bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Training the next generation of plastics pollution researchers: tools, skills and career perspectives in an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary field
Authors: Mitrano Denise M. , Bigalke Moritz , Booth Andy M. , Carteny Camilla Catarci , Coffin Scott , Egger Matthias , Gondikas Andreas , Hüffer Thorsten , Koelmans Albert A. , Lahive Elma , Mattsson Karin , Reynaud Stephanie , Wagner Stephan
Published: November 2023

Plastics pollution research attracts scientists from diverse disciplines. Many Early Career Researchers (ECRs) are drawn to this field to investigate and subsequently mitigate the negative impacts of plastics. Solving the multi-faceted plastic problem will always require breakthroughs across all levels of science disciplinarity, which supports interdisciplinary discoveries and underpins transdisciplinary solutions. In this context, ECRs have the opportunity to work across scientific discipline boundaries and connect with different stakeholders, including industry, policymakers and the public. To fully realize their potential, ECRs need to develop strong communication and project management skills to be able to effectively interface with academic peers and non-academic stakeholders. At the end of their formal education, many ECRs will choose to leave academia and pursue a career in private industry, government, research institutes or non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Here we give perspectives on how ECRs can develop the skills to tackle the challenges and opportunities of this transdisciplinary research field and how these skills can be transferred to different working sectors. We also explore how advisors can support an ECRs’ growth through inclusive leadership and coaching. We further consider the roles each party may play in developing ECRs into mature scientists by helping them build a strong foundation, while also critically assessing problems in an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary context. We hope these concepts can be useful in fostering the development of the next generation of plastics pollution researchers so they can address this global challenge more effectively.

Graphical Abstract
A new approach to prevent, diagnose, and treat hepatitis B in Africa
Authors: Spearman C. Wendy , Andersson Monique I. , Bright Bisi , Davwar Pantong M. , Desalegn Hailemichael , Guingane Alice Nanelin , Johannessen Asgeir , Kabagambe Kenneth , Lemoine Maud , Matthews Philippa C. , Ndow Gibril , Riches Nicholas , Shimakawa Yusuke , Sombié Roger , Stockdale Alexander J. , Taljaard Jantjie J. , Vinikoor Michael J. , Wandeler Gilles , Okeke Edith , Sonderup Mark ,   on behalf of the Hepatitis B in Africa Collaborative Network (HEPSANET)
Published: November 2023

There are 82 million people living with hepatitis B (PLWHB) in the World Health Organization Africa region, where it is the main cause of liver disease. Effective vaccines have been available for over 40 years, yet there are 990,000 new infections annually, due to limited implementation of hepatitis B birth dose vaccination and antenatal tenofovir prophylaxis for highly viraemic women, which could eliminate mother-to-child transmission. Despite effective and cheap antiviral treatment which can suppress hepatitis B virus replication and reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), < 2% of PLWHB are diagnosed, and only 0.1% are treated. As a result, PLWHB are frequently diagnosed only when they have already developed decompensated cirrhosis and late-stage HCC, and consequently 80,000 hepatitis B-associated deaths occur each year. Major barriers include complex treatment guidelines which were derived from high-income settings, lack of affordable diagnostics, lack or insufficient domestic funding for hepatitis care, and limited healthcare infrastructure. Current treatment criteria may overlook patients at risk of cirrhosis and HCC. Therefore, expanded and simplified treatment criteria are needed. We advocate for decentralized community treatment programmes, adapted for low-resource and rural settings with limited laboratory infrastructure. We propose a strategy of treat-all except patients fulfilling criteria that suggest low risk of disease progression. Expanded treatment represents a financial challenge requiring concerted action from policy makers, industry, and international donor agencies. It is crucial to accelerate hepatitis B elimination plans, integrate hepatitis B care into existing healthcare programmes, and prioritize longitudinal and implementation research to improve care for PLWHB.
Tho2 is critical for the recruitment of Rrp6 to chromatin in response to perturbed mRNP biogenesis
Authors: Beauvais Valentin , Moreau Kévin , Žunar Bojan , Hervouet-Coste Nadège , Novačić Ana , Le Dantec Aurélia , Primig Michael , Mosrin-Huaman Christine , Stuparević Igor , Rahmouni A. Rachid
Published: November 2023

The eukaryotic THO complex coordinates the assembly of so-called messenger RNA–ribonucleoprotein particles (mRNPs), a process that involves cotranscriptional coating of nascent mRNAs with proteins. Once formed, mRNPs undergo a quality control step that marks them either for active transport to the cytoplasm, or Rrp6/RNA exosome-mediated degradation in the nucleus. However, the mechanism behind the quality control of nascent mRNPs is still unclear. We investigated the cotranscriptional quality control of mRNPs in budding yeast by expressing the bacterial Rho helicase, which globally perturbs yeast mRNP formation. We examined the genome-wide binding profiles of the THO complex subunits Tho2, Thp2, Hpr1, and Mft1 upon perturbation of the mRNP biogenesis, and found that Tho2 plays two roles. In addition to its function as a subunit of the THO complex, upon perturbation of mRNP biogenesis Tho2 targets Rrp6 to chromatin via its carboxy-terminal domain. Interestingly, other THO subunits are not enriched on chromatin upon perturbation of mRNP biogenesis and are not necessary for localizing Rrp6 at its target loci. Our study highlights the potential role of Tho2 in cotranscriptional mRNP quality control, which is independent of other THO subunits. Considering that both the THO complex and the RNA exosome are evolutionarily highly conserved, our findings are likely relevant for mRNP surveillance in mammals.
Identification of a putative Gag binding site critical for feline immunodeficiency virus genomic RNA packaging
Authors: Krishnan Anjana , Ali Lizna M. , Prabhu Suresha G. , Pillai Vineeta N. , Chameettachal Akhil , Vivet-Boudou Valérie , Bernacchi Serena , Mustafa Farah , Marquet Roland , Rizvi Tahir A.
Published: November 2023

