bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serological response after COVID-19 infection compared to vaccination against COVID-19 in children with autoimmune rheumatic diseases
Authors: Šinkovec Savšek Tjaša , Zajc Avramovič Mojca , Avčin Tadej , Korva Miša , Avšič-Županc Tatjana , Toplak Nataša
Published: July 2024

Background

Paediatric patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (pARD) have a dysregulated immune system, so infections present a major threat to them. To prevent severe COVID-19 infections we aimed to vaccinate them as soon as possible. Studies have shown that the BNT162b2 vaccine is safe, effective, and immunogenic, however, in a short observation period, only.

Methods

The main objective was to compare the serological response between three groups of pARD: after SARS-CoV-2 infection, after vaccination against COVID-19 with two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine, and after experiencing both events. Data on demographics, diagnosis, therapy, and serology (anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgA) were collected from March 2020 to April 2022. For statistical analysis ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were applied. To compare adverse events (AE) after vaccination we included a control group of healthy adolescents.

Results

We collected data from 115 pARD; from 92 after infection and 47 after vaccination. Twenty-four were included in both groups. Serological data were available for 47 pARD after infection, 25 after vaccination, and 21 after both events. Serological response was better after vaccination and after both events compared to after infection only. No effect of medication on the antibody levels was noted. The safety profile of the vaccine was good. Systemic AE after the first dose of the vaccine were more common in healthy adolescents compared to pARD. In the observation period of 41.3 weeks, 60% of vaccinated pARD did not experience a symptomatic COVID-19 infection.

Conclusions

IgG and IgA anti-SARS-CoV-2 levels were higher after vaccination and after both events compared to after infection only. Six months after vaccination we observed an increase in antibody levels, suggesting that pARD had been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 but remained asymptomatic.

Trial registration

The study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Republic of Slovenia (document number: 0120–485/2021/6).
Management strategies for Docking Site refractures: a comparative analysis of 19 patient cases
Authors: Hamiti Yimurang , Abudureyimu Patiman , Lyu Gang , Yusufu Aihemaitijiang , Yushan Maimaiaili
Published: July 2024

Aims

This study aimed to compare the clinical effectiveness of intramedullary nailing (IMN), percutaneous external plate fixation (PEPF), and re-applied external fixation (REF) in the treatment of refracture at the consolidated docking site following the removal of external fixation in patients with tibial defects who had previously undergone the Ilizarov bone transport technique.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed on patients who received IMN, PEPF, or REF for refracture at the consolidated docking site subsequent to the removal of external fixation. A collection of data was made regarding the following parameters: age, gender, defect size, treatment methods, external fixation time (EFT), external fixation index (EFI), time of refracture (TOR) subsequent to fixation removal, and docking reunion time (DRT). Bone and functional outcomes were evaluated by the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) scoring system and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) questionnaire.

Results

The study included 14 males and 5 females with an average age of 38.1 ± 8.9 years (range, 26 to 55 years). Etiologies included post-traumatic osteomyelitis in 11 cases and post-traumatic bone loss in 8 cases. The median bone defect was 5.11 ± 0.87 cm (range, 3.8 to 6.8 cm). Following docking site refracture, 6 cases were treated with IMN, 8 with PEPF, and 5 with REF. All patients achieved both satisfactory bone union and functional outcomes, and there was no significant difference in preoperative baseline data or postoperative outcomes among the three groups.

Conclusion

IMN, PEPF, and REF were all demonstrated favorable postoperative bone and functional outcomes, suggesting their reliability as treatment options for managing docking site refracture following external fixation removal.
HDG methods for the unilateral contact problem
Authors: Zhao Mingyang , Zhou Liangjin
Published: July 2024

This article presents the HDG approximation as a solution to the unilateral contact problem, leveraging the regularization method and an iterative procedure for resolution. In our study, u represents the potential (displacement of the elastic body) and q represents the flux (the force exerted on the body). Our analysis establishes that the utilization of polynomials of degree $k (k \ge 1)$
k
(
k
≥
1
)
leads to achieving an optimal convergence rate of order $k+1$
k
+
1
in $L^{2}$

L
2

-norm for both u and q. Importantly, this optimal convergence is maintained irrespective of whether the domain is discretized through a structured or unstructured grid. The numerical results consistently align with the theoretical findings, underscoring the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed HDG approximation method for unilateral contact problems.
Flexural Improvement of RC Slabs by FRP or Steel Using Different Strengthening Systems and Novel Anchoring Techniques
Authors: Makhlouf Mohamed H. , El-Azab Ibrahim A. , Mansour M. H.
Published: July 2024

