bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barriers to and facilitators of physical activity in pediatric pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Avitabile Catherine M. , O'Brien Caroline , Dureja Divya , Albizem Dana , Mota Jena , Xanthopoulos Melissa , Zemel Babette S. , Cronholm Peter F.
Published: October 2024

Therapeutic exercise has not been widely adopted in pediatric pulmonary hypertension (PH), despite adult data supporting its safety and efficacy. While physical limitations may prevent children with PH from participating in physical activity, other barriers to and facilitators of physical activity are unknown. Youth ages 8‐18 years with World Symposium of PH diagnostic Groups 1‐4, functional class I or II, and ambulatory status were prospectively enrolled in a cross‐sectional study including separate 30‐min participant and caregiver interviews regarding attitudes toward physical activity and a proposed exercise intervention in pediatric PH. Interview questions were guided by Social Cognitive Theory and explored autonomy, self‐confidence, and self‐efficacy. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using an iterative process to determine themes and patterns. Demographics and relevant PH condition‐specific data were abstracted from the medical record. Thirty PH participant/caregiver dyads were interviewed. Facilitators of physical activity included enjoyment/interest in the activity, socialization, incentivization, and feelings of safety and normalcy. Barriers to physical activity included lack of interest, fear/anxiety, and self‐consciousness. Findings were similar in children and adults. Participants rarely reported restriction of activity by caregivers or medical providers. Attitudes toward engagement in a proposed exercise program were generally positive and reflected personal experiences with physical activity. Monitored exercise interventions that focus on patients’ interests, cultivate confidence, respect limitations, and acknowledge the need for extrinsic incentivization may have benefits in pediatric PH. Future trials should test the impact of these characteristics on patient wellbeing and clinical outcomes.
The same but different: A cross‐country comparison of national earthquake policies and societal perspectives of seismic risk in Israel and Switzerland
Authors: Rapaport Carmit , Dallo Irina , Kligman Yael , Marti Michèle , Komendantova Nadejda , Ashkenazi Isaac
Published: October 2024

National earthquake policies aim to mitigate earthquake risk by minimizing the potential damage to lives, property, and infrastructure and by preparing the population to carry out recommended behaviors when an earthquake is felt or a warning is heard. In this research, we compare two earthquake‐prone countries, Israel and Switzerland, to examine if and how their policies to mitigate seismic risk differ, and how citizens react to the national earthquake policies in terms of their perceived risk of earthquakes and their preparedness. We examine and compare four national‐level earthquake policy components—risk assessment, mitigation regulation, early warning system, and risk communication with the public. We find that centralized national‐level policy in Israel, which includes regulated building codes, a nationwide early warning system, and national awareness campaigns, does lead to higher levels of reported awareness and preparedness. Similarly, in high‐risk cantons in Switzerland, which apply these policies (except for the warning system), citizens were also more prepared than in low‐risk cantons. However, given learning from both countries' policies, we suggest that earthquake policies should include collaboration with local authorities and the population through a more decentralized and localized approach, which includes drills, training, and information dissemination.
Toward a community‐engaged framework for urban soil research
Authors: Legg Tiffany A. , Hodges Caitlin
Published: October 2024

Researchers in urban environments sample where people live and work. However, there is limited extant guidance available to scientists engaging with community stakeholders to sample soils in urban settings. Leveraging our cumulative experiences, insights gained from community collaborations, and interdisciplinary literature, we present a community‐engaged framework for urban soils research. Community‐engaged research frameworks emerged over the past two decades to foster trust and respect between communities and researchers as a response to historical exploitation of communities by the academy. Today, these frameworks have become standard for social and public health researchers investigating the physical well‐being of communities. However, there is no equivalent framework for scientists studying the soils that underpin the physical and ecological well‐being of the same communities. Here, we present the first such framework for soil scientists that incorporates nuanced aspects that are often overlooked. Our proposed framework recognizes the iterative nature of collaboration with community stakeholders and highlights the significance of ethical considerations throughout the research process by emphasizing protection of community stakeholders from harm, involvement of all parties in decision‐making processes, maintaining informed consent, and fostering mutual accountability among researchers throughout the research and sampling process.
Reorienting transpacific commerce: On the subject of Chinese entrepreneurism in Central America
Authors: DeHart Monica
Published: October 2024

Over the last 16 years, Central American governments have increasingly embraced diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China to foster economic opportunities and national development. This analysis builds on ethnographic research in Costa Rica and Guatemala to trace the kinds of entrepreneurialism Central American governments are mobilizing to foment these transpacific commercial relations. This article explores those transpacific spaces and subjects deemed valuable for national development. Though a strong tradition of transnational business connects local ethnic Chinese Central Americans with firms in mainland China and Taiwan, these subjects have largely not been protagonists of incipient state‐led initiatives. I argue that the racialization of Chinese Central American businesspeople as ethnic entrepreneurs has precluded them from serving as appropriate subjects of national development. Instead, Central American governments have relied on white elites to develop desired commercial relations and class interests in this new era of transpacific relations. As such, I emphasize the racialized and classed underpinnings of entrepreneurial identity, showing how it positions some as always already suspect economic actors, while others are seen as national subjects capable of a process of entrepreneurial becoming.
The Performance of Amino‐ and Hydroxy‐Substituted Benzothiazoles in Inhibiting the Corrosion of Carbon Steel in HCl and the Molecular‐Level Mechanisms
Authors: Zhang Yu‐chen , Liang Xuan , Ding Rui , Ji An‐lan , Wang Yu‐han , Lei Ming‐di , Fu Jie , Liu Jie
Published: October 2024

