bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RECTOPERINEAL FISTULA: AN UNUSUAL CAUSE OF ANOGENITAL DISCHARGE
Authors: Harry TC , Pattman RS
Published: April 2023

SUMMARY The serendipitous presentation of a rectoperineal fistula in a 34‐year‐old nulliparous woman is described. This surgically correctable cause of an anogenital discharge posed a risk (if unrecognised) of producing a rectovaginal fistula at the time of vaginal delivery.
GASTROINTESTINAL SIDE‐EFFECTS OF NSAIDs IN THE COMMUNITY
Authors: Jones RH , Tait CL
Published: April 2023

SUMMARY The prevalence of a range of gastrointestinal symptoms was compared in 1014 cases, identified in general practice, receiving chronic non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) treatment and 975 matched community controls. The NSAIDs being taken included aspirin (33%), ibuprofen (17%), naproxen (11%), Piroxicam (9%), indomethacin (8%), and diclofenac (7%). The 12‐month prevalence of dyspepsia in cases was 46% and in controls 43%, with no differences in symptoms prevalence between those taking aspirin and other NSAIDs or between individual NSAIDs. About one‐third of the cases had consulted a GP about their symptoms and 7% had a co‐prescription for an H2‐receptor antagonist. Lower‐bowel symptoms were more common in the NSAID‐taking cases, particularly constipation and straining, and constipation was a more common reason for stopping medication than dyspepsia.
USE OF SOLVENTS TO DISPERSE EAR WAX
Authors: Keane EM , Wilson H , McGrane D , Coakley D , Walsh JB
Published: April 2023

SUMMARY In this test a course of 4 drops twice a day for 5 days of ear wax solvents, a cerumenolytic, sodium bicarbonate, or sterile water significantly increased the clearance of wax from ears by natural expulsion and eliminated the requirement for ear syringing in 50% of cases.
THE EFFECT OF RANITIDINE ON SYMPTOM RELIEF AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF PATIENTS WITH GASTRO‐OESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE
Authors: Chal KL , Stacey JH , Sacks GE
Published: April 2023

SUMMARY A 4‐week study involving 354 patients with the symptoms of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease was conducted to assess the effect of ranitidine (as effervescent tablets) on their relief and quality of life. All patients received 150 mg bd for 2 weeks, with those responding to treatment continuing on the same dosage for a further 2‐week period and 'non‐responders' having the dosage increased to 150 mg qds for a further 2 weeks. Quality of life and symptom assessments were carried out at 0, 2 and 4 weeks. Two weeks' treatment with ranitidine 150 mg bd was effective at controlling the GORD symptoms in 78% of patients. A 4‐week treatment with either 150 mg bd or qds controlled the symptoms in 85% of patients. All patients had significant improvements in all dimensions of their quality of life over the study period.
SEASON OF BIRTH IN DOWN'S SYNDROME
Authors: Puri BK , Singh I
Published: April 2023

SUMMARY Previous studies have found a summer peak in the birth of individuals with Down's syndrome but have not tended to examine them into adulthood. The aims of this study were to look for evidence of a seasonal effect in birth and to uncover any differences in adulthood between those born in different seasons. The casenotes of all adults with Down's syndrome from the catchment area of a hospital for people with learning disability were examined. A summer peak in births was confirmed. Only 6% of births took place during January and February compared with the 17% expected (P=0.019); birth during these 2 months was associated with female sex (P=0.047). There was a trend for those born in December to March not to develop epilepsy (P=0.053).
COLONOSCOPE INCARCERATION WITHIN AN INGUINAL HERNIA: A CAUTIONARY TALE
Authors: Saunders MP
Published: April 2023

SUMMARY Incarceration of the colonoscope, within an undetected left‐sided inguinal hernia, is a rarely reported event. The literature is reviewed, a possible mechanism described, and the technique used to remove the colonoscope outlined.
SURGICAL CORRECTION OF GYNAECOMASTIA IN BODYBUILDERS
Authors: Reyes RJ , Zicchi S , Hamed H , Chaudary MA , FentiMan IS
Published: April 2023

SUMMARY Gynaecomastia is a common and well‐recognised side‐effect of anabolic steroid abuse in athletes. A staging system is proposed and a technique of excision under local anaesthetic described. Careful selection of cases and the use of meticulous technique can achieve good cosmetic results, without risk of recurrence of gynaecomastia.
PLATELET STORAGE POOL DEFICIENCY IN PREGNANCY
Authors: Edozien LC , Jip J , Mayers FN
Published: April 2023

SUMMARY A case of inherited platelet storage pool deficiency is described which was successfully managed with prophylactic platelet transfusion at delivery.
COLLAPSE OF CHILD FROM UNDIAGNOSED DIAPHRAGMATIC HERNIA AFTER NORMAL BARIUM INVESTIGATION
Authors: Cooney K , Grove W , Watson A
Published: April 2023

SUMMARY A16‐month‐old child who died suddenly from an undiagnosed congenital diaphragmatic hernia is described. She had previously been investigated for persistent vomiting and had undergone a barium study.
MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC NON‐MALIGNANT PAIN
Authors: Andersen S , Leikersfeldt G
Published: April 2023

