bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics, attributes, and outcomes of allied health transition to practice programs: A mixed method systematic review
Authors: McAleer Rachael , Hanson Lisa , Kenny Amanda
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Workforce sustainability is critical to equitable and safe healthcare. However, in health, there is evidence of poor transition of new graduates to the workplace with a resultant loss of health professionals from the system. Globally, the allied health workforce is crucial for universal health, but little is known about allied health transition and transition interventions. The aim of this mixed-methods systematic review was to describe the characteristics of transition to practice programs for novice allied health professionals, the outcomes from these programs, how they are measured, and how transition challenges are addressed in transition programs.Method: Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsychInfo, AMED and the Cochrane Library. All study types were included that met the inclusion criteria. Two researchers reviewed the studies and reached a consensus through discussion. Articles were evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool with reporting guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Results: A total of 15 studies were included. Various allied health populations, interventions, timeframes, program content, and learning modes were used but not well described. There was misalignment between allied health graduates' expectations and practice reality. While authors claimed success from transition interventions, outcomes were not clear, and there were a lack of tools for robust outcome measurement. Conclusion: Well-designed studies on allied health transition and transition interventions are needed to build evidence on effective interventions and support. A primary focus should be on developing and measuring well defined transition outcomes and the longer-term impact of transition on career progression and success.
Making the invisible visible: How cultural hegemony and uncertainty help us understand health professional education inequities
Authors: Lazarus Michelle , García Ochoa Gabriel , Truong Mandy , Brand Gabrielle
Published: March 2024

Despite societal, financial and wellbeing costs related to discrimination, and increasing literature on improving diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), sustainable movements towards addressing health professional education (HPE) system inequities remain elusive. Here, we critically examine contemporary HPE systems, exploring how invisible barriers prevent meaningful DEI action. We draw on cultural hegemony and its relationship to unconscious/implicit bias within HPE’s culture. We also explore how DEI initiatives can introduce uncertainty and often challenge our uncertainty tolerance while addressing HPE system inequities. Drawing on uncertainty-identity theory, we explain how HPE professionals’ diverse responses to the discomfort typically provoked by such DEI initiatives may impact meaningful cultural change. Collectively, this critical reflection of HPE practices highlights challenges and suggests potential solutions for addressing persistent inequities across Australia and New Zealand HPE systems.
Health professional service-learning innovations in rural contexts
Authors: Swanson Charmaine Lynn , Quilliam Claire
Published: March 2024

Service learning is not a new concept in Australia, although it could be better harnessed in rural Australian health student placements for the betterment of rural communities, students and rural health workforce development. The service-learning literature offers several concepts worth considering further in the Australian context. This paper addresses three common barriers to health professional service-learning uptake in rural Australian communities by drawing on service-learning concepts from the international literature. It offers rural Australian health organisations innovative strategies to consider when hosting health professional students on service-learning placement.
Properties of low-resistivity molybdenum metal thin film deposited by atomic layer deposition using MoO2Cl2 as precursor
Authors: Kim So Young , Jo Chunghee , Shin Hyerin , Yoon Dongmin , Shin Donghyuk , Cheon Min-ho , Lee Kyu-beom , Seo Dong-won , Choi Jae-wook , Park Heungsoo , Ko Dae-Hong
Published: March 2024

Challenges have arisen in selecting suitable candidates for interconnects and metal contacts due to the exponential increase in metal resistivity at scaled pitches. Molybdenum (Mo) has emerged as a promising alternative to the traditional metals such as copper or tungsten owing to its low electrical resistivity and electron mean free path. In this study, we investigated the formation of a molybdenum film grown by thermal atomic layer deposition (ALD) using a MoO2Cl2 solid precursor and H2 and NH3 gases as the reducing agents. A molybdenum nitride film served as the seed layer on a SiO2 substrate before molybdenum film deposition. The analysis focused on the film's phase, morphology, chemical bonding states, and resistivity across various thicknesses. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the presence of polycrystalline BCC planes. Our analyses confirmed the successful growth of the molybdenum metal thin film, which, at a thickness of 10 nm, exhibited a record-low resistivity of approximately 13 μΩ cm.
Notes on the diet of Anolis lizards (Iguanidae: Dactyloinae) from Yasuní National Park in Amazonian Ecuador
Authors: Pinto Javier , Torres-Carvajal Omar
Published: March 2024

We briefly describe the diet of six species of lizards of the genus Anolis in the Yasuní National Park, located in the western part of the Amazon Rainforest. A total of 241 prey items found in the stomachs of the lizards were identified. We noted that Aranea and Hymenoptera were the most frequent diet categories used by the lizard community. In terms of prey volume, Hemiptera and insect larvae were the most representative prey. The description of the diet of Anolis provided by this study can be further combined with information related to their natural history, thus shedding light on ecological mechanisms that influence adaptation.
A case for a binary black hole system revealed via quasi-periodic outflows
Authors: Pasham Dheeraj R. , Tombesi Francesco , Suková Petra , Zajaček Michal , Rakshit Suvendu , Coughlin Eric , Kosec Peter , Karas Vladimír , Masterson Megan , Mummery Andrew , Holoien Thomas W.-S. , Guolo Muryel , Hinkle Jason , Ripperda Bart , Witzany Vojtěch , Shappee Ben , Kara Erin , Horesh Assaf , van Velzen Sjoert , Sfaradi Itai , Kaplan David , Burger Noam , Murphy Tara , Remillard Ronald , Steiner James F. , Wevers Thomas , Arcodia Riccardo , Buchner Johannes , Merloni Andrea , Malyali Adam , Fabian Andy , Fausnaugh Michael , Daylan Tansu , Altamirano Diego , Payne Anna , Ferraraa Elizabeth C.
Published: March 2024

