bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of average glandular dose (AGD) in screening and diagnostic digital mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) towards establishing a reference dose range band (DRB): a developing country experience
Authors: Jeyasugiththan Jeyasingam , Maheshika Bandara B G U , Wickramarathna S H DM , Thenuwara Hashini , Satharasinghe Duminda , Pallewatte A S , Hettiarachchi Pandula
Published: July 2023

This study represents the first national survey conducted in Sri Lanka to establish national diagnostic reference levels (NDRLs) for screening and diagnostic acquisitions in digital mammography (2D-DM) and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). Additionally, the study investigated the relationship between average glandular dose (AGD) and compressed breast thickness (CBT) and introduced a novel concept called dose range bands (DRBs) as a tool for optimizing radiation dose in mammography. DICOM metadata was used to extract dose data and exposure parameters from women undergoing either screening (350) or diagnostic (750) DM. The analysis included both craniocaudal and mediolateral oblique views of each breast, acquired using 2D-DM and DBT imaging techniques. The NDRL (AGD per view) was 1.97 mGy and 2.01 mGy for diagnostic DM and DBT, respectively. The corresponding NDRLs for screening acquisition were 2.44 mGy and 2.30 mGy. The mean DBT/DM AGD ratio was 1.39 and 0.97 for diagnostic and screening, respectively. Further, the association between the average glandular AGD per view and CBT is stronger in DBT than in 2D-DM. The study findings highlight the need for standardisation of compression practices, considering factors such as the radiographer’s experience, imaging equipment, breast density, age, breast size, and pain threshold.
Physical adsorption and oxidation of ultra-thin MoS2 crystals: insights into surface engineering for 2D electronics and beyond
Authors: Jiang Yingchun , Liu Zihan , Zhou Huimin , Sharma Anju , Deng Jia , Ke Changhong
Published: July 2023

The oxidation mechanism of atomically thin molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) plays a critical role in its nanoelectronics, optoelectronics, and catalytic applications, where devices often operate in an elevated thermal environment. In this study, we systematically investigate the oxidation of mono- and few-layer MoS2 flakes in the air at temperatures ranging from 23 °C to 525 °C and relative humidities of 10%–60% by using atomic force microscopy (AFM), Raman spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Our study reveals the formation of a uniform nanometer-thick physical adsorption layer on the surface of MoS2, which is attributed to the adsorption of ambient moisture. This physical adsorption layer acts as a thermal shield of the underlying MoS2 lattice to enhance its thermal stability and can be effectively removed by an AFM tip scanning in contact mode or annealing at 400 °C. Our study shows that high-temperature thermal annealing and AFM tip-based cleaning result in chemical adsorption on sulfur vacancies in MoS2, leading to p-type doping. Our study highlights the importance of humidity control in ensuring reliable and optimal performance for MoS2-based electronic and electrochemical devices and provides crucial insights into the surface engineering of MoS2, which are relevant to the study of other two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide materials and their applications.
Validation of an MR-based multimodal method for molecular composition and proton stopping power ratio determination using ex vivo animal tissues and tissue-mimicking phantoms
Authors: Marants Raanan , Tattenberg Sebastian , Scholey Jessica , Kaza Evangelia , Miao Xin , Benkert Thomas , Magneson Olivia , Fischer Jade , Vinas Luciano , Niepel Katharina , Bortfeld Thomas , Landry Guillaume , Parodi Katia , Verburg Joost , Sudhyadhom Atchar
Published: July 2023

Objective. Range uncertainty in proton therapy is an important factor limiting clinical effectiveness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can measure voxel-wise molecular composition and, when combined with kilovoltage CT (kVCT), accurately determine mean ionization potential (I

m
), electron density, and stopping power ratio (SPR). We aimed to develop a novel MR-based multimodal method to accurately determine SPR and molecular compositions. This method was evaluated in tissue-mimicking and ex vivo porcine phantoms, and in a brain radiotherapy patient. Approach. Four tissue-mimicking phantoms with known compositions, two porcine tissue phantoms, and a brain cancer patient were imaged with kVCT and MRI. Three imaging-based values were determined: SPRCM (CT-based Multimodal), SPRMM (MR-based Multimodal), and SPRstoich (stoichiometric calibration). MRI was used to determine two tissue-specific quantities of the Bethe Bloch equation (I

m
, electron density) to compute SPRCM and SPRMM. Imaging-based SPRs were compared to measurements for phantoms in a proton beam using a multilayer ionization chamber (SPRMLIC). Main results. Root mean square errors relative to SPRMLIC were 0.0104(0.86%), 0.0046(0.45%), and 0.0142(1.31%) for SPRCM, SPRMM, and SPRstoich, respectively. The largest errors were in bony phantoms, while soft tissue and porcine tissue phantoms had <1% errors across all SPR values. Relative to known physical molecular compositions, imaging-determined compositions differed by approximately ≤10%. In the brain case, the largest differences between SPRstoich and SPRMM were in bone and high lipids/fat tissue. The magnitudes and trends of these differences matched phantom results. Significance. Our MR-based multimodal method determined molecular compositions and SPR in various tissue-mimicking phantoms with high accuracy, as confirmed with proton beam measurements. This method also revealed significant SPR differences compared to stoichiometric kVCT-only calculation in a clinical case, with the largest differences in bone. These findings support that including MRI in proton therapy treatment planning can improve the accuracy of calculated SPR values and reduce range uncertainties.
Impact energy assessment of sandwich composites using an ensemble approach boosted by deep learning and electromechanical impedance
Authors: Zhu Jianjian , Wen Jinshan , Han Zhibin , Ho Mabel Mei-po , Lan Zifeng , Wang Yishou , Qing Xinlin
Published: July 2023

