bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slipping through the cracks‐detection of sex trafficking in the adult emergency department: An integrative review
Authors: Eickhoff Leah , Kelly Jazzolynn , Zimmie Heather , Crabo Emma , Baptiste Diana‐Lyn , Maliszewski Barbara , Goldstein Nancy
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Current research estimates that over 24 million individuals experience human trafficking worldwide. There is a growing prevalence of sex trafficking in the United States. An estimated 87% of trafficked persons visit the emergency department during their captivity. Emergency departments across the United States use differing screening methods for sex trafficking. Current screening tools return a high rate of false negatives, and the appropriate use of tools or standardised lists remains unclear.

Aims

To explore best practices for identifying sex trafficking among adults who visit emergency departments. We sought to answer the practice question: How does the implementation of a multifaceted screening model for sex trafficking, versus the use of a list of standardised screening questions, improve the detection of trafficked persons?

Methods

We conducted an integrative review of articles published after 2016 in PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases. PRISMA checklist and guidelines were used. Whittemore and Knafl's method was used to review the literature.

Results

A final selection of 11 articles were reviewed and appraised using the Johns Hopkins nursing evidence‐based practice model. The synthesis of evidence yielded four themes: (1) Provider and personnel education; (2) Protocol establishment; (3) Legal consultation; and (4) Multidisciplinary teamwork.

Conclusion

Through this process, we learned the importance of using multifaceted screening tools for identifying persons who are experiencing sex trafficking. In addition to using multifaceted screening tools, detection is improved when all emergency department personnel receive training on sex trafficking. There is a recognised lack of education on sex trafficking recognition nationwide.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Notably, emergency department nurses play an essential role in sex trafficking identification due to their maximised interaction with patients and the increased perception of trust that patients have with nurses. Steps include the development of an education program to improve recognition.

No Patient or Public Contribution

There was no patient or public involvement in the design or drafting of this integrative review.
Reciprocal first night effect on rhythmic and non‐rhythmic oromotor episodes in moderate to severe primary sleep bruxism: A retrospective physiological study
Authors: Haraki Shingo , Tsujisaka Akiko , Shiraishi Yuki , Toyota Risa , Katagiri Ayano , Toyoda Hiroki , Ishigaki Shoichi , Taniike Masako , Kato Takafumi
Published: April 2023

Background

Sleep on the first night in a sleep laboratory is characterized by a lower sleep quality and frequency of rhythmic masticatory muscle activity (RMMA) than that on the second night in moderate to severe sleep bruxism (SB) patients.

Objective

The aims of this study was to clarify the physiological factors contributing to the first night effect on oromotor activity during sleep and investigate whether physiological factors involved in the first night effect differed between rhythmic and non‐rhythmic oromotor activities.

Methods

Polysomnographic data collected on two consecutive nights from 15 moderate to severe SB subjects (F 7: M 8; age: 23.2 ± 1.3 [mean ± SD] years) were retrospectively analysed. Sleep variables, RMMA and non‐specific masticatory muscle activity (NSMA) were scored in relation to episode types (i.e. phasic or tonic and cluster or isolated), sleep architecture and transient arousals. The relationships between nightly differences in oromotor and sleep variables were assessed. The distribution of oromotor events, arousals, cortical electroencephalographic power, RR intervals and heart rate variability were examined in relation to sleep cycle changes. These variables were compared between the first and second nights and between RMMA and NSMA.

Results

Sleep variables showed a lower sleep quality on Night 1 than on Night 2. In comparisons with Night 1, the RMMA index increased by 18.8% (p  < .001, the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test) on Night 2, while the NSMA index decreased by 17.9% (p  = .041). Changes in the RMMA index did not correlate with those in sleep variables, while changes in the NSMA index correlated with those in arousal‐related variables (p  < .001, Spearman's rank correlation). An increase in the RMMA index on Night 2 was found for the cluster type and stage N1 related to sleep cyclic fluctuations in cortical and cardiac activities. In contrast, the decrease in the NSMA index was associated with increases in the isolated type and the occurrence of stage N2 and wakefulness regardless of the sleep cycle.

Conclusion

Discrepancies in first night effect on the occurrence of RMMA and NSMA represent unique sleep‐related processes in the genesis of oromotor phenotypes in SB subjects.
The phenomenon of urinary tract infection experienced by women with a kidney transplant
Authors: Gad Mette Marie , Rasmussen Maiken Kildahl , Ladefoged Henriette Braüner , Mathiesen Lotte Løntoft , Finderup Jeanette
Published: April 2023

Background

Urinary tract infection is the most common infection among people with a kidney transplant and increases the risk of graft rejection. Women have a higher risk. A literature search did not identify any description of the phenomenon of urinary tract infection experienced by women with a kidney transplant.

Objective

To examine how women with a kidney transplant experienced the phenomenon of a urinary tract infection.

Design

A qualitative study with a phenomenological approach.

Approach

Eight individual semistructured interviews based on van Manen's four lifeworld existentials and analysed using systematic text condensation.