Binaries containing a compact object orbiting a supermassive black hole are thought to be precursors of gravitational wave events, but their identification has been extremely challenging. Here, we report quasi-periodic variability in x-ray absorption, which we interpret as quasi-periodic outflows (QPOuts) from a previously low-luminosity active galactic nucleus after an outburst, likely caused by a stellar tidal disruption. We rule out several models based on observed properties and instead show using general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic simulations that QPOuts, separated by roughly 8.3 days, can be explained with an intermediate-mass black hole secondary on a mildly eccentric orbit at a mean distance of about 100 gravitational radii from the primary. Our work suggests that QPOuts could be a new way to identify intermediate/extreme-mass ratio binary candidates.
Atom-by-atom imaging of moiré transformations in 2D transition metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Zhang Yichao , Baek Ji-Hwan , Lee Chia-Hao , Jung Yeonjoon , Hong Seong Chul , Nolan Gillian , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Lee Gwan-Hyoung , Huang Pinshane Y.
Published: March 2024

Understanding the atomic-scale mechanisms that govern the structure of interfaces is critical across materials systems but particularly so for two-dimensional (2D) moiré materials. Here, we image, atom-by-atom, the thermally induced structural evolution of twisted bilayer transition metal dichalcogenides using in situ transmission electron microscopy. We observe low-temperature, local conversion of moiré superlattice into nanoscale aligned domains. Unexpectedly, this process occurs by nucleating a new grain within one monolayer, whose crystal orientation is templated by the other. The aligned domains grow through collective rotation of moiré supercells and hopping of 5|7 defect pairs at moiré boundaries. This provides mechanistic insight into the atomic-scale interactions controlling moiré structures and illustrates the potential to pattern interfacial structure and properties of 2D materials at the nanoscale.
The Sun’s differential rotation is controlled by high-latitude baroclinically unstable inertial modes
Authors: Bekki Yuto , Cameron Robert H. , Gizon Laurent
Published: March 2024

Rapidly rotating fluids have a rotation profile that depends only on the distance from the rotation axis, in accordance with the Taylor-Proudman theorem. Although the Sun was expected to be such a body, helioseismology showed that the rotation rate in the convection zone is closer to constant on radii. It has been postulated that this deviation is due to the poles being warmer than the equator by a few degrees. Using numerical simulations, we show that the pole-to-equator temperature difference cannot exceed 7 kelvin as a result of the back-reaction of the high-latitude baroclinically unstable inertial modes. The observed amplitudes of the modes further indicate that this maximum temperature difference is reached in the Sun. We conclude that the Sun’s latitudinal differential rotation reaches its maximum allowed value.
Glutamine antagonist DRP-104 suppresses tumor growth and enhances response to checkpoint blockade in
KEAP1
mutant lung cancer
Authors: Pillai Ray , LeBoeuf Sarah E. , Hao Yuan , New Connie , Blum Jenna L. E. , Rashidfarrokhi Ali , Huang Shih Ming , Bahamon Christian , Wu Warren L. , Karadal-Ferrena Burcu , Herrera Alberto , Ivanova Ellie , Cross Michael , Bossowski Jozef P. , Ding Hongyu , Hayashi Makiko , Rajalingam Sahith , Karakousi Triantafyllia , Sayin Volkan I. , Khanna Kamal M. , Wong Kwok-Kin , Wild Robert , Tsirigos Aristotelis , Poirier John T. , Rudin Charles M. , Davidson Shawn M. , Koralov Sergei B. , Papagiannakopoulos Thales
Published: March 2024

Loss-of-function mutations in
KEAP1
frequently occur in lung cancer and are associated with poor prognosis and resistance to standard of care treatment, highlighting the need for the development of targeted therapies. We previously showed that
KEAP1
mutant tumors consume glutamine to support the metabolic rewiring associated with NRF2-dependent antioxidant production. Here, using preclinical patient-derived xenograft models and antigenic orthotopic lung cancer models, we show that the glutamine antagonist prodrug DRP-104 impairs the growth of
KEAP1
mutant tumors. We find that DRP-104 suppresses
KEAP1
mutant tumors by inhibiting glutamine-dependent nucleotide synthesis and promoting antitumor T cell responses. Using multimodal single-cell sequencing and ex vivo functional assays, we demonstrate that DRP-104 reverses T cell exhaustion, decreases T
regs
, and enhances the function of CD4 and CD8 T cells, culminating in an improved response to anti-PD1 therapy. Our preclinical findings provide compelling evidence that DRP-104, currently in clinical trials, offers a promising therapeutic approach for treating patients with
KEAP1
mutant lung cancer.
Restoration of motor function using magnetoelectric metamaterials
Authors: Matsiko Amos
Published: March 2024

Implantable magnetic materials can be used for wireless neural stimulation and restoration of motor function.
Plant phenolics inhibit focal adhesion kinase and suppress host cell invasion by uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
Authors: Lewis Adam J. , Richards Amanda C. , Mendez Alejandra A. , Dhakal Bijaya K. , Jones Tiffani A. , Sundsbak Jamie L. , Eto Danelle S. , Rousek Alexis A. , Mulvey Matthew A.
Published: March 2024

