bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nurses' safety climate, quality of care, and standard precautions adherence and compliance: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Berdida Daniel Joseph E. , Grande Rizal Angelo N.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Investigations about the interrelationships of nurses' safety climate, quality of care, and standard precautions (SP) adherence and compliance remain particularly scarce in the literature. Thus, we tested a model of the associations between nurses' safety climate, quality of care, and the factors influencing adherence and compliance with SPs utilizing the structural equation modeling (SEM) approach.

Design

Cross‐sectional design complying with STROBE guidelines.

Methods

Using convenience sampling, nurses (n = 730) from the Philippines were recruited. Data were collected between April and September 2022 using four validated self‐report measures. Spearman Rho, mediation and path analyses, and SEM were employed for data analysis.

Results

Acceptable model fit indices were shown by the emerging model. The safety climate is positively associated with quality of care and factors influencing adherence to and compliance with SPs. Quality of care directly affected factors influencing adherence to SPs. The factors influencing adherence to SPs directly affected SP compliance. Quality of care mediated between safety climate and the factors influencing adherence to SPs. Factors influencing adherence to SPs mediated between safety climate, quality of care, and SP compliance.

Conclusions

The study's variables are not distinct but overlapping nursing concepts that must be examined collectively. Nurse administrators can utilize the emerging model to formulate strategies and regulations for evaluating and enhancing nurses' safety climate, quality of care, and SP adherence and compliance.

Clinical Relevance

Our findings may impact policymaking, organizational, and individual levels to improve nurses' clinical practice.

Patient or Public Contribution

This study had no patient contribution or public funding.
Rosacea treatment with mussel adhesive protein delivered via microneedling: In vivo and clinical studies
Authors: Luo Yinli , Nan Meilan , Dong Richeng , Jin Qingmei , Yuan Jiachen , Zhi Jiahui , Pi Longquan , Jin Zhehu , Jin Chenglong
Published: January 2024

Background

Rosacea is a prevalent chronic dermatological condition marked by facial inflammation and erythema, significantly compromising the quality of life for affected individuals. Current treatment methods for rosacea are not considered ideal because of the complex etiology of the disease. Mussel adhesive protein (MAP) is a glycoprotein derived from the foot gland of mussels. The protein exhibits anti‐inflammatory properties, relieves skin itching, and promotes wound healing.

Aims

We aimed to explore the feasibility of using MAP administered via microneedle delivery for treating rosacea and the potential molecular mechanism involved.

Materials and Methods

The therapeutic effect and mechanism of MAP microneedle delivery in an LL‐37‐induced rosacea‐like mouse model were observed using morphological and histological methods. Twenty‐seven patients with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR) underwent treatment once every 1 month, with three treatments constituting one treatment course. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by comparing the clinical images taken at baseline, after the first treatment course, and after the second treatment course. The red value, CEA, and GFSS score were also calculated.

Results

In response to the microneedle delivery of MAP, innate immunity, inflammatory infiltration, and abnormal neurovascular regulation improved significantly in rosacea‐like mice. In the clinical experiments, the microneedle delivery of MAP significantly improved the symptoms of erythema, flushing, and telangiectasia in patients with ETR, and no obvious adverse reactions were observed.

Conclusions

MAP delivered by microneedling is effective and safe for treating ETR.
Classifying self‐management clusters of patients with mild cognitive impairment associated with diabetes: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wang Yun‐Xian , Yan Yuan‐Jiao , Lin Rong , Liang Ji‐Xing , Wang Na‐Fang , Chen Ming‐Feng , Li Hong
Published: January 2024

Aims and Objectives

This study aims to propose a self‐management clusters classification method to determine the self‐management ability of elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) associated with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Background

MCI associated with DM is a common chronic disease in old adults. Self‐management affects the disease progression of patients to a large extent. However, the comorbidity and patients' self‐management ability are heterogeneous.

Design

A cross‐sectional study based on cluster analysis is designed in this paper.

Method

The study included 235 participants. The diabetes self‐management scale is used to evaluate the self‐management ability of patients. SPSS 21.0 was used to analyse the data, including descriptive statistics, agglomerative hierarchical clustering with Ward's method before k‐means clustering, k‐means clustering analysis, analysis of variance and chi‐square test.

Results

Three clusters of self‐management styles were classified as follows: Disease neglect type, life oriented type and medical dependence type. Among all participants, the percentages of the three clusters above are 9.78%, 32.77% and 57.45%, respectively. The difference between the six dimensions of each cluster is statistically significant.

Conclusion(s)

This study classified three groups of self‐management styles, and each group has its own self‐management characteristics. The characteristics of the three clusters may help to provide personalized self‐management strategies and delay the disease progression of MCI associated with DM patients.

Relevance to clinical practice

Typological methods can be used to discover the characteristics of patient clusters and provide personalized care to improve the efficiency of patient self‐management to delay the progress of the disease.

