bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of comorbid allergic diseases on health‐related quality of life of Hong Kong schoolchildren
Authors: Ng Christina Sum Yi , Chan Celia Hoi Yan , Fung Yat Lui , Chau Priscilla Sin Ying , Luk David Chi Kong , Cheng James Wesley Ching Hei , Tsang Yuk Ping , Lam Ying Yin , Chu Ashleigh Ka Ying
Published: May 2023

Background

Studies on the relationship between childhood allergic disease and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) have mostly been confined to a single allergic condition. Therefore, a composite allergic score (CAS) was derived to assess the accumulated effect of eczema, asthma, and allergic rhinitis on HRQOL in Hong Kong schoolchildren.

Methods

Parents of grade one/two or grade eight/nine schoolchildren completed a questionnaire assessing the prevalence and severity of eczema (POEM), asthma (C‐ACT/ACT), and allergic rhinitis (VAS) and schoolchildren's HRQOL (PedsQL). Three rounds of recruitment were conducted. A total of 19 primary and 25 secondary schools agreed to participate.

Results

Data from 1140 caregivers of grade one/two schoolchildren and 1048 grade eight/nine schoolchildren were imputed and analyzed. The proportion of female respondents were lower in grade one/two (37.7%) but higher in grade eight/nine (57.3%). 63.8% of grade one/two and 58.1% of grade eight/nine schoolchildren reported having at least one allergic disease.

In general, greater disease severity was significantly associated with lower HRQOL. After controlling for age, gender, and allergic comorbidity in hierarchical regressions, CAS significantly predicted all HRQOL outcomes in both grade one/two and grade eight/nine schoolchildren. Female grade eight/nine schoolchildren reported lower HRQOL outcomes.

Conclusion

Composite allergic score may be a practical tool to evaluate allergic comorbidity and the effectiveness of treatments targeting common pathological mechanisms of allergic diseases. Non‐pharmaceutical approaches should be considered, especially for patients with more than one allergic disease and greater severity.
Micro‐relief characterization of benign and malignant skin lesions by polarization speckle analysis in vivo
Authors: Tchvialeva Lioudmila , Phillips Jamie , Louie Daniel C. , Zeng Haishan , Lui Harvey , Lee Tim K.
Published: May 2023

Background/Purpose

A recent direction in skin disease classification is to develop quantitative diagnostic techniques. Skin relief, colloquially known as roughness, is an important clinical feature. The aim of this study is to demonstrate a novel polarization speckle technique to quantitatively measure roughness on skin lesions in vivo. We then calculate the average roughness of different types of skin lesions to determine the extent to which polarization speckle roughness measurements can be used to identify skin cancer.

Methods

The experimental conditions were set to target the fine relief structure on the order of ten microns within a small field of view of 3 mm. The device was tested in a clinical study on patients with malignant and benign skin lesions that resemble cancer. The cancer group includes 37 malignant melanomas (MM), 43 basal cell carcinomas (BCC), and 26 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), all categories confirmed by gold standard biopsy. The benign group includes 109 seborrheic keratoses (SK), 79 nevi, and 11 actinic keratoses (AK). Normal skin roughness was obtained for the same patients (301 different body sites proximal to the lesion).

Results

The average root mean squared (rms) roughness ± standard error of the mean for MM and nevus was equal to 19 ± 5 μm and 21 ± 3 μm, respectively. Normal skin has rms roughness of 31 ± 3 μm, other lesions have roughness of 35 ± 10 μm (AK), 35 ± 7 μm (SCC), 31 ± 4 μm (SK), and 30 ± 5 μm (BCC).

Conclusion

An independent‐samples Kruskal–Wallis test indicates that MM and nevus can be separated from each of the tested types of lesions, except each other. These results quantify clinical knowledge of lesion roughness and could be useful for optical cancer detection.
State‐level politicization of crisis communication on Twitter during COVID‐19: Conceptualization, measurement, and impacts
Authors: Hu Qian , Zhong Wei
Published: May 2023

The political dimension of crisis communication remains understudied in public administration. We defined the politicization of government crisis communication as the employment of politics‐oriented communication strategies in crisis messaging. We further examined the state‐level politicization occurring during COVID‐19 and its influence on public engagement and policy compliance. We applied machine learning algorithms to analyze 43,642 Twitter messages posted by fifty US state governors, assessing the extent to which these governors politicized crisis communication. We compiled data from multiple sources to explore the influence of communication politicization on public engagement and compliance behaviors. While most governors showed major concerns regarding reputation and blame, their level of politicization and selection of communication strategies varied. Increased levels of communication politicization discouraged the public's online engagement and policy compliance. Excessive levels of political consideration could undermine the legitimacy and effectiveness of government crisis communication, and thus an examination of their relationship was essential.
Social identification and risk dynamics: How perceptions of (inter)personal and collective risk impact the adoption of COVID‐19 preventative behaviors
Authors: Atkinson Mark , Neville Fergus , Ntontis Evangelos , Reicher Stephen
Published: May 2023

