Results

Sixty‐six cases were evaluated at the 12‐month follow‐up, with 30 and 36 cases in the control and treatment groups, respectively. Only the asymptomatic cases (control = 26, treatment = 32) were included in the radiographic evaluation. Twenty‐three cases (88.5%) in the control and 28 (87.5%) cases in the treatment group demonstrated complete healing on PA radiographs (p = 1.000). On CBCT, 10 (38.4%) and 21 (65.6%) cases had completely healed in the control and treatment groups, respectively (p = .095). The re‐establishment of the buccal cortical plate was detected in 12 (46.2%) and 22 (68.8%) cases in the control and treatment groups, respectively (p = .243).

Conclusion

Within the limitations of the present study, the use of collagen‐based bone‐filling material had no statistically significant effect on the periapical healing of endodontic lesions with four‐wall defect following EMS at the 12‐month follow‐up when evaluated by PA radiographs or CBCT scans. However, the observed higher percentage of a re‐established cortical plate in the treatment group could suggest a clinical benefit that is of interest after surgical endodontic treatment.
Antioxidant abilities of barley green powder and its inhibitory effect on lipid oxidation of frozen surimi
Authors: Wu Dan , Huang Qilin , Xiong Shanbai , Yin Tao
Published: September 2023

This work investigated the antioxidant activity and inhibitory effect of barley green powder (BGP) on the surimi lipid oxidation during frozen storage under different additive amounts. BGP was abundant in antioxidant compounds‐phenolic (1.18 ± 0.04 mg g−1), flavonoid (4.07 ± 0.47 mg g−1) and superoxide dismutase (94.73 ± 21.06 U g−1), with a good ability to scavenge ABTS and DPPH radicals and delay lecithin liposome oxidation. Additionally, adding BGP to surimi decreased acid value, peroxide value, conjugated diene value and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances value (~30%) of surimi during frozen storage (P < 0.05), inhibiting surimi lipid oxidation at early phase and terminal phase. The inhibitory effect showed a concentration dependence, with an optimal addition amount of 3%. Pearson correlation analysis indicated that antioxidant activity and inhibitory effect of BGP on lipid oxidation were significantly correlated with antioxidant compounds content in BGP, suggesting that these activities may be derived from antioxidant compounds in BGP. Our results indicated the potential use of BGP as a natural antioxidant for frozen storage of surimi to delay lipid oxidation.
A New World Order: The Role of Advertising in Russia and the NIS
Authors: Wells Ludmilla Gricenko
Published: September 2023

Changes in worldwide political and economic strategies have contributed to the changing role of advertising as an institution in Russia. One result is the rapid growth of Russia's advertising industry and its similarity to Western classical liberalism and neoliberalism propositions of marketing communication. This article builds on the author’s previous studies on the role of advertising in what is now Russia through participants’ own words and visions of advertising. In–depth interviews with business and industry professionals, academicians and government representatives provided insight into changes in the perception and practice of advertising in Russia.
The communicative effectiveness of ethnically oriented advertising
Authors: Kinra N.
Published: September 2023

A study conducted on Asian ethnic consumers in the UK showed ethnic origin to be a major segmentation variable in differentiating ethnic and white intergroup responses to four different executions of advertising copy incorporating different levels of ethnic appeal. The ethnic group gave consistently more favourable responses than white consumers, implying that they would respond more favourably to the visual ‘picture’ component in advertising copy. On an intragroup basis it was found that ‘all–ethnic’ copy with higher levels of ethnic content would be more effective in targeting ethnic groups because it provides a cultural framework with greater staying power in terms of its visual, nonverbal presentation in comparison to ‘all–white’ appeals. ‘Integrated’panel layouts incorporating both ethnic and white appeals in the same advertising copy format did not evoke significantly more positive feelings among either Asian ethnic or white viewers in comparison to ‘all–ethnic’ copy. Advertisers should note therefore that integrated advertisements cannot be expected to radically influence either ethnic or white consumer attitudes towards promoted products. It was also found that as a compromise strategy, ‘product–only’ advertisements might well be the best answer to targeting ethnic as well as white viewers.
Navigating Through China’s New Advertising Law: The Role of Marketing Research
Authors: Chadwick James
Published: September 2023