Participants

Women with a kidney transplant and recently been admitted to the hospital due to a urinary tract infection.

Findings

We identified four themes: (1) Feeling both typical and atypical symptoms; (2) Becoming aware of the body and trying her best to prevent urinary tract infection; (3) Having a urinary tract infection is a dual experience, both good and bad; (4) Support from relatives.

Conclusion

The urinary tract infection symptoms pathway varied between participants but also between individual episodes of incidents among each participant. Participants felt secure when they experienced a common symptom pattern, but a new symptom pattern made them insecure. Together with their relatives, they experienced a urinary tract infection as a disruption of their everyday life and it decreased their experiences of happiness. They experienced to be supported by relatives but also by healthcare professionals, but needed more information on how to prevent, observe and react to a urinary tract infection in the future.
Imidacloprid‐induced mortality, histopathology and biochemical impairments in the larvae of oriental latrine fly (Chrysomya megacephala)
Authors: Yasmeen Shagufta , Amir Mohammad
Published: April 2023

The concentration–mortality response of third instar larvae of Chrysomya megacephala (Diptera: Calliphoridae) to a synthetic insecticide, imidacloprid, and its impact on histopathological, histochemical, and biochemical parameters were determined in laboratory assays. Larvae displayed a concentration and time‐dependent mortality response for the insecticide. Histopathological studies exhibited quite noticeable modifications in the epithelial cells, peritrophic membrane, basement membrane and muscular layer of the larval midgut. The ultrastructural analysis demonstrated alterations in nuclei, lipid spheres, microvilli, mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum and lysosomes. In addition, histochemical tests on the midgut were performed, which revealed a strong reaction for proteins and carbohydrates in the control group and a weak reaction in the group exposed to imidacloprid in a dose and time‐dependent manner. Imidacloprid also caused a significant reduction in the total midgut content of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and cholesterol. Larvae treated with imidacloprid also showed a reduction in the activities of acid and alkaline phosphatases at all concentrations compared to untreated larvae.
Primary Cooperative Application of a LARS® Tube and 3D‐Printed Prosthesis for Reconstruction of the Distal Radius after en bloc Resection of Giant Cell Tumor of Bone: A Comparative Retrospective Study
Authors: Shao Xianhao , Ding Hao , Li Jianmin , Lv Zhaorui , Yang Qiang , Chu Qing , Li Ka , Li Zhenfeng
Published: April 2023

Objective

Using a fibula autograft (FA) to reconstruct defects after en bloc resection of giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) in the distal radius is classic but has high complication rates. We describe a novel reconstruction method employing the cooperative application of LARS® and a 3D‐printed prosthesis (L‐P) and investigate whether it improves postoperative outcomes.

Methods

From April 2015 to August 2022, 14 patients who underwent the cooperative L‐P reconstruction method after en bloc resection of distal radial GCTBs and 31 patients who received FA reconstruction were enrolled as two retrospective cohorts in this comparative study. The properties of the implants and critical surgical techniques were elaborated in the L‐P group. Preoperative function, intraoperative data, and postoperative clinical, functional, and radiographic outcomes of all patients were recorded and compared between the two groups. The grip strength and range of wrist motion, including extension, flexion, radial deviation, and ulnar deviation, were measured. The Mayo modified wrist and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society scores were chosen to assess wrist function and surgical functional outcomes, respectively. Kaplan–Meier curves were generated to analyze the significant differences in complication rates and implant survival between the two groups.

Results

In both groups, all 45 patients underwent the operation without complication with similar average osteotomy lengths and bleeding volumes, while a shorter operative duration was achieved in the L‐P group (201.43 ± 22.87 min vs. 230.16 ± 51.44 min, P = 0.015). At a mean follow‐up of 40.42 ± 18.43 months (range, 14–72 months), both reconstruction methods effectively ameliorated postoperative function. Patients who received L‐P showed higher postoperative modified Mayo wrist scores (81.43 ± 5.49 vs. 71.13 ± 16.10, P = 0.003), Musculoskeletal Tumor Society scores (27.64 ± 1.34 vs. 25.06 ± 2.95, P = 0.004), and grip strength on the normal side (68.71% ± 8.00% vs. 57.81% ± 12.31%, P = 0.005) than the FA group. Better wrist extension (63.21° ± 8.99° vs. 45.32° ± 14.53°, P < 0.001) and flexion (45.36° ± 7.90° vs. 30.48° ± 12.07°, P < 0.001) were also observed in the L‐P group. The complication rate was significantly higher in the FA group (29/31, 93.55%) than in the L‐P group (1/14 7.14%, P < 0.001). The L‐P group showed higher implant survival than the FA group, but the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

The cooperative application of LARS® and 3D‐printed prostheses is an effective modality for reconstructing musculoskeletal defects after en bloc resection of distal radial GCTBs, which can improve functional outcomes, diminish complication rates, and promote wrist joint stability and motion.
Potential of closed contour analysis for species differentiation and holotype designation: a case study on lower Norian (Upper Triassic) conodonts
Authors: Virág Attila , Karádi Viktor
Published: April 2023

