bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Receptor-interacting protein kinase 2 (RIPK2) profoundly contributes to post-stroke neuroinflammation and behavioral deficits with microglia as unique perpetrators
Authors: Larochelle Jonathan , Tishko Ryland J. , Yang Changjun , Ge Yong , Phan Leah T. , Gunraj Rachel E. , Stansbury Sofia M. , Liu Lei , Mohamadzadeh Mansour , Khoshbouei Habibeh , Candelario-Jalil Eduardo
Published: September 2023

Background

Receptor-interacting protein kinase 2 (RIPK2) is a serine/threonine kinase whose activity propagates inflammatory signaling through its association with pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and subsequent TAK1, NF-κB, and MAPK pathway activation. After stroke, dead and dying cells release a host of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that activate PRRs and initiate a robust inflammatory response. We hypothesize that RIPK2 plays a damaging role in the progression of stroke injury by enhancing the neuroinflammatory response to stroke and that global genetic deletion or microglia-specific conditional deletion of Ripk2 will be protective following ischemic stroke.

Methods

Adult (3–6 months) male mice were subjected to 45 min of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) followed by 24 h, 48 h, or 28 days of reperfusion. Aged male and female mice (18–24 months) were subjected to permanent ischemic stroke and sacrificed 48 h later. Infarct volumes were calculated using TTC staining (24–48 h) or Cresyl violet staining (28d). Sensorimotor tests (weight grip, vertical grid, and open field) were performed at indicated timepoints. Blood–brain barrier (BBB) damage, tight junction proteins, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and neuroinflammatory markers were assessed via immunoblotting, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, and RT-qPCR. Differential gene expression profiles were generated through bulk RNA sequencing and nanoString®.

Results

Global genetic deletion of Ripk2 resulted in decreased infarct sizes and reduced neuroinflammatory markers 24 h after stroke compared to wild-type controls. Ripk2 global deletion also improved both acute and long-term behavioral outcomes with powerful effects on reducing infarct volume and mortality at 28d post-stroke. Conditional deletion of microglial Ripk2 (mKO) partially recapitulated our results in global Ripk2 deficient mice, showing reductive effects on infarct volume and improved behavioral outcomes within 48 h of injury. Finally, bulk transcriptomic profiling and nanoString data demonstrated that Ripk2 deficiency in microglia decreases genes associated with MAPK and NF-κB signaling, dampening the neuroinflammatory response after stroke injury by reducing immune cell activation and peripheral immune cell invasion.

Conclusions

These results reveal a hitherto unknown role for RIPK2 in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke injury, with microglia playing a distinct role. This study identifies RIPK2 as a potent propagator of neuroinflammatory signaling, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for post-stroke intervention.
The impact of relaxing restrictions on take-home doses during the COVID-19 pandemic on program effectiveness and client experiences in opioid agonist treatment: a mixed methods systematic review
Authors: Adams Alison , Blawatt Sarin , Magel Tianna , MacDonald Scott , Lajeunesse Julie , Harrison Scott , Byres David , Schechter Martin T. , Oviedo-Joekes Eugenia
Published: September 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic led to an unprecedented relaxation of restrictions on take-home doses in opioid agonist treatment (OAT). We conducted a mixed methods systematic review to explore the impact of these changes on program effectiveness and client experiences in OAT.

Methods

The protocol for this review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022352310). From Aug.–Nov. 2022, we searched Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Web of Science, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, and the grey literature. We included studies reporting quantitative measures of retention in treatment, illicit substance use, overdose, client health, quality of life, or treatment satisfaction or using qualitative methods to examine client experiences with take-home doses during the pandemic. We critically appraised studies using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. We synthesized quantitative data using vote-counting by direction of effect and presented the results in harvest plots. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic synthesis. We used a convergent segregated approach to integrate quantitative and qualitative findings.

Results

Forty studies were included. Most were from North America (23/40) or the United Kingdom (9/40). The quantitative synthesis was limited by potential for confounding, but suggested an association between take-home doses and increased retention in treatment. There was no evidence of an association between take-home doses and illicit substance use or overdose. Qualitative findings indicated that take-home doses reduced clients’ exposure to unregulated substances and stigma and minimized work/treatment conflicts. Though some clients reported challenges with managing their medication, the dominant narrative was one of appreciation, reduced anxiety, and a renewed sense of agency and identity. The integrated analysis suggested reduced treatment burden as an explanation for improved retention and revealed variation in individual relationships between take-home doses and illicit substance use. We identified a critical gap in quantitative measures of patient-important outcomes.

Conclusion

The relaxation of restrictions on take-home doses was associated with improved client experience and retention in OAT. We found no evidence of an association with illicit substance use or overdose, despite the expansion of take-home doses to previously ineligible groups. Including patient-important outcome measures in policy, program development, and treatment planning is essential to ensuring that decisions around take-home doses accurately reflect their value to clients.
Application of bone alkaline phosphatase and 25-oxhydryl-vitamin D in diagnosis and prediction of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures
Authors: Chen Yuelin , Sun Xiaolin , Sui Xiaofei , Li Yan , Wang Zhen
Published: September 2023

Background

Osteoporosis is a bone metabolic disease that usually causes fracture. The improvement of the clinical diagnostic efficiency of osteoporosis is of great significance for the prevention of fracture. The predictive and diagnostic values of bone alkaline phosphatase (B-ALP) and 25-oxhydryl-vitamin D (25-OH-VD) for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) were evaluated.