The recent enactment of new advertising laws in the People’s Republic of China created an atmosphere of confusion among advertisers and agencies concerning what the new law meant operationally, and which types of advertisements would be accepted and which rejected. This article is an attempt to understand the law and to provide user‐friendly guidelines for operating within its letter and spirit. Implications and opportunities regarding the role of marketing researches in this environment of uncertainty are also discussed.
‘Holding up Half of the Sky’? A Sociocultural Comparison of Gender‐Role Portrayals in Chinese and US Advertising
Authors: Cheng Hong
Published: September 2023

Considering advertising as a social actor and cultural artefact, this article analyses the gender roles portrayed in a total of 667 Chinese and US television commercials from 1996. Results show that advertising in both countries portrayed more men in occupational roles and more women in non‐occupational ones, and depicted more men in recreational activities and more women in decorative situations. Chinese television advertising was found to reinforce even more stereotypes than its US counterpart. Male models, for example, played relaxing roles more often but family roles less often in Chinese commercials. Other major differences involved the styles of dress worn by female models and the number of models portrayed, which were found to be consistently related to the sociocultural influences in the two countries. Gender‐role portrayals were also found to have much to do with the product categories advertised.
Suitability of machine learning models for prediction of clinically defined Stage III/IV periodontitis from questionnaires and demographic data in Danish cohorts
Authors: Enevold C. , Nielsen C. H. , Christensen L. B. , Kongstad J. , Fiehn N. E. , Hansen P. R. , Holmstrup P. , Havemose‐Poulsen A. , Damgaard C.
Published: September 2023

Aim

To evaluate if, and to what extent, machine learning models can capture clinically defined Stage III/IV periodontitis from self‐report questionnaires and demographic data.

Materials and Methods

Self‐reported measures of periodontitis, demographic data and clinically established Stage III/IV periodontitis status were extracted from two Danish population‐based cohorts (The Copenhagen Aging and Midlife Biobank [CAMB] and The Danish Health Examination Survey [DANHES]) and used to develop cross‐validated machine learning models for the prediction of clinically established Stage III/IV periodontitis. Models were trained using 10‐fold cross‐validations repeated three times on the CAMB dataset (n = 1476), and the resulting models were validated in the DANHES dataset (n = 3585).

Results

The prevalence of Stage III/IV periodontitis was 23.2% (n = 342) in the CAMB dataset and 9.3% (n = 335) in the DANHES dataset. For the prediction of clinically established Stage III/IV periodontitis in the CAMB cohort, models reached area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROCs) of 0.67–0.69, sensitivities of 0.58–0.64 and specificities of 0.71–0.80. In the DANHES cohort, models derived from the CAMB cohort achieved AUROCs of 0.64–0.70, sensitivities of 0.44–0.63 and specificities of 0.75–0.84.

Conclusions

Applying cross‐validated machine learning algorithms to demographic data and self‐reported measures of periodontitis resulted in models with modest capabilities for the prediction of Stage III/IV periodontitis in two Danish cohorts.
Preliminary impression for maxillary defect: A two‐step technique
Authors: Naveau Adrien
Published: September 2023