Geometric morphometric approaches become increasingly applied in the fields of biology and palaeontology. Taxonomy is a good example, where a long‐standing intention of scientists is to eliminate subjectivity as much as possible. In the case of biostratigraphically important conodont elements, the application of such methods is not widespread. Only a handful of studies attempted to deal with the morphological variance of conodont elements from this aspect. The detailed description of five lower Norian (Upper Triassic) taxa (Ancyrogondolella quadrata, A. rigoi, A. triangularis, A. uniformis and Metapolygnathus mazzai) is presented here based on landmarks and Fourier analysis of the P1 element and keel outlines. Both methods led to similar outcomes regarding taxonomic differentiation and exposing shape variability. Consensus shapes were generated to objectively reveal the typical contour shape of each taxon, which allowed their comparison with each other, and with the members of their respective sample population including the holotypes. The results demonstrated that the holotype of a taxon is generally not an average representative, but rather a peripheral form with well separable morphological characteristics. Ancyrogondolella quadrata and A. rigoi turned out to represent a morphological continuum with ample transitional forms between these two end‐members that may cause bias in their biostratigraphic applicability, however their combined shape variance seems to be too large for uniting them into a single species. Given the results that may be too subtle to realize based solely on qualitative observations, future taxonomic studies and type material designation could greatly benefit from the application of similar methodologies.
Improving drinking water access and equity in rural Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Zhai Chengcheng , Bretthauer Kurt , Mejia Jorge , Pedraza‐Martinez Alfonso
Published: April 2023

In 2021, access to clean drinking water was still a luxury for millions of people worldwide. Building new water projects, such as handpumps and small piped systems, is the primary operational response by many nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to bring people their first access to clean water in rural areas of developing countries. Based on knowledge gained from our collaboration with a local NGO and an international NGO and field research in Ethiopia, our research studies where to build new water projects optimally. We first develop a decentralized water project location optimization model based on current practice of a decentralized decision‐making and project management system and an equal per‐beneficiary budget. We further propose three new models to improve both water access and equity: a minimax model, an equitable budget model, and a centralized model that leverages the existing community involvement. Through numerical studies, we compare the model solutions and generate recommendations for NGOs. Lastly, motivated by the current civil war in Ethiopia, we develop a stochastic model to study how to improve drinking water access while mitigating the negative impact of water project supply shocks such as war. Our work studies the previously overlooked problem of drinking water access in rural areas of developing countries. It provides a generalizable and scalable methodology and managerial insights to NGOs building new water projects by combining large geo‐coded datasets and field data.
The times make a hero: Street‐level policy entrepreneurship in major crisis responses in China
Authors: Tang Na , He Muyu
Published: April 2023

Street‐level bureaucrats are often grassroots officials, and they are regarded as passive practitioners of policy with no authority to change policy or innovate, while policy entrepreneurs are usually high‐level officials. Based on observations of China's responses to two national crises, this study found that the times do make a hero. When acting as innovative frontline technocrats, major transboundary crisis practitioners, and management savvy operators within the top‐down bureaucracy, street‐level bureaucrats can become policy entrepreneurs. To innovate and drive policy change, street‐level policy entrepreneurs will adopt innovative strategies. They will make efficient use of their expertise and discretion, integrate various resources, strive for attention from superiors, consolidate their achievements, and expand their influence.
A frozen oceanic crystal mush
Authors: Basch V. , Ferrando C. , Sanfilippo A.
Published: April 2023

The processes driving the evolution of crystal mushes are often documented in complex systems where crystallization, assimilation, magma replenishment and mixing occur concurrently and are generally overprinted by compaction and deformation. Documenting the characteristics of an undisturbed crystal mush is thus of upmost importance; it highlights the initial conditions with which complex crystal mush processes proceed. We here present the structure and composition of an oceanic crystal mush through detailed petro‐structural and chemical study of metre‐scale intrusions from the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge. Textures, bulk‐rock and mineral compositions indicate closed‐system crystallization of primitive melts, undisturbed by dissolution–precipitation reactions and subsequent deformation. These frozen crystal mushes record the simplest possible evolution of small‐scale intrusions and can be used as a baseline to pinpoint the impact of crystal mush processes on the evolution of complex systems. Any divergence from this reference results from processes occurring concomitantly to the progressive closure of the magmatic system.
Active metal deposition in a giant geothermal system
Authors: Zhang Chuang , Richard Antonin , Hao Weilin
Published: April 2023