Methods

110 OVCFs patients undergoing percutaneous vertebroplasty were included as subjects and their spinal computed tomography (CT) images were collected. After that, deep convolutional neural network model was employed for intelligent fracture recognition. Next, the patients were randomly enrolled into Ctrl group (65 cases receiving postoperative routine treatment) and VD2 group (65 cases injected with vitamin D2 into muscle after the surgery). In addition, 100 healthy people who participated in physical examination were included in Normal group. The differences in Oswestry dysfunction indexes (ODI), imaging parameters, B-ALP and 25-OH-VD expressions, and quality of life (QOL) scores of patients among the three groups were compared. The values of B-ALP and 25-OH-VD in predicting and diagnosing OVCFs and their correlation with bone density were analyzed.

Results

It was demonstrated that computer intelligent medical image technique was more efficient in fracture CT recognition than artificial recognition. In contrast to those among patients in Normal group, B-ALP rose while 25-OH-VD declined among patients in Ctrl and VD2 groups (P < 0.05). Versus those among patients in Ctrl group, ODI, Cobb angle, and B-ALP reduced, while bone density, the height ratio of the injured vertebrae, 25-OH-VD, and QOL score increased among patients in VD2 group after the treatment (P < 0.05). The critical values, accuracy, and areas under the curve (AUC) of the diagnosis of OVCFs by B-ALP and 25-OH-VD amounted to 87.8 μg/L versus 30.3 nmol/L, 86.7% versus 83.3%, and 0.86 versus 0.82, respectively. B-ALP was apparently negatively correlated with bone density (r =  − 0.602, P < 0.05), while 25-OH-VD was remarkably positively correlated with bone density (r = 0.576, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

To sum up, deep learning-based computer CT image intelligent detection technique could improve the diagnostic efficacy of fracture. B-ALP rose while 25-OH-VD declined among patients with OVCFs and OVCFs could be predicted and diagnosed based on B-ALP and 25-OH-VD. Postoperative intramuscular injection of VD2 could effectively improve the therapeutic effect on patients with OVCFs and QOL.
Custom-made implants for massive acetabular bone loss: accuracy with CT assessment
Authors: Romagnoli Matteo , Zaffagnini Marco , Carillo Eleonora , Raggi Federico , Casali Marco , Leardini Alberto , Marcheggiani Muccioli Giulio Maria , Grassi Alberto , Zaffagnini Stefano
Published: September 2023

Background

Custom-made implants are a valid option in revision total hip arthroplasty to address massive acetabular bone loss. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of custom-made acetabular implants between preoperative planning and postoperative positioning using CT scans.

Methods

In a retrospective analysis, three patients who underwent an acetabular custom-made prosthesis were identified. The custom-made designs were planned through 3D CT analysis considering surgical points of attention. The accuracy of intended implants positioning was assessed by comparing pre- and postoperative CT analyzing the center of rotation (CoR), anteversion, inclination, screws, and implant surface in contact with the bone.

Results

The three cases presented satisfactory accuracy in positioning. A malpositioning in the third case was observed due to the posterization of the CoR of the implant of more than 10 mm. The other CoR vectors considered in the third patient and all vectors in the other two cases fall within 10 mm. All the cases were positioned with a difference of less than 10° of anteversion and inclination with respect to the planning.

Conclusions

The current case series revealed promising accuracy in the positioning of custom-made acetabular prosthesis comparing the planned implant in preoperative CT with postoperative CT.
Quality evaluation methods of chinese medicine based on scientific supervision: recent research progress and prospects
Authors: Chen Zhangmei , Vong Chi Teng , Zhang Tiejun , Yao Chun , Wang Yitao , Luo Hua
Published: September 2023

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is increasingly getting attention worldwide, as it has played a very satisfactory role in treating COVID-19 during these past 3 years, and the Chinese government highly supports the development of TCM. The therapeutical theory and efficacies of Chinese medicine (CM) involve the safety, effectiveness and quality evaluation of CM, which requires a standard sound system. Constructing a scientific and reasonable CM quality and safety evaluation system, and establishing high-quality standards are the key cores to promote the high-quality development of CM. Through the traditional quality control methods of CM, the progress of the Q-marker research and development system proposed in recent years, this paper integrated the research ideas and methods of CM quality control and identified effective quality parameters. In addition, we also applied these effective quality parameters to create a new and supervision model for the quality control of CM. In conclusion, this review summarizes the methods and standards of quality control research used in recent years, and provides references to the quality control of CM and how researchers conduct quality control experiments.
Development and application of a real-time polymerase chain reaction assay to detect lumpy skin disease virus belonging to the Kenyan sheep and goat pox group
Authors: Sprygin Alexander , Mazloum Ali , Van Schalkwyk Antoinette , Krotova Alena , Bydovskaya Olga , Prokhvatilova Larisa , Chvala Ilya
Published: September 2023