Preliminary impressions must record the periphery and height of maxillary defects to allow for an eventual extension of the master impression tray. These impressions are usually made with irreversible hydrocolloid. Carrying the impression material into the defect can be complex, especially in the case of a limited oral opening. Moreover, the patient can be harmed during the removal procedure, and material may be stuck in anatomical structures. The technique presented in this article avoids these issues in any maxillary defect with a two‐step preliminary impression. An elastomeric material ball is first placed in the defect until full setting. Then, this “obturator bulb” is removed and eventually relined until it is retentive. Retentions are designed on the oral side of the bulb and the bulb is placed back into the defect. Finally, an alginate over‐impression of the maxillary is made. The alginate is removed after full setting, and the obturator can be reassembled on the maxillary impression to provide a full recording of the maxillary. This protocol can safely be used for defects of any size, despite eventual limitations in oral opening.
A report of an unusual case of cartilaginous choristoma of the tongue and review
Authors: Gonçalo Rani Iani Costa , de Morais Medeiros Hianne Cristinne , de Moraes dos Santos Janaina Lessa , Sousa Julliany Taverny , Campos Carolina Maria , Queiroz Lélia Maria Guedes
Published: September 2023

Background

Choristomas consist of the proliferation of normal cells or tissue in an abnormal location. Oral choristomas are considered very rare.

Aims

The present study aims to report a case of dorsal tongue surface cartilaginous choristoma, with emphasis on its clinical and histopathological features.

Case Report

A 72‐year‐old woman attended a dental office with a chief complaint of a persistent tongue lesion. The patient reported that the lesion grew slowly for about 3 months, with no trauma history in the region. An intraoral examination revealed a nodular lesion on the dorsal tongue surface, normal mucosa coloration, firm consistency and sessile implantation, measuring approximately 1.5 cm in diameter. Based on the clinical examination, a diagnosis hypothesis of a granular cell tumour was considered, and an excisional biopsy was performed for confirmation. Given the microscopic findings, the histopathological diagnosis confirmed a cartilaginous choristoma. The patient has been under follow‐up for 12 months, with no signs of relapse.

Conclusion

This case highlights the importance of clinical and histopathological findings for the correct diagnosis and treatment of oral choristoma.
Sexuality, romantic orientation, and masculinity: Men as underrepresented in asexual and aromantic communities
Authors: Tessler Hannah , Winer Canton
Published: September 2023

This study examines men as a minority in asexual (experiencing low/no sexual attraction) and aromantic (experiencing low/no romantic attraction) communities. First, we situate our research in existing literature on asexuality, compulsory sexuality/compulsory romance, and hegemonic masculinities. In our analysis, we use survey data from the 2020 Asexual Community Survey (n = 4974) and 2020 Aromantic Census (n = 3018) to provide evidence that asexual and aromantic men are demographic minorities within asexual and aromantic communities. Next, we turn to two interview samples with 39 individuals who identify as aromantic and 77 individuals who identify as asexual. We analyzed these interviews to explore how sexuality and romance contribute to the construction of hegemonic masculinities. Our interviews reveal several important themes that highlight how asexual and aromantic men navigate their masculinity and identity amid asexual and aromantic communities as majority‐woman spaces. We focus on three main themes: (1) masculinity as inherently sexual; (2) masculinity, heteronormativity, and the gendered construction of romance; and (3) asexual/aromantic identity, masculinity, and the split attraction model. Taken together, our results show how (hetero)sexuality and romantic relationship formation are fundamental to hegemonic masculinity. We find that asexual and aromantic men face cultural pressures and social stigma around initiating sex and performing romance. Asexual men must contend with managing a sexual identity that runs counter to men's supposedly innate sexual desire, thus situating them as inadequately masculine. Aromantic men, meanwhile, must manage inhabiting an identity that is conflated with the fuckboy/player trope, situating them as excessively masculine. This study demonstrates how centering asexual and aromantic perspectives reveals complexities in the ways hegemonic masculinity relies on participation in both sex and romance. We conclude by relating our findings to larger conversations on gender and sexualities as well as implications for future research on marginalized sexual identities.
Conference Report 33rd European Congress on Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID): New developments in pediatric oncology infectious disease supportive care
Authors: Groll Andreas H. , Ebrahimi‐Fakhari Daniel
Published: September 2023