SUMMARY Chronic non‐malignant pain is often treated inadequately because of opiophobia. There is no scientific justification for this fear. With close monitoring and frequent controls, opioids are safe for this kind of pain. There is no scientific evidence that patients with chronic non‐malignant pain are more prone to addiction or tolerance. It is also pertinent to consider that the endpoint of chronic pain treatment is not just freedom from pain but global wellbeing.
OSTEOPOROSIS CARE — THE NEED FOR A DISTRICT‐WIDE APPROACH
Authors: Rowe R ,   National Osteoporosis Society
Published: April 2023

SUMMARY Osteoporosis has now been recognised by both the World Health Organization and the UK Department of Health as a major public health problem. It causes more than 200,000 fractures each year in the UK — at an estimated cost to the NHS of £750 million. For the individual, it presents a burden of pain, deformity and premature death.
TUBERCULOUS MASTITIS: A RARE DISEASE
Authors: Soub H Al , Chacko K
Published: April 2023

SUMMARY Two cases of tuberculous mastitis are described. This disease remains rare. While routine laboratory investigations are not helpful in its diagnosis, fine needle aspiration to allow histologic examination of tissue and culture is essential — both to differentiate tuberculous mastitis from pyogenic breast abscess and breast carcinoma, and to guide antimicrobial therapy. Antituberculous drugs in combination with aspiration or surgical drainage are usually associated with an excellent outcome.
IMPOTENCE AND ITS NON‐SURGICAL MANAGEMENT
Authors: Riley AJ , Athanasiadis L
Published: April 2023

SUMMARYImpotence is a common symptom which can cause considerable distress to both the sufferer and his partner. The use of pharmacotherapy to improve erectile function will continue to increase as safe and effective drugs are developed. However, restoring erectile function should not be the only treatment objective. It is also essential to address personal and emotional factors in the sufferer, conflicts in his relationship with his partner, and sexual problems in his partner, all of which may be instrumental in causing or maintaining the presenting impotence. We advocate a combined approach with appropriate medical treatment and sex and couple therapy
ATRIAL FIBRILLATION STORMS
Authors: Mitchell ARJ , Spurrell PAR , Sulke N
Published: April 2023

Evolving pacemaker and device technology now allows the onset pattern of arrhythmias to be identified. It is recognised that some cardiac arrhythmias have a circadian pattern of onset and that ventricular arrhythmias can occur in clusters of electrical storms. The long‐term follow‐up of patients with an atrial defibrillator suggests that in some patients persistent atrial fibrillation recurrences are not random, but can occur in clusters of ‘atrial fibrillation storms’. A case report is used to demonstrate this newly recognised phenomenon.
BONE MARROW METASTASIS IN ANAPLASTIC OLIGODENDROGLIOMA
Authors: Sharma A , Agarwal A , Sharma MC , Anand M , Agarwal S , Raina V
Published: April 2023

Oligodendroglioma is a rare primary brain tumour. These tumours rarely metastasise extraneurally because of the absence of a lymphatic system, the presence of the blood‐brain barrier and the patient's poor overall survival. Oligodendroglioma may spread via the cerebrospinal fluid or after surgical intervention. Metastasis to bone marrow is extremely rare. Oligodendroglioma is now considered a chemosensitive disease. If chemotherapy leads to prolonged survival, we may see more extraneural metastases in future.
TERIPARATIDE (rhPTH 1–34) FOR THE TREATMENT OF OSTEOPOROSIS
Authors: Ebeling PR , Russell RGG
Published: April 2023

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder characterised by compromised bone strength predisposing a person to an increased risk of fracture. Osteoporosis develops through an imbalance between bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts resulting in increased bone loss. Numerous agents used for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis slow bone loss by decreasing both bone resorption and formation. These include bisphosphonates, hormone replacement therapy, selective oestrogen receptor modulators and calcitonins. All reduce vertebral fracture risk and some reduce non‐vertebral fracture risk, but none routinely increases bone mass and strength or restores lost bone architecture. In many respects, antiresorptive therapies halt the progression of osteoporosis. However, for patients who have osteoporosis, particularly those who have sustained their first fracture and are at high risk for subsequent fractures, there is a need to develop agents that stimulate bone formation and, thus, reverse osteoporosis. Teriparatide is the recombinant human 1–34 amino acid sequence of parathyroid hormone recently approved in the US for the treatment of men and postmenopausal women at high risk for osteoporotic fracture and in Europe for the treatment of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. When given by once‐daily injection, teriparatide increases bone mass by stimulating formation of new bone, resulting in the restoration of bone architecture.
Energetics and structure of SiC(N)(O) polymer‐derived ceramics
Authors: Leonel Gerson J. , Guo Xin , Singh Gurpreet , Gervais Christel , Navrotsky Alexandra
Published: April 2023