Traditional folk treatments for the prevention and management of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other infectious diseases often include plants and plant extracts that are rich in phenolic compounds. These have been ascribed a variety of activities, including inhibition of bacterial interactions with host cells. Here, we tested a panel of four well-studied phenolic compounds—caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), resveratrol, catechin, and epigallocatechin gallate—for the effects on host cell adherence and invasion by uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(UPEC). These bacteria, which are the leading cause of UTIs, can bind and subsequently invade bladder epithelial cells via an actin-dependent process. Intracellular UPEC reservoirs within the bladder are often protected from antibiotics and host defenses and likely contribute to the development of chronic and recurrent infections. In cell culture-based assays, only resveratrol had a notable negative effect on UPEC adherence to bladder cells. However, both CAPE and resveratrol significantly inhibited UPEC entry into the host cells, coordinate with attenuated phosphorylation of the host actin regulator Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK or PTK2) and marked increases in the numbers of focal adhesion structures. We further show that the intravesical delivery of resveratrol inhibits UPEC infiltration of the bladder mucosa in a murine UTI model and that resveratrol and CAPE can disrupt the ability of other invasive pathogens to enter host cells. Together, these results highlight the therapeutic potential of molecules like CAPE and resveratrol, which could be used to augment antibiotic treatments by restricting pathogen access to protective intracellular niches.

IMPORTANCE

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are exceptionally common and increasingly difficult to treat due to the ongoing rise and spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Furthermore, the primary cause of UTIs, uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(UPEC), can avoid antibiotic exposure and many host defenses by invading the epithelial cells that line the bladder surface. Here, we identified two plant-derived phenolic compounds that disrupt activation of the host machinery needed for UPEC entry into bladder cells. One of these compounds, resveratrol, effectively inhibited UPEC invasion of the bladder mucosa in a mouse UTI model, and both phenolic compounds significantly reduced host cell entry by other invasive pathogens. These findings suggest that select phenolic compounds could be used to supplement existing antibacterial therapeutics by denying uropathogens shelter within host cells and tissues and help explain some of the benefits attributed to traditional plant-based medicines.
Draft genome sequence of
Agarivorans aestuarii
strain ZMCS4, a putative CAZyme-producing bacteria isolated from the marine brown algae
Cladostephus spongiosus
Authors: Lorente Beatriz , Cabral Carla , Frias Jorge , Faria João , Toubarro Duarte
Published: March 2024

We report the draft genome sequence of
Agarivorans aestuarii
strain ZMCS4, isolated from
Cladostephus spongiosus
. The assembled genome consists of 4.5 Mbp, comprising 25 contigs and 4,128 coding sequences. This genome will provide insights into further studies on relevant CAZymes involved in the hydrolysis of algal cell walls.
High-throughput profiling of metabolic responses to exogenous nutrients in
Synechocystis
sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Haavisto Vilhelmiina , Landry Zachary , Pontrelli Sammy
Published: March 2024

Cyanobacteria fix carbon dioxide and release carbon-containing compounds into the wider ecosystem, yet they are sensitive to small metabolites that may impact their growth and physiology. Several cyanobacteria can grow mixotrophically, but we currently lack a molecular understanding of how specific nutrients may alter the compounds they release, limiting our knowledge of how environmental factors might impact primary producers and the ecosystems they support. In this study, we develop a high-throughput phytoplankton culturing platform and identify how the model cyanobacterium
Synechocystis
sp. PCC 6803 responds to nutrient supplementation. We assess growth responses to 32 nutrients at two concentrations, identifying 15 that are utilized mixotrophically. Seven nutrient sources significantly enhance growth, while 19 elicit negative growth responses at one or both concentrations. High-throughput exometabolomics indicates that oxidative stress limits
Synechocystis’
growth but may be alleviated by antioxidant metabolites. Furthermore, glucose and valine induce strong changes in metabolite exudation in a possible effort to correct pathway imbalances or maintain intracellular elemental ratios. This study sheds light on the flexibility and limits of cyanobacterial physiology and metabolism, as well as how primary production and trophic food webs may be modulated by exogenous nutrients.

IMPORTANCE

Cyanobacteria capture and release carbon compounds to fuel microbial food webs, yet we lack a comprehensive understanding of how external nutrients modify their behavior and what they produce. We developed a high throughput culturing platform to evaluate how the model cyanobacterium
Synechocystis
sp. PCC 6803 responds to a broad panel of externally supplied nutrients. We found that growth may be enhanced by metabolites that protect against oxidative stress, and growth and exudate profiles are altered by metabolites that interfere with central carbon metabolism and elemental ratios. This work contributes a holistic perspective of the versatile response of
Synechocystis
to externally supplied nutrients, which may alter carbon flux into the wider ecosystem.
Infectious aortitis and managing it at a community military hospital
Authors: Tang Kelly , Ford Brandon , Grasso Samuel L , Swisher Jonathan
Published: March 2024