Public adoption of preventative behaviors to reduce the transmission of COVID‐19 is crucial to managing the pandemic, and so it is vital to determine what factors influence the uptake of those behaviors. Previous studies have identified COVID‐19 risk perceptions as a key factor, but this work has typically been limited both in assuming that risk means risk to the personal self, and in being reliant on self‐reported data. Drawing on the social identity approach, we conducted two online studies in which we investigated the effects of two different types of risk on preventative measure taking: risk to the personal self and risk to the collective self (i.e., members of a group with which one identifies). Both studies involved behavioral measures using innovative interactive tasks. In Study 1 (n = 199; data collected 27 May 2021), we investigated the effects of (inter)personal and collective risk on physical distancing. In Study 2 (n = 553; data collected 20 September 2021), we investigated the effects of (inter)personal and collective risk on the speed at which tests are booked as COVID‐19 symptoms develop. In both studies, we find that perceptions of collective risk, but not perceptions of (inter)personal risk, influence the extent to which preventative measures are adopted. We discuss the implications both conceptually (as they relate to both the conceptualization of risk and social identity processes) and also practically (in terms of the implications for public health communications).
The rage we should have: Comments on Myisha Cherry's The Case for Rage
Authors: Dror Lidal
Published: May 2023

In The Case for Rage, Myisha Cherry demonstrates that antiracist rage can be instrumentally valuable, a fitting response to racism, and, therefore, wrong for us to dismiss. That is, on Cherry's account, antiracist anger is useful, fitting, and (in some sense) permissible. In this article, I argue that we should go beyond saying that this antiracist rage is permissible, that the correct thing to say is that people should have antiracist anger, and that anger should be of a (somewhat) specific intensity. I further argue that this antiracist anger must also involve action, because the mere experiencing of Lordean rage is not a sufficient act of “resistance.” I lastly argue that we should countenance more “destructive” forms of antiracist rage as permissible, including what Cherry calls “ressentiment rage.”
Numerical Simulation of the 3D Simultaneous Heat and Mass Transfer in a Forced Convection Solar Drying System Integrated With Thermal Storage Material
Authors: Komolafe Clement A.
Published: May 2023

The demand for quality dried products necessitates cost effective and innovative drying techniques that will improve its market value. The slow drying rate, weather dependency, and moisture reabsorption have been identified as the major challenges of solar drying operation. To address these shortcomings, hybrid solar drying systems have been recommended for the drying of various agricultural materials and other porous products. Designing a better drying system to accommodate thermal storage materials requires detailed analysis, which could be achieved through numerical simulation. Therefore, the numerical simulation of heat and mass transfer in a forced convection solar drying system integrated with black-coated firebrick sensible thermal storage materials (STSM) for the cocoa beans, locust beans, cereal grains, etc., was investigated under no-load conditions. The equations governing the fluid flow for a three-dimensional solar drying system were solved using the finite volume method with the aid of ansys, the computational fluid dynamics software to comprehend the dynamic and thermal behavior of the airflow within the dryer. The experimental maximum temperature values of 96.9 °C and 77.3 °C for the collector and drying chamber were in agreement with the simulated maximum collector and drying chamber temperatures of 116.9 °C and 80 °C respectively. The designed solar drying system with the incorporated STSM showed the capacity of raising the temperature of the air within the drying chamber to 3–37 °C above ambient temperature between 01:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. The agreement of the simulated dryer model with the experimental one is an indication that the developed dryer is suitable for drying cocoa, locust beans, fish, cereal grains, and some other agricultural products within an acceptable period based on the previous studies and therefore, the drying system is recommended to avoid the shortcomings associated with traditional/open sun drying.
Enhanced Interfacial Adhesion of TiO2 Nanotubes Decorated With Ag Silver Nanoparticles Prepared by Photo-Reduction Process
Authors: Dhiflaoui Hafedh , Hajjaji Mohamed Aziz , Hajjaji Anouar , Khezami Lotfi , Karrech Ali , Bessais Brahim , Cheikh Larbi Ahmed Ben , Amlouk Mosbah
Published: May 2023

In the present study, the adhesion of TiO2 nanotubes (TiO2-NTs) to thicker substrates was improved by decorating them with metallic Ag nanoparticles (NPs) using the photo-reduction process. The obtained coatings were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The XRD confirmed that all TiO2-NTs crystallized in anatase after annealing at 400 °C regardless of the anodization potential. The SEM indicated that the TiO2-NTs were uniformly distributed on the substrate with an ordered and vertically aligned morphology. It also revealed that the diameter of the TiO2-NTs reached ∼100 nm. The decoration of TiO2-NTs surface with silver nanoparticles was assessed by the TEM. Moreover, a new scratch test mode called “wear mode” was performed to evaluate the wear resistance of the coatings. Results obtained by the scratch tests proved that the decorated coating with Ag nanoparticles improved the interfacial adhesion. The friction coefficient decreased from 0.65 to 0.45 when pure TiO2 was decorated with 10 min-Ag-NPs. The wear behavior was studied using a multi-pass scratch test. It was found that the wear volume reduced with the incorporation of Ag nanoparticles. The study of the damage mechanisms showed visco-elastic plastic deformation in the pure TiO2 coating.
Friction Characteristics of SUS440C/Si3N4 Lubricated by Polytetrafluoroethylene Under Cryogenic Environment
Authors: Kakudo Hiromitsu , Takada Satoshi , Hirayama Tomoko
Published: May 2023

