bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gestational age‐related changes in cervical gland length in normal singleton pregnancies from 17 to 36 weeks of gestation
Authors: Shimizu Takahiro , Yoshizato Toshiyuki , Kawakami Kosuke , Obara Hitoshi , Kakuma Tatsuyuki , Ushijima Kimio
Published: March 2023

Aim

To determine the gestational age‐related changes in cervical gland length in relation to cervical length (CL) in normal singleton pregnancies.

Methods

We studied 363 women with an uncomplicated singleton pregnancy (188 nulliparous and 175 multiparous women with one or more previous transvaginal deliveries). A total of 1138 cervical gland and CLs were measured longitudinally at 17–36 weeks of gestation using transvaginal ultrasonography along the curvature from the external os to the lower uterine segment and the internal end of the cervical gland area (CGA), respectively. Gestational age‐related changes in cervical gland and CLs and their relationships were analyzed using a linear mixed model.

Results

Cervical gland and CLs decreased in different ways with advancing gestation depending on parity, and their changes were related to each other. The CGAs in nulliparous women were longer than those in multiparous women at 17–25 weeks of gestation (p < 0.05), but with no differences thereafter. CLs in multiparous women were different from those in nulliparous women at 17–23 and 35–36 weeks (p < 0.05), but there were no differences at 24–34 weeks. The cervix did not shorten compared with the CGA throughout the observational periods in nulliparous and multiparous women.

Conclusions

Shortening of the cervix indicates changes to the lower uterine segment in normal pregnancies. The cervical gland region can be a useful marker representing the true cervix beyond 25 weeks of gestation, irrespective of parity.
Silent brain infarcts after carotid or vertebrobasilar artery stenting
Authors: Ryu Jae‐Chan , Lee Deok Hee , Chang Jun Young , Kang Dong‐Wha , Kwon Sun U. , Kim Bum Joon
Published: March 2023

Background and Purpose

Stenting is an important treatment for preventing stroke. However, the effect of vertebrobasilar stenting (VBS) might be limited because of relatively high periprocedural risks. Silent brain infarcts (SBIs) are known as a predictor for future stroke. Because of anatomical differences, factors for SBIs might be different between carotid artery stenting (CAS) and VBS. We compared the characteristics of SBIs between VBS and CAS.

Methods

We included patients who underwent elective VBS or CAS. Diffusion‐weighted imaging was performed pre‐ and post‐procedure to detect new SBIs. Clinical variables, occurrence of SBIs, and procedure‐related factors were compared between CAS and VBS. Moreover, we investigated predictors of SBIs in each group separately.

Results

Ninety‐two (34.2%) out of 269 patients had SBIs. SBIs were more frequently observed in VBS (29 [56.6%] vs. 63 [28.9%], p<.001). The risk of SBIs outside the stent‐inserted vascular territory was higher in VBS compared to CAS (14 [48.3%] vs. 8 [12.7%], p<.001). Larger‐diameter stents (odds ratio: 1.28, 95% confidence interval: 1.06‐1.54, p = .012) and prolonged procedure time (1.01, [1.00‐1.03], p = .026) increased the risk of SBIs in CAS, whereas only age increased the risk of SBIs in VBS (1.08 [1.01‐1.16], p = .036).

Conclusions

Compared to CAS, VBS was associated with longer procedure time, more residual stenosis, and more SBIs, especially outside the stent‐inserted vascular territory. The risk of SBIs after CAS was associated with stent size and procedural difficulty. Only age was associated with SBIs in VBS. The pathomechanism of SBIs after VBS and CAS may be different.
TOT in combination with solifenacin or intravaginal prasterone in postmenopausal women with mixed urinary incontinence: A retrospective analysis in 112 patients
Authors: Sala Federica , Loggia Melania , Cardella Giorgia , Morgani Claudia , Grossi Giovanni , Zullo Marzio Angelo , Valensise Herbert Carmelo Carlo , Palazzetti Pier Luigi , Schiavi Michele Carlo
Published: March 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of the transobturator tape (TOT) procedure combined with solifenacin (TOT‐S) or prasterone (TOT‐P) in postmenopausal women affected by mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) with a predominant stress urinary incontinence component.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis including 112 patients: 60 patients of the TOT‐S group and 52 patients of the TOT‐P group. Physical examination, 3‐day voiding diary, urodynamic tests, and Vaginal Health Index (VHI) were compared at the beginning of the analysis and after 12 weeks of follow‐up (FU). Specific questionnaires were administered to indagate the impact on women's quality of life and sexual function.

Results

After 12 weeks of FU, the detrusor's peak flow pressure was significantly different between the two groups (p = .02). Detrusor overactivity decreased only in the TOT‐P group (p = .05). At the end of FU, 58 patients (96.7%) of the TOT‐S group and 50 patients (96.2%) of the TOT‐P group were dry at the stress test. A significative group difference was observed in urge urinary incontinence (24 h) (p = .01) but not in the mean number of voids (24 h) and urgent micturition events (24 h). VHI improved only in the TOT‐P group (12.57 ± 3.80 vs. 19.75 ± 4.13, p < .0001). The questionnaires and Patient Global Index of Improvement (PGI‐I) scores showed comparable improvements, while the Female Sexual Function Index improved especially in the TOT‐P group (p < .001).

