bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of an oral formulation of decitabine and tetrahydrouridine
Authors: Lau Henry , Woost Philip G. , Friedrich Ute , Clausen Wan Hui Ong , Jacobberger James W. , Saunthararajah Yogen
Published: July 2023

Background

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is caused by an inherited structural abnormality of adult hemoglobin causing polymerization. Fetal hemoglobin interferes with polymerization but is epigenetically silenced by DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) in adult erythropoiesis. Decitabine depletes DNMT1 and increases fetal and total hemoglobin in SCD patients, but is rapidly catabolized by cytidine deaminase (CDA) in vivo. Tetrahydrouridine (THU) inhibits CDA, safeguarding decitabine.

Methods

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of three oral combination formulations of THU and decitabine, with different coatings producing different delays in decitabine release, were investigated in healthy participants.

Results

Tetrahydrouridine and decitabine were rapidly absorbed into the systemic circulation after a single combination oral dose, with relative bioavailability of decitabine ≥74% in fasted males compared with separate oral administration of THU followed by decitabine 1 h later. THU and decitabine Cmax and area under the plasma concentration versus time curve were higher in females versus males, and fasted versus fed states. Despite sex and food effect on pharmacokinetics, the pharmacodynamic effect of DNMT1 downregulation was comparable in males and females and fasted and fed states. Treatments were well tolerated.

Conclusion

Combination oral formulations of THU with decitabine produced pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics suitable for oral DNMT1‐targeted therapy.
Extensive evaluation of DNA methylation of functional elements in the murine Fkbp5 locus using high‐accuracy DNA methylation measurement via targeted bisulfite sequencing
Authors: Yusupov Natan , van Doeselaar Lotte , Röh Simone , Wiechmann Tobias , Ködel Maik , Sauer Susann , Rex‐Haffner Monika , Schmidt Mathias V. , Binder Elisabeth B.
Published: July 2023

FKBP5 is an important stress‐regulatory gene implicated in stress‐related psychiatric diseases. Single nucleotide polymorphisms of the FKBP5 gene were shown to interact with early life stress to alter the glucocorticoid‐related stress response and moderate disease risk. Demethylation of cytosine‐phosphate‐guanine‐dinucleotides (CpGs) in regulatory glucocorticoid‐responsive elements was suggested to be the mediating epigenetic mechanism for long‐term stress effects, but studies on Fkbp5 DNA methylation (DNAm) in rodents are so far limited. We evaluated the applicability of high‐accuracy DNA methylation measurement via targeted bisulfite sequencing (HAM‐TBS), a next‐generation sequencing‐based technology, to allow a more in‐depth characterisation of the DNA methylation of the murine Fkbp5 locus in three different tissues (blood, frontal cortex and hippocampus). In this study, we not only increased the number of evaluated sites in previously described regulatory regions (in introns 1 and 5), but also extended the evaluation to novel, possibly relevant regulatory regions of the gene (in intron 8, the transcriptional start site, the proximal enhancer and CTCF‐binding sites within the 5'UTR). We here describe the assessment of HAM‐TBS assays for a panel of 157 CpGs with possible functional relevance in the murine Fkbp5 gene. DNAm profiles were tissue‐specific, with lesser differences between the two brain regions than between the brain and blood. Moreover, we identified DNAm changes in the Fkbp5 locus after early life stress exposure in the frontal cortex and blood. Our findings indicate that HAM‐TBS is a valuable tool for broader exploration of the DNAm of the murine Fkbp5 locus and its involvement in the stress response.
Risk, resilience and family relationships among at‐risk Ethiopian immigrant youth in Israel: A focus group investigation
Authors: Walsh Sophie D. , Getahune Simcha , Kogan Steven M.
Published: July 2023

Despite the pivotal role that parents play in their adolescent children's lives, intervention programs aimed at at‐risk, immigrant youth have often neglected the role of the parents. Informed by an ecological perspective, the current study explored how the intersecting experiences of parents and adolescents in the Ethiopian immigrant community in Israel inform adolescent risk and resilience. A sample of 55 parents and adolescent children, who were involved in a program serving at‐risk families, and eight service providers participated in five focus groups. Grounded theory analyses of transcripts provided insights into family processes in which the experience of disenfranchisement of parents (due to societal and familial processes) transacts with feelings of isolation and withdrawal of their adolescent children. We documented five issues that reinforced this core pattern: Stigma and discrimination, cultural and language differences between parents and youth, disempowerment in interactions with authorities, parental role strain, and negative influence of the neighborhood. We also documented three resilience processes that counter this pattern (community cohesion, cultural socialization and ethnic and cultural pride, and vigilant parental monitoring). Results suggest a need for family‐based intervention programs that can counter reinforcing cycles of disenfranchisement and build on families' resilience resources.
Fabrication and investigation of zinc oxide nanorods doped with molybdenum via ultrasonic spray pyrolysis
Authors: Çolak Hakan , Karaköse Ercan
Published: July 2023