Infectious aortitis is a rare disease process which can be of fungal, viral or bacterial aetiology. This disease process is often incidentally found during concomitant infectious processes, likely due to haematogenous spread. Common sources are from cardiac, genitourinary and gastroenterologic sources. CT imaging of the aorta is essential in identifying physiological changes—wall thickness changes, ectasia and stenosis. We present a case of a female in her early 60s with a medical history of cardiomyopathy with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction, who was initially admitted for acute cholecystitis complicated by the development of gallstone pancreatitis. Imaging evaluation incidentally noted findings consistent with aortitis with a penetrating ulcer, and blood cultures were positive forStaphylococcus aureusbacteraemia, confirming her diagnosis of infectious aortitis. She was started on intravenous antibiotics, required preoperative nutritional optimisation, and subsequently underwent an open aortic resection and aortoiliac reconstruction with rifampin-soaked Dacron graft.
VEXAS syndrome presenting as diffuse alveolar haemorrhage
Authors: Sofi Fayaz Ahmad , Naqati Shaariq Mehraj , Ahmad Mushtaq , Bindroo Muzaffar
Published: March 2024

We report the case of a man in his late 30s who presented with a history of breathlessness and cough with haemoptysis. Complete blood counts revealed pancytopenia. High-resolution CT showed diffuse bilateral ground glass opacities. Sequential bronchoalveolar lavage confirmed alveolar haemorrhage. Bone marrow aspiration showed vacuoles in erythroid and myeloid precursor cells. The genome was sequenced, and the UBA1 gene revealed a c.121 A>G mutation (p.Met41Val), confirming vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic syndrome. The patient was managed with high-dose prednisolone pulse therapy. He improved with the complete resolution of the alveolar haemorrhage and an improvement in lung function and cytopenias.
Psychiatric admissions in young people after expiration of criminal justice supervision in Australia: a retrospective data linkage study
Authors: Akpanekpo Emaediong Ibong , Kariminia Azar , Srasuebkul Preeyaporn , Trollor Julian N , Greenberg David , Kasinathan John , Schofield Peter W , Kenny Dianna T , Simpson Melanie , Gaskin Claire , Chowdhury Nabila Z , Jones Jocelyn , Ekanem Anyiekere Morgan , Butler Tony
Published: March 2024

Background

Mental health services are available for young people involved with the criminal justice system. However, they have unmet mental health needs after the expiration of criminal justice supervision.

Objective

To determine the incidence rate and identify predictors of psychiatric hospitalisations within 24 months after the expiration of criminal justice supervision among young people involved with the New South Wales (NSW) criminal justice system.

Methods

Retrospective data from 1556 individuals aged 14–22 years who participated in four surveys of justice-involved young people in NSW were harmonised and linked to four NSW data collections. We calculated the incidence rates of psychiatric hospitalisations within 24 months postsupervision and identified predictors of these hospitalisations using a competing risks regression analysis.

Results

Within 24 months postsupervision, 11.4% had a psychiatric hospitalisation compared with 3.5% during supervision. 20.7% of those admitted had a known history of mental illness and engaged with community-based and outpatient mental health services postsupervision. Predictors of psychiatric hospitalisations were: female sex (adjusted subdistribution HR (asHR) 1.84, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.73); previous incarceration (highest asHR for ≥4 episodes 1.67, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.78); head injury (asHR 1.63, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.21); personality disorder (asHR 3.66, 95% CI 2.06 to 6.48) and alcohol and substance use disorder (asHR 1.89, 95% CI 1.29 to 2.77).

Conclusion

Justice-involved youth have higher rates of psychiatric admissions after criminal justice supervision. Engagement with mental health services postsupervision is important in addressing emerging or persisting mental health needs.
Association of physical and sexual assault with mortality in two British birth cohorts
Authors: Bhavsar Vishal , Das-Munshi Jayati , MacCabe James H , Bakolis Ioannis , Lee William
Published: March 2024

Aims

The association of assault in adulthood with all-cause mortality, and the relevance of intermediate psychological distress, alcohol use and cigarette smoking, is poorly understood. We used data from British birth cohorts (the 1958 National Child Development Study referred to as the 1958 birth cohort and the 1970 British Birth Cohort Study) to investigate association between assault and mortality, employing a formal approach for the identification of psychological distress, alcohol use and cigarette smoking as mediators.

Methods

Associations (HRs), between assault and mortality were estimated with Cox regressions, adjusting for potential confounders. Mediation via intermediate psychological distress, alcohol use and cigarette smoking was explored using the gformula approach. The birth cohorts were analysed separately, and together estimating interaction between exposure and cohort year.

Results

Results were based on 353 deaths in 19 725 individuals. Based on multiply imputed data, the fully adjusted estimate for assault on mortality was 1.72 (95% CI 1.22 to 2.42) in the combined cohorts, 1.53 (95% CI 0.97 to 2.40) in the 1958 birth cohort and 2.05 (95% CI 1.20 to 1.50) in the 1970 birth cohort. The fully adjusted estimate for the association of sexual assault with mortality was 3.17 (95% CI 1.17 to 8.60) in the combined cohorts, 1.36 (95% CI 0.19 to 9.81) in the 1958 birth cohort and 6.02 (95% CI 1.84 to 19.69) in the 1970 birth cohort. The fully adjusted mortality HR for one additional assault was 1.46 (95% CI 1.23 to 1.73) in the combined cohorts, 1.34 (95% CI 0.99 to 1.82) in the 1958 birth cohort and 1.53 (95% CI 1.25 to 1.87) in the 1970 birth cohort. Greater need for medical treatment for assault was associated with a fully adjusted mortality HR of 1.56 (95% CI 1.19 to 2.05) in the combined cohorts, 1.43 (95% CI 1.00 to 2.05) in the 1958 birth cohort and 1.79 (95% CI 1.18 to 2.74) in the 1970 birth cohort.

