bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative efficacy of digitally assisted interventions for glycated haemoglobin levels among patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and component network Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Romadlon Debby Syahru , Tu Yu‐Kang , Chen Yang‐Ching , Hasan Faizul , Chiu Hsiao‐Yean
Published: July 2023

Aims

To compare the efficacy of digitally assisted interventions on the glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels of patients with type 2 diabetes by performing a systematic review, network meta‐analysis and component network meta‐analysis.

Methods

Six databases were searched to identify eligible articles from the inception of each database until 17 March 2023. We included randomized controlled trials evaluating HbA1c levels. Data were pooled with a random‐effects model under a frequentist framework. The evidence certainty was assessed using Confidence in Network MetaAnalysis (CINeMA). The PROSPERO registration number was CRD42021283815.

Results

In total, 75 trials involving 9764 participants were included. Results from standard network meta‐analyses of 17 interventions revealed that compared with standard care, a mobile application (MA) combined with a professional education programme and peer support education (PSE; −1.98, 95% confidence interval = −2.90 to −1.06, CINeMA score: moderate to high) significantly reduced HbA1c levels. The component analysis found that PSE (−1.50, −2.36 to −0.64), SMS (−0.33, −0.56 to −0.11), MA (−0.30, −0.56 to −0.04) and telephone calls (−0.30, −0.53 to −0.06) most effectively reduced HbA1c levels among patients with type 2 diabetes.

Conclusions

SMS and MA are the optimal digitally assisted interventions for reducing HbA1c levels. Educators can integrate digitally assisted interventions complemented by educational programmes, particularly MA combined with professional education programme and PSE, into daily care to control HbA1c. The limitations of included trials include a lack of information on allocation concealment and blinding and the fact that long‐term follow‐up effects were not investigated.
Improving accuracy in diagnosing aortic stenosis severity: An in‐depth analysis of echocardiographic measurement error through literature review and simulation study
Authors: Velders Bart J. J. , Groenwold Rolf H. H. , Ajmone Marsan Nina , Kappetein Arie‐Pieter , Wijngaarden Rob A. F. De Lind Van , Braun Jerry , Klautz Robert J. M. , Vriesendorp Michiel D.
Published: July 2023

Aims

The present guidelines advise replacing the aortic valve for individuals with severe aortic stenosis (AS) based on various echocardiographic parameters. Accurate measurements are essential to avoid misclassification and unnecessary interventions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of measurement error on the echocardiographic evaluation of the severity of AS.

Methods and results

A systematic review was performed to examine whether measurement errors are reported in studies focusing on the prognostic value of peak aortic jet velocity (Vmax), mean pressure gradient (MPG), and effective orifice area (EOA) in asymptomatic patients with AS. Out of the 37 studies reviewed, 17 (46%) acknowledged the existence of measurement errors, but none of them utilized methods to address them. Secondly, the magnitude of potential errors was collected from available literature for use in clinical simulations. Interobserver variability ranged between 0.9% and 8.3% for Vmax and MPG but was higher for EOA (range 7.7%‐12.7%), indicating lower reliability. Assuming a circular left ventricular outflow tract area led to a median underestimation of EOA by 23% compared to planimetry by other modalities. A clinical simulation resulted in the reclassification of 42% of patients, shifting them from a diagnosis of severe AS to moderate AS.

Conclusions

Measurement errors are underreported in studies on echocardiographic assessment of AS severity. These errors can lead to misclassification and misdiagnosis. Clinicians and scientists should be aware of the implications for accurate clinical decision‐making and assuring research validity.
Dishonesty as a collective‐risk social dilemma
Authors: Jiang Shuguang , Villeval Marie Claire
Published: July 2023

We investigated lying as a collective‐risk social dilemma. Misreporting resulted in increased individual earnings but when total claims reached a certain threshold, all group members were at risk of collective sanction, regardless of their individual behavior. Due to selfishness and miscoordination, most individuals earned less than the reservation payoff from honest reporting in the group. However, preferences for truth‐telling lowered the risk of collective sanction in this setting compared to a social dilemma game in which players could make direct claims without lying. The risk of sanctions decreased with risk aversion and a smaller group size.
A new perspective on hippocampal synaptic plasticity and post‐stroke depression
Authors: Sun Ning , Cui Wen‐Qiang , Min Xiao‐Man , Zhang Guang‐Ming , Liu Jia‐Zheng , Wu Hong‐Yun
Published: July 2023

Post‐stroke depression, a common complication after stroke, severely affects the recovery and quality of life of patients with stroke. Owing to its complex mechanisms, post‐stroke depression treatment remains highly challenging. Hippocampal synaptic plasticity is one of the key factors leading to post‐stroke depression; however, the precise molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Numerous studies have found that neurotrophic factors, protein kinases and neurotransmitters influence depressive behaviour by modulating hippocampal synaptic plasticity. This review further elaborates on the role of hippocampal synaptic plasticity in post‐stroke depression by summarizing recent research and analysing possible molecular mechanisms. Evidence for the correlation between hippocampal mechanisms and post‐stroke depression helps to better understand the pathological process of post‐stroke depression and improve its treatment.
Biodiesel Co‐Product (BCP) amendment drives beneficial soil microbiome assembly promoting acid soil health
Authors: Shen Qunli , Voroney Paul , Brookes Philip C. , Elrys Ahmed S. , Yu Mengjie , Su Wei‐Qin , Meng Lei , Li Meng
Published: July 2023