Sandwich composites are prone to delamination and fracture during service when exposed to external low-velocity impact. One hindrance to overcome before a broader deployment of sandwich composites is the issue of impact energy assessment (IEA). To promote the solution to this issue, an ensemble deep learning approach is proposed in this study. The approach comprises data expansion, series-to-image conversion, and convolutional neural networks (CNN). The data expansion is implemented using vertical average interpolation. The enhanced data are transformed into images via the Gramian angular summation field to build an image dataset for the CNN model. To validate the developed ensemble approach, hammer-dropping impact experiments on the honeycomb sandwich composites are carried out based on the piezoelectric wafer active sensor network and electromechanical impedance measurement. Accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score indicators are introduced to evaluate the ensemble approach performance. The above indicator values are all above 0.9600, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed ensemble approach in settling the IEA issue.
Surfactant micellar induced aggregation control of an anionic fluorescent dye in Langmuir-Blodgett film
Authors: Biswas Nilima , Bhattacharjee Shyam Kumar , Debnath Chandan , Hussain Syed Arshad , Bhattacharjee Debajyoti
Published: July 2023

This work reports the formation of stable Langmuir monolayer of an anionic water soluble fluorescent dye 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (abbreviated as CFS) by electrostatic interaction with a cationic monolayer. Formation of non-fluorescent H-dimeric sites of CFS molecules in Langmuir monolayer and Langmuir Blodgett films has been controlled by using cationic surfactant micelles of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). Thus the film can act as efficient fluorescence marker. Langmuir monolayer has been investigated by Surface Pressure versus Area per molecule (π-A) isotherm and in situ Brewster Angle Microscope (BAM) studies. Mono and multilayered Langmuir Blodgett films were characterized by using UV–vis absorption and steady state fluorescence spectroscopy.
Superposition of nondiffracting beams characterized by a caustic of the hyperbolic umbilical type
Authors: Julián-Macías Israel , Martínez-Niconoff Gabriel , Silva-Ortigoza Gilberto , Espíndola-Ramos Ernesto
Published: July 2023

The aim of the present work is to introduce two monochromatic solutions to the scalar wave equation in free space, characterized by a caustic with a singularity of the hyperbolic umbilical type. The first solution, is a superposition of half-Mathieu beams, and the second one, is a superposition of parabolic beams. Since these solutions are determined by two particular complete integrals of the eikonal equation in free space, we compute their geometrical wavefronts, the caustic regions, and the corresponding Poynting vectors. Finally, we remark that, under certain conditions, these solutions describe three-dimensional accelerating beams in free space, propagating along semielliptical and parabolic paths, respectively.
An efficient scaling of WENO-JS weights for accuracy preserving and higher resolution schemes
Authors: Kumar Pandey Prashant , Kumar Dubey Ritesh
Published: July 2023

In this short paper, we present efficient scaling of WENO-JS weights which results in robust and formal accuracy preserving high resolution WENO-JS schemes. The proposed scaling makes the WENO-JS schemes robust in the sense that schemes works well irrespective of the choice for the parameter ϵ used in classical WENO-JS weights to prevent division by zero. In smooth solution region the proposed scaling keeps the scaled WENO weights in the vicinity of critical weights thus resulting scheme retains formal accuracy. Numerical experiments show that the WENO schemes with scaled weights provide higher resolution for discontinuities as well for smooth solution with high gradients.
Newly formed center-controlled rouge wave and lump solutions of a generalized (3+1)-dimensional KdV-BBM equation via symbolic computation approach
Authors: Kumar Sachin , Mohan Brij , Kumar Raj
Published: July 2023

In this article, we investigate the generalized (3+1)-dimensional KdV-Benjamin-Bona-Mahony equation governed with constant coefficients. It applies the Painlevé analysis to test the complete integrability of the concerned KdV-BBM equation. The symbolic computational approach provides first-order, second-order rogue wave and lump solutions with center-controlled parameters. The rogue waves localized in space and time have a significant amplitude, and lumps are of rational form solution, localized decaying solutions in all space directions rationally. Utilizing a symbolic computation approach, we get the bilinear equation of the KdV-Benjamin-Bona-Mahony equation and show the center-controlled rogue waves and lumps. We employ the symbolic system software Mathematica to do the symbolic computations, form the first and second-order rogue waves, and lump solutions with appropriate values of constant coefficients. The KdV-Benjamin-Bona-Mahony equation analyses the evolution of long waves with modest amplitudes propagating in plasma physics and the motion of waves in fluids and other weakly dispersive mediums. Moreover, rogue waves and lumps occur in several scientific areas, such as fluid dynamics, optical fibers, dusty plasma, oceanography, water engineering, and other nonlinear sciences.
‘Life is about movement—everything that is alive moves’: a mixed methods study to understand barriers and enablers to inpatient mobility from the older patient’s perspective
Authors: Byrnes Angela , McRae Prue , Mudge Alison M
Published: July 2023

Background

Mobility in hospital is important to maintain independence and prevent complications. Our multi-centre study aimed to measure mobility and identify barriers and enablers to mobility participation from the older patient’s perspective.

