bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution and Regeneration Status of Albizia gummifera and Prunus africana along Agroecology in Agroforestry: The Case of Gombora District, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Beyene Abide Ermias , Assefa Birru Tsidkineh
Published: February 2024

Empirical evidence on the patterns of the multipurpose trees distribution and regeneration status, which are under threats pressure is necessary for the proper management and conservation of the species. Prunus africana is listed as vulnerable while Albizia gummifera is listed as least concern amongst the multipurpose trees. This study was aimed to investigate the distribution, abundance, density, and regeneration status of Prunus africana and Albizia gummifera along agroecology and farmers’ wealth status in agroforestry. Stratification sampling and equal sampling techniques were employed. A total of 162 quadrats were laid within the randomly selected 54 households’ farms. A nested quadrat size was 20 m × 20 m for enset tree-based homegarden and parklands. For live fencing, a quadrat size was 4 m × 10 m. Abundance, diameter (cm), height (m), and growth habits of both trees were recorded. Density (stems per ha), diameter class (cm), height (m) class of both trees, and mean of growth habit were analyzed and considered. One-way ANOVA analysis and independent t-test were employed for means comparison by using SPSS V. 23.0. A total of 132 individual A. gummifera was recorded along agroecology while a total of 55 individual P. africana was recorded along agroecology. Mean density (stem/ha) of A. gummifera and P. africana showed significant difference between agroecology and farmers’ wealth groups (P<0.05). A. gummifera and P. africana were sparsely distributed in the enset tree-based homegarden, parklands, and live fencing along agroecology. The overall diameter (cm) class and height (m) class distribution pattern of these tree species were observed as a J-shaped curve. The regeneration status of A. gummifera and P. africana was poor. In conclusion, distribution, abundance, and regeneration status of A. gummifera and P. africana were influenced by agroecology and farmers’ wealth status needing appropriate conservation measures.
Chlorpyrifos Pesticide Removal from Black Grapes Using Plasma-Activated Water Produced by Plasma Bubbling Technology
Authors: Rakesh B. , Anbarasan R. , Kamalapreetha B. , Purushothaman R. , Ashutosh B. Ram , Mahendran R.
Published: February 2024

This study is aimed at evaluating the ability of plasma-activated water (PAW) to reduce the chlorpyrifos pesticide residue in black grapes. Raw black grapes were spiked with a known concentration (10, 15, and 20 ppm) of chlorpyrifos (20% EC) and bubbled with 120 V air plasma at three different time intervals (5, 10, and 15 min). GC-MS analysis of these plasma-bubbled grapes showed up to 65.25% reduction (20 ppm sample) in chlorpyrifos content after 15 min of treatment. However, the treatment also reduced the grape juice’s ascorbic acid (19.97±2.69 to 9.15±2.02 mg/ml), antioxidant scavenging activity (77.42±2.97 to 53.30±4.77%), total flavonoids (3.00±0.53 to 2.61±0.57 mg QE/ml), total soluble solids (14.23±1.96 to 11.95±1.86°), total suspended solids (1.95±0.16 to 1.80±0.03 g/l), and turbidity (246.63±11.42 to 224.1±24.85 NTU). Meanwhile, other physicochemical attributes such as pH, titrable acidity, total phenol content, color index, and texture values had slight changes after plasma bubbling. Thus, plasma bubbling proved to be an effective method to remove the chlorpyrifos pesticide present in grapes, and the techniques also preserve the quality of the commodity.
Efficacy of 2% Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose and Bandage Contact Lens for the Management of Dry Eye Disease after Cataract Surgery
Authors: Zhao Tianyao , Jiang Xiaodan , Hao Ran , Ding Yi , Jing Dalan , Li Xuemin
Published: February 2024

Objectives. To investigate the effect of 2% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and bandage contact lens (BCL) on dry eye disease after cataract surgery. Methods. This prospective randomized controlled trial included 63 eyes which were divided into the balanced salt solution (BSS), HPMC, BCL, and combined HPMC and BCL (H&B) groups. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), tear meniscus height (TMH), and average tear break-up time were measured before cataract surgery and 30 days postoperatively. Differences in corneal nerve fiber (CNF) and dendritic cell (DC) density in various directions were evaluated and compared. The CNFs and DCs in central and infratemporal directions were observed using in vivo confocal microscopy. Data were evaluated using the Kruskal–Wallis rank-sum test and analysis of variance. Results. The differences in variations in OSDI and TMH after cataract surgery between the four groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). The postoperative OSDI of the HPMC group decreased compared with their preoperative OSDI. A statistically significant difference in the variations of OSDI score was observed between the HPMC and other groups (P<0.05). The postoperative variations in TMH in the HPMC group were significantly higher than those observed preoperatively and significantly differed between HPMC and BCL groups and between BCL and H&B groups (P<0.05). Postoperatively, the density of corneal DCs decreased in BSS and HPMC groups and increased in BCL and H&B groups (P<0.001). Conclusions. The application of 2% HPMC in cataract surgery has a certain effect on managing dry eye after cataract surgery. Although the use of BCLs after cataract surgery has some benefits, it may cause mild ocular surface inflammation. Nevertheless, using 2% HPMC with BCLs in the perioperative phase of cataract surgery can alleviate the subjective discomfort of patients and can safely and effectively replace eye patch after cataract surgery.
Digital Transformation and ESG Performance: A Quasinatural Experiment Based on China’s Environmental Protection Law
Authors: Chen Lifeng , Chen Yitong , Gao Yuying
Published: February 2024