Conclusions

In postmenopausal women with MUI, TOT‐P demonstrated the same effectiveness as TOT‐S in reducing urinary symptoms. In addition, TOT‐P increased VHI and sexual function scores compared with TOT‐S.
Access to bank financing and start‐up resilience: A survival analysis across business sectors in a time of crisis
Authors: Castaldo Angelo , Pittiglio Rosanna , Reganati Filippo , Sarno Domenico
Published: March 2023

The presence of exogenous global shocks due to the 2007/2008 economic and financial crisis and the current global pandemic crisis are deeply hampering economic operators' overall ability to access credit. Small and medium‐sized enterprises and start‐ups are most severely affected by credit rationing. This paper investigates whether access to bank loans in the early stage of a start‐up's lifecycle is a predictor of a firm's default in a time of economic crisis. We ground our analysis on a firm‐level longitudinal data set of Italian new capital companies born from 2004 to 2006. Implementing a discrete‐time proportional hazard model we study their likelihood of default up to 2014 after controlling for a consistent number of other firms, industry and innovation related characteristics. The main findings confirm that access to bank loans significantly enhances the resilience of Italian start‐ups. By taking into consideration the sectoral degree of innovation where firms operate, we also find that bank financing still exerts a positive influence on firm survival in both less and more innovative industries. However, there is evidence of a stronger positive influence on of long‐term debt on the survival of firms operating in low‐ and medium‐low innovative industries.
Geography, environment, and colonization history interact with morph type to shape genomic variation in an Arctic fish
Authors: Salisbury Sarah J. , Perry Robert , Keefe Don , McCracken Gregory R. , Layton Kara K. S. , Kess Tony , Bradbury Ian R. , Ruzzante Daniel E.
Published: March 2023

Polymorphic species are useful models for investigating the evolutionary processes driving diversification. Such processes include colonization history as well as contemporary selection, gene flow, and genetic drift, which can vary between intraspecific morphs as a function of their distinct life histories. The interactive and relative influence of such evolutionary processes on morph differentiation critically informs morph‐specific management decisions and our understanding of incipient speciation. We therefore investigated how geographic distance, environmental conditions, and colonization history interacted with morph migratory capacity in the highly polymorphic fish species, Arctic Charr (Salvelinus alpinus). Using an 87 k SNP chip we genetically characterized recently evolved anadromous, resident, and landlocked charr collected from 45 locations across a secondary contact zone of three charr glacial lineages in eastern Canada. A strong pattern of isolation by distance across all populations suggested geographic distance principally shaped genetic structure. Landlocked populations had lower genetic diversities and higher genetic differentiation than anadromous populations. However, effective population size was generally temporally stable in landlocked populations in comparison to anadromous populations. Genetic diversity positively correlated with latitude, potentially indicating southern anadromous populations' vulnerability to climate change and greater introgression between the Arctic and Atlantic glacial lineages in northern Labrador. Local adaptation was suggested by the observation of several environmental variables strongly associating with functionally relevant outlier genes including a region on chromosome AC21 potentially associated with anadromy. Our results demonstrate that gene flow, colonization history, and local adaptation uniquely interact to influence the genetic variation and evolutionary trajectory of populations.
Medical students' academic satisfaction: Social cognitive factors matter
Authors: An Min , Ma Xuanxuan , Wu Hongbin
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Academic satisfaction (AS)—the extent to which people enjoy their role or experiences as medical students—has important implications for well‐being and career development. This study explores the relationships between social cognitive factors and AS in a Chinese medical education context.

Method

The social cognitive model of academic satisfaction (SCMAS) was adopted as the theoretical framework. Within this model, AS is assumed to be related to social cognitive factors—environmental supports, outcome expectations, perceived goal progress and self‐efficacy. Demographic variables, financial pressure, college entrance examination scores and social cognitive constructs in SCMAS were collected. To explore the relationships between medical students' social cognitive factors and AS, hierarchical multiple regression analyses were performed.

Results

The final sampled data consisted of 127 042 medical students from 119 medical institutions. Demographic variables, financial pressure and college entrance examination scores were first entered in Model 1, explaining 4% of the variance in AS. Social cognitive factors were entered in Model 2, explaining an additional 39% of the variance. Medical students would report higher levels of AS when they (a) held strong confidence in their skills needed for success in studying medicine (β = 0.20, p < 0.05), (b) had optimistic beliefs about the outcome of studying medicine (β = 0.40, p < 0.05), (c) felt that they were making good progress in studying medicine (β = 0.06, p < 0.05) and (d) believed that they received adequate environmental support (β = 0.25, p < 0.05). The outcome expectations showed the strongest correlation with AS, and each 1‐point increase was associated with 0.39 points on the AS score, controlling for all other factors in the model.