Methods

Mixed methods study including direct observation of adult inpatients on 20 acute care wards in 12 hospitals and semi-structured interviews with adults aged 65 years or older on each of these wards. Interviews were undertaken by trained staff during the inpatient stay. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively. Qualitative data were initially coded deductively using the theoretical domains framework (TDF), with an inductive approach then used to frame belief statements.

Results

Of 10,178 daytime observations of 503 adult inpatients only 7% of time was spent walking or standing. Two hundred older patient interviews were analysed. Most (85%) patients agreed that mobilising in hospital was very important. Twenty-three belief statements were created across the eight most common TDF domains. Older inpatients recognised mobility benefits and were self-motivated to mobilise in hospital, driven by goals of maintaining or recovering strength and health and returning home. However, they struggled with managing pain, other symptoms and new or pre-existing disability in a rushed, cluttered environment where they did not wish to trouble busy staff. Mobility equipment, meaningful walking destinations and individualised programmes and goals made mobilising easier, but patients also needed permission, encouragement and timely assistance.

Conclusion

Inpatient mobility was low. Older acute care inpatients frequently faced a physical and/or social environment which did not support their individual capabilities.
The Impact of Reduction Mammaplasty on Breast Sensation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Torresetti Matteo , Andrenelli Elisa , Peltristo Benedetta , Zavalloni Yasmine , Capecci Marianna , Ceravolo Maria Gabriella , Di Benedetto Giovanni
Published: July 2023

Loss of sensation is one of the most feared complications of breast reduction surgery. Although several techniques have been proposed to maximize sensitivity preservation, the scientific literature still reports contradictory findings. This systematic review aimed to assess whether breast reduction mammaplasty is associated with measurable changes in breast sensation. This review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD), Scopus (Elsevier, Amsterdam, the Netherlands), and Web of Science (Clarivate, Philadelphia, PA) databases were searched for clinical studies investigating breast sensation after breast reduction mammaplasty. The initial search identified 1523 studies of which 22 articles met our specific inclusion criteria. Most of the included studies are consistent in describing only transient sensation decrease or even sensation improvement after surgery compared to the presurgery condition with any approach, except those investigating outcomes after superior or superolateral pedicle reduction mammaplasty. Nevertheless, the overall quality of evidence is low or very low due to the limited availability of randomized controlled trials or controlled studies and the high risk of bias.

Level of Evidence: 4
A method for measuring rents
Authors: Stemerding Arend
Published: July 2023

A method for measuring rents has practical relevance for society in terms of improving competition, regulation, and taxation. This paper proposes a new way to measure rents for business corporations and at country-level: a method related to a cash flow tax (CFT). Theory, method and a proof of concept are presented and discussed. Publicly available data is used to validate the method, revealing that it yields a better indication of rents and rent-seeking compared to markup, profit, and free cash flow (FCF).
Byliny
Authors: Kononenko Natalie
Published: July 2023

In the period of Romantic Nationalism when epic received attention across Europe, Russia still had a living oral tradition. Important collections of Russian epic, byliny, were made in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Most byliny sing about events in what is now Ukraine, indicating that they likely originated there and were carried northward by professional musicians. The performers in the Russian north were non-professionals and sang without instrumental accompaniment. Their songs were complex, dealing with human struggles and portraying powerful figures, both male and female. Communist authorities seized on byliny and Sovietized them to valorize the Soviet state. Efforts to create noviny, new epics about Soviet accomplishments, failed; but sanitized versions of traditional byliny were successful in popular culture as stories for children. Currently, the heroes Ilia Muromets, Dobrynia Nikitych, and Alesha Popovich represent the essence of Russian folklore and are especially popular in animated film.
The Goddesses of Jaina Tantra
Authors: Slouber Michael
Published: July 2023

This chapter is concerned with the nexus of three religious complexes in Indian civilization: goddesses, Jainism, and tantra. All three of these subjects have been posed, interpreted, and understood in widely varying ways. The chapter begins with a basic orientation to defining the key terms and their limits, reviews the history of the sources and categories leading up to Jaina tantra, and includes case studies of two of the most important Jaina goddesses from the Digambara sect with early tantric forms (Jvālāmālinī and Padmāvatī). It closes with a broad-scope review of the state of research and directions for any future study.
Exploring Metaphors and Conceptual Blending in Vaiṣṇava Sahajiyā Texts
Authors: Hayes Glen A.
Published: July 2023