Biodiesel Co‐Product (BCP) amendment has been shown to decrease both nitrate leaching and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in acidic soil; however, the effects of BCP on the soil microbiome have not been investigated thoroughly. In this study, we investigated the response of prokaryotic and fungal communities in aspects of structure, diversity, and co‐occurrence network to the BCP amendment following complete mixing application (0–18‐cm depth) of 1.5 mg BCP‐C g−1 and surface application (0–6‐cm depth) of 4.5 mg BCP‐C g−1 via high‐throughput 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) amplicon sequencing. The amendment altered microbial communities significantly by increasing the relative abundances of Proteobacteria (Burkholderia) and Ascomycota (Trichoderma) in prokaryotic and fungal communities, respectively. Only a higher rate application (4.5 mg BCP‐C g−1) decreased prokaryotic alpha diversity, whereas all rates of amendment decreased fungal diversity. The co‐occurrence network of prokaryotes had more nodes and links and a higher average degree and clustering coefficient than the fungal network with BCP addition. The majority of keystone species in prokaryotic and fungal networks were from Proteobacteria and Ascomycota taxa. Of note, the BCP amendment significantly increased the OTU numbers of potential biocontrol agents, including Trichoderma (T.) spirale, T. koningiopsis, and T. virens, etc., while decreased OTU numbers related to plant pathogens species, particularly in the complete mixing application. Our work highlights the potential for BCP amendments to promote the assembly of a healthy soil microbiome by enhancing the abundance of potential biocontrol microbes while reducing plant pathogens species, which may contribute to soil health.
The impact of hybrid immunity on immune responses after SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination in persons with multiple sclerosis treated with disease‐modifying therapies
Authors: Rabenstein Monika , Thomas Olivia G. , Carlin Giorgia , Khademi Mohsen , Högelin Klara Asplund , Malmeström Clas , Axelsson Markus , Brandt Anne Frandsen , Gafvelin Guro , Grönlund Hans , Kockum Ingrid , Piehl Fredrik , Lycke Jan , Olsson Tomas , Hessa Tara
Published: July 2023

Background and purpose

Hybrid immunity to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) develops from a combination of natural infection and vaccine‐generated immunity. Multiple sclerosis (MS) disease‐modifying therapies (DMTs) have the potential to impact humoral and cellular immunity induced by SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination and infection. The aims were to compare antibody and T‐cell responses after SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA vaccination in persons with MS (pwMS) treated with different DMTs and to assess differences between naïvely vaccinated pwMS and pwMS with hybrid immunity vaccinated following a previous SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.

Methods

Antibody and T‐cell responses were determined in pwMS at baseline and 4 and 12 weeks after the second dose of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination in 143 pwMS with or without previous SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and 40 healthy controls (HCs). The MS cohort comprised natalizumab (n = 22), dimethylfumarate (n = 23), fingolimod (n = 38), cladribine (n = 30), alemtuzumab (n = 17) and teriflunomide (n = 13) treated pwMS. Immunoglobulin G antibody responses to SARS‐CoV‐2 antigens were measured using a multiplex bead assay and FluoroSpot was used to assess T‐cell responses (interferon γ and interleukin 13).

Results

Humoral and T‐cell responses to vaccination were comparable between naïvely vaccinated HCs and pwMS treated with natalizumab, dimethylfumarate, cladribine, alemtuzumab and teriflunomide, but were suppressed in fingolimod‐treated pwMS. Both fingolimod‐treated pwMS and HCs vaccinated following a previous SARS‐CoV‐2 infection had higher antibody levels 4 weeks after vaccination compared to naïvely vaccinated individuals. Antibody and interferon γ levels 12 weeks after vaccination were positively correlated with time from last treatment course of cladribine.

Conclusion

These findings are of relevance for infection risk mitigation and for vaccination strategies amongst pwMS undergoing DMT.
Submicron resolution techniques: Multiphoton microscopy in skin disease
Authors: Chen Ke‐Jun , Han Yang , Wang Zi‐Yi , Cui Yong
Published: July 2023

Non‐invasive optical examination plays a crucial role in various aspects of dermatology, such as diagnosis, management and research. Multiphoton microscopy uses a unique submicron technology to stimulate autofluorescence (AF), allowing for the observation of cellular structure, assessment of redox status and quantification of collagen fibres. This advanced imaging technique offers dermatologists novel insights into the skin's structure, positioning it as a promising ‘stethoscope’ for future development in the field. This review provides an overview of multiphoton microscopy's principles, technology and application in studying normal skin, tumour and inflammatory diseases, as well as collagen‐related and pigmentary diseases.
muFlowReacT: A Library to Solve Multiphase Multicomponent Reactive Transport on Unstructured Meshes
Authors: Atteia O. , Prommer H. , Vlassopoulos D. , André L. , Cohen G.
Published: July 2023