Conclusions

Social cognitive factors play an important role in medical students' AS. Intervention programmes or courses aiming to improve medical students' AS are advised to consider social cognitive factors.
Who is the ‘standard’ patient?
Authors: Daodu Oluwatomilayo , Ruzycki Shannon M.
Published: March 2023

The authors describe the harm, to patients and professionals alike, of medical education's tendency to assume the white cisgendered man to be the "normal" from which all other patient identities are deviations.
Schwann cells and myelin in human peripheral nerve: Major protein components vary with age, axon size and pathology
Authors: Pestronk Alan , Schmidt Robert E. , Bucelli Robert , Sim Julia
Published: March 2023

Aims

We examined major protein components of Schwann cells (SCs) and myelin in normal and diseased human peripheral nerves.

Methods

We evaluated distributions of neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), P0 protein (P0) and myelin basic protein (MBP) in frozen sections of 98 sural nerves.

Results

Non‐myelinating SC in normal adults contained NCAM, but not P0 or MBP. With chronic axon loss, SC without associated axons (Büngner band cells) often co‐stained for both NCAM and P0. Onion bulb cells also co‐stained for both P0 and NCAM. Infants had many SC with MBP but no P0. All myelin sheaths contained P0. Myelin around large, and some intermediate‐sized, axons co‐stained for both MBP and P0. Myelin on other intermediate‐sized axons had P0, but no MBP. Regenerated axons often had sheaths with MBP, P0 and some NCAM. During active axon degeneration, myelin ovoids often co‐stained for MBP, P0 and NCAM. Demyelinating neuropathy patterns included SC (NCAM) loss, and myelin with abnormally distributed, or reduced, P0.

Conclusions

Peripheral nerve SC and myelin have varied molecular phenotypes, related to age, axon size and nerve pathology. In normal adult peripheral nerve, myelin has two different patterns of molecular composition. MBP is mostly absent from myelin around a population of intermediate‐sized axons, whereas P0 is present in myelin around all axons. Denervated SCs have a molecular signature that differs from normal SC types. With acute denervation, SCs may stain for both NCAM and MBP. Chronically denervated SCs often stain for both NCAM and P0.
Phylogenomics sheds new light on the drivers behind a long‐lasting systematic riddle: the figwort family Scrophulariaceae
Authors: Villaverde Tamara , Larridon Isabel , Shah Toral , Fowler Rachael M. , Chau John H. , Olmstead Richard G. , Sanmartín Isabel
Published: March 2023

The figwort family, Scrophulariaceae, comprises c. 2000 species whose evolutionary relationships at the tribal level have proven difficult to resolve, hindering our ability to understand their origin and diversification.

We designed a specific probe kit for Scrophulariaceae, targeting 849 nuclear loci and obtaining plastid regions as by‐products. We sampled c. 87% of the genera described in the family and use the nuclear dataset to estimate evolutionary relationships, timing of diversification, and biogeographic patterns.

Ten tribes, including two new tribes, Androyeae and Camptolomeae, are supported, and the phylogenetic positions of Androya, Camptoloma, and Phygelius are unveiled. Our study reveals a major diversification at c. 60 million yr ago in some Gondwanan landmasses, where two different lineages diversified, one of which gave rise to nearly 81% of extant species. A Southern African origin is estimated for most modern‐day tribes, with two exceptions, the American Leucophylleae, and the mainly Australian Myoporeae. The rapid mid‐Eocene diversification is aligned with geographic expansion within southern Africa in most tribes, followed by range expansion to tropical Africa and multiple dispersals out of Africa.

Our robust phylogeny provides a framework for future studies aimed at understanding the role of macroevolutionary patterns and processes that generated Scrophulariaceae diversity.
Perioperative management of pediatric patients undergoing juvenile angiofibroma resection. A case series and educational review highlighting patient blood management
Authors: Longacre M. M. , Seshadri S. C. , Adil E. , Baird L. C. , Goobie S. M.
Published: March 2023

Background

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas are one of the most enigmatic, bloody tumors encountered by otorhinolarygnologists, head and neck surgeons, neurosurgeons, and anesthesiologists. Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas are rare, benign, highly vascular tumors with a propensity towards aggressive local invasion. Surgery, open or endoscopic, to remove the growth is the primary treatment of choice for Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas. Historically, surgical resection was associated with massive, rapid blood loss, traditionally managed by blood product transfusion and deliberate hypotension. Preventative management employing multimodal blood conservation strategies should be an essential standard of perioperative care for patients with Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas.

Methods

We describe a contemporary and comprehensive approach in the management of patients with high grade Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas. This includes surgical strategies such as preemptive external carotid artery embolization, endoscopic surgical approach, and staged operations, as well as anesthetic strategies including antifibrinolytic therapy and acute normovolemic hemodilution. These surgeries, once synonymous with massive transfusion, may potentially be performed without allogeneic blood transfusion, or deliberate hypotension.

Aims

Using a case series, the authors introduce a contemporary approach to multimodal, multidisciplinary blood conservation strategies for Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas surgery.

