bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of sustainable mass-rearing of locusts for food and feed in South Africa
Authors: Mphephu T.E.
Published: November 2023

Like any other edible insects, locusts are an alternative source of protein that could supplement livestock and human foods. This study selected indigenous locust species with a high reproductive and rapid growth rate to determine the most favourable feeding plant species for locust mass-rearing. A suite of seven locust species, Acanthacris ruficornis (Fabricius, 1787), Cantantops melanostictus (Schaum, 1870) Locusta migratoria (Linnaeus, 1758), Petamella prosternalis (Karny, 1907), Chortoicetes terminifera (Walker, 1870), Cataloipus zulvensis (Sjöstedt, 1929) and Ornithacris cyanea (Uvarov, 1924) (Orthoptera: Acrididae) were collected from tribal orchards in Lufule, Tshikweta and Belleview villages in Limpopo province, South Africa and reared on the crop feeding plant species. The feeding, reproductive output (nymph production), adult longevity, and mortality of the suite of the locust species were determined on Zea mays L. (Poaceae), Phaseolus vulgaris L. (Fabaceae) and Panicum maximum jacq. (Poaceae) under the control, choice-one, choice-two, and choice-three tests. Choice-one and -two tests had three and two feeding plants, respectively. Whilst both the control and choice-three tests had a single-feeding plant species. I found that locust feeding, reproductive output, adult longevity, and mortality depended on the plant species, and this was more significant for the control, and choice-one compared to the choice-two and choice-three tests. Both the nymphs and adults of the locusts fed significantly more on P. vulgaris and Z. mays, respectively. Locust colonies exposed to P. maximum in the choice-three test reproduced and survived lesser significantly than all the tests. Results suggest that the combination of P. vulgaris and Z. mays or P. vulgaris alone can be used to mass-rear the suite of the locust species, particularly C. melanostictus, A. ruficornis and C. terminifera. Presented here are the most sustainable locust-rearing methods using crop plant species with rapid propagation responses. These results could be implemented as either extensive-or small-scale rearing for research or commercial purposes in South Africa and elsewhere.
Artificial diet for Samia ricini: key considerations and formulation strategies – a review
Authors: Brahma D. , Kashyap R.R. , Mwchahary H. , Narzary F.
Published: November 2023

This review paper critically examines the components, limitations, and future prospects of artificial diets, and their impact on the rearing performance of Eri silkworm Samia ricini. In conventional rearing practices, the demand for a consistent supply of fresh leaves, particularly from the primary food plant, Ricinus communis (castor), poses significant challenges due to leaf quality variations and scarcity. This predicament sometimes renders the rearing process uncertain and time-consuming. The review emphasizes the pivotal role of artificial diets, particularly those comprising Ricinus communis (castor), soybean, agar agar, preservatives, gelling agents, carbohydrates, sterols, inositol, salt mixtures, citric acid, ascorbic acid, and water, in addressing these challenges. These carefully formulated diets have demonstrated their ability to provide a stable and uniform source of nutrition, significantly impacting key parameters such as hatchability, larval and pupal durations, and shell ratio in comparison to traditional leaf-based diets. Furthermore, the study highlights the potentiality of various artificial diet compositions that can serve as viable alternatives for Samia ricini rearers. By embracing these innovative nutritional approaches, rearers can not only enhance their livelihoods but also contribute to increased silk production. Through an extensive analysis of experiments and studies, this review underscores the importance of thoughtful diet selection in achieving successful rearing of Samia ricini, paving the way for sustainable and efficient sericulture practices.
Tissue distribution of minerals and antinutrients of Clanis bilineata tsingtauica Mell larvae based on different methods of consumption
Authors: Zhu C.-X. , Jing L.-Q. , Zhao M. , Lu M.-X. , Du Y.-Z.
Published: November 2023

Mineral deficiencies result in a variety of health issues in humans, and alternative sources of minerals are greatly needed to address this problem. Clanis bilineata tsingtauica larvae are nutrient-rich and are prepared using several different cooking methods in China. In this study, the concentrations of ten different mineral elements were determined in the larvae of C. bilineata tsingtauica. The guts of larvae that had wriggled in soil contained abundant macro- and micronutrients at 4,800 and 271.68 mg/kg, respectively. Larvae that wriggled in soil contained high levels of phytic acid (1707.07 μg/g) and had the lowest mineral bioavailability. Expression studies indicated that genes related to phytic acid highly expressed in the hemolymph of larvae that had not wriggled in soil. This study shows that C. bilineata tsingtauica larvae are vital sources of minerals and that long-established dietary habits have a scientific basis, thus providing insight into the use of this alternative food source to improve human health.
Lethal and sublethal effects of chronic exposure to insecticide residues on reared Alphitobius diaperinus
Authors: Meijer N. , Bosch M.W. , de Rijk T. , Zomer P. , van der Fels-Klerx H.J. , van Loon J.J.A.
Published: November 2023