In this paper we present a new reactive transport code for the efficient simulation of groundwater quality problems. The new code couples the two previously existing tools OpenFoam and PhreeqcRM. The major objective of the development was to transfer and expand the capabilities of the MODFLOW/MT3DMS‐family of codes, especially their outstanding ability to suppress numerical dispersion, to a versatile and computationally efficient code for unstructured grids. Owing to the numerous, previously existing transport solvers contained in OpenFoam, the newly developed code achieves this objective and provides a solid basis for future expansions of the code capabilities. The flexibility of the OpenFoam framework is illustrated by the addition of diffusional processes for gaseous compounds in the unsaturated zone and the advection of gases (multiphase transport). The code capabilities and accuracy are illustrated through several examples: (1) a simple 2D case for conservative solute transport under saturated conditions, (2) a gas diffusion case with reactions in the unsaturated zone, (3) a hydrogeologically complex 3D reactive transport problem, and finally (4) the injection of CO2 into a deep aquifer with acidification being buffered by carbonate minerals.
Q‐Learning model for selfish miners with optional stopping theorem for honest miners
Authors: Jeyasheela Rakkini M.J. , Geetha K.
Published: July 2023

Bitcoin, the most popular cryptocurrency used in the blockchain, has miners join mining pools and get rewarded for the proportion of hash rate they have contributed to the mining pool. This work proposes the prediction of the relativegain of the miners by machine learning and deep learning models, the miners' selection of higher relativegain by the Q‐learning model, and an optional stopping theorem for honest miners in the presence of selfish mining attacks. Relativegain is the ratio of the number of blocks mined by selfish miners in the main canonical chain to the blocks of other miners. A Q‐learning agent with ‐greedy value iteration, which seeks to increase the relativegain for the selfish miners, that takes into account all the other quintessential parameters, including the hash rate of miners, time warp, the height of the blockchain, the number of times the blockchain was reorganized, and the adjustment of the timestamp of the block, is implemented. Next, the ruin of the honest miners and the optional stopping theorem are analyzed so that the honest miners can quit the mining process before their complete ruin. We obtain a low mean square error of 0.0032 and a mean absolute error of 0.0464 in our deep learning model. Our Q‐learning model exhibits a linearly increasing curve, which denotes the increase in the relativegain caused by the selection of the action of performing the reorganization attack.
Effect of barbed versus standard sutures on wound complications in total knee arthroplasty: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Yun , Xu Hongyu , Zhao Yanghu , Wang Tiecheng , Zhou Haidong
Published: July 2023

A barbed suture has been demonstrated to be effective in shortening the stitching time and improving the aesthetic appearance of the stitches during the entire knee replacement. However, no meta‐analyses have been conducted specifically to evaluate the effect of the barbed thread on wound complications relative to the conventional suture. A comprehensive search of the PubMed database, the Embase database, the Cochrane Library and the Web of Science was performed to obtain search data up to June 2023, and only randomised controlled trials were included in this meta‐analysis. We used Review Manager 5.3 for data synthesis and analysis. This meta‐analysis included eight studies. It was found that the use of barbed sutures did not improve the incidence of the disease, the infection of the wound, the closure of the abscess and the injury. However, because of the limited sample size of the randomised controlled trials for this meta‐analysis, the data should be handled with caution. More high‐quality, large‐sample studies will be required to confirm the results.
Characterization of uncertainty in maximum tidal elevation near Bangladesh coastline due to uncertain sea level rise
Authors: Sarwar Sifat , Borthwick Alistair G. L.
Published: July 2023

The Ganges‐Brahmaputra‐Meghna delta is vulnerable to sea level rise from global warming. Based on sea level rise predictions for the year 2100 given in the 6th Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), we examine the effect of uncertainty in sea level rise on maximum tidal elevation statistics at several locations along the Bangladesh coastline using a discretized derived distribution approach. For five IPCC scenarios, the standard deviation in maximum tidal elevation including sea level rise is predicted to increase by between 3% and 61% at three different locations for a 41% increase in the standard deviation of mean sea level rise. By excluding the linear effect of sea level rise, the increase in the standard deviation of maximum tidal elevation is found to vary spatially from 2% to 68% with a 41% increase in the standard deviation of sea level rise.
Clinical features and outcomes of appendiceal neuroendocrine tumours: 10 year audit from the Irish NET Centre of Excellence
Authors: Storan Darragh , Swan Niall , Swan Kara , Thuillier Rhona , Skehan Stephen , Gallagher Tom , O'Shea Donal , O'Toole Dermot
Published: July 2023