Molybdenum ions with high valence states (Mo6+) can contribute to electrical conductivity and optical transmittance. For this reason, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods doped with molybdenum metal were fabricated on a glass substrate by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method. The doping concentrations were between 0–10 mol%. The crystallographic properties of the resulting ZnO samples were examined by the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) technique. According to the XRD analysis, it was found that the lattice structure of the samples belonged to the hexagonal (wurtzite) unit cell. The XRD results indicated that the crystals grow in the c‐axis (002) direction. The morphological features of the obtained thin films were studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy results displayed that the Mo ions were in the ZnO lattice. Four point probe method was used to determine the electrical conductivity properties of the samples. The 10% mol doped sample has the highest conductivity with values of between 1.58 × 10−9 and 1.58 × 10−6 (ohm‐cm)−1. The optical transmittances of the samples were measured at wavelengths between 300 and 1000 nm. It was observed that the produced films had high optical transparency which was approximately 85%.
Changes in insulin resistance, body mass index and degree of obesity among junior high school students: A comparison before and after the outbreak of the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Suganuma Yuka , Takahashi Hiroshi , Sano Hironari , Hayashi Yuusaku , Nishimura Rimei
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to investigate how the COVID‐19 pandemic since 2020 has affected the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), body mass index (BMI) and degree of obesity among Japanese children. HOMA‐IR, BMI and degree of obesity were calculated for 378 children 14–15 years old (boys/girls, 208/170) who underwent checkups during 2015–2021. Changes in these parameters over time and correlations between parameters were assessed, and the proportions of participants with IR (HOMA‐IR ≥2.5) were compared. HOMA‐IR values increased significantly over the study period (p < 0.001), with a significantly large proportion of participants with IR in 2020–2021 (p < 0.001). Conversely, BMI and degree of obesity did not change significantly. HOMA‐IR did not correlate with BMI or degree of obesity during 2020–2021. In conclusion, the COVID‐19 pandemic may have had an impact on the increase in the proportion of children with IR, regardless of BMI or degree of obesity.
Joint dynamic pricing and marketing‐mix strategies for revenue management applications with stochastic demand
Authors: Schlosser Rainer , Chenavaz Régis Y.
Published: July 2023

To attract potential customers and to effectively sell their inventories over time, retailers often invest in different marketing levers and apply dynamic pricing strategies. However, composing a profitable marketing mix in dynamic settings is challenging. The high problem complexity increases further if one seeks to account for stochastic and inventory‐dependent demand, which is essential for various practical applications. In this paper, we examine such stochastic dynamic pricing and marketing models under a finite as well as an infinite time horizon. We assume that marketing dimensions, such as information advertising, design quality, and the like, are substitutes only if they are all positive; otherwise, the demand vanishes. For a reasonably general demand formulation with asymmetric multidimensions marketing, we show how to transform the multidimensional optimal control problem into a two‐dimensional one, simplifying the analytical complexity. Further, for well‐established cases with isoelastic and exponential demand, we present optimal closed‐form solutions allowing detailed sensitivity analyses. Using numerical examples, we illustrate and analyze how optimally controlled sales processes are influenced by different model parameters and infer managerial insights. Our results provide general qualitative and quantitative insights into the complex interplay of marketing‐mix controls over time.
K0.5Na0.5NbO3 ceramics fabricated by combining cold sintering with annealing in air atmosphere or low pO2 atmosphere
Authors: Lan Jia‐jun , Chen Xiao‐ming , Liu Mei‐dan , Liu Li‐na , Lian Han‐li
Published: July 2023

Dense K0.5Na0.5NbO3 lead‐free ceramics were successfully fabricated by combining cold sintering process (CSP) with annealing in air atmosphere or low pO2 atmosphere. Acetic acid was used as transition liquid. By optimizing the liquid content and pressure during CSP, the CSP samples with relative densities 74.2% were obtained with adding 15 wt% acetic acid under 800 MPa. The CSP samples were then annealed in air atmosphere between 1000 and 1100°C. The ceramics annealed at 1050°C exhibit excellent electrical properties with piezoelectric constant d33 = 125 pC/N, dielectric constant εr = 509, dielectric loss tan δ = 0.04, and remanent polarization Pr = 38.17 μC/cm2. Additionally, the mixture of K0.5Na0.5NbO3 and base metal Ni powders was also cold‐sintered and then annealed in the low pO2 atmospheres in order to detect whether Ni was oxidized or not. The optimized low pO2 atmospheres to protect the Ni from oxidation are pO2 = 10−10 atm followed by reoxidizing in pO2 = 10−6 atm. The K0.5Na0.5NbO3 fabricated by CSP with annealing in the optimized low pO2 atmospheres exhibits comparable electrical properties of the ceramics annealed in air atmosphere, providing an optional approach for using base metals as electrodes.
Increased mucosal eosinophils in colonic diverticulosis and diverticular disease
Authors: Cameron Raquel , Walker Marjorie M. , Jones Michael , Eslick Guy D. , Keely Simon , Pockney Peter , Cosentino Carolina C. , Talley Nicholas J.
Published: July 2023

Aims

Eosinophils contribute to tissue homeostasis, damage, and repair. The mucosa of colonic diverticula has not been evaluated for eosinophils by quantitative histology. We aimed to investigate whether mucosal eosinophils and other immune cells are increased in colonic diverticula.