Patient or public contribution

In our study, we invited patients and members of the public to participate in the research survey and conducted data collection.
Psychological distress in adult women of reproductive age at different stages after breast cancer diagnosis: A qualitative study
Authors: Tao Lin , Wang Qiuzhou , Zeng Xiaohong , Fu Lan , Li Junying , Chen Hong
Published: January 2024

Aim

To explore the actual experience of psychological distress of adult women of reproductive age at different stages after breast cancer diagnosis.

Design

Qualitative.

Methods

Eighty‐one patients with breast cancer‐related distress thermometer scores >4 were selected using a purposive sampling method. Patients were divided into newly diagnosed and 1‐, 3‐, 6‐, 9‐ and 12‐month groups according to time since diagnosis and then interviewed. A phenomenological approach was adopted to analyse interview content, and different themes were extracted.

Results

Women exhibited different levels of psychological distress depending on the time since diagnosis, with newly diagnosed patients showing the highest distress. Within 1 year post‐diagnosis, different events caused patients distress. Themes extracted at new diagnosis and 1‐, 3‐, 6‐, 9‐ and 12 months post‐diagnosis included sadness and disbelief, loss of control, optimistic but concerned, physical and mental exhaustion, difficulties returning to society and limited sexual intimacy, respectively; all groups expressed reproductive concerns.

Conclusion

Clinical nurses should focus on different psychologically distressing events to provide targeted interventions at distinct phases. For women of childbearing age, clinical nurses should pay particular attention to patients' marriage and reproductive concerns.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

During the year after a breast cancer diagnosis, patients of childbearing age experience events that cause psychological distress that differ depending on time since diagnosis. Nurses should focus on core stressful events and perform specific nursing interventions.

Impact

To provide holistic care, nurses should consider the psychological and emotional changes patients may undergo. For women of childbearing age, clinical nurses should pay particular attention to patients' marriage and fertility concerns, and be able to provide evidence‐based professional guidance on reproductive preservation techniques.

Reporting Method

The study was reported using the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients contributed to data collection through interviews.
The holistic nursing competence and transition shock of newly graduated nurses as the determinants of missed nursing care: The mediation analysis
Authors: Erdat Yildiz , Kuruca‐Ozdemir Emine , Kocoglu‐Tanyer Deniz , Duygulu Sergul
Published: January 2024

Aims and Objective

To investigate the determinants of missed nursing care and to analyse the mediating effect of holistic nursing competence on the relationship between transition shock and missed nursing care.

Background

Transition shock of newly graduated nurses is associated with missed nursing care. Previous studies have shown the determinants of missed nursing care among nurses, but little is known about the relationship between missed nursing care, transition shock and holistic nursing competence.

Design

Descriptive and correlational design.

Methods

The study was conducted among newly graduated nurses (n = 201) working in acute care hospitals for 1–12 months. The MISSCARE survey, Holistic Nursing Competence Scale and Nursing Transition Shock Scale were used for data collection, in addition to a sociodemographic question form. Data were analysed using Pearson correlation, multiple regression and mediation analyses. The study was reported following the STROBE checklist.

Results

The determinants of missed nursing care among newly graduated nurses were sex, unit type, rotating shift work, holding a certificate, holistic nursing competence and transition shock. All these variables explain 35% of the variance in missed nursing care. Holistic nursing competence directly mediated 51.7% of the relationship between transition shock and missed nursing care.

Conclusions

Holistic nursing competence may decrease missed nursing care by reducing the effects of transition shock on newly graduated nurses.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The study highlighted that newly graduated nurses are an important population regarding missed nursing care. The determinants of missed care should be considered in the nursing care delivery to prevent missed care by newly graduated nurses. Based on the study findings, some recommendations were made for nurse managers and faculty for the orientation program and undergraduate nursing education.
The effect of long‐term COVID‐19 on aetiological factors related to nocturia
Authors: Çulha Yeliz , Büyükyılmaz Funda , Çulha Mehmet Gökhan
Published: January 2024

Aims and Objectives

This study was conducted to examine the possible aetiology of nocturia in patients with long‐term COVID‐19.

Background

Physical and neuropsychiatric symptoms, an increase in overactive bladder symptoms, especially from urinary system complaints, has been reported in patients with COVID‐19, 10–14 weeks after the illness.

Design

A descriptive design.

Methods

The study consisted of 70 patients who had experienced COVID‐19, had nocturia, and were followed in the State Hospital between April and July 2022. Data were collected using a patient information form, the ‘TANGO’ nocturia screening tool, and the Visual Analog Scale. This study was created in accordance with the STROBE Statement Checklist.

Results

When the nocturia effects of long‐term COVID‐19 were examined it was determined that the urinary tract was the ‘priority’ aetiological condition. It was observed that there was a significant difference between the aetiological factor groups in terms of the mean age of the patients and the number of nocturia (p < .05). According to post‐hoc analysis, the mean age of patients with a dominant cardio‐metabolic factor was found to be significantly younger (p < .05). In addition, when comparing the number of nocturia according to the aetiological factors of the patients, it was observed that the number of nocturia was significantly frequent in the patients with a dominant sleep factor (p < .05).