Metallogenic models are vital to mineral exploration. However, there is debate concerning the origin of hydrothermal‐type ore deposits such as vein‐type U and W deposits. The formation, migration, heating and controls on the composition of metal‐fertile fluids in active geothermal systems provide insights into the formation of ore‐forming fluids. Fluid’s metal contents are relatively high in the Yadong–Yangbajing–Naqu (YYN) geothermal belt of South Tibet, and a similar association of enrichment has been found in saline lakes of the region. This study analysed major ions and trace metal contents together with stable (O, H) isotopes of water samples from geothermal springs and wells and regional saline lakes and rivers along the Beng and YYN fault systems. Results demonstrate that metal‐fertile geothermal brines, were sourced from the Bangor saline lake. This study highlights the role of evaporation of saline lake water in the formation of metal‐fertile brines and the contrasting behaviors of U and W in hydrothermal conditions.
Is your neighbor your friend? Scan methods for spatial social network hotspot detection
Authors: Liang Xiaofan , Baker Joshua , DellaPosta Daniel , Andris Clio
Published: April 2023

GIS analyses use moving window methods and hotspot detection to identify point patterns within a given area. Such methods can detect clusters of point events such as crime or disease incidences. Yet, these methods do not account for connections between entities, and thus, areas with relatively sparse event concentrations but high network connectivity may go undetected. We develop two scan methods (i.e., moving window or focal processes), EdgeScan and NDScan, for detecting local spatial‐social connections. These methods capture edges and network density, respectively, for each node in a given focal area. We apply methods to a social network of Mafia members in New York City in the 1960s and to a 2019 spatial network of home‐to‐restaurant visits in Atlanta, Georgia. These methods successfully capture focal areas where Mafia members are highly connected and where restaurant visitors are highly local; these results differ from those derived using traditional spatial hotspot analysis using the Getis–Ord Gi* statistic. Finally, we describe how these methods can be adapted to weighted, directed, and bipartite networks and suggest future improvements.
Factors influencing pediatric transfusion: A complex decision impacting quality of care
Authors: Steffen Katherine M. , Spinella Philip C. , Holdsworth Laura M. , Ford Mackenzie , Lee Grace M. , Asch Steven M. , Proctor Enola K. , Doctor Allan
Published: April 2023

Background

The risks of red blood cell transfusion may outweigh the benefits for many patients in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs), but guidelines from the Transfusion and Anemia eXpertise Initiative (TAXI) have not been consistently adopted. We sought to identify factors that influenced transfusion decision‐making in PICUs to explore potential barriers and facilitators to implementing the guidelines.

Study Design and Methods

A total of 50 ICU providers working in eight US ICUs of different types (non‐cardiac PICUs, cardiovascular ICUs, combined units) and variable sizes (11–32 beds) completed semi‐structured interviews. Providers included ICU attendings and trainees, nurse practitioners, nurses, and subspecialty physicians. Interviews examined factors that influenced transfusion decisions, transfusion practices, and provider beliefs. Qualitative analysis utilized a Framework Approach. Summarized data was compared between provider roles and units with consideration to identify patterns and unique informative statements.

Results

Providers cited clinical, physiologic, anatomic, and logistic factors they considered in making transfusion decisions. Improving oxygen carrying capacity, hemodynamics and perfusion, respiratory function, volume deficits, and correcting laboratory values were among the reasons given for transfusion. Other sought‐after benefits included alleviating symptoms of anemia, improving ICU throughput, and decreasing blood waste. Providers in different roles approached transfusion decisions differently, with the largest differences noted between nurses and subspecialists as compared with other ICU providers. While ICU attendings most often made the decision to transfuse, all providers influenced the decision‐making.

Discussion

Implementation of transfusion guidelines requires multi‐professional approaches that emphasize the known risks of transfusion, its limited benefits, and highlight evidence around the safety and benefit of restrictive approaches.
Numerical Analysis of Turbulence Effect for Coupled Journal-Thrust Water-Lubricated Bearing With Micro Grooves
Authors: Yang Tianyou , Cai Jianlin , Wang Liwu , Tang Dongxing , Chen Shouan , Wang Jiaxu
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this study is to assess the role of turbulence on the lubrication performances of coupled journal-thrust water-lubricated bearing with micro grooves using a numerical model. The results of the simulation model are compared to the published experimental data to verify the validity of the numerical model. The load capacity, maximum film pressure, and local Reynolds number variations with the rotating speed, eccentricity, radial clearance, axial geometric gap, and micro groove depth for coupled journal-thrust water-lubricated bearing are examined. Furthermore, the calculated results under the turbulent flow are compared with those under laminar flow for coupled and separate bearings. The results show that the turbulence effect can improve the lubrication performances by enlarging fluid pressure and load capacity of the coupled journal-thrust bearing and the laminar flow assumption is no longer applicable to the actual operating conditions of the water-lubricated bearings at a high rotation speed. In addition, optimal micro groove depths for both journal bearing and thrust bearing exist to reach the peak of the load capacity while the optimal micro groove depths for journal bearing and thrust bearing are not the same.
Interaction Between Gear Surface Wear and Contact Fatigue
Authors: Zhang Shengnan , Yan Ming , Wang Yushi
Published: April 2023