Methods

Hematoxylin and eosin stained sections from colonic surgical resections (n = 82) containing diverticula were examined. Eosinophils, neutrophils, and lymphocytes, in five high power fields in the lamina propria were counted at the base, neck, and ostia of the diverticulum and counts compared to non‐diverticula mucosa. The cohort was further subgrouped by elective and emergency surgical indications.

Results

Following an initial review of 10 surgical resections from patients with diverticulosis, a total of 82 patients with colonic resections containing diverticula from the descending colon were evaluated (median age 71.5, 42 M/40F). Eosinophil counts for the entire cohort were increased in the base and neck (median 99 and 42, both P = <0.001) compared with the control location (median 16). Eosinophil counts remained significantly increased in the diverticula base (both P = <0.001) and neck (P = 0.01 and <0.001, respectively) in both elective and emergency cases. Lymphocytes were also significantly increased at the diverticula base compared to controls in both elective and emergency subgroups.

Conclusion

Eosinophils are significantly and most strikingly increased within the diverticulum in resected colonic diverticula. While these observations are novel, the role of eosinophil and chronic inflammation is as yet unclear in the pathophysiology of colonic diverticulosis and diverticular disease.
A model for predicting poor survival in patients with cirrhosis undergoing portosystemic shunt embolization
Authors: Choi Won‐Mook , Yoo Seo Yeon , Chang Jong‐In , Han Seungbong , Kim Young Seok , Sinn Dong Hyun , Choi Sang Hyun , Gwon Dong Il , Lim Young‐Suk
Published: July 2023

Background and Aim

Portosystemic shunt embolization (PSSE) is a promising treatment for hepatic encephalopathy (HEP) and gastric varix (GV) in cirrhotic patients with a spontaneous portosystemic shunt. However, PSSE may worsen portal hypertension causing hepatorenal syndrome, liver failure, and mortality. This study aimed to develop and validate a prognostic model that helps identify patients with a risk of poor short‐term survival after PSSE.

Methods

We included 188 patients who underwent PSSE for recurrent HEP or GV at a tertiary center in Korea. To develop a prediction model for 6‐month survival after PSSE, Cox proportional‐hazard model was used. The developed model was validated in a separate cohort of 184 patients from two other tertiary centers.

Results

In multivariable analysis, the 1‐year overall survival after PSSE was significantly associated with baseline levels of serum albumin, total bilirubin, and international normalized ratio (INR). We therefore developed the albumin‐bilirubin‐INR (ABI) score by assigning 1 point each for albumin < 3.0 g/dL, total bilirubin ≥ 1.5 mg/dL, and INR ≥ 1.5. Time‐dependent areas under the curve of the ABI score for predicting 3‐month and 6‐month survival were 0.85 and 0.85 in the development cohort and 0.83 and 0.78 in the validation cohort, indicating good discrimination performance. The ABI score showed a better discrimination and calibration performance than the model for end‐stage liver disease and the Child–Pugh scores, especially in high‐risk patients.

Conclusions

The ABI score is a simple prognostic model that helps decide whether to proceed with PSSE for the prevention of HEP or GV bleeding in patients with spontaneous portosystemic shunt.
“How did you stay together so long?” Relationship longevity, a cross‐generational qualitative study
Authors: Heim Christian , Heim Caroline
Published: July 2023

This global qualitative study adopted a cross‐generational approach considering key factors contributing to relationship longevity. Relatively few studies consider factors leading to relationship longevity as articulated by couples themselves, and there is a paucity of research considering young couples' questions regarding relationship longevity. This study has two sample groups. In sample one (n = 137) we asked individuals in relationship of 3–15 years questions they would ask couples in marriages of 40+ years. We then asked our second sample of coupled individuals married 40+ years (n = 180) these questions. The primary question from the younger couples to couples in long‐term marriages regarded their “secret” to relationship longevity. This study focuses on this one question and coupled individuals' self‐articulation of their “secrets” to relationship longevity. The top seven were (1) commitment, (2) altruism, (3) shared values, (4) good communication, (5) compromise: give and take, (6) love, and (7) never give up. The clinical implications for couple therapists are discussed.
Missing the Impact in Impact Investing Research – A Systematic Review and Critical Reflection of the Literature
Authors: Schlütter Deike , Schätzlein Lena , Hahn Rüdiger , Waldner Carolin
Published: July 2023

Impact investing (II) aims to achieve intentional social impact in addition to financial return. Our systematic literature review of 104 articles finds that the growing academic literature on II is scattered across a variety of disciplines and topics, with inconsistencies in terminology and concepts and a paucity of theoretical explanations and frameworks. To provide an overview of common research areas and findings, we integrate the articles on II in nine emerging topics and shed light on inconsistencies in the literature. The analysis reveals one major shortcoming in II research: Despite the fact that II aims to create a measurable societal impact, this impact of II, its raison d’être, is not scrutinized in the literature. We argue that investigating the impact of II requires a holistic lens, for which we propose systems theory. We suggest prospective future research avenues which combine socio‐economic research approaches (esp. longitudinal qualitative studies and experimental methods) with socio‐technical methods (esp. life cycle analysis) to enable a holistic systems perspective of II.
Effect of masticatory movements on head and trunk sways, and sitting and foot pressure distributions during sitting position
Authors: Sakaguchi Kiwamu , Mehta Noshir R. , Maruyama Tomoaki , Correa Leopoldo P. , Yokoyama Atsuro
Published: July 2023

Background

The head plays an important role in the postural control. Chewing co‐activates jaw and neck muscles leading to coordinated jaw and head‐neck movements. Therefore, to examine effect of masticatory movements on head and trunk sways, and sitting and foot pressure distributions during mastication is helpful in the attempt to understand the interrelationship between stomatognathic function and posture control system in the sitting position.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis in healthy subjects that masticatory movements affect head and trunk sways and sitting and foot pressure distributions during sitting position.