The friction characteristics of SUS440C-Si3N4 lubricated by polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) under cryogenic environment have not been researched well. The lubrication mechanisms in such friction condition need to be clarified to improve the fidelity of performance modeling for ball bearings used in liquid rocket engine turbopumps. This research experimentally investigated the friction coefficient of bearing materials via PTFE lubrication under cryogenic environment to clarify the friction characteristics of cryogenic turbopump ball bearings. These experiments revealed the dependence of the contact pressure on the friction coefficient. By several analyses, it was found that lower friction and better wear-resistance characteristics were caused by PTFE film that strongly adhered to metal fluoride formed on the surface of SUS440C due to moderate friction energy.
Measuring the Schmidt number of parametric down conversion by exploiting photon distribution
Authors: Cohen Lior , Matekole Elisha S. , Pilnyak Yehuda , Istrati Daniel , Dowling Jonathan P. , Eisenberg Hagai S.
Published: May 2023

The Schmidt number quantifies the number of modes and is mainly used as a measure for the quality of entanglement. We theoretically compute the photon distribution of type-I spontaneous parametric down conversion (SPDC) with an arbitrary Schmidt number. The photon distribution is used for a novel method to measure the Schmidt number. This method requires only two on–off single-photon detectors with no photon number or temporal resolution. The method works in the strong pumping regime where high photon numbers are non-negligible. We experimentally demonstrate the method for type-II SPDC. The easy and fast measurement of the Schmidt number has a broad range of applications from the calibration of strong pump SPDC and entanglement sources to multi-photon quantum interference and Gaussian boson sampling.
University–Organization Collaboration in Sport for Development: Understanding Practitioners’ Perspectives and Experiences in Research and Evaluation Partnerships
Authors: Whitley Meredith A. , Welty Peachey Jon , Leitermann Julia , Shin NaRi , Cohen Adam
Published: May 2023

Despite a growing body of scholarship exploring university–organization collaborations in the sport for development (SfD) field, there has been limited consideration of the experiences of practitioners and partnering organizations in these partnerships. The purpose of this study was to examine their experiences when partnering with academic institutions, programs, scholars, and/or students, with a specific focus on research and evaluation partnerships. Interviews were conducted with 22 participants working at 20 SfD organizations in the United States. Findings were organized into six main categories (e.g., motivations, factors that facilitate or impede collaboration, collaboration outcomes). A conceptual process framework for university–organization collaboration emerged from the data. This study is one of the first in the SfD field to examine practitioners’ perspectives of university–organization collaborations centered on research and evaluation activities. The findings help advance the SfD field, identifying the various factors at play as these partnerships are formed, activated, and sustained.
The Effects of Light Pressure Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization at Different Rates on Grip Strength and Muscle Stiffness in Healthy Individuals
Authors: Cheatham Scott W. , Martonick Nickolai , Krumpl Lukas , Baker Russell T.
Published: May 2023

Context: Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a popular myofascial treatment utilized by health care professionals. Currently, there is a lack of research on the effects of a light pressure IASTM treatment on the forearm region. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of a light pressure IASTM technique at different application rates on grip strength and muscle stiffness. This study was considered exploratory with the goal of establishing methodology for future controlled studies. Design: Observational pretest and posttest clinical study. Methods: Twenty-six healthy adults underwent one light pressure IASTM treatment to their dominant forearm muscles. Participants were allocated to 2 groups of 13 based upon treatment rate: 60 beats per minute and 120 beats per minute. Participants were tested pretreatment and posttreatment for grip strength and tissue stiffness via diagnostic ultrasound. One-way analyses of covariance were used to assess group differences posttreatment for grip strength and tissue stiffness. Results: Statistically significant posttreatment changes for grip strength and tissue stiffness were not found. Despite the nonstatistical significance, there were small decreases in grip strength and tissue stiffness. Faster (120 beats/min) IASTM application may have produced clinically meaningful decreases in grip strength along with a small decrease in tissue stiffness. Conclusions: This report helps to establish methodology for future controlled studies on this topic. Sports medicine professionals should consider these results as exploratory and interpret them with caution. Future research is needed to confirm these findings and begin to postulate possible neurophysiological mechanisms.
Inspiraling streams of enriched gas observed around a massive galaxy 11 billion years ago
Authors: Zhang Shiwu , Cai Zheng , Xu Dandan , Shimakawa Rhythm , Arrigoni Battaia Fabrizio , Prochaska Jason Xavier , Cen Renyue , Zheng Zheng , Wu Yunjing , Li Qiong , Dou Liming , Wu Jianfeng , Zabludoff Ann , Fan Xiaohui , Ai Yanli , Golden-Marx Emmet Gabriel , Li Miao , Lu Youjun , Ma Xiangcheng , Wang Sen , Wang Ran , Yuan Feng
Published: May 2023

Stars form in galaxies, from gas that has been accreted from the intergalactic medium. Simulations have shown that recycling of gas—the reaccretion of gas that was previously ejected from a galaxy—could sustain star formation in the early Universe. We observe the gas surrounding a massive galaxy at redshift 2.3 and detect emission lines from neutral hydrogen, helium, and ionized carbon that extend 100 kiloparsecs from the galaxy. The kinematics of this circumgalactic gas is consistent with an inspiraling stream. The carbon abundance indicates that the gas had already been enriched with elements heavier than helium, previously ejected from a galaxy. We interpret the results as evidence of gas recycling during high-redshift galaxy assembly.
Sustainable cooling with water generation
Authors: Poredoš Primož , Wang Ruzhu
Published: May 2023