Infections continue to be major causes of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised children and adolescents with cancer or undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. This report summarizes new clinical research data presented at the 33rd European Congress on Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases on infections in this vulnerable population, with a focus on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and prevention of invasive fungal diseases and de‐escalation strategies in neutropenic patients with fever of unknown origin.
Elementary bounded generation for SLn${\rm SL}_n$ for global function fields and n⩾3$n\geqslant 3$
Authors: Trost Alexander A.
Published: September 2023

This paper shows that the group is boundedly elementary generated for and the ring of algebraic integers in a global function field. Contrary to previous statements for number fields and earlier statements for global function fields, the bounds proven in this paper for elementary bounded generation are independent of the underlying global function field and only depend on the integer . Combining our main result with earlier results, we further establish that elementary bounded generation always has bounds independent from the global field in question, only depending on .
Cretaceous mountain building processes triggered the aridification and drainage evolution in east Asia
Authors: Wu Chihua , Sun Xiaoming , Li Guangwei , Huang Leqing , Jiao Haijing , Li Zhiwu , Jian Xing , Mason Cody C. , Rodríguez-López Juan Pedro
Published: September 2023

Knowledge of the late Mesozoic topography and drainage system of the Tibetan Plateau is essential for understanding the Cenozoic tectonic dynamics of the plateau. However, systematic analyses of the pre-Cenozoic surface uplift history and sediment-routing systems of the Tibetan Plateau remain sparse. Here we present new results for paleocurrents and U-Pb detrital zircon geochronology from the Lanping Basin, a key junction in the southeastern (SE) Tibetan Plateau, and integrate multidisciplinary data sets to constrain sediment provenance and reconstruct paleotopography and its drainage system throughout the Cretaceous. Our results indicate that mid- to Late Cretaceous (ca. Albian−Santonian) tectonically induced surface uplift occurred in the SE Tibetan Plateau, leading to the build-up of an extensive topographic barrier, and resultant rain shadows in the interior of east Asia. Superimposition of this topographic pattern by uplands in the eastern margin of Asia meant that the Cretaceous topography of east Asia was characterized by an enclosed paleo-relief pattern that was high in both the east and west, with drainage from the east and west to the south, contrasting with previously proposed configurations. This topographic pattern interrupted the atmospheric circulation pattern and generated widespread intracontinental desertification and drainage network evolution in east Asia. Our study constrains a key part of the late Mesozoic growth of the Tibetan Plateau prior to the Cenozoic collision between India and Eurasia and will improve our understanding of the paleoclimate, atmospheric circulation, and modern drainage system evolution of the east Asian continent.
Supplemental Material: Gravitational collapse of a volcano edifice as a trigger for explosive carbonatite eruption?
Authors: Rapprich Vladislav , al. et
Published: September 2023

Mineral chemistry data of analyzed carbonates from studied carbonatite pyroclastic deposits 
Goldstone Mode of Skyrmion Crystal
Authors: Timofeev V. E. , Aristov D. N.
Published: September 2023

We discuss the Goldstone mode of skyrmion crystal in a model of two-dimensional ferromagnet with the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction in magnetic field. We use stereographic projection approach to construct skyrmion crystal and consider skyrmion displacement field. The small overlap of the individual skyrmion images restricts the potential energy to the interaction of nearest neighboring displacements. The closed form of the Goldstone mode dispersion is found and its dependence on the magnetic field is studied. We use semiclassical quantization to define the Green’s function and show that the propagation of displacements through the crystal changes its tensorial form from anisotropic to isotropic one at large times.
Effect of melatonin in patients with low anterior resection syndrome (MELLARS): a study protocol for a randomised, placebo-controlled, crossover trial
Authors: Zahid Jawad Ahmad , Madsen Michael Tvilling , Bulut Orhan , Christensen Peter , Gögenur Ismail
Published: September 2023

Introduction

After rectal cancer surgery, a majority of patients suffer from sequelae known as low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). It is a collection of symptoms consisting of flatus and/or stool incontinence, evacuation frequency, re-evacuation and urgency. The circadian hormone, melatonin, has shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties, and in high doses, it reduces bowel movements. The aim of the study is to investigate if locally administered melatonin has an alleviating effect on LARS. Secondarily, the effect of melatonin on bowel movements, other patient-reported symptoms, quality of life, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, motilin levels and rectal mucosa histology will be examined.