An experimental study on reinforced concrete one-way slabs strengthened by various methods and materials is introduced in this paper. Innovative anchorage procedures are presented and evaluated to prevent the strengthening elements with FRP system from de-bonding at the initial stages. Externally bonded embedded in concrete cover (EBECC) strengthening technology was proposed to save the fiber strips from being subjected to heat, degradation, and sabotage. Nine RC one-way slabs, including a control slab and eight strengthened slabs, were cast. One RC slab was strengthened using externally bonded embedded in concrete cover (EBECC), whereas the other tested RC slabs were strengthened using either externally bonded (EB) or near-surface mounted (NSM) procedures. The following test variables are used in this study: the proposed anchors, the area of steel, the kind of material utilized in NSM rods (carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP), and steel), and the strengthening scheme. The ultimate and initial cracking loads, load–deformation response, cracking patterns, and failure behavior were recorded and discussed. Additionally, a comparison of the stiffness, ductility, and energy absorption of the examined slabs was reported. The strengthened slabs by various techniques showed a boost in flexural strength that varied from 67 to 107% compared to the control slab. In addition, RC slabs strengthened by NSM-CFRP bars showed a maximum flexural capacity when compared with slabs strengthened by GFRP and steel bars. Also, the results supported the superiority of a novel end anchorage. The ABAQUS program was employed to conduct a finite element analysis (FEA) employing 3-D geometries to compare and assess the numerical performance of the identical slabs under similar test settings. The results showed good agreement between the experimental and numerical findings.
Diet quality in medical trainees: a cross-sectional assessment comparing medical students and primary care residents using the Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants—shortened version
Authors: Khandalavala Birgit , Emig Stephanie , Yousef Mira , Geske Jenenne
Published: July 2024

Background

The diet quality of the US population is significantly unhealthy, with critical long-term implications for the nation’s health. A few studies have explored diet quality in the future primary care workforce. This cross-sectional study quantifies the diet quality of medical students and primary care residents at a Midwestern college of medicine in the United States.

Methods

250 medical students and 148 primary care residents were surveyed electronically utilizing the Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants—Shortened Version (REAP-S). The survey consists of 13 questions that can be scored on a scale from 1 to 3, along with 3 questions that are not scored. The average REAP-S score for a US omnivorous diet is 32 (range 13 to 39) with higher scores indicating a higher quality diet. We obtained average REAP-S scores for all respondents and descriptive summary statistics for individual REAP-S items. Students’ REAP-S total scores were compared to those of residents and the interaction between student/resident status and BMI category on REAP-S total scores were analyzed using analyses of variance. Differences between students and residents on BMI categories and other outcomes (individual REAP-S items, pandemic dietary and weight changes) were analyzed using Chi-Square Tests of Independence or Fisher’s Exact Tests.

Results

Medical students (n = 99; 39.6% response rate) had a significantly higher mean REAP-S score (30.5, SD = 3.9) than primary care residents (n = 72; 49% response rate) (mean = 28.6, SD = 3.9; p = 0.006). Total mean REAP-S scores were significantly higher for those with BMI < 25 (mean = 30.8, SD = 3.7) than for those with BMI > = 25 (mean = 28.3, SD = 4.0; p < 0.001). There was not a statistically significant interaction between role (student vs. resident) and BMI category on total REAP-S scores (p = 0.39). Most respondents (89.3%) indicated that they were willing to improve their diet.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that the diet quality of surveyed medical students and primary care residents, as quantified by the REAP-S, is suboptimal. Early detection and improvement of diet quality may be necessary for our medical profession trainees to avert potential long-term adverse cardiometabolic health outcomes, and to optimize the health of our future primary care workforce.
Swinepox virus: an unusual outbreak in free-range pig farms in Sicily (Italy)
Authors: Di Marco Lo Presti Vincenzo , Ippolito Dorotea , Cardeti Giusy , Cersini Antonella , Bertolotti Luigi , Amato Benedetta , Colitti Barbara , Giudice Chiara , Pruiti Ciarello Flavia , Vicari Domenico , Scicluna Maria Teresa , Capucchio Maria Teresa , Calogero Rosita , Fiasconaro Michele
Published: July 2024

Background

Two outbreaks of swinepox were investigated in free-range domestic pig farms located in the northeastern side of Sicily, Italy. The disease is generally self-limiting with a low mortality rate, but morbidity can reach high rates in case of poor sanitary conditions, improper husbandry practices and ectoparasitic infestation. The presented cases are the first ever reported on the island and part of the few cases reported in domestic pigs.

Case presentation

Carcasses condemned at the slaughterhouse and deceased pigs from Farm A and Farm B respectively, were referred for post-mortem examination and further investigations, with a strong suspect of SwinePox virus (SWPV) infection. Twelve deceased pigs were examined in total, showing poor body condition and pustular lesions scattered all over the cutaneous surfaces. Moreover, pigs from Farm B showed ocular lesions classified from Grade I to IV (from mild conjunctivitis to severe keratoconjunctivitis with corneal oedema, opacity, and ulcers). Final diagnosis was pursued by the microscopic assessment of skin lesions in both farms, which revealed the typical SWPV-lesion appearance, such as severe and disseminated ulcerative dermatitis and suspected inclusion bodies multifocally observed in the epidermis. Moreover, negative staining Electron Microscopy (nsEM) was performed on skin lesions and ocular swabs from Farm B, revealing in two samples the presence of brick-shaped viral particles, 220 nm long and 160 nm wide, with irregularly arranged surface tubules, identified as SWPV. The gene encoding the 482-bp fragment of the virus late transcription factor–3 was detected by PCR and sequencing revealed 99.79% identity and 100% query-cover with a strain previously isolated in Germany. Field clinical assessment was then performed in Farm B, revealing high overcrowding, poor sanitary conditions and improper husbandry practices, which are relevant risk factors for SWPV transmission.