Results

Here in the authors report on an updated contemporary perioperative clinical approach to patients with Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas. From an anesthetic perspective, we describe the successful use of normal hemodynamic goals, restrictive transfusion strategy, antifibrinolytic therapy, autologous normovolemic hemodilution, and early extubation in the care of three adolescent males with highly invasive tumors. We demonstrate that new surgical and anesthetic strategies have yielded a significant decrease in intraoperative blood loss and eliminated the need for transfusion of autologous red blood cells, which enable improved outcomes.

Conclusions

The perioperative approach to elective surgery for Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas management is presented from a multidisciplinary patient blood management perspective.
Is public health concern a sufficient reason to illegalize consensual incest?
Authors: Campo Redondo Maria , Andrade Gabriel
Published: March 2023

Incest taboos are universal, but it is questionable whether consensual incest should continue to be illegal. The most common argument in favor of the illegalization of consensual incest appeals to genetic risks and the harm to potential offspring. In this article, we examine whether public health concern is a sufficient reason to illegalize consensual incest. We posit that indeed, incest represents a risk, but this is not reason enough to illegalize incest. For, other circumstances of sexual intercourse may lead to similar risks, and yet, such practices are not illegal. While those practices may represent an added risk to public health, to forbid them as a way to improve the genetic pool would be akin to eugenic program, and that is morally objectionable. This does not imply that consensual incest ought to be legal, for there may be other good reasons to illegalize it. But they do not relate to public health and genetic risks, and consequently, medical practitioners and public health officials ought to avoid using their medical authority as a platform to make moral pronouncements.
Integrating GRASS GIS and Jupyter Notebooks to facilitate advanced geospatial modeling education
Authors: Haedrich Caitlin , Petras Vaclav , Petrasova Anna , Blumentrath Stefan , Mitasova Helena
Published: March 2023

Open education materials are critical for the advancement of open science and the development of open‐source software. These accessible and transparent materials provide an important pathway for sharing both standard geospatial analysis workflows and advanced research methods. Computational notebooks allow users to share live code with in‐line visualizations and narrative text, making them a powerful interactive teaching tool for geospatial analytics. Specifically, Jupyter Notebooks are quickly becoming a standard format in open education. In this article, we introduce a new GRASS GIS package, grass.jupyter, that enhances the existing GRASS Python API to allow Jupyter Notebook users to easily manage and visualize GRASS data including spatiotemporal datasets. While there are many Python‐based geospatial libraries available for use in Jupyter Notebooks, GRASS GIS has extensive geospatial functionality including support for multi‐temporal analysis and dynamic simulations, making it a powerful teaching tool for advanced geospatial analytics. We discuss the development of grass.jupyter and demonstrate how the package facilitates teaching open‐source geospatial modeling with a collection of Jupyter Notebooks designed for a graduate‐level geospatial modeling course. The open education notebooks feature spatiotemporal data visualizations, hydrologic modeling, and spread simulations such as the spread of invasive species and urban growth.
Light propagation in Kerr spacetime
Authors: Dahal Pravin Kumar
Published: March 2023

We explicitly solve the equations for the propagation of an electromagnetic wave up to the subleading order geometric optics expansion in the Kerr spacetime. This is done in two nontrivial steps. We first construct a set of parallel propagated null tetrad in Kerr spacetime. Two of the components of such tetrad give the propagation and polarization of an electromagnetic wave in geometric optics approximation. Then we use the parallel propagated tetrad to solve the modified trajectory equation in Kerr spacetime. We obtain the wavelength-dependent deviation of the trajectory of electromagnetic waves, which gives the mathematical description of the gravitational spin Hall effect in Kerr spacetime.
Secondary bonding of CF/PEKK thermoplastic composites with a PEI film adhesive in a press welding process
Authors: Choi Hyunseok , Choi Woo Chun , Son Seung Ok , Jeon Youngjun , Kim Dongearn
Published: March 2023

High-performance poly-ether-ketone-ketone (PEKK) thermoplastic (TP) composites, which are beginning to gain interest in the aerospace industry, require a joining procedure to integrate the individual parts. Amorphous TP bonding has been recently proposed to address the limitations of commonly used joining techniques for composites, such as mechanical fastening and adhesive bonding. In this study, we investigated the adhesive properties of a polyetherimide (PEI) film applied by hot press welding as an amorphous polymer interlayer of PEKK laminate. The temperature range of the bonding process was determined via differential scanning calorimetry analysis. The bonding strength was evaluated through single-lap shear tests. The effect of process temperature on the bonding strength was qualitatively analyzed via fracture surface morphology analysis. The interface between PEKK and PEI was analyzed via optical microscopy. The adhesive strength was as low as about 5 MPa up to the bonding temperature of 280[Formula: see text]C but then started to improve as the temperature increased, which is attributed to the interdiffusion of the PEKK matrix and PEI adhesive film. The maximum bonding strength of 23 MPa was confirmed at a bonding temperature of 340[Formula: see text]C. A mixed failure mode consisting of a relatively high ratio of fiber-tear failure to light-fiber-tear failure is observed at this process temperature. This failure mode can be attributed to the bonding temperature condition at which PEKK begins to melt.
Porphyrin building blocks bearing two or four divergent ethynes
Authors: Cao Phuong-Lien Doan , Wu Zhiyuan , Rong Jie , Lindsey Jonathan S.
Published: March 2023