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) outbreaks in Southeast and South Asia are attributed to different lineages of LSD virus (LSDV). Variants belonging to the novel recombinant cluster 2.5 circulate in China and Thailand, while a Kenyan sheep and goat pox (KSGP) strain from cluster 1.1 circulates in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The clusters representing these circulating strains are vastly different. However, if their distribution encroaches into each other’s ranges, it will be impossible to differentiate between them due to the lack of suitable molecular tools. Thus, fit-for-purpose molecular tools are in demand to effectively and timeously diagnose and investigate the epidemiology of LSDVs in a region. These could significantly contribute to the phylogenetic delineation of LSDVs and the development of preventive measures against transboundary spillovers. This work aimed to develop a real-time polymerase chain reaction assay targeting open reading frame LW032, capable of specifically detecting KSGP-related isolates and recombinant LSDV strains containing the KSGP backbone. The analytical specificity was proven against the widest possible panel of recombinant vaccine-like LSDV strains known to date. The amplification efficiency was 91.08%, and the assay repeatability had a cycle threshold variation of 0.56–1.1 over five repetitions across three runs. This KSGP-specific assay is reliable and fast and is recommended for use in LSDV epidemiological studies where the accurate detection of KSGP genetic signatures is a priority, particularly in regions where KSGP-like and other lineages are circulating.
Purification of functional mouse skeletal muscle mitochondria using percoll density gradient centrifugation
Authors: Anunciado-Koza Rea Victoria P. , Guntur Anyonya R. , Vary Calvin P. , Gartner Carlos A. , Nowak Madeleine , Koza Robert A.
Published: September 2023

Objective

Our goal was to isolate purified mitochondria from mouse skeletal muscle using a Percoll density gradient and to assess bioenergetic function and purity via Seahorse Extracellular Flux (XF) Analyses and mass spectrometry.

Results

Mitochondria isolated from murine quadriceps femoris skeletal muscle using a Percoll density gradient method allowed for minimally contaminated preparations with time from tissue harvest to mitochondrial isolation and quantification in about 3–4 h. Percoll purification from 100 to 200 mg fresh tissue yielded ~ 200–400 ug protein. Mitochondrial bioenergetics evaluated using the Seahorse XFe96 analyzer, a high-throughput respirometry platform, showed optimum mitochondrial input at 500 ng with respiratory control ratio ranging from 3.9 to 7.1 using various substrates demonstrating a high degree of functionality. Furthermore, proteomic analysis of Percoll-enriched mitochondria isolated from skeletal muscle using this method showed significant enrichment of mitochondrial proteins indicating high sample purity. This study established a methodology that ensures sufficient high quality mitochondria for downstream analyses such as mitochondrial bioenergetics and proteomics.
Evaluation of cardiac autonomic control during the 6-min walk test in women with systemic sclerosis
Authors: de Oliveira Saraiva Nathália Alves , de Oliveira Farias Iasmim , Mesquita dos Santos Brenda , Xavier Rosemere Saldanha , Lopes Agnaldo José
Published: September 2023

Objective

To evaluate the association between sympathovagal balance and exercise performance, as measured by the 6-min walk test (6MWT), in women with systemic sclerosis (SSc) without cardiac involvement.

Results

This was a cross-sectional study in which 69 women with SSc [median age 51 (40–63 years)] without cardiac involvement underwent the 6MWT. Throughout the 6MWT, heart rate variability (HRV) was assessed using dedicated software.

Methods

The median 6-min walking distance (6MWD) was 451 (392–498) meters, and 29 (42%) participants did not achieve 80% of the predicted value for healthy adults. Desaturation during the 6MWT (SpO2 ≤ 4%) was observed in 10.1% of participants. Significant correlations were observed between the 6MWD and the following HRV parameters: number of successive normal-to-normal RR interval differences > 50 ms (rs=-0.397, P = 0.013), low-frequency range (rs=0.374, P = 0.023), high-frequency range (rs=-0.372, P = 0.023), and parasympathetic nervous system index (rs=-0.342, P = 0.045).

Conclusion

In women with SSc, there is an interrelationship of the 6MWD with both vagal withdrawal and sympathetic hyperactivation. This relationship between autonomic imbalance and worse exercise performance might increase cardiovascular risk, even in patients without apparent cardiac involvement. Control of the heart by the autonomic nervous system may be a potential target for treating patients with SSc.
Piloting a forced-choice task to elicit treatment preferences in geographic atrophy
Authors: Enoch Jamie , Ghulakhszian Arevik , Sekhon Mandeep , Crabb David P. , Taylor Deanna J. , Dinah Christiana
Published: September 2023

Objective

Geographic Atrophy (GA) is the advanced form of the non-neovascular (‘dry’) type of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and responsible for one-quarter of legal blindness in the UK. New therapies delivered by intravitreal injection are in late-stage development, and two such therapies (pegcetacoplan (Syfovre) and avacincaptad pegol (Izervay)) have now been approved for clinical use by the US Food and Drug Administration. These therapies slow down, but do not stop or reverse, progression of GA and they may also increase the risk of developing the neovascular (‘wet’) type of AMD. Within a larger study exploring the acceptability of these new treatments to people living with GA, we developed a forced-choice exercise to evaluate how participants weigh up benefits and drawbacks of different treatment regimens. This research note reports quantitative and qualitative findings from this exercise.