The bioeconomy model provides an alternative view of global economic systems by putting sustainable practices combined with digital approaches at the forefront to tackle issues such as climate change. To address this new business trends, financial institutions began to set up the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) business units to evaluate their business strategies. This paper is aimed at examining the nonfinancial effect created by the digital transformation (DT) activities, highlighting the role of enterprise heterogeneity after the implementation of Environmental Protection Law (EPL) in China. We employ the panel data of A‐share listed companies from 2010 to 2020, selecting DT and ESG indicators as the important representations of “Industry 5.0.” Our empirical results demonstrate a positive impact of EPL on the ESG performance in sight of resource enterprises (REs), environmental enterprises (EEs), and polluting enterprises (PEs), but a negative impact of EPL on the DT indicators among those environmental related industries. Additional causal relationship regression reveals that enterprise DT has an intrinsic promoting effect on the ESG performance, emphasizing on the high risk of digitization process being the shock transmitters to enterprise nonfinancial indices. Notably, the connectedness of environmental policy illustrates dynamic patterns by parallel trend test and propensity score matching (PSM) DID regression. This paper is prone to benefit lawmakers, regulators, and firm executives responsible for analyzing and assessing enterprise digitization behavior by exploring the influence of macrolevel environmental policy.
Synthesis and Photocatalytic Activity of High-Quality Lead(II) Sulfide Nanoparticles from Lead(II) Thiosemicarbazone Complexes as Single Source Precursors
Authors: Yepseu Adrien P. , Girardet Thomas , Nyamen Linda D. , Fleutot Solenne , Ketchemen Kevin I. Y. , Kun Walter N. , Cleymand Franck , Ndifon Peter T.
Published: February 2024

We report the synthesis of lead(II) complexes of 2-(thiophen-2-ylmethylene) hydrazine-1-carbothioamide (1) and 2-(1-(thiophen-2-yl) ethylene) hydrazine-1-carbothioamide (2), which were used as single source precursors in hexadecylamine (HDA) and oleylamine (OLA) at 190, 230, and 270°C to synthesize lead(II) sulfide nanoparticles. Optical studies by UV–vis analysis showed a general blue shift in the absorption band edge of the PbS nanoparticles (NPs) with energy bandgaps determined by Tauc’s plots ranging from 2.15 to 3.11 eV. The development of NPs with a variety of morphologies that changed with temperature and precursor type was demonstrated by morphological characterization using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Cubic, rod-shaped, and nearly spherical-shaped PbS were formed. Powder X-ray diffraction (p-XRD) structural studies revealed the face-centered cubic structure of PbS nanoparticles. The elements contained in the nanoparticles were identified by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). These results suggest that the size, shape, and optical properties of the synthesized PbS NPs were affected by reaction temperature, capping group, and precursor type. Under UV irradiation, the photocatalytic activity of HDA-capped PbS nanoparticles on the degradation of methylene blue dye ranged from 28.3% to 60.0%, with lead sulfide nanoparticle obtained by thermolysis of complex (1) at 230°C showing the highest photocatalytic efficiency (60.0%).
ERBB3 Overexpression is Enriched in Diverse Patient Populations with Castration-sensitive Prostate Cancer and is Associated with a Unique AR Activity Signature
Authors: Vellky Jordan E. , Kirkpatrick Brenna J. , Gutgesell Lisa C. , Morales Mathias , Brown Ryan M. , Wu Yaqi , Maienschein-Cline Mark , Notardonato Lucia D. , Weinfeld Michael S. , Nguyen Ryan H. , Brister Eileen , Sverdlov Maria , Liu Li , Xu Ziqiao , Kregel Steven , Nonn Larisa , Vander Griend Donald J. , Reizine Natalie M.
Published: February 2024

Purpose:

Despite successful clinical management of castration-sensitive prostate cancer (CSPC), the 5-year survival rate for men with castration-resistant prostate cancer is only 32%. Combination treatment strategies to prevent disease recurrence are increasing, albeit in biomarker-unselected patients. Identifying a biomarker in CSPC to stratify patients who will progress on standard-of-care therapy could guide therapeutic strategies.

Experimental Design:

Targeted deep sequencing was performed for the University of Illinois (UI) cohort (n = 30), and immunostaining was performed on a patient tissue microarray (n = 149). Bioinformatic analyses identified pathways associated with biomarker overexpression (OE) in the UI cohort, consolidated RNA sequencing samples accessed from Database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (n = 664), and GSE209954 (n = 68). Neutralizing antibody patritumab and ectopic HER3 OE were utilized for functional mechanistic experiments.

Results:

We identified ERBB3 OE in diverse patient populations with CSPC, where it was associated with advanced disease at diagnosis. Bioinformatic analyses showed a positive correlation between ERBB3 expression and the androgen response pathway despite low dihydrotestosterone and stable expression of androgen receptor (AR) transcript in Black/African American men. At the protein level, HER3 expression was negatively correlated with intraprostatic androgen in Black/African American men. Mechanistically, HER3 promoted enzalutamide resistance in prostate cancer cell line models and HER3-targeted therapy resensitized therapy-resistant prostate cancer cell lines to enzalutamide.