In the pickling process and acidizing program for oil wells, the acidic corrosion of metals is a problem that needs to be addressed. Various acid corrosion inhibitors have been studied and used to mitigate the acidic corrosion of carbon steel. In this paper, the corrosion inhibition of 2‐aminobenzothiazole (2 N‐BT), 2‐amino‐4‐hydroxybenzothiazole (2 N4O‐BT), and 2‐amino‐6‐hydroxybenzothiazole (2 N6O‐BT) on carbon steel in 0.5 mol/L HCl was investigated using electrochemical and quantum chemical methods. All three molecules exhibited corrosion inhibition effects. Compared to 2 N‐BT, 2 N4O‐BT and 2 N6O‐BT showed less sensitivity to the environmental conditions and the surface state of the metal. Among them, 0.0010 mol/L 2 N6O‐BT demonstrated the highest and most persistent corrosion inhibition, exhibiting a mixed inhibition mechanism with cathodic inhibition dominance. The adsorption of 2 N6O‐BT on the carbon steel surface was found to be non‐uniform, preferentially adsorbing at certain active sites on the surface, following Freundlich‐Langmuir thermodynamic characteristics. It showed initial strongly adsorbed points and weakly adsorbed regions. With continued adsorption of 2 N6O‐BT, the differences between strongly adsorbed points and weakly adsorbed regions decreased. The introduction of hydroxyl groups, especially in 2 N6O‐BT, extended the negative potential region and enhanced the coordination activity of the molecule, generating the orbital distribution that was advantageous to flat adsorption and the formation of feedback bonds. This provided a molecular structural basis for the excellent corrosion inhibition properties of 2 N6O‐BT.
Design, Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and In Silico Study of N‐(Pyridin‐2/3‐yl)alkanamide Derivatives as Quorum Sensing Inhibitors Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Jaiswal Umesh , Bhopale Abhinetra Jagdish , Srivastava Namita , Yerramsetti Nanaji , Kumar Rajnish , Kumar Lokender , Yadav Ashok Kumar
Published: October 2024

The effectiveness of treating bacterial infections is seriously jeopardized by the emergence of bacterial resistance to chemical therapy. The development of biofilm in bacteria is one of the main causes of resistance to antimicrobial drugs. By developing new antibiofilm medications, quorum sensing (QS) inhibitor was developed as an alternate therapy. QS inhibition, which focuses on the QS signaling pathway, obstructs cell–cell communication. The aim of this work is to develop newer QS inhibitors against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. N‐(Pyridin‐2/3‐yl)alkanamide derivatives were designed as QS inhibitors, and these designed molecules were synthesized. QS inhibitor activity was evaluated for the synthesized compounds (3a–l, 4a–h). The highest QS inhibitor activities for compounds 3k, 4a, and 4c were 11.66 ± 0.11, 14.66 ± 0.15, and 10.66 ± 0.05 mm, respectively. Subsequent molecular docking analyses exhibited moderate to good binding affinity values between −7.1 and −9.3 kcal/mol. Using the in silico method, the physicochemical characteristics of these prepared compounds were examined. Additionally, molecular dynamic simulation was employed to gain a deeper comprehension of stability of the protein and ligand complexes of compounds 3k, 4a, and 4c. The overall findings of the study indicated that N‐(pyridin‐2/3‐yl)alkanamide derivatives might be significant for the development of newer QS inhibitors.
Not in‐sourced here! When does external technology sourcing yield familiar versus novel solutions?
Authors: Klueter Thomas , Ghosh Anindya , Rosenkopf Lori
Published: October 2024

Research Summary

When established firms source technology from specialized technology firms, extant research has typically assumed that this in‐sourced technology is novel. We test this assumption by modeling in‐sourcing decisions using a problem‐solution lens wherein firms choose from available external technological solutions to solve their market problems. Since the locus of identification, evaluation, and selection of external solutions remains internal to the firm's R&D personnel, we argue that they frequently prefer familiar over novel solutions. We identify two factors that help firms overcome this preference for familiarity: when top managers focus their attention on the market problem or when they receive feedback from unexpected failures to solve that problem. Our case control analysis of 715 in‐sourced emerging technological solutions in the biopharmaceutical industry offers broad support to our theoretical framework.