Edible insects such as lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus) are a promising new protein source for food and feed. The feed substrate on which these insects are reared may be contaminated with residues of insecticides originating from agricultural products that may impact insect performance. In this study, two generations of A. diaperinus were chronically exposed to spinosad (2.0 and 0.2 mg/kg) and imidacloprid (0.1 and 0.01 mg/kg) in the substrate. The aim was to determine sublethal effects on performance measures (total biomass (yield), mean individual weight, number of alive individuals) of larvae, pupae, and adult beetles, as well as pupation and eclosion. Exposure to spinosad at 2.0 mg/kg resulted in significant adverse effects on most performance measures of larvae, of both generations. Imidacloprid caused a reduction in yield and mean individual weight of the larvae as compared to the control at 0.1 mg/kg, while an increase in those measures was observed at 0.01 mg/kg. Significant adverse effects on adult beetles were only observed for imidacloprid at 0.1 mg/kg, and no significant effects of this insecticide on pupation and eclosion were observed. The concentrations of tested substances in larval samples were negligible for both generations, however, transfer from substrate to larval biomass was higher in the offspring generation relative to the parent generation. More research is needed to fully assess the hazard of insecticide residues to cause sublethal effects on A. diaperinus, for which method development for more cost-efficient designs is required.
Effects of dietary Periplaneta americana water extract on growth, chemical composition, muscle antioxidant status, and meat quality of Nile tilapia
Authors: Yang H.C. , Li Y.C. , Wang G.J. , Xie J. , Yu E.M.
Published: November 2023

This study investigated the effects of dietary Periplaneta americana water extract (PAWE) supplementation (0, 1, 2, and 4 g/kg) on the chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and meat quality in Nile tilapia. The results showed that the extract improved weight gaining rated of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Meanwhile, dietary PAWE decreased lactate content, glycolytic potential, centrifugal water loss, and cooking loss, and enhanced muscle pH, protein content, total sulfhydryl content and meat color in Nile tilapia muscle. Dietary PAWE also improved the total antioxidant capability with enhanced superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities and lowered contents of reactive oxygen species, and lipid and protein oxidation products (i.e. thiobarbituric acid reactive species and protein carbonylation). Moreover, dietary PAWE enhanced the contents of flavor amino acids, total amino acids, adenosine monophosphate, and 5′-inosine monophosphate with enhanced the taste indicators (umami, richness and sweetness). In addition, PAWE supplementation improved myofiber growth and muscle protein deposition likely by activating of the IGFs/PI3K/Akt/TOR/S6K1/4E-BP1 pathway, contributing to the enhanced growth performance of Nile tilapia. The optimal dietary PAWE requirement for maximum growth and muscle protein was approximately 3 g/kg. Together, PAWE is a promising natural food additive that enhances muscle quality and nutritional value of Nile tilapia.
A taxonomic review of the genus Ashibusa Matsumura, 1931 (Lepidoptera: Cosmopterigidae) from China
Authors: ZHANG DI , LI HOUHUN
Published: November 2023

The genus Ashibusa Matsumura, 1931 is reviewed from China. Eight new species are described: A. apicodonta Li, sp. nov., A. biniprocessa Li, sp. nov., A. dilatirotunda Li, sp. nov., A. improjecta Li, sp. nov., A. ledongensis Li, sp. nov., A. longispina Li, sp. nov., A. similativalvula Li, sp. nov. and A. subfalcativalva Li, sp. nov. The females of A. flavalba Zhang & Li, 2009 and A. lativalvula Zhang & Li, 2009 are described for the first time. Images of adults and genitalia are provided for the new species and for the newly described female genitalia. A key to all the species and a map showing the distribution of these species are provided.
Record of the Amarsipa fish (Family Amarsipidae) from Pratas Island, South China Sea
Authors: HO HSUAN-CHING , SU YO , LIN CHIEN-HSIANG , CHU TAH-WEI
Published: November 2023

Two specimens of the rare Amarsipa fish, Amarsipus carlsbergi, were collected from Pratas Island in the northern South China Sea. They represent the first record of Taiwanese EEZ and fill the distribution gap in the northwestern Pacific Ocean between Japan (East China Sea) and Vietnam. The two specimens were identified based on their diagnostic characteristics, including no pharyngeal sacs, a pelvic fin well in front of the pectoral fin, a slender body and other morphology. Detailed data and descriptions of these two specimens, including a description of otolith morphology, are provided.
Enhancing the Water Oxidation Performance of Bulk Al1.2CrFe2Ni2 High Entropy Alloy Through Deep Cryogenic Treatment
Authors: Zhang Xue-cai
Published: November 2023

Owing to the distinctive physical and chemical characteristics of high entropy alloys (HEAs), their application in electrocatalysis has become a possibility. However, selecting appropriate means to improve the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance of bulk HEAs remains an urgent
problem. In this study, we obtained an OER electrocatalyst containing FCC + BCC phase bulk HEAs with high catalytic activity through simple vacuum melting and deep cryogenic treatment. After 36 hours of treatment, the overpotential of Al1.2CrFe2Ni2 HER is 278.8
mV at 10 mA cm−2 for OER with a small Tafel slope of 53.45 mV dec−1. The catalyst can be continuously electrolyzed in 1 M KOH for over 50 hours. This work confirms the potential of deep cryogenic treatment to improve the performance of bulk HEA catalysts for
OER.
Identifying Meteorological Drivers for Errors in Modeled Winds along the Northern California Coast
Authors: Liu Ye , Gaudet Brian , Krishnamurthy Raghavendra , Tai Sheng-Lun , Berg Larry K. , Bodini Nicola , Rybchuk Alex , Kumler Andrew
Published: November 2023