Conclusions:

In diverse patient populations with CSPC, ERBB3 OE was associated with high AR signaling despite low intraprostatic androgen. Mechanistic studies demonstrated a direct link between HER3 and enzalutamide resistance. ERBB3 OE as a biomarker could thus stratify patients for intensification of therapy in castration-sensitive disease, including targeting HER3 directly to improve sensitivity to AR-targeted therapies.
Supplemental Materials and Methods 1 from Breast Cancer Polygenic-Risk Score Influence on Risk-Reducing Endocrine Therapy Use: Genetic Risk Estimate (GENRE) Trial 1-Year and 2-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Stan Daniela L. , Kim Julian O. , Schaid Daniel J. , Carlson Erin E. , Kim Christina A. , Sinnwell Jason P. , Couch Fergus J. , Vachon Celine M. , Cooke Andrew L. , Goldenberg Benjamin A. , Pruthi Sandhya
Published: February 2024

The Supplemental Materials and Methods file depicts a representative graphical report provided to participants at Visits 1 and 2 that illustrates the participant’s estimated 5-year, 10-year, and remaining lifetime breast cancer risk (determined by NCI-BCRAT and IBIS with and without PRS).
Supplementary Table 4 from RALDH1 Inhibition Shows Immunotherapeutic Efficacy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yu Pengfei , Cao Shuwen , Yang Shyh-Ming , Rai Ganesha , Martinez Natalia J. , Yasgar Adam , Zakharov Alexey V. , Simeonov Anton , Molina Arocho William A. , Lobel Graham P. , Mohei Hesham , Scott Alexis L. , Zhai Li , Furth Emma E. , Simon M. Celeste , Haldar Malay
Published: February 2024

Plasma pharmacokinetic comparisons of C86, C91, and C99 in mice for parameters outlined in the table.
Supplementary Figure 1 from Immune Modulation of Innate and Adaptive Responses Restores Immune Surveillance and Establishes Antitumor Immunologic Memory
Authors: Alvero Ayesha B. , Fox Alexandra , Madina Bhaskara Reddy , Krady Marie M. , Gogoi Radhika , Chehade Hussein , Nakaar Valerian , Almassian Bijan , Yarovinsky Timur O. , Rutherford Thomas , Mor Gil
Published: February 2024

Flow cytometry gating strategy CD8 T cells, Macrophages and MDSC.
Clinical Practice Guidelines and Recommendations by the World Association of Perinatal Medicine and Perinatal Medicine Foundation: Reporting Suspected Findings from Fetal Central Nervous System Examination
Authors: De Robertis Valentina , Sen Cihat , Timor-Tritsch Ilan , Volpe Paolo , Galindo Alberto , Khalil Asma , Volpe Nicola , Gil Maria del Mar , Birnbaum Roee , Villalain Cecilia , Malinger Gustavo
Published: February 2024

These guidelines follow the mission of the World Association of Perinatal Medicine, in collaboration with the Perinatal Medicine Foundation, which brings together groups and individuals worldwide, with the aim to improve prenatal detection of central nervous system anomalies and the appropriate referral of pregnancies with suspected fetal anomalies. In addition, this document provides further guidance for healthcare practitioners with the goal of standardizing the description of ultrasonographic abnormal findings.
Association between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels and Sarcopenia in Patients Undergoing Chronic Haemodialysis
Authors: Hori Mayuko , Takahashi Hiroshi , Kondo Chika , Hayashi Fumihito , Tokoroyama Shigehiro , Mori Yoshiko , Tsujita Makoto , Shirasawa Yuichi , Takeda Asami , Morozumi Kunio , Maruyama Shoichi
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Sarcopenia and vitamin D deficiency are highly prevalent among patients undergoing haemodialysis. Although vitamin D deficiency, assessed using serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels, is known to be associated with sarcopenia in the general population, whether serum 25(OH)D levels are associated with sarcopenia in patients undergoing haemodialysis with suppressed renal activation of 25(OH)D remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the association between serum 25(OH)D levels and sarcopenia in patients undergoing haemodialysis. Methods: Serum 25(OH)D level measurements and assessment of sarcopenia using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria were conducted in 95 stable outpatients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis therapy. Results: Sarcopenia was observed in 22 (23.1%) patients. In multiple logistic regression analysis, serum 25(OH)D levels were associated with sarcopenia (odds ratio [OR] 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77–0.99, p = 0.039) independent of traditional risk factors for sarcopenia. In multiple linear regression analyses, serum 25(OH)D levels were associated with parameters of skeletal muscle mass and strength (β = 0.145, p = 0.046, and β = 0.194, p = 0.020, respectively). The adjusted OR for sarcopenia was 5.60 (95% CI 1.52–20.57, p = 0.009) in the vitamin D deficiency group categorized based on the cut-off serum 25(OH)D level of 10 ng/mL. Regarding model discrimination, adding vitamin D deficiency to the traditional risk factors significantly improved the integrated discrimination improvement score (0.093, p = 0.007). Conclusion: Lower serum 25(OH)D levels were associated with sarcopenia independent of traditional risk factors in patients undergoing haemodialysis with suppressed vitamin D activation in the kidney. This finding implies that circulating 25(OH)D may have an important relationship with the skeletal muscle function of patients undergoing haemodialysis, and its measurement may be recommended to identify patients at high risk for sarcopenia among those undergoing haemodialysis.
State Power, Vulnerability, And Indigenous Peoples In International Law
Authors: Ronoh Viola
Published: February 2024