Managerial Summary

Established firms are commonly advised to source novel technologies externally. Yet since this sourcing process is driven by in‐house R&D personnel, we suggest that a firm's choice of external technology solutions may still tend toward familiar ones. We confirm this preference by examining in‐sourcing events of emerging technological solutions by established firms in the biopharmaceutical industry. Despite this preference, we then show that increased top management attention toward a market problem and experiencing unexpected failures in bringing products to market catalyze a receptiveness to novel technological solutions. Our findings help managers in established firms recognize that their claims or intentions to seek novel technology are not always consistent with actual in‐sourcing choices, and suggest when firms can overcome this tendency.
Hydrosedimentological Balance and Modeling as Subsidy for River Recovery‐Related Actions
Authors: da Silva Alexandre Marco
Published: October 2024

The sedimentometric dynamics are part of the environmental dynamics of a watershed and are vulnerable to local environmental changes. Hence, in this study, we (i) investigated the sedimentometric dynamic in three watersheds, (ii) proposed innovative mathematical equations for enhancing the ability to predict the sediment delivery ratio (SDR), and (iii) proposed alternatives to restore the sedimentological equilibrium. In three watersheds, we collected information concerning physiography and land use. Also, for 2 years, water samples and hydrological and sediment‐related data were systematically collected. We then computed a dataset on hydrosedimentology, especially the SDR. We elaborated two mathematical models that predict the SDR, considering the high relation between SDR and the elements of the watershed that go far beyond the “catchment area” information, normally used as basic and unique information for computing SDR values. We also proposed alternatives for environmental control and/or recovery. Such alternatives are based on the sedimentometric dynamics of the watersheds and their vulnerability to degradation. The execution of these actions is vital to provide a local sedimentometric balance and, among other gains, to recover/conserve the environmental quality of the streams and rivers that form the river network of the watershed.
Saturated Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Raven Will
Published: October 2024

In this chapter, we explore the clever spectroscopy technique known as saturated absorption spectroscopy. This technique is used to remove Doppler profiles from spectroscopic signals. We will learn how saturated absorption spectroscopy works, including the roles of probe and pump beams, and the resulting spectral features. Additionally, we will examine the artifacts, specifically crossover features (V , $$\Lambda $$
Λ
, and X crossovers), that may appear due to this technique and understand the conditions under which they occur. Practical examples using various atoms, advanced techniques for achieving crossover-free spectroscopy, and potential issues are also discussed.
Analysis of Circuit-Based RHBD Techniques
Authors: Aguiar Ygor Quadros de , Wrobel Frédéric , Autran Jean-Luc , García Alía Rubén
Published: October 2024

This chapter focuses on circuit-level techniques, completing the analysis of radiation hardening by design (RHBD) methods across various design abstraction levels. Here, we evaluate the charge sharing effect, considering its dependence on cell placement and logic synthesis. Subsequently, an optimization methodology is proposed to enhance overall circuit hardness through signal probability–based pin swapping.
Planetare Gesundheit und psychische Gesundheit
Authors: Grosskopf Charlotte M. , Dauterstedt Helen , Severus W. Emanuel , Bauer Michael , Reininger Klaus Michael , Scharping Katharina , Nikendei Christoph
Published: October 2024

Der Klimawandel stellt die größte globale Gesundheitsbedrohung des 21. Jahrhunderts dar. Treibhausgasemissionen und die hierdurch steigenden Durchschnittstemperaturen führen zu Hitzewellen, Dürre, Wasser- und Nahrungsmangel, Extremwetterereignissen, dem Anstieg des Meeresspiegels, Migrationsbewegungen sowie dem Verlust von Biodiversität und dem Untergang von Ökosystemen, wie wir sie kennen. Bereits dafür, dass die globale Durchschnittstemperatur bis 2029 maximal um 1,5 °C steigt, sind nach aktuellen Schätzungen viel umfangreichere gesellschaftliche Maßnahmen als bisher erforderlich. Doch nicht nur der Klimawandel, sondern auch andere menschengemachte Faktoren wie Lärm, Licht, Feinstaub und Plastik bedrohen die Gesundheit unseres Planeten und damit unweigerlich auch die Gesundheit des Menschen – sowohl die körperliche als auch die psychische. Dieser Artikel erweitert das DGPPN-Positionspapier „Klimawandel und psychische Gesundheit“ um den Begriff Planetare Gesundheit. Insbesondere die normative Dimension der Canmore-Erklärung zur Planetaren Gesundheit, Transdisziplinarität als Wissenschaftsprinzip sowie mögliche konkrete Handlungsanweisungen sollen hier in ihrer besonderen Relevanz für die Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und die sprechende Medizin dargestellt und die Zusammenhänge grafisch illustriert werden.
Axes-aligned non-linear optimized PnP algorithm
Authors: Roch Peter , Shahbaz Nejad Bijan , Handte Marcus , Marrón Pedro José
Published: October 2024