Conclusions

It was found that the urinary tract aetiological factor was dominant in patients with long‐term COVID‐19 and nocturia, patients with a dominant cardiovascular aetiological factor were younger, and that the number of nocturia was higher in patients with a dominant sleep factor.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Identification of the early signs and symptoms and underlying causes of nocturia in individuals with post‐COVID‐19 syndrome will enable nurses and health professionals to guide the early identification of different underlying problems, as well as the implementation of approaches to treat and eliminate nocturia.

Patient or Public Contribution

The patients contributed to the study by agreeing to participate in the evaluation of nocturia complaints after COVID‐19 infection.
Subtype 3.0 chondrites: Petrologic classification criteria
Authors: Kimura M. , Weisberg M. K. , Yamaguchi A.
Published: January 2024

Type 3 chondrites are subdivided into 3.0–3.9. Subtype 3.0 chondrites nearly preserve all of their primitive features. Many criteria have been proposed to distinguish such primitive chondrites. Here, we compiled mineral data and reconsider the petrologic classification criteria for subtype 3.0. Chondrites are classified into subtypes by the minor element distribution of olivine and textural and chemical features of Fe‐Ni metal. The []Si4O8 and MgO components of feldspar also distinguish subtype 3.0 from subtypes ≥3.1. Other features, such as the occurrence of near pure chromite, are also indicators of subtype 3.0. It is difficult to distinguish between subtypes 3.0 and ≤2.9 based on mineral chemistry. Therefore, we propose the following criteria to distinguish between subtypes 3.0 and ≤2.9. In type 3.0 chondrites, major silicate (olivine, pyroxene, and plagioclase), oxide, metal, and sulfide minerals do not show aqueous alteration features. Melilite, anorthite, and glass show no or mild aqueous alteration features. Subtype 3.0 has not been identified in all chondrite groups. The absence of subtype 3.0 from some groups mainly reflects differences in the degrees of secondary parent body processes among the chondrite groups.
The rice LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL enhances salt tolerance by regulating Na+/K+ homeostasis and ABA signalling
Authors: Li Chao , He Yi‐Qin , Yu Jie , Kong Jia‐Rui , Ruan Cheng‐Cheng , Yang Zhen‐Kun , Zhuang Jun‐Jie , Wang Yu‐Xiao , Xu Jian‐Hong
Published: January 2024

The circadian clock plays multiple functions in the regulation of plant growth, development and response to various abiotic stress. Here, we showed that the core oscillator component late elongated hypocotyl (LHY) was involved in rice response to salt stress. The mutations of OsLHY gene led to reduced salt tolerance in rice. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that the OsLHY gene regulates the expression of genes related to ion homeostasis and the abscisic acid (ABA) signalling pathway, including genes encoded High‐affinity K+ transporters (OsHKTs) and the stress‐activated protein kinases (OsSAPKs). We demonstrated that OsLHY directly binds the promoters of OsHKT1;1, OsHKT1;4 and OsSAPK9 to regulate their expression. Moreover, the ossapk9 mutants exhibited salt tolerance under salt stress. Taken together, our findings revealed that OsLHY integrates ion homeostasis and the ABA pathway to regulate salt tolerance in rice, providing insights into our understanding of how the circadian clock controls rice response to salt stress.
Reactive oxygen species are signaling molecules that modulate plant reproduction
Authors: Ali Mohammad Foteh , Muday Gloria K.
Published: January 2024

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can serve as signaling molecules that are essential for plant growth and development but abiotic stress can lead to ROS increases to supraoptimal levels resulting in cellular damage. To ensure efficient ROS signaling, cells have machinery to locally synthesize ROS to initiate cellular responses and to scavenge ROS to prevent it from reaching damaging levels. This review summarizes experimental evidence revealing the role of ROS during multiple stages of plant reproduction. Localized ROS synthesis controls the formation of pollen grains, pollen−stigma interactions, pollen tube growth, ovule development, and fertilization. Plants utilize ROS‐producing enzymes such as respiratory burst oxidase homologs and organelle metabolic pathways to generate ROS, while the presence of scavenging mechanisms, including synthesis of antioxidant proteins and small molecules, serves to prevent its escalation to harmful levels. In this review, we summarized the function of ROS and its synthesis and scavenging mechanisms in all reproductive stages from gametophyte development until completion of fertilization. Additionally, we further address the impact of elevated temperatures induced ROS on impairing these reproductive processes and of flavonol antioxidants in maintaining ROS homeostasis to minimize temperature stress to combat the impact of global climate change on agriculture.
Optimal filters for ERP research II: Recommended settings for seven common ERP components
Authors: Zhang Guanghui , Garrett David R. , Luck Steven J.
Published: January 2024