This chapter will explore an important seventeenth-century Vaiṣṇava Sahajiyā text on transgressive ritual practices and visualization involving the divine body (deva-deha): the Amṛtaratnāvalī (Necklace of Immortality) of Mukunda-dāsa. Because the Bengali language used in this text is largely uninflected and enigmatic, and there are no extant written commentaries to guide its study, the chapter will demonstrate how approaching the translation based on the underlying metaphors can give us a richer understanding of this problematic, yet fascinating, text. As the Sahajiyās were influenced by traditions from both Tantra as well as bhakti, the chapter will use conceptual metaphor theory and conceptual blending theory to better understand this complex language. This approach utilizes insights from the study of conceptual metaphors first developed by George Lakoff and Mark Johnson, as well as the process of conceptual blending first presented by Gilles Fauconnier and Mark Turner.
Tibetan Tantric Buddhist Literature
Authors: Hackett Paul
Published: July 2023

Tantric Buddhism refers to a particular set of texts and practices that arose in India sometime during the middle of the first millennium ce. with its most prominent literature being produced from the eighth to twelfth centuries only ending with the Muslim invasion of India and the destruction of major centers of learning, after which tantric Buddhist theory and practice became the purview of scholars in Tibet. In general, tantric Buddhism can be distinguished from non-tantric Buddhism in that while the latter focuses on calming of mind and body—and in some traditions, doing so as a basis for subsequently engaging in precise analytical meditations—the former entails the utilization of mental and physical yogas designed to induce specific exalted states of mind declared to be of soteriological efficacy. The exact nature of those states, their textual origins, and their proper production and deployment constitutes the content of Tibetan tantric literature.
Modelling Cultural Transmission
Authors: Fogarty Laurel , Kandler Anne
Published: July 2023

Humans are ‘cultural animals’. We pass our innovations and cultural traits to our children and to our peers in a huge variety of ways—from direct teaching to strategic imitation. Relying on these ‘transmission mechanisms’, we construct vast, almost all-encompassing cultural and physical environments that reflect our cultural biases. But what effect does this variety of transmission mechanisms have on the dynamics of cultural evolution? From its beginnings in the work of Luca Luigi Cavalli-Sforza and Marcus W. Feldman, and Robert Boyd and Peter J. Richerson, the field of cultural evolution has had solid theoretical foundations and the quantitative theory of cultural transmission has formed a large part of this foundation. Models of transmission mechanisms have drawn on work from genetic evolution, ecology, economics, and epidemiology, extending and adapting them to account for unique features of cultural transmission. Since the 1970s, researchers have continued to add to and develop models of cultural transmission. To this body of analytical theory, researchers have also added a suite of simulation models that can incorporate more complexity and nuance. These models generate insight that would be inaccessible to us without modern computational power. This chapter reviews some of the most important and commonly applied approaches to modelling cultural transmission alongside some recent developments and potential future directions.
UNILATERAL COVID-19–ASSOCIATED VASCULITIC CENTRAL RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION: PHLEBITIS WITH SUBHYALOID, INTRARETINAL, AND SUBRETINAL HEMORRHAGES
Authors: Dalla Shreeya , Mainster Martin A. , Dalla Kumar P. , Ledesma-Gil Gerardo , Ajlan Radwan S.
Published: July 2023

Purpose:

To describe unilateral vasculitic central retinal vein occlusion in a young adult whose vision problems preceded systemic symptoms of COVID-19 infection.

Methods:

Observational clinical case report.

Results:

A 39-year-old immunocompetent man without prior ocular disease presented for vitreoretinal care complaining of decreasing vision in his right eye for 2 weeks. Headaches, pharyngitis, and coughing began 4 days after his visual symptoms. COVID-19 testing was negative before initial vitreoretinal evaluation and positive afterward. Dilated and tortuous major retinal veins in his right eye had prominent perivascular sheathing. A large subhyaloid hemorrhage spanned the macula. Subretinal hemorrhages were present in areas of sheathing, and diffuse nerve fiber layer hemorrhages were arrayed in the distribution of the radial peripapillary capillary plexus. Laboratory tests for inflammatory diseases were negative. The patient was hospitalized for COVID-19 pneumonia a few days after his initial vitreoretinal evaluation. Pars plana vitrectomy was performed for persistent subhyaloid hemorrhage 8 weeks after his hospitalization. The VA in the patient's right eye improved from counting-fingers to 20/30 postoperatively.

Conclusion:

The patient's findings are consistent with an atypical central retinal vein occlusion which we hypothesize to be of vasculitic origin because of prominent associated retinal phlebitis and venous sheathing. Concomitant subhyaloid, nerve fiber layer, and subretinal hemorrhages involved the superficial and deep retinal vascular complexes. The patient's COVID-19–related hospitalization and systemic management delayed surgical management of his subhyaloid hemorrhages, but a good visual result was achieved despite persistence of macular preretinal blood for 3 months.
SPONTANEOUS IMPROVEMENT OF MYOPIC RETINOSCHISIS AFTER A LONG-TERM OBSERVATIONAL PERIOD: A CASE SERIES
Authors: Hussein Musse , Adeleye Olufunmilola , Adams Olufemi E. , Sodhi Guneet S. , Haq Zeeshan , Quiram Polly A. , Tang Peter H. , Ryan Edwin H.
Published: July 2023

Purpose:

To highlight spontaneous resolution or improvement of myopic retinoschisis (MR) in actively surveilled patients.