Conclusions

There was statistical evidence on combining the two birth cohorts, and on analysing the 1970 birth cohort, that assault in adulthood is associated with mortality. Understanding mechanisms underlying this relationship could benefit violence reduction strategies for public health.
Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on postoperative sleep disturbance in older patients undergoing lower limb major arthroplasty: a prospective, double-blind, pilot, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Yang Jie , Tao Mingshu , Liu Rongguang , Fang Jiaxing , Li Chunyan , Chen Dexian , Wei Qi , Xiong Xingyu , Zhao Wenxin , Tan Wen , Han Yuan , Zhang Hongxing , Liu He , Zhang Song , Cao Junli
Published: March 2024

Background

Postoperative sleep disturbance (PSD) is a common and serious postoperative complication and is associated with poor postoperative outcomes.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on PSD in older patients undergoing lower limb major arthroplasty.

Methods

In this prospective, double-blind, pilot, randomised, sham-controlled trial, patients 65 years and over undergoing lower limb major arthroplasty were randomly assigned to receive active tDCS (a-tDCS) or sham tDCS (s-tDCS). The primary outcomes were the objective sleep measures on postoperative nights (N) 1 and N2.

Results

116 inpatients were assessed for eligibility, and a total of 92 patients were enrolled; 47 received a-tDCS and 45 received s-tDCS. tDCS improved PSD by altering the following sleep measures in the a-tDCS and s-tDCS groups; the respective comparisons were as follows: the promotion of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep time on N1 (64.5 (33.5–105.5) vs 19.0 (0.0, 45.0) min, F=20.10, p<0.001) and N2 (75.0 (36.0–120.8) vs 30.0 (1.3–59.3) min, F=12.55, p<0.001); the total sleep time on N1 (506.0 (408.0–561.0) vs 392.0 (243.0–483.5) min, F=14.13, p<0.001) and N2 (488.5 (455.5–548.5) vs 346.0 (286.5–517.5) min, F=7.36, p=0.007); the deep sleep time on N1 (130.0 (103.3–177.0) vs 42.5 (9.8–100.8) min, F=24.4, p<0.001) and N2 (103.5 (46.0–154.8) vs 57.5 (23.3–106.5) min, F=8.4, p=0.004); and the percentages of light sleep and REM sleep on N1 and N2 (p<0.05 for each). The postoperative depression and anxiety scores did not differ significantly between the two groups. No significant adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

In older patients undergoing lower limb major arthroplasty, a single session of anodal tDCS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex showed a potentially prophylactic effect in improving postoperative short-term objective sleep measures. However, this benefit was temporary and was not maintained over time.
Is it ethically permissible for GPs to promote non-directed altruistic kidney donation to healthy adults?
Authors: Armitage Richard
Published: March 2024

Doctors hold coexisting ethical duties to avoid causing deliberate harm to their patients (non-maleficence), to act in patients’ best interests (beneficence), to respect patients’ right to self-determination (autonomy) and to ensure that costs and benefits are fairly distributed among patients (justice). In the context of non-directed altruistic kidney donations (NDAKD), doctors’ duties of autonomy and justice are in tension with those of non-maleficence and beneficence. This article examines these competing duties across three scenarios in which general practitioners (GPs) could promote NDAKD to healthy adults. In the first—when a healthy adult patient prompts the GP to discuss NDAKD—the GP is ethically obligated to counsel the patient about NDAKD to respect their autonomy, yet this does not constitute any form of promotion of NDAKD. In the remaining scenarios, healthy adult patients are unaware of the possibility of NDAKD. In the second, it is ethically permissible for GPs to indirectly raise awareness of NDAKD among healthy adults by displaying recruitment campaign material to non-specified groups of patients in their waiting rooms. In the third, it is ethically impermissible for GPs to directly promote NDAKD to individual healthy adults by raising the possibility of NDAKD with such individuals. The major counterarguments raised against this position are problems with kinds of counselling that fail to reach expected professional standards, rather than problems with the ethical claims made in this article.
Epidemiology of myasthenia gravis in Denmark, Finland and Sweden: a population-based observational study
Authors: Vissing John , Atula Sari , Savolainen Mari , Mehtälä Juha , Mehkri Laila , Olesen Tina Bech , Ylisaukko-oja Tero , Lindberg-Schager Ingrid , Berggren Fredrik , Piehl Fredrik
Published: March 2024

Background

Incidence and prevalence rates of myasthenia gravis (MG) vary considerably across studies, and mortality risk is rarely addressed. We examined the prevalence and incidence rates, mortality and factors associated with mortality with MG.

Method

This was a registry linkage study based on nationwide health and administrative registries of Denmark, Finland and Sweden (populations of 5.9, 5.6 and 10.5 million, respectively). Patients with MG were identified based on International Classification of Diseases codes from inpatient and outpatient specialised care registries. Yearly prevalence, incidence and mortality rates in relation to the total background population were calculated from 2000 to 2020 (study period). The causes of death and factors associated with mortality were addressed separately.