Conclusions

The present is the first case report of SWPV in free-range pigs raised in Sicily, an island of the Southern coast of Italy, and wants to raise awareness on a neglected disease, and cause of animal health and welfare issues.
Factors associated with severe pneumonia among children <5 years, Kasese District, Uganda: a case-control study, January–April 2023
Authors: Wanyana Mercy Wendy , Migisha Richard , King Patrick , Muhesi Abraham Kibaba , Kwesiga Benon , Kadobera Daniel , Bulage Lilian , Ario Alex Riolexus
Published: July 2024

Background

Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of infant mortality globally, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. In Uganda, pneumonia was the fourth leading cause of death in children <5 years in 2018. Analysis of 2013–2022 data for children <5 years from the District Health Information System indicated a high incidence of severe pneumonia in Kasese District, Uganda. We investigated to identify factors associated with severe pneumonia among children <5 years in Kasese District to inform prevention and control strategies.

Methods

We conducted a 1:1 hospital-based case-control study among children aged 2–59 months presenting with pneumonia at five high-volume facilities in Kasese District from January to April 2023. A case was defined as pneumonia with ≥1 of the following danger signs: low oxygen saturation, central cyanosis, severe respiratory distress, feeding difficulties, altered consciousness, and convulsions. Controls were outpatient children aged 2–59 months with a diagnosis of non-severe pneumonia. We reviewed medical records at facilities and used an interviewer-administered questionnaire with caregivers to obtain information on socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with severe pneumonia.

Results

We enrolled 199 cases and 174 controls. The odds of severe pneumonia were higher among children with diarrhoea only (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.9, 95%CI: 1.7–4.9), or malaria and diarrhoea (aOR = 3.4, 95%CI: 2.0-5.9), than those without a co-existing illness at the time of pneumonia diagnosis. Not being exclusively breastfed for ≥ 6 months (aOR = 2.0, 95%CI: 1.1–3.3) and exposure to indoor air pollution from cooking combustion sources (aOR = 2.9, 95%CI: 1.8–4.7) increased odds of severe pneumonia.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the significance of comorbidities, lack of exclusive breastfeeding, and exposure to indoor air pollution in the development of severe pneumonia. Promoting exclusive breastfeeding for ≥ 6 months and advocating for the use of clean energy sources, could mitigate morbidity attributable to severe pneumonia in the region.
Endovascular thrombectomy in patients with anterior circulation stroke: an emulated real-world comparison
Authors: Sembill Jochen A. , Sprügel Maximilian I. , Haupenthal David , Kremer Svenja , Knott Michael , Mühlen Iris , Kallmünzer Bernd , Kuramatsu Joji B.
Published: July 2024

Background

Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) has been proven effective in anterior circulation stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). However, translation from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with highly selected patients to real-world requires confirmation, particularly to identify associations outside of strict selection criteria.

Aims

This study aims to compare functional outcomes after EVT in real-world with those reported in RCTs, and to identify associations with functional outcome after EVT outside RCT-criteria.

Methods

This study analyzed longitudinal German real-world data from the Stroke Research Consortium in Northern Bavaria (STAMINA) cohort from January, 2015 to June, 2019. We conducted a trial emulation, comparing patients with anterior circulation stroke and LVO meeting selection criteria for RCTs investigating EVT (1) predominantly within 6 hours with those from HERMES meta-analysis, and (2) within 6-24 hours with those from AURORA meta-analysis. We (3) analyzed treatment effects of EVT and association with functional outcome in patients treated outside RCT criteria.

Results

Of 598 patients, 281 (47.0%) met RCT-criteria for treatment within 6 hours (hereinafter STAMINA-HERMES), 74 (12.4%) met RCT-criteria for treatment within 6–24 hours (STAMINA-AURORA), and 277 (46.3%) patients received EVT outside RCT-criteria. We observed no difference in rates of functional independence or mortality, comparing STAMINA-HERMES with HERMES meta-analysis (mRS 0-1: n=120/281 [43%] vs. 291/633 [46%], p=0.36; mortality: n=34/281 [12%] vs. 97/633 [15%], p=0.20), and STAMINA-AURORA with AURORA meta-analysis (mRS 0-1: n=26/74 [35%] vs. 122/266 [46%], p=0.10, mortality: n=10/74 [14%] vs. 45/266 [17%], p=0.48). Patients treated outside RCT-criteria had worse outcome (mRS 0-1: n=38/277 [14%], mortality: n=90/277 [32%], both p<0.001); possibly driven by pre-existing functional dependence (n=172/277 [62%]). Compared to matched controls, EVT outside of RCT-criteria was associated with lower mortality (absolute treatment effect: -14%, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] -23 to -5, p<0.01), but not with recovery to functional independence or premorbid functional status (treatment effect: 4%, CI -4 to 11, p=0.34), which was associated with lower NIHSS (Odds ratio [OR] 0.86, CI 0.80-0.92, p<0.001) and age (OR 0.95, CI 0.93-0.98, p=0.002).