A methodology is proposed to study the interplay between tooth wear and contact fatigue under elastohydrodynamic lubrication condition. The modeling methodology includes the influence of contact fatigue on wear and the influence of wear on contact fatigue. First, the changes in film pressure and film thickness of oil at each meshing point caused by contact fatigue are introduced according to the surface wear model, and the change of wear model is analyzed to study the effect of contact fatigue on wear. Then, according to the elastohydrodynamic lubrication theory, the change in film pressure affected by tooth surface wear is analyzed to study the effect of wear on contact fatigue. Finally, the influence of lubrication conditions on the interplay between tooth surface wear and contact fatigue is analyzed. In addition, an experimental fatigue study is performed and introduced into the model predictions to improve the accuracy of the proposed methodology.
Knowledge-Guided Convolutional Neural Network Model for Similar Three-Dimensional Wear Debris Identification With Small Number of Samples
Authors: Wang Shuo , Shao Tao , Wu Tonghai , Sarkodie-Gyan Thompson , Lei Yaguo
Published: April 2023

Wear debris analysis (WDA) enables the provision of essential information towards the monitoring of machine fault diagnosis and the analysis of wear mechanism. However, this experience-based technology has not yet been automated for the identification of similar particle types due to the small number of samples and highly dispersed features. To address this problem, a knowledge-guided convolutional neural network model is developed to focus on two representative severe wear particles: fatigue and severe sliding particles that have highly similar contours but weakly discriminative surfaces. The height images of particle surfaces are adopted as the initial objective. Characterized by typical particle features, the empirical WDA knowledge is represented into the feature-marked images, and further automatically learned by a U-Net-based knowledge extraction network. By weighting with the U-Net output, a knowledge-guided particle classification network is constructed to identify similar particles under a small number of samples. With this methodology, the empirical WDA knowledge is transferred to guide the classification network for locating the discriminative features in particle height images. Thirty sets of fatigue and severe sliding particles are acquired from wear tests as the training and testing samples. For verification, the network kernel is visualized to trace the particle feature propagation in the classification. Experimental results reveal that the proposed method can accurately identify fault particles that are acquired from wear tests.
Joint Estimation of State of Charge and State of Health of Lithium Ion Battery
Authors: Chen Peng , Jin Xin , Han Xue Feng
Published: April 2023

Overcharge and discharge of power battery not only increase the battery loss but also lead to fire and other accidents under harsh environmental conditions. Accurate estimation of battery parameters and status is an important reference in the battery management system to prevent battery overcharge and discharge. In this article, the following studies are carried out by focusing on the time separation scale and estimating parameters and state values online based on the improved particle filter: (1) The unscented transform and multi-innovation were applied to the particle filter to optimize the particle distribution and update the status value from the historical information, and the multi-innovation unscented particle filter was formed to estimate the state of battery charge. (2) Considering the influence of parameter variation on the estimation of battery state of charge (SOC). Due to the slow change characteristics of parameters and fast change characteristics of states, the parameters and states are jointly estimated from macro and micro time scales, respectively. The capacity change estimated by the unscented particle filter is used to characterize the battery health state, and finally, the joint estimation of battery SOC and state of health (SOH) is formed; (3) Three different working conditions are used to verify the algorithm. The joint algorithm accurately estimates the real-time changes of SOC and SOH, and the average error of SOC is less than 0.5%, which confirms the high accuracy of the joint algorithm.
The Ableist Underpinning of Normative Motor Assessments in Adapted Physical Education
Authors: Giese Martin , Haegele Justin A. , Maher Anthony J.
Published: April 2023

Background: Normative motor skill assessments occupy a privileged position in physical education scholarship and practice. So much so, in fact, they manifest as commonsense cultural arrangements in most movement contexts, including adapted physical education. The proliferation of such tools has generally been uncontested, until now. Purpose: We argue that normative motor skill assessments have ableist underpinnings and consequently may do more to subordinate, rather than empower disabled children. More specifically, we suggest that normative motor assessment tools and criteria, perhaps unintentionally, highlight what is perceived to be wrong, bad, and faulty about the ways disabled bodies look and move, thus reinforcing ableist norms and values relating to ability. Conclusions: We end by encouraging adapted physical education scholars and practitioners to critically reflect on ableist notions of ability, particularly as they relate to movement competence, and to work with disabled children because of their embodied experiences to co-design assessments that are more meaningful to disabled children.
Induction of lysosomal and mitochondrial biogenesis by AMPK phosphorylation of FNIP1
Authors: Malik Nazma , Ferreira Bibiana I. , Hollstein Pablo E. , Curtis Stephanie D. , Trefts Elijah , Weiser Novak Sammy , Yu Jingting , Gilson Rebecca , Hellberg Kristina , Fang Lingjing , Sheridan Arlo , Hah Nasun , Shadel Gerald S. , Manor Uri , Shaw Reuben J.
Published: April 2023