Dual-use devices offer a different path for more-sustainable living
De novo phytosterol synthesis in animals
Authors: Michellod Dolma , Bien Tanja , Birgel Daniel , Violette Marlene , Kleiner Manuel , Fearn Sarah , Zeidler Caroline , Gruber-Vodicka Harald R. , Dubilier Nicole , Liebeke Manuel
Published: May 2023

Sterols are vital for nearly all eukaryotes. Their distribution differs in plants and animals, with phytosterols commonly found in plants whereas most animals are dominated by cholesterol. We show that sitosterol, a common sterol of plants, is the most abundant sterol in gutless marine annelids. Using multiomics, metabolite imaging, heterologous gene expression, and enzyme assays, we show that these animals synthesize sitosterol de novo using a noncanonical C-24 sterol methyltransferase (C
24
-SMT). This enzyme is essential for sitosterol synthesis in plants, but not known from most bilaterian animals. Our phylogenetic analyses revealed that C
24
-SMTs are present in representatives of at least five animal phyla, indicating that the synthesis of sterols common to plants is more widespread in animals than currently known.
Natural products from reconstructed bacterial genomes of the Middle and Upper Paleolithic
Authors: Klapper Martin , Hübner Alexander , Ibrahim Anan , Wasmuth Ina , Borry Maxime , Haensch Veit G. , Zhang Shuaibing , Al-Jammal Walid K. , Suma Harikumar , Fellows Yates James A. , Frangenberg Jasmin , Velsko Irina M. , Chowdhury Somak , Herbst Rosa , Bratovanov Evgeni V. , Dahse Hans-Martin , Horch Therese , Hertweck Christian , González Morales Manuel Ramon , Straus Lawrence Guy , Vilotijevic Ivan , Warinner Christina , Stallforth Pierre
Published: May 2023

Major advances over the past decade in the field of ancient DNA are providing access to past paleogenomic diversity, but the diverse functions and biosynthetic capabilities of this growing paleome remain largely elusive. We investigated the dental calculus of 12 Neanderthals and 52 anatomically modern humans ranging from 100,000 years ago to the present and reconstructed 459 bacterial metagenome-assembled genomes. We identified a biosynthetic gene cluster shared by seven Middle and Upper Paleolithic individuals that allows for the heterologous production of a class of previously unknown metabolites that we name “paleofurans.” This paleobiotechnological approach demonstrates that viable biosynthetic machinery can be produced from the preserved genetic material of ancient organisms, allowing access to natural products from the Pleistocene and providing a promising area for natural product exploration.
A brief intervention to improve college success and equity
Authors: Bowman Nicholas A.
Published: May 2023

A large-scale experiment focused on social belonging shows impacts on first-year full-time completion
In Science Journals
Authors: Smith H. Jesse , Williams Ifor , Lavine Marc S. , Jiang Di , Stern Peter , Smith Keith T. , Norton Melissa , Grocholski Brent , Uzogara Ekeoma , Vignieri Sacha , Stajic Jelena , Funk Michael A. , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: May 2023

Highlights from the
Science
family of journals
In Other Journals
Authors: Hurtley Stella M. , Maroso Mattia , Jiang Di , Nusinovich Yevgeniya , Osborne Ian S. , Smith H. Jesse , Smith Keith T.
Published: May 2023

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
Russia tensions keep Arctic research on ice
Authors: Cornwall Warren
Published: May 2023

Collaboration stifled as many scientists look to establish fieldwork elsewhere
Amid controversy, Mexico passes major science reform bill
Authors: Manjarrez Alejandra
Published: May 2023

Many researchers oppose law, which could face court test
The woman with the deer pendant
Authors: Gibbons Ann
Published: May 2023

Pioneering technique gleans DNA from a Stone Age ornament, revealing its last wearer
Microbiome Alterations Driven by
Trypanosoma cruzi
Infection in Two Disjunctive Murine Models
Authors: Castañeda Sergio , Muñoz Marina , Hotez Peter J. , Bottazzi Maria Elena , Paniz-Mondolfi Alberto E. , Jones Kathryn M. , Mejia Rojelio , Poveda Cristina , Ramírez Juan David
Published: May 2023

Chagas disease (CD) is caused by the protozoan
Trypanosoma cruzi
, presenting acute and chronic phases where cardiomyopathy, megaesophagus, and/or megacolon stand out. During the course of its life cycle, the parasite has an important gastrointestinal tract transit that leads to severe forms of CD.
MALDI-TOF MS Is an Effective Technique To Classify Specific Microbiota
Authors: Chen Liangqiang , Gao Wenjing , Tan Xue , Han Ying , Jiao Fu , Feng Bin , Xie Jinghang , Li Bin , Zhao Huilin , Tu Huabin , Yu Shaoning , Wang Li
Published: May 2023

MALDI-TOF MS can be used to classify specific model microbiota. The actual MS spectrum of the model microbiota was not a simple superposition of every single bacterium in a certain proportion but had a specific spectral fingerprint. The specificity of this fingerprint can enhance the accuracy of microbiota classification.
A Refined, Controlled 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing Approach Reveals Limited Detection of Cerebrospinal Fluid Microbiota in Children with Bacterial Meningitis
Authors: Pope Christopher E. , Whitlock Kathryn B. , Hodor Paul , Limbrick David D. , McDonald Patrick J. , Hauptman Jason , Hoffman Lucas R. , Simon Tamara D.
Published: May 2023