This study presents new experimental data on the thermodynamic stability of SiC(O) and SCN(O) ceramics derived from the pyrolysis of polymeric precursors: SMP‐10 (polycarbosilane), PSZ‐20 (polysilazane), and Durazane‐1800 (polysilazane) at 1200°C. There are close similarities in the structure of the polysilazanes, but they differ in crosslinking temperature. High‐resolution X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows notable differences in the microstructure of all polymer‐derived ceramics (PDCs). The enthalpies of formation (∆H°f, elem) of SiC(O) (from SMP‐10), SCN(O) (from PSZ‐20), and SCN(O) (from Durazane‐1800) are −20 ± 4.63, −78.55 ± 2.32, and −85.09 ± 2.18 kJ/mol, respectively. The PDC derived from Durazane‐1800 displays greatest thermodynamic stability. The results point to increased thermodynamic stabilization with addition of nitrogen to the microstructure of PDCs. Thermodynamic analysis suggests increased thermodynamic drive for forming SiCN(O) microstructures with an increase in the relative amount of SiNxC4−x mixed bonds and a decrease in silica. Overall, enthalpies of formation suggest superior stabilizing effect of SiNxC4−x compared to SiOxC4−x mixed bonds. The results indicate systematic stabilization of SiCN(O) structures with decrease in silicon and oxygen content. The destabilization of PDCs resulting from higher silicon content may reach a plateau at higher concentrations.
‘It's all about ticks’: A secondary qualitative analysis of nurse perspectives about documentation audit
Authors: Michl Gabriella , Paterson Catherine , Bail Kasia
Published: April 2023

Aim

To understand how nurses talk about documentation audit in relation to their professional role.

Background

Nursing documentation in health services is often audited as an indicator of nursing care and patient outcomes. There are few studies exploring the nurses' perspectives on this common process.

Design

Secondary qualitative thematic analysis.

Methods

Qualitative focus groups (n = 94 nurses) were conducted in nine diverse clinical areas of an Australian metropolitan health service for a service evaluation focussed on comprehensive care planning in 2020. Secondary qualitative analysis of the large data set using reflexive thematic analysis focussed specifically on the nurse experience of audit, as there was the significant emphasis by participants and was outside the scope of the primary study.

Results

Nurses': (1) value quality improvement but need to feel involved in the cycle of change, (2) highlight that ‘failed audit’ does not equal failed care, (3) describe the tension between audited documentation being just bureaucratic and building constructive nursing workflows, (4) value building rapport (with nurses, patients) but this often contrasted with requirements (organizational, legal and audit) and additionally, (5) describe that the focus on completion of documentation for audit creates unintended and undesirable consequences.

Conclusion

Documentation audit, while well‐intended and historically useful, has unintended negative consequences on patients, nurses and workflows.

Impact

Accreditation systems rely on care being auditable, but when individual legal, organizational and professional standards are implemented via documentation forms and systems, the nursing burden is impacted at the point of care for patients, and risks both incomplete cares for patients and incomplete documentation.

No Patient or Public Contribution

Patients participated in the primary study on comprehensive care assessment by nurses but did not make any comments about documentation audit.
From mainstream employment to mainstream retirement: A randomised controlled trial of a transition to retirement intervention for adults with intellectual disability
Authors: Brotherton Michelle , Stancliffe Roger J. , O'Loughlin Kate , Wilson Nathan J.
Published: April 2023

Background

We evaluated a transition to retirement intervention that adapted strategies used to support employment of people with intellectual disability in mainstream workplaces. The intervention facilitated their independent participation in mainstream community groups and volunteering.

Methods

We randomised 29 older Australians who currently/previously worked in mainstream employment into an intervention group or wait‐list control group. Hours of independent participation in target activities were collected before and after the 13‐week initial intervention/waiting period, and at 52 weeks for intervention participants.

Results

Six of the 12 intervention participants selected an activity and increased hours of independent participation following 13 weeks in the Keeping Active (KA) program and eight were independently accessing their selected activity at 52‐week follow‐up. None of the 19 wait‐list participants increased their independent participation after 13 weeks.

Conclusions

The intervention was effective and highlighted the need to account for factors such as participant choice in evaluation of individualised programs.
Timing of departure from natal areas by golden eagles is not constrained by acquisition of flight skills
Authors: Hemery Arzhela , Mugnier‐Lavorel Lucas , Itty Christian , Duriez Olivier , Besnard Aurélien
Published: April 2023

The post‐fledging dependence period (PFDP), which extends from a fledgling's first flight out of the nest to its departure from the parents' territory, is crucial in the lifecycle of birds. During this period, juveniles develop their flight and foraging skills to become fully independent. Despite the importance of this life stage in basic bird ecology and conservation, it remains largely overlooked – notably its link with the acquisition of flight skills. In this study, we modeled the variation in seven proxies describing flight skills of 84 GPS‐tracked golden eagle juveniles in France between 2016 and 2020. Juveniles had a long but highly variable PFDP, averaging 177.9 (± 62.2) days after departure from the nest. This period is divided into two phases: a first phase of rapid increase in flight skills over the first 60 days after departure from the nest, followed by a plateau in which flight skills no longer develop until independence. These results suggest that the full development of flight skills is not a constraining factor during the PFDP and that it is advantageous for juveniles to choose to remain in their natal territory. We posit that parents' tolerance of fledged juveniles is a type of parental care that may maximize their own fitness by improving the survival of their descendants. In future studies, it may be of interest to investigate the factors that may explain the high variability in the duration of this stage between individuals within the same population.
Midwifery Workforce Density Moderates the Association Between Independent Practice and Pregnancy Outcomes
Authors: Vanderlaan Jennifer
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Studies comparing pregnancy outcomes before and after state transition to independent midwifery practice have found little change in primary cesarean birth and preterm birth rates. One reason may be the failure to control for midwife density. The objective was to test if the local midwife density moderates the association between state independent midwifery practice and pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