Recent trends show that rather that the management of populations through life, States such as Kenya have adopted power that ensures that the populations are better managed through death. This power ensures that life closer to it is of higher value and worth protecting while those farthest from it are left to die. Therefore, this study adopts a socio-legal approach to analyse the vulnerability of indigenous peoples. Using this approach will help explain how dispossession of indigenous peoples from their lands and territories in Kenya results from continued colonialism and neopatrimonialism. The findings show that States’ political and economic power have led to the vulnerability of indigenous peoples by legitimizing death-exposing developments projects using the legal frameworks adopted from colonial powers.
Effective Spatial Degrees of Freedom of Natural Temperature Variability as a Function of Frequency
Authors: Kunz Torben , Laepple Thomas
Published: February 2024

A fundamental statistic of climate variability is its spatiotemporal correlation function. Its complex structure can be concisely summarized by a frequency-dependent measure of the effective spatial degrees of freedom (ESDOF). Here we present, for the first time, frequency-dependent ESDOF estimates of global natural surface temperature variability from purely instrumental measurements, using the HadCRUT4 dataset (1850–2014). The approach is based on a newly developed method for estimating the frequency-dependent spatial correlation function from gappy data fields. Results reveal a multicomponent structure of the spatial correlation function, including a large-amplitude short-distance component (with weak time scale dependence) and a small-amplitude long-distance component (with increasing relative amplitude toward the longer time scales). Two frequency-dependent ESDOF measures are applied, each responding mainly to either of the two components. Both measures exhibit a significant ESDOF reduction from monthly to multidecadal time scales, implying an increase of the effective spatial scale of natural surface temperature fluctuations. Moreover, it is found that a good approximation to the global number of equally spaced samples needed to estimate the variance of global mean temperature is given, at any frequency, by the greater one of the two ESDOF measures, decreasing from ∼130 at monthly to ∼30 at multidecadal time scales. Finally, the multicomponent structure of the correlation function together with the detected ESDOF scaling properties indicate that the ESDOF reduction toward the longer time scales cannot be explained simply by diffusion acting on stochastically driven anomalies, as it might be suggested from simple stochastic-diffusive energy balance models.
Impact of Parameterized Convection on the Storm Track and Near-Surface Jet Response to Global Warming: Implications for Mechanisms of the Future Poleward Shift
Authors: Garfinkel Chaim I. , Keller Benny , Lachmy Orli , White Ian , Gerber Edwin P. , Jucker Martin , Adam Ori
Published: February 2024

While a poleward shift of the near-surface jet and storm track in response to increased greenhouse gases appears to be robust, the magnitude of this change is uncertain and differs across models, and the mechanisms for this change are poorly constrained. An intermediate complexity GCM is used in this study to explore the factors governing the magnitude of the poleward shift and the mechanisms involved. The degree to which parameterized subgrid-scale convection is inhibited has a leading-order effect on the poleward shift, with a simulation with more convection (and less large-scale precipitation) simulating a significantly weaker shift, and eventually no shift at all if convection is strongly preferred over large-scale precipitation. Many of the physical processes proposed to drive the poleward shift are equally active in all simulations (even those with no poleward shift). Hence, we can conclude that these mechanisms are not of leading-order significance for the poleward shift in any of the simulations. The thermodynamic budget, however, provides useful insight into differences in the jet and storm track response among the simulations. It helps identify midlatitude moisture and latent heat release as a crucial differentiator. These results have implications for intermodel spread in the jet, hydrological cycle, and storm track response to increased greenhouse gases in intermodel comparison projects.
War on Aisle 5: Casualties, National Identity, and Consumer Behavior
Authors: Helms Benjamin , Pandya Sonal S. , Venkatesan Rajkumar
Published: February 2024

A growing body of research argues that external threats from the international system strengthen ethnocentrism and authoritarianism, personal values anchored in national identity. We evaluate a necessary implication of this argument, that these shifting values drive change in broader social behaviors. Our focus is revealed value change in a non-political setting: American consumers’ choice of supermarket brands that symbolize national identity. Our empirical analyses leverage US counties’ quasi-random exposure to US Iraq War casualties to identify the effects of local casualties on the weekly market share growth of “American” supermarket brands. We analyze weekly supermarket scanner data for a representative sample of over 1,100 US supermarkets and 8,000 brands. During 2003-2006, the weekly market share of American brands grew relative to non-American brands in casualty-exposed supermarkets. Variation in share growth across customer demographics is consistent with reactions to external threat. We rule out alternative mechanisms including partisan cues, other product characteristics, and animosity towards other countries. These findings strengthen IR’s theoretical microfoundations by showing that international politics can reshape values enough to change broader social behaviors.
The “Women’s Representation-Corruption Link” and Environmentalism: A Cross-National Study
Authors: Salamon Hannah
Published: February 2024