An accurate wind resource dataset is required for assessing the potential energy yield of floating offshore wind farms that are expected along the California outer continental shelf. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has developed and disseminated an updated wind resource dataset offshore of California, using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model, referred to as the CA20 dataset. As compared to buoy lidar measurements that have become available recently, the CA20 dataset showed significant positive biases for 100-m wind speeds along Northern California wind energy lease areas. To investigate the meteorological drivers for the model errors, we first consider two 1-yr simulations run with two different planetary boundary layer (PBL) parameterizations: the Mellor–Yamada–Nakanishi–Niino (MYNN) PBL scheme (the chosen configuration in the CA20 dataset) and the Yonsei University PBL scheme (which significantly reduces the bias in modeled winds). By comparing the 1-yr simulations to the concurrent lidar buoy observations, we find that errors are larger with the MYNN PBL scheme in warm seasons. We then dive deeper into the analysis by running simulations for short-term (3-day) case studies to evaluate the sensitivity of initial/boundary condition forcings on model results. By analyzing the short-term simulations, we find that during synoptic-scale northerly flows driven by the North Pacific high and inland thermal low, a coastal warm bias in the MYNN simulation is mainly responsible for the modeled wind speed bias by altering the boundary layer thermodynamics. The results of our analysis will help guide the creation of an updated version of the CA20 dataset.
Psychosocial hazards: An overview and industrial relations perspective
Authors: Quinlan Michael Garry
Published: November 2023

The past two decades witnessed rapidly growing interest in psychosocial hazards at work. The paper overviews the state of knowledge of psychosocial hazards, demonstrating they have long existed, are present in virtually all work settings but seem to becoming more prevalent due to changes in work and society over the past four decades. A number of models seeking to explain psychosocial hazards are critically examined. It is argued there a number of superior alternatives to the currently dominant model–the Job Demands Resources (JDR) model–and these models are more closely aligned to areas of interest to industrial relations. It argues that the combination of several models or a new model based on their strengths could provide both a better understanding of the underlying causes of psychosocial hazards and in turn inform more effective interventions. Drawing on the last point the final sections of the paper consider industry, NGO and union interventions to address psychosocial hazards and the evolving regulatory framework. The paper argues for historically informed industrial relations (IR) perspective using superior models to better understand and address psychosocial hazards.
Ergonomic risk assessment of working postures of nurses working in a medical faculty hospital with REBA and RULA methods
Authors: Ayvaz Özkan , Özyıldırım Bedia Ayhan , İşsever Halim , Öztan Gözde , Atak Muhammed , Özel Sevda
Published: November 2023

The aim of the study is to reach objective results about the ergonomic risks of nurses’ working postures not only by using questionnaires but also by using Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) methods, which are risk assessment methods used in engineering fields. This study is a cross-sectional study. First of all, 383 nurses were evaluated with a survey. 91.4% of the nurses were women and 6.5% were men. Average age (female: 38.20; male: 31.5), average weight (female: 65.60 kg; male: 81.50 kg), average height (female: 162.7 cm; male: 176.80 cm) and average body mass index (female: 24.80; male: 26) were calculated. In the hospital, which we grouped into in the hospital, which we divided into eight workstations, the REBA and RULA scores of the three nurses working at each workstation were calculated and the average REBA and RULA scores of the workstations were determined. The percentage of those who experienced musculoskeletal pain in the last 1 year at each workstation and the mean REBA–RULA scores were as follows; ward (92%; 6.92–5.69), operating room (98%; 10–7), emergency department (100%; 6.08–5.33), outpatient clinic (75%; 5.5–5.16), intensive care (94%; 6.21–5.57), administrative affairs (94%; 5–5), laboratory (95%; 5.80–5.2) and interventional procedure (92%; 6.4–5.4). In these stations, the highest scores were seen in the operating room. In the questionnaire, 92.46% of the nurses reported having complaints in at least one part of the musculoskeletal system in the last year. The hospital weighted mean score was REBA 6.86 and RULA 5.71. When REBA and RULA measurements were evaluated, it was determined that the risk in the departments where the nurses worked was generally at the medium risk level. REBA and RULA scores indicate that ergonomic changes and adjustments should be made. For this determination, the risks of working postures should be determined with quantitative methods.
Acute liver failure and aplastic crisis due to anorexia nervosa in an adolescent girl: a case report
Authors: Chen Leilei , Liu Zhifeng , Zheng Yucan
Published: November 2023