Results

Twenty-eight participants took part in this exercise. The exercise demonstrated that participants were generally, although not unanimously, in favour of less frequent treatment for GA that was slightly less efficacious in terms of preserving visual function but presented a lower risk of developing wet AMD. Even among a small sample, the exercise demonstrated the highly personal and idiosyncratic decision-making processes influencing participants’ choices of preferred hypothetical GA treatment.
Comparing the antidepressant-like effects of electroconvulsive seizures in adolescent and adult female rats: an intensity dose–response study
Authors: Ledesma-Corvi Sandra , García-Fuster M. Julia
Published: September 2023

Background

The induction of electroconvulsive seizures (ECS) in rodents induces sex- and age-specific disparities in antidepressant-like responses, with females and young age being the most unresponsive ones. Since the electrical charge needed to induce an effective convulsion is also altered by these variables, our aim was to compare different dose-intensities of ECS exclusively in female rats, since there is a lack of preclinical data characterizing this particular sex, while also evaluating efficacy during distinctive age periods of treatment (adolescence vs. adulthood).

Methods

Adolescent and adult female Sprague–Dawley rats were exposed to an intensity dose–response study (55, 75 or 95 mA; 0.6 s, 100 Hz, 1 session/day, 5 days). The particular characteristics of the induced convulsions (tonic, clonic, recovery times) were monitored during treatment. Antidepressant-like responses were evaluated under the stress of the forced-swim test 1-, 3-, and 7-days post-treatment (i.e., improved immobility time as an indicative of an antidepressant-like response), and brains were collected 24 h later (8 days post-treatment) to evaluate potential changes in hippocampal neurogenesis (Ki-67 and NeuroD) by immunohistochemistry.

Results

The lowest intensities tested of ECS (55 and 75 mA) induced an antidepressant-like effect in adult female rats, but rendered insufficient in adolescence. The lack of efficacy observed in adolescent rats paralleled differences in the characteristics of the seizures induced by ECS as compared to adulthood. In line with prior results, different dose-intensities of ECS modulated hippocampal neurogenesis in a comparable fashion with age (i.e., increased survival of neural progenitors 8 days post-treatment).

Conclusions

In conjunction, these results reinforce the importance of fine-tuning the parameters of ECS that might render efficacious while considering sex and age as essential variables for treatment response, and suggest that other molecular mechanisms, beside the partial role of hippocampal neurogenesis, might be participating in the antidepressant-like effects induced by ECS.
Saturated fat, the estimated absolute risk and certainty of risk for mortality and major cancer and cardiometabolic outcomes: an overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Talukdar Jhalok Ronjan , Steen Jeremy P. , Goldenberg Joshua Z. , Zhang Qian , Vernooij Robin W. M. , Ge Long , Zeraatkar Dena , Bała Małgorzata M. , Ball Geoff D. C. , Thabane Lehana , Johnston Bradley C.
Published: September 2023

Objective

To assess the impact of reducing saturated fat or fatty foods, or replacing saturated fat with unsaturated fat, carbohydrate or protein, on the risk of mortality and major cancer and cardiometabolic outcomes in adults.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and references of included studies for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRMAs) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies in adults published in the past 10 years. Eligible reviews investigated reducing saturated fat or fatty foods or replacing saturated fat with unsaturated fat, carbohydrate or protein, on the risk of cancer and cardiometabolic outcomes and assessed the certainty of evidence for each outcome using, for example, the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) approach. We assessed the quality of SRMAs using a modified version of AMSTAR-2. Results were summarized as absolute estimates of effect together with the certainty of effects using a narrative synthesis approach.

Results

We included 17 SRMAs (13 reviews of observational studies with follow-up 1 to 34 years; 4 reviews of RCTs with follow-up 1 to 17 years). The quality of two-thirds of the SRMAs was critically low to moderate; the main limitations included deficient reporting of study selection, absolute effect estimates, sources of funding, and a priori subgroups to explore heterogeneity. Our included reviews reported > 100 estimates of effect across 11 critically important cancer and cardiometabolic outcomes. High quality SRMAs consistently and predominantly reported low to very low certainty evidence that reducing or replacing saturated fat was associated with a very small risk reduction in cancer and cardiometabolic endpoints. The risk reductions where approximately divided, some being statistically significant and some being not statistically significant. However, based on 2 moderate to high quality reviews, we found moderate certainty evidence for a small but important effect that was statistically significant for two outcomes (total mortality events [20 fewer events per 1000 followed] and combined cardiovascular events [16 fewer per 1000 followed]). Conversely, 4 moderate to high quality reviews showed very small effects on total mortality, with 3 of these reviews showing non-statistically significant mortality effects.

Conclusion

Systematic reviews investigating the impact of SFA on mortality and major cancer and cardiometabolic outcomes almost universally suggest very small absolute changes in risk, and the data is based primarily on low and very low certainty evidence.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42020172141
Host genetic variation drives the differentiation in the ecological role of the native Miscanthus root-associated microbiome
Authors: Ji Niuniu , Liang Di , Clark Lindsay V. , Sacks Erik J. , Kent Angela D.
Published: September 2023

Background

Microbiome recruitment is influenced by plant host, but how host plant impacts the assembly, functions, and interactions of perennial plant root microbiomes is poorly understood. Here we examined prokaryotic and fungal communities between rhizosphere soils and the root endophytic compartment in two native Miscanthus species (Miscanthus sinensis and Miscanthus floridulus) of Taiwan and further explored the roles of host plant on root-associated microbiomes.