Tetrapyrrole building blocks are invaluable constituents in the construction of molecular architectures for use in biomimicry, functional materials, and biomedicine. The reaction of dipyrromethane and the triisopropylsilyl-protected 3,5-diethynylbenzaldehyde afforded the corresponding trans-[Formula: see text]-porphyrin (free base) bearing four ethynes. Subsequent meso-bromination, Suzuki coupling, and protecting group removal afforded a porphyrin building block bearing four ethynes and one benzylamine. The reaction of dipyrromethane and 3,5-bis(propargyloxy)benzaldehyde afforded the corresponding trans-[Formula: see text]-porphyrin (free base) bearing four ethynes. The reaction of 5-(3,5-bis(propargyloxy)phenyl)dipyrromethane and the Eschenmoser (1,9-dimethylaminomethyl) derivative of a 5-([Formula: see text]-substituted aryl)dipyrromethane was used to create two trans-AB-porphyrins (zinc chelates). The [Formula: see text]-substituent of the aryl group was cyano or an acetal moiety. Hydrolysis of the acetal and a click reaction with m-PEG24-azide gave the bis(PEGylated)porphyrin-carboxaldehyde. The porphyrins present readily derivatizable functional groups in a compact architecture.
Does Domestic and Global Environmental Events can Stimulated Purchase Intention E-Motorcycle?
Authors: Putra Syaifurrizal Wijaya , Noer Lissa Rosdiana , Handriana Tanti , Mardhiyah Dien
Published: March 2023

One of the causes of environmental degradation is human behaviour that destroys environment. This environmental phenomenon can arise from both the domestic and global spheres, where domestic means that it comes from the immediate environment and global means that it comes from a multinational environment. Knowledge of these two types of events is thought to be able to influence the desire to buy ‘green’ products and can be stronger if the environmental knowledge of the individual is also already strong. This study seeks to test the relationship of these variables using a video documentary stimulus and processing through structural equation modelling. The results show that environmental knowledge is much stronger in influencing domestic environmental concerns than global environmental concerns. In addition, the results also explain that global environmental concerns have a stronger influence on an individual’s decision to buy green products. Indonesian’s government should make a policy about increasing public service advertisement that provides information on global disasters to encourage the purchase of green products.
Automatic Extraction and Linkage between Textual and Spatial Data for Architectural Heritage
Authors: Jang Sun-Young , Kim Sung-Ah
Published: March 2023

Recent developments in experience technologies such as augmented reality (AR)/virtual reality (VR) have facilitated receiving content about the audience on site and experiencing architectural heritage in a virtual space. Despite the development of experience devices, if the quantity and quality of content are not sufficiently supported, then immersive user experiences are bound to be limited. Considerable amounts of money, manpower, and time are required to make a building into experience content. Tasks such as building a database create experiential content that occupies a large proportion of the overall process. Therefore, it is necessary to devise an automated method for building data, which is the basis for content creation. This study extracted data on architectural heritage automatically and structured it around spatial expression so it can function as base work for mass content creation. Specifically, this study devised a method to link and structure text and spatial data centering on the architectural spatial data model. Text and spatial data were extracted automatically using deep learning, and each derived result was mapped to Indoor Affordance Spaces—an indoor spatial data model—to test whether information inference is possible based on the interconnection relationship. The spatial experience route inferred using the data model expresses the detailed area where the viewing element exists, based on the description method of the model. It also shows the process of reconstructing an efficient movement line with topological relationships between spaces. The series of processes presented herein showed sufficient applicability to the extraction of data and the connection and utilization of data models. This is useful for extracting and classifying information used for content from massive raw data. This study also considered the specificity arising from architectural heritage and spatial information. Therefore, the research concept can be applied in exhibition and experience spaces, such as architectural heritage, museums, and art galleries, to create sources for content creation and refer to content composition.
A Simple-to-Use Nomogram for Predicting Postoperative Early Death Risk in Elderly Patients with Spinal Tumors: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Huang Zhangheng , Zhao Zhen , Liu Yuheng , Zhou Zhigang , Zhang Weifei , Kong Qingquan , He Yaozhi
Published: March 2023