Conclusions

Translation of EVT outcomes reported in RCTs into real-world is possible, however, almost half of patients did not meet trial criteria. Identification of patients who functionally benefit from frequently performed EVT outside RCT-criteria requires further investigation.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04357899.
The history of the Grange Annual Conference
Authors: Rix Keith
Published: July 2024

The history of the Grange Annual Conference is traced to its roots in the work of Sir William Norwood East, the Royal Medico-Psychological Association and Waddiloves Hospital in Bradford, UK.
Identification of Novel DNA Methylation Prognostic Biomarkers for AML With Normal Cytogenetics
Authors: Cardoso Cândida , Pestana Daniel , Gokuladhas Sreemol , Marreiros Ana D. , O'Sullivan Justin M. , Binnie Alexandra , Fernandes Mónica Teotónio , Castelo-Branco Pedro
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE

AML is a hematologic cancer that is clinically heterogeneous, with a wide range of clinical outcomes. DNA methylation changes are a hallmark of AML but are not routinely used as a criterion for risk stratification. The aim of this study was to explore DNA methylation markers that could risk stratify patients with cytogenetically normal AML (CN-AML), currently classified as intermediate-risk.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

DNA methylation profiles in whole blood samples from 77 patients with CN-AML in The Cancer Genome Atlas (LAML cohort) were analyzed. Individual 5’-cytosine-phosphate-guanine-3’ (CpG) sites were assessed for their ability to predict overall survival. The output was validated using DNA methylation profiles from bone marrow samples of 79 patients with CN-AML in a separate data set from the Gene Expression Omnibus.

RESULTS

In the training set, using DNA methylation data derived from the 450K array, we identified 2,549 CpG sites that could potentially distinguish patients with CN-AML with an adverse prognosis (
intermediate-poor
) from those with a more favorable prognosis (
intermediate-favorable
) independent of age. Of these, 25 CpGs showed consistent prognostic potential across both the 450K and 27K array platforms. In a separate validation data set, nine of these 25 CpGs exhibited statistically significant differences in 2-year survival. These nine validated CpGs formed the basis for a combined prognostic biomarker panel, which includes an 8-CpG Somatic Panel and the methylation status of cg23947872. This panel displayed strong predictive ability for 2-year survival, 2-year progression-free survival, and complete remission in the validation cohort.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights DNA methylation profiling as a promising approach to enhance risk stratification in patients with CN-AML, potentially offering a pathway to more personalized treatment strategies.
US Food and Drug Administration's Directive to Deal With Delayed Confirmatory Trials: Lessons From Pralatrexate and Belinostat for T-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Cliff Edward R. Scheffer , Russler-Germain David A. , Daval C. Joseph Ross , Kesselheim Aaron S.
Published: July 2024

The FDA's directive to deal with delayed confirmatory trials: lessons from pralatrexate and belinostat for T-cell lymphoma
Biological resilience in health and disease
Authors: Weavers Helen
Published: July 2024

All living organisms – from single-celled prokaryotes through to invertebrates and humans – are frequently exposed to numerous challenges during their lifetime, which could damage their molecular and cellular contents and threaten their survival. Nevertheless, these diverse organisms are, on the whole, remarkably resilient to potential threats. Recent years have seen rapid advances in our mechanistic understanding of this emerging phenomenon of biological resilience, which enables cells, tissues and whole organisms to bounce back from challenges or stress. In this At a Glance article, I discuss current knowledge on the diverse molecular mechanisms driving biological resilience across scales, with particular focus on its dynamic and adaptive nature. I highlight emerging evidence that loss of biological resilience could underly numerous pathologies, including age-related frailty and degenerative disease. Finally, I present the multi-disciplinary experimental approaches that are helping to unravel the causal mechanisms of resilience and how this emerging knowledge could be harnessed therapeutically in the clinic.
Tetrapolydactyly: a rare presentation and review of the literature
Authors: Seo Dongkyung , Ishii Riku , Tada Keisuke , Horiuchi Katsumi , Kawashima Kunihiro
Published: July 2024

Polydactyly is a common congenital anomaly characterized by the presence of extra digits on the hands and/or feet, potentially involving all four limbs simultaneously. The terminology used to describe polydactyly involving all four limbs varies in the literature, with terms such as “tetrapolydactyly,” “polydactyly 24,” and “hexadactyly of all limbs” being used interchangeably. We encountered a case of tetrapolydactyly in a female neonate with postaxial polydactyly involving all four limbs. Our patient had an extra digit on the ulnar side with a bony component on the left hand and a similar extra digit without a bony articulation at the base of the right hand. The right foot showed postaxial polydactyly, and the left foot exhibited both preaxial polysyndactyly and postaxial polydactyly. A review of the literature shows that this combination of anomalies is extremely rare. A family history is present in approximately 30% of cases, asymmetric patterns are rarer than symmetric patterns, and heptadactyly is particularly uncommon. This report summarizes the information on tetrapolydactyly in the literature and discusses the clinical implications as well as management strategies.
Comparative analysis of inpatient costs for the surgical treatment of distal radial fractures in children and adults: a retrospective cohort study from a single surgeon’s experience
Authors: Kim Yun Ki , Lee Seung-Ho , Lee Seung Hoo
Published: July 2024