The retroviral Gag precursor plays a central role in the selection and packaging of viral genomic RNA (gRNA) by binding to virus-specific packaging signal(s) (psi or ψ). Previously, we mapped the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) ψ to two discontinuous regions within the 5′ end of the gRNA that assumes a higher order structure harboring several structural motifs. To better define the region and structural elements important for gRNA packaging, we methodically investigated these FIV ψ sequences using genetic, biochemical, and structure–function relationship approaches. Our mutational analysis revealed that the unpaired U85CUG88stretch within FIV ψ is crucial for gRNA encapsidation into nascent virions. High-throughput selective 2′ hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension (hSHAPE) performed on wild type (WT) and mutant FIV ψ sequences, with substitutions in the U85CUG88stretch, revealed that these mutations had limited structural impact and maintained nucleotides 80–92 unpaired, as in the WT structure. Since these mutations dramatically affected packaging, our data suggest that the single-stranded U85CUG88sequence is important during FIV RNA packaging. Filter-binding assays performed using purified FIV Pr50Gagon WT and mutant U85CUG88ψ RNAs led to reduced levels of Pr50Gagbinding to mutant U85CUG88ψ RNAs, indicating that the U85CUG88stretch is crucial for ψ RNA–Pr50Gaginteractions. Delineating sequences important for FIV gRNA encapsidation should enhance our understanding of both gRNA packaging and virion assembly, making them potential targets for novel retroviral therapeutic interventions, as well as the development of FIV-based vectors for human gene therapy.
Efforts to enhance reproducibility in a human performance research project
Authors: Drocco Jeffrey A. , Halliday Kyle , Stewart Benjamin J. , Sandholtz Sarah H. , Morrison Michael D. , Thissen James B. , Be Nicholas A. , Zwilling Christopher E. , Wilcox Ramsey R. , Culpepper Steven A. , Barbey Aron K. , Jaing Crystal J.
Published: November 2023

Background: Ensuring the validity of results from funded programs is a critical concern for agencies that sponsor biological research. In recent years, the open science movement has sought to promote reproducibility by encouraging sharing not only of finished manuscripts but also of data and code supporting their findings. While these innovations have lent support to third-party efforts to replicate calculations underlying key results in the scientific literature, fields of inquiry where privacy considerations or other sensitivities preclude the broad distribution of raw data or analysis may require a more targeted approach to promote the quality of research output. Methods: We describe efforts oriented toward this goal that were implemented in one human performance research program, Measuring Biological Aptitude, organized by the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency's Biological Technologies Office. Our team implemented a four-pronged independent verification and validation (IV&V) strategy including 1) a centralized data storage and exchange platform, 2) quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) of data collection, 3) test and evaluation of performer models, and 4) an archival software and data repository. Results: Our IV&V plan was carried out with assistance from both the funding agency and participating teams of researchers. QA/QC of data acquisition aided in process improvement and the flagging of experimental errors. Holdout validation set tests provided an independent gauge of model performance. Conclusions: In circumstances that do not support a fully open approach to scientific criticism, standing up independent teams to cross-check and validate the results generated by primary investigators can be an important tool to promote reproducibility of results.
Positive and negative aspects of employing humour in psychotherapy
Authors: Kucharski Adam
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this article is to analyse the phenomenon of humour in therapy. Rod Martin [1] defines humour as a fundamentally positive emotion referred to as amusement, triggered by cognitive processes of appreciation of perceived amusing stimuli and non-threatening, funny incongruence, accompanied by specific facial and vocal expressions of laughter.
Humour in therapy can play a significant role. It might be a form of therapy, one of the therapist’s competences, as well as a therapy technique.
Notwithstanding the multiple qualities of humour, we need to recognise the risks involved in utilising it in the therapeutic process. In fact, the lack of ambiguity in the humorous message is likely to lead to misunderstandings between the patient and therapist. The patient may not have a clear comprehension of the humorous message and may not perceive the message to be humorous. They may also consider the humorous message inappropriate.
Furthermore, humour is not a homogeneous phenomenon. There are styles of humour that are adaptive in nature, such as: affiliative humour and self-enhancing humour, and styles of humour that are non-adaptive, such as aggressive humour and self-defeating humour. The variability of humour styles in therapists and patients also needs to be addressed, as not all styles are suitable for therapy – they can disrupt relationships or impair patients’ self-esteem.
Symmachia basilissa basilissa Bates, 1868 (Riodinidae: Symmachiini) has been photographed while alive for the first time, uncovering a new record and shedding light on its conservation aspects
Authors: Neves Antonio Leal Silva das , Marinho Lucas Cardoso , Muniz David Barros
Published: November 2023