In research with event‐related potentials (ERPs), aggressive filters can substantially improve the signal‐to‐noise ratio and maximize statistical power, but they can also produce significant waveform distortion. Although this tradeoff has been well documented, the field lacks recommendations for filter cutoffs that quantitatively address both of these competing considerations. To fill this gap, we quantified the effects of a broad range of low‐pass filter and high‐pass filter cutoffs for seven common ERP components (P3b, N400, N170, N2pc, mismatch negativity, error‐related negativity, and lateralized readiness potential) recorded from a set of neurotypical young adults. We also examined four common scoring methods (mean amplitude, peak amplitude, peak latency, and 50% area latency). For each combination of component and scoring methods, we quantified the effects of filtering on data quality (noise level and signal‐to‐noise ratio) and waveform distortion. This led to recommendations for optimal low‐pass and high‐pass filter cutoffs. We repeated the analyses after adding artificial noise to provide recommendations for data sets with moderately greater noise levels. For researchers who are analyzing data with similar ERP components, noise levels, and participant populations, using the recommended filter settings should lead to improved data quality and statistical power without creating problematic waveform distortion.
Effects of patient gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status on psychiatric assessments: A vignette‐based experimental study
Authors: Wolgast Martin , Wolgast Sima Nurali , Levinsson Henrik
Published: January 2024

Objective

To investigate whether information about the gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status of the patient affects psychiatric assessments in a sample of practicing clinicians in Swedish adult psychiatry.

Method

The study used an experimental design in which vignettes describing patients were identical except for information regarding their gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. The outcome variables included assessments of the severity of the patient's clinical condition, how dangerous the patient was to themselves and others, the likelihood of reporting to social services (due to concern for the welfare of children), and whether the patient was recommended psychotherapy or psychopharmaceutical treatment.

Results

A series of ANOVAs were performed to investigate main and interaction effects of the studied variables. The performed analyses identified several instances in which the clinicians' assessments varied as a function of the social categories under investigation. For example, male patients and “Arab Swedish” patients were perceived as more dangerous, “Arab Swedish” patients, male patients, and patients with low socioeconomic status were less likely to be recommended psychotherapy, and “Arab Swedish” patients were more likely to be reported to social services. The effect sizes were generally small.

Conclusions

The study provides support for the suggestion that information regarding patient gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status affects central aspects of psychiatric assessments. The results are interpreted and discussed in relation to other studies on the influence of social stereotypes on psychiatric assessments and the practice of clinical psychiatric assessments.
TAZ acting as a potential pathogenic biomarker to promote the development of lichen planus
Authors: Wang Ning , Bai Ruimin , Cheng Baochen , Luo Ruiting , He Ke , Du Wenqian , Yin Tingyi , Liang Qiongwen , Zheng Yan
Published: January 2024

Background

Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory disorder. Transcriptional coactivator with PDZ‐binding motif (TAZ/WWTR1) is an important downstream effector of the Hippo pathway which regulates organ size and tissue homeostasis. But little is known about the role of TAZ in lichen planus so far.

Objective

To explore the expression of TAZ in lichen planus and normal skin, and to discover the relationship between TAZ expression and the clinical characteristics of lichen planus patients.

Methods

The method of immunohistochemistry was performed to quantify the expression of TAZ in 262 patients with lichen planus and 90 control tissues. Western blot and quantitative real‐time reverse transcriptase‐PCR (qRT‐PCR) analysis were performed to examine and compare TAZ expression in 4 cases of fresh lichen planus lesions and normal skin tissues.

Results

TAZ was weakly expressed in the basal layers of the epidermis in normal skin tissues with a positive rate of 52.22% (47/90). But in lichen planus, TAZ was strongly expressed in almost the entire epidermis with a positive rate of 81.30% (213/262), and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p<0.05). Additionally, TAZ expression was significantly related to the location of the lichen planus, clinical phenotype, smoking, and alcohol preference (p<0.05). Western blot and qRT‐PCR showed that the expression of TAZ in protein and mRNA levels in four cases of lichen planus lesions was significantly higher than that in normal skin tissues.

Conclusion

TAZ may play a regulatory role in the occurrence and development of lichen planus, which might provide a new perspective for studying pathogenesis and theoretical treatment targets.
Deploying whole blood to the battlefield—The Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps initial experience during the 2023 war
Authors: Almog Ofer , Benov Avi , Beer Zivan , Sirotkin Tsvi , Shental Omri , Glassberg Elon
Published: January 2024

Background

Military and prehospital medical organizations invest significant resources to advance the treatment of trauma patients aiming to reduce preventable deaths. Focus is on hemorrhage control and volume resuscitation with blood products, with adoption of Remote Damage Control Resuscitation (RDCR) guidelines. The Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps (IDF‐MC) has been using tranexamic acid and freeze‐dried plasma (FDP) as part of its RDCR protocol for more than a decade. In recent years, low‐titer group O whole blood (LTOWB) has been integrated, on IDF evacuation helicopters and expanded to mobile ambulances, complementing FDP use in treating trauma patients in state of profound shock.

Study Design and Methods

During the war that erupted in October 2023, the IDF‐MC made a decision to bring LTOWB forward, and to equip every combat brigade level mobile intensive care units with LTOWB, onboard armored vehicles. The goal was to make whole blood available as close as possible to the point of injury and within minutes from time of injury.