Numerous studies suggest a relationship between women’s political representation and improved environmental outcomes. Yet, the contexts in which this holds and the mechanisms through which it comes to be remain understudied. This study proposes that women’s impact on political commitments to environmentalism and policy outcomes are moderated by states’ corruption levels. Although women tend to be more environmental, left-leaning, and risk-averse than men, environments of high-corruption restrain, tokenize, and marginalize women representatives, thereby limiting the impact they may have on environmental governance. Time-series cross-sectional analyses of 58 democracies across 15 years show women’s representation is correlated with better environmental outputs and outcomes, but only when corruption levels are low. These findings help broaden our understanding of the relationship between representation and environmental politics and suggest that the interaction of both integrity and inclusivity in governments holds a key to fighting climate change.
Graduate Admissions in Psychology Before and After the Pandemic: GRExit Comes to Psychology
Authors: Charlton Shawn R. , Sobel Kenith V. , Rowe Jon M.
Published: February 2024

Background

Admission to graduate school in psychology is competitive. It is essential for both undergraduate students who seek graduate training and their professors to understand the key factors that contribute to successful applications for graduate study.

Objective

We aimed to see how the global COVID-19 pandemic affected graduate admissions decisions by comparing the results from nationwide surveys distributed in 2014 and 2022.

Method

A Qualtrics script asked respondents to rate the importance of 16 factors in admission to graduate school in psychology by reporting a percentage value for each factor, adding up to 100% across all factors.

Results

The importance of factors that had figured prominently in the initial sample (e.g., research experience, undergraduate GPA, recommendation letters, and personal statement) increased or remained stable in the recent sample, but all versions of the Graduate Record Exam decreased in importance.

Conclusions

Students who aspire to graduate study in psychology should engage in research and disseminate the results in papers and presentations.

Teaching Implications

Professors involved in training undergraduate psychology students need to provide opportunities for their students to engage in research, and to find outlets for the students to disseminate their findings such as undergraduate journals and regional conferences.
Efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial embolization of omental artery aneurysm: A single-center experience
Authors: Nozawa Yosuke , Ono Shigeshi , Hasegawa Yasuaki , Igarashi Takao , Kusada Shun , Arahata Kyoko , Nakamura Kenji , Ikeda Koshi , Hasegawa Hirotoshi
Published: February 2024

Background

Omental artery aneurysm (OAA) is an extremely rare visceral artery aneurysm. Ruptured OAAs are associated with a high mortality rate. Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) has been used to treat OAA in recent years. However, the risk of omental ischemia due to TAE remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of TAE of OAA as a first-line treatment.

Methods

Fifteen patients with true aneurysms or pseudoaneurysms who underwent OAA-TAE between 1 April 2010 and 31 December 2022 were included in this study. The technical and clinical outcomes, the incidence of omental infarction after TAE as a major complication, OAA-TAE techniques, radiological findings on computed tomography angiography and angiogram, and patient characteristics were evaluated.

Results

Fifteen patients (nine men, six women; age, 69.8 ± 18.59 years) underwent TAE of OAAs (mean aneurysm size of 9.30 ± 6.10 mm) located in the right gastroepiploic ( n = 9), left gastroepiploic ( n = 1), and epiploic ( n = 5) arteries. All patients with ruptured ( n = 6) and unruptured ( n = 9) OAA successfully underwent TAEs using coils, n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate, or gelatin sponges. Hepatic artery thrombosis and coil migration were observed during the procedure; however, these adverse events were manageable. Transfusion of red blood cell units (4.66 ± 1.63 units) was required only in cases with ruptured OAAs after TAE. Additional surgery or TAE due to rupture or rerupture of OAA and omental infarction was not required during the postoperative and follow-up periods.

Conclusion

The OAA-TAE can effectively treat ruptured and unruptured OAAs, and the risk of omental infarction after OAA-TAE may not be high.
A visual bias for falling objects
Authors: Phan Mai Huong , Jörges Björn , Harris Laurence R. , Kingdom Frederick A. A.
Published: February 2024

Aristotle believed that objects fell at a constant velocity. However, Galileo Galilei showed that when an object falls, gravity causes it to accelerate. Regardless, Aristotle's claim raises the possibility that people's visual perception of falling motion might be biased away from acceleration towards constant velocity. We tested this idea by requiring participants to judge whether a ball moving in a simulated naturalistic setting appeared to accelerate or decelerate as a function of its motion direction and the amount of acceleration/deceleration. We found that the point of subjective constant velocity (PSCV) differed between up and down but not between left and right motion directions. The PSCV difference between up and down indicated that more acceleration was needed for a downward-falling object to appear at constant velocity than for an upward “falling” object. We found no significant differences in sensitivity to acceleration for the different motion directions. Generalized linear mixed modeling determined that participants relied predominantly on acceleration when making these judgments. Our results support the idea that Aristotle's belief may in part be due to a bias that reduces the perceived magnitude of acceleration for falling objects, a bias not revealed in previous studies of the perception of visual motion.
Outcomes of Shoulder Instability Surgery in Competitive Wrestlers: Outcomes, Reoperations, and Return to Play at 5 Years’ Mean Follow-up
Authors: Marigi Erick M. , Lamba Abhinav , Boos Alexander , Wang Allen , Okoroha Kelechi R. , Barlow Jonathan D. , Krych Aaron J. , Camp Christopher L.
Published: February 2024

Background:

Wrestling is a physically demanding sport with young athletes prone to traumatic shoulder instability and a paucity of data evaluating the results of shoulder instability surgery (SIS).