Birth records were abstracted from the State Inpatient Databases for 6 states. The Area Health Resource File provided county variables. Midwife density was operationalized as no midwives, low midwife density (<4.5 per 1000 births), and high midwife density (≥4.5 midwives per 1000 births). Multivariate logistic regression models compared primary cesarean birth and preterm birth, controlling for maternal and county characteristics. Moderation was tested by including an interaction term (independent practice × density) to the regression models. The magnitude of association for the interaction was measured by stratifying the models.

Results

The study included 875,156 women; most (79.7%) resided in a county with low midwife density. Restricted midwifery practice was associated with increased odds of both primary cesarean birth and preterm birth. The interaction term was significant for both preterm birth and primary cesarean, indicating moderation. The largest magnitude of difference was the increased odds of preterm birth in counties with a high midwife density and restricted practice (odds ratio, 3.50; 95% CI, 2.43‐5.06) compared with those with high midwife density and independent practice.

Discussion

Midwife density moderates the association between independent midwifery practice and primary cesarean birth and preterm birth. Moderation may explain why prior studies found small or no changes in outcomes when states adopted independent practice. Moderation models can improve testing for associations with independent practice. Both midwife independent practice and increasing midwifery workforce size can be strategies to improve state pregnancy outcomes.
Chronic pain relief after receiving affective touch: A single case report
Authors: Meijer Larissa L. , Ruis Carla , van der Smagt Maarten J. , Dijkerman H. Chris
Published: April 2023

Affective touch is gentle slow stroking of the skin, which can reduce experimentally induced pain. Our participant, suffering from Parkinson's Disease and chronic pain, received 1 week of non‐affective touch and 1 week of affective touch as part of a larger study. Interestingly, after 2 days of receiving affective touch, the participant started to feel less pain. After 7 days, the burning painful sensations fully disappeared. This suggest that affective touch may reduce chronic pain in clinical populations.
Harnessing the untapped potential of food education in schools: Nurturing the school subject Food and Health
Authors: Bjørkkjær Tormod , Palojoki Päivi , Beinert Cecilie
Published: April 2023

Essential life skills related to food and meals have a potential triple dividend for children and adolescents, that is, short‐term, medium‐term and possible generational effects with regard to public health, sustainability and well‐being of future citizens in local communities. While parents and childhood environments are a basis for learning about food and meals, systematic food education in the setting of primary and lower secondary schools may have a significant role that should be utilized more strongly, reaching and benefitting all pupils from a life course perspective. Through this article, we explore the current state of the art of the mandatory school subject Food and Health (FH) from the Nordic perspective. Our leading questions are: (1) What potential is currently utilized and which future potential does FH education have in primary and secondary schools in terms of food education for essential life skills and competencies, and (2) How can this untapped potential be better harnessed with a goal of facilitating better learning in FH? Drawing on data from Norway as a case study, supported by Swedish and Finnish data, we discuss the status, challenges and potential reformation of food education, focusing on FH. This includes perspectives on the prioritization of the FH subject and the organization of more systematic food education in schools, which might improve FH's status and significance. Combining theory–practice, creating room for discussion and focusing less on cooking‐related activities may better facilitate learning in FH. Without proper FH, food education might be nonsystematic, thereby generating unequal outcomes for children and adolescents.
Anchors: A way for FtsZ filaments to stay membrane bound
Authors: Naha Arindam , Haeusser Daniel P. , Margolin William
Published: April 2023

Most bacteria use the tubulin homolog FtsZ to organize their cell division. FtsZ polymers initially assemble into mobile complexes that circle around a ring‐like structure at the cell midpoint, followed by the recruitment of other proteins that will constrict the cytoplasmic membrane and synthesize septal peptidoglycan to divide the cell. Despite the need for FtsZ polymers to associate with the membrane, FtsZ lacks intrinsic membrane binding ability. Consequently, FtsZ polymers have evolved to interact with the membrane through adaptor proteins that both bind FtsZ and the membrane. Here, we discuss recent progress in understanding the functions of these FtsZ membrane tethers. Some, such as FtsA and SepF, are widely conserved and assemble into varied oligomeric structures bound to the membrane through an amphipathic helix. Other less‐conserved proteins, such as EzrA and ZipA, have transmembrane domains, make extended structures, and seem to bind to FtsZ through two separate interactions. This review emphasizes that most FtsZs use multiple membrane tethers with overlapping functions, which not only attach FtsZ polymers to the membrane but also organize them in specific higher‐order structures that can optimize cell division activity. We discuss gaps in our knowledge of these concepts and how future studies can address them.
Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients with Crowe III/IV Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: Acetabular Morphology and Reconstruction Techniques
Authors: Qian Hang , Wang Xu , Wang Pengbo , Zhang Guangyang , Dang Xiaoqian , Wang Kunzheng , Liu Ruiyu
Published: April 2023