Methods and analysis

This is a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, two-period crossover trial. The participants are randomised to 28 days of 25 mg melatonin administered rectally via an enema daily (or placebo) followed by a 28-day washout and then 28 days of placebo (or melatonin). Three participants will be included in an internal feasibility test. They will receive 25 mg of melatonin daily for 28 days. Data from these participants will be used to assess the feasibility of the rectally administered melatonin and to analyse the course of recruitment and outcome measurements. Afterwards, 18 participants will be included in the crossover trial. The severity of the LARS symptoms will be evaluated using the LARS Score on the first and last day of each treatment period.

Ethics and dissemination

The Regional Ethics Committee, the Danish Medicines Agency and the Data and Development Support in Region Zealand approved this study. The study will be performed according to the Helsinki II declaration. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. The results of the study will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals for publication and presented at congresses.

Trial registration numbers

EudraCT Registry (2020-004442-11) and ClinicalTrial.gov Registry (NCT05042700).
Is extending eligibility for adult social care better than investing more in existing users in England? A cross-sectional evidence for multiple financial years
Authors: Longo Francesco , Claxton Karl , Lomas James , Martin Stephen
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Publicly funded adult social care (ASC) in England aims to improve quality of life through the provision of services for individuals with care needs due to physical and/or mental impairment or illness. Access to these services, however, is often restricted to contain public expenditure. With a fast-growing care need, information on whether extending eligibility is good value for money becomes policy-relevant.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

This study investigates the effect of extending ASC eligibility on user care-related quality of life (CRQoL), a policy-relevant measure of quality of life.

Design

We use English cross-sectional survey data from 2017/2018 to 2019/2020 on users receiving publicly funded long-term support including domiciliary and other community-based social care, as well as residential and nursing care from local authorities responsible for ASC. We employ the two-stage least square method to estimate the impact of ASC expenditure on CRQoL at various levels of ASC expenditure in each financial year. This includes the CRQoL effect of increasing expenditure from zero to some level, which captures the effect of extending ASC eligibility to new users.

Results

We find that publicly funded ASC improves the CRQoL of both existing and newly eligible users, although the latter are likely to experience greater CRQoL gains. Moreover, from 2017/2018 to 2019/2020, spending as much as an average user for a newly eligible user costs between £54 224 and £77 778 per social care-quality-adjusted life year (SC-QALY) gained. These results are statistically significant at the 5% level. Compared with this finding, increasing expenditure for an existing user has always a higher cost per SC-QALY gained.

Conclusions

Extending ASC eligibility to new users is likely to be more cost-effective compared with using the same resources to increase expenditure for existing users.
Protocol for a qualitative study exploring the pharmacist’s role in supporting postsecondary students with psychotropic medication management
Authors: McCracken Andrea , Cleverley Kristin , Sproule Beth A , Dolovich Lisa
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Findings from the National College Health Assessment (2019) stated that anxiety and depression are the most prevalent diagnosed mental illnesses among Canadian postsecondary students with one-fifth of students self-reporting a lifetime diagnosis. Psychotropic medications can be an important component of a multifaceted approach to the management and treatment of mental illness and are the most commonly dispensed via community pharmacies. Community pharmacies provide an opportunity for pharmacists to have a prominent role in supporting patients’ psychotropic medication management. However, there has been limited exploration of how pharmacists can address patients’ psychotropic medication management needs, experiences and opportunities for improvements especially for emerging adults.