Anorexia nervosa (AN) has a high mortality rate due to the widespread organ dysfunction caused by the underlying severe malnutrition. Malnutrition-induced hepatitis is common among individuals with AN especially as body mass index decreases, while acute liver failure and aplastic crisis related to coagulation disease and encephalopathy rarely occur in AN patients. The supervised increase of caloric intake can quickly improve the elevated aminotransferases caused by starvation and aplastic crisis. This current case report describes a 12-year-old adolescent girl who was admitted with a 3-month history of weight loss. Within 3 months, she had lost 10 kg of weight. The girl was diagnosed with AN, acute liver failure, severe malnutrition with emaciation, electrolyte disorder, bradycardia and aplastic crisis. She was gradually supplemented with vitamins and enteral nutrition to avoid refeeding syndrome. After treatment, her liver function and haematopoietic function returned to normal. In conclusion, acute liver failure and aplastic crisis are rare but potentially life-threatening complications of AN, which could be improved by supervised feeding and timely rehydration. AN should be considered as the potential aetiology of acute liver failure and aplastic crisis.
Your Smiling Face is Impolite to Me: A Study of the Smiling Face Emoji in Chinese Computer-Mediated Communication
Authors: Yang Kun , Qian Shuang
Published: November 2023

This paper explores whether and in what situation the smiling face emoji will influence the interpretation of an utterance in a virtual context. The researchers drew examples from daily WeChat communication and posted them to participants in the experiment. Experimental studies found that the smiling face emoji decreases the politeness of an utterance but does not mitigate the illocutionary force of an impolite utterance. Further studies demonstrate that the interpretation is related to two features of WeChat: the interactant’s identity (age) and the situation of communication. For one thing, utterances with smiling face emoji may be interpreted as disrespectful by younger Chinese rather than the older. For another, the smiling face emoji is always interpreted as impolite when the utterances are related to the interactants’ feelings. We also infer from the findings that older people might respect the feelings of the addresser more than younger people in WeChat communication. This paper will help avoid miscommunication and contribute to understanding the socio-cultural features of interpersonal interaction in a virtual context.
Pollen beetle (Astylus atromaculatus)-associated gastroenteric disease in cattle: report of 6 natural outbreaks
Authors: García Juan A. , Livio Juan M. , Matto Carolina , Dutra Fernando , Scioli Valeria , Giannitti Federico , Langston James , Poppenga Robert H. , Cantón Germán J. , Uzal Francisco A.
Published: November 2023

Astylus atromaculatus is a pollen beetle native to South America, commonly found in crop flowers. Experimental intoxication of sheep and guinea pigs by this beetle resulting in fibrinonecrotizing enteritis has been reported. We describe here 6 natural outbreaks of intoxication in cattle associated with consumption of alfalfa (5 of 6) and mixed native (1 of 6) pastures heavily contaminated with A. atromaculatus. The outbreaks occurred during the summer (January–February) of 2023 in Argentina ( n  = 4) and Uruguay ( n  = 2), in beef cattle under extensive or semi-extensive rearing systems, with overall cumulative incidence and mortality of 22.3% and 17.8%, respectively. The main clinical signs included acute onset of anorexia, lethargy, hyperthermia, hindlimb weakness, reluctance to move, and diarrhea, for up to 15 d. In 2 outbreaks, sudden death was observed. Eight Hereford, Angus, and/or crossbreed heifers, cows, steers, and/or calves were autopsied. Gross and microscopic findings included multifocal necrosis with fibrinous pseudomembranes in the forestomachs and/or small and large intestines. Fragments or whole specimens of A. atromaculatus were identified in the ruminal content of all animals. Testing for multiple gastroenteric pathogens was negative as was testing of A. atromaculatus for cantharidin and batrachotoxin. GC-MS and LC-MS/MS performed on the beetles did not identify any known toxic compounds. Based on the exposure to A. atromaculatus–contaminated pasture, gross and microscopic lesions, and negative results of all testing for multiple gastroenteric pathogens, a diagnosis of intoxication by A. atromaculatus is proposed. Disease caused by A. atromaculatus consumption has not been reported previously in cattle, to our knowledge.
Prescribing by Physician Associates and Nurse Practitioners in Older Adults Is Outpacing Traditional Prescribers: Implications for Practice in American Medicine
Authors: Hooker Roderick S. , Zobitz John M.
Published: November 2023

Prescribing is a significant activity undertaken by physicians, physician associates/assistants (PAs), and nurse practitioners (NPs). We analyzed prescribing data to understand better the growing presence of PAs and NPs in older adults. A trend in frequently prescribed medications was compared with other physicians. All prescriptions in Medicare Part D were grouped into broad categories of drugs and linked to each type of provider. The analysis spanned 9 years (2013–2021). The results revealed that all five providers similarly prescribed the top three main drug classes (antacids, antihypertensives, and statins). In addition, there was a decline in the number of unique prescribers and prescriptions for all three types of physicians (family medicine, internal medicine, and general practice physicians). Concurrently, the number and share of prescriptions for NPs and PAs increased yearly. The findings are consistent with data that PAs and NPs are backfilling physician shortages in treating older adults.
Doing Trauma-Informed Work in a Trauma-Informed Way: Understanding Difficulties and Finding Solutions
Authors: Edelman Natalie
Published: November 2023