Appendiceal neuroendocrine tumours (aNETs) are rare neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract often diagnosed incidentally at the time of appendicectomy. Appendicectomy is considered curative in the majority of cases but guidelines recommend right‐sided hemicolectomy (RHC) for those with specific high‐risk features despite no data supporting a survival benefit. We performed a retrospective search of multi‐disciplinary tumour board and pathology databases from 2012 to 2022 to identify cases of aNET treated at our centre. Follow‐up data were obtained from the electronic healthcare records. A total of 142 cases of aNET were included for analysis. Mean age at presentation was 34, of which 76% were female and 92% of aNETs were located in the tip/middle of the appendix; 90% were grade 1, and 93% had R0 resection. Tumour size was <1 cm in 54%, 1–2 cm in 36%, >2 cm in 9%. A total of 43 patients (30%) underwent RHC with lymph node metastases identified in 16 (37%). Lymph node metastases were associated with tumour size >2 cm (p = .008) and higher tumour grade (p = .041) on multivariate analysis. For aNET 1–2 cm, lymph node metastases were identified in 7/22 who had RHC (32%) with tumour grade the only significant risk factor (p = .046). Distant metastases were identified in 2 cases (1%), diagnosed synchronously and associated with grade 2 tumours. Overall survival for those with lymph node metastases was 100% after a median 4 years. Progression‐free survival was 93%, with a single case of disease progression associated with synchronous distant metastases at initial diagnosis. Lymph node metastases in aNET are associated with higher tumour grade and tumour size >2 cm. Disease progression in the setting of lymph node metastases is rare. The significance of lymph node metastases and need for completion RHC remains uncertain.
Proteomic profile of human gingival crevicular fluid reveals specific biological and molecular processes during clinical progression of periodontitis
Authors: Torres Alfredo , Michea M. Angélica , Végvári Ákos , Arce Marion , Morales Alicia , Lanyon Elías , Alcota Marcela , Fuentes Camila , Vernal Rolando , Budini Mauricio , Zubarev Roman A. , González Fermín E.
Published: July 2023

Background and Objective

There is no clear understanding of molecular events occurring in the periodontal microenvironment during clinical disease progression. Our aim was to explore qualitative and quantitative differences in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) protein profiles from patients diagnosed with periodontitis between non‐progressive and progressive periodontal sites.

Methods

Five systemically healthy patients diagnosed with periodontitis were monitored weekly in their progression of the disease and GCF samples from 10 candidate sites were obtained. Two groups of five sites, matched from an equal number of teeth, were selected from the five patients: Progression (PG) and Non‐Progression (NP). Global protein identification was performed with high‐throughput proteomic approaches and label‐free analysis determined their relative abundances. Proteins were identified by Proteome Discoverer v2.4 and searched against human SwissProt protein databases. Enrichment bioinformatic analyses were performed in STRING‐DB and ShinyGO environment.

Results

1504 and 1500 proteins were identified in NP and PG respectively. Forty‐eight proteins were exclusively identified in PG, while 52 were identified in NP. Moreover, 35 proteins were more abundant in PG and 29 proteins in NP (twofold change, p < .05). The NP group was mainly represented by proteins from “response to biotic stimuli and other organisms,” “processes of cell death regulation,” “peptidase regulation,” “protein ubiquitination,” and “ribosomal activity” GO categories. The most represented GO categories of the PG group were “assembly of multiprotein complexes,” “catabolic processes,” “lipid metabolism,” and “binding to hemoglobin and haptoglobin.”

Conclusions

There are quantitative and qualitative differences in the proteome of GCF from periodontal sites according to the status of clinical progression of periodontitis. Progressive periodontitis sites are characterized by a protein profile associated with catabolic processes, immune response, and response to cellular stress, while stable periodontitis sites show a protein profile mainly related to wound repair and healing processes, cell death regulation, and chaperone‐mediated autophagy. Understanding the etiopathogenic role of these profiles in progressive periodontitis may help to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Genetic data reveal wintering ground affiliation of humpback whales from the Mexican Central Pacific
Authors: Llamas‐González Myriam , Ortega‐Ortiz Christian D. , Enríquez‐Paredes Luis M. , González‐Peral Úrsula A. , Bautista‐Guerrero Eric , Martien Karen K.
Published: July 2023

Two groups of humpback whales inhabit the waters off the Pacific coast of Mexico the coastal wintering aggregation in the north (MX), and the southern Mexico/Central America wintering aggregation (S‐MX/CEA) in the south. However, along the coast of the Mexican Central Pacific (MCP), the population affiliation of humpback whales is uncertain. Some studies have concluded that the MCP whales are part of S‐MX/CEA, while others have suggested that the MCP may represent an overlap zone between the two wintering aggregations. In this study, data from 354 biopsy samples were collected over a 12‐year period, to provide insight from genetic information into the affiliation of MCP whales to and the boundaries between the wintering aggregations. Using mitochondrial control region sequences, we found that the majority (73%) of MCP whales are part of MX, but that the boundary between the two wintering aggregations may shift latitudinally depending on environmental conditions. The high haplotypic (h ± SD = 0.859 ± 0.0138) and nucleotide diversity (π ± SD = 0.0145 ± 0.0075) of the MCP whales are also consistent with our sample, including animals from both wintering aggregations. More research is needed to better describe the ranges of the MX and S‐MX/CEA wintering aggregations to ensure their successful conservation and management.
The Role of Global Femoral Offset in Total Hip Arthroplasty with High Hip Center Technique
Authors: Yang Tianyu , Yang Boning , Wang Penghao , Qin Yu , You Guanchao , Shi Yunyi , Zhang Ao , Shen Dianlin , Guo Lei
Published: July 2023