This work reports the first photographic record of the Symmachia basilissa basilissa Bates, 1868 subspecies, a butterfly originally described by Henry Walter Bates in 1868. This subspecies had only been recorded three before but had never been photographed alive in Brazil. The photograph was taken in the Chapada das Mesas National Park, located in the southern part of the state of Maranhão. This record was uploaded and georeferenced on the iNaturalist app/website. The taxon Symmachia basilissa comprises four subspecies, and the article provides information on the morphological differences between them. We also discuss the use of iNaturalist and similar tools to integrate academic and citizen science for a better understanding of biodiversity, especially in tropical regions and areas that are difficult to access. Overall, our work makes a valuable contribution to the knowledge of this data deficient butterfly species and highlights the importance of utilizing new technologies and collaborative approaches to advance scientific research.
The role of community pharmacy in wound care: a scoping review
Authors: Cheung Daisy HK , Schneider Carl R , Um Irene S
Published: November 2023

Objective:

To scope the literature describing the role of pharmacy in wound care in the community setting.

Method:

A systematic scoping review was conducted including peer-reviewed and grey literature. A search was undertaken using CINAHL, Embase, Informit, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts and MEDLINE, and a Google search of the top 200 results via three virtual private networks were used to identify relevant grey literature. Keywords relating to pharmacy, pharmacist, wound, wound management and wound care were used. Descriptions of wound care activities were extracted, grouped by similarity, and mapped to the International Pharmaceutical Federation's (FIP) Global Competency Framework Version 2 (GbCFv2).

Results:

Of 2928 potentially relevant articles and 600 web search results, 55 articles from the database search and 11 results from the Google search met the eligibility criteria. After mapping 14 identified roles to the FIP GbCFv2, it was apparent that the scope of practice for wound care spanned across all four competency domains: pharmaceutical public health; pharmaceutical care; professional/personal; and organisational and management.

Conclusion:

The role of community pharmacy in wound care is multifaceted and within the scope of entry-level competency for pharmacists. These roles comprise wound related and non-wound-specific, clinical and non-clinical activities.
Lasionota (Nelsonozodes) piurae Moore & Diéguez, 2019 (Coleoptera: Buprestidae: Buprestinae: Stigmoderini): description of the male, ecology and distribution in Peru
Authors: JUÁREZ-NOÉ GINO , BARBOZA ROGER G. , CH FRANCO PERALES , CHAPOÑAN JACKELINE E.
Published: November 2023

Male characters of Lasionota (Nelsonozodes) piurae Moore & Diéguez, 2019 are described and illustrated for the first time. Additionally, notes on the ecology and distribution of this species in Peru are provided.
Triplane ankle fracture patterns in paediatric patients
Authors: Prijs Jasper , Rawat Jaideep , ten Duis Kaj , IJpma Frank F. A. , Doornberg Job N. , Jadav Bhavin , Jaarsma Ruurd L.
Published: November 2023

Aims

Triplane ankle fractures are complex injuries typically occurring in children aged between 12 and 15 years. Classic teaching that closure of the physis dictates the overall fracture pattern, based on studies in the 1960s, has not been challenged. The aim of this paper is to analyze whether these injuries correlate with the advancing closure of the physis with age.

Methods

A fracture mapping study was performed in 83 paediatric patients with a triplane ankle fracture treated in three trauma centres between January 2010 and June 2020. Patients aged younger than 18 years who had CT scans available were included. An independent Paediatric Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon assessed all CT scans and classified the injuries as n-part triplane fractures. Qualitative analysis of the fracture pattern was performed using the modified Cole fracture mapping technique. The maps were assessed for both patterns and correlation with the closing of the physis until consensus was reached by a panel of six surgeons.

Results

Fracture map grouped by age demonstrates that, regardless of age (even at the extremes of the spectrum), the fracture lines consolidate in a characteristic Y-pattern, and no shift with closure of the physis was observed. A second fracture map with two years added to female age also did not show a shift. The fracture map, grouped by both age and sex, shows a Y-pattern in all different groups. The fracture lines appear to occur between the anterior and posterior inferior tibiofibular ligaments, and the medially fused physis or deltoid ligament.

Conclusion

This fracture mapping study reveals that triplane ankle fractures have a characteristic Y-pattern, and acknowledges the weakness created by the physis, however it also challenges classic teaching that the specific fracture pattern at the level of the joint of these injuries relies on advancing closure of the physis with age. Instead, this study observes the importance of ligament attachment in the fracture patterns of these injuries.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(11):1226–1232.
Increased ankle pain after total knee arthroplasty is associated with a preoperative lateralized gait and talar tilt, but not with ankle laxity or the range of motion of the subtalar joint
Authors: Rühling Marlene , Kirschbaum Stephanie M. , Perka Carsten , Graef Frank
Published: November 2023

Aims

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may provoke ankle symptoms. The aim of this study was to validate the impact of the preoperative mechanical tibiofemoral angle (mTFA), the talar tilt (TT) on ankle symptoms after TKA, and assess changes in the range of motion (ROM) of the subtalar joint, foot posture, and ankle laxity.