Cells respond to mitochondrial poisons with rapid activation of the adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase (AMPK), causing acute metabolic changes through phosphorylation and prolonged adaptation of metabolism through transcriptional effects. Transcription factor EB (TFEB) is a major effector of AMPK that increases expression of lysosome genes in response to energetic stress, but how AMPK activates TFEB remains unresolved. We demonstrate that AMPK directly phosphorylates five conserved serine residues in folliculin-interacting protein 1 (FNIP1), suppressing the function of the folliculin (FLCN)–FNIP1 complex. FNIP1 phosphorylation is required for AMPK to induce nuclear translocation of TFEB and TFEB-dependent increases of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1α) and estrogen-related receptor alpha (ERRα) messenger RNAs. Thus, mitochondrial damage triggers AMPK-FNIP1–dependent nuclear translocation of TFEB, inducing sequential waves of lysosomal and mitochondrial biogenesis.
Neurons that connect without synapses
Authors: Dunn Casey
Published: April 2023

The ctenophore nerve net suggests a complex evolutionary history of the animal nervous system
Acclaimed physicist accused of copying thesis
Authors: Garisto Daniel
Published: April 2023

After superconductivity claims, Ranga Dias dogged by plagiarism allegations
AI-driven robotics lab joins the hunt for materials breakthroughs
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: April 2023

Setup is the first fully automated effort seeking novel inorganic materials for emerging technologies
Yeast are engineered to thrive on light
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: April 2023

Experiment shows ease by which organisms could harness sunlight to produce energy
Tailored melanoma vaccine may stave off cancer
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: April 2023

Small trial offers first clinical evidence that supports a personalized vaccine approach
Role of the Abcg2 Transporter in Secretion into Milk of the Anthelmintic Clorsulon: Interaction with Ivermectin
Authors: Blanco-Paniagua Esther , Álvarez-Fernández Laura , Rodríguez-Alonso Andrea , Millán-Garcia Alicia , Álvarez Ana I. , Merino Gracia
Published: April 2023

Clorsulon is a benzenesulfonamide drug that is effective in treating helminthic zoonoses such as fascioliasis. When used in combination with the macrocyclic lactone ivermectin, it provides high broad-spectrum antiparasitic efficacy.
Export of Diverse and Bioactive Small Proteins through a Type I Secretion System
Authors: Kim Sun-Young , Parker Jennifer K. , Gonzalez-Magaldi Monica , Telford Mady S. , Leahy Daniel J. , Davies Bryan W.
Published: April 2023

Type I secretion systems for microcin export in Gram-negative bacteria transport small antibacterial proteins from the cytoplasm to the extracellular environment in a single step. In nature, each secretion system is generally paired with a specific small protein.
Answer to April 2023 Photo Quiz
Authors: Feng Yifei , Feng Jianqing , Qin Bing
Published: April 2023

Read the full article for the answer.
Complete Genome Sequence of Rhodopseudomonas palustris CGA0092 and Corrections to the R. palustris CGA009 Genome Sequence
Authors: Mazny Brittany E. , Sheff Olivia F. , LaSarre Breah , McKinlay Anastasia , McKinlay James B.
Published: April 2023

Rhodopseudomonas palustris
CGA009 is a versatile model purple nonsulfur bacterium used for both fundamental and applied research. Here, we present a new genome sequence for the derivative strain CGA0092. We further present an improved CGA009 genome assembly that differs from the original CGA009 sequence at three positions.
Supplemental Material: Age and origin of Early Cretaceous magmatism in the southernmost Omineca Belt, northern U.S. Cordillera
Authors: Gaschnig Richard M. , et al.
Published: April 2023

Supplemental Text S1: Kaniksu batholith geochronology results, with sample-by-sample descriptions. Figure S1: Tera-Wasserburg diagrams and associated weighted mean plots showing U-Pb zircon results for the Kaniksu peraluminous suite. Figure S2: Tera-Wasserburg diagrams and associated weighted mean plots showing U-Pb zircon results for the Kaniksu metaluminous suite. Figure S3: Tera Wasserburg diagrams and associated weighted mean plots showing U-Pb zircon results for the Kaniksu alkalic suite. Table S1: Zircon U-Pb data. Table S2: Zircon Hf isotope data.
Band Structure of Bilayer Graphene Intercalated by Potassium Atoms. Ab Initio Calculations
Authors: Akhmatov Z. A. , Akhmatov Z. A.
Published: April 2023

Using the electron density functional theory, the electronic band structure of pure and potassium-intercalated bilayer graphene has been studied. It is shown that after the intercalation process, a band gap appears in the band structure of bilayer graphene. In addition, the energy gap changes nonlinearly depending on the intercalate concentration in the interlayer space of bilayer graphene. We also calculated the energy spectra of bilayer graphene containing vacancy defects, the presence of which leads to the appearance of mid-gap states.
Effect of initial and subsequent mask applications on breathing and heart rate in preterm infants at birth
Authors: Kuypers Kristel L A M , Hopman Anouk , Cramer Sophie J E , Dekker Janneke , Visser Remco , Hooper Stuart B , te Pas Arjan B
Published: April 2023

Objective

Application of a face mask may provoke the trigeminocardiac reflex, leading to apnoea and bradycardia. This study investigates whether re-application of a face mask in preterm infants at birth alters the risk of apnoea compared with the initial application, and identify factors that influence this risk.