Results

The overall incidence of MG was 1.34 (95% CI 1.27 to 1.41), 1.68 (95% CI 1.60 to 1.75) and 1.62 (95% CI 1.56 to 1.68) per 100 000, and the overall prevalence per 100 000 was 18.56 (95% CI 18.31 to 18.81), 20.89 (95% CI 20.62 to 21.16) and 23.42 (95% CI 23.21 to 23.64) in Denmark, Finland and Sweden, respectively. The overall standardised mortality ratio (SMR) was 1.32 (95% CI 1.23 to 1.42) among patients with MG in Denmark, 1.23 (95% CI 1.15 to 1.33) in Finland, and 1.20 (95% CI 1.14 to 1.26) in Sweden, with higher SMR observed in women than men. Annual incidence and prevalence increased over time, whereas the SMR remained stable. The most common causes of death were MG, chronic ischaemic heart disease and acute myocardial infarction.

Conclusions

This population-based study from three Nordic countries highlights the need for improved care of patients with MG, especially young women.
Prevalence of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis in patients with high-degree AV block
Authors: Cannie Douglas , Patel Kush , Protonotarios Alexandros , Heenan Imogen , Bakalakos Athanasios , Syrris Petros , Menezes Leon , Elliott Perry M
Published: March 2024

Objective

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is an infiltrative cardiac disorder caused by deposition of wild type or mutated transthyretin. As ATTR-CM is associated with conduction disease, we sought to determine its prevalence in patients with idiopathic high-degree atrioventricular (AV) block requiring permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation.

Methods

Consecutive patients aged 70–85 years undergoing PPM implantation for idiopathic high-degree AV block between November 2019 and November 2021 were offered a 3,3-diphosphono-1,2-propanodicarboxylic acid (DPD) scan. Demographics, comorbidities, electrocardiographic and imaging data from the time of device implantation were retrospectively collected.

Results

39 patients (79.5% male, mean (SD) age at device implantation 76.2 (2.9) years) had a DPD scan. 3/39 (7.7%, all male) had a result consistent with ATTR-CM (Perugini grade 2 or 3). Mean (SD) maximum wall thickness of those with a positive DPD scan was 19.0 mm (3.6 mm) vs 11.4 mm (2.7 mm) in those with a negative scan (p=0.06). All patients diagnosed with ATTR-CM had spinal canal stenosis and two had carpal tunnel syndrome.

Conclusions

ATTR-CM should be considered in older patients requiring permanent pacing for high-degree AV block, particularly in the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy, carpal tunnel syndrome or spinal canal stenosis.
Casimir wormhole with GUP correction in extended symmetric teleparallel gravity
Authors: Sahoo Abhilipsa , Tripathy S. K. , Mishra B. , Ray Saibal
Published: March 2024

Quantum mechanical concept such as the Casimir effect is explored to model traversable wormholes in an extended symmetric teleparallel gravity theory. The minimal length concept leading to the generalized uncertainty principle (GUP) is used to obtain the Casimir energy density. The effect of the GUP correction in the geometrical and physical properties of traversable Casimir wormholes are investigated. It is noted that the GUP correction has a substantial effect on the wormhole geometry and it modifies the energy condition. From a detailed calculation of the exotic matter content of the GUP corrected Casimir wormhole, it is shown that, a minimal amount of exotic matter is sufficient to support the stability of the wormhole.
The role of scalar current coupling along surfaces
Authors: Barone F. A. , Borges L. H. C. , Flores-Hidalgo G. , Oliveira H. L. , da Silva W. Y. A.
Published: March 2024

In this paper we propose a coupling between the complex scalar field and an external Dirac delta-like planar potential. The coupling is achieved through the Klein–Gordon current normal to the plane where the potential is concentrated. The results are obtained exactly and exhibit many peculiarities. We show that a complex scalar charge does not interact with the potential, but the potential modifies the interaction between two scalar charges if they are placed on opposite sides of the planar potential. When the coupling constant between the potential and the field goes to infinity, the classical field solutions satisfy a kind of MIT boundary conditions along the plane where the potential is concentrated.
Mechanical convergence in mixed populations of mammalian epithelial cells
Authors: Gauquelin Estelle , Kuromiya Keisuke , Namba Toshinori , Ikawa Keisuke , Fujita Yasuyuki , Ishihara Shuji , Sugimura Kaoru
Published: March 2024

Tissues consist of cells with different molecular and/or mechanical properties. Measuring the forces and stresses in mixed-cell populations is essential for understanding the mechanisms by which tissue development, homeostasis, and disease emerge from the cooperation of distinct cell types. However, many previous studies have primarily focused their mechanical measurements on dissociated cells or aggregates of a single-cell type, leaving the mechanics of mixed-cell populations largely unexplored. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the influence of interactions between different cell types on cell mechanics by conducting in situ mechanical measurements on a monolayer of mammalian epithelial cells. Our findings revealed that while individual cell types displayed varying magnitudes of traction and intercellular stress before mixing, these mechanical values shifted in the mixed monolayer, becoming nearly indistinguishable between the cell types. Moreover, by analyzing a mixed-phase model of active tissues, we identified physical conditions under which such mechanical convergence is induced. Overall, the present study underscores the importance of in situ mechanical measurements in mixed-cell populations to deepen our understanding of the mechanics of multicellular systems.