Methods:

Case series of five patients diagnosed with MR who did not undergo pars plana vitrectomy and were carefully monitored by a single retina specialist. Ocular and medical history were reviewed, and clinical characteristics including visual acuity and the status of the MR were monitored with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) at each clinic visit.

Results:

Five patients were identified to have MR without vitreomacular traction, or macular hole formation. Two patients exhibited spontaneous and complete resolution of MR without surgical intervention over an average observation time of 52.5 months. In these cases, a clinical posterior vitreous detachment was documented preceding the resolution of MR over an average time of 26.5 months. Snellen best-corrected visual acuity in these patients improved (Case 1 from 20/50 to 20/40, Case 2 from 20/30 to 20/25). The remaining three patients were monitored for an average of 52 months and showed improvement of MR via OCT imaging. Snellen best-corrected visual acuity either remained stable or improved from baseline (Case 3 stable at 20/30, Case 4 improved from 20/40 to 20/30, and Case 5 stable at 20/20).

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that conservative management of MR with observation can be considered especially in patients with challenging comorbidities (such as monocular status), and with a clinically identified posterior vitreous detachment without vitreomacular traction.
RSV Burden and Its Impact on Pediatric Inpatient Bed Occupancy in Belgium: An Analysis of National Hospital Claims Data
Authors: Bouckaert Nicolas , Lefèvre Mélanie , Van den Heede Koen , Van de Voorde Carine
Published: July 2023

Background:

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections represent a substantial burden on pediatric services during winter. While the morbidity and financial burden of RSV are well studied, less is known about the organizational impact on hospital services (ie, impact on bed capacity and overcrowding and variation across hospitals).

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of the population-wide Belgian Hospital Discharge Data Set for the years 2017 and 2018 (including all hospital sites with pediatric inpatient services), covering all RSV-associated (RSV-related International Classification of Diseases, 10th Version, Clinical Modification diagnoses) inpatient hospitalization by children under 5 years old as well as all-cause acute hospitalizations in pediatric wards.

Results:

RSV hospitalizations amount to 68.3 hospitalizations per 1000 children less than 1 year and 5.0 per 1000 children 1–4 years of age and are responsible for 20%–40% of occupied beds during the peak period (November–December). The mean bed occupancy rate over the entire year (2018) varies across hospitals from 22.8% to 85.1% and from 30.4% to 95.1% during the peak period. Small-scale pediatric services (<25 beds) are more vulnerable to the volatility of occupancy rates. Forty-six hospital sites have daily occupancy rates above 100% (median of 9 days). Only in 1 of 23 geographically defined hospital networks these high occupancy rates are on the same calendar days.

Conclusions:

Pediatric services tend to be over-dimensioned to deal with peak activity mainly attributable to RSV. RSV immunization can substantially reduce pediatric capacity requirements. Enhanced collaboration in regional networks is an alternative strategy to deal with peaks and reduce capacity needs.
Dual angiotensin receptor and neprilysin inhibitor reduced portal pressure through peripheral vasodilatation and decreasing systemic arterial pressure in cirrhotic rats
Authors: Pun Chon Kit , Chang Ching-Chih , Chuang Chiao-Lin , Huang Hui-Chun , Hsu Shao-Jung , Huang Yi-Hsiang , Hou Ming-Chih , Lee Fa-Yauh
Published: July 2023

Background:

Portal hypertension develops along with the progression of liver cirrhosis. Natriuretic peptides have been shown to reduce portal pressure but concomitantly activate the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs) upregulate natriuretic peptides and avoid the adverse effects of RAAS activation. ARNIs have been shown to reduce portal pressure in rats with pre-hepatic portal hypertension, which involves relatively little liver injury. This study aimed to evaluate the relevant effects of an ARNI in rats with both liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension.

Methods:

Male Sprague-Dawley rats received common bile duct ligation to induce liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Sham-operated rats served as surgical controls. All rats were randomly allocated into three groups to receive distilled water (vehicle), LCZ696 (an ARNI), or valsartan for 4 weeks. Portal hypertension and relevant derangements were assessed after treatment.

Results:

Portal hypertension and hyperdynamic circulation developed in the cirrhotic rats. In the rats with cirrhosis and portal hypertension, both LCZ696 and valsartan reduced portal hypertension, mean arterial pressure, and systemic vascular resistance. The decrease in portal pressure was highly associated with the reduction in arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance. Blood flow in hepatic, splanchnic, and portosystemic collateral systems was not altered. LCZ696 did not significantly influence liver injury or plasma cytokine levels. Liver fibrosis and splanchnic angiogenesis were not affected.