Results

Our results suggest that host plant genetic variation, edaphic factors, and site had effects on the root endophytic and rhizosphere soil microbial community compositions in both Miscanthus sinensis and Miscanthus floridulus, with a greater effect of plant genetic variation observed for the root endophytic communities. Host plant genetic variation also exerted a stronger effect on core prokaryotic communities than on non-core prokaryotic communities in each microhabitat of two Miscanthus species. From rhizosphere soils to root endophytes, prokaryotic co-occurrence network stability increased, but fungal co-occurrence network stability decreased. Furthermore, we found root endophytic microbial communities in two Miscanthus species were more strongly driven by deterministic processes rather than stochastic processes. Root-enriched prokaryotic OTUs belong to Gammaproteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Sphingobacteriia, and [Saprospirae] both in two Miscanthus species, while prokaryotic taxa enriched in the rhizosphere soil are widely distributed among different phyla.

Conclusions

We provide empirical evidence that host genetic variation plays important roles in root-associated microbiome in Miscanthus. The results of this study have implications for future bioenergy crop management by providing baseline data to inform translational research to harness the plant microbiome to sustainably increase agriculture productivity.
Measurement of psychological inflexibility: an examination of the psychometric properties of the AAQ-3 compared to AAQ-II
Authors: Fang Shuanghu , Ding Dongyan , Huang Mingjie
Published: September 2023

Due to the limitations of the existing measurements of experiential avoidance, we would like to check the validity of the improved version of Acceptance and Action Questionnaire–II (AAQ-II), i.e., Acceptance and Action Questionnaire–3 (AAQ-3), in Chinese content. The present study was aim to examine the construct and validity of the Chinese version of AAQ-3 in college students and provide an initial validation of this instrument to promote future cross-cultural examination of the psychological flexibility. Totally 1,572 college students were invited to complete the Chinese AAQ-3 and the related questionnaires at the same time. After one month, 380 participates were assessed with same questionnaires to examine the test-retest reliability. The results indicated a similar one-factor solution in the Chinese AAQ-3 to the original version by exploratory factor analysis, parallel analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Internal consistency and test–retest reliability were good. According to the testing of the measurement invariance, the one-factor model was acceptable across gender (Man = 875, Girl = 697). Additionally, Chinese AAQ-3 was significantly negatively correlated with positive mental health (life satisfaction, mindful attention awareness), significantly positively correlated with negative emotions (depression, anxiety, stress), and significantly positively correlated with AAQ–II and Brief Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (BEAQ). Besides, Chinese AAQ-3 was the strongest predictor of depression, anxiety, stress and life satisfaction compared to the AAQ-II and BEAQ. However, according to the exploratory structural equation model, the Chinese AAQ-3 demonstrated excellent discriminate validity from negative emotions. Overall, the AAQ-3 modified the limitations of the existing measurements of experiential avoidance (i.e., AAQ-II and BEAQ) as it showed better convergent validity with positive mental health indicators, better discriminant validity with negative emotions, and higher incremental validity. Therefore, the Chinese AAQ-3 is a valid measurement tool for assessing the level of experiential avoidance or psychological flexibility in Chinese college students.
Near-surface atmospheric electric field changes through magnetic clouds via coronal mass ejections
Authors: Li Lei , Chen Tao , Shen Chao , Ti Shuo , Wang Shihan , Cai Chunlin , Li Wen , Luo Jing
Published: September 2023

The Earth’s electrical environment is influenced by both external and internal driving factors. Internal driving factors include the global charging current produced by lightning storms, global aerosol concentrations and cloud coverage. External factors are caused by various space weather phenomena, including changes in the Sun’s magnetic field, solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and ionization changes from high-energy particles from the Sun and galactic cosmic rays. This study focuses on the cosmic ray intensity changes observed at the OULU Station and the vertical atmospheric electric field changes observed at the Azores and Studenec stations during a solar activity event in September 2017. The results indicate that the atmospheric electric field at the two stations (Azores and Studenec) simultaneously decreased by 80% and 120% of the mean atmospheric electric field value, respectively, during the same time as the significant decrease in cosmic ray intensity. The linear correlation coefficient between the decreased atmospheric electric field measured at these two stations was 0.60, indicating a global effect from the shocks and magnetic clouds associated with coronal mass ejections on atmospheric electricity. Finally, this study describes shock waves and magnetic clouds that impede the propagation of galactic cosmic rays, resulting in a decrease in ionospheric potential and atmospheric electric field.
Quantitative validation of Monte Carlo SPECT simulation: application to a Mediso AnyScan GATE simulation
Authors: Pells Sophia , Cullen David M. , Deidda Daniel , Denis-Bacelar Ana M. , Fenwick Andrew , Ferreira Kelley M. , Hamilton David , Heetun Warda , Julyan Peter , Needham George , Pietras Ben , Price Emlyn , Scuffham James , Tipping Jill , Robinson Andrew P.
Published: September 2023

Background

Monte Carlo (MC) simulations are used in nuclear medicine imaging as they provide unparalleled insight into processes that are not directly experimentally measurable, such as scatter and attenuation in an acquisition. Whilst MC is often used to provide a ‘ground-truth’, this is only the case if the simulation is fully validated against experimental data. This work presents a quantitative validation for a MC simulation of a single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) system.