Methods

Resuscitation videos and respiratory function monitor data collected from preterm infants <30 weeks gestation between 2018 and 2020 were reviewed. Breathing and heart rate before and after the initial and subsequent mask applications were analysed.

Results

In total, 111 infants were included with 404 mask applications (102 initial and 302 subsequent mask applications). In 254/404 (63%) applications, infants were breathing prior to mask application, followed by apnoea after 67/254 (26%) mask applications. Apnoea and bradycardia occurred significantly more often after the initial mask application compared with subsequent applications (apnoea initial: 32/67 (48%) and subsequent: 44/187 (24%), p<0.001; bradycardia initial: 61% and subsequent 21%, p<0.001). Apnoea was followed by bradycardia in 73% and 71% of the initial and subsequent mask applications, respectively (p=0.607).

In a logistic regression model, a lower breathing rate (OR 0.908 (95% CI 0.847 to 0.974), p=0.007) and heart rate (OR 0.935 (95% CI 0.901 to 0.970), p<0.001) prior to mask application were associated with an increased likelihood of becoming apnoeic following subsequent mask applications.

Conclusion

In preterm infants at birth, apnoea and bradycardia occurs more often after an initial mask application than subsequent applications, with lower heart and breathing rates increasing the risk of apnoea in subsequent applications.
Deep phenotyping of PROM1-associated retinal degeneration
Authors: Schließleder Gernot , Kalitzeos Angelos , Kasilian Melissa , Singh Navjit , Wang Ziyuan , Hu Zhihong , Großpötzl Manuel , Sadda SriniVas , Wedrich Andreas , Michaelides Michel , Strauss Rupert W
Published: April 2023

Background/aims

The purpose of this study was to investigate retinal structure in detail of subjects with autosomal-dominant (AD) and autosomal-recessive (AR)PROM1-associated retinal degeneration (PROM1-RD), study design: institutional, cross-sectional study.

Methods

Four eyes from four subjects (three with AD and one with AR)PROM1-RD were investigated by ophthalmic examination including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and multimodal retinal imaging: fundus autofluorescence (FAF), spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy. Quantitative assessment of atrophic lesions determined by FAF, thickness of individual retinal layers and cone photoreceptor quantification was performed.

Results

BCVA ranged from 20/16 to 20/200. Initial pathological changes included the presence of hyperautofluorescent spots on FAF imaging, while later stages demonstrated discrete areas of atrophy. In all patients, thinning of the outer retinal layers on SD-OCT with varying degrees of atrophy could be detected depending on disease-causing variants and age. Cone density was quantified both in central and/or at different eccentricities from the fovea. Longitudinal assessments were possible in two patients.

Conclusions

PROM1-RD comprises a wide range of clinical phenotypes. Depending on the stage of disease, the cone mosaic inPROM1-RD is relatively preserved and can potentially be targeted by cone-directed interventions.
Exploring celebrity influence on public attitude towards the COVID-19 pandemic: social media shared sentiment analysis
Authors: White Brianna M , Melton Chad , Zareie Parya , Davis Robert L , Bednarczyk Robert A , Shaban-Nejad Arash
Published: April 2023

Objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new opportunities for health communication, including an increase in the public’s use of online outlets for health-related emotions. People have turned to social media networks to share sentiments related to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this paper, we examine the role of social messaging shared by Persons in the Public Eye (ie, athletes, politicians, news personnel, etc) in determining overall public discourse direction.

Methods

We harvested approximately 13 million tweets ranging from 1 January 2020 to 1 March 2022. The sentiment was calculated for each tweet using a fine-tuned DistilRoBERTa model, which was used to compare COVID-19 vaccine-related Twitter posts (tweets) that co-occurred with mentions of People in the Public Eye.

Results

Our findings suggest the presence of consistent patterns of emotional content co-occurring with messaging shared by Persons in the Public Eye for the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic influenced public opinion and largely stimulated online public discourse.

Discussion

We demonstrate that as the pandemic progressed, public sentiment shared on social networks was shaped by risk perceptions, political ideologies and health-protective behaviours shared by Persons in the Public Eye, often in a negative light.

Conclusion

We argue that further analysis of public response to various emotions shared by Persons in the Public Eye could provide insight into the role of social media shared sentiment in disease prevention, control and containment for COVID-19 and in response to future disease outbreaks.
‘In fact, that’s when I stopped using contraception’: a qualitative study exploring women’s experiences of using contraceptive methods in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Hlongwa Mbuzeleni , Mutambo Chipo , Hlongwana Khumbulani
Published: April 2023

Objectives

This study explored women’s experiences of using contraceptive methods in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Setting

In October 2021, we conducted a qualitative study at Umlazi Township in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa, through face-to-face in-depth interviews.