Advances in both laboratory and computational components of high-throughput 16S amplicon sequencing (16S HTS) have markedly increased its sensitivity and specificity. These refinements have better delineated the limits of sensitivity, and contributions of contamination to these limits, for 16S HTS that are particularly relevant for samples with low bacterial loads such as human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Identification of an Outbreak Cluster of Extensively Antibiotic-Resistant GC1 Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates in U.S. Military Treatment Facilities
Authors: Luo Ting L. , Harmer Christopher J. , Lebreton Francois , Stam Jason , Bennett Jason W. , Hall Ruth M. , Mc Gann Patrick T.
Published: May 2023

A. baumannii
is recognized as one of the most important nosocomial pathogens, and carbapenem-resistant strains pose a particularly difficult treatment challenge. Outbreaks linked to this pathogen are reported worldwide, particularly during periods of societal upheaval, such as natural disasters and conflicts.
Molecular Epidemiology of Classic, MLB, and VA Astroviruses in Children with Acute Gastroenteritis, 2014–2021: Emergence of MLB3 Strain in Japan
Authors: Okitsu Shoko , Khamrin Pattara , Hikita Toshiyuki , Shimizu-Onda Yuko , Thongprachum Aksara , Hayakawa Satoshi , Maneekarn Niwat , Ushijima Hiroshi
Published: May 2023

HAstVs are one of the pathogens of viral AGE and are considered the third most common viral agents of AGE after rotavirus and norovirus. HAstVs are also suspected to be the causative agents of encephalitis or meningitis in immunocompromised patients and elderly persons.
In Vitro
Persistence Level Reflects
In Vivo
Antibiotic Survival of Natural Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates in a Murine Lung Infection Model
Authors: Verstraete Laure , Aizawa Juliana , Govaerts Matthias , De Vooght Linda , Lavigne Rob , Michiels Jan , Van den Bergh Bram , Cos Paul
Published: May 2023

The importance of targeting persister cells in antibiotic therapies is becoming more evident, as these antibiotic-tolerant cells underlie relapsing infections and resistance development. Here, we studied persistence in a clinically relevant pathogen,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
.
The underestimated role of tectonics in the mid-Late Cretaceous desertification in SE Asia
Authors: Wang Licheng , Garzanti Eduardo , Cai Fulong , Zhang Jian , Shen Lijian , Nulay Pradit , Siritongkham Nuchit , Ding Lin , Wang Chengshan
Published: May 2023

The relative roles of tectonics and climate change in global and regional desertification are not well constrained. Previous studies have emphasized the role played by climate change as a dominant cause of southeastern (SE) Asia desertification during the mid-Late Cretaceous. The effect of early uplift of the Tibetan Plateau prior to the collision between Eurasia and India on regional desertification remains poorly understood. We present a comprehensive set of provenance data on two aeolian sequences deposited in the Simao Basin and Khorat Plateau desert environments adjacent to southeast Tibet. Our provenance results suggest that the aeolian sandstones of the Pashahe Formation in the Simao Basin were largely recycled from exposed sedimentary rocks of the Songpan-Garze terrane, Southern Qiangtang terranes, and northern Yangtze Block with minor contributions from the magmatic rocks of the Tengchong and Southern Qiangtang terranes. Combined with other evidence, provenance results indicate the source areas started to grow and to be rapidly unroofed and determined the birth of the transcontinental southerly flowing paleo-river, which carried the sand to be stored. In contrast, the Phu Thok aeolian sandstones in the Khorat Plateau were predominantly sourced from the exposed Sibumasu igneous rocks together with recycled detritus in the Sukhothai Arc terrane, which was possibly transported by a local river. Hence, our thesis is that elevated topography caused by the closure of the Bangong-Nujiang Mesotethys profoundly affected the atmospheric circulation and drainage development, leading to mid-Late Cretaceous desertification across SE Asia.
Nonlinear Response of Diluted Gases to an Ultraviolet Femtosecond Pulse
Authors: Vrublevskaya N. R. , Shipilo D. E. , Nikolaeva I. A. , Panov N. A. , Kosareva O. G.
Published: May 2023

Quantum-mechanical simulations of the nonlinear response of a one-dimensional quantum system with the energy structure close to that of the xenon atom to an ultraviolet femtosecond pulse with an intensity of 1–100 TW/cm2 reveal the dispersion of the cubic nonlinearity coefficient in the range of 266–400 nm and its intensity dependence. This excludes the description of the response of bound electrons as $${{\chi }^{{(3)}}}{{E}^{3}}$$. The calculation of the polarization with this one-dimensional quantum model can be used to simulate the propagation of ultraviolet femtosecond radiation in a gas.
On the Formation of Clouds in the Dusty Ionosphere of Mars
Authors: Reznichenko Yu. S. , Dubinskii A. Yu. , Popel S. I.
Published: May 2023