Purpose: Distal radial fractures are common in children and older adults, and numerous studies have analyzed their medical costs. However, no study has attempted to compare the medical costs of distal radial fractures in children and adults requiring surgical treatment in Korea. We therefore investigated this issue for the first time.Methods: The study retrospectively analyzed 96 pediatric and adult patients who underwent surgery for distal radial fractures performed by a single surgeon between January 2021 and January 2023. Patients were divided into adult (>16 years) and pediatric (≤16 years) groups. We examined patients’ demographic factors, surgical details, and inpatient costs.Results: The average total inpatient cost in the pediatric group was 1,640,000 Korean won (KRW), compared to 2,940,000 KRW in the adult group. The largest difference was in surgical material costs, which were approximately 700,000 KRW more expensive in adults. Kirschner wires were mainly used during surgery for pediatric patients, whereas volar locking plates were mainly used for adults. The number of C-arm fluoroscopy images obtained during surgery was higher in pediatric patients than in adults. The reoperation rate was higher in pediatric patients. Conclusion: The inpatient costs of surgical treatment for pediatric patients with distal radius fractures were lower than for adults, primarily due to differences in the costs of surgical materials. However, the reoperation rate was higher in the pediatric group, and radiation exposure was also greater. Policy adjustments may be necessary to address these unique challenges in the treatment of pediatric wrist fractures.
Fairness Regulation of Prices in Competitive Markets
Authors: Yang Zongsen , Fu Xingyu , Gao Pin , Chen Ying-Ju
Published: July 2024

Problem definition: The loyalty penalty refers to a pricing strategy where companies charge higher prices to loyal customers for exploitation while offering lower prices to nonloyal customers for attraction. To address this unfair business practice, various regulatory agencies, such as the Competition and Markets Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom, have proposed or implemented regulations aimed at promoting fairness in pricing. In this study, we analyze the impact of such regulations on both firms and consumers. Methodology/results: We develop a stylized model to investigate duopoly competition in two symmetric markets, where consumers exhibit loyalty to different firms in each market. The regulatory intervention mandates that the price difference between the two markets, set by each firm, must not exceed a certain threshold. Our analysis reveals an intriguing interaction between market competition and price fairness regulation. When competition is intense, fairness regulation can alleviate cutthroat competition between firms, resulting in Pareto improvements compared with a scenario with no regulation. On the other hand, when competition is weak, fairness regulation can further enhance firms’ existing monopoly power, potentially leading to collusive high prices that are detrimental to consumers and society. We also consider several extensions to enrich our findings, including fairness regulation on relative price discounts, asymmetric markets, and a two-pronged policy regulating the price gap and price cap. Managerial implications: Our study reveals the economic consequences of price fairness regulations; firms can benefit by pricing fairly, but well-intended fairness requirements may have adverse effects on consumers.

Funding: P. Gao is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grants 72201234 and 72192805], the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (the Collaborative Research Fund) [Grant C6032-21G], and the Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Mathematical Foundations for Artificial Intelligence [Grant 2023B1212010001]. Y.-J. Chen acknowledges financial support from the Hong Kong Research Grants Council [Grants CRF HKUST C6020-21GF, GRF 16500821, and GRF 16501722].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2022.0552 .
Optical and structural properties of lead oxide doped zinc tellurite glass: ternary glass
Authors: Hamad Hiwa L. ,   Salahaddin University-Erbil, Mawlud Saman Q.
Published: July 2024

Tellurite glass systems in the form of 10ZnO–(75−x)TeO2–(15+x)PbO with x=5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 mol% were prepared using the melt quenching technique. The optical characteristics of the glass were identified by using Ultraviolet Visible Infrared spectroscopy analysis (UV-Vis-NIR) at 200–900 nm. The optical band gap and refractive index were calculated for all glass samples. Values of the direct and indirect band gap range have been found in the range 2·773–3·099 eV and 2·251–2·574 eV with increasing concentration. In addition, the value of the refractive index was found to be between 2·27–2·41. The amorphous state of the glass samples is confirmed using the x-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The bonding characteristics were examined using the Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) technique in the range 400–4000 cm−1, and it was determined that they were ionic bonding in composition.
ESTUDO BIBLIOMÉTRICO SOBRE FRAMEWORKS PARA IMPLEMENTAÇÃO DA ECONOMIA CIRCULAR EM ORGANIZAÇÕES
Authors: Cajuela Alexandre Rodrigues , Pádua Silvia Inês Dallavalle de
Published: July 2024