Methods

A total of 30 healthy male subjects with an average age of 25.3  years (range, 22–32  years) were evaluated. The CONFORMat™ and MatScan™ system were used to analyse changes in sitting pressure distribution center of sitting pressure (COSP) and changes in foot pressure distribution center of foot pressure (COFP), respectively, and the three‐dimensional motion analysis system was used to analyse changes in head and trunk postures while subjects remained sitting position with rest position, centric occlusion and chewing. The total trajectory length of COSP/COFP, COSP/COFP area, and head and trunk sway values were compared between the three conditions to evaluate whether masticatory movement affected the stability of head and trunk sways and sitting and foot pressure distributions.

Results

Total trajectory length of COSP and COSP area during chewing were significantly shorter and smaller respectively than it was in rest position and centric occlusion (p  ⟨  .016). Head sway value during chewing was significantly larger than it was in rest position and centric occlusion (p  ⟨  .016).

Conclusion

Masticatory movements affect sitting pressure distribution and head movements during sitting position.
The fitness consequences of human‐wildlife interactions on foraging common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Sarasota Bay, Florida
Authors: DiMaggio Kylee M. , Acevedo Miguel A. , McHugh Katherine A. , Wilkinson Krystan A. , Allen Jason B. , Wells Randall S.
Published: July 2023

Human‐wildlife interactions (HI) are becoming more prevalent with increasing human population. These interactions could have important eco‐evolutionary consequences that become apparent only after observing populations for multiple generations. Here, we analyzed 28 years (1993–2020) of data from the world's longest‐running study of a wild dolphin population to assess the fitness consequences of HI on common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Sarasota Bay, Florida. We investigated how human‐related foraging activities such as depredation, begging, and patrolling mediate reproductive output and reproductive success of conditioned (HI) and unconditioned (non‐HI) females. The analysis of 84 females and their 286 calves born during 1993–2020 found a confluence of effects on individual fitness. Reproductive output of females engaging in moderate levels of human‐related foraging was 94% greater than that of non‐HI females. However, high frequencies of human‐related foraging had a negative effect on female reproductive success by increasing the risk of calf death up to nine times when compared to non‐HI females, resulting in 31% less calf survival. These findings provide evidence that human‐wildlife interactions have considerable potential to catalyze population‐level changes by altering individual fitness, and demonstrate the value of comprehensive, long‐term data to better understand the ecological and evolutionary implications of human‐wildlife conflict.
Radiographic and histopathological study of gastrointestinal dysmotility in lipopolysaccharide‐induced sepsis in the rat
Authors: Castro Marta , Valero Marta Sofía , López‐Tofiño Yolanda , López‐Gómez Laura , Girón Rocío , Martín‐Fontelles María Isabel , Uranga José A. , Abalo Raquel
Published: July 2023

Background

Sepsis is a highly incident condition in which a cascade of proinflammatory cytokines is involved. One of its most frequent consequences is ileus, which can increase mortality. Animal models such as that induced by systemic administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are useful to deeply evaluate this condition. The effects of sepsis on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract have been explored but, to our knowledge, in vivo studies showing the motor and histopathological consequences of endotoxemia in an integrated way are lacking. Our aim was to study in rats the effects of sepsis on GI motility, using radiographic methods, and to assess histological damage in several organs.

Methods

Male rats were intraperitoneally injected with saline or E. coli LPS at 0.1, 1, or 5 mg kg−1. Barium sulfate was intragastrically administered, and X‐rays were performed 0–24 h afterwards. Several organs were collected for organography, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry studies.

Key Results

All LPS doses caused gastroparesia, whereas changes in intestinal motility were dose‐and time‐dependent, with an initial phase of hypermotility followed by paralytic ileus. Lung, liver, stomach, ileum, and colon (but not spleen or kidneys) were damaged, and density of neutrophils and activated M2 macrophages and expression of cyclooxygenase 2 were increased in the colon 24 h after LPS 5 mg kg−1.