Results and Discussion

We describe the IDF‐MCs' efforts to bring LTOWB to the front lines and present four cases in which LTOWB was administered. All patients were young male, with significant blood loss following penetrating injuries. One patient died in the operating room, following hospital arrival and emergency thoracotomy. The others survived. Our initial experience with bringing LTOWB as close as possible to the point of injury during high intensity fighting is encouraging, showing patient benefit along with logistic feasibility. After action reports and data collection will continue.
Prevalence of middle ear effusion in French bulldogs without clinical signs of otic disease: A retrospective study of magnetic resonance imaging (2017–2022)
Authors: Urkiola Ane , Domínguez Elisabet , Solà‐Montrabeta Mar , Bardagí Mar
Published: January 2024

Background

Canine middle ear effusion (MEE) is usually asymptomatic, being an incidental finding when computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head is performed for other reasons unrelated to otic disease. The clinical relevance of the presence of material in the tympanic bulla (TB) remains uncertain, and more detail about its prevalence and appearance in MRI are required.

Objective

To assess the prevalence of presence of material within the TB of French bulldogs (FB) with no clinical signs suggestive of otitis (externa, media or interna) that underwent high‐field MRI for other medical reasons.

Animals

Two hundred fifty‐two TB of 126 FB were included in this study.

Materials and Methods

Nonexperimental retrospective study in which MRI images were evaluated by a board‐certified veterinary radiologist.

Results

Fifty‐eight per cent of the dogs had material in the TB lumen (46% of the TB) and 59% were bilaterally affected. The signal intensity of this material related to the grey matter was variable on T1w and mainly hyperintense on T2w sequences.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

FB are predisposed to MEE. This is important when assessing imaging studies of TB of FB with chronic otitis externa, as high percentage of cases may have concurrent MEE. MRI findings in FB with MEE are characterised by a hyperintense signal to the grey matter on T2w in most cases and variable on T1w sequences.
Spatial distribution diagnosis of electron temperature and density of argon inductively coupled plasma by tomographic optical emission spectroscopic measurement and collisional-radiative model
Authors: Yamashita Yuya , Doi Kenta , Kiyota Tetsuji , Ishi Kenta , Watanabe Shuhei , Kikuchi Wataru , Nezu Atsushi , Akatsuka Hiroshi
Published: January 2024

There are few reported cases in which the spatial distribution of spectral emission coefficients of plasmas from tomographic optical emission spectroscopy measurements is analyzed based on a collisional-radiative model to diagnose the spatial distribution electron temperature of Te and density Ne. This study aimed at in situ diagnosis of process plasma. The spectral radiance of 18 lines-of-sight was measured simultaneously in argon inductively coupled plasma. The spatial distribution of the excited level number density distribution was calculated from the spatial distribution of spectral emission coefficients obtained from spectral tomography calculations. The three-dimensional distribution of Te and Ne was analyzed using a collisional-radiative model from the obtained spatial distribution of the excited levels number density. The effects of power and pressure on the dependence of the spatial distribution of Te and Ne were discussed. Furthermore, data processing methods for spectral tomographic measurements with coarse wavelength resolution were also discussed.
Topology optimization of a waveguide acoustic black hole for enhanced wave focusing
Authors: Mousavi Abbas , Berggren Martin , Hägg Linus , Wadbro Eddie
Published: January 2024

The waveguide acoustic black hole (WAB) effect is a promising approach for controlling wave propagation in various applications, especially for attenuating sound waves. While the wave-focusing effect of structural acoustic black holes has found widespread applications, the classical ribbed design of waveguide acoustic black holes (WABs) acts more as a resonance absorber than a true wave-focusing device. In this study, we employ a computational design optimization approach to achieve a conceptual design of a WAB with enhanced wave-focusing properties. We investigate the influence of viscothermal boundary losses on the optimization process by formulating two distinct cases: one neglecting viscothermal losses and the other incorporating these losses using a recently developed material distribution topology optimization technique. We compare the performance of optimized designs in these two cases with that of the classical ribbed design. Simulations using linearized compressible Navier–Stokes equations are conducted to evaluate the wave-focusing performance of these different designs. The results reveal that considering viscothermal losses in the design optimization process leads to superior wave-focusing capabilities, highlighting the significance of incorporating these losses in the design approach. This study contributes to the advancement of WAB design and opens up new possibilities for its applications in various fields.
Generation of Terahertz Radiation by Relativistic Laser Pulses on the Surface of Thick Solid Targets and Thin Foils
Authors: Mitrofanov A. V. , Rozhko M. V. , Nazarov M. M. , Yakushkin N. V. , Voronin A. A. , Fedotov A. B. , Sidorov-Biryukov D. A.
Published: January 2024

Terahertz pulse generation from multiterawatt laser surface plasma near thick solid targets and thin foils has been studied. Pulses with energies up to 7 μJ were detected in the spectral region <3 THz in the direction of specular reflection from the surface of the CaF2 target. The dependence of the terahertz pulse energy $${{W}_{{{\text{THz}}}}}$$ on the laser pulse intensity $$I_{L}^{\alpha }$$ can be approximated by the power function $${{W}_{{{\text{THz}}}}} \sim I_{L}^{\alpha }$$. For a fixed laser pulse duration and variable energy the power index lies in the range $$\alpha \approx 1.5{-} 2.8$$, while for a fixed energy and variable duration $$\alpha \approx 1$$.
Hypercortisolaemia without clinical stigmata of Cushing syndrome
Authors: Krishna Sneha , Morton Adam
Published: January 2024