Trauma-informed practice (TIP) is expanding as a means of improving patient safety and engagement. Accordingly, professionals and other stakeholders increasingly come together in meetings and workshops to learn about, plan and evaluate TIP in health and social care settings. However, these kinds of trauma-informed work are sometimes carried out in a way that is not itself trauma-informed – missing an opportunity to ‘model the model’ and risking re-traumatisation and disengagement from further trauma-informed work for some attendees. Inaccurate use of language, the desire to destigmatise, and conflation of trauma-informed and trauma-enhanced practice may all be contributing factors. Careful attention to remit and content, accuracy of language and adequate provisions around the discussion of traumatising adversities can do much to reduce the risk of psychological harm and enable our trauma-informed work to be fully enriched by those who bring lived experience that is undisclosed as well as experiences that may be extant in their roles. Issues of relationality and context are not only central to traumatisation but offer a means to avoid it, both in our work as practitioners, managers, commissioners and researchers and in the ways that we come together to plan and reflect on that TIP.
Iterative singular value decomposition-based in-band denoising approach with envelope order analysis for sun gear fault diagnosis of planetary system under varying speed
Authors: Fan Hongwei , Huang Jiexiang , Ren Zhongfu , Cao Xiangang , Zhang Xuhui
Published: November 2023

The vibration signal of the planetary gear train is easily disturbed by the background noise, so the measured signal is complicated. In order to accurately extract the fault features, the resonance method has been widely used. However, even if the optimal resonance frequency band is found, the in-band noise still exists, so it is necessary to study an effective in-band denoising method. In this paper, an in-band denoising method based on Iterative Singular Value Decomposition (ISVD) is proposed for the fault diagnosis of the secondary sun gear of a planetary gear train, combined with the envelope order spectrum analysis. This method uses the enhanced Wavelet Packet Transform Spectral Kurtosis (WPTSK) to determine the best frequency band for the signal, and uses the ISVD method to realize the signal denoising. It sets a threshold to avoid the destruction of the useful information caused by the excessive iteration, and uses the relationship between the singular values and frequency components to reconstruct the denoised signal. Finally, the signal is converted to the fault characteristic order domain by resampling to identify the fault type of the sun gear from the envelope order spectrum. The simulation and experimental results show that compared with the Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) and Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD), the ISVD can effectively suppress the in-band noise and more accurately extract the fault characteristic order of the secondary sun gear under varying speed.
An alternative method for the preparation of vismodegib: A tool for an undergraduate laboratory course
Authors: Bao Xuefei , Song Chuqiao , Liu Dan , Chen Guoliang
Published: November 2023

Vismodegib is the first hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitor approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of basal-cell carcinoma. The reported methods for the preparation of vismodegib mostly require the employment of precious metal catalysts and phosphine ligands. An alternative low-cost method avoiding the employment of precious metal catalysts and phosphine ligand is developed to prepare vismodegib in a laboratory. The reported method is applied in an undergraduate experimental course to verify its reproducibility and to develop the experimental skills of students. Moreover, the teaching practice experiences are summed up to provide suggestions for the development of exploratory and further experimental courses.
Inflammatory bowel disease and Clostridium difficile infection: clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management
Authors: Bai Mei , Guo Hong , Zheng Xiao-Yao
Published: November 2023

As a frequent complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) was confirmed to not only aggravate the symptoms of IBD but also result in unexpected outcomes, including death. With the increasing prevalence rate of IBD and the updating of CDI diagnosis, the incidence of CDI in IBD patients is also seen rising. Although a detection method consisting of glutamate dehydrogenase immunoassay or nucleic acid amplification test and then toxin A/B enzyme immunoassay was recommended and widely adopted, the diagnosis of CDI in IBD is still a challenge because of the overlap between the symptoms of CDI in IBD and CDI itself. Vancomycin and fidaxomicin are the first-line therapy for CDI in IBD; however, the treatment has different effects due to the complexity of IBD patients’ conditions and the choice of different treatment schemes. Although the use of fecal microbial transplantation is now in the ascendant for IBD management, the prospects are still uncertain and the prevention and treatment of the recurrence of CDI in IBD remain a clinical challenge. In this paper, the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestation, prevention, and therapy of CDI in IBD were summarized and presented.
Rapid hair regrowth in an alopecia universalis patient with deucravacitinib: A case report
Authors: Oliel Sarah , Moussa Sarah , Stanciu Monica , Netchiporouk Elena
Published: November 2023

Alopecia universalis is a severe, difficult to treat variant of alopecia areata that results in loss of hair on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and extremities. Deucravacitinib, a selective TYK2 inhibitor, has been recently approved in Canada, opening the door to novel uses of the drug. We present the case of a patient known for psoriasis who developed alopecia universalis resistant to many interventions (topical minoxidil and topical, intralesional, and systemic corticosteroids). We report the first case of successful rapid hair regrowth after starting deucravacitinib, which should prompt further inquiry into the use of TYK2 inhibitors in the management of alopecia areata.
Mapping gender and geographic diversity in artificial intelligence research: Editor representation in leading computer science journals
Authors: Busch Felix , Keller Sarah , Rueger Christopher , Kader Avan , Ziegeler Katharina , Bressem Keno K , Adams Lisa C
Published: November 2023

Background

The growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, particularly radiology, requires its unbiased and fair development and implementation, starting with the constitution of the scientific community.

Purpose

To examine the gender and country distribution among academic editors in leading computer science and AI journals.