Conclusions and Inferences

Using radiographic, noninvasive methods for the first time, we show that systemic LPS causes dose‐, time‐, and organ‐dependent GI motor effects. Sepsis‐induced GI dysmotility is a complex condition whose management needs to take its time‐dependent changes into account.
Deep distant reading: The rise of realism in Scandinavian literature as a case study
Authors: Bjerring‐Hansen Jens , Wilkens Matthew
Published: July 2023

In this article we make a case for a synchronic and contextualizing perspective on the scaling of literary data, one which qualifies and expands the data points in terms of depth, or thickness, through the help of metadata on the social and historical conditions of the texts. Our case study is an investigation of the rise and impact of realism in a corpus of more than 800 Danish and Norwegian novels from 1870 to 1899 with three, interlocking critical and methodological aims. We use textual features to model realism in a large corpus of Danish‐language novels. We compare the features driving that model to the ones that were important to the historical and critical development of realism as a literary project. And we use the results of our model to study the interplay between realism and social history. Our findings suggest that realism was more prominent and more widely distributed in Danish‐language novels of the late nineteenth century than the critical tradition has usually acknowledged. Women appear to have written realist fiction not only at rates similar to men, but at times and with features that are difficult to distinguish from their male counterparts. The article relies on—and insists on further—dialogue between digital and analog approaches to the exploration of cultural data.
Hydrocarbon price spillover to banking performance in Eurozone
Authors: Samargandi Nahla
Published: July 2023

The current study investigates the impact of real oil price shocks on the Eurozone banking sector from February 2009 to February 2022, using the Structural Vector Autoregressive method to distinguish the reaction between Eurozone bank indices and three structural indicators in the oil market shocks. The shocks include global oil demand, supply shock, and specific oil market shocks. Our findings show that the banking sector in the Eurozone responds positively toward an oil‐specific demand shock (oil price) in the short run, but it responds negatively in the medium and long run that lasts for a long time. The banking sector, on the contrary, does not react to supply shocks, which provide a significant policy implication for regulators and policymakers.
Basophil responses in susceptible AKR mice upon infection with the intestinal helminth parasite Trichuris muris
Authors: Smita Shuchi , Webb Lauren M. , Mooney Bridget , Früh Simon P. , Oyesola Oyebola O. , Matheson Macy K. , Peng Seth A. , Wojno Elia D. Tait
Published: July 2023

Intestinal helminth infection promotes a Type 2 inflammatory response in resistant C57BL/6 mice that is essential for worm clearance. The study of inbred mouse strains has revealed factors that are critical for parasite resistance and delineated the role of Type 1 versus Type 2 immune responses in worm clearance. In C57BL/6 mice, basophils are key innate immune cells that promote Type 2 inflammation and are programmed via the Notch signalling pathway during infection with the helminth Trichuris muris. However, how the host genetic background influences basophil responses and basophil expression of Notch receptors remains unclear. Here we use genetically susceptible inbred AKR/J mice that have a Type 1‐skewed immune response during T. muris infection to investigate basophil responses in a susceptible host. Basophil population expansion occurred in AKR/J mice even in the absence of fulminant Type 2 inflammation during T. muris infection. However, basophils in AKR/J mice did not robustly upregulate expression of the Notch2 receptor in response to infection as occurred in C57BL/6 mice. Blockade of the Type 1 cytokine interferon‐γ in infected AKR/J mice was not sufficient to elicit infection‐induced basophil expression of the Notch2 receptor. These data suggest that the host genetic background, outside of the Type 1 skew, is important in regulating basophil responses during T. muris infection in susceptible AKR/J mice.
Severity of preterm birth and the risk of pulmonary hypertension in childhood: A population‐based cohort study in Sweden
Authors: Carr Hanna , Gunnerbeck Anna , Eisenlauer Peter , Johansson Stefan , Cnattingius Sven , Ludvigsson Jonas F. , Edstedt Bonamy Anna‐Karin
Published: July 2023

Background

Preterm birth (<37 completed gestational weeks) has been linked to pulmonary hypertension (PH), but the relationship to severity of preterm birth has not been studied.

Objectives

We investigated associations between extremely (<28 weeks), very (28–31 weeks), moderately (32–36 weeks) preterm birth, early‐term birth (37–38 weeks) and later PH. Additionally, we explored associations between birthweight for gestational age and PH.

Methods

This registry‐based cohort study followed 3.1 million individuals born in Sweden (1987–2016) from 1 up to a maximum of 30 years of age. The outcome was diagnosis or death from PH in national health registers. Adjusted hazard ratios (HR) were estimated using Cox regression analysis. Unadjusted and confounder‐adjusted incidence rate differences were also calculated.

Results

Of 3,142,812 individuals, there were 543 cases of PH (1.2 per 100,000 person‐years), 153 of which in individuals without malformations. Compared with individuals born at 39 weeks, adjusted HRs with 95% confidence interval (CI) for PH for extremely, moderately, and very preterm birth were 68.78 (95% CI 49.49, 95.57), 13.86 (95% CI 9.27, 20.72) and 3.42 (95% CI 2.46, 4.74), respectively, and for early‐term birth 1.74 (1.31, 2.32). HRs were higher in subjects without malformations. There were 90 additional cases of PH per 100,000 person‐years in the extremely preterm group (50 after excluding malformations). Very small for gestational age (below 2 SD from estimated birthweight for gestational age and sex) was also associated with increased risk of PH (adjusted HR 2.02, 95% CI 1.14, 3.57).