Methods

An MC simulation model of the Mediso AnyScan SCP SPECT system installed at the UK National Physical Laboratory was developed in the GATE (Geant4 Application for Tomographic Emission) toolkit. Components of the detector head and two collimator configurations were modelled according to technical specifications and physical measurements. Experimental detection efficiency measurements were collected for a range of energies, permitting an energy-dependent intrinsic camera efficiency correction function to be determined and applied to the simulation on an event-by-event basis. Experimental data were collected in a range of geometries with $$^{99\text {m}}$$

99
m

Tc for comparison to simulation. The procedure was then repeated with $$^{177}$$

177

Lu to determine how the validation extended to another isotope and set of collimators.

Results

The simulation’s spatial resolution, sensitivity, energy spectra and the projection images were compared with experimental measurements. The simulation and experimental uncertainties were determined and propagated to all calculations, permitting the quantitative agreement between simulated and experimental SPECT acquisitions to be determined. Statistical agreement was seen in sinograms and projection images of both $$^{99\text {m}}$$

99
m

Tc and $$^{177}$$

177

Lu data. Average simulated and experimental sensitivity ratios of ($$0.991 \pm 0.011$$

0.991
±
0.011

) were seen for emission and scatter windows of $$^{99\text {m}}$$

99
m

Tc, and ($$0.897 \pm 0.014$$

0.897
±
0.014

) and ($$0.839 \pm 0.014$$

0.839
±
0.014

) for the 113 and 208 keV emissions of $$^{177}$$

177

Lu, respectively.

Conclusions

MC simulations will always be an approximation of a physical system and the level of agreement should be assessed. A validation method is presented to quantify the level of agreement between a simulation model and a physical SPECT system.
A unified voice to drive global improvements in oral health
Authors: Glick Michael , Urquhart Olivia , Bhosale Ankita S. , Carrasco-Labra Alonso , Edelson Jaime T.
Published: September 2023

Approximately, 3.47 billion individuals worldwide are affected by oral disorders, with untreated dental caries being the most prevalent issue, impacting 2.30 billion people. Addressing this complex health problem requires a collective and unified approach from the oral health community. However, stakeholders often focus on their own interests, leading to information silos and a lack of diverse perspectives. To foster collaboration, tackle critical topics, and promote effective communication, the Global Oral Health Forum was organized as a 2-day meeting. The forum aimed to dismantle existing silos and cultivate a unified message to drive global improvements in oral health. By bridging gaps between stakeholders and encouraging dialogue, the forum sought to transcend individual interests and foster a holistic approach. The meeting provided a space for diverse viewpoints, concerns, and expertise to converge, facilitating meaningful discussions and overcoming the limitations of an echo chamber. The inclusive environment aimed to integrate different perspectives, generate innovative ideas, and pave the way for impactful changes in oral health worldwide. The outcome of the Global Oral Health Forum I includes suggested action points that emphasize collaboration, knowledge sharing, and policy development. These recommendations aim to promote preventive strategies, improve access to oral healthcare, enhance oral health education, and foster interdisciplinary research and innovation. By implementing these actions, the global oral health community can work together to address the challenges posed by oral disorders and improve oral health outcomes for billions of individuals worldwide.
ТЕОРИЯ ДИСКУРСА: РЕЛИГИОЗНЫЙ ДИСКУРС
Authors:   Volgograd State Social Pedagogical University, Bobyreva Ekaterina V.
Published: September 2023

Работа посвящена рассмотрению характеристик религиозного дискурса, его места в системе типов институционального общения, жанровой специфики, концептосферы и системы ценностей а также его языковых особенностей и стратегий построения. Рекомендуется студентам, магистрантам, аспирантам и специалистам в области лингвосемиотики, лингвокультурологии, когнитивной и аксиологической лингвистики.
Role of alpha particles in penetration of solar wind diamagnetic structures into the magnetosphere
Authors: Eselevich Viktor , Parhomov Vladimir
Published: September 2023

We present the results of studies showing the presence of simultaneous jumps in the density of protons (N2/N1)p and alpha particles (N2/N1)α at the boundaries of diamagnetic structures (DS) of various types both in the quasi-stationary slow solar wind (SW) and in sporadic SW. For DS of quasi-stationary slow SW, associated with streamer belt or chains, in the statistics considered in the paper there is a single linear dependence of (N2/N1)α on (N2/N1)p. This means that these jumps have the same physical nature and are related to diamagnetism at the boundaries of DS of quasi-stationary SW streams of various types.

At the front of interplanetary shock waves (ISW), the (N2/N1)α jump is approximately twice as large as the (N2/N1)p jump. This reflects the features of the collective collisionless plasma heating at ISW fronts and requires further studies. A maximum excess (almost 3 times) of the increase in the alpha-particle density (N2/N1)α over the increase in the proton density (N2/N1)p is observed in eruptive prominences.

The magnetospheric response in such phenomena as auroras, proton and alpha particle fluxes, geomagnetic field, and geomagnetic pulsations is similar under the influence of DS of various types and ISW. The detected features of the magnetospheric response to the contact with DS of different types and ISW can be interpreted as impulsive passage of the DS matter (plasmoid) into the magnetosphere.