Dusty plasma clouds observed at altitudes of about 100 km in the mesosphere of Mars have been considered. Features of the dusty ionosphere of Mars compared to the dusty ionosphere of the Earth have been listed. The equations of the model describing self-consistently dusty plasma structures in the ionosphere of Mars have been presented. This model involves features that are important for the ionosphere of Mars but are ignored when describing the dusty plasma system in the ionosphere of the Earth. In particular, the model for Mars involves effects of deceleration of dust particles because of the adhesion of condensed molecules to them. An altitude distribution of particles constituting mesospheric clouds on Mars has been calculated with the self-consistent model. It has been shown that an important factor for the formation of dusty plasma clouds in the ionosphere of Mars is the Rayleigh–Taylor instability, which limits both the maximum size of dust particles that can form dusty plasma clouds and the maximum thickness of the dusty plasma clouds.
Aggressive giant cell lesion of mandible–confusing to common: true neoplasm versus reactive lesion
Authors: Arumugam Santha Devy , Kanniyappan Bharathraj , Giri Umamaheswari , Muthanandam Sivaramakrishnan
Published: May 2023

Destructive lesions in the craniofacial region especially in the jawbones, if associated with giant cells, include a spectrum of lesions that pose difficulty in diagnosis. The nature of such a lesion in the jawbones is questionable about whether it is a reactive/benign lesion or aggressive/non-aggressive. Clinical, radiological and histopathological correlation may be a reliable indicator to differentiate between the qualities of the lesion, which directly accounts for effective and individual planning of the treatment. Here we present a case of a woman in her late 20s with an unusual destructive lesion of the mandible.
Levator Ani Syndrome Presenting with Vaginal Pain
Authors: Dunphy Louise , Wood Frances , Mubarak Emad Saleem , Coughlin Lynda
Published: May 2023

Levator ani syndrome (LAS), also known as levator ani spasm, puborectalis syndrome, chronic proctalgia, pyriformis syndrome and pelvic tension myalgia, produces chronic anal pain. The levator ani muscle is susceptible to the development of myofascial pain syndrome, and trigger points may be elicited on physical examination. The pathophysiology remains to be fully delineated. The diagnosis of LAS is suggested primarily by the clinical history, physical examination and the exclusion of organic disease that can produce recurrent or chronic proctalgia. Digital massage, sitz bath, electrogalvanic stimulation and biofeedback are the treatment modalities most frequently described in the literature. Pharmacological management includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, diazepam, amitriptyline, gabapentin and botulinum toxin. The evaluation of these patients can be challenging due to a diversity of causative factors. The authors present the case of a nulliparous woman in her mid-30s presenting with acute onset of lower abdominal and rectal pain radiating to her vagina. There was no history of trauma, inflammatory bowel disease, anal fissure or altered bowel habit. Each pain episode lasted longer than 20 min and was exacerbated by sitting. Neurological examination showed no evidence of neurological dysfunction. Rectal examination was unremarkable. During vaginal examination, palpation of the levator ani muscles elicited pain indicating pelvic floor dysfunction. Laboratory investigations including a full blood count and C reactive protein were within normal range. Further investigation with a transabdominal ultrasound scan, CT of the abdomen and pelvis and MRI of the lumbar spine were unremarkable. She commenced treatment with amitriptyline 20 mg once daily. She was referred for pelvic floor physiotherapy. Functional pain syndromes, such as LAS, should be regarded as diagnoses of exclusion and considered only after a thorough evaluation has been performed to rule out structural causes of pain. Knowledge of the pelvic floor and pelvic wall muscles may enable the physician to identify LAS, a possible cause of chronic pelvic pain.
All-cause and COVID-19 mortality in Qatar during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: AlNuaimi Asma A , Chemaitelly Hiam , Semaan Sandy , AlMukdad Sawsan , Al-Kanaani Zaina , Kaleeckal Anvar Hassan , Latif Ali Nizar , Al-Romaihi Hamad Eid , Butt Adeel A , Al-Thani Mohamed H , Bertollini Roberto , AbdulMalik Mariam , Al-Khal Abdullatif , Abu-Raddad Laith J
Published: May 2023

Objective

To investigate all-cause mortality, COVID-19 mortality and all-cause non-COVID-19 mortality in Qatar during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A national, retrospective cohort analysis and national, matched, retrospective cohort studies were conducted between 5 February 2020 and 19 September 2022.

Results

There were 5025 deaths during a follow-up time of 5 247 220 person-years, of which 675 were COVID-19 related. Incidence rates were 0.96 (95% CI 0.93 to 0.98) per 1000 person-years for all-cause mortality, 0.13 (95% CI 0.12 to 0.14) per 1000 person-years for COVID-19 mortality and 0.83 (95% CI 0.80 to 0.85) per 1000 person-years for all-cause non-COVID-19 mortality. Adjusted HR, comparing all-cause non-COVID-19 mortality relative to Qataris, was lowest for Indians at 0.38 (95% CI 0.32 to 0.44), highest for Filipinos at 0.56 (95% CI 0.45 to 0.69) and was 0.51 (95% CI 0.45 to 0.58) for craft and manual workers (CMWs). Adjusted HR, comparing COVID-19 mortality relative to Qataris, was lowest for Indians at 1.54 (95% CI 0.97 to 2.44), highest for Nepalese at 5.34 (95% CI 1.56 to 18.34) and was 1.86 (95% CI 1.32 to 2.60) for CMWs. Incidence rate of all-cause mortality for each nationality group was lower than the crude death rate in the country of origin.