Observa-se uma tendência de substituição da abordagem econômica linear, que se fundamenta na extração, produção e descarte, pela abordagem da economia circular, que se baseia na redução, reutilização, reciclagem e recuperação de materiais ao longo dos processos de produção, distribuição e consumo. Estudos anteriores fornecem alguns passos (frameworks) de como os princípios da economia circular podem ser aplicados a um modelo de negócio existente, apoiando o processo de transição de modelos lineares para modelos circulares. O objetivo deste artigo foi identificar o estado da arte dos estudos sobre frameworks, sequência de etapas e métodos de gestão utilizados para implementação, transição ou desenvolvimento da economia circular em organizações, utilizando pesquisa bibliográfica e aplicação de procedimentos da bibliometria. As 523 publicações encontradas envolveram 1.666 autores, de 43 países, 719 instituições e 134 diferentes periódicos. Destaca-se que 96% dos artigos foram publicados nos últimos cinco anos. Entre os países e periódicos mais prolíficos destacaram-se a Inglaterra, Itália, China, Holanda e Espanha e o Journal of Cleaner Production, Sustainability e Resources Conservation and Recycling. Com este estudo evidenciou-se a ascensão expressiva dessa temática nos últimos cinco anos, ressaltando autores influentes como Jabbour CJC e Bocken NMP. Apesar de haver uma rede de cooperação entre os autores, a intensidade dessa cooperação ainda é baixa, da mesma forma entre os periódicos e países mais prolíficos. Essas evidências demonstram uma grande dispersão do conhecimento nessa área de estudo, que pode ser explicada pela contemporaneidade do tema. A revisão qualitativa dos trabalhos mais importantes nessa temática pode gerar novos modelos teóricos ou métodos, com implicações gerenciais passíveis de serem observadas empiricamente.
DIVERSIDADE RACIAL IMPORTA? UMA REVISÃO BIBLIOMÉTRICA DA PRODUÇÃO CIENTÍFICA GLOBAL SOBRE GESTÃO DA DIVERSIDADE DE 1990 A 2022
Authors: Abreu Tanielle Cristina dos Anjos , Passador João Luiz
Published: July 2024

Este artigo objetiva uma revisão bibliométrica da produção científica sobre a gestão da diversidade, com ênfase na diversidade racial. Para tanto, foram realizadas duas revisões: uma amostra abrangente sobre Gestão da Diversidade e uma amostra específica sobre diversidade racial. Foram extraídos 1.016 artigos publicados entre 1990 e novembro de 2022 da base de dados Scopus e a análise envolveu 1.849 autores de 86 países e 1.738 instituições. Jawad Syed destacou-se como o autor mais ativo. Richard, O. C destacou-se como o autor com maior número de citações, tanto na amostra geral, quanto na específica. A análise de palavras-chave demonstrou que gênero ganha destaque em relação às demais dimensões da diversidade. Observou-se um crescimento da produção sobre diversidade racial no período, contudo, apenas 11,5% dos trabalhos sobre gestão da diversidade versavam sobre a questão da diversidade racial, reafirmando a lacuna previamente identificada.
How Drought Helped Jimmy Carter (Nearly) Win South Dakota in 1976
Authors: McLeman Robert , Heath George , Vollan Charles , Robertson Colin
Published: July 2024

abstract: Since 1900 only two Democratic presidential candidates have ever won the popular vote in South Dakota: Franklin Roosevelt (1932 and 1936) and Lyndon Johnson (1964). In 1976 Democratic candidate Jimmy Carter won 49.2% of South Dakota’s popular vote, posting what is still to this date the best showing of a Democratic presidential candidate in the state since Johnson. Carter enjoyed higher support among rural South Dakotan voters than did incumbent President Gerald Ford and would have won the state if high urban voter turnout had not favored Ford. Although Ford had numerous disadvantages going into the election, including the fallout from Watergate and contentious agricultural policies, here we show by comparing county-level voting results with precipitation records that the anomalously high support for Carter among rural South Dakotans was likely associated with the socioeconomic consequences of an unusually severe drought that hit the state in the spring and summer of 1976.
Performance study of an optical modulator based on a funnel-shaped waveguide with tip-plasma effect
Authors: Li Jiabin , Fan Zenghui
Published: July 2024

Electro-optical modulators play a crucial role in the field of optical communications; high modulation depth and low loss are used to qualify optical modulators. In this study, the tip-plasmon effect was utilized to improve the optical mode confinement and achieve a significant enhancement of the optical-graphene coupling. The evaluated modulator demonstrates robust performance characteristics, exhibiting a modulation depth of up to 8.5 dB/µm while sustaining a transmission loss of 2.3 dB/µm. Furthermore, the modulator operates with an energy efficiency of 4.36 fJ/bit and achieves a modulation bandwidth of 293 GHz, assuming a modulation length of 20 µm.
Bilateral Symmetric non-Euclidean multi-frequency invisibility
Authors: Ge Yixiao , Gong Desen , Xiao Wen , Chen Huanyang
Published: July 2024

Light propagation in non-Euclidean geometry has become a hot topic in recent years, while transformation optics theory demonstrates unique advantages in this respect. A notable application of transformation optics in non-Euclidean space is non-Euclidean invisibility cloak which avoids the challenges of negative refraction and anisotropic materials. In this work, we propose another configuration for non-Euclidean invisibility, capable of achieving invisible across a wide spectrum. Using coordinate transformation, we convert this non-Euclidean invisibility into planar gradient medium and validate its effects through full wave simulations. We also discover that the corresponding gradient medium can further relax the material parameters. Our findings suggest diverse strategies for non-Euclidean invisibility and planar gradient media, potentially advancing optical invisibility and transformation optics in non-Euclidean spaces.
Enhanced laser performance in an LD end-pumped YAP/Tm:YAP/YAP bonding rod with concave end faces
Authors: Dong Kunpeng , Sun Dunlu , Zhang Huili , Luo Jianqiao , Quan Cong , Qiao Yang , Chen Yuwei , Wang Zhentao , Li Hongyuan , Cheng Maojie
Published: July 2024