Methods

Patients who underwent TKA from September 2020 to September 2021 were prospectively included. Inclusion criteria were primary end-stage osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence stage IV) of the knee. Exclusion criteria were missed follow-up visit, post-traumatic pathologies of the foot, and neurological disorders. Radiological angles measured included the mTFA, hindfoot alignment view angle, and TT. The Foot Function Index (FFI) score was assessed. Gait analyses were conducted to measure mediolateral changes of the gait line and ankle laxity was tested using an ankle arthrometer. All parameters were acquired one week pre- and three months postoperatively.

Results

A total of 69 patients (varus n = 45; valgus n = 24) underwent TKA and completed the postoperative follow-up visit. Of these, 16 patients (23.2%) reported the onset or progression of ankle symptoms. Varus patients with increased ankle symptoms after TKA had a significantly higher pre- and postoperative TT. Valgus patients with ankle symptoms after TKA showed a pathologically lateralized gait line which could not be corrected through TKA. Patients who reported increased ankle pain neither had a decreased ROM of the subtalar joint nor increased ankle laxity following TKA. The preoperative mTFA did not correlate with the postoperative FFI (r = 0.037; p = 0.759).

Conclusion

Approximately one-quarter of the patients developed ankle pain after TKA. If patients complain about ankle symptoms after TKA, standing radiographs of the ankle and a gait analysis could help in detecting a malaligned TT or a pathological gait.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(11):1159–1167.
Cemented versus uncemented hemiarthroplasty for displaced intracapsular fractures of the hip
Authors: Parker Martyn J. , Chatterjee Reuben , Onsa Mohamed , Cawley Shirley , Gurusamy Kurinchi
Published: November 2023

Aims

The aim of this study was to report the three-year follow-up for a series of 400 patients with a displaced intracapsular fracture of the hip, who were randomized to be treated with either a cemented polished tapered hemiarthroplasty or an uncemented hydroxyapatite-coated hemiarthroplasty.

Methods

The mean age of the patients was 85 years (58 to 102) and 273 (68%) were female. Follow-up was undertaken by a nurse who was blinded to the hemiarthroplasty that was used, at intervals for up to three years from surgery. The short-term follow-up of these patients at a mean of one year has previously been reported.

Results

A total of 210 patients (52.5%) died within three years of surgery. One patient was lost to follow-up. Recovery of mobility was initially significantly better in those treated with a cemented hemiarthroplasty, although by three years after surgery this difference became statistically insignificant. The mortality was significantly lower in those treated with a cemented hemiarthroplasty (p = 0.029). There was no significant difference in pain scores, or in the incidence of implant-related complications or revision surgery, between the two groups.

Conclusion

These results further support the use of a cemented hemiarthroplasty for the routine management of elderly patients with a displaced intracapsular fracture of the hip.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(11):1196–1200.
Intraosseous regional prophylaxis in total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Young Simon W. , Chen William , Clarke Henry D. , Spangehl Mark J.
Published: November 2023

Prophylactic antibiotics are important in reducing the risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following total knee arthroplasty. Their effectiveness depends on the choice of antibiotic and the optimum timing of their administration, to ensure adequate tissue concentrations. Cephalosporins are typically used, but an increasing number of resistant organisms are causing PJI, leading to the additional use of vancomycin. There are difficulties, however, with the systemic administration of vancomycin including its optimal timing, due to the need for prolonged administration, and potential adverse reactions. Intraosseous regional administration distal to a tourniquet is an alternative and attractive mode of delivery due to the ease of obtaining intraosseous access. Many authors have reported the effectiveness of intraosseous prophylaxis in achieving higher concentrations of antibiotic in the tissues compared with intravenous administration, providing equal or enhanced prophylaxis while minimizing adverse effects. This annotation describes the technique of intraosseous administration of antibiotics and summarizes the relevant clinical literature to date.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(11):1135–1139.
The challenge of evaluating our surgical procedures
Authors: Haddad Fares S.
Published: November 2023

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(11):1133–1134.
Novas Vias para uma Agenda de Pesquisa Sobre a Ciência da Administração Pública no Brasil
Authors: Andion Carolina , Rodrigues da Rosa Patrícia
Published: November 2023

Este artigo aborda os estudos sobre a ciência da administração pública no Brasil e busca explorar as contribuições do debate recente sobre os science studies (estudos sobre a ciência) para renovar a agenda de pesquisa sobre o fazer científico no campo. Trata-se de um ensaio teórico que inicia com uma revisão sistemática da produção científica brasileira sobre a ciência da administração pública, ressaltando três linhas desse debate: (1) o ensino de administração pública no Brasil; (2) a produção científica e a pesquisa no campo da administração pública no Brasil; (3) os estudos epistemológicos na administração pública. Concentrando-se nessa terceira linha e nas lacunas identificadas nesse debate, propomos uma agenda de pesquisa, tomando por base as abordagens mais recentes da sociologia da ciência e mais particularmente da sociologia das práticas científicas, buscando evidenciar as possíveis contribuições dessas abordagens para o estudo da ciência da administração pública no país.
Student Participation in Business Education: A Backwards Agency
Authors: Campana Carla
Published: November 2023