Material and Methods

This cross-sectional study analyzed the gender and country distribution among editors-in-chief, senior, and associate editors in all 75 Q1 computer science and AI journals in the Clarivate Journal Citations Report and SCImago Journal Ranking 2022. Gender was determined using an open-source algorithm (Gender Guesser™), selecting the gender with the highest calibrated probability.

Result

Among 4,948 editorial board members, women were underrepresented in all positions (editors-in-chief/senior editors/associate editors: 14%/18%/17%). The proportion of women correlated positively with the SCImago Journal Rank indicator (ρ = 0.329; p = .004). The U.S., the U.K., and China comprised 50% of editors, while Australia, Finland, Estonia, Denmark, the Netherlands, the U.K., Switzerland, and Slovenia had the highest women editor representation per million women population.

Conclusion

Our results highlight gender and geographic disparities on leading computer science and AI journal editorial boards, with women being underrepresented in all positions and a disproportional relationship between the Global North and South.
I thought we tested that!: Lessons learned from a team communications field study
Authors: Schreck Jacquelyn , Sikorski Eric , King Michael
Published: November 2023

This paper presents practical lessons learned for conducting field research based on challenges faced during a complex field study. Communication between soldiers was captured via audio recorders as Army squads conducted simulated battle drills. The communication data provided critical information regarding squad performance in a realistic context that would not have been obtainable in a lab environment. The field study, despite intensive preparation, presented unforeseen issues requiring both short-term and long-term solutions. Issues were encountered with the environment, data collection, and data handling, which were able to be dealt with in real-time because we were adequately prepared. Preparations, challenges with specific examples, and universal lessons learned that can be applied to other field studies are discussed.
The Application of Exercise Prescription Education in Medical Training
Authors: Sprys-Tellner Thomas , Levine Diane , Kagzi Asim
Published: November 2023

OBJECTIVE

Physical inactivity is a significant contributor to many acute and chronic medical conditions. While the dangers of physical inactivity (PA) are well understood and physicians have the desire to address them, a lack of education in exercise prescription (ERx) may be a barrier to properly prescribing exercise to patients. The aim of this research was to determine the effectiveness of an ERx medical education lecture and provide evidence for the need for formal ERx education among students and physicians in training with a secondary goal of further exploring medical student and resident habits and beliefs about PA and ERx.

METHODS

A one-hour education session was developed based on the American College of Sports Medicine principles of ERx. Pre- and postsurveys were administered immediately before and after the curriculum session to Wayne State University School of Medicine medical students and residents to assess perceived ERx knowledge level and confidence levels for prescribing aerobic and resistance exercise to patients. Virtual curriculum sessions were held over Zoom.

RESULTS

A total of 144 presurvey and 119 postsurvey results were analyzed. The mean perceived ERx knowledge level significantly increased from 4.67/10 ± 1.98 to 7.35/10 ± 1.56 ( P < .001). Mean confidence level discussing PA with patients, ability to answer exercise-related questions, confidence level in ability to prescribe aerobic exercise, and ability to prescribe resistance exercise significantly increased in all groups and overall ( P < .001)

CONCLUSION

A one-hour session to educate medical students and residents on how to write an ERx improved perceived knowledge and confidence in this subject matter. Although further study is needed to determine long-term knowledge retention and the impact on ERx behavioral practice in a patient care setting, this study provides preliminary evidence to justify its inclusion as a regular component of the medical school curriculum.
Reconnaissance of the 2022 Guanshan and Chihshang earthquakes in eastern Taiwan
Authors: Lin Che-Min , Chang Yu-Wen , Chou Chung-Che , Jhuang Sheng-Jhih , Lee Zheng-kuan , Wu Chiun-Lin , Chao Shu-Hsien , Huang Jyun-Yan , Yang Hsuan-Chih , Chang Che-Yu , Mosqueda Gilberto , Hung Chung-Chan
Published: November 2023

Two significant earthquakes struck eastern Taiwan on consecutive days in mid-September of 2022. The first, the Guanshan earthquake, occurred on the night of September 17 (local time) with a local magnitude (ML) of 6.4, and the second, the Chihshang earthquake, occurred on the afternoon of September 18 with a mainshock of ML of 6.8. The strong motion of these two events resulted in a series of ground surface ruptures, 2 collapsed buildings, two collapsed bridges, and more than 100 partially damaged structures along the Chihshang and Yuli faults around the Longitudinal Valley in eastern Taiwan. The observed response spectra at the damage sites of the Chihshang earthquake were significantly larger than the design response spectra of the 1997 Taiwan building code. Near-fault velocity pulses with a maximum value of 132 cm/s were observed along the faults, destructively impacting the damaged structures. The details and causes of the structural damage are presented in this article according to the findings of the on-site reconnaissance and ground motion analysis. Finally, the behavior of selected structures that have a structural health monitoring system at the time of these two destructive earthquakes is also evaluated.
Myocardial protection with phosphocreatine in high-risk cardiac surgery patients: a randomized trial
Authors: Lomivorotov Vladimir , Merekin Dmitry , Fominskiy Evgeny , Ponomarev Dmitry , Bogachev-Prokophiev Alexander , Zalesov Anton , Cherniavsky Alexander , Shilova Anna , Guvakov Dmitry , Lomivorotova Liudmila , Lembo Rosalba , Landoni Giovanni
Published: November 2023

Background

This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that phosphocreatine (PCr), administered intravenously and as cardioplegia adjuvant in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with prolonged aortic cross clamping and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time, would decrease troponin I concentration after surgery.