Background. For elderly patients with primary spinal tumors, surgery is the best option for many elderly patients, in addition to palliative care. However, due to the unique physical function of elderly patients, the short-term prognosis is often unpredictable. It is therefore essential to develop a novel nomogram as a clinical aid to predict the risk of early death for elderly patients with primary spinal tumors who undergo surgery. Materials and Methods. In this study, clinical data were obtained from 651 patients through the SEER database, and they were retrospectively analyzed. Logistic regression analyses were used for risk-factor screening. Predictive modeling was performed through the R language. The prediction models were calibrated as well as evaluated for accuracy in the validation cohort. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the functionality of the nomogram. Results. We identified four separate risk factors for constructing nomograms. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (training set 0.815, validation set 0.815) shows that the nomogram has good discrimination ability. The decision curve analysis demonstrates the clinical use of this nomogram. The calibration curve indicates that this nomogram has high accuracy. At the same time, we have also developed a web version of the online nomogram for clinical practitioners to apply. Conclusions. We have successfully developed a nomogram that can accurately predict the risk of early death of elderly patients with primary spinal tumors undergoing surgery, which can provide a reference for clinicians.
Dietary Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum Combined with Galactooligosaccharide on Immunological and Biochemical Parameters, Gut Microbiota, Digestive Enzyme Activity, Body Composition, and Stress Resistance in Narrow-Clawed Crayfish, Pontastacus leptodactylus (Eschscholtz, 1823)
Authors: Nedaei Shiva , Noori Ahmad , Valipour Alireza , Khanipour Ali Asghar , Hoseinifar Seyed Hossein
Published: March 2023

The effects of galactooligosaccharide (GOS) and varying levels of Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) on some physiological parameters as well as air exposure stress resistance in clawed crayfish (Pontastacus leptodactylus) were investigated. During a 97-day trial, 216 crayfish were fed with four experimental diets (in triplicates) including the control diet (without GOS and LP), GLP7 (GOS 2%+LP 107 CFU.g-1 diet), GLP8 (GOS 2%+LP 108 CFU.g-1 diet), and GLP9 (GOS 2%+LP 109 CFU.g-1 diet). At the end of the trial, 26% higher amounts of the total hemocyte count (THC) and semigranular cells (SGC) and 27% higher hyaline cells (HC) were observed in GLP7. A significant improvement in lysozyme value was observed in GLP7 and GLP8. Moreover, superoxide dismutase was significantly higher in GLP9, whereas the catalase (CAT) activity did not change in the experimental groups. Unlikely, plasma glucose levels decreased in all the GLP treatments. In terms of intestinal microbiota, autochthonous lactic acid bacteria (LAB) remarkably increased in all the GLP-supplemented groups, while total autochthonous intestinal heterotrophic bacteria counts (TVC) did not change in GLP-supplemented groups. However, 14 days after switching to the basal diet, no reduction was detected in TVC, but LAB levels decreased in GLP7 and GLP9 treatments. Dietary administration of GLP could beneficially modulate digestive enzyme activity, including protease, lipase, and amylase. Furthermore, higher lipid and gross energy were observed in GLP9. However, GLP-supplemented diets could not improve growth performance parameters. After 24 h subjecting to air exposure stress, although no mortality was detected, crayfish fed GLP-supplemented diets were healthier through enhanced THC, SGC, and HC levels in GLP7 and GLP9 and CAT activity in GLP7 and GLP8. These results proved the positive impacts of dietary supplementation with combined GOS and LP, with GLP8 and GLP9 as optimum diets, on immunochemical parameters, intestinal microbiota, digestive enzyme activity, and stress resistance in P. leptodactylus.
Measurement of Work-Life Balance: A Scoping Review with a Focus on the Health Sector
Authors: Alameddine Mohamad , Al-Yateem Nabeel , Bou-Karroum Karen , Hijazi Heba , Al Marzouqi Alounoud , Al-Adawi Samir
Published: March 2023

Background. There is an agreement on the importance of measuring work-life balance, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the available tools to do so are not sufficient to address all dimensions, contexts, and professions. Aim. The article reviews existing instruments that have been widely utilised to tap into the breadth and depth of work-life balance. Evaluation. This is a perspective scoping review guided by PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Articles reporting on the measurement of work-life balance were reviewed. The authors performed the review based on agreed-upon search terms, inclusion and exclusion criteria, search databases, and the data extraction process. Key Issues. The existing tools appear to have divergent underpinning theoretical models, factors, structural/psychometric properties, and the number of accumulated citations. The existing tools also varied in terms of their target sector, with limited tools available for the analysis of work-life balance among healthcare professionals. We argue that while the existing tools provide a general base for the work-life balance measurement, it would be imperative to adjust those tools to the specific cultural and professional contexts. Future work-life balance measures should consider the changes imposed by atypical or disruptive events that have the potential to alter work-life balance, such as in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic. The onus is on researchers and policymakers to work collaboratively in each context to adapt, implement, and evaluate those tools as they become integrated into the matrix of labour market assessments in the future. Conclusions. The article highlighted current gaps and improvement opportunities in the work-life balance measurement field. Implications for Healthcare and Nursing Management. The maintenance of work-life balance will remain an issue for years to come. Ensuring comprehensive and context-specific measurements would be essential to guide the evidence-based recommendations necessary to support the workforce across the various sectors of the economy in the future.
Analytical Model of Structural Damping in Friction Module of Shell Shock Absorber Connected to Spring
Authors: Shatskyi Ivan , Velychkovych Andrii
Published: March 2023