Graphical abstract
Improved photocatalytic activities of TiO2/MoO3/Au nanocomposite prepared by hydrothermal method
Authors: Sawate Akash , Paul Niloy , Furube Akihiro , Katayama Tetsuro , Koinkar Pankaj
Published: March 2024

The synthesis of TiO2/MoO3/Au nanocomposite has been carried out to study its photocatalysis activity. A hydrothermal technique was used to systematically incorporate titanium dioxide (TiO2), molybdenum trioxide (MoO3), and gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) to produce a synergistic nanostructured material. The analysis of prepared nanocomposite was performed using several characterization methods. UV-visible spectroscopy is used to examine the existence of materials and optical absorption. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were among the methods used to study the crystalline phases and surface morphologies. Methylene blue organic pollutants were used to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of the resulting TiO2/MoO3/Au nanocomposites under visible light irradiation. The TiO2/MoO3/Au composite showed significant photocatalytic performance among the three composites.
SEEKING A COMMON THREAD OF ABRAHAM FLEXNER’S ARGUMENTATION: REASON, VALIDITY, RELEVANCE
Authors: HÄMÄLÄINEN JUHA
Published: March 2024

By discussing the logic of Abraham Flexner’s reasoning of the question of whether social work is a profession, this paper provides a critical analysis of Flexner’s argumentation and his criteria of a profession in particular. Methodologically, Stephen E. Toulmin’s theory of argumentation was applied. The study showed that Flexner might not have given enough space to the diverse nature of professions but built his argumentation on the basis of a universal definition of the criteria of a profession. For this part, his one-dimensional theorems can be found to be doubtful. In spite of this, Flexner’s argumentation provides relevant reasoning from which the endeavors to develop social work as an intellectual system, profession, and discipline benefit significantly. This paper presents an argumentation analysis as a philosophical qualitative method applicable to qualitative social work research.
Construction of a Sustainable Training System for Engineering and Technological Innovation Talents Based on CIPP Model in the Digital Era
Authors: Liang Qingjun
Published: March 2024

With the advent of the digital era, the demand for engineering and technological talents in the market is increasing. It is crucial to design a sustainable training and evaluation system suitable for engineering and technological innovation talents. However, traditional data evaluation models have problems with unsuitable evaluation indicators and low model accuracy. Therefore, the paper selects the decision-making-oriented evaluation model to build the basic talent training evaluation indicators, and design expert questionnaires based on the Delphi method to screen indicators. Moreover, the paper also combines the adaptive genetic algorithm optimised backpropagation neural network to establish a talent cultivation evaluation model, and conducts simulation experiments using MATLAB to verify its feasibility. The results showed that the evaluation accuracy [Formula: see text] value of the research model was 0.99635, and the fitness value was 1.34, which was 0.5 higher than the unmodified model and achieved good evaluation results. At the same time, by comparing with the traditional genetic algorithm optimised model and the unimproved backpropagation model, the average evaluation accuracy of the research model increased by 66.44% and 13.59%, and the recall rate increased by 10.79% and 23.96%. The research model has improved the accuracy of evaluation, and its adaptability has also been enhanced, achieving superior evaluation results, which has important value in the cultivation of engineering and technological innovation talents.
POEM: Performance Optimization and Endurance Management for Non-volatile Caches
Authors: Bagchi Aritra , Dharamjeet  , Rishabh Ohm , Suri Manan , Panda Preeti Ranjan
Published: March 2024

Non-volatile memories (NVMs), with their high storage density and ultra-low leakage power, offer promising potential for redesigning the memory hierarchy in next-generation Multi-Processor Systems-on-Chip (MPSoCs). However, the adoption of NVMs in cache designs introduces challenges such as NVM write overheads and limited NVM endurance. The shared NVM cache in an MPSoC experiences
requests
from different processor cores and
responses
from the off-chip memory when the requested data is not present in the cache. Besides, upon evictions of dirty data from higher-level caches, the shared NVM cache experiences another source of write operations, known as
writebacks
. These sources of write operations—writebacks and responses—further exacerbate the contention for the shared bandwidth of the NVM cache and create significant performance bottlenecks. Uncontrolled write operations can also affect the endurance of the NVM cache, posing a threat to cache lifetime and system reliability. Existing strategies often address either performance or cache endurance individually, leaving a gap for a holistic solution. This study introduces the Performance Optimization and Endurance Management (POEM) methodology, a novel approach that aggressively bypasses cache writebacks and responses to alleviate the NVM cache contention. Contrary to the existing bypass policies that do not pay adequate attention to the shared NVM cache contention and focus too much on cache data reuse, POEM’s aggressive bypass significantly improves the overall system performance, even at the expense of data reuse. POEM also employs effective wear leveling to enhance the NVM cache endurance by careful redistribution of write operations across different cache lines. Across diverse workloads, POEM yields an average speedup of 34% over a naïve baseline and 28.8% over a state-of-the-art NVM cache bypass technique while enhancing the cache endurance by 15% over the baseline. POEM also explores diverse design choices by exploiting a key policy parameter that assigns varying priorities to the two system-level objectives.
Fault-Tolerant Control for Carrier-Based Aircraft Automatic Landing Subject to Multiple Disturbances and Actuator Faults
Authors: Wu Qilong , Zhu Qidan
Published: March 2024