Conclusions

Risk of non-COVID-19 death was low and was lowest among CMWs, perhaps reflecting the healthy worker effect. Risk of COVID-19 death was also low, but was highest among CMWs, largely reflecting higher exposure during first epidemic wave, before advent of effective COVID-19 treatments and vaccines.
Prediction of medical sciences students’ performance on high-stakes examinations using machine learning models: a protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Mastour Haniye , Dehghani Toktam , Jajroudi Mahdie , Moradi Ehsan , Zarei Mitra , Eslami Saeid
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Predicting medical science students’ performance on high-stakes examinations has received considerable attention. Machine learning (ML) models are well-known approaches to enhance the accuracy of determining the students’ performance. Accordingly, we aim to provide a comprehensive framework and systematic review protocol for applying ML in predicting medical science students’ performance on high-stakes examinations. Improving the current understanding of the input and output features, preprocessing methods, setting of ML models and required evaluation metrics seems essential.

Methods and analysis

A systematic review will be conducted by searching the electronic bibliographic databases of MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Web of Science. The search will be limited to studies published from January 2013 to June 2023. Studies explicitly predicting student performance in high-stakes examinations and referencing their learning outcomes and use of ML models will be included. Two team members will first screen literature meeting the inclusion criteria at the title, abstract and full-text levels. Second, the Best Evidence Medical Education quality framework rates the included literature. Later, two team members will extract data, including the studies’ general data and the ML approach’s details. Finally, the information consensus will be reached and submitted for analysis. The synthesised evidence from this review provides helpful information for medical education policy-makers, stakeholders and other researchers in adopting the ML models to evaluate medical science students’ performance in high-stakes exams.

Ethics and dissemination

This systematic review protocol summarises findings of existing publications rather than primary data and does not require an ethics review. The results will be disseminated in publications of peer-reviewed journals.
Assessing the unmet needs of patients with advanced cancer treated by biological and precision therapies: protocol for TARGET, a mixed methods study
Authors: Crowe Lisa , Brown Morven , Bojke Andy , Bojke Rona , Greystoke Alastair , Lecouturier Jan , Richardson James , Wells Mary , Todd Adam , Sharp Linda
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Biological and precision therapies are increasingly used in cancer treatment. Although they may improve survival, they are also associated with various—and unique—adverse effects, which can be long lasting. Little is known about the experiences of people treated with these therapies. Moreover, their supportive care needs have not been fully explored. Consequently, it is unclear whether existing instruments adequately capture the unmet needs of these patients. The TARGET study seeks to address these evidence gaps by exploring the needs of people treated with these therapies with the aim of developing an unmet needs assessment instrument for patients on biological and precision therapies.

Methods and analysis

The TARGET study will adopt a multi-methods design involving four Workstreams (1) a systematic review to identify, describe and assess existing unmet needs instruments in advanced cancer; (2) qualitative interviews with patients on biological and precision therapies, and their healthcare professionals, to explore experiences and care needs; (3) development and piloting of a new (or adapted) unmet needs questionnaire (based on the findings of Workstream 1 and Workstream 2) designed to capture the supportive care needs of these patients; and finally, (4) a large-scale patient survey using the new (or modified) questionnaire to determine (a) the psychometric properties of the questionnaire, and (b) the prevalence of unmet needs in these patients. Based on the broad activity of biological and precision therapies, the following cancers will be included: breast, lung, ovarian, colorectal, renal and malignant melanoma.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by National Health Service (NHS) Heath Research Authority Northeast Tyne and Wear South Research Ethics Committee (REC ref: 21/NE/0028). Dissemination of the research findings will take several formats to reach different audiences, including patients, healthcare professionals and researchers.
Effect of modified alternate day fasting diet on the severity of premenstrual syndrome and health-related quality of life in women with overweight or obesity: a trial study protocol
Authors: Hooshiar Saeedeh Hosseini , Yazdani Akram , Jafarnejad Sadegh
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) includes a range of physical, behavioural and psychological symptoms and decreases women’s health-related quality of life (HRQoL). It has been proposed that increased body mass index (BMI) is associated with menstrual problems and decreased HRQoL. The body fat amount plays a role in menstrual cycles by altering the oestrogen/progesterone ratio. Alternate day fasting as an unusual diet results in the improvement of anthropometric indices and reduction of body weight. This study aims to investigate the effect of a daily calorie restriction diet and a modified alternate day fasting diet on PMS and HRQoL.

Methods and analysis

This 8-week open-label parallel randomised controlled trial examines the impact of a modified alternate-day fasting diet and daily caloric restriction on the severity of PMS and HRQoL in obese or overweight women. Using simple random sampling, women between the ages of 18 years and 50 years and 25 ≤ BMI ˂ 40 who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria will be chosen from the Kashan University of Medical Sciences Centre. Patients will be randomised, based on BMI and age through stratified randomisation. Then by the random numbers table, they are allocated to fasting (intervention) or daily calorie restriction (control) groups. Outcomes are chosen for the trial: the difference in the severity of PMS, HRQoL, BMI, body fat mass, fat-free mass, waist-to-hip ratio, waist circumference, hip circumference, per cent body fat, skeletal muscle mass and visceral fat area from baseline to 8 weeks.