Conclusions

We found an inverse association between gestational age and later PH, but the incidence and absolute risks are low. The severity of preterm birth adds clinically relevant information to the assessment of cardiovascular risks in childhood.
The welfare implications of COVID‐19 for fragile and conflict‐affected regions
Authors: Tabakis Chrysostomos , Ten Gi Khan , Newhouse David , Pape Utz , Weber Michael
Published: July 2023

Understanding the ramifications of the COVID‐19 pandemic for households' welfare in regions subject to fragility, conflict, and violence (FCV) is important to inform programs and policies in this context. Harmonized data from high‐frequency phone surveys indicates that, at the onset of the pandemic, a higher fraction of respondents in FCV regions relative to non‐FCV ones faced adverse household income changes and reported to have stopped working since the outbreak of the crisis. On top of that, households in FCV regions were far less likely to have received government assistance than those in non‐FCV regions. These findings suggest that, at the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic, there was a widening of the preexisting economic gap between FCV and non‐FCV regions, raising the recovery bar for the former.
The Promise and Practice of Care in Prisoner Reentry1,2
Authors: Valdovinos Olson Maria
Published: July 2023

Although the provision of care is a core project of prisoner reentry, we know little about how care is conceived and practiced in this context. In particular, the period between pre‐release, discharge into community corrections, and eventual release into the community is a critical juncture for ensuring important continuity of care linkages that can bolster the potential for reentry success. Nevertheless, what care means and entails in this context remains undefined. Drawing on a nationally representative sample of reentry planning, discharge/release, and community corrections policies and procedures in 45 U.S. State Departments of Correction, I examine how care is conceptualized, structured, and deployed during this transitional phase. Findings illuminate important considerations in the development of correctional policy focused on reentry and raise theoretical concerns regarding the provision of care for non‐traditional and carceral care populations.
Assessment of nitrogen fertilization in cotton/soybean intercropping using the 15N isotope dilution method
Authors: Jing Bo , Shi Wenjuan , Liu Lu , Wang Ying
Published: July 2023

Intercropping of cotton and legume plants offers long‐term crop productivity while saving agricultural resources and improving soil health. However, the use of nitrogen (N) in cotton/legume intercropping systems requires further evaluation. In this study, three N fertilization rates (cotton/soybean: 160/20, 320/40 and 480/80 kg N ha−1) incorporating three root barrier systems (complete, semi and no root barrier between the crops) under cotton/soybean intercropping systems were conducted to assess interactions between N supply and N transfer, recovery and residue using the 15N isotope dilution method. The results show that cotton was a stronger competitor for N than soybean plants. The 320/40 kg N ha−1 treatment with no root barrier system inhibited the growth of soybean, while the growth, productivity and N uptake for cotton were maximized. The N fixation rate (%NDFA) in soybean and N transfer rate (%NTFS) from soybean to cotton decreased with the increasing N fertilizer application rate, whereas the intercropping system with no root barrier increased %NDFA and %NTFS. The higher N fertilization rate increased the N residue on the side of cotton, whereas the intercropping with no root barrier increased N utilization rate (%NUR) and reduced N residue rate (%NRR). The N transfer amount (NTA) was positively correlated with cotton yield, dry matter (DM) and N uptake, while NTA was negatively correlated with these indicators for soybean. Overall, cotton/soybean intercropping adapted to the 320/40 kg N ha−1 condition and intercropping with no root barrier system by balancing growth, changing N uptake and regulating N fixation transfer, mitigating the issue of N residue.
Expanding the scope of the infectious diseases pharmacist in HCT: Beyond antimicrobial stewardship
Authors: Weerdenburg Heather , Lindsay Julian
Published: July 2023

Background

Infectious disease (ID) pharmacists and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs are integral to the infection management of hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients demonstrating effective implementation of clinical pathways, de‐escalation of empirical antibiotics for febrile neutropenia (FN), allergy assessments, and use of rapid diagnostic testing. The HCT procedure is complex, dynamic, and a high risk for infectious complications. Therefore, there is an important role for an ID and AMS pharmacist to collaborate with the primary treating team, with ongoing care, involving the optimal individual patient prophylactic, pre‐emptive and treatment management of infections in this high‐risk population.

Conclusion

This review highlights key factors for consideration of ID/AMS Pharmacists in relation to HCT, including important aspects in the evaluation of infection risk prior to transplant, risk from donor sources, length of, and changes in immunosuppression, and potential drug‐drug interactions from other essential supportive care therapies.

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Mobile blood depots in ground ambulances in compliance with French legislation: A feasibility study
Authors: Daniel Yann , Derkenne Clément , Corcostegui Simon‐Pierre , Jost Daniel , Martinaud Christophe , Travers Stéphane , Lataillade Jean‐Jacques
Published: July 2023

Background

Prehospital transfusion is a way of improving the management of hemorrhagic shock. In France, prehospital transfusion is struggling to develop, both because of logistical difficulties and particularly restrictive legislation. To comply with this, we propose to store the blood products (BPs) in ground ambulances with refrigerated boxes allowing remote continuous monitoring of storage conditions, called “NelumBox” (Tec4med Lifescience GmbH). To open them, the ambulance's team needs a code that is only given by the Transfusion Center if the request meets all required regulatory criteria.