Vibration processes play a significant role in the modern industry. In most cases, vibration reduces strength, reliability, and durability of industrial machines, mechanisms, and structures, as well as adversely affects the health of support staff. This study presents a new dry friction shell shock absorber design. The shock absorber contains two spring sections and a friction module with an open shell and an elastic filler; at the same time, the spring sections and the friction module work in parallel. The proposed device demonstrates good damping characteristics, capable of operating under high operating loads, and at the same time has compact transverse dimensions. With a nonmonotonic loading of such a shock absorber, due to the contact interaction of the filler with an open shell, part of the energy that is supplied to the system will be dissipated. In other words, in response to the action of an external nonmonotonic loading, the phenomenon of structural hysteresis occurs in the friction module of the shock absorber. To describe the deformation of the shock absorber, a mechanical and mathematical model of a shell with a cut along the generatrix, which is the main bearing link, has been developed. By means of the technique of quasistatic analysis of structural damping in nonmobile nonconservative shell systems with a deformable filler, the hysteresis loops of the presented shock absorber are analytically described. Using them, according to the known loading history, it is possible to predict the behavior of the considered nonconservative system at any time after the start of the loading process. At each stage of the cyclic loading, the distribution of stresses and relationships between the external loading and the piston displacement was studied. Inequalities are obtained for permissible loads under which the operation of the shock absorber is safe. Such shell shock absorbers are projected to be used in the mining, oil and gas, and construction industries.
State of Health Estimation Methods for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Nuroldayeva Gulzat , Serik Yerkin , Adair Desmond , Uzakbaiuly Berik , Bakenov Zhumabay
Published: March 2023

Contemporary lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are one of the main components of energy storage systems that need effective management to extend service life and increase reliability and safety. Their characteristics depend highly on internal and external conditions (ageing, temperature, and chemistry). Currently, the state of batteries is determined using two parameters: the state of charge (SOC) and the state of health (SOH). Applying these two parameters makes it possible to calculate the expected battery life and a battery’s performance. There are many methods for estimating the SOH of batteries, including experimental, model-based, and machine learning methods. By comparing model-based estimations with experimental techniques, it can be concluded that the use of experimental methods is not applicable for commercial cases. The electrochemical model-based SOH estimation method clearly explains processes in the battery with the help of multidifferential equations. The machine learning method is based on creating a program trained to predict the battery’s state of health with the help of past ageing data. In this review paper, we analyze the research available in the literature in this direction. It is found that all methods used to assess the SOH of an LIB play an essential role, and each method has its pros and cons.
Phase Field Modeling of Multiple Fracture Growth in Natural Fractured Reservoirs
Authors: He QiangSheng , Liu Chuang
Published: March 2023

In recent years, hydraulic fracturing techniques have been widely used in extracting unconventional reservoir resources. During multicluster fracturing process, the stress shadowing effect can lead to a nonuniform distribution of fracturing fluid. In this paper, a two-dimensional multiple fracture propagation model is developed based on phase field method considering the distribution of fracturing fluid within each fracture during fracturing process. The distribution of fracturing fluid injected into each fracture is calculated through solving governing equations of perforation friction as well as wellbore friction. Numerical results demonstrate that the natural fractures in the reservoir have a significant influence on the distribution of injected fluid and the morphology of fracture network. In addition, higher injection rates and higher fluid viscosity stimulations are in favor of inducing uniform distribution of injected fluid into each cluster. The presented numerical model provides an effective tool to extend our understandings in generating fracture networks.
Effect of Metformin on the Prognosis of Gastric Cancer Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-Analysis Based on Retrospective Cohort Studies
Authors: Li Lingna , Huang Jianing , Huang Tongmin , Yao Jie , Zhang Yeyuan , Chen Meiling , Shentu Haojie , Lou Haiying
Published: March 2023

Background. Metformin is one of the most common drugs for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treatment. In addition, metformin intends to have a positive effect on the prognosis of several cancers. However, the therapeutic effect of metformin on gastric cancer (GC) remains controversial. This study explores and updates the therapeutic effect of metformin in GC patients with T2DM. Methods. We searched through PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for relevant articles by July 2022. The relationship between metformin therapy and the prognosis of GC patients with T2DM was evaluated based on the hazard ratio (HR) at a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and progression-free survival (PFS) were the primary outcomes analyzed. Results. Seven retrospective cohort studies with a combined 2,858 patients met the inclusion criteria. OS and CSS were reported in six studies, and PFS was reported in four studies. Pooled results showed that, compared to the nonmetformin group, the prolonged OS (HR = 0.72, p = 0.001), CSS (HR = 0.81, p = 0.001), and PFS (HR = 0.70, p = 0.008) of the experimental group may be associated with the exposure to metformin. Conclusion. Metformin may have a beneficial effect on the prognosis of GC patients with T2DM.
Perspectives of Indonesian Caregivers and Health Practitioners on Community-Based Mental Health Services
Authors: Kusumawaty Ira , Yunike  , Upoyo Arif Setyo
Published: March 2023