This paper introduces a fault-tolerant control scheme for the automatic carrier landing of carrier-based aircraft using direct lift control. The scheme combines radial basis function neural network and active disturbance rejection control (RBF-ADRC) to overcome the impact of actuator failures and external disturbances. First, the carrier-based aircraft model, the carrier air-wake model, and the actuator fault model were established. Secondly, ADRC is designed to estimate and compensate for actuator faults and disturbances in real time. RBFNN adjusts the ADRC controller parameters based on the system state. Then, the Lyapunov function is constructed to prove the stability of the closed-loop system. The controller is applied to the direct lift control channel, auxiliary attitude channel, and approach power compensation system. The direct lift control improves the performance of fixed-wing aircraft. Finally, comparative simulations were conducted under various actuator failures. The results demonstrate the remarkable fault tolerance of the RBF-ADRC scheme, enabling precise tracking of the desired glide path by the shipboard aircraft even in the presence of actuator failures.
State Feedback Control for Vehicle Electro-Hydraulic Braking Systems Based on Adaptive Genetic Algorithm Optimization
Authors: Zhang Jinhua , Ding Lifeng , Long Shangbin
Published: March 2024

In traditional state feedback control, the difficulty in determining the coefficient matrix is a significant factor that prevents achieving optimal control. To address this issue, this paper proposes the integration of adaptive genetic algorithms with state feedback control. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is validated via an electro-hydraulic braking system. Firstly, a model of the electro-hydraulic braking system is introduced. Next, a state feedback controller optimized by parameter-adaptive genetic algorithm is designed. Additionally, a penalty term is introduced into the fitness function to suppress overshoots. Finally, simulations are conducted to compare the convergence speed of parameter-adaptive genetic algorithm with genetic algorithm, ant colony optimization, and particle swarm optimization. Furthermore, the performance of the proposed algorithm, the state feedback control, and the proportional-integral control are also compared. The comparison results show that the proposed algorithm effectively accelerates the settling time of the electro-hydraulic braking system and suppresses the overshoots.
Bilateral Focal Choroidal Excavation and Central Serous Chorioretinopathy Coexisting in a Male Patient
Authors: Bai Jie , Wang Yanqing , Cao Nanjue , Liu Yan , Chen Xufei , He Ting , Wang Shan
Published: March 2024

Background. Here, we report a case of a male patient with bilateral focal choroidal excavation (FCE) and central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). A 33-year-old man complained of mild blurring of vision in the right eye. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed FCE in both eyes, with subretinal fluid in both eyes and serous pigment epithelial detachment in the right eye. Standard laser fluence (50 J/cm2) was used in the right eye, and a subthreshold micropulse laser (SML) was simultaneously used in the left eye. Follow-up visits were recommended. At his last visit (5 months after treatment), the visual acuity was 16/20 in the right eye and 20/20 in the left eye and OCT showed a completed resolution of SRF. Conclusion. FCE is defined as a localized depression of the choroid detected by OCT. It may be congenital or acquired secondarily. We present a case of uncommon focal choroidal excavation and central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) coexisting in both eyes at a relatively young age in which visual acuity was improved and subretinal fluid (SRF) completely resolved with laser treatment. Timely treatment can promote SRF absorption and improve vision.
One Year Weekly Size‐Resolved Air Sampling of SARS‐CoV‐2 in Hospital Corridors and Relations to the Indoor Environment
Authors: Thuresson Sara , Fraenkel Carl-Johan , Sasinovich Sviataslau , Medstrand Patrik , Alsved Malin , Löndahl Jakob
Published: March 2024

Background. Airborne SARS‐CoV‐2 plays a prominent role in COVID‐19 transmission. Numerous studies have sampled air from patient rooms, but airborne spread to other hospital areas such as corridors is less investigated. Methods. Size‐fractionated aerosol particles were collected weekly, with 12 hours of sampling time daily, in corridors at two infectious disease wards in southern Sweden between March 2020 and May 2021. Samples were analysed with real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) for detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA. Indoor temperature, relative humidity, and CO2 concentration were monitored during the sampling period. Results. 20 of the 784 collected samples contained SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA, although in low concentrations. Positive air samples were found in sizes between 0.14 and 8.1 μm, but none >8.1 μm. 45% were found in submicron particles. No clear seasonal pattern was observed among the positive samples. There was no significant difference in the positivity rate of the samples between the two wards. Conclusions. SARS‐CoV‐2 was only detected in 2.6% of the aerosol samples, which indicates that the spread of airborne virus from patient rooms to the corridor was limited.
Incidental Diagnosis of a Primary Pure “Mixed” Ovarian Carcinoid: Clinicopathological Report and Concise Review of the Recent Series
Authors: Larraín Demetrio , Gárate María José , Díaz Lidia , Rojas Iván
Published: March 2024

Primary ovarian carcinoid tumors (POCT) are well-differentiated neuroendocrine neoplasms and account for <0.1% of ovarian tumors. POCT usually arise in the context of mature cystic teratoma; however, pure primary ovarian carcinoids without teratomatous or mucinous elements are very rare. We present a case of a 54-year-old woman that underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy because of endometrial hyperplasia without atypia. The ovaries were macroscopically normal. Pathology report revealed a primary ovarian carcinoid with mixed trabecular and insular growth patterns. Immunohistochemical was positive for chromogranine A, synaptophysin, and CDX2. The Ki-67 index was <1%. To exclude a metastatic carcinoid to the ovary, a Ga-68 PET/CT was performed. This case highlights the microscopic and immunohistochemical characteristics of pure POCT and potential pitfalls in their differentiation from metastatic carcinoids. In addition, differential characteristics of primary and metastatic ovarian carcinoids are discussed.