Conclusion:

ARNI treatment exerted portal pressure lowering effects via peripheral vasodilatation and decreasing systemic arterial pressure in the rats with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Caution should be taken when using ARNIs in liver cirrhosis.
Minimally invasive surgery versus laparotomy of non-metastatic pT4a colorectal cancer: a propensity score analysis
Authors: Guo Hui-Long , Chen Jing-Yao , Tang You-Zhen , Zeng Qian-Lin , Jian Qing-Long , Li Ming-Zhe , He Yu-Long , Wu Wen-Hui
Published: July 2023

Aim:

To compare short- and long-term oncological outcomes between minimally invasive surgery (MIS group) and laparotomy (lap group) in non-metastatic pT4a colorectal cancer (CRC).

Materials and Methods:

The study retrospectively analyzed outcomes of 634 patients treated with radical operation from January 2015 to December 2021 for non-metastatic pT4a CRC, with propensity score matching.

Results:

Conversion rate from minimally invasive surgery group to laparotomy is 3.5%. Intraoperative blood loss, time to first anal exhaust, defecation and drainage tube removal, and complication rate were significantly less in the minimally invasive surgery group. After 5 years, the outcomes of MIS group were no inferior to laparotomy outcomes (overall survival: 72.7% vs. 77.8%, P=0.285; disease-free survival: 72.2% vs. 75.0%, P=0.599). And multivariate analysis showed that age ≥60 years old, lymph node metastasis and the CEA levels were independent variables for OS, while lymph node metastasis and CA125 levels were independent variables for DFS. The results of the graph show the relationship between the sum of scores of gender, age, complications, BMI, CEA, age, CA125, tumor site, N stage and tumor length diameter and 1-year, 3-year and 5-year mortality and disease-free survival of patients. Among them, tumor length diameter and N stage are significantly correlated with long-term survival and disease-free of patients.

Conclusion:

Minimally invasive surgery is safe and feasible for non-metastatic pT4a CRC, with the added benefit of accelerated post-operative recovery. In oncology, minimally invasive surgery did not affect overall survival and disease-free survival.
Clinical presentations of acute pulmonary embolism: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Khasin Moshe , Gur Ivan , Evgrafov Elite Vainer , Toledano Kohava , Zalts Ronen
Published: July 2023

We aimed to investigate whether the unusual clinical presentation of pulmonary embolism (PE) varies by the type of provocation. In this retrospective cohort study, we examined the electronic health records (EHR) records of all patients diagnosed with PE (upon presentation or during hospitalization) presented to our tertiary hospital during 2014 to 2019. Inclusion criteria were the diagnosis of acute PE and age above 18 years. Excluded were all patients to whom complete EHR were not available. The primary outcome was the main presenting symptom, categorized by a multidisciplinary consensus expert committee as either typical or atypical of PE. Comorbidities, vital signs, medications and laboratory results on presentations were recorded. 591 patients were included in the final analysis. Dyspnea was significantly less common and hemoptysis and chest pain more common in the unprovoked PE group (35%, 5%, and 25%, respectively) compared with nonmalignant (42.6%, 0%, and 16.3%) and malignancy-associated (47.7%, 0.9%, and 8.2%) PE (Pv = 0.02, 0.002 and 0.001, respectively). No recorded symptoms were the third most common presentation overall, accounting for a significantly (Pv < 0.001) higher proportion of PE patients with malignancy (19%) whereas atypical presentation was the hallmark of patients with nonmalignant provokation (19.7%) (Pv = 0.005). Accounting for multiple potential confounders, the risk of atypical or asymptomatic presentation was higher with lower heart rates (RR = 0.974 95%C.I. [0.957–0.990]) and higher pulse oximetry saturation (RR = 1.114 95%CI [1.034–1.201]). The clinical presentation of PE varies with different types of provoking factors, with atypical presentation most common in nonmalignant provocation and asymptomatic presentation most prevalent in patients with underlying malignancy. Further studies are needed to determine the effect of said variance on long term clinical outcomes.
AONL Workforce Compendium
Authors: Hughes Ronda
Published: July 2023

The American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) led a nationwide strategic initiative during 2022 to cull best practices and strategies for nurse leaders. Two key objectives were targeted: 1) to gain keen insights from nurse leaders through 2 nationwide surveys; and 2) to collect practice-led initiatives, which often are not included in searchable peer-reviewed literature. These practices were gathered in a compendium, organized into 7 sections, which is now available on the AONL website at aonl.org/compendium.
mRNA vaccines against respiratory viruses
Authors: Whitaker Jennifer A. , Sahly Hana M. El , Healy C. Mary
Published: July 2023

Purpose of review

The successes of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccines have accelerated the development of mRNA vaccines against other respiratory pathogens. The aim of this review is to highlight COVID-19 mRNA vaccine advances and provide an update on the progress of mRNA vaccine development against other respiratory pathogens.