Research in business education demonstrates that there is an incentive to increase student participation, but the theoretical definitions are imprecise and the operational limits have not been fully explored. This paper aims to understand how student agency happens in business education by analyzing and comparing the discourse and the practice of educational experiences based on active participation of students in Brazilian business courses. The research was qualitative and the information set was textual, formed by 23 reports of innovative experiences and the transcripts of four semi-structured interviews. The constructivist analysis led to the construction of categories demonstrating that there are: a mismatch between the discourse and the actions of educational institutions; misconceptions about the meaning of student agency; and lack of theoretical rigor in projects that aim to promote active student participation. Results reveal the emergence of a backwards agency: in spite of professing to encourage and promote active student participation, the actions undertaken by educational institutions were modest. The incorporation and dissemination of the concept of student agency in business education could contribute to the qualification of educational projects.
Editorial
Authors: Iizuka Edson Sadao
Published: November 2023

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What is a tibial pilon fracture and how should they be acutely managed? A survey of consultant British Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society members and non-members
Authors: Hill DS , Davis JR
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Controversy exists around which distal tibial fractures are pilon fractures. We evaluated views to define a pilon fracture and support the development of standards of care.

Methods

Views regarding the characteristics of a pilon fracture and acute soft tissue management were determined through a questionnaire. This was trialled, approved by the British Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society and distributed to its members. This was also distributed nationally as part of the ENFORCE study.

Results

In total, 282 consultants from 27 units responded, of whom 24% (69/282) were foot and ankle specialists. Some 58% (163/282) agreed that a pilon fracture is primarily a soft tissue injury, 81% (228/282) that pilon fractures occur though high-energy transfer, 81% (228/282) that pilon fractures are sustained through an axial compression mechanism and 93% (265/282) that they are a potentially limb-threatening injury. Overall, 83% (234/282) agreed that in a length-unstable pilon fracture it is not possible to maintain the talus near anatomically under the tibial plafond without rigid fixation to control length – with 87% (246/282) agreeing that the acute first-line management should be a spanning external fixator. Opinions were that the time frame between diagnosis and intervention should be: less than 6h (63%; 154/246), 6–12h (31%; 77/246) and 12–24h (6%; 15/246).

Conclusion

Consensus supports defining a pilon fracture as a potentially limb-threatening high-energy axial compression injury, and a spanning external fixator as the first-line management of a length-unstable injury less than 12h from diagnosis.
Insights into the dielectric function of plant leaves under water stress
Authors: Collazos-Burbano David A. , Téllez-Guzmán Edith A. , Ealo Joao , Villagrán-Muniz Mayo , García-Segundo Crescencio
Published: November 2023

In this work, we present a practical approach combining experimental
and theoretical analyses to assess water evaporation in Arabica coffee
leaves. We examine continuously the changing water content of leaves
through optical reflectance spectroscopy and mass loss measurements,
beginning from a fully saturated stage and extending beyond the turgor
loss point. We establish a relationship between the current water
content and the dielectric function, based on the changing of the
molecular water dipoles inside the leaf due to evaporation.
Hybrid Photonics: Integration, Design and Devices feature issue: publisher’s note
Authors: Cueff Sébastien , Poon Joyce , Van Thourhout Dries , Vivien Laurent
Published: November 2023

“Invited” was added to the title of a published paper [Opt. Mater. Express 13, 3266 (2023)10.1364/OME.501920].
Coherence phase spectrum analyzer for a randomly fluctuated fractional vortex beam
Authors: Wang Zhuoyi , Lu Xingyuan , Gao Jianbo , Zhao Xuechun , Zhan Qiwen , Cai Yangjian , Zhao Chengliang
Published: November 2023

Fractional vortex beams exhibit a higher degree of modulation dimensions than conventional vortices, thus inheriting superior anti-turbulent transmission properties through the incorporation of additional coherence modulation. However, aliasing the mixed modes induced by coherence degradation makes the quantitative measurement of the topological charge in fractional vortex beams challenging. In this study, a coherence phase spectrum was introduced, and experimental demonstrations to quantitatively determine the fractional topological charge of partially coherent fractional vortex beams were performed. By leveraging the four-dimensional measurement of a partially coherent light field, the source coherence function was inversely reconstructed, and fractional topological charges were determined with high precision by extracting the phase spectrum of the coherence function. Laguerre–Gaussian, elliptical Gaussian, and plane-wave-fraction vortex beams with various degrees of coherence were used to demonstrate measurement precision. The proposed method is applicable to X-rays and electron vortices. It has potential applications in optical encryption, high-capacity optical communication, and quantum entanglement.
The evolving Lebanese drug crisis: Trends in drug availability and affordability for common outpatient diseases from 2019 to 2023
Authors: Jaber Chehayeb Rachel , Kala Shashwat , Abou Ghannam Huwayda , Hasan Ghassan , Salloum Joe
Published: November 2023