The severe anatomic deformities render acetabular reconstruction as one of the greatest challenges in total hip arthroplasty (THA) for patients with Crowe III/IV developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Thorough understanding of acetabular morphology and bone defect is the basis of acetabular reconstruction techniques. Researchers have proposed either true acetabulum position reconstruction or high hip center (HHC) position reconstruction. The former can obtain the optimal hip biomechanics, including bulk femoral head autograft, acetabular medial wall displacement osteotomy, and acetabular component medialization, while the latter is relatively easy for hip reduction, as it can avoid neurovascular lesions and obtain more bone coverage; however, it cannot achieve good hip biomechanics. Both techniques have their own advantages and disadvantages. Although there is no consensus on which approach is better, most researchers suggest the true acetabulum position reconstruction. Based on the various acetabular deformities in DDH patients, evaluation of acetabular morphology, bone defect, and bone stock using the 3D image and acetabular component simulation techniques, as well as the soft tissue tension around the hip joint, individualized acetabular reconstruction plans can be formulated and appropriate techniques can be selected to acquire desired clinical outcomes.
Prediction model on disease recurrence for low risk resected stage I lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kwok Wang Chun , Ma Ting Fung , Ho James Chung Man , Lam David Chi Leung , Sit Ko Yung , Ip Mary Sau Man , Au Timmy Wing Kuk , Tam Terence Chi Chun
Published: April 2023

Background and Objective

Although stage I non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) typically carries a good prognosis following complete resection, early disease recurrence can occur. An accurate survival prediction model would help refine a follow‐up strategy and personalize future adjuvant therapy. We developed a post‐operative prediction model based on readily available clinical information for patients with stage I adenocarcinoma.

Methods

We retrospectively studied the disease‐free survival (DFS) of 408 patients with pathologically confirmed low‐risk stage I adenocarcinoma of lung who underwent curative resection from 2013 to 2017. A tree‐based method was employed to partition the cohort into subgroups with distinct DFS outcome and stepwise risk ratio. These covariates were included in multivariate analysis to build a scoring system to predict disease recurrence. The model was subsequently validated using a 2011–2012 cohort.

Results

Non‐smoker status, stage IA disease, epidermal‐growth factor receptor mutants and female gender were associated with better DFS. Multivariate analysis identified smoking status, disease stage and gender as factors necessary for the scoring system and yielded 3 distinct risk groups for DFS [99.4 (95% CI 78.3–125.3), 62.9 (95% CI 48.2–82.0), 33.7 (95% CI 24.6–46.1) months, p < 0.005]. External validation yielded an area under the curve by receiver operating characteristic analysis of 0.863 (95% CI 0.755–0.972).

Conclusion

The model could categorize post‐operative patients using readily available clinical information, and may help personalize a follow‐up strategy and future adjuvant therapy.
The use of agitated saline as contrast agent in a contrast‐enhanced cystosonography for detection of urinary bladder rupture in animal cadavers
Authors: Muehlbauer Eloisa , Saldanha André , Gil Elaine M. , Alves Thais L. , Duque Juan C. M. , Froes Tilde R.
Published: April 2023

Objective

To determine the value of microbubble contrast cystosonography in the diagnosis of bladder rupture in animals.

Design

Prospective, method comparison study from November 2019 to October 2020.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

Thirty‐four ethically sourced cadavers of dogs, rats, and rabbits.

Interventions

In a prospective and blinded study, the cadavers were divided into 2 randomized groups: with bladder rupture (CR), and without bladder rupture (SR). Urinary catheterization was performed in all cadavers. Through the urethral catheter, bladders in CR group were ruptured using a rigid stainless steel guide wire. Microbubble contrast was infused into the bladder through the urethral catheter, while a single, blinded observer sonographically assessed the bladder. The time to diagnosis and the number of attempts needed for diagnosis were recorded.

Measurements and Main Results

The study included cadavers of 16 female Wistar rats, 6 female dogs, 11 male dogs, and 1 male rabbit. Time to diagnosis in dogs (2.25 ± 0.91 min) was statistically higher when compared to rats (1.15 ± 0.75 min; P = 0.03). Of the 34 cases, incorrect diagnosis of bladder rupture was made in only 2 dogs (6%), indicating a diagnostic sensitivity of 88.88%, specificity of 100%, and an accuracy of 94%. The positive predictive value was 1 and the negative predictive value was 0.9.

Conclusions

Our study showed that the described method is accurate, sensitive, and specific for the detection of bladder rupture in animal cadavers of different species, size, and sex.
3D‐printed, patient‐specific cutting guides improve femoral and tibial cut alignment in canine total knee replacement
Authors: Fracka Agnieszka B. , Oxley Bill , Allen Matthew J.
Published: April 2023

Objectives

The purpose of this cadaveric study was to determine whether patient‐specific guides (PSGs) improve the accuracy of tibial and femoral cut alignment in canine total knee replacement (TKR), as compared with generic cutting guides.