Pose estimation is an important component of many real-world computer vision systems. Most existing pose estimation algorithms need a large number of point correspondences to accurately determine the pose of an object. Since the number of point correspondences depends on the object’s appearance, lighting and other external conditions, detecting many points may not be feasible. In many real-world applications, the movement of objects is limited, e.g. due to gravity. Hence, detecting objects with only three degrees of freedom is usually sufficient. This allows us to improve the accuracy of pose estimation by changing the underlying equations of the perspective-n-point problem to three variables instead of six. By using the simplified equations, our algorithm is more robust against detection errors with limited point correspondences. In this article, we study three scenarios where such constraints apply. The first one is about parking a vehicle on a specific spot. Here, a stationary camera is detecting the vehicle to assist the driver. The second scenario describes the perspective of a moving camera detecting objects in its environment. This scenario is common for driver assistance systems, autonomous cars or mobile robots. Third, we describe a camera observing objects from a birds-eye view, which occurs in industrial applications. In all three scenarios, observed objects can only move in the ground plane and rotate around the vertical axis. Hence, three degrees of freedom are sufficient to estimate the pose. Experiments with synthetic data and real-world photographs have shown that our algorithm outperforms state-of-the-art pose estimation algorithms. Depending on the scenario, our algorithm is able to achieve 50% better accuracy, while being equally fast.
Virtual numerical control: an approach towards autonomous manufacturing with a case study in welding
Authors: Nasser Mohamed A. , Asy Mohab M.
Published: October 2024

Today’s customer lifestyles have reshaped their expectations and preferences, driving a growing demand for tailor-made products. While current conventional manufacturing (MNF) systems are robust, they often lack the flexibility needed to accommodate customization. Most MNF systems, despite advances in technology and machinery, still rely on executing predefined instructions, limiting their flexibility. In contrast, human workers excel at handling product variations due to their cognitive abilities, which allow them to perceive, analyze, and make appropriate decisions to adapt to changing conditions. This study introduces virtual numerical control (VNC) as a solution to upgrade MNF systems and overcome these limitations. VNC aims to transform MNF systems into cognitive entities capable of autonomous decision-making, enabling greater flexibility to meet customization demands. To demonstrate the potential of VNC, we implemented it in a welding system as a practical case study. The results showed that VNC enabled the system to operate autonomously. It accurately identified the shape of the objects to be welded, determined the appropriate welding paths, and executed them with high precision, all without human intervention. This highlights the significant potential of VNC technology for broader applications in industrial automation in welding and beyond.
Numerical model as a tool for the optimisation of performance of a TEG generator for recovering waste heat from process gas
Authors: Górszczak Piotr , Rywotycki Marcin , Fidura Weronika
Published: October 2024

The article focuses on the issue of efficiently recovering waste heat from low-exergy process gases, which poses a significant challenge for improving energy efficiency in many industrial sectors. To address this problem, the application of a thermoelectric generator (TEG) has been proposed, allowing for the direct conversion of thermal energy into electrical energy. In the course of the research, experimental measurements were conducted for process gases at temperatures of 240 °C and 300 °C, along with CFD (computational fluid dynamics) simulations using Ansys Fluent 2023 R2 software. These simulations enabled the analysis of the temperature distribution in the TEG and the determination of the safe operating range of the device for process gas temperatures of 350 °C, 400 °C and 450 °C. The results obtained from both experiments and simulations demonstrated the effectiveness of the TEG in recovering waste heat from low-exergy gases. Additionally, these findings suggest the potential for scaling the solution to larger industrial systems, making TEG a promising technology for long-term sustainable development efforts. The developed numerical model proved to be a valuable tool in the design of TEG systems, allowing for the analysis and optimization of heat recovery systems. The innovation of the solution lies in the use of TEG for efficiently utilising waste heat from low-temperature gases, which holds significant potential for improving energy efficiency in processes where traditional energy recovery technologies are not effective.
In vivo pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and brain concentration comparison of fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl in rats
Authors: Canfield Jeremy R. , Sprague Jon E.
Published: October 2024

In 2022, para-fluorofentanyl (pFF) rose to the 6th most reported drug and the most reported fentanyl analog in the United States according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). pFF differs from fentanyl by the addition of a single fluorine group. To date, pFF has not been extensively evaluated in vivo and is frequently seen in combination with fentanyl. In the present study, the pharmacodynamic (PD) and pharmacokinetic (PK) properties and brain region-specific concentrations of pFF were evaluated in male Sprague–Dawley rats and compared to fentanyl. A 300 μg/kg subcutaneous dose of fentanyl or pFF was administered to assess PD and PK parameters as well as brain region concentrations. PD parameters were evaluated via a tail flick test to evaluate analgesia and core body temperature to measure hypothermia, a surrogate marker of overall opioid toxicity. Fentanyl and pFF were found to be equally active at the tested dose in terms of tail flick response with both compounds producing an analgesic response that lasted up to 240 min post-drug treatment. pFF induced a significantly greater hypothermic effect compared to fentanyl with a maximum temperature decrease of −5.6 ℃. Plasma PK parameters (T1/2, AUC, etc.) did not differ between fentanyl and pFF. However, pFF concentrations in the medulla, hippocampus, frontal cortex and striatum were more than two times the fentanyl concentrations. The increase in brain concentrations and greater hypothermic effect suggests that pFF is potentially more dangerous than fentanyl.
Thiopurine S‑methyltransferase- and indolethylamine N‑methyltransferase-mediated formation of methylated tellurium compounds from tellurite
Authors: Tanaka Yu-ki , Takata Ayuka , Takahashi Karin , Yamagishi Yoshikazu , Fukumoto Yasunori , Suzuki Noriyuki , Ogra Yasumitsu
Published: October 2024