Purpose:

To assess reoperation rates, patient-reported outcomes, and return to wrestling (RTW) after SIS in a cohort of competitive wrestlers.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

All competitive wrestlers with a history of shoulder instability and subsequent surgery at a single institution between 1996 and 2020 were identified. All directions of shoulder instability (anterior shoulder instability [ASI], posterior shoulder instability [PSI], and traumatic multidirectional shoulder instability [TMDI]) were analyzed. Exclusions included revision SIS and <2 years of follow-up. Athletes were contacted for determination of complications, RTW, and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index scores.

Results:

Ultimately, 104 wrestlers were included with a mean age at initial instability of 16.9 years (range, 12.0-22.7 years), mean age at surgery of 18.9 years (range, 14.0-29.0 years), and a mean follow-up of 5.2 years (range, 2.0-22.0 years). A total of 58 (55.8%) wrestlers were evaluated after a single shoulder instability event, while 46 (44.2%) sustained multiple events before evaluation. ASI was the most common direction (n = 79; 76.0%), followed by PSI (n = 14; 13.5%) and TMDI (n = 11; 10.6%). Surgical treatment was most commonly an arthroscopic soft tissue stabilization (n = 88; 84.6%), with open soft tissue repair (n = 13; 12.5%) and open bony augmentation (n = 3; 2.9%) performed less frequently. RTW occurred in 57.3% of wrestlers at a mean of 9.8 months. Recurrent instability was the most common complication, occurring in 18 (17.3%) wrestlers. Revision SIS was performed in 15 (14.4%) wrestlers. Across the entire cohort, survivorship rates free from recurrent instability and revision surgery were 90.4% and 92.5% at 2 years, 71.9% and 70.7% at 5 years, and 71.9% and 66.5% at 10 years, respectively. Preoperative recurrent instability was an independent risk factor for postoperative recurrent instability (hazard ratio, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.33-11.03; P = .012).

Conclusion:

Competitive wrestlers with multiple dislocations before initial clinical evaluation were 3.8 times more likely to experience postoperative recurrent instability. Patients should be counseled that despite SIS, only 57.3% returned to wrestling after surgery.
Evaluation of Open Versus Arthroscopic Anterior Talofibular Ligament Reconstruction for Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability With Talar and Subtalar Cartilage MRI T2 Mapping: A 3-Year Prospective Study
Authors: Hu Yiwen , Li Qianru , Li Xiangwen , Xie Yuxue , Liu Changyan , Fu Caixia , Tao Hongyue , Chen Shuang
Published: February 2024

Background:

Previous studies have examined patients with chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) undergoing open and arthroscopic anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) reconstruction, reporting equivalent clinical results between the 2 procedures. However, data on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcomes on cartilage health after the 2 procedures are limited.

Purpose:

To compare the cartilage MRI T2 values of the talar and subtalar joints between patients with CLAI undergoing open and arthroscopic ATFL reconstruction.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A prospective study was conducted on patients who underwent open or arthroscopic ATFL reconstruction between January 2018 and December 2019, with a mean follow-up duration of 3 years. MRI scans and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) and Tegner score estimations were completed by patients ≤1 week before surgery, as a baseline measurement, and at a 3-year follow-up. A total of 21 healthy volunteers were included who underwent MRI at baseline. Cartilage health was evaluated using MRI T2 mapping. The talar and subtalar cartilage regions were segmented into 14 subregions.

Results:

At baseline, patients with CLAI had substantially higher T2 values in the medial anterior, medial center, medial posterior, and lateral center regions on the talus compared with the healthy controls ( P = .009, .003, .001, and .025, respectively). Remarkable increases in T2 values in the lateral posterior region on the talus were observed from baseline to follow-up in the open group ( P = .007). Furthermore, T2 values were considerably higher in the medial center, medial posterior, lateral posterior, and lateral posterior calcaneal facets of the posterior subtalar joint at follow-up in the arthroscopic group compared with the baseline values ( P = .025, .002, .006, and .044, respectively). No obvious differences in ΔT2 values were noted between the 2 groups at follow-up. The AOFAS and Tegner scores remarkably improved from baseline to follow-up for the 2 groups (open: 3.25 ± 0.58 vs 5.13 ± 0.81, P < .001; arthroscopic: 3.11 ± 0.90 vs 5.11 ± 1.08, P < .001), with no considerable difference between them.

Conclusion:

The elevated T2 values of cartilage could not be fully recovered after open or arthroscopic ATFL reconstruction. Both arthroscopic and open ATFL reconstruction displayed similar effects on cartilage health concerning ΔT2, but the arthroscopic group demonstrated more degenerative cartilage subregions than the open group.
Application of a nomogram from coagulation-related biomarkers and C1q and total bile acids in distinguishing advanced and early-stage lung cancer
Authors: Long Tingting , Zhu Xinyu , Tang Dongling , Li Huan , Zhang Pingan
Published: February 2024

Background

This study aimed to establish a nomogram to distinguish advanced- and early-stage lung cancer based on coagulation-related biomarkers and liver-related biomarkers.

Methods

A total of 306 patients with lung cancer and 172 patients with benign pulmonary disease were enrolled. Subgroup analyses based on histologic type, clinical stage, and neoplasm metastasis status were carried out and multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied. Furthermore, a nomogram model was developed and validated with bootstrap resampling.