Study design

Original research.

Animals

Sixteen pelvic limbs from skeletally mature medium‐ to large‐breed canine cadavers.

Methods

Specimens were randomly allocated to one of two groups (PSG or Generic; N = 8/group). In the Generic group, femoral and tibial ostectomies were made using the standard canine TKR femoral cutting blocks and tibial alignment guide. In the PSG group, the cuts were made using a series of custom 3D‐printed cutting guides. “Planned” and “actual” tibial and femoral cut alignments were compared in the frontal and sagittal planes, and errors were calculated by subtracting actual from planned values.

Results

Use of 3D‐printed PSGs improved tibial cut alignment in the frontal plane but not the sagittal plane. PSGs also improved the alignment of the cranial and distal femoral ostectomies but did not impact varus‐valgus alignment.

Conclusions

These findings support the use of PSGs for TKR in dogs. Clinical trials are now needed to determine whether the benefits of PSGs translate into measurable improvements in joint function and implant longevity.

Clinical significance

PSGs have the potential to improve femoral and tibial component alignment in canine TKR.
‘Aquaporin‐omics’: mechanisms of aquaporin‐2 loss in polyuric disorders
Authors: Mak Angela , Sung Chih‐Chien , Pisitkun Trairak , Khositseth Sookkasem , Knepper Mark A.
Published: April 2023

Animal models of a variety of acquired nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) disorders have identified a common feature: all such models are associated with the loss of aquaporin‐2 (AQP2) from collecting duct principal cells, explaining the associated polyuria. To discover mechanisms of AQP2 loss, previous investigators have carried out either transcriptomics (lithium‐induced NDI, unilateral ureteral obstruction, endotoxin‐induced NDI) or proteomics (hypokalaemia‐associated NDI, hypercalcaemia‐associated NDI, bilateral ureteral obstruction), yielding contrasting views. Here, to address whether there may be common mechanisms underlying loss of AQP2 in acquired NDI disorders, we have used bioinformatic data integration techniques to combine information from all transcriptomic and proteomic data sets. The analysis reveals roles for autophagy/apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammatory signalling as key elements of the mechanism that results in loss of AQP2. These processes can cause AQP2 loss through the combined effects of repression of Aqp2 gene transcription, generalized translational repression, and increased autophagic degradation of proteins including AQP2. Two possible types of stress‐sensor proteins, namely death receptors and stress‐sensitive protein kinases of the EIF2AK family, are discussed as potential triggers for signalling processes that result in loss of AQP2.

image

Key points

Prior studies have shown in a variety of animal models of acquired nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) that loss of the aquaporin‐2 (AQP2) protein is a common feature.

Investigations of acquired NDI using transcriptomics (RNA‐seq) and proteomics (protein mass spectrometry) have led to differing conclusions regarding mechanisms of AQP2 loss.

Bioinformatic integration of transcriptomic and proteomic data from these prior studies now reveals that acquired NDI models map to three core processes: oxidative stress, apoptosis/autophagy and inflammatory signalling.

These processes cause loss of AQP2 through translational repression, accelerated degradation of proteins, and transcriptional repression.
An appraisal of the water mite genus Hygrobates Koch, 1837 from Türkiye, based on morphological and molecular data (Acariformes, Hydrachnidia, Hygrobatidae)
Authors: Pešić Vladimir , Esen Yunus , Gülle Pinar , Zawal Andrzej , Jovanović Milica , Rewicz Tomasz , Smit Harry
Published: April 2023

Water mites of the genus Hygrobates Koch, 1837 are one of the most abundant water mite species in all kinds of running and standing waters in Türkiye. In this study, DNA barcodes were recovered from 26 specimens, morphologically assigned to five Hygrobates species. One species of the H. trigonicus species-complex (H. crypticus sp. nov.) from Eastern Türkiye, is described as new for science. Two species, Hygrobates thori and H. anatolicus were represented by two BINs. The first COI sequences is provided for Hygrobates anatolicus Esen & Pešić, 2013. The current diversity of the genus Hygrobates in Türkiye is discussed based on molecular and morphological data.
A new species of Postumius (Acari: Stigmaeidae) from Asian Russia with COI barcode
Authors: Khaustov Alexander A. , Kazakov Denis V.
Published: April 2023

Female and male of a new species, Postumius asiaticus sp. nov. (Acari: Stigmaeidae) are described from wet soil in the Asian Russia (Kurgan region and Buryatia). A fragment of the COI barcoding gene was sequenced to facilitate DNA-based identification. The genus Postumius Kuznetsov is reported from Asia for the first time. The male is described for the first time in the genus Postumius. A key to species of Postumius is also provided.
Building a genome-based understanding of bacterial pH preferences
Authors: Ramoneda Josep , Stallard-Olivera Elias , Hoffert Michael , Winfrey Claire C. , Stadler Masumi , Niño-García Juan Pablo , Fierer Noah
Published: April 2023