Tellurium (Te) is a metalloid widely used in various industries. However, its toxicological impact on humans is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of two methyltransferases, thiopurine S‑methyltransferase (TPMT) and indolethylamine N‑methyltransferase (INMT), in the methylation of tellurite, an inorganic Te oxyanion. The products of the reaction of Te compounds catalyzed by recombinant human TPMT and/or INMT were analyzed by liquid chromatography hyphenated to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LC-ICP-MS) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). We found that TPMT catalyzes the methylation of non-methylated Te and methanetellurol to generate dimethyltelluride. On the other hand, INMT catalyzes the methylation of methanetellurol and dimethyltelluride to produce trimethyltelluronium ion, a metabolite excreted into animal urine. We conclude that TPMT and INMT are cooperatively responsible for the detoxification of Te oxyanions through methylation to form trimethyltelluronium ions.
Special issue: nerve compression syndromes “Brachioradialis, or “High Wartenberg”, syndrome – compression of the sensory branch of the radial nerve in the proximal forearm
Authors: Hagert Elisabet , Azocar Camila , Jedeskog Ulrika , Hantouly Ashraf
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Compression of the sensory branch of the radial nerve (SBRN) in the proximal forearm is an uncommon condition, leading to both motor and sensory deficits. The aim of this study is to assess the surgical outcomes of SBRN release at the level of the brachioradialis arcade.

Methods

A retrospective study of prospectively collected data was conducted on patients undergoing brachioradialis release (BRR) from March 2014 to March 2021. The measured outcomes included quick-DASH (Disability of the Arm Shoulder Hand questionnaire), work-DASH, visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain, and patient satisfaction with surgery, at a minimum six month follow-up.

Results

A total of twenty patients (mean age of 44.1 (range 25–62) were included in this study, of which nine (45%) were males. Eleven patients (55%) underwent isolated BRR, while the other nine patients (45%) underwent concomitant BRR and lacertus release. The three most common presenting symptoms in patients with isolated BRS were radiovolar forearm pain (100%), disturbed sensation in the SBRN territory (85%), and hand/thumb fatigue (75%). Forearm pain and fatigue were found in all patients with combined BRS and lacertus syndrome. The response rate for the functional outcome scores was 65% (13/20). Quick-DASH significantly improved (preoperative 29.6 (range 13.6–57.5) to postoperative 6.9 (range 0–27.27), p < 0.0001) as did the work DASH (p < 0.0001). Follow-up VAS Pain was 1 and satisfaction with surgery 9.6.

Conclusion

BRS is an uncommon radial nerve compression syndrome in the proximal forearm that differs from the more commonly recognized radial tunnel syndrome. It presents with radio-volar forearm pain, disturbed sensation in the SBRN distribution, and loss of hand/thumb endurance. Minimally invasive BRR immediately restores wrist extension strength, significantly improves DASH scores, and yields positive outcomes at a minimum six-month follow-up.
Consistent spawning season of the sea urchin Sterechinus neumayeri in the Ross Sea over 5° of latitude: a role for an endogenous oscillator
Authors: Sewell Mary A. , Heimeier Dorothea , Gallego Ramon
Published: October 2024

In temperate broadcast spawners, gamete release within the reproductive period is often triggered by exogenous cues such as phytoplankton concentration, seawater temperature, or day length (photoperiod). In Antarctica, little is known about cues to spawning, even within well-studied species, such as the sea urchin Sterechinus neumayeri. Here, we determine the spawning time in S. neumayeri using the time of appearance of embryos and larvae in plankton samples collected from the sea ice with a collapsible plankton net. Collections in McMurdo Sound and at three locations along the Victoria Land Coast of the Ross Sea [Cape Hallett (72°S), Terra Nova Bay (74°S), and Granite Harbour (77°S)] over a period of eight years showed that although there were differences in embryo and larval abundance between locations, multiple spawning events occurred during late October/early November to December, regardless of latitude, and appeared unrelated to moon phase. Exogenous spawning cues are limited in the Ross Sea during the early summer: sites are covered with sea ice with limited light penetration and water temperature is generally stable. As the spawning season on the Antarctic Peninsula and maritime Antarctic is also in October–December, we hypothesize that an endogenous cue plays a role in setting the time of gametogenesis and spawning, perhaps set by phytodetrital inputs in the late summer, as in the seasonally breeding sea urchins from the deep sea. Further research will be needed to test this hypothesis in Antarctic populations of S. neumayeri.
Equestrian-associated injuries of the hand: a retrospective analysis of injury mechanisms and patterns
Authors: Ritter Benedikt , Dastagir Nadjib , Tamulevicius Martynas , Bucher Florian , Obed Doha , Vogt Peter M. , Dastagir Khaled
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Hand injuries are frequently caused by sports and are associated with long periods of inability to work and high economic health costs. After ball sports and cycling, the most common cause of hand injuries is horseback riding. Therefore, measures should be taken to prevent these risks and increase safety in sports, however data characterizing equestrian sports-associated injuries are limited.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective monocentric cohort study was performed including 39 patients (mean age: 35 ± 2.6 (range 9–65) years, female 89.7% who sustained an injury to the hand while practicing equestrian sports during 2016–2021 and presented to our hand surgery center. Data analysis was performed to characterize the trauma mechanism and injury patterns by evaluating the clinical information system and conducting telephone interviews.