Methods

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study we included 120 patients undergoing double/triple valve repair/replacement under cardiopulmonary bypass in the cardiac surgery department of a tertiary hospital.

The treatment group received: intravenous administration of 2 g of PCr after anesthesia induction; 2.5 g of PCr in every 1 L of cardioplegic solution (concentration = 10 mmol/L); intravenous administration of 2 g of PCr immediately after heart recovery following aorta declamping; 4 g of PCr at intensive care unit admission. The control group received an equivolume dose of normosaline.

Results

The primary endpoint was peak concentration of troponin I after surgery. Secondary endpoints included peak concentration of serum creatinine, need for, and dosage of inotropic support, number of defibrillations after aortic declamping, incidence of arrhythmias, duration of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay, length of hospitalization. There was no difference in peak troponin I concentration after surgery (PCr, 10,508 pg/ml [IQR 6,838–19,034]; placebo, 11,328 pg/ml [IQR 7.660–22.894];p = 0.24). There were also no differences in median peak serum creatinine (PCr, 100 µmol/L [IQR 85.0–117.0]; placebo, 99.5 µmol/L [IQR 90.0–117.0];p = 0.87), the number of patients on vasopressor/inotropic agents (PCr, 49 [88%]; placebo, 57 [91%];p = 0.60), the inotropic score on postoperative day 1 (PCr, 4.0 (0–7); placebo, 4.0 (0–10);p = 0.47), mean SOFA score on postoperative day 1 (PCr, 5.25 ± 2.33; placebo, 5,45 ± 2,65;p = 0.83), need for defibrillation after declamping of aorta (PCr, 22 [39%]; placebo, 25 [40%];p = 0.9),, duration of ICU stay and length of hospitalization as well as 30-day mortality (PCr, 0 (0%); placebo,1 (4.3%);p = 0.4).

Conclusion

PCr administration to patients undergoing double/triple valve surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass is safe but is not associated with a decrease in troponin I concentration. Phosphocreatine had no beneficial effect on clinical outcomes after surgery.

Trial registration

The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with the Identifier: NCT02757443. First posted (published): 02/05/2016.
Effectiveness and safety of vedolizumab induction with or without budesonide in patients with moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease in Europe: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Weisshof Roni , Vavricka Stephan R. , Pouillon Lieven , Braegger Fiona , Roset Montserrat , Bent-Ennakhil Nawal , Ferrante Marc
Published: November 2023

Background

Vedolizumab (VDZ), a gut-selective anti-lymphocyte trafficking integrin antibody, is effective in treating patients with moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease (CD). In this study, we examined the real-world effectiveness and safety of induction therapy using VDZ alone or in combination with budesonide (VDZ + BUD) among patients with CD in Belgium, Israel, and Switzerland.

Methods

This retrospective chart review analysis included adult patients with moderately to severely active CD who started induction treatment with VDZ or VDZ + BUD (January 2015 through January 2019). The primary objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness in terms of clinical remission of VDZ alone or VDZ + BUD using patient-reported outcomes (PRO) of abdominal pain (AP) and/or loose stool frequency (LSF) (PRO-2) at weeks 0, 2, 6, 10, and 14. Regression models were used to assess differences and associations between the treatment groups.

Results

Overall, 123 patients were included (VDZ, n = 73; VDZ + BUD, n = 50). Clinical remission rates at week 14 were 71.4% (50/70) and 68.0% (34/50) with VDZ and VDZ + BUD, respectively. Mean percentage change in AP and LSF from baseline to week 14 was comparable between the groups. Median (95% confidence interval [CI]) time to clinical remission was 91 [70.0–98.0] and 95 [70.0–98.0] days, respectively. One patient in each group discontinued VDZ and 68.0% of patients in the VDZ + BUD group discontinued BUD before week 14. The rates of overall adverse events were similar between the groups (VDZ, 23.3%; VDZ + BUD, 26.0%).

Conclusions

In this retrospective study, VDZ alone and VDZ + BUD showed similar high remission rates in patients with moderately to severely active CD. Prospective randomized studies are needed to conclude on the role of combining VDZ with BUD.

Trial registration

Not applicable.
Short-term and long-term outcomes of single-incision plus one-port laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer: a propensity-matched cohort study with conventional laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Wu Mingyi , Wang Hao , Zhang Xuehua , Shi Jiaolong , Lan Xiaoliang , Mou Tingyu , Wang Yanan
Published: November 2023

Background

Single-incision plus one-port laparoscopic surgery (SILS + 1) has been demonstrated to be minimally invasive while possessing better cosmesis and less pain compared with conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS). However, SILS + 1 as an alternative to CLS for colorectal cancer is still controversial.