The establishment of integrated mental health services (IMHS) can downgrade a substantial gap in mental health psychotherapy. Although the hurdles of IMHS implementation are well-known, barely any research has been conducted on the viewpoint of satisfaction and expectations of caregivers for people with mental diseases (CPWMDs) towards IMHS. Identifying and analyzing the perspective of CPWMD as an IMHS service user is crucial for closing the gap and achieving community mental health optimization. Purpose. This study intends to investigate the perspective of Indonesian caregivers and health practitioners on community-based mental health services. Method. The study was conducted in four IMHS with twenty-three CPWMD, and families who have a relative with a mental disorder assisted them in using IMHS. Through in-depth interviews with caregivers, this study collected qualitative data. Triangulation of sources and techniques is to ensure reliability by undertaking focus group discussions (FGDs) with eight health workers and eight health cadres. The results of data collection were transcribed and then analyzed thematically. During the analysis procedure, repeating the data recording process aims to obtain complete information. Results. The CPWMDs were satisfied since their assistance supported them in overcoming mental health issues in the family. Even though pharmaceuticals and psychotherapy are available at no cost, they consider that psychological procedures are necessary but receive less attention. Significant challenges that impede access to IMHS include the restricted availability of health workers for patient follow-up, the frequent depletion of medication supplies, the absence of a private space for consultations, and stigma. Conclusion. The IMHS are accessible to the community and positively affects the patient’s mental health. A psychotherapy supply management system, a confidential consultation space, and an online self-help group be developed. Additional training among health workers and health cadres in psychoeducation is significantly critical to diminish the stigma.
Parameter Optimization of Constant Pressure Grouting Technology for Borehole Sealing with Inorganic Noncondensable Material in Tectonic Coalbed of South China
Authors: Pengtao Zhao , Haiqiao Wang , Long Wang , Xinlei Wang , Hongyu Ma
Published: March 2023

To solve the problem of a rapid attenuation of gas concentration along with drainage borehole collapse in the tectonic coalbeds of South China, a constant pressure grouting technology with inorganic, noncondensable material was proposed. Firstly, the slurry fluidity, water separation rate, and sealing performance of the inorganic sealing materials were tested under different water-cement ratios. The seepage model of slurry in a layer-through borehole was built with COMSOL Multiphysics simulation software, to explore the scopes of loose circles around drainage roadway and borehole, and to analyze the seepage capacity of the slurry under different grouting pressures. Eventually, the sealing performance of the slurry was investigated in the field. The results showed that the inorganic, noncondensable material with the water-cement ratio of 5 : 1 has a strong fluidity, low water retention, high permeability, and good sealing performance. After the excavations of No.2164 drainage roadway and layer-through borehole, there are obvious stress concentrations both at the shoulder corners of the roadway and at the borehole bottom, and the scope of the loose circle around the roadway is about 6.2 m. The effective seepage radius of the inorganic slurry gradually increases with a rising grouting pressure, and the slurry seepage range in the sandstone section is broader than that in the mudstone section. Adopting the constant pressure grouting technology with the slurry, the average drainage concentration of boreholes in Puxi coal mine is 51.5%, and the average gas flow rate is 0.005 m3/min, which are 1.35 times and 1.67 times than those with the cement grouting method.
The Role of Ubiquitin-Proteasome System in the Pathogenesis of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 Disease
Authors: Seyoum Tola Fikadu
Published: March 2023

Different protein degradation pathways exist in cells. However, the bulk of cellular proteins are degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), which is one of these pathways. The upkeep of cellular protein homeostasis is facilitated by the ubiquitin-proteasome system, which has a variety of important functions. With the emergence of eukaryotic organisms, the relationship between ubiquitylation and proteolysis by the proteasome became apparent. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-Coronavirus-2) hijacks the ubiquitin-proteasome system and causes their viral proteins to become ubiquitinated, facilitating assembly and budding. Ubiquitination of the enzyme keratin-38 (E-K38) residue gave the virion the ability to engage with at least one putative cellular receptor, T-cell immunoglobin-mucin (TIM-1), boosting virus entry, reproduction, and pathogenesis. A fraction of infectious viral particles produced during replication have been ubiquitinated. The ubiquitin system promotes viral replication. In order to replicate their viral genome after entering the host cell, viruses combine the resources of the host cell with recently generated viral proteins. Additionally, viruses have the ability to encode deubiquitinating (DUB)-active proteins that can boost viral replication through both direct and indirect means. The SARS-Coronavirus-2 papain-like protease (PLpro) protein is a DUB enzyme that is necessary for breaking down viral polyproteins to create a working replicase complex and promote viral propagation. The ubiquitin-like molecule interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15), which is likewise a regulator of the innate immune response and has antiviral characteristics, can also be broken down by this enzyme. However, limiting the E1-activating enzyme’s ability to suppress the ubiquitination pathway prevented virus infection but did not prevent viral RNA genome translation. Numerous investigations have revealed that the use of proteasome inhibitors has a detrimental effect on the replication of SARS-Coronavirus-2 and other viruses in the host cell. Studies have shown that the use of proteasome inhibitors is also known to deplete free cellular ubiquitin, which may have an impact on viral replication and other vital cellular functions.