Since 2019, Lebanon has been suffering from an enduring economic crisis, that in conjunction with the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Beirut Port Explosion, has had catastrophic consequences on many facets of the Lebanese healthcare system. However, few studies have operationalized the impact of the crisis on drug availability and affordability. This is particularly relevant given that Lebanon imports approximately 95% of pharmaceutical products. Toward this end, we evaluated trends in outpatient drug availability and affordability in the context of monthly mean income at three time points throughout the evolving economic crisis (pre-crisis-August 2019, early crisis- August 2021, most recent-April 2023). Drugs used to treat the most common causes of mortality in Lebanon were selected from the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health (MOPH)’s List of Essential Medications. Drug pricing was obtained from the Lebanese MOPH National Drug Database. We found large increases in drug prices, as a percentage of mean monthly income, after subsidies on chronic disease medications were removed. Diabetes and COPD drugs were the least affordable in 2023, amounting to 21.03% and 15.43% of mean monthly income, respectively. We also highlight great shortages in drugs across classes, particularly in mood-stabilizing psychiatric drugs and basal and bolus insulin. Our findings highlight the growing financial burden of chronic disease treatment in Lebanon and the importance of implementing both short- and long-term solutions to mitigate the impact of the crisis on public health.
Critically deviating vital signs among patients with non-specific diagnoses–A register-based historic cohort study
Authors: Sørensen Mia Carøe , Søvsø Morten Breinholt , Christensen Erika Frischknecht , Lindskou Tim Alex
Published: November 2023

Background

One third of ambulance patients receive non-specific diagnoses in hospital. Mortality is 3–4%, however due to the high patient volume this group accounts for 20% of all deaths at day 30. Non-specific diagnoses do not provide much information on causes for death. Vital signs at first contact with ambulance personnel can act as a proxy for the patient’s condition. Thus, we aimed to describe the prevalence of abnormal vital signs, as determined by a modified NEWS2, in ambulance patients who received a non-specific hospital diagnosis. Secondly, we examined the association between vital signs, NEWS2 scores, type of non-specific diagnosis, and mortality among these patients.

Methods

Register-based historic cohort study of ambulance patients aged 16+ in the North Denmark Region during 2012–2016, who received a non-specific diagnosis (ICD-10 chapters R or Z) at hospital. We used NEWS2 scores to determine if first vital signs were normal or deviating (including critical). Mortality was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier estimator. Association between vital signs and mortality was evaluated by logistic regression.

Results

We included 41,539 patients, 20.9% (N = 8,691) had normal vital signs, 16.3% (N = 6,766) had incomplete vital sign registration, 62.8% (N = 26,082) had deviating vital signs, and of these 6.8% (N = 1,779) were critical. If vital signs were incompletely registered or deviating, mortality was higher compared to normal vital signs. Patients with critical vital signs displayed the highest crude 48-hour and 30-day mortality (7.0% (5.9–8.3) and 13.4% (11.9–15.1)). Adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidity did not change that pattern. Across all vital sign groups, despite severity, the most frequent diagnosis assigned was Z039 observation for suspected disease or condition unspecified.

Conclusions

Most ambulance patients with non-specific diagnoses had normal or non-critical deviating vital signs and low mortality. Around 4% had critical vital signs and high mortality, not explained by age or comorbidity.
Gene editing technologies used to reduce infectious plant diseases
Authors: Agarwal Chiti
Published: November 2023

The most significant challenges to improving yield in agriculture science need progressive improvement with novel strategies. The modern gene editing scenario must focus on reducing the infectious plant diseases caused by plant pathogens. Targeted plant genome engineering enables optimal modifications in commercial plant varieties by incorporating effective alternative gene editing methods over other traditional approaches.

Genome editing technology is a multipurpose approach that rapidly progressed in plant biology to alter the phenotype and genotype of the species. Despite its advantages, traditional genome modification could not meet the recent demands for site-directed mutagenesis, high effectiveness, and retrofitting of artificial endonucleases
3. Current gene editing technologies have been subdivided into three kinds of cleavage systems, which are Transcription activator-like effector nucleases TALEN, Zinc Finger nucleases ZFN, CRISPR Cas (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats - CRISPR associated protein). These methods lead to single-stranded or double-stranded mutation through homologous recombination. Hence, this Review is motivated by the advantages of the gene editing tools in developing the plant immune system.
Correlation between Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviour of Mothers about Exclusive Breastfeeding and Its Success Rate in Karangmulyo Village
Authors: Zulfihda Alnaora Tanjinna , Setiyorini Nurul , Himawan Ari Budi , Arkhaesi Nahwa
Published: November 2023

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (ASI) is a condition when the baby only receives breast milk from his mother or foster mother for the first 6 months. The rate of exclusive breastfeeding is 37% worldwide and 54.1% in Jakarta. Infants who are not breastfed are associated with an increased incidence of infectious morbidity. Knowledge is one of the basic factors that determine a person's reaction and decision-making when faced with a situation. Knowledge will bring up a person's attitude to determines the behavior or action to be taken. Aim: To know the relationship between mother’s knowledge, attitudes, and behavior about exclusive breastfeeding with the level of success. Methods: Analytic observational study with a cross-sectional design conducted for 2 months in Karangmulyo Village, Kendal Regency, Central Java. The research subjects consisted of 66 mothers who had children aged 6-24 months. Assessment is carried out on the level of knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of mothers regarding exclusive breastfeeding, as well as the success rate of exclusive breastfeeding. Data analysis used the Mann-Whitney test, Chi-square, and Fischer exact. Significant p<0.05. Results: Most mothers have a good level of knowledge (n=57), attitude (n=45), and a sufficient level of behavior (n=64) regarding exclusive breastfeeding. There was no significant result in the level of knowledge (p=0.528; 0.820), attitude (p=0.339; 1.000), behaviour (p=0.342; 0.515) with the success of exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusion: There is no relationship between the level of knowledge, attitudes, and behavior on the success of exclusive breastfeeding.
Case Report : Chromoblastomycosis
Authors: Handayani Melina , Topik Mohamad Mimbar
Published: November 2023