A man in his 20s was referred by his general practitioner because of the finding of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-dependent hypercortisolaemia, discovered as part of investigation of fatigue and alopecia. The man had no other clinical findings suggestive of Cushing syndrome. Further investigation revealed intact diurnal rhythm in cortisol production, normal bone density and excluded assay interference. Further investigation revealed the man’s sibling had been labelled as having Cushing syndrome because of similar biochemical abnormalities. A diagnosis of familial primary generalised glucocorticoid resistance syndrome was made. Testing for mutations in theNR3C1gene is awaited.
Injury incidence according to athlete impairment type during the 2012 and 2016 Summer Paralympic Games: a combined analysis of 101 108 athlete days
Authors: Adam Faatima , Derman Wayne , Schwellnus Martin , Boer Pieter-Henk , Jordaan Esme , Runciman Phoebe
Published: January 2024

Objectives

The relationship between sport-related injuries and Para athlete impairment type has not yet been comprehensively studied. This study aimed to describe injury incidence according to athlete impairment type during the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Summer Paralympic Games, by sex, age, Games period, chronicity and anatomical area.

Methods

A combined analysis of 7222 athletes was conducted comprising 101 108 athlete days, using pooled data. Internet sources were used to identify impairments of registered athletes. Impairment types: brain disorders (BD), limb deficiency, neuromuscular disorders (NMD), spinal cord-related disorders, visual impairment (VI) and ‘all others’ (OTH: impaired passive range of movement, intellectual impairment, leg length difference, short stature and unknown impairments). Results by impairment type are reported as univariate unadjusted incidences (injuries/1000 athlete days; 95% CIs). Statistical significance between impairment types was determined when 95% CIs did not overlap.

Results

The overall crude unadjusted incidence of injury was 11.1 (95% CI 10.4 to 11.9), significantly higher in VI (13.7 (95% CI 11.0 to 15.7)) and NMD (13.3 (95% CI 11.1 to 16.1)) compared with BD (9.1 (95% CI 7.7 to 10.8)). Acute (sudden onset) (8.6 (95% CI 7.3 to 10.1)) and lower limb (6.6 (95% CI 5.4 to 8.1)) injuries were higher among athletes with VI, while athletes with NMD had a higher incidence of repetitive (gradual onset) (5.9 (95% CI 4.3 to 8.0)) and upper limb (6.9 (95% CI 5.2 to 9.0)) injuries compared with other impairments.

Conclusions

Incidence and type of injuries differed between athlete impairment types. Athletes with VI or NMD sustained the highest incidence of injury, and athletes with BD had the lowest. Findings of this study can inform the management of competition-related injuries in Para athletes.
Advances in functional MRI research in bipolar disorder: from the perspective of mood states
Authors: Wu Yankun , Su Yun-Ai , Zhu Linlin , Li Jitao , Si Tianmei
Published: January 2024

Bipolar disorder is characterised by recurrent and alternating episodes of mania/hypomania and depression. Current breakthroughs in functional MRI techniques have uncovered the functional neuroanatomy of bipolar disorder. However, the pathophysiology underlying mood instability, mood switching and the development of extreme mood states is less well understood. This review presents a comprehensive overview of current evidence from functional MRI studies from the perspective of mood states. We first summarise the disrupted brain activation patterns and functional connectivity that have been reported in bipolar disorder, irrespective of the mood state. We next focus on research that solely included patients in a single mood state for a better understanding of the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder and research comparing patients with different mood states to dissect mood state-related effects. Finally, we briefly summarise current theoretical models and conclude this review by proposing potential avenues for future research. A comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology with consideration of mood states could not only deepen our understanding of how acute mood episodes develop at a neurophysiological level but could also facilitate the identification of biological targets for personalised treatment and the development of new interventions for bipolar disorder.
Effect of ischaemic postconditioning on markers of myocardial injury in ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a meta-analysis
Authors: Bergman Idan , Gelikas Shaul , Wexler Yehuda , Braver Omri , Boyle Dennis , Nussinovitch Udi
Published: January 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to perform a meta-analysis of the short-term impact of ischaemic postconditioning (IPoC) on myocardial injury in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) using surrogate cardiac biomarkers.

Methods

Eligible studies were identified using several article databases. Randomised controlled trials published between 1 January 2000 and 1 December 2021 comparing IPoC to standard of therapy in STEMI patients were included in the search. Outcomes included surrogates of myocardial injury, specifically peak troponin, creatine-kinase (CK) and CK myoglobin binding (CK-MB) enzyme levels.

Results

11 articles involving 1273 patients reported on CK-MB and 8 studies involving 505 patients reported on CK. Few studies used troponin as an outcome, thus, a subanalysis of troponin dynamics was not performed. Meta-regression analysis demonstrated no significant effect of IPoC on peak CK-MB (effect size −0.41, 95% CI −1.15 to 0.34) or peak CK (effect size −0.42, 95% CI −1.20 to 0.36). Linear regression analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between a history of smoking and CK-MB in the IPoC group (p=0.038).