Methods

A total of 1071 patients who underwent curative laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer between 2015 and 2018 were included. Of these patients, 258 SILS + 1 cases and 516 CLS cases were analyzed using propensity score matching. The baseline characteristics, surgical outcomes, pathologic findings and recovery course, morbidity and mortality within postoperative 30 days and 3-year disease-free and overall survival were compared.

Results

Baseline characteristics were balanced between the groups. The mean operating time was significantly shorter in SILS + 1 group, with less estimated blood loss. Tumor size, tumor differentiation, number of harvested lymph nodes, resection margin and pathologic T, N, TNM stage was similar between the groups. There was no significant difference in overall perioperative complications. Uni- and multivariate analyses revealed that SILS + 1 was not a risk factor for complications. Postoperatively, SILS + 1 group showed faster recovery than CLS group in terms of ambulation, bowel function, oral intake and discharge. The 3-year disease-free survival rates of SILS + 1 and CLS groups were 90.1% and 87.3%(p = 0.59), respectively and the 3-year overall survival rates were 93.3% vs. 89.8%(p = 0.172).

Discussion

Our study revealed that SILS + 1 is safe, feasible, oncologically efficient, and may be considered as a surgical option for selected patients with colorectal cancer.
Dissemination feature based on PET/CT is a risk factor for diffuse large B cell lymphoma patients outcome
Authors: Wang Fei , Cui Silu , Lu Luo , Shao Xiaoliang , Yan Feng , Liu Yaqi , He Bai , Wang Jianfeng , Cao Yang , Yue Yanhua , Wang Yuetao , Gu Weiying
Published: November 2023

Background

18F-FDG PET/CT provides precise information about dissemination of lymphoma lesions. Dmax, defined as distance between the two lesions that were farthest apart by PET/CT, was found to be a promising predictor of Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) outcome in a small size of clinical trial data. We analyzed the impact of Dmax on the outcome of a large real-world DLBCL cohort.

Methods

Data of newly diagnosed DLBCL at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University were retrospectively collected. Baseline Dmax, clinical data and survival information were recorded. A metabolic parameter, metabolic bulk volume (MBV), was also measured to verify the independent impact of Dmax.

Results

Optimal cut-off values for Dmax and MBV were 45.34 cm and 21.65 cm3. With a median follow-up of 32 months, Dmax significantly impacted progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in 253 DLBCL patients. For Dmaxlow and Dmaxhigh groups, estimated 3-year OS were 87.0% and 53.8% (p < 0.001), while 3-year PFS were 77.3% and 37.3% (p < 0.001). And for MBVlow and MBVhighgroups, 3-year OS were 84.5% and 58.8% (p < 0.001), and 3-year PFS were 68.7% and 50.4% (p = 0.003). Multivariate analysis identified Dmax and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) independently associated with PFS and OS, while MBV only independently associated with OS. A Dmax revised prognostic index (DRPI) combining Dmax and ECOG PS identified an ultra-risk DLBCL population with 3-year PFS of 31.7% and 3-year OS of 38.5%. The area under the curve (AUC) showed that this model performed better than International prognostic Index (IPI).

Conclusion

Dmax is a new and promising indicator to investigate dissemination of lymphoma lesions associated with the outcome of DLBCL. It significantly contributes to stratification of patients with disparate outcomes.

Trial registration

This research has been retrospectively registered in the Ethics Committee institutional of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, and the registration number was approval No. 155 (approved date: 31 May 2022).
PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors plus carboplatin and paclitaxel compared with carboplatin and paclitaxel in primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: de Moraes Francisco Cezar Aquino , Pasqualotto Eric , Lopes Lucca Moreira , Cavalcanti Souza Maria Eduarda , de Oliveira Rodrigues Anna Luíza Soares , de Almeida Artur Menegaz , Stecca Carlos , Fernandes Marianne Rodrigues , dos Santos Ney Pereira Carneiro
Published: November 2023

Background

Paclitaxel and carboplatin is the standard chemotherapy for the treatment of advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer. However, the benefit of adding programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors to chemotherapy is still unclear.

Method

We searched PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases for randomized controlled trials that investigated PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors plus carboplatin and paclitaxel compared with carboplatin and paclitaxel in primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer. We computed hazard ratios (HRs) or risk ratios (RRs) for binary endpoints, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used DerSimonian and Laird random-effect models for all endpoints. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics. R, version 4.2.3, was used for statistical analyses.

Results

A total of three studies and 1,431 patients were included. Compared with carboplatin plus paclitaxel-based chemotherapy, progression-free survival (PFS) rate (HR 0.32; 95% CI 0.23–0.44; p < 0.001) and overall survival (OS) at 30 months (RR 3.13; 95% CI 1.26–7.78; p = 0.01) were significant in favor of the PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors plus carboplatin and paclitaxel group in the mismatch repair–deficient subgroup. However, there were no significant differences in the mismatch repair–proficient subgroup for PFS (HR 0.74; 95% CI 0.50–1.08; p = 0.117) or OS at 30 months (RR 2.24; 95% CI 0.79–6.39; p = 0.13).

Conclusion

Immunotherapy plus carboplatin-paclitaxel increased significantly PFS and OS among patients with advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer, with a significant benefit in the mismatch repair–deficient and high microsatellite instability population.