Results

Overall, 53.8% of the injuries occurred while leading the horse owing to traction by bridles or a lead rope on the fingers, whereas only 33.3% were caused by a fall and 12.8% by a bite injury. The majority (87.2%) of cases were injuries to the phalanges (metacarpus: 7.7%; carpus: 5.1%). Fractures were present in 51.3% of cases. The most serious injuries included avulsion amputations in 23.1% of patients (10.3% subtotal; 12.8% total amputation).

Conclusions

Equestrian-associated injuries occur more frequently during horse handling than riding, resulting in severe avulsion amputations due to traction of the lunge or bridle, requiring complex microsurgical treatment. We recommend that appropriate protective gloves are worn for prevention of hand injuries. Additionally, the use of self-opening panic hooks with overload protection can prevent excessive traction.

Level of evidence

III
Ahmed’s sub-flap mattress suture deep sclerectomy assessment with Ultrasound Biomicroscopy
Authors: Habib Mina Maged , Hilmy Gihan Mohamed , AbdelRahman Ahmed Mostafa , Kotb Mohamed Sabry
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To assess the efficacy of adding Ahmed’s sub-flap mattress suture to deep sclerectomy (DS).

Methods

Forty eyes with open angle glaucoma were assigned randomly into two groups: Group A: underwent DS with Ahmed’s sub-flap mattress suture. Group B: underwent conventional DS. Patients were followed up closely for 6 months with serial IOP measurements and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) was used to assess the surgical site functionally and anatomically at the first and sixth month.

Results

Adding Ahmed’s sub-flap mattress suture improved the IOP lowering effect of DS significantly from 43% in group B to 53% in group A at 6-month (p = 0.027). IOP in group A was at 1 week, 1 month and 6-month visits (7.9 ± 1.3, 11.7 ± 2.2 and 13.3 ± 1.9 mmHg respectively) compared to group B (10.1 ± 4.6, 14.1 ± 5.2 and 16.8 ± 4.1 mmHg respectively) (p = 0.025, 0.041 and 0.001 respectively). UBM parameters were significantly larger in group A at 1 and 6 months. Strong statistically significant negative correlations were established between IOP and all the UBM parameters apart from intrascleral lake height at the first and sixth month (p < 0.01 in all of them). Finally, significant correlations were found between IOP at 6 months and whole bleb anteroposterior length and height at 1 month (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Adding Ahmed’s sub-flap mattress suture to routine DS is an effective economical addition that will enhance the IOP lowering effect of DS. Also, assessment of the bleb by UBM is useful in predicting the success of deep sclerectomy surgery.
Feasibility of a complex psychosocial intervention for families with parental cancer: acceptability, suitability, implementability, and perceived support
Authors: Ernstmann Nicole , Nakata Hannah , Heier Lina , Heuser Christian , Dohmen Marc , Bremen Rebecca , Geiser Franziska , Holsteg Steffen , Karger Andre , Viehmann Anja , Brüne Manuela , Icks Andrea , Haastert Burkhard , Brümmendorf Tim H. , Petermann-Meyer Andrea
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the feasibility of a comprehensive psychosocial intervention for families coping with parental cancer.

Methods

A quasi-experimental trial with intervention and control group, employing a mixed-methods approach, was conducted. A total of 472 families affected by parental cancer participated. The feasibility of the intervention was evaluated based on study monitoring measures (on-site visits, team supervision meeting observations, case conference observations, best practice workshops, coordinating information exchange between intervention sites, and reviewing intervention documentation), process evaluation (semi-structured interviews, focus group discussion) and survey data. Data analysis involved thematic coding and descriptive statistics.

Results

The intervention was well-received by the participating families, with a high degree of acceptance observed. The feasibility of the intervention was found to be associated with specific dynamics within each family system and the motivation of the family members. The success of the intervention was described as dependent on the family-centered arrangement of the encounters, including factors such as frequency, duration, and mode, which greatly influenced its overall acceptability.