The environmental preferences of many microbes remain undetermined. This is the case for bacterial pH preferences, which can be difficult to predict a priori despite the importance of pH as a factor structuring bacterial communities in many systems. We compiled data on bacterial distributions from five datasets spanning pH gradients in soil and freshwater systems (1470 samples), quantified the pH preferences of bacterial taxa across these datasets, and compiled genomic data from representative bacterial taxa. While taxonomic and phylogenetic information were generally poor predictors of bacterial pH preferences, we identified genes consistently associated with pH preference across environments. We then developed and validated a machine learning model to estimate bacterial pH preferences from genomic information alone, a model that could aid in the selection of microbial inoculants, improve species distribution models, or help design effective cultivation strategies. More generally, we demonstrate the value of combining biogeographic and genomic data to infer and predict the environmental preferences of diverse bacterial taxa.
Paleogeographic reconstruction of regional accretionary complex architecture, Franciscan Complex, northwestern San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA
Authors: Raymond Loren A. , Bero David A.
Published: April 2023

The Franciscan Complex of western California, USA, the archetypal subduction accretionary complex, cannot serve as a model subduction accretionary complex unless its local-to-regional architecture is clearly understood. Yet, architectural details are not clearly understood in many regions, including the northwestern San Francisco Bay Area. Here, Cenozoicage, dextral strike-slip faulting on faults of the San Andreas System fragmented the original architecture, forming crustal blocks and juxtaposing fragments of accretionary rock of different tectonostratigraphy. One little-known Cenozoicage fault and block boundary, the Tamarancho Shear Zone, separates northeastern crustal blocks that are dominated by Franciscan rocks from southwestern blocks with significantly different Franciscan accretionary tectonostratigraphy. The northeastern blocks have abbreviated accretionary stacks with at least one blueschist-facies accretionary unit, whereas the southwestern blocks lack blueschist-facies accretionary units and have either a westward-and-downward–younging Franciscan tectonostratigraphy or thrustsheet stacks composed of partial sequences of ocean-plate stratigraphy rocks. The northwestern San Francisco Bay Area Franciscan Complex is bounded on the southwest by the San Andreas fault (sensu stricto) and on the northeast by the Petaluma Valley–Point Richmond–Silver Creek fault. Using paleogeographic reconstruction, the original Franciscan Complex accretionary architecture of the northwestern San Francisco Bay Area can be partially reconstructed by removing block separations on San Andreas System faults and enhanced by unfolding Cenozoic folds. Accretionary units of the northwestern San Francisco Bay Area Franciscan Complex were originally assembled ~190 km southeast of their present locations, west of the southern Diablo Range. Reconstruction of the accretionary complex in that location and considerations of tectonostratigraphy require that the Novato Block, located northeast of the Tamarancho Shear Zone, and the Mt. Tamalpais Block, to its southwest, be separated along or across strike in the reconstructed accretionary complex. Either dual subduction zone or faulted plate geometries produced the northwestern San Francisco Bay Area segment of the accretionary complex, and each model highlights the possibilities of along- or across-strike variations in the structure and history of the accretionary complex.
Differences in collaboration structures and impact among prominent researchers in Europe and North America
Authors: Danús Lluís , Muntaner Carles , Krauss Alexander , Sales-Pardo Marta , Guimerà Roger
Published: April 2023

Scientists collaborate through intricate networks, which impact the quality and scope of their research. At the same time, funding and institutional arrangements, as well as scientific and political cultures, affect the structure of collaboration networks. Since such arrangements and cultures differ across regions in the world in systematic ways, we surmise that collaboration networks and impact should also differ systematically across regions. To test this, we compare the structure of collaboration networks among prominent researchers in North America and Europe. We find that prominent researchers in Europe establish denser collaboration networks, whereas those in North America establish more decentralized networks. We also find that the impact of the publications of prominent researchers in North America is significantly higher than for those in Europe, both when they collaborate with other prominent researchers and when they do not. Although Europeans collaborate with other prominent researchers more often, which increases their impact, we also find that repeated collaboration among prominent researchers decreases the synergistic effect of collaborating.
Modeling of Hybrid Henry Gas Solubility Optimization Algorithm with Deep Learning-Based LED Driver System
Authors: Fayaz Ahamed A. , Sukhi Y.
Published: April 2023

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) have become an effective lighting solution because of the characteristics of energy efficiency, flexible controllability and extended lifetime. They find use in numerous lighting systems for residents, industries, enterprises and street lighting applications. The efficiency and trustworthiness of the LED systems considerably based on the thermal mechanical loading improved several degradation schemes and respective interfaces. The complication of the LED systems limits the theoretic interpretation of the core reasons for the luminous variation or the formation of the direct correlation among the thermal aging loading and the luminous output. Therefore, this paper designs a new hybrid Henry gas solubility optimization with deep learning (HHGSO-DL) algorithm for LED driver system design. The presented HHGSO-DL technique mainly concentrates on the derivation of empirical relationships among the design parameters, thermal aging loading and luminous outcomes of the LED product. In the presented HHGSO-DL technique, bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) algorithm is executed for examining the empirical relationship and its hyperparameters can be tuned by the HHGSO algorithm. In this work, the HHGSO algorithm is derived by the integration of traditional HGSO algorithm with oppositional-based learning (OBL) concept. The performance of the HHGSO-DL technique can be investigated on LED chip packaging and LED luminaire with thermal aging loading. The extensive results demonstrate the promising performance of the HHGSO-DL technique over other state-of-the-art approaches.
A New Effective APEAO Algorithm Assisted Positive Output-Super Lift Luo Converter with PV-Wind Energy System
Authors: Rani M. Selva , Uma G.
Published: April 2023