Results

The concentrations of complement C1q, fibrinogen, and D-dimers, fibronectin, inorganic phosphate, and prealbumin were significantly changed in lung cancer patients compared to benign pulmonary disease patients. Multiple regression analysis based on subgroup analysis of clinical stage showed that compared with early-stage lung cancer, female ( P < 0.001), asymptomatic admission ( P = 0.001), and total bile acids ( P = 0.011) were negatively related to advanced lung cancer, while C1q ( P = 0.038), fibrinogen ( P < 0.001), and D-dimers ( P = 0.001) were positively related. A nomogram model based on gender, symptom, and the levels of total bile acids, C1q, fibrinogen, and D-dimers was constructed for distinguishing advanced lung cancer and early-stage lung cancer, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.919. The calibration curve for this nomogram revealed good predictive accuracy ( P−Hosmer−Lemeshow = 0.697) between the predicted probability and the actual probability.

Conclusions

We developed a nomogram based on gender, symptom, and the levels of fibrinogen, D-dimers, total bile acids, and C1q that can individually distinguish early- and advanced-stage lung cancer.
Biaxial fatigue failure of short glass fiber reinforced polyamide 6,6: An in-depth investigation of stiffness drop and microstructural evolution
Authors: Irez Alaeddin Burak
Published: February 2024

In the automotive industry, short glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastics are widely used under the hood and subjected to dynamic vibrations of the engine in multiple directions resulting in fatigue failure. Under fatigue loading, a significant portion of the strain energy is stored within the material, while the remaining portion is lost due to internal frictions and the damage occurrence. Internal friction results in heat generation, which in turn causes an increase in external temperature. This increase in temperature leads to thermal degradation of the polymer. Investigations on the cause of the stiffness drop are not widely available in the literature. Therefore, this study explores the source of the stiffness drop under biaxial fatigue loading of a polyamide 6,6 reinforced with 30 wt. % short glass fibers (PA66GF30) and distinguishes the contributions of thermal degradation and damage accumulation. The thermal evolution of the specimens was captured by means of thermography. In addition, the digital image correlation (DIC) technique was used to measure the in situ strain field during the fatigue. Despite the temperature stabilization being observed around the 10,000th cycle, the reduction in the stiffness continued until failure which was attributed to the mechanical damage accumulation and cyclic creep during the fatigue tests. Dynamic mechanical analyses (DMA) were carried out to quantify the stiffness drop with the varying temperature. From the results, it is seen that the damage accumulation and cyclic creep during the fatigue tests were responsible for the major part of the stiffness drop. Finally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) inspection of the fracture surface was performed to identify fatigue damage mechanisms. Four unique features associated with the fatigue damage were identified: (1) debonding of fibers from the matrix, (2) polymer matrix crazing, and (3) cavitation and porosities, (4) pull out fiber ends and break on the fiber.
Clinical performance and utility: A microsimulation model to inform the design of screening trials for a multi-cancer early detection test
Authors: Dai James Y , Zhang Jing , Braun Jerome V , Simon Noah , Hubbell Earl , Zhang Nan
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Designing cancer screening trials for multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests presents a significant methodology challenge, as natural histories of cell-free DNA-shedding cancers are not yet known. A microsimulation model was developed to project the performance and utility of an MCED test in cancer screening trials.

Methods

Individual natural history of preclinical progression through cancer stages for 23 cancer classes was simulated by a stage-transition model under a broad range of cancer latency parameters. Cancer incidences and stage distributions at clinical presentation in simulated trials were set to match the data from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program. One or multiple rounds of annual screening using a targeted methylation-based MCED test (GalleriⓇ) was conducted to detect preclinical cancers. Mortality benefit of early detection was simulated by a stage-shift model.

Results

In simulated trials, accounting for healthy volunteer effect and varying test sensitivity, positive predictive value in the prevalence screening round reached 48% to 61% in 6 natural history scenarios. After 3 rounds of annual screening, the cumulative proportions of stage I/II cancers increased by approximately 9% to 14%, the incidence of stage IV cancers was reduced by 37% to 46%, the reduction of stages III and IV cancer incidences was 9% to 24%, and the reduction of mortality reached 13% to 16%. Greater reductions of late-stage cancers and cancer mortality were achieved by five rounds of MCED screening.

Conclusions

Simulation results guide trial design and suggest that adding this MCED test to routine screening in the United States may shift cancer detection to earlier stages, and potentially save lives.
Prevalence, Correlates and Subjective Experience of Emotional Abuse in Adolescents Presenting to Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Services: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Rajan Tess Maria , Seshadri Shekhar P , Girimaji Satish Chandra , Kommu John Vijay Sagar , Sharma Eesha , KM Rajendra
Published: February 2024

Introduction:

The burden and impact of childhood emotional abuse (CEA) among children and adolescents utilizing psychiatry services is a less studied area, especially in the Indian context. This study aims to study the prevalence and correlates of CEA in adolescents attending psychiatry services and to understand the subjective experience of emotional abuse (EA) in this population.