Conclusion

The family-scout intervention demonstrates its feasibility as an effective intervention to reduce the burden experienced by families coping with parental cancer. Psychosocial oncology services should continue to develop and implement family-centered interventions to offer support to families during their cancer journey.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04186923. Retrospectively registered on 4 December 2019.
The corticospinal tract in multiple sclerosis: correlation between cortical excitability and magnetic resonance imaging measures
Authors: Kauv Paul , Chalah Moussa A. , Créange Alain , Lefaucheur Jean-Pascal , Hodel Jérôme , Ayache Samar S.
Published: October 2024

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system disease involving gray and white matters. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could help identify potential markers of disease evolution, disability, and treatment response. This work evaluates the relationship between intracortical inhibition and facilitation, motor cortex lesions, and corticospinal tract (CST) integrity. Consecutive adult patients with progressive MS were included. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. MRI was acquired to assess primary motor cortex lesions (double inversion and phase-sensitive inversion recovery) and CST integrity (diffusion tensor imaging). TMS outcomes were obtained: motor evoked potentials (MEP) latency, resting motor threshold, short-interval intracortical facilitation (ICF) and inhibition. Correlation analysis was performed. Twenty-five patients completed the study (13 females, age: 55.60 ± 11.49 years, Expanded Disability Status Score: 6.00 ± 1.25). Inverse correlations were found between ICF mean and each of CST radial diffusivity (RD) (ρ =-0.56; p < 0.01), CST apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) (ρ=-0.44; p = 0.03), and disease duration (ρ=-0.46; p = 0.02). MEP latencies were directly correlated with disability scores (ρ = 0.55; p < 0.01). High ADC/RD and low ICF have been previously reported in patients with MS. While the former could reflect structural damage of the CST, the latter could hint towards an aberrant synaptic transmission as well as a depletion of facilitatory compensatory mechanisms that helps overcoming functional decline. The findings suggest concomitant structural and functional abnormalities at later disease stages that would be accompanied with a heightened disability. The results should be interpreted with caution mainly because of the small sample size that precludes further comparisons (e.g., treated vs. untreated patients, primary vs. secondary progressive MS). The role of these outcomes as potential MS biomarkers merit to be further explored.
Optimization of electrode thickness of lithium-ion batteries for maximizing energy density
Authors: Khan F. M. Nizam Uddin , Rasul Mohammad G. , Mandal Nirmal K. , Sayem A. S. M.
Published: October 2024

The demand for high capacity and high energy density lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has drastically increased nowadays. One way of meeting that rising demand is to design LIBs with thicker electrodes. Increasing electrode thickness can enhance the energy density of LIBs at the cell level by reducing the ratio of inactive materials in the cell. However, after a certain value of electrode thickness, the rate of energy density increase becomes slower. On the other hand, the impact of associated limitations becomes stronger, reducing the practical applicability of LIBs with thicker electrodes. Hence, an optimum value of thickness is of utmost importance for the practicability of thicker electrode design. In this paper, both the cathode thickness and the anode thickness of an NCM LIB cell were optimized by applying response surface methodology (RSM) with a Box-Behnken design (BBD) to maximize the energy density. Moreover, the influence of electrode porosity, together with the interaction of porosity with cathode and anode thickness, was incorporated into the optimization. A full factorial design of 3-level, 3-factor was used to generate 15 simulation conditions in accordance with the design of experiment (DoE) achieved through BBD. Then, those conditions were used to achieve 15 responses by simulating a reduced-order electrochemical model. Finally, the statistical technique analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze and validate the results of RSM. The results show that the RSM-BBD optimization method, coupled with ANOVA, has successfully optimized the thicknesses of both positive and negative electrodes for maximum energy density, despite the nonlinearity of the electrochemical system. The findings suggest an optimized cathode thickness of 401.56 µm and anode thickness of 186.36 µm for a maximum energy density of 292.22 of an NCM LIB cell, while electrode porosity is preferred to be 0.2.
The prospect of floating photovoltaic in clean energy provision and net-zero-emissions
Authors: Ebhota Williams S. , Tabakov Pavel Y.
Published: October 2024

This study emphasizes the critical role of renewable energy in addressing climate change challenges, particularly in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It highlights the central importance of solar photovoltaic systems. While recognizing South Africa’s progress in renewable energy deployment, the study notes that substantial efforts are still needed to meet the country’s renewable energy targets. The study’s primary aim is to enhance the understanding and deployment of solar photovoltaic systems by critically examining the photovoltaic potential and performance of different sites. To achieve this, two scenarios—land photovoltaic and floating photovoltaic systems—were considered, focusing on hypothetical 10 MWp-installed capacity systems. The results indicate that the 10-MWp land photovoltaic system has a global tilted irradiance of 2184.7 kWh/m2, an annual total output of 18 GWh, and an average yearly performance ratio of 81%. The economic parameters for the land photovoltaic system include a capital expenditure of $9.0 million, an operational expenditure of $157,500 annually, and a levelised cost of energy of $0.04089/kWh. In contrast, the 10-MWp floating photovoltaic system reports a Global Tilted Irradiance of 1797 kWh/m2, an annual total output of 16 GWh, and a performance ratio of 76%. The economic parameters for the floating photovoltaic system include a capital expenditure of $10.6 million, an operational expenditure of $176,250 annually, and a levelised cost of energy of $0.04936/kWh. Both scenarios’ econo-technical parameters fall within acceptable ranges. However, the land photovoltaic system shows better performance, indicating some efficiency loss in the floating photovoltaic system possibly due to harsher offshore conditions. Based on the data from the reports, the study concludes that the econo-technical feasibility of floating photovoltaic in the Western Cape Province of South Africa is high.