Methods and analysis

This qualitative study will incorporate Thorne’s approach to interpretative description. Purposeful snowball sampling will be used to identify students (18–25 years) taking psychotropic medication(s) to manage their mental health. Participants will be interviewed one on one using a semistructured interview guide virtually. Inductive thematic analysis is underway with data analysis being iterative and reflexive using NVivo. Information provided from the interviews will be reviewed and summarised into key themes.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the University of Toronto Health Sciences Research Ethics Board (REB #43185). It is expected that there will be a very low risk for mild psychological and social harm for participants as they will have the ability to stop the interview at any time and will be aware of confidentiality. The results from this study will be used to create or adapt healthcare team services including the role of pharmacists within the healthcare ecosystem at the university and contribute to developing the next stage of research to evaluate feasibility and effectiveness of programmes at the university that help postsecondary students to manage psychotropic medication.
Effect and safety of listening to music or audiobooks as a coadjuvant treatment for chronic pain patients under opioid treatment: a study protocol for an open-label, parallel-group, randomised, controlled, proof-of-concept clinical trial in a tertiary hospital in the Barcelona South Metropolitan area
Authors: Grau-Sánchez Jennifer , Serrano Ancor , Villoria Jesús , Carnaval Thiago , Porto María F , Zapata Lorena , Flores-García Montse , Segura Emma , Garrido-Pedrosa Jessica , Rodríguez-Fornells Antoni , Fernández-Dueñas Víctor , Videla Sebastian
Published: September 2023

Background

Chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) treatment’s primary goal is to maintain physical and mental functioning while improving quality of life. Opioid use in CNCP patients has increased in recent years, and non-pharmacological interventions such as music listening have been proposed to counter it. Unlike other auditive stimuli, music can activate emotional-regulating and reward-regulating circuits, making it a potential tool to modulate attentional processes and regulate mood. This study’s primary objective is to provide the first evidence on the distinct (separate) effects of music listening as a coadjuvant maintenance analgesic treatment in CNCP patients undergoing opioid analgesia.

Methods and analysis

This will be a single-centre, phase II, open-label, parallel-group, proof-of-concept randomised clinical trial with CNCP patients under a minimum 4-week regular opioid treatment. We plan to include 70 consecutive patients, which will be randomised (1:1) to either the experimental group (active music listening) or the control group (active audiobooks listening). During 28 days, both groups will listen daily (for at least 30 min and up to 1 hour) to preset playlists tailored to individual preferences.

Pain intensity scores at each visit, the changes (differences) from baseline and the proportions of responders according to various definitions based on pain intensity differences will be described and compared between study arms. We will apply longitudinal data assessment methods (mixed generalised linear models) taking the patient as a cluster to assess and compare the endpoints’ evolution. We will also use the mediation analysis framework to adjust for the effects of additional therapeutic measures and obtain estimates of effect with a causal interpretation.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol has been reviewed, and ethics approval has been obtained from the Bellvitge University Hospital Institutional Review Board, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain. The results from this study will be actively disseminated through manuscript publications and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

NCT05726266.
Exploring conduction mechanisms in chalcogenide thin films: an experimental and soft computing approach with ANN and GP techniques
Authors: Habashy D. M. , Atyia H. E. , Lebda H. I.
Published: September 2023