Methods:

Adolescents aged between 12 and 18 years attending child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP) services were recruited for the study. The prevalence of CEA was assessed using ICAST-C (ISPCAN Child Abuse Screening Tool), temperament was assessed using the Malhotra Temperament Scale, and psychosocial adversities were assessed with the Parent Interview Schedule (PIS). From those reporting CEA, a few of them were interviewed to get narratives of subjective experiences of CEA, and this was analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results:

In total, 81 adolescents were recruited for the study, and among them, 82.7% ( n = 67) reported at least 1 form of EA in the last year, and 93.8% ( n = 76) of them reported a lifetime history of at least 1 form of EA. The frequency of other psychosocial adversities like abnormal intrafamilial relationships ( n = 33; 40.7%) and inadequate or distorted intrafamilial communications ( n = 49; 60.5%) was high in this sample. There was a significant association between the presence of EA in the last year and physical abuse ( p = .00) and neglect ( p = .01) in the last year. Narratives for qualitative analysis were collected from 21 adolescents. The most common themes in the context of CEA were related to academics ( n = 10) and emotional and behavioral problems in the child ( n = 7).

Conclusions:

There is a high prevalence of EA among adolescents attending CAP services. There is a high co-occurrence of other forms of abuse and other psychosocial adversities with EA. As adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) pose a high risk for future physical and mental health sequelae, this needs to be identified early and intervened with.
The Effects of Stigma: Older Persons and Medicinal Cannabis
Authors: Dahlke Sherry , Butler Jeffrey I. , Hunter Kathleen F. , Toubiana Madeline , Kalogirou Maya R. , Shrestha Shovana , Devkota Rashmi , Law Joanna , Scheuerman Melissa
Published: February 2024

Cannabis has long been stigmatized as an illicit drug. Since legalization in Canada for both medical and recreational purposes, older adults’ cannabis consumption has increased more than any other age group. Yet, it is unclear how the normalization of cannabis has impacted perceptions of stigma for older adults consuming cannabis medicinally. Qualitative description was used to elucidate the experiences of older Canadians aged 60+ related to stigma and their consumption of cannabis for medicinal purposes. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews. Data analysis examined how participants managed stigma related to cannabis use. Perceived stigma was evident in many participants’ descriptions of their perceptions of cannabis in the past and present, and influenced how they accessed and consumed cannabis and their comfort in discussing its use with their healthcare providers. Participants employed several distinct strategies for managing stigma—concealing, re-framing, re-focusing, and proselytizing. Findings suggest that while medical cannabis consumption is becoming increasingly normalized among older adults, stigma related to cannabis persists and continues to shape older adults’ experiences. A culture shift needs to occur among healthcare providers so that they are educated about cannabis and willing to discuss the possibilities of medicinal cannabis consumption with older adults. Otherwise, older adults may seek advice from recreational or other non-medical sources. Healthcare providers require education about the use of medical cannabis, so they can better advise older adults regarding its consumption for medicinal purposes.
An Overview of the Existing Scholarship on the Critical Aspects of Ecopedagogy
Authors: Hossain Imona
Published: February 2024

This essay explores the significance of critical pedagogy in addressing environmental and social challenges within educational institutions. By examining the viewpoints of ecopedagogy experts, the essay highlights the critical aspects of ecopedagogy applicable to various educational settings. The methodology involved an extensive search across online databases, books, and academic journals using keywords such as ecopedagogy, critical pedagogy, ecocentric pedagogy, and sustainability education. The findings emphasize that ecopedagogy enables learners to critically analyze socio-environmental injustices, thus qualifying it as a critical pedagogy. The implications of this research include the potential to develop a comprehensive ecopedagogy-based curriculum suited for diverse educational contexts.
Clinical Response to Third-Line Angiotensin-II vs Epinephrine in Septic Shock: A Propensity-Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Blankenship Caitlyn R. , Betthauser Kevin D. , Hencken Laura N. , Maamari Julie A. , Goetz Jenna , Giacomino Bria D. , Gibson Gabrielle A.
Published: February 2024

Background:

The appropriate third-line vasopressor in septic shock patients receiving norepinephrine and vasopressin is unknown. Angiotensin-II (AT-II) offers a unique mechanism of action to traditionally used vasopressors in septic shock.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of third-line AT-II to epinephrine in patients with septic shock.

Methods:

A single-center, retrospective cohort study of critically ill patients was performed between April 1, 2019 and July 31, 2022. Propensity-matched (2:1) analysis compared adults with septic shock who received third-line AT-II to controls who received epinephrine following norepinephrine and vasopressin. The primary outcome was clinical response 24 hours after third-line vasopressor initiation. Additional efficacy and safety outcomes were investigated.

Results:

Twenty-three AT-II patients were compared with 46 epinephrine patients. 47.8% of AT-II patients observed a clinical response at hour 24 compared with 28.3% of epinephrine patients ( P = 0.12). In-hospital mortality (65.2% vs 73.9%, P = 0.45), cardiac arrhythmias (26.1% vs 26.1%, P = 0.21), and thromboembolism (4.3% vs 2.2%, P = 0.61) were not observed to be statistically different between groups.

Conclusions and relevance:

Administration of AT-II as a third-line vasopressor agent in septic shock patients was not associated with significantly improved clinical response at hour 24 compared with epinephrine. Although underpowered to detect meaningful differences, the clinical observations of this study warrant consideration and further investigation of AT-II as a third-line vasopressor in septic shock.