Objective

The high hip center (HHC) technique has been proposed for the treatment of patients with developmental dysplaisa of the hip (DDH) who have an acetabular bone defect. However, the importance of global femoral offset (FO) in the application of this technique has not been sufficiently appreciated. Our goals were to confirm that the HHC technique is feasible in the treatment of patients with DDH and to assess the function of global FO in this procedure.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 73 patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty using high hip center technique for unilateral DDH at our hospital between January 2014 and June 2019. According to global FO, the patients were split into three groups: increased FO group (increment greater than 5 mm), restored FO group (restoration within 5 mm) and decreased FO group (reduction greater than 5 mm). Patients' medical records and plain radiographs were reviewed. One‐way ANOVA was used to compare radiographic outcomes and Harris hip score (HHS). Paired t‐test was used to assess preoperative and postoperative HHS and leg length discrepancy. Trochanteric pain syndrome, Trendelenburg sign and postoperative limp was evaluated with Fisher's exact test.

Results

The average follow‐up time was 7.5 ± 1.4 years. The patients' HHS and leg length discrepancy were significantly improved (p < 0.05). In terms of vertical acetabular height, abductor arm, postoperative leg length difference, and acetabular cup inclination, there was no statistically significant difference between the three groups. At the last follow‐up, HHS was significantly higher in the restored FO group than in the decreased FO and increased FO groups. Trochanteric pain syndrome occurred in 15.0% and Trendelenburg sign and postoperative limp in 8.2% of all patients, respectively. Trochanteric pain syndrome, Trendelenburg sign and postoperative limp did not differ significantly across the three groups. One patient in increased FO group underwent revision for dislocation 6 years after surgery.

Conclusion

The HHC technique is an alternative technique for total hip arthroplasty in patients with acetabular bone abnormalities, according to the results of the mid‐term follow‐up. Also, controlling the correction of the global femoral offset to within 5 mm may lead to better clinical outcomes.
The mediating role of self‐compassion in the relationship between internalized stigma and psychological resilience in bipolar disorder
Authors: Mackali Zeynep , Çetinkaya Saadet , Ay Nur
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Internalized stigma is known to be high in bipolar disorder (BD). Concepts such as self‐compassion and psychological resilience have recently begun to be studied as protective factors for BD. The aim of the current study was to examine the relationships between internalized stigma, self‐compassion and resilience among individuals with BD.

Method

One hundred and thirty‐two male and female (18‐65 years of age) participants with a DSM 5 diagnosis of BD (BD‐ I & BD‐ II) were included. The remission criteria (YMRS< 5 and HDRS< 7) was evaluated using clinician‐administered measures and all participants were found to be remitted. Correlation and mediation analyses were performed. Participants completed the Internalized Stigma in Mental Illness Scale (ISMI), the Self‐Compassion Scale (SCS) and the Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA).

Results

Significant correlations were found between internalized stigma, sub‐dimensions of self‐compassion (self‐kindness, self‐judgement, common humanity, isolation, mindfulness, and over‐identification), and resilience in the expected directions like negative correlations between internalized stigma and positive dimensions of self‐compassion (self‐kindness, common humanity and mindfulness). Self‐judgement and self‐kindness mediated the relationship between internalized stigma and psychological resilience.

Conclusions

The findings of the study shed light on which dimensions of self‐compassion might be more beneficial to work with in order to increase resilience when working with internalized stigma in BD. This strengths‐based investigation would be valuable to enrich psycho‐social interventions for the prevention of relapse in BD.
Moderators of the big‐fish‐little‐pond effect in educational settings: A scoping review
Authors: Stockus Christopher A. , Zell Ethan
Published: July 2023

The big‐fish‐little‐pond effect (BFLPE) is the tendency for students to evaluate themselves more favorably when they have high rank in a low rank school than low rank in a high rank school. In this scoping review, we evaluate evidence for several student and teacher factors that have been tested as moderators of the BFLPE. Our synthesis provides initial evidence suggesting that the BFLPE may be stronger for students who are older, reside in WEIRD societies (with some exceptions), female (when tested in the science domain), low in narcissism, and high in neuroticism. Additionally, our synthesis suggests that the effect is weaker when students have positive relationships with their teachers and receive differentiated instruction. We did not find a strong or consistent pattern of moderation when examining student ability, student achievement goals, teacher grading practices, or teacher frame of reference. We conclude by highlighting limitations of the extant literature, moderators that appear most fruitful for additional research, and promising social‐psychological factors that have yet to be tested as moderators of the BFLPE.
New bounds on the size of nearly perfect matchings in almost regular hypergraphs
Authors: Kang Dong Yeap , Kühn Daniela , Methuku Abhishek , Osthus Deryk
Published: July 2023