Conclusions

IPoC does not seem to protect against myocardial injury in STEMI, except possibly in smokers. These results resonate with some studies using imaging techniques to ascertain myocardial damage. More research using troponin and cardiac imaging should be pursued to better assess the effects of IPoC on cardiovascular outcomes in STEMI.
Complications after pediatric percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: comparison of the push and pull technique
Authors: Takalo Mona , Iber Tarja , Autio Reija , Luoto Topi
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Various complications are associated with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) procedures in children. The push technique is being increasingly used, but its complications are insufficiently characterized. We aimed to assess all complications related to PEG procedures and compare the safety of the pull and push techniques.

Methods

Retrospective review of consecutive pediatric patients who underwent PEG between 2002 and 2020.

Results

In total, 216 children underwent 217 PEG procedures. The push technique was used in 138 (64%) cases, and the pull technique in 79 (36%) cases. The median follow-up time was 6.1 (0.1–18.3) years. The complication rate was high (57%) and patients experienced complications years after the procedure. Overall, 51% and 67% of patients experienced complications in the push and pull groups, respectively. The rates of minor and major complications were higher in the pull group than in the push group (63% vs 48%,p=0.028; and 11% vs 6%,p=0.140, respectively). Reoperation was also more common in the pull group (17% vs 7%,p=0.020).

Conclusions

The overall complication rate of PEG procedures is high. Fortunately, most complications are mild and do not require reoperations. The increasing push technique appears to be safer than the traditional pull technique. Significant long-term morbidity is related to gastrostomies in children.
Holographic Schwinger effect in anisotropic media
Authors: Zhou Jing , Chen Jun , Zhang Le , Ping Jialun , Chen Xun
Published: January 2024

According to gauge/gravity correspondence, we study the holographic Schwinger effect within an anisotropic background. Firstly, the separate length of the particle–antiparticle pairs is computed within the context of an anisotropic background which is parameterized by dynamical exponent $$\nu $$
ν
. It is found that the maximum separate length x increases with the increase of dynamical exponent $$\nu $$
ν
. By analyzing the potential energy, we find that the potential barrier increases with the dynamical exponent $$\nu $$
ν
at a small separate distance. This observation implies that the Schwinger effect within an anisotropic background is comparatively weaker when contrasted with its manifestation in an isotropic background. Finally, we also find that the Schwinger effect in the transverse direction is weakened compared to the parallel direction in the anisotropic background, which is consistent with the top-down model.
Topology of Hořava–Lifshitz black holes in different ensembles
Authors: Chen Deyou , He Yucheng , Tao Jun , Yang Wei
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we study topological numbers for uncharged and charged static black holes obtained in $$z=3$$

z
=
3

Hořava–Lifshitz gravity theory in different ensembles, where z measures the degree of anisotropy between space and time. We first calculate the topological numbers for the uncharged black holes by changing the value of the dynamic coupling constant, and find that the black holes with spherical and flat horizons have the same topological number. When the black hole’s horizon is hyperbolic, different values of the coupling constant generate different topological numbers, which can be 1, 0 or $$-1$$

-
1

. This shows that the coupling constant plays an important role in the topological classification. Then we study the topological numbers for the charged black holes in different ensembles. The black hole with a spherical horizon has the same topological number in canonical and grand canonical ensembles. When the horizons are flat or hyperbolic, they have different topological numbers in canonical and grand canonical ensembles. Therefore, the topological numbers for the uncharged black holes are parameter dependent, and those for the charged black holes are ensemble dependent.
Constraining the growth rate on linear scales by combining SKAO and DESI surveys
Authors: Dlamini Simthembile , Jolicoeur Sheean , Maartens Roy
Published: January 2024

In the pursuit of understanding the large-scale structure of the Universe, the synergy between complementary cosmological surveys has proven to be a powerful tool. Using multiple tracers of the large-scale structure can significantly improve the constraints on cosmological parameters. We explore the potential of combining the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) and the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) spectroscopic surveys to enhance precision on the growth rate of cosmic structures. We employ a multi-tracer Fisher analysis to estimate precision on the growth rate when using pairs of mock surveys that are based on SKAO and DESI specifications. The pairs are at both low and high redshifts. For SKA-MID, we use the HI galaxy and the HI intensity mapping samples. In order to avoid the complexities and uncertainties at small scales, we confine the analysis to scales where linear perturbations are reliable. The consequent loss of signal in each individual survey is mitigated by the gains from the multi-tracer. After marginalising over cosmological and nuisance parameters, we find a significant improvement in the precision on the growth rate.
Which sport is becoming more predictable? A cross-discipline analysis of predictability in team sports
Authors: Coscia Michele
Published: January 2024