The results of studies of the (N2/N1)α jumps can be used as an additional important argument in identifying cases of impulsive penetration of DS into the magnetosphere and in examining the physical nature of these penetrations.
Monitoring of magnetospheric parameters based on cosmic ray effects in August
Authors: Kovalev Ivan , Olemskoy Sergey , Sdobnov Valeriy
Published: September 2023

Using data (uncorrected for the temperature effect) from the global network of neutron monitors (GNNM), along with data from the Yakutsk muon telescope complex and the muon hodoscope URAGAN (Moscow), we have applied a modified spectrographic global survey (SGS) method to the 2018 August event in order to split cosmic ray variations into components of primary, magnetospheric, and atmospheric origin. We obtained time variations in the 4 GV-rigidity primary particle isotropic flux and pitch-angle anisotropy, as well as in the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) orientation. We also showed variations in the geomagnetic cutoff rigidity (GCR) in Irkutsk.

Using the obtained data on the changes in the planetary system of GCR within a simple model of a bounded magnetosphere, we have calculated some parameters of magnetospheric current systems, namely, the ring current radius, the magnetopause current radius, and the Dst index.
Influence of strong solar proton events on propagation of radio signals in the VLF range in a high-latitude region
Authors: Akhmetov Oleg , Mingalev Igor , Mingalev Oleg , Belahovskiy Vladimir , Maurchev Evgeniy , Larchenko Aleksey , Suvorova Zoya , Balabin Yuriy
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we examine the features of RSDN-20 signal propagation in a high-latitude Earth–ionosphere waveguide during solar proton events, using computational experiment methods. We have analyzed two proton ground-level enhancement (GLE) events of December 13, 2006 (GLE70) and September 10, 2017 (GLE72). Electron density profiles were constructed using the Global Dynamic Model of Ionosphere (GDMI) and the RUSCOSMICS model, developed at PGI. We present estimated phase and amplitude changes in RSDN-20 signals during precipitation of high-energy protons in the high-latitude region of the Earth–ionosphere waveguide. From the results of computational experiments and the analysis of the electromagnetic signal attenuation based on analytical Maxwell’s equation system solution in magnetized ionospheric plasma, we have found a pattern in the signal attenuation frequency dependence associated simultaneously with the signal reflection height, electron density profiles, and the collision frequency of electrons with neutral particles and ions. We discuss limitations of the computational experiment method and compare simulation results with data from Lovozero and Tuloma observatories.
Hysteresis effect between geomagnetic activity indices (Ap, Dst) and interplanetary medium parameters in solar activity cycles 21–24
Authors: Kurazhkovskaya Nadezhda , Kurazhkovskii Alexander
Published: September 2023

We have studied the relationship of geomagnetic activity indices (Ap, Dst) on time intervals, equal to solar cycles (∼11 years), with solar activity indicators and heliospheric parameters. It is shown that the plots of the Ap and Dst indices versus solar activity indicators, as well as versus heliospheric parameters, i.e. solar wind and IMF parameters in the ascending and descending phases of solar activity cycles 21–24 do not coincide, which is indicative of the hysteresis phenomenon. The Ap and Dst indices form hysteresis loops with all parameters we analyze during cycles 21–24. The shape and area of the hysteresis loops, as well as the direction of rotation, clockwise or counterclockwise, depend significantly on indicators of solar activity, heliospheric parameters and change from cycle to cycle. We have found a tendency for the extension and area of the hysteresis loops to decrease from cycle 21 to cycle 24. Analysis of the variability in the shape and size of the hysteresis loops formed by the Ap and Dst indices with solar indicators and heliospheric parameters gives reason to believe that the obtained loops reflect the long-term evolution of the solar wind energy flux, which determines global geomagnetic activity and the magnetospheric ring current intensity in the ascending and descending phases of solar activity cycles 21‒24.
Retrospective analysis of long-term regional features of the dynamic regime of the ionosphere over the south of Eastern Siberia
Authors: Khabituev Denis , Chernigovskaya Marina
Published: September 2023

We have carried out a statistical analysis of a huge array of archival experimental data on the dynamic regime of the ionosphere over Irkutsk, obtained by a radiophysical spaced-receiver method with a small base of a radio signal reflected from the ionosphere during vertical ground-based radio sounding near Irkutsk in 1958–1982. Statistical long-term characteristics of drifts of ionization irregularities over the region of the south of Eastern Siberia were obtained. We confirmed clear differences in the nature of the dynamic regime of the lower and upper ionosphere. The motion of ionization in the zonal direction is shown to be more regular than the meridional drift. We determined the characteristic seasonal features of variations in magnitudes and directions of horizontal drift motions at heights of E and F ionospheric regions. The lower ionosphere is characterized by high variability and seasonal variations in motion velocities. In winter, the zonal component of the horizontal ionization drift velocity is directed to the west; in summer, to the east. At the heights of the upper ionosphere, the dynamic regime is more regular. The prevailing zonal direction of the motion of ionization irregularities to the west is observed for all seasons (heights above 230 km). The meridional component of the horizontal drift velocity mainly has a southerly direction. Thus, the horizontal drift of plasma irregularities at the heights of the upper ionosphere is, on the whole, directed to the southwest with the zonal direction predominating.
Natural electromagnetic oscillations in 4–12 Hz frequency range as measured by SWARM satellites and CARISMA magnetometer network
Authors: Yagova Nadezda , Fedorov Evgeny , Pilipenko Vyacheslav , Mazur Nikolay
Published: September 2023