Let be a ‐uniform ‐regular simple hypergraph on vertices. Based on an analysis of the Rödl nibble, in 1997, Alon, Kim and Spencer proved that if , then contains a matching covering all but at most vertices, and asked whether this bound is tight. In this paper we improve their bound by showing that for all , contains a matching covering all but at most vertices for some , when and are sufficiently large. Our approach consists of showing that the Rödl nibble process not only constructs a large matching but it also produces many well‐distributed ‘augmenting stars’ which can then be used to significantly improve the matching constructed by the Rödl nibble process. Based on this, we also improve the results of Kostochka and Rödl from 1998 and Vu from 2000 on the size of matchings in almost regular hypergraphs with small codegree. As a consequence, we improve the best known bounds on the size of large matchings in combinatorial designs with general parameters. Finally, we improve the bounds of Molloy and Reed from 2000 on the chromatic index of hypergraphs with small codegree (which can be applied to improve the best known bounds on the chromatic index of Steiner triple systems and more general designs).
Sousveillance art: artivismo como estrategia de enfrentamiento a la vigilancia en línea
Authors: Ferreira Alves Lorena , Ferreira Corrêa Antenor
Published: July 2023

El propósito de este artículo fue presentar los conceptos de sousveillance y dataveillance, así como reflexionar sobre las formas de artivismos propuestas para interrogar y resistir a la sociedad de vigilancia. Observamos, en la sociedad contemporánea, una relación inversamente proporcional entre privacidad y tecnología. Esto ocurre por la conveniencia que conllevan los complejos sistemas de vigilancia en línea para los cuales regalar datos personales se ha convertido en la moneda para vivir en un mundo conectado. En medio de esta situación, consideramos algunas obras en el campo del sousveillance art con el fin de comprender cómo los artistas se han posicionado en esta situación. Las consideraciones que se proponen se basan en el análisis de obras de arte basadas en algunos textos que abordan los conceptos de privacidad y vigilancia.
First record of Tarsonemus populi Magowski, 2010 in Western Asia on the new beetle host, with notes on the mite-beetle phoretic associations in the subgenus Schaarschmidtia (Heterostigmatina, Tarsonemidae, Tarsonemus)
Authors: Magowski Wojciech L. , Babaei Saeid , Ahadiyat Ali
Published: July 2023

N/A
In situ plasmonic tip preparation and validation techniques for scanning tunneling microscopy
Authors: Taber Benjamen N. , Neill Matthew L. , Thom Trevor N. , Clapp Octavia D. , Apkarian Vartkess Ara , Lee Joonhee
Published: July 2023

Among the many parts constituting a scanning tunneling microscope, the metallic tip is the component that directly interacts with the specimen and plays a critical role in visualizing the physical quantity of interest. While tip materials such as W and Pt–Ir are commonly used for topographic imaging and their preparation is well-documented, the preparation of plasmonic materials such as Ag for tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy is relatively less standardized. Here, we present several in situ Ag tip preparation and validation techniques for the microscopist to use depending on their intended application, including atomic resolution imaging, scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STM), and tip-enhanced Raman spectro-microscopy in ultrahigh vacuum. Besides optical applications, these methods are not limited to Ag but also applicable to other STM tip materials.
Sediment routing in an incised valley during Hurricane Harvey (2017) in Houston, Texas, USA: Implications for modern sedimentation
Authors: Stearns Andrew I. , Wellner Julia S. , Kendall Jerome J. , Khan Shuhab D.
Published: July 2023

Southeastern Texas (United States) recorded one of the largest flooding events in U.S. history during Hurricane Harvey (25–31 August 2017), mobilizing millions of cubic meters of sediment in Houston fluvial-estuarine systems. We conducted an integrated quantitative analysis to determine the net minimum volume of sediment transported during the storm using subaerial elevation change, satellite and ground-based images, and sediment dredging reports along major waterways. The 12 fluvial-estuarine streams and two controlled reservoir drainages in the Houston area transported a minimum of ~2.723 × 107 m3 of sediment. This volume is ~6–51 times larger than the average annual volume of sediment delivered to Galveston Bay in modern times (in the past 200 yr), and ~30–118 times larger when compared to Holocene rates. Nearly ~26% of the measured volume was deposited in Addicks and Barker reservoirs, decreasing holding capacities by ~1.2% and ~1.6%, respectively. In the stream drainages, sediment was mobilized from west-northwest of Houston and pulsed toward Galveston Bay, highlighting the extreme short-term variability in sediment delivery. Sediment flux through the Houston region during Harvey is an example of sediment storage followed by a pulsed delivery of high sediment volume rather than continuous delivery of sediment. Comparison of sediment volumes transported through natural and modified drainages through Houston demonstrates that channel modification resulted in significant bypass of sediment downstream. Urban watershed management is more effective when continual updates are implemented based on regional circumstances rather than based on historical fluxes.
Surface-Electrode Ion Trap Development
Authors: Abbasov T. , Zibrov S. , Sherstov I.
Published: July 2023