Background: Chromoblastomycosis is a recurring deep mycosis of the skin and subcutaneous towel. Clinical features are characterized by verrucous shrine lesions, especially in the lower extremities. This disease is usually preceded by trauma in the form of a wound which is the initial implantation of the fungus. The fungus will be implanted in the dermis and will infect the skin with the subcutaneous towel. Chromoblastomycosis is caused by a fungus from the Dematiaceae family. Although Chromoblastomycosis occurs worldwide, it is most common (>70%) in tropical and subtropical regions. Case Presentation: We present a case in which a 72-year-old man came to the dermatovenereology polyclinic with the main complaint of thickening of the skin in the plantar of the right leg, the surface is rough, the skin looks dry, it doesn't itch and it doesn't hurt, it gets worse over time, widened. Based on the histopathology, the appearance of the epidermis in the form of pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia, hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, microabscesses with neutrophil inflammatory cells, lymphocytes, multinucleated giant cells, and spores. In the dermis, microabscesses were found, and no necrosis was seen. Conclusion: The diagnosis was chromoblastomycosis. This patient was given oral antimycotic Itraconazole 2 x 200 mg/day. There was a clinical improvement.
Risk Factors Of Stunting In Children Aged 12-59 Months In The Working Area Of The Langara Puskesmas District, Konawe Islands, 2022
Authors: Wulan Martri , Salma Wa Ode , Sudayasa I Putu
Published: November 2023

Background: Stunting is a global health problem because it increases the risk of morbidity and mortality in children. Indonesia is the third largest country in Southeast Asia with the number of cases (21.6%), while the Konawe Islands Regency (32.2%). Objective: To analyze the factors that influence the incidence of stunting in toddlers in the working area of the Langara Public Health Center, Konawe Islands Regency. Methods: This study used a case-control study design with a total sample of 112 respondents consisting of 56 cases and 56 controls. Samples were taken using simple random sampling technique, where control cases have the same right to be respondents. Measuring tools used to measure stunting are the Infantometer/Length board and microtoise, chronic energy deficiency is measured using maternal and child health books, while social status is measured using a questionnaire that has been tested for validity and reliability. The results of variable measurements were then analyzed using the odds ratio test. Results: history of maternal chronic energy deficiency (p = 0.013; OR = 3.316; 95% CI = 1.256-8.750), socioeconomic (p = 0.007; OR = 2.885; 95% CI = 1.319-6.307). Conclusion: chronic energy shortages, and socio-economic risk of stunting in toddlers in the work area of the Langara Public Health Center, Konawe District, Islands
Literature Review: The Role of Saffron (Crocus sativus L) in Cosmetic Dermatology
Authors: Damayanti Galih Sari , Riyanto Puguh
Published: November 2023

Background : Crocus sativus L known as saffron is widely discussed in Indonesia. Although saffron has been used since ancient times for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, scientific research on the mechanism of saffron in its role in promoting skin health is lacking. Objectives : This literature review is to determine the role of saffron in cosmetic dermatology. Methods : This article is a narrative research. The library sources that used was carried out through the database Google Scholar, PubMed, and Cochrane. The article search does not limit study design or study level. All articles were searched from 2012 to June 2023. The study inclusion criteria included: data available in English and Indonesian. Exclusion criteria were articles on the benefits of using saffron in the other field of dermatology and the use of saffron in combination with other topical active ingredients. Results : There were 16 articles which meet the criterias. It was found that saffron play role in the cosmetic dermatology such as in skin aging, melasma, as a photoprotection agents, skin moisturizer, prevention and treatment of skin cancer, as well as preparation of cosmetic products. Saffron has antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antipigmentation, antiwrinkle, anticarcinogenic and photoprotective activities. Conclusion : Crocus sativus L is a natural ingredient that has the potential to be further developed into medicinal forms, both oral and topical preparations because it is proven to have various pharmacological effects that play role in the cosmetic dermatology.
High-sensitivity computational miniaturized terahertz spectrometer using a plasmonic filter array and a modified multilayer residual CNN
Authors: Liu Mengjuan , Yang Meichen , Zhu Jiaqi , Zhu He , Wang Yao , Ren Ziyang , Zhai Yihui , Zhu Haiming , Shan Yufeng , Qi Hongxing , Duan Junli , Wu Huizhen , Dai Ning
Published: November 2023