Graphical abstract
The cardiac, vasomotor and myocardial branches of the baroreflex in hypotension: indications of reduced venous return to the heart
Authors: Reyes del Paso Gustavo A. , Montoro Casandra I. , Daydov Dmitry M. , Duschek Stefan
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Alterations of autonomic cardiovascular control are implicated in the origin of chronic low blood pressure (BP) (hypotension), but comprehensive analysis of baroreflex function is still lacking. This study explored baroreflex function in its cardiac, vascular and myocardial branches

Methods

Continuous BP was recorded at rest and during a mental arithmetic task in 40 hypotensive and 40 normotensive participants. Assessed cardiovascular variables included stroke volume (SV) (calculated by the Modelflow method), heart rate (HR), cardiac output (CO), total peripheral resistance (TPR) and heart rate variability (HRV). Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) was calculated using the spontaneous sequence method.

Results

Hypotensive participants exhibited greater BRS in the three baroreflex branches, in addition to lower SV, HR and CO and higher HRV and TPR. Reactivity for BP, HRV and CO during the stress task was reduced in hypotensive individuals. The greater cardiac BRS can explain the lower HR and higher HRV observed in hypotension, suggestive of increased vagal cardiac influences. The higher vasomotor BRS may contribute to the greater TPR observed in the hypotensive participants. Abnormal associations between myocardial BRS and SV arose, suggesting aberrant autonomic control of myocardial contractility in hypotension.

Conclusion

The results indicate that hemodynamic deficits in hypotension are related to preload factors, probably triggered by hypovolemia and reduced unstressed blood reserves, resulting in lower venous return, ventricular preload and SV. In contrast, afterload mechanisms seem to work appropriately.
Association of Racial Residential Segregation and Other Social Determinants of Health with HIV Late Presentation
Authors: Shi Fanghui , Zhang Jiajia , Chen Shujie , Yang Xueying , Li Zhenlong , Weissman Sharon , Olatosi Bankole , Li Xiaoming
Published: October 2024

Understanding social determinants of HIV late presentation with advanced disease (LPWA) beyond individual-level factors could help decrease LPWA and improve population-level HIV outcomes. This study aimed to examine county-level social determinants of health (SDOH) with HIV late presentation. We aggregated datasets for analysis by linking statewide HIV diagnosis data from the South Carolina (SC) Enhanced HIV/AIDS Reporting System and multiple social contextual datasets (e.g., the American Community Survey). All adult (18 years and older) people with HIV diagnosed from 2014 to 2019 in SC were included. Linear mixed models with forward selection were employed to explore the association of county-level SDOH with the county-level three-year moving average percentage of LPWA and average delay time from HIV infection to diagnosis. Around 30% of new HIV diagnoses were LPWA in SC, and the mean delay time for people with LPWA was approximately 13 years. Counties with more racial residential segregation had longer average delay time (Adjusted beta = 5.079, 95% CI: 0.268 ~ 9.889). Regarding other SDOH, the increased percentage of LPWA was associated with fewer Ryan White centers per 100,000 population (Adjusted beta = -0.006, 95% CI: -0.011~-0.001) and higher percentages of the population with less than a high school education (Adjusted beta = 0.008, 95% CI: 0 ~ 0.015). Reducing county-level disparities in LPWA requires multifaceted interventions addressing multiple dimensions of SDOH. Targeted interventions are needed for counties with more Black residential segregation, fewer Ryan White centers, and higher percentages of less than high school education.
Recent applications and advances of African Vultures Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Hussien Abdelazim G. , Gharehchopogh Farhad Soleimanian , Bouaouda Anas , Kumar Sumit , Hu Gang
Published: October 2024

The African Vultures Optimization Algorithm (AVOA) is a recently developed meta-heuristic algorithm inspired by the foraging behavior of African vultures in nature. This algorithm has gained attention due to its simplicity, flexibility, and effectiveness in tackling many optimization problems. The significance of this review lies in its comprehensive examination of the AVOA’s development, core principles, and applications. By analyzing 112 studies, this review highlights the algorithm’s versatility and the growing interest in enhancing its performance for real-world optimization challenges. This review methodically explores the evolution of AVOA, investigating proposed improvements that enhance the algorithm’s ability to adapt to various search geometries in optimization problems. Additionally, it introduces the AVOA solver, detailing its functionality and application in different optimization scenarios. The review demonstrates the AVOA’s effectiveness, particularly its unique weighting mechanism, which mimics vulture behavior during the search process. The findings underscore the algorithm’s robustness, ease of use, and lack of dependence on derivative information. The review also critically evaluates the AVOA’s convergence behavior, identifying its strengths and limitations. In conclusion, the study not only consolidates the existing knowledge on AVOA but also proposes directions for future research, including potential adaptations and enhancements to address its limitations. The insights gained from this review offer valuable guidance for researchers and practitioners seeking to apply or improve the AVOA in various optimization tasks.