We demonstrate the effects of thermal bonding and concave end faces on the laser performance of 795 nm LD end-pumped Tm:YAP crystals for the first time. Analysis of the thermal focal length shows that the thermal lensing effect can be effectively compensated by the concave end faces. By combining the thermal bonding with the concave end faces, a maximum output power of 42.5 W is achieved on the concave YAP/Tm:YAP/YAP bonding rod with a negative curvature radius of 500 mm, corresponding to a slope efficiency of 47.4% and an optical-optical (O-O) conversion efficiency of 41.6%. Moreover, the beam quality factors Mx2/My2 are fitted to 1.67/1.69. Compared with the flat YAP/Tm:YAP/YAP bonding rod, the concave YAP/Tm:YAP/YAP bonding rod significantly increases the maximum output power from 36.56 W to 42.5 W, with an approximately 4% improvement in both the slope efficiency and O-O conversion efficiency. These results indicate that the combination of thermal bonding and concave end faces can effectively improve the heat dissipation capacity and mitigate the thermal lensing effect, thereby yielding near-infrared (NIR) laser output with high performance.
Prophage induction can facilitate the in vitro dispersal of multicellular Streptomyces structures
Authors: Jaffal Hoda , Kortebi Mounia , Misson Pauline , Tavares Paulo , Ouldali Malika , Leh Hervé , Lautru Sylvie , Lioy Virginia S. , Lecointe François , Bury-Moné Stéphanie G.
Published: July 2024

Streptomyces are renowned for their prolific production of specialized metabolites with applications in medicine and agriculture. These multicellular bacteria present a sophisticated developmental cycle and play a key role in soil ecology. Little is known about the impact of Streptomyces phage on bacterial physiology. In this study, we investigated the conditions governing the expression and production of “Samy”, a prophage found in Streptomyces ambofaciens ATCC 23877. This siphoprophage is produced simultaneously with the activation of other mobile genetic elements. Remarkably, the presence and production of Samy increases bacterial dispersal under in vitro stress conditions. Altogether, this study unveiled a new property of a bacteriophage infection in the context of multicellular aggregate dynamics.
Facilitators and barriers to contraception access and use for Hispanic American adolescent women: An integrative literature review
Authors: Batek Lindsay M. , Leblanc Natalie M. , Alio Amina P. , Stein Karen F. , McMahon James M.
Published: July 2024

Statement of the problem

Hispanic American adolescents experience high rates of pregnancy with profound consequences. Compared with White teens, Hispanic teens use contraception less frequently and often choose less effective forms of contraception. Access to contraception is a primary barrier to use which contributes to relatively high and disparate rates of pregnancy in Hispanic teens. This integrative review identifies facilitators and barriers of contraception access and use for Hispanic women, 13–17 years of age, living in the U.S.

Methodology

Following the Whittemore and Knafl (2005) methodology and PRISMA guidelines, peer reviewed studies were retrieved from PUBMED, CINAHL and EMBASE. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess the study quality and thematic analysis was used to categorize barriers and facilitators.

Findings

Of 131 studies retrieved, 16 met inclusion criteria. Individual, interpersonal and healthcare provider factors were identified as primary categories of barriers and facilitators with structural issues comprising an additional barrier category. Individual level barriers were disproportionately represented and further categorized into themes: beliefs/misconceptions, dislike of contraception, pregnancy risk perception, lack of knowledge, and lack of control. Barriers related to cultural and religious influences were identified in individual, interpersonal and structural levels. The most frequently reported facilitators were perceived parent comfort discussing sexual health and past experience of pregnancy.

Discussion

Limitations in this review may stem from heterogeneity in the acculturation and geography of participants and analysis by a single reviewer. Implications include considering the range of information sources and the influence they have on risk perception and risk mitigation for this population.

Conclusion & significance

Adolescents describe many modifiable influences on contraception access and use. Misperceptions related to contraception, stemming from beliefs and perceptions, can be corrected through increased access to reliable sources of sex education, parental support, and direct access to nurses and healthcare providers. Awareness of these influences can inform further research and intervention development to address these health disparities.
Clinical characteristics of enteric fever and performance of TUBEX TF IgM test in Indonesian hospitals
Authors: Nurmawati Syndi , Alam Anggraini , Djauhari Hofiya , Merati Tuti P. , Sudarmono Pratiwi , Setiawaty Vivi , Arlinda Dona , Sugiyono Retna Indah , Arief Mansyur , Hadi Usman , Aman Abu Tholib , Lokida Dewi , Gasem M. Hussein , Tjitra Emiliana , Liang C. Jason , Neal Aaron , Kosasih Herman , Karyana Muhammad , Lau Chuen-Yen , Alisjahbana Bachti
Published: July 2024

Background

Accurate diagnosis of enteric fever is challenging, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, due to the overlap of clinical and laboratory features with other pathogens. To better understand the difficulties in enteric fever diagnosis, we evaluated the characteristics of patients clinically diagnosed with enteric fever and the real-world performance of TUBEX TF, one of the most used tests in Indonesia.