Recent findings

The COVID-19 mRNA vaccines demonstrated effectiveness in preventing severe COVID-19 and death. H7N9 and H10N8 avian influenza mRNA vaccines have demonstrated safety and immunogenicity in phase 1 clinical trials. Numerous seasonal influenza mRNA vaccines are in phase 1–3 clinical trials. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) mRNA vaccines have progressed to phase 2–3 clinical trials in adults and a phase 1 clinical trial in children. A combined human metapneumovirus and parainfluenza-3 mRNA vaccines was found to be well tolerated and immunogenic in a phase 1 trial among adults and trials are being conducted among children. Clinical trials of mRNA vaccines combining antigens from multiple respiratory viruses are underway.

The development of mRNA vaccines against respiratory viruses has progressed rapidly in recent years. Promising vaccine candidates are moving through the clinical development pathway to test their efficacy in preventing disease against respiratory viral pathogens.
Monitoring hPSC genomic stability in the chromosome 20q region by ddPCR
Authors: Becker Caroline , Aygar Sema , Daheron Laurence
Published: July 2023

Copy number increases involving chromosome 20q with gain of the geneBCL2L1are a prevalent form of genomic instability in hPSC. In addition to large aneuploidies, findings in this region often include microamplifications that are too small to detect by G-banded karyotyping. Gene editing procedures warrant especially close monitoring of 20q genomic stability because they involve p53-activating stressors that select for the survival ofBCL2L1-aneuploid cells. Here we describe an optimized strategy for detectingBCL2L1copy number increases in hPSC cultures using duplexed droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) with genomic DNA or cell lysate as the starting material. The procedure consists of droplet generation, thermocycling, droplet reading and data analysis. The expected result is a copy number estimate derived by comparing the number of droplets positive forBCL2L1to the number positive for a reference template,PVRL2. This procedure generates same-day screening results for 1 to 96 samples, providing a convenient option for screening hPSC cultures that is easily integrated into a gene editing workflow.
Color effects on AI influencers’ product recommendations
Authors: Chan Ka Wing , Septianto Felix , Kwon Junbum , Kamal Revathi Sridhar
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to theorize and investigate the use of effective color features in artificial intelligence (AI) influencers, an emerging marketing trend in the social media context.

Design/methodology/approach

By analyzing 6,132 pictures posted by ten AI influencers on Instagram, this paper examines the effect of warm colors in AI influencers’ social media posts on consumer responses, and how other color features may moderate the effect of warm color. In addition, two experimental studies reveal the underlying process driving the effect of warm color.

Findings

Warmer color generated more favorable consumer responses, with brightness significantly moderating the relationship between warm color and favorable consumer responses. Moreover, the results of the experiments establish that perceived warmth and emotional trust mediate the causal effect of warm colors on consumer responses.

Research limitations/implications

There is still little understanding about consumer perceptions of AI influencers and their acceptance of AI influencers’ product recommendations. As such, this research offers theoretical understanding of the color features influencing the effectiveness of recommendations by AI influencers.

Practical implications

Brands have started deploying AI influencers as their brand ambassadors to make product recommendations, representing a new wave of advertising on social media. The findings will thus benefit marketers in developing effective product recommendations using AI influencers.

Originality/value

The present research provides a novel understanding of how visual features, such as color can influence the effectiveness of AI influencers.
The factors affecting learning abilities of university students during COVID pandemic situation
Authors: Saeed Nadia , Abu-Shawiesh Moustafa Omar Ahmed
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the study would typically involve investigating how the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the learning abilities of university students. The study could encompass various factors that may influence students' ability to learn, such as their academic performance, motivation, engagement, mental health, access to resources and learning environment.

Design/methodology/approach

1. A cross-sectional design, collecting data at a specific point in time to capture the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students' learning abilities. 2. A structured questionnaire will be developed based on relevant literature and research objectives. 3. The questionnaire could be administered to the targeted sample of university students through online surveys, email or other appropriate methods. 4. Descriptive statistics could be used to summarize the demographic characteristics and other relevant variables of the sample. Factor analysis could be performed to identify underlying factors. The Mann–Whitney test, a non-parametric test, could be used to compare the differences between groups.

Findings

The results of the data analysis would be interpreted and discussed in the context of the research objectives and relevant literature. The findings could provide insights into the factors that significantly affect learning abilities during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlight any differences among groups. Limitations of the study, such as sample size or potential biases, would also be discussed.

Originality/value

The study would provide a comprehensive overview of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on university students' learning abilities, highlight the existing literature in the field and establish the need for further research to investigate the factors influencing students' learning abilities during the pandemic. The study can provide a solid framework for similar studies.
Multi-dimensional adjustment of Eurasian self-initiated expatriates in Korea
Authors: Atay Erhan , Bayraktaroglu Serkan , Chew Yin Teng Elaine
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This qualitative study has two aims. The first is to explore the cognitive, affective, and behavioural dimensions of Eurasian self-initiated expatriates’ (SIEs) work and non-work adjustments in Korea. The second is to understand how the Confucian-oriented Korean culture influences Eurasian SIEs' work and non-work domains, in particular their organisational practices and relations with locals.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted through a qualitative analysis of interviews conducted with 27 Eurasian SIEs working in Korea. The interviews were conducted face-to-face with open-ended questions.