We examine magnetic field variations at 4–12 Hz frequencies in the upper ionosphere and on Earth. The ground response to the coherent oscillations at two SWARM satellites near and above the high frequency boundary of the nominal Pc1 range is studied. We use CARISMA data to analyze ground pulsations. Ionospheric oscillations are predominantly registered at geomagnetic latitudes above 65°, i. e. from the auroral zone to the polar cusp-cleft region. The oscillations at the same frequencies are recorded at auroral and subauroral ground stations at distances from 1500 to 3000 km from satellite footprint. Ratio RGI of the oscillation amplitude on Earth to that in the ionosphere retrieved from the observed data is compared to the values calculated for a finite radius Alfvén beam incident onto a quasi-real ionosphere. [Fedorov et al., 2018]. Radial distribution of RGI depends on the oscillation frequency and the altitude distribution of ionospheric parameters controlled mostly by season and local time. The most probable values of RGI range from 10–3 to 10–1. The RGI values obtained from the observed data agree with model ones at incident beam radius of about several hundred kilometers.
Praecox feeling among Polish psychiatrists: a grounded theory study
Authors: Szuła Anastazja , Kołtun Aleksandra , Moskalewicz Marcin
Published: September 2023

Cel pracy

Celem badania jest zidentyfikowanie źródeł oraz elementów składowych tzw. poczucia praecox (PP) z perspektywy polskich lekarzy psychiatrów, którzy go doświadczają i potrafią zwerbalizować.

Metoda

Analiza jakościowa z wykorzystaniem procedur metodologii teorii ugruntowanej na zbiorze swobodnych wypowiedzi psychiatrów (N=103) opisujących silne odczucia sugerujące rozpoznanie schizofrenii udzielonych w ogólnopolskim badaniu ankietowym.

Wyniki

Dla zdecydowanej większości badanych (80,58%) źródłem PP są zachowania i stany pacjenta, natomiast wśród zidentyfikowanych składowych PP nie ma elementów wyraźnie dominujących. Badani lekarze odnosili się najczęściej (44,66%) do afektu i stanów emocjonalnych pacjenta, w szczególności spłycenia i chłodu emocjonalnego (22,33%). Co czwarty (25,24%) jako element swoich silnych odczuć sugerujących diagnozę schizofrenii opisywał różne aspekty wypowiadania się pacjenta, m.in. niespójność i oderwanie treści od rzeczywistości (14,56%) oraz wskazywał na obecność formalnych zaburzeń procesów myślowych (22,33%). Analiza post-hoc wykazała, że głównym wątkiem przekrojowym związanym z PP jest wrażenie deficytowego kontaktu z rzeczywistością i drugim człowiekiem (52,42% badanych). Pomimo tego, że poziom eksperckości psychiatrów nie wpływa na treści PP, lekarze potrafiący je zwerbalizować uznają je za niezawodne dla postawienia diagnozy schizofrenii częściej niż ci, którzy wykorzystują PP w swojej praktyce, ale nie potrafią go zwerbalizować (82,52% vs 67,62%, chi2 p = 0,007, φc = 0,186).

Wnioski

PP jest zjawiskiem złożonym i niejednoznacznym doświadczanym zarówno przez rezydentów jak i specjalistów. Ma związek przede wszystkim z afektywnością pacjentów i postrzeganiem ich oderwania od rzeczywistości. Dalsza analiza tego zjawiska może pozytywnie wpłynąć na zdolność psychiatrów do artykułowania PP i jego stosowania w diagnostyce schizofrenii.
“Evaluation is creation: hear it, you creators!”
Authors: Crean StJohn
Published: September 2023

Our editor discusses how we should view evaluation as a tool to aid our performance and allow for improvement.
Dentistry in a Nutshell: A Practical Guide to Clinical Dentistry
Authors: Sonde Nargis
Published: September 2023

Nargis Sonde reviews “Dentistry in a Nutshell: A Practical Guide to Clinical Dentistry”.
A Pilgrimage to See the Holy Father: Or, the Modern Papacy Through the Stereoscope
Authors: Osborne Catherine R.
Published: September 2023

Abstract: In 1907, the American company Underwood & Underwood published a deck of thirty-six photo cards with an accompanying book entitled A Pilgrimage to See the Holy Father, Through the Stereoscope . Used with a special device called a stereoscope, the cards enabled viewers to immerse themselves in a 3-D experience of the Vatican and to come face to face with Pope Pius X. This article analyzes how the deck was arranged and the text was written to promote an experience of both awe and intimacy. It establishes the set as part of a late-Victorian middle-class world of travel, education, and culture that incorporated both Protestants and Catholics, a world that both made its existence possible and that it helped to create. Finally, it argues that A Pilgrimage to See the Holy Father is less significant in itself than as part of a constellation of mass-produced modern artifacts that collectively created a feeling of personal attachment to individual popes and therefore made possible their central place in the emotional and faith lives of the modern Catholic laity.