We present a segmented linear surface electrode ion trap design that can be used for various applications in optical clocks and quantum computation based on trapped 171Yb+ ions. Our simulations show that calculated trap depth can reach up to several electronvolts and that the pseudopotential minimum of the trap is located above the trap surface at a distance greater than 80 μm. The described pseudopotential simulations and calculations of different trap parameters can be used to design the planar trap with required parameters. This design could be scaled to store a long chain of ions and used for quantum logic applications as well.
Nuclear Inelastic Scattering Effect in Spectra of Neutrinos at Regime of Weak Coupling with Matter
Authors: Kondratyev V. N. , Torekhan D. , Cherubini S.
Published: July 2023

We consider an effect of inelastic scattering in nucleon gas on the energy spectra of neutrinos during an evolution weakly coupled with hot and dense magnetized matter of dynamoactive supernovae. At a finite temperature neutrinos exhibit exo-and endoenergetic scattering on magnetized nucleons due to the Gamow–Teller neutral current interaction component. On the basis of an analysis of energy transfer properties and cross-sections due to significant additional energy exchange mechanisms arising in a magnetized nucleon gas we obtain a kinetic equation for the neutrino dynamics. It is shown that the energy transfer value magnitude and coefficient change the sign from positive to negative when the incoming neutrino energy exceeds four times the temperature of the stellar material, and almost independs on the magnetic induction. For realistic stellar parameters such effects lead to an increase in the hardness of the neutrino energy spectra, especially for the heavy lepton component. It is shown that such strengthening of neutrino hard energies is favorable for supernova neutrino observations by Large Volume Neutrino Telescopes.
Elite female endurance athletes are at increased risk of atrial fibrillation compared to the general population: a matched cohort study
Authors: Drca Nikola , Larsson Susanna C , Grannas David , Jensen-Urstad Mats
Published: July 2023

Objective

Previous studies have found that endurance sport activity is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) in men. However, it remains unclear whether endurance sports also influence the risk of AF in women. We aimed to examine whether participation in endurance sports may affect the risk of AF in female athletes.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective matched cohort study of top Swedish female endurance athletes (n=228) and reference individuals (n=1368) from the general population using the Swedish Total Population Register individually matched with a 6:1 ratio of female athletes. The athlete cohort was created by combining all Swedish women who ran the Stockholm Marathon faster than 3 hours 15 min in any of the races between 1979 and 1991, all women competing in the Swedish athletic national championships in the 10 000 metre race, and the top-ranked Swedish cyclists during the same period. We used the National Patient Register to determine whether the participants were diagnosed with AF.

Results

Mean age at the start of follow-up was 32 (SD±8.5) years. During follow-up (mean 28.8 years; SD±4.4), 33 cases of AF were diagnosed, including 10 (4.4%) among athletes and 23 (1.7%) among references. The HR for female athletes compared with the reference population was 2.56 (95% CI 1.22 to 5.37) in the univariable model and 3.67 (95% CI 1.71 to 7.87) after adjustment for hypertension.

Conclusion

Elite female endurance athletes are at increased risk of AF than the general population.
Using Days Alive and Out of Hospital to measure inequities and possible pathways for them after cardiovascular surgery in Aotearoa New Zealand: study protocol for a secondary data analysis
Authors: Boyle Luke , Curtis Elana , Paine Sarah-Jane , Tamatea Jade , Lumley Thomas , Merry Alan Forbes
Published: July 2023

Introduction

In Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ), socioeconomic status and being of Māori ethnicity are often associated with poorer health outcomes, including after surgery. Inequities can be partially explained by differences in health status and health system biases are hypothesised as important factors for remaining inequities. Previous work identified inequities between Māori and non-Māori following cardiovascular surgery, some of which have been identified in studies between 1990 and 2012. Days Alive and Out of Hospital (DAOH) is an emerging surgical outcome metric. DAOH is a composite measure of outcomes, which may reflect patient experience and longer periods of DAOH may also reflect extended interactions with the health system. Recently, a 1.1-day difference in DAOH was observed between Māori and non-Māori at a hospital in NZ across a range of operations.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a secondary data analysis using data from the National Minimum Data Set, maintained by the Ministry of Health. We will report unadjusted and risk-adjusted DAOH values between Māori and non-Māori using direct risk standardisation. We will risk adjust first for age and sex, then for each of deprivation (NZDep18), levels of morbidity (M3 score) and rurality. We will report DAOH values across three time periods, 30, 90 and 365 days and across nine deciles of the DAOH distribution (0.1–0.9 inclusive). We will interpret all results from a Kaupapa Māori research positioning, acknowledging that Māori health outcomes are directly tied to the unequal distribution of the social determinants of health.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval for this study was given by the Auckland Health Research Ethics Committee. Outputs from this study are likely to interest a range of audiences. We plan to disseminate our findings through academic channels, presentations to interested groups including Māori-specific hui (meetings), social media and lay press.
Sex and gender differences in healthcare utilisation trajectories: a cohort study among Quebec workers living with chronic pain
Authors: Lacasse Anaïs , Nguena Nguefack Hermine Lore , Page M Gabrielle , Choinière Manon , Samb Oumar Mallé , Katz Joel , Ménard Nancy , Vissandjée Bilkis , Zerriouh Meriem
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Chronic pain (CP) is a poorly recognised and frequently inadequately treated condition affecting one in five adults. Reflecting on sociodemographic disparities as barriers to CP care in Canada was recently established as a federal priority. The objective of this study was to assess sex and gender differences in healthcare utilisation trajectories among workers living with CP.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Participants

This study was conducted using the TorSaDE Cohort which links the 2007–2016 Canadian Community Health Surveys and Quebec administrative databases (longitudinal claims). Among 2955 workers living with CP, the annual number of healthcare contacts was computed during the 3 years after survey completion.