Participants

Women from four primary healthcare facilities were recruited through a criterion-based sampling strategy. Using NVivo V.11, two skilled researchers independently conducted thematic data analysis, as a mechanism for quality assurance, before the results were collated and reconciled.

Results

The study included 15 female participants, aged between 18 and 35 years, of whom two-thirds were aged 18–24 years. We found that women were concerned about unpleasant contraceptive methods side effects such as prolonged or irregular menstrual periods, bleeding, weight gain and/or severe pains, resulting in discontinuation of their use. In addition to contraceptive stockouts, women indicated that healthcare providers did not appropriately counsel or inform them about the available contraceptive methods, including how to use them. Key themes included the following: negative effects of contraceptive methods; stockouts of preferred contraceptive methods; inconsistent or incorrect use of contraceptive methods; lack of counselling regarding contracepive methods; and misconceptions about contraception.

Conclusions

Interventions aimed at reducing contraceptive stockouts are required to ensure that women are empowered to choose contraception based on their own preference, convenience and/or experience. It is imperative that counselling on contraceptive methods’ side effects be improved, to ensure that women have freedom to make informed decisions about their preferred method, proper management of side effects and to assist them with method switching as needed, instead of discontinuation.
Is fatigue related to the severity of liver inflammation in patients with chronic liver disease? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Jing , Gong Xiying , Lv Haifeng , Liu Shiyi , Jiang Yanming , Zhu Geli , Ma Xiaojie , Wang Jie , Ye Xiaoping , Gao Yidan , Li Jie , Chen Gongying , Shi Junping
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Fatigue is common in patients with chronic liver disease; however, its pathogenesis is unclear. This study aimed to provide insights into the pathogenesis of chronic liver disease-related fatigue by assessing the relationship between fatigue and the degree of inflammation in chronic liver disease.

Design

We performed a cross-sectional study of 1374 patients with pathologically proven chronic liver disease diagnosed at the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University in Hangzhou, China.

Setting

Primary single-centre study.

Participants

One thousand three hundred and seventy-four patients with liver biopsy-proven chronic liver disease.

Interventions

The patients were divided into fatigue and non-fatigue groups according to the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire. Propensity score matching was used to match the baseline features of the patients in the two groups.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Liver steatosis, ballooning, inflammation and fibrosis were measured according to the pathological results of liver biopsy. Fatigue was measured using the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire.

Results

Of the 1374 patients, 262 (19.67%) experienced fatigue. There were 242 and 484 patients with and without fatigue, respectively, who were successfully matched for sex, age and classification of chronic liver disease by propensity score matching. After matching, the fatigue group showed higher liver enzyme levels, inflammation grades and fibrosis stages than the non-fatigue group (p<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that age (OR: 2.026; p=0.003), autoimmune liver disease (OR: 2.749; p=0.002) and active inflammation (OR: 1.587; p=0.003) were independent risk factors for fatigue after adjusting for confounders. The OR of the risk for fatigue increased in a stepwise manner with increasing inflammation grade in young-aged and middle-aged patients (p<0.05). This tendency was not observed in elderly patients (p>0.05).

Conclusion

Patients with chronic liver disease were burdened by fatigue, which increased progressively with rising liver inflammation severity in young-aged and middle-aged rather than elderly patients.
Strategies used to manage overlap of primary study data by exercise-related overviews: protocol for a systematic methodological review
Authors: Gutierrez-Arias Ruvistay , Pieper Dawid , Lunny Carole , Torres-Castro Rodrigo , Aguilera-Eguía Raúl , Seron Pamela
Published: April 2023

Introduction

One of the most conflicting methodological issues when conducting an overview is the overlap of primary studies across systematic reviews (SRs). Overlap in the pooled effect estimates across SRs may lead to overly precise effect estimates in the overview. SRs that focus on exercise-related interventions are often included in overviews aimed at grouping and determining the effectiveness of various interventions for managing specific health conditions. The aim of this systematic methodological review is to describe the strategies used by authors of overviews focusing on exercise-related interventions to manage the overlap of primary studies.

Methods and analysis

A comprehensive search strategy has been developed for different databases and their platforms. The databases to be consulted will be MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (Cochrane Library) and Epistemonikos. Two reviewers will independently screen the records identified through the search strategy and extract the information from the included overviews. The frequency and the type of overlap management strategies of the primary studies included in the SRs will be considered as the main outcome. In addition, the recognition of the lack of use of any overlap management strategy and the congruence between planning and conducting the overview focusing on overlap management strategies will be assessed. A subgroup analysis will be carried out according to the journal impact factor, year of publication and compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Overviews of Reviews statement.

Ethics and dissemination

This study will not involve human subjects and therefore does not require ethics committee approval. However, the conduct and reporting of the findings of this review will be conducted in a rigorous, systematic and transparent manner, which relates to research ethics.

The findings of this review will be presented at scientific conferences and published as one or more studies in peer-review scientific journals related to rehabilitation or research methods.