Study Design and Methods

We conducted a prospective simulation‐based feasibility study using dummy BPs. Two ambulances were equipped. Simulations were triggered unexpectedly, including during on‐call hours. The ability to quickly access the BPs was the main judgment criterion. The quality of hemovigilance during these simulations was also examined.

Results

Twenty‐two simulations were performed. The ambulance's team was able to access the BPs in 100% of cases. The average waiting time for receiving the unlocking code was 5 min 27 s (SD = 2 min 12 s, MAX = 12 min 00 s). The transfusion traceability was compliant with regulations in 100% of cases. The transfusion center was able to remotely monitor BPs storage conditions for the entire duration of their stockage in the NelumBox.

Discussion

The present procedure is efficient, repeatable, and fast. It guarantees a strict transfusion safety without slowdown a severe trauma management, while complying with French regulations.
Imagining the Lived Experience of Democracy in Peru
Authors: Gamarra Alonso
Published: July 2023

After more than six years of increasing political instability, in December 2022, Peru entered a period of turmoil marked by nation‐wide state violence. As people all over Peru contest the rise of Dina Boluarte's presidency and the country's history of neoliberal reforms, state authorities use unfounded accusations of terrorism to criminalize demonstrators and sustain militarized repression. This wave of violence—unmatched since the Internal Armed Conflict (1980‐2000)—has overwhelmingly affected Indigenous, rural, and racialized communities. In this essay, our editorial assistant, Alonso Gamarra, shares an intimate perspective of the current unrest in his home country.
Effect of dexmedetomidine added to retrobulbar blockade with lignocaine and bupivacaine in dogs undergoing enucleation surgery
Authors: Irving William , Annear Matthew , Whittaker Cameron , Caruso Kelly , Reynolds Benjamin , McCarthy Paul , Smith Jeff
Published: July 2023

Objective

To investigate the effect of the addition of dexmedetomidine (BLD) to retrobulbar blockade with combined lignocaine and bupivacaine on nociception.

Animals

A total of 17 eyes from 15 dogs.

Methods

Prospective, randomized, masked clinical comparison study. Dogs undergoing unilateral enucleation were randomly assigned into two groups; a retrobulbar administration of lignocaine and bupivacaine in a 1:2 volume ratio combined with either BLD or 0.9% saline (BLS). The total volume of the intraconal injection was calculated at 0.1 mL/cm cranial length. Intraoperative parameters were recorded: heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), end‐tidal CO2 (EtCO2) arterial blood pressure (BP), and inspired isoflurane concentration (ISOinsp). Pain scores, heart rate and RR were recorded postoperatively.

Results

Dogs receiving BLD (n = 8) had significantly lower intraoperative RR (p = 0.007), and significantly lower ISOinsp (p = 0.037) than dogs in the BLS group (n = 9). Postoperatively heart rate was significantly lower in the BLD group at 1 min (p = 0.025) and 1 h (p = 0.022). There were no other significant differences in intraoperative or postoperative parameters, or in postoperative pain scores (p = 0.354). Dogs receiving BLD had a higher rate of anesthetic events of bradycardia and hypertension (p = 0.027). Analgesic rescue was not needed in either group.

Conclusions

The addition of BLD to retrobulbar anesthesia did not result in a detectable difference in pain scores relative to blockade with lignocaine and bupivacaine alone. Dogs receiving retrobulbar BLD had a significantly lower intraoperative RR and isoflurane requirement and an increased incidence of intraoperative bradycardia and hypertension.
Caudal pole meniscectomy through an arthroscopic caudomedial portal in dogs: A cadaveric study
Authors: Keider Stefan , Schmierer Philipp A. , Pozzi Antonio
Published: July 2023

Objective

To describe a caudomedial instrumental portal for caudal pole meniscectomy (CPM).

Study design

Experimental ex‐vivo study.

Sample population

Ten cadaveric hindlimbs of 10 large breed dogs.

Methods

Each hindlimb was used for establishing the caudomedial portal for CPM. The surgical time was recorded. Specimens were disarticulated afterwards, and the completeness of CPM was documented. Iatrogenic injuries to the articular cartilage and the intra‐ and periarticular structures were assessed.

Results

The extent of the CPM (mean ± SD, percentage of the resected medial meniscus) was 29.8 ± 12.9% of the area of the medial meniscus. There were no injuries to the medial collateral ligament or caudal cruciate ligament. The mean iatrogenic articular cartilage injury (IACI) was 3.71 ± 1.78% of the area of the medial meniscus.

Conclusion

The establishment of a caudomedial portal for CPM in canine cadavers was feasible and allowed to perform a partial caudal pole meniscectomy.