Professional sports are a cultural activity beloved by many, and a global hundred-billion-dollar industry. In this paper, we investigate the trends of match outcome predictability, assuming that the public is more interested in an event if there is some uncertainty about who will win. We reproduce previous methodology focused on soccer and we expand it by analyzing more than 300,000 matches in the 1996-2023 period from nine disciplines, to identify which disciplines are getting more/less predictable over time. We investigate the home advantage effect, since it can affect outcome predictability and it has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Going beyond previous work, we estimate which sport management model – between the egalitarian one popular in North America and the rich-get-richer used in Europe – leads to more uncertain outcomes. Our results show that there is no generalized trend in predictability across sport disciplines, that home advantage has been decreasing independently from the pandemic, and that sports managed with the egalitarian North American approach tend to be less predictable. We base our result on a predictive model that ranks team by analyzing the directed network of who-beats-whom, where the most central teams in the network are expected to be the best performing ones. Our results are robust to the measure we use for the prediction.
Unsteady non-Newtonian fluid flow past an oscillating vertical plate with temperature-dependent viscosity: A numerical study
Authors: Salahuddin T. , Awais Muhammad , Muhammad Shah
Published: January 2024

The analysis of non-Newtonian fluid flow over an oscillating surface often involves numerical simulations and experimental investigations. Computational fluid dynamics method including finite difference or finite element techniques can be used to crack the governing equations of the fluid flow. In this work, we used the Crank–Nicolson numerical technique to analyze the numerical behavior of unsteady boundary layer flow of Casson fluid with natural convection past an oscillating vertical plate. The temperature-dependent viscosity is assumed for the flow analysis. The impact of chemical reaction and heat generation coefficient is used to examine the mass and heat transferal rates. The investigation of non-Newtonian fluid flow over an oscillating surface is crucial for a wide range of industrial, biomedical, and scientific applications. The governing model of equations occurs in the form of nondimensional PDEs and then we use the dimensionless variables in order to achieve the dimensional PDEs. These equations are numerically solved by using the Crank–Nicolson technique. The Crank–Nicolson scheme is used because it has the ability to provide accurate and stable solutions and make it a valuable numerical technique in various scientific and engineering disciplines. The findings indicate the significance of numerous parameters on the mass, velocity and energy regions. The numerical outcomes of skin friction are observed due to fluid parameter, viscosity parameter, Grashof numbers of heat and solutal rates.
MEASURING STRUCTURAL CHANGES OF RECURRENCE PATTERNS IN MULTIFRACTAL AND MULTISCALE ASPECTS BY GENERALIZED RECURRENCE LACUNARITY
Authors: MAO XUEGENG , LIU ZEZHOU , LIU JINZHAO , XIE WANRU , SHANG PENGJIAN , SHAO ZHIWEI
Published: January 2024

Recurrence lacunarity has been recently proposed to detect dynamical state transitions over various temporal scales. In this paper, we combine suggested distribution moments and introduce multifractal recurrence lacunarity to unearth rich information of trajectories in phase space. By considering generalized moments, it provides an enhanced measurement to account for differences of black pixels in the recurrence plot at various scales. Numerical simulations have proved that the proposed method is able to differentiate varying types of time series and provide further insights of inherent features including stochastic series, chaotic maps and series contaminated interference components. In real-world applications, it performs well on quantifying the subtle structural changes of financial time series. In addition, it is intriguing to confirm that corrugation signals possess much more vivid information of heterogeneity in terms of recurrence plots than normal ones.
Near infrared-absorbing self-encapsulated phthalocyanine-cored polycaprolactone star polymeric nanoparticles
Authors: Yaseen Aymen Nabeel , Emami Atefeh , Aziza Haifa Ben , Doganci Merve Dandan , İşci Ümit , Gürek Ayşe Gül , Doganci Erdinc , Dumoulin Fabienne
Published: January 2024

An octahydroxylated photosensitizing Zn phthalocyanine has been used as an initiator in ring-opening polymerization of [Formula: see text]-caprolactone. Three different phthalocyanine-core star polymers have been obtained, with each arm functionalized with either 20, 30, or 40 units. To benefit from the absorption of these polymers in the first near-infrared (NIR) phototherapeutic window, the phthalocyanine cores have been self-encapsulated into their polycaprolactone arms to yield biocompatible star polymeric nanoparticles exhibiting a remarkable absorption centered at 782 nm and an excellent logarithmic extinction coefficient value in water.
Design and Implementation of Static Analyses for Tezos Smart Contracts
Authors: Olivieri Luca , Negrini Luca , Arceri Vincenzo , Jensen Thomas , Spoto Fausto
Published: January 2024

Once deployed in blockchain, smart contracts become immutable: attackers can exploit bugs and vulnerabilities in their code, that cannot be replaced with a bug-free version. For this reason, the verification of smart contracts
before
they are deployed in blockchain is important. However, the development of verification tools is not easy, especially if one wants to obtain guarantees by using formal methods. This paper describes the development, from scratch, of a static analyzer based on abstract interpretation for the verification of real-world Tezos smart contracts. The analyzer is generic with respect to the property under analysis. This paper shows taint analysis as a concrete instantiation of the analyzer, at different levels of precision, to detect untrusted cross-contract invocations.