Ethics and dissemination

The Kashan University of Medical Sciences Ethics Committee has approved the trial (IR.KAUMS.MEDNT.REC.1401.003) (17 April 2022). Results will be published in peer-reviewed academic journals and the participants will be informed via phone calls.

Trial registration number

IRCT20220522054958N1.
Holistic needs assessment in outpatient cancer care: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Snowden Austyn , Young Jenny , Roberge Denis , Schipani Stefano , Murray Esther , Richard Claude , Lussier Marie-Therese , White Craig
Published: May 2023

Design

Analyst blinded, parallel, multi-centre, randomised controlled trial (RCT).

Participants

People with confirmed diagnoses of cancer (head and neck, skin or colorectal) attending follow-up consultation 3 months post-treatment between 2015 and 2020.

Intervention

Holistic needs assessment (HNA) or care as usual during consultation.

Objective

To establish whether incorporating HNA into consultations would increase patient participation, shared decision making and postconsultation self-efficacy.

Outcome measures

Patient participation in the consultations examined was measured using (a) dialogue ratio (DR) and (b) the proportion of consultation initiated by patient. Shared decision making was measured with CollaboRATE and self-efficacy with Lorig Scale. Consultations were audio recorded and timed.

Randomisation

Block randomisation.

Blinding

Audio recording analyst was blinded to study group.

Results

147 patients were randomised: 74 control versus 73 intervention.

Outcome

No statistically significant differences were found between groups for DR, patient initiative, self-efficacy or shared decision making. Consultations were on average 1 min 46 s longer in the HNA group (respectively, 17 m 25 s vs 15 min 39 s).

Conclusion

HNA did not change the amount of conversation initiated by the patient or the level of dialogue within the consultation. HNA did not change patient sense of collaboration or feelings of self-efficacy afterwards. HNA group raised more concerns and proportionally more emotional concerns, although their consultations took longer than treatment as usual.

Implications for practice

This is the first RCT to test HNA in medically led outpatient settings. Results showed no difference in the way the consultations were structured or received. There is wider evidence to support the roll out of HNA as part of a proactive, multidisciplinary process, but this study did not support medical colleagues facilitating it.

Trial registration number

NCT02274701.
‘The fact that I know I can do it is quite a motivator now’: a qualitative study exploring experiences maintaining weight loss 6 months after completing a weight loss programme for knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Lawford Belinda , Hinman Rana S , Jones Sarah , Keating Catherine , Brown Courtney , Bennell Kim L
Published: May 2023

Objective

To explore experiences maintaining weight loss 6 months after completing a multicomponent weight loss programme for knee osteoarthritis.

Design

Qualitative study based on an interpretivist paradigm and a phenomenological approach that was embedded within a randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Semistructured interviews were conducted with participants 6 months after completing a 6-month weight loss programme (ACTRN12618000930280) involving a ketogenic very low calorie diet (VLCD), exercise and physical activity programme, videoconferencing consultations with a dietitian and physiotherapist, and provision of educational and behaviour change resources and meal replacement products. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and data were analysed based on the principles of reflexive thematic analysis.

Participants

20 people with knee osteoarthritis.

Results

Three themes were developed: (1) successfully maintained weight loss; (2) empowering self-management of weight (understand importance of exercise; increased knowledge about food and nutrition; resources from programme still useful; knee pain as a motivator; confidence in ability to self-regulate weight) and (3) challenges keeping on track (loss of accountability to dietitian and study; old habits and social situations; stressful life events or changes in health).

Conclusion

Participants had overall positive experiences maintaining their weight loss since completing the weight loss programme and were confident in their ability to self-regulate their weight in the future. Findings suggest a programme incorporating dietitian and physiotherapist consultations, a VLCD, and educational and behaviour change resources supports confidence maintaining weight loss in the medium term. Further research is required to explore strategies to overcome barriers like loss of accountability and returning to old eating habits.
Study protocol of an open-label proof-of-concept trial examining the safety and clinical efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy for veterans with PTSD
Authors: Davis Alan K , Levin Adam W , Nagib Paul B , Armstrong Stacey B , Lancelotta Rafaelle L
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Psilocybin-assisted therapy has shown significant promise in treating the cluster of mood and anxiety symptoms that comprise post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but has yet to be tested specifically in this condition. Furthermore, current pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatments for PTSD are difficult to tolerate and limited in efficacy, especially in the US Military Veteran (USMV) population. This open-label pilot study will examine the safety and efficacy of two psilocybin administration sessions (15 mg and 25 mg), combined with psychotherapy, among USMVs with severe, treatment resistant PTSD.

Methods and analysis

We will recruit 15 USMVs with severe, treatment resistant PTSD. Participants will receive one low dose (15 mg) and one moderate/high dose (25 mg) of psilocybin in conjunction with preparatory and post-psilocybin therapy sessions. The primary safety outcome will be the type, severity and frequency of adverse events and suicidal ideation/behaviour, as measured by the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale. The primary outcome measure for PTSD will be the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale-5. The primary endpoint will be 1 month following the second psilocybin administration session, and the total follow-up time will be 6 months.

Ethics and dissemination

All participants will be required to provide written informed consent. The trial has been authorised by the Ohio State University Institutional Review Board (study number: 2022H0280). Dissemination of results will occur via a peer-reviewed publication and other relevant media.

Trial registration number

NCT05554094.