Spectrometer miniaturization is desired for handheld and portable applications, yet nearly no miniaturized spectrometer is reported operating within terahertz (THz) waveband. Computational strategy, which can acquire incident spectral information through encoding and decoding it using optical devices and reconstruction algorithms, respectively, is widely employed in spectrometer miniaturization as artificial intelligence emerges. We demonstrate a computational miniaturized THz spectrometer, where a plasmonic filter array tailors the spectral response of a blocked-impurity-band detector. Besides, an adaptive deep-learning algorithm is proposed for spectral reconstructions with curbing the negative impact from the optical property of the filter array. Our spectrometer achieves modest spectral resolution (2.3 cm−1) compared with visible and infrared miniaturized spectrometers, outstanding sensitivity (e.g., signal-to-noise ratio, 6.4E6: 1) superior to common benchtop THz spectrometers. The combination of THz optical devices and reconstruction algorithms provides a route toward THz spectrometer miniaturization, and further extends the applicable sphere of the THz spectroscopy technique.
Crystal structure of Zn2[(1,1′-(hexane-1,6-diyl)bis(3-(pyridin-3-yl)urea))·(H2O)2·(DMF)2·(SO4)2], C24H50N8O18S2Zn2
Authors: Zhao Wen-Ze , Tian Hua
Published: November 2023

C24H50N8O18S2Zn2, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 2), a = 7.9797(5) Å, b = 10.4923(6) Å, c = 11.4835(7) Å, α = 97.512(2)°, β = 100.089(2)°, γ = 94.156(2)°, V = 933.98(10) Å3, Z = 1, R
gt(F) = 0.0382, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1202, T = 293(2) K.
A Two-Stage Automatic System for Detection of Interictal Epileptiform Discharges from Scalp Electroencephalograms
Authors: Wang Xiaoyun , Wang Xing , Wang Chong , Wang Zhongyuan , Liu Xiangyu , Lv Xiaoling , Tang Ying
Published: November 2023

The objective of this work was to develop a deep learning-based automatic system with reliable performance in detecting interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) from scalp electroencephalograms (EEGs). For the present study, 484 raw scalp EEG recordings were included, standardized, and split into 406 for training and 78 for testing. Two neurophysiologists individually annotated the recordings for training in channel-wise manner. Annotations were divided into segments, on which nine deep neural networks (DNNs) were trained for the multiclassification of IED, artifact, and background. The fitted IED detectors were then evaluated on 78 EEG recordings with IED events fully annotated by three experts independently (majority agreement). A two montage-based decision mechanism (TMDM) was designed to determine whether an IED event occurred at a single time instant. Area under the precision–recall curve (AUPRC), as well as false-positive rates, F1 scores, and kappa agreement scores for sensitivity = 0.8 were estimated. In multitype classification, five DNNs provided one-versus-rest AUPRC mean value >0.993 using fivefold cross-validation. In IED detection, the system that had integrated the temporal convolutional network (TCN)-based IED detector and the TMDM rule achieved an AUPRC of 0.811. The false positive was 0.194/min (11.64/h), and the F1 score was 0.745. The agreement score between the system and the experts was 0.905. The proposed framework provides a TCN-based IED detector and a novel two montage-based determining mechanism that combined to make an automatic IED detection system. The system would be useful in aiding clinic EEG interpretation.
“Leader–Follower” Dynamic Perturbation Manipulates Multi-Item Working Memory in Humans
Authors: Huang Qiaoli , Luo Minghao , Mi Yuanyuan , Luo Huan
Published: November 2023

Manipulating working memory (WM) is a central yet challenging notion. Previous studies suggest that WM items with varied memory strengths reactivate at different latencies, supporting a time-based mechanism. Motivated by this view, here we developed a purely bottom-up “Leader–Follower” behavioral approach to manipulate WM in humans. Specifically, task-irrelevant flickering color disks that are bound to each of the memorized items are presented during the delay period, and the ongoing luminance sequences of the color disks follow a Leader–Follower relationship, that is, a hundreds of milliseconds temporal lag. We show that this dynamic behavioral approach leads to better memory performance for the item associated with the temporally advanced luminance sequence (Leader) than the item with the temporally lagged luminance sequence (Follower), yet with limited effectiveness. Together, our findings constitute evidence for the essential role of temporal dynamics in WM operation and offer a promising, noninvasive WM manipulation approach.
Effective Removal Methods for Common Bile Duct Stones
Authors: Jeon Younghun , So Hoonsub , Ko Sung Woo
Published: November 2023

Choledocholithiasis carries a risk of developing biliary obstruction, acute cholangitis, and pancreatitis. Therefore, removal is recommended even in asymptomatic patients. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is regarded as the standard of treatment for choledocholithiasis nowadays. However, ERCP can accompany severe complications such as bleeding, ERCP-associated pancreatitis, cholangitis, and perforations. It is important for endoscopists to know how to remove choledocholithiasis effectively while minimizing adverse events. In this review, we will go over the technical aspects and various accessories to effectively remove choledocholithiasis.
Undifferentiated Pancreatic Carcinoma with Osteoclast-like Giant Cells: A Case Report
Authors: Jeon Younghun , So Hoonsub , Koo Jaheung , Nah Yang Won , Lim Hyunsoo , Kim Binnari , Lee Tae Young , Bang Sung Jo
Published: November 2023

Undifferentiated pancreatic carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells (UC-OGC) is uncommon, accounting for only 1% of all pancreatic carcinomas. We report a case of a 39-year-old man with undifferentiated pancreatic carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells who underwent successful surgical resection and chemotherapy.