Clinical significance

A caudomedial portal may be considered for CPM in selected cases when caudal tears cannot be accessed through the standard portals.
Cyber Physical Production Systems for Deep Drawing
Authors: Jung Robert O. , Bleicher Friedrich , Krall Stephan , Juricek Christian , Lottes Rainer , Steinschütz Karoline , Reininger Thomas
Published: July 2023

Deep Drawing is an essential manufacturing technology for car body parts. High process stability is a key to reducing scrap and therefore the ecological footprint during production. To deal with an unknown fluctuation of the incoming material properties and uncertainties considering the friction, an adaptive process needs to be implemented. Various approaches have been pursued in the past, but not all of them are suited for industrial series production with high demands for equipment durability, cost efficiency, and flexibility. For this reason, a new concept for cyber-physical production systems (CPPS) in deep drawing is presented, linking the data from the simulation, tool, press, material, and finished part quality. Two common application scenarios are distinguished. First, these are large outer parts with a complex geometry and high value, typically produced with tandem presses. Second, smaller structural parts from high-strength steel for the body in white (BIW) are usually produced through a transfer or progressive die. Non-destructive material testing, supplier material certificates, and data measured directly in the forming tool are considered regarding the input. The servo curve and blank holder force (BHF) operate as control instances. Within the two application scenarios, a reactive and a preventive solution are characterized. As a first step toward the implementation of the CPPS, material inflow, and force sensors are installed and tested in an industrially relevant deep drawing tool.
Shimmy Suppression of an Aircraft Nose Landing Gear Using Torsional Nonlinear Energy Sink
Authors: Wang Yong , Zhang Tao , Jin Xianyu , Yin Yin
Published: July 2023

Shimmy motion may occur for an aircraft nose landing gear (NLG) during its takeoff, landing, and taxiing procedure, which is an undesirable motion and should be suppressed. Here, a novel torsional nonlinear energy sink (NES) based on the cam-roller mechanism is proposed and applied in the NLG to improve its shimmy performance. The torsional NES is connected with the upper and lower struts of the NLG and its mechanical characteristic is studied. A seven-dimensional dynamic model of the NLG coupled with NES is built, which considers the NLG torsional and lateral motions, and the nonlinear tire model. The numerical continuation method is applied to analyze its shimmy performance, the stable area and limit cycle oscillation (LCO) amplitude are acquired, further compared with those of the original NLG without using the NES. The results show that as the NES is used in the NLG, the torsional shimmy dominated unstable area reduces significantly and the lateral shimmy dominated unstable area decreases slightly, which results in the increase of the stable area of the NLG; the maximum LCO amplitudes for the NLG torsional and lateral shimmy become smaller, the forward speed ranges as the torsional and lateral shimmy occur become narrower, which indicates that the stable forward speed ranges of the NLG become wider; the NLG shimmy performance improves as the NES has larger torsional inertia and damping, and smaller torsional linear stiffness. Thus, the NES can suppress the NLG shimmy motion and enhance its shimmy performance effectively.
From discoveries of 1990s measurements to acoustic simulations of three sceneries carried out inside the San Carlo Theatre of Naples
Authors: Bevilacqua Antonella , Iannace Gino
Published: July 2023

Many acoustic studies have been conducted in the San Carlo Theatre of Naples over the centuries. The discovery of valuable acoustic measurements from 1998 led the authors to photograph the architectural and acoustic conditions of the Theatre prior to restoration works in 2008. As the first opera house built in Europe, the San Carlo Theatre has always offered a rich artistic programme, making this historic building synonymous with classical music in Naples. From the great variety of operas, three specific sceneries have been selected to analyse the acoustic response based on different geometries and materials located on stage. Acoustic simulations have been performed based on site measurements, starting from a digital model that reproduces the geometry and absorbing coefficients of the materials existing in the Theatre. Using the recorded impulse response, the monoaural and binaural acoustic parameters have been obtained from the acoustic simulations and thereafter compared among the Elektra, Traviata, and La clemenza di Tito sceneries. The results in terms of reverberation highlight that La clemenza di Tito absorbs the high frequencies better than the other two sceneries. Under a clarity perspective, all the sceneries have values above the optimal range limit set for opera houses, although it is typical of other opera theatres built in the same period. A detailed historical background on the architectural changes of the San Carlo Theatre over the centuries is also given to understand the digital reconstruction that modelled the acoustic behaviour of this prominent cultural heritage building.
Running-Related Achilles Tendon Injury: A Prospective Biomechanical Study in Recreational Runners
Authors: Skypala Jiri , Hamill Joseph , Sebera Michal , Elavsky Steriani , Monte Andrea , Jandacka Daniel
Published: July 2023

There are relatively few running studies that have attempted to prospectively identify biomechanical risk factors associated with Achilles tendon (AT) injuries. Therefore, the aim was to prospectively determine potential running biomechanical risk factors associated with the development of AT injuries in recreational, healthy runners. At study entry, 108 participants completed a set of questionnaires. They underwent an analysis of their running biomechanics at self-selected running speed. The incidence of AT running-related injuries (RRI) was assessed after 1-year using a weekly questionnaire standardized for RRI. Potential biomechanical risk factors for the development of AT RRI injury were identified using multivariable logistic regression. Of the 103 participants, 25% of the sample (15 males and 11 females) reported an AT RRI on the right lower limb during the 1-year evaluation period. A more flexed knee at initial contact (odds ratio = 1.146, P = .034) and at the midstance phase (odds ratio = 1.143, P = .037) were significant predictors for developing AT RRI. The results suggested that a 1-degree increase in knee flexion at initial contact and midstance was associated with a 15% increase in the risk of an AT RRI, thus causing a limitation of training or a stoppage of running in runners.