The article consists of two main sections. In the first part, an experimental study was conducted to investigate the AC conduction of Se83Bi17 (SB), Se83Bi17Ge5 (SBG), and Se83Bi17Te5 (SBT) in thin film forms. Thermal evaporation was utilized to produce films with different thicknesses. The measurements were performed at temperatures ranging from 293 to 393K, film thicknesses ranging from 230.2 to 543.9 nm, and frequencies ranging from 0.1 to 1000 kHz. The AC data were analyzed using the frequency power law. The values of the frequency exponent and their temperature dependence confirmed that the conduction process in the thin films is governed by the hopping mechanism. Additionally, the impact of introducing Te and Ge on the studied properties was also investigated in this study. The second section of the article focuses on estimating the AC conduction of Se83Bi17 (SB), Se83Bi17Ge5 (SBG), and Se83Bi17Te5 (SBT) films using Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and Genetic Programming (GP). The experimental data was employed as inputs for training the ANNs and the GP models. The simulation and prediction results obtained from both models were compared with the experimental data and reported. Equations were developed to describe the behavior of the experimental data. The study concluded that the ANN approach is more suitable for simulating and forecasting AC conductivity.
Classification of all constant solutions of SU(2) Yang–Mills equations with arbitrary current in pseudo-Euclidean space ℝp,q
Authors: Shirokov Dmitry
Published: September 2023

We present a classification and an explicit form of all constant solutions of the Yang–Mills equations with [Formula: see text] gauge symmetry for an arbitrary constant non-Abelian current in pseudo-Euclidean space [Formula: see text] of arbitrary finite dimension [Formula: see text]. Using hyperbolic singular value decomposition and two-sheeted covering of orthogonal group by spin group, we solve the nontrivial system for constant solutions of the Yang–Mills equations of [Formula: see text] cubic equations with [Formula: see text] unknowns and [Formula: see text] parameters in the general case. We present a new symmetry of this system of equations. All solutions in terms of the potential, strength and invariant of the Yang–Mills field are presented. Nonconstant solutions of the Yang–Mills equations can be considered in the form of series of perturbation theory using all constant solutions as a zeroth approximation.
The Book Review Column
Authors: Tran Nicholas
Published: September 2023

In this issue I want to spotlight two important new releases. Jeff Shallit's The Logical Approach to Automatic Sequences introduces the software Walnut for deciding first-order statements in Buchi arithmetic. This software has been used to prove hundreds of results in combinatorics on words. Can the junior's dream of replacing the pumping lemma with a similar software be far behind? Data Science in Context is a new textbook by Alfred Spector, Peter Norvig, Chris Wiggins and Jeannette Wing that addresses the breadth, oppportunities and perils of the field. Its new feature is a sevenelement analysis rubric for determining data science's applicability to a proposed application.

Please consider reviewing these books or a new release that you find important and of interest to the TCS community.
Technical Report Column
Authors: Kelley Dean
Published: September 2023

Welcome to the Technical Reports Column. If your institution publishes technical reports that you'd like to have included here, please contact me at the email address above.
Open Problems Column
Authors: Gasarch William
Published: September 2023

This Issue's Column! This issue's Open Problem Column is by William Gasarch, Auguste Gezalyan, and Don Patrick. It is about permutable and compatible primes.
Cardiac Oscillations Complicating Brain Death Diagnosis
Authors: Bolt Brittany , Muakkassa Farid , Bruening Lindsay , Marcus Cameron , Cunningham Brittany , Pawlak Erin , Gandee Richard , Newey Christopher
Published: September 2023

Death by neurologic criteria (DNC) or brain death is a clinical diagnosis. It is often complicated by variations in policies as well as confounders on examination. We discuss here the case of a 27-year-old male who had a cardiac arrest following toxic gaseous exposure. He ultimately progressed to brain death but was identified as having cardiac oscillations during clinical assessments that complicated the diagnosis. We discuss the case as well as the maneuvers used to clarify that the “triggered breaths” on the ventilator were indeed cardiac oscillations.
Food Hygiene Knowledge, Practices, and Associated Factors among Food Handlers in Institutional Food Establishments in Nekemte Town, Western Oromia, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Gemede Habtamu Fekadu , Yazew Tamiru
Published: September 2023