Methodology/Principal findings

Patients were recruited through the AFIRE (Etiology of Acute Febrile Illness Requiring Hospitalization) study at eight Indonesian hospitals. Blood culture was performed for all patients, and TUBEX TF was performed for suspected enteric cases. Salmonella PCR and ELISA tests were performed at a reference lab. Sensitivity and specificity of TUBEX TF and IgM and IgG anti-S. Typhi ELISA were determined. Of 301 patients clinically diagnosed with enteric fever, 50 (16.6%) were confirmed by blood culture and/or PCR. Confirmed cases were mostly school-aged children presenting with fever, anorexia, dizziness and/or abdominal pain with normal leukocyte count or leukopenia. TUBEX TF demonstrated a sensitivity of 97.6% to 70.7% and specificity of 38.3% to 67.2% at cutoffs of 4 and 6, respectively. Acute IgG demonstrated the best sensitivity and specificity, at 90.7% and 82.7%, respectively, and the best ROC characteristics.

Conclusions/Significance

A substantial proportion of enteric fever was misdiagnosed at all study hospitals, likely due to the overlap of clinical characteristics and lab parameters with those of other common pathogens. The TUBEX TF rapid serological assay demonstrated suboptimal performance in our setting and tended to over-diagnose enteric fever. The role of IgG from acute specimens for identification of enteric fever cases merits additional consideration.
Developing and validating the Nepalese Abuse Assessment Screen (N-AAS) for identifying domestic violence among pregnant women in Nepal
Authors: Manandhar Pratibha , Chalise Pratibha , Rishal Poonam , Campbell Jacquelyn , Henriksen Lena , Infanti Jennifer Jean , Joshi Sunil Kumar , Lukasse Mirjam , Pun Kunta Devi , Schei Berit , Swahnberg Katarina ,   on behalf of the ADVANCE 2 study team
Published: July 2024

This study culturally adapted and validated a Nepalese version of the Abuse Assessment Screen (AAS) tool for identifying domestic violence among pregnant women in Nepal, creating the Nepalese Abuse Assessment Screen (N-AAS). International and national topic experts reviewed the initial N-AAS version using the Delphi method, and pregnant women participated in cognitive interviews, providing feedback on the N-AAS as user experts. Subsequent pre-testing of a comprehensive questionnaire, which included the translated version of the N-AAS, occurred in two tertiary care hospitals using an electronic format known as Color-Coded Audio Computer-Assisted Self-Interview (C-ACASI). The study assessed the content validity index, compared the concurrent validity of the N-AAS with the gold standard interview, estimated the prevalence of domestic violence from two hospitals, and calculated the Kappa coefficient. The reliability of the entire questionnaire was also evaluated through a test-retest analysis, with content validity rated as “good to excellent” by topic and user experts and high test-retest reliability (91.2–98.9%), indicating consistency across questionnaires completed at two different time points, with 12% of participants reporting any form of violence. The N-AAS demonstrated ≥91.7% specificity for all forms of abuse, accurately identifying non-abuse cases. In addition, moderate to excellent sensitivity was observed for emotional abuse (52.5%) and physical abuse since marriage (50%), while sensitivity for physical abuse in the past 12 months was 100%. Thus, the N-AAS demonstrated reliable test-retest results with a good Kappa coefficient and specificity, as well as showing excellent sensitivity for detecting recent physical abuse and moderate sensitivity for detecting emotional abuse and physical abuse since marriage. Because cultural context often leads women to normalize and tolerate abuse from spouses and family members and women are thus reluctant to report abuse, the results imply that the N-AAS can serve as a valuable screening tool for domestic abuse in antenatal care settings in Nepal.
A novel system to culture human intestinal organoids under physiological oxygen content to study microbial-host interaction
Authors: Fofanova Tatiana Y. , Karandikar Umesh C. , Auchtung Jennifer M. , Wilson Reid L. , Valentin Antonio J. , Britton Robert A. , Grande-Allen K. Jane , Estes Mary K. , Hoffman Kristi , Ramani Sashirekha , Stewart Christopher J. , Petrosino Joseph F.
Published: July 2024

Mechanistic investigation of host-microbe interactions in the human gut are hindered by difficulty of co-culturing microbes with intestinal epithelial cells. On one hand the gut bacteria are a mix of facultative, aerotolerant or obligate anaerobes, while the intestinal epithelium requires oxygen for growth and function. Thus, a coculture system that can recreate these contrasting oxygen requirements is critical step towards our understanding microbial-host interactions in the human gut. Here, we demonstrate Intestinal Organoid Physoxic Coculture (IOPC) system, a simple and cost-effective method for coculturing anaerobic intestinal bacteria with human intestinal organoids (HIOs). Using commensal anaerobes with varying degrees of oxygen tolerance, such as nano-aerobe Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron and strict anaerobe Blautia sp., we demonstrate that IOPC can successfully support 24–48 hours HIO-microbe coculture. The IOPC recapitulates the contrasting oxygen conditions across the intestinal epithelium seen in vivo. The IOPC cultured HIOs showed increased barrier integrity, and induced expression of immunomodulatory genes. A transcriptomic analysis suggests that HIOs from different donors show differences in the magnitude of their response to coculture with anaerobic bacteria. Thus, the IOPC system provides a robust coculture setup for investigating host-microbe interactions in complex, patient-derived intestinal tissues, that can facilitate the study of mechanisms underlying the role of the microbiome in health and disease.