The importance of renewable energy resources in the energy province necessitates the use of photovoltaic (PV) and wind systems to power brushless DC (BLDC) motors for applications such as water pumping and automobiles. In this research, an optimized MPPT-based positive output super-lift Luo converter (PO-SLLC) is presented for a hybrid power system with a BLDC motor to overcome the constraints of ordinary DC–DC converters. The Luo converter produces a positive output voltage which aids in achieving a high power density with fewer ripples in the voltage and current profile. The output voltage grows in geometric progression, increasing the converter’s efficiency, according to its mathematical model. Adjustment parameter enhanced Aquila optimization (APEAO) is used to optimize the duty cycle of the PO-SLLC from the MPPT controller and the controller parameters of the PI controller of the wind system. The proposed system’s behavior for variations in irradiation patterns with constant load torque is simulated in MATLAB/Simulink. The settling time and overshoot obtained with the proposed optimized controller are compared to those obtained with other optimization controllers, such as ant colony optimization (ACO), genetic algorithm (GA), Aquila optimization (AO), advanced version of harmony search algorithm (2N[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]1-HSA) and opposition based quantum bat algorithm (OQBA) and it is demonstrated that the proposed APEAO optimized controller has good dynamic performance.
Dynamics of the Rotating Arm of an Electromechanical System Subjected to the Action of Circularly Placed Magnets: Numerical Study and Experiment
Authors: Kouam Tagne R. , Woafo P. , Awrejcewicz J.
Published: April 2023

This paper considers the experimental and numerical study of an electromechanical arm powered by a DC motor and subjected to the action of permanent magnets. The magnetic torques arise from permanent magnets mounted at the free end of the arm and along a circle. The electrical subsystem is powered by two forms of input signal (DC and AC voltage sources). For each case, we determine the condition for complete rotation of the mechanical arm versus the parameters of the system such as the arm length, the number of magnets, and the frequency of the external signal. The nonlinear dynamics of the system is examined by means of time-histories, bifurcation diagrams, Lyapunov exponents and phase portraits. Chaotic and periodic dynamics are detected numerically and confirmed experimentally.
Dynamics of a Coccinellids-Aphids Model with Stage Structure in Predator Including Maturation and Gestation Delays
Authors: Yuan Mengran , Wang Na
Published: April 2023

This work studies a three-dimensional predator–prey model with gestation delay and stage structure between aphidophagous coccinellids and aphid pests, where the interaction between mature coccinellids and aphids is inscribed by Crowley–Martin functional response function, and immature coccinellids and aphids act in the form of Holling-I type. We prove the positivity and boundedness of the solution of the nondelayed system and analyze its equilibrium point, local asymptotic stability, and global stability. In addition to the delays, the critical values of Hopf bifurcation occurring for different parameters are also found from the numerical simulation. The stability of the delayed system and Hopf bifurcation with different delays as parameters are also discussed. Our model analysis shows that the time delay essentially governs the system’s dynamics, and the stability of the system switches as delays increase. We also investigate the direction and stability of the Hopf bifurcation using the normal form theory and center manifold theorem. Finally, we perform computer simulations and depict diagrams to support our theoretical results.
Non-isothermal non-Newtonian fluids: The stationary case
Authors: Grasselli Maurizio , Parolini Nicola , Poiatti Andrea , Verani Marco
Published: April 2023

The stationary Navier–Stokes equations for a non-Newtonian incompressible fluid are coupled with the stationary heat equation and subject to Dirichlet-type boundary conditions. The viscosity is supposed to depend on the temperature and the stress depends on the strain through a suitable power law depending on [Formula: see text] (shear thinning case). For this problem we establish the existence of a weak solution as well as we prove some regularity results both for the Navier–Stokes and the Stokes cases. Then, the latter case with the Carreau power law is approximated through a FEM scheme and some error estimates are obtained. Such estimates are then validated through some two-dimensional numerical experiments.
Multigrid solvers for isogeometric discretizations of the second biharmonic problem
Authors: Sogn Jarle , Takacs Stefan
Published: April 2023

We develop a multigrid solver for the second biharmonic problem in the context of Isogeometric Analysis (IgA), where we also allow a zero-order term. In a previous paper, the authors have developed an analysis for the first biharmonic problem based on Hackbusch’s framework. This analysis can only be extended to the second biharmonic problem if one assumes uniform grids. In this paper, we prove a multigrid convergence estimate using Bramble’s framework for multigrid analysis without regularity assumptions. We show that the bound for the convergence rate is independent of the scaling of the zero-order term and the spline degree. It only depends linearly on the number of levels, thus logarithmically on the grid size. Numerical experiments are provided which illustrate the convergence theory and the efficiency of the proposed multigrid approaches.