For the general population, food hygiene is a growing public health concern. Lack of awareness of food hygiene knowledge and practices will lead to poor food handling, which may result in early mortality, food-borne illnesses, and death. To evaluate food handlers’ knowledge, practices, and related aspects in various food enterprises in Nekemte town, Ethiopia, this study was designed. About 360 food handlers in the study area participated in a cross-sectional study that was based in an institution. Using methodical sampling approaches, the necessary sample was selected. Data were gathered using a semistructured questionnaire. For analysis, the data were entered in SPPSS version 20.0. According to the study results, 57.8% and 35.75% of food handlers in the study area had inadequate food hygiene knowledge and practices, respectively. Secondary school or above: 2.42 (95% CI: 1.13, 3.56), training: 4.65 (95% CI: 1.847, 11.74), experience of 1–5 years: 2.12 (95% CI: 1.283, 3.83), and experience of more than 5 years: 2.11 (95% CI: 1.183, 5.34) were variables that significantly predicted knowledge of food hygiene. Similarly, secondary education or higher: 2.19 (95% CI: 1.202, 4.83), experience of more than 5 years: 2.4 (95% CI: 1.12, 6.96), knowledge of food hygiene: 2.61 (95% CI: 2.14, 4.56), and training 3.3 (95% CI: 2.32, 4.76) were correlated with food hygiene practice of food handlers. To improve food hygiene knowledge and practice as well as to overcome their associated factors, such as educational status, training, work experience, and knowledge of food handlers, all relevant bodies should apply all feasible interventions through behavioral change communication.
Supplementary Figure 3 from Surgical Inflammation Alters Immune Response to Intraoperative Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Davis Richard W. , Klampatsa Astero , Cramer Gwendolyn M. , Kim Michele M. , Miller Joann M. , Yuan Min , Houser Cassandra , Snyder Emma , Putt Mary , Vinogradov Sergei A. , Albelda Steven M. , Cengel Keith A. , Busch Theresa M.
Published: September 2023

Supplemental Figure 3. Preceding PDT with TI significantly reduces response in male AB12-bearing mice
TABLE 1 from Effect of Test History at Ages 50–64 on Later Cervical Cancer Risk: A Population-based Case–control Study
Authors: Kultalahti Henric , Heinävaara Sirpa , Sarkeala Tytti , Pankakoski Maiju
Published: September 2023

The hierarchical order used in the definition of the most severe test result variable at age 50–64. For example, if a person was diagnosed with an HPV-positive result at least once at age 50–64, the test result was categorized as “Abnormal”, despite other possible results during that time
FIGURE 7 from Surgical Inflammation Alters Immune Response to Intraoperative Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Davis Richard W. , Klampatsa Astero , Cramer Gwendolyn M. , Kim Michele M. , Miller Joann M. , Yuan Min , Houser Cassandra , Snyder Emma , Putt Mary , Vinogradov Sergei A. , Albelda Steven M. , Cengel Keith A. , Busch Theresa M.
Published: September 2023

T cells and splenocyte cells from TI/PDT treated mice limit PDT-induced antitumor immunity in a C57BL/6 model of mesothelioma. Murine mesothelioma AE17o cells were implanted into the flank of C57BL/6 mice and grown to 80 mm3 prior to treating with TI and/or PDT. A, Tumor responses to PDT (n = 14) were impeded by exposure to TI prior to PDT (n = 15; P = 0.019 for PDT vs. TI/PDT). Transferability of antitumor immunity in AE17o tumors was assessed using CD8+ T cells isolated from splenocytes (B), or using whole splenocyte populations, from tumored, PDT-, or TI/PDT-treated mice (C). T cells or splenocytes were transferred alongside AE17o tumor cells to recipient mice. Preceding PDT with TI reduced the antitumor immunity encoded in CD8+ T cells (P = 0.0364 for TI/PDT vs. PDT) and whole splenocytes (P = 0.0017 for TI/PDT vs. PDT). Growth delay analysis for AE17o tumors represents growth to 50 mm3 for T cell and 175 mm3 for splenocyte transfer. n = 5 recipient mice/group; *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001.