Outcome

Group-based trajectory modelling was used to identify subgroups of individuals with similar patterns of healthcare utilisation over time (healthcare utilisation trajectories).

Results

Across the study population, three distinct 3-year healthcare utilisation trajectories were found: (1) low healthcare users (59.9%), (2) moderate healthcare users (33.6%) and (3) heavy healthcare users (6.4%). Sex and gender differences were found in the number of distinct trajectories and the stability of the number of healthcare contacts over time. Multivariable analysis revealed that independent of other sociodemographic characteristics and severity of health condition, sex—but not gender—was associated with the heavy healthcare utilisation longitudinal trajectory (with females showing a greater likelihood; OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.6 to 4.1).

Conclusions

Our results underline the importance of assessing sex-based disparities in help-seeking behaviours, access to healthcare and resource utilisation among persons living with CP.
Evaluation of Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) in people with advanced non-small cell lung cancer treated with immunotherapies or targeted therapies: protocol for a single-arm, mixed-methods pilot study
Authors: Lynch Fiona Anne , Rodin Gary , Jefford Michael , Duffy Mary , Lai-Kwon Julia , Heynemann Sarah , Mileshkin Linda , Briggs Lisa , Burke John , Leigh Lilian , Spelman Tim , Ftanou Maria
Published: July 2023

Introduction

People with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with immunotherapies (IT) or targeted therapies (TT) may have improved outcomes in a subset of people who respond, raising unique psychological concerns requiring specific attention. These include the need for people with prolonged survival to reframe their life plans and tolerate uncertainty related to treatment duration and prognosis. A brief intervention for people with advanced cancer, Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM), could help people treated with IT or TT address these concerns. However, CALM has not been specifically evaluated in this population. This study aims to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of CALM in people with advanced NSCLC treated with IT or TT and obtain preliminary evidence regarding its effectiveness in this population.

Methods and analysis

Twenty people with advanced NSCLC treated with IT or TT will be recruited from Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia. Participants will complete three to six sessions of CALM delivered over 3–6 months. A prospective, single-arm, mixed-methods pilot study will be conducted. Participants will complete outcome measures at baseline, post-intervention, 3 months and 6 months, including Patient Health Questionnaire, Death and Dying Distress Scale, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy General and Clinician Evaluation Questionnaire. The acceptability of CALM will be assessed using patient experiences surveys and qualitative interviews. Feasibility will be assessed by analysis of recruitment rates, treatment adherence and intervention delivery time.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval has been granted by the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC/82047/PMCC). Participants with cancer will complete a signed consent form prior to participation, and carers and therapists will complete verbal consent. Results will be made available to funders, broader clinicians and researchers through conference presentations and publications. If CALM is found to be acceptable in this cohort, this will inform a potential phase 3 trial.
Qualitative study exploring health care professionals’ perceptions of providing rehabilitation for people with advanced dementia
Authors: Hall Abigail J , Manning Fay , Goodwin Victoria
Published: July 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore healthcare professionals’ principles for providing and delivering rehabilitation interventions for people with advanced dementia.

Design

This was a qualitative study with three focus groups undertaken virtually. The data were analysed using a process of reflexive thematic analysis in order to gain an in-depth understanding of rehabilitation principles for this population.

Setting and participants

20 healthcare professionals who were specialists in treating and rehabilitating people with advanced dementia were recruited. These healthcare professionals had a wide range of experience in a variety of different settings including primary care, secondary care as well as specialist mental health teams. Purposive sampling focused on the requirement for participants to have significant experience of treating people with dementia. Participants were from the UK and Denmark. Data collection was undertaken during August and September 2022.

Results

Three overarching themes were developed following analysis—organisational culture, knowledge and personal values of the healthcare professional. The first explored how the culture of an organisation affects a person with advanced dementia as well as the healthcare professional. The organisation needed to promote positive approaches to person-centred care and provide effective situational leadership to embed such approaches. Knowledge was a key consideration and was closely linked to the personal values of the healthcare professional, which formed the final theme. This study suggests that the interrelationship of these three factors influences the outcomes for the person with dementia and effective outcomes required consideration of all domains.

Conclusions

Effective interventions for people with advanced dementia require the healthcare professional to have the knowledge about dementia and positive personal values, but the culture of the organisation is also key to ensure that the healthcare professional is able to deliver successful interventions.