Findings

Eurasian SIEs in Korea express different cognitive, affective, and behavioural life and work adjustment processes that affect their future careers. A high level of language proficiency and knowledge of cultural and social expectations does not guarantee work and life adjustment success. Due to the heavy presence of Korean culture in work and living environments, SIEs face challenges in joining social and work networks and balancing work and life domains, which slows down adjustment. Results indicate that SIEs adjusted well regarding cognitive and behavioural dimensions in work and non-work domains. However, affective adjustment is difficult to achieve, even for SIEs who have lived in the country for many years, and many have the intention to leave if there were other options.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by focussing on the multidimensionality of SIEs' work and life adjustments, with cognitive, affective, and behavioural components. SIEs have been in a complicated process of adaptation and integration for a long time. This study attempts to contribute to SIE literature by analysing the elements of Confucianism-oriented Korean culture and organisational practices prevalent in SIEs' multidimensional adjustment and career challenges.
Framing the Covid‐19 pandemic: A comparative analysis of Swedish and Danish crisis communication
Authors: Sørensen Maja , Evensen Darrick
Published: July 2023

We explore how Swedish and Danish leaders used framing in crisis communication to mobilize support for their Covid‐19 mitigation policies. This research note is grounded in social constructionism and framing theory, analysing how framing in crisis communication is used as a political tool to justify a chosen pandemic strategy. We employ content analysis to compare Swedish and Danish press conferences during the early stages of the Covid‐19 pandemic. Denmark and Sweden are politically and culturally similar countries; however, in March 2020, they chose radically different strategies to respond to the escalating Covid‐19 pandemic. Denmark was one of the first countries in Europe to initiate a lockdown, whereas Sweden kept much of society open. Our findings indicate that Swedish and Danish leaders strategically used framing in their communication to convey understanding of the pandemic that supported their respective agendas. Furthermore, the study contributes insight on how framing is used to justify or question the basis of decision‐making in crises. We argue that through constructing a sense of urgency and emphasizing the uncertain nature of the crisis, scientific evidence as the appropriate basis of decision‐making is challenged, prompting a discussion about the political nature and responsibilities in crisis management.
Dead Dinosaurs and Creative Beginnings: A Case Study of a 3‐year‐old Boy Who Started Nursery Shortly After the Loss of his Mother
Authors: Dunbar Nicola
Published: July 2023

This essay discusses the initial period of work in a clinical case undertaken by a first‐year psychological therapies trainee. It describes the challenges of beginning such work in tragic circumstances, how the therapist and the institution managed that, and the emergence of creative possibilities alongside painful and deadening experiences. Developmental implications for the child are reflected on, as the themes of the work and the therapeutic relationship are described and illustrated with vignettes. The value of the psychological therapist's observant thoughtful presence, and naming and containing the child's emotional experiences is noted, and alongside a supportive network, considered to facilitate a more creative engagement with life for this young child.
The role of bacterial colonisation in severity, symptoms and aetiology of hand eczema: The importance of Staphylococcus aureus and presence of commensal skin flora
Authors: Chapsa Maria , Rönsch Henriette , Löwe Tobias , Gunzer Florian , Beissert Stefan , Bauer Andrea
Published: July 2023

Background

The role and causality of the microbial ecosystem on the skin in relation to the development of hand eczema (HE) is still unknown.

Objectives

To investigate the prevalence of different bacterial colonisations in HE patients and their association with the severity, symptoms and aetiology of the disease.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort study of 167 HE patients, bacterial swabs from lesional skin were collected for culturing. Patients were categorised according to bacterial colonisation, HE severity, HE symptoms and HE aetiology.

Results

The majority of the patients were tested positive for Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (n = 131, 78.4%) and/or commensal skin flora (CSF; n = 130, 77.8%), while other bacteria species were found only sporadically. Severe HE was significantly more prevalent in skin with S. aureus (odds ratio [OR]: 5.13, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.21–11.94) and less common in skin with CSF (OR: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.05–0.88). S. aureus colonisation was also associated with atopic HE aetiology (p < 0.001) and acute HE symptoms such as blisters, erosions and crusts (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

The main colonisation of HE patients is with S. aureus and is associated with disease severity, acute HE symptoms and atopic HE aetiology. CSF is associated with mild HE, which could result in new therapeutic approaches.
Ethical consumerism, human rights, and Global Health Impact
Authors: Berkey Brian
Published: July 2023

In this paper, I raise some doubts about Nicole Hassoun's account of the obligations of states, pharmaceutical firms, and consumers with regard to global health, presented in Global Health Impact. I argue that it is not necessarily the case, as Hassoun claims, that if states are just, and therefore satisfy all of their obligations, then consumers will not have strong moral reasons, and perhaps obligations, to make consumption choices that are informed by principles and requirements of justice. This is because there may be justice‐based limits on what states can permissibly and feasibly do both to promote access to existing drugs for all of those who need them, and to promote research and development for new drugs that could treat diseases that primarily affect the global poor. One important upshot of my argument is that there can be reasons for organizations like the Global Health Impact Organization to exist, and to do the kind of work that Hassoun argues is potentially valuable in our deeply unjust world, even in much less unjust worlds in which states and firms largely